Consultants CAAS Environmental Services Ltd., released a major development report on the future of Knockananig Reservoir, commissioned by its owners, Fermoy UDC. It outlined four potential development options and the costings, involved in turning the disused reservoir into an environmental tourist attraction.

The consultants believed that a joint venture was the key to success and favoured the development option involving the UDC/Coillte Teo, with the creation of a safe swimming area, developing the reservoir for coarse fishing, creating walks, adapting filter beds as paddling and swimming pools, while converting the old caretaker’s house into a ‘semi-public clubhouse’.

It also proposed the use of approximately 8 acres of adjoining Coillte land as a location for a new 50 bed hotel and approx 13 holiday homes. CAAS stressed that the final objective was to facilitate a development without cost to the UDC/County Council or Coillte, while maximising the amenity potential of the existing forestry and reservoir. Initial contacts between the parties involved were reported to be “positive”.

Commandant James Walsh from Ballyarthur, Mitchelstown retired from the FCA, following 35 years of exemplary service. Functions held in St Fanahan’s College and The Firgrove Hotel saw Comdt Walsh honoured by his comrades. An active member of A Company and 13th Batt shooting teams, he went on to win the All Army FCA Bren Gun Competition, when partnered by his brother John. He also represented his unit with the Browning Automatic Pistol, attaining victory at Command and Unit level. His replacement was to be Capt Cyril Saich.

Proposing the motion ‘That modern society is more destructive than ever before’, Ballyduff Macra Club debaters were preparing to travel to Dungarvan for the junior debating competition. Consisting of members Brian Kenny, Michael O’Donnell, Gobnait Ahern and Denis Drislane, the members were looking to go one better than the club’s senior team, who were narrowly defeated by Kinsalebeg.

Bishop John Magee officially blessed the new bulk head lighting system installed under supervision of the Corrin Cross Committee, when leading the sixth annual pilgrimage to the summit. In a short address, the Bishop spoke about Corrin as a place of prayer; he thanked the committee and paid tribute to the operation of the public address system, which was transported by Miah Burke. Committee chairman, Michael Casey, thanked Barry Mason, who installed the new lighting system; and John Mahon who was responsible for painting the image on the cross.

Fermoy Rowing Club hosted a 2-day coaching conference, led by Ireland’s national director of coaching, World renowned Thor Nilsen from Norway. Thor conducted the advanced level II part of the course, making full use of the river Blackwater to give some practical lessons to the upcoming coaches in attendance. The Fermoy club had 5 coaches participating – Gerry Towey and T O’Dwyer (level 2), while Carol Fanning, Colin Daly and Brian Baker attended level 1.

Other area headlines: Pedestrian crossing lights had been switched on at Clonmel Road, Mitchelstown; The telephone kiosk in Killavullen village was set for an upgrade, following representations to Telecom Eireann; Maurice Hanley of Maurice Hanley Kilworth Ltd, was appointed as a Citroen main dealer, one of only 5 in Cork county; Fermoy author Bill Hammond was set to release his seventh publication, entitled ‘Footsteps in Blarney Street’.

Ballindangan United made a winning start to their league campaign, defeating Old Pallas away in an entertaining encounter. Goals by Pat Magnier (2) and Damien Walsh saw United gain a 3-0 advantage, before a late consolation goal for the home side. Team: M Cassidy, L Finn, P Cronin, D Dawson, K Baker, J Leonard, J Condon, P Magnier, T Dawson, P Walsh, D Walsh. Sub: M Dawson for L Finn (inj).

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