It was ‘business as usual’ following a fire which caused ‘extensive damage’ to O’Donnell’s licensed premises and newsagents, Main Street, Glanworth in early December 1993. The fire was discovered upstairs early evening and Fermoy Fire Brigade were on the scene promptly and called in the assistance of the Mitchelstown unit, following fears that the whole premises would be lost in the blaze. Thankfully, the damage was contained to mainly the upstairs section - a livingroom and three bedrooms - and it was envisaged that business would resume within a short time from the downstairs lounge area.

Strong winds estimated at over 90mph wreaked havoc in the area, with the most serious incident reported being the overturning of two lorries on the main Mitchelstown-Fermoy road. Both lorries ended up on an embankment about a mile outside Mitchelstown at Gortnahown and were lucky not to have been pushed over the embankment, as a steep drop awaited on the other side. Fire brigade personnel took two hours to free one of the drivers, from Co Laois, who thankfully escaped with minor injuries. Elsewhere, the usual spate of fallen trees and electricity and phone supplies were disrupted, as repair crews worked late into the night to restore power.

Araglin National School was filled to capacity with pupils, both past and present, where a celebration event marking 130 years of education in the area took place. Interesting pieces of memorabilia were on display and Eileen Joyce-Fenlon gave a lecture on the history of the education process, both national and local. She spoke of the many hedge schools which flourished throughout the area prior to the opening of the ‘old’ school back in 1863, which stood alongside Kevin Casey’s house, less than a quarter of a mile from the present day school, built in 1951. Following her lecture, a presentation of a Tipperary Crystal lamp was made to her by John Frewen (chairman parents’ association), Maureen Doherty, Tom McCarthy and Fr Rohan.

Martin’s Bakery, Castlelyons, who had won an ‘enterprise award’ at the prestigious Cork Makes It Exhibition, were continuing to make ‘lots of dough’! Owned by Liam and Margaret Martin and making bread since 1937, the bakery was originally started by Liam’s father, Thomas Martin, a native of Midleton. In the early days, Thomas was joined by his brother, William, both of whom served their apprenticeships at Coleman’s Bakery in nearby Bridesbridge. Some of those involved in the business down through the years included Vincent and Joe Casolani, Michael Green, Pat O’Sullivan, James Martin, Denis Barry, Paddy O’Brien, Pat Cahill and James Murphy. Over 2,000 loaves were being produced weekly, varieties including plain pans, grinders, basket loaves, bridge, long pan, skull, brac, butterloaves and seedloaves.

Christmas greetings were extended to those serving abroad with the Army, in both Lebanon and Western Sahara. Members of the 1st Cav Squadron from Fitzgerald Camp, Fermoy based in the Leb at Christmas time were Captain Adrian McNamara, Cpl Tom Hughes, Tprs Seamus Barry, Willie Burke, Tadhg Daly, Robbie O’Donovan, John Fitzgerald, Tony Hartnett, Pat Hurley, Jim Hyland, Paul Murphy, PJ O’Leary, Ed O’Sullivan, Willie O’Sullivan and John Roche - they were serving with 74 Inf Batt UNIFIL in South Lebanon. While based in the Western Sahara was Commandant Albie O’Sullivan, with the MINURSO mission.

Sporting briefs - Bride Rovers claimed the East Cork junior B hurling title, defeating Midleton in Lisgoold 1-10 to 1-9 - scorers for Rovers: Tom Mulcahy 0-6, Dermot Johnson 1-1, Pat Barry 0-2 and John A Murphy 0-1. The Castle Park Hotel in Mitchelstown was becoming a regular stop-off point for members of the FAI League pace-setters, Shamrock Rovers FC - management at the hotel confirmed a number of those associated with the Dublin team had stayed over prior to their 2-2 draw with Cork City, the second such time, including manager Ray Tracy, league top scorer Stephen Geoghegan, Tony Macken (former international) and Gene Brazil. Fermoy FC saw their team advance to the 5th round of the FAI Intermediate Cup, following a ‘Lazarus’ like performance, defeating Ashtown Villa at home 3-2, following a 0-2 half-time deficit - Fermoy scorers were Rory O’Connor, Kieran Myers and Van Wijnen. Killavullen junior footballers ended the season claiming the JBFL title, defeating Clyda Rovers 2-13 to 2-4.

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