January 19th-25th, 1917
The annual report of the School Attendance Committee came before the members of Fermoy Urban Council for consideration. It showed that the attendance of boys at the Barrack Hill National School was 103 on the 31st December; daily average attendance, 76. At the Christian Brothers, 319; attendance 275. At Adair School, boys 16; attendance 11; girls 19, attending 15; Presentation Convent, girls 416, average attendance 340; boys 41; average attendance 43.
For defying the National Health Insurance Act and telling the inspector, Mr R.J. Thompson, to do his best, John McGrath, labourer, Cappoquin was fined 1s and costs at Cappoquin Sessions, held before Messrs Orr and Flynn.
The band and pipes of the Royal Scottish Regiment performed a delightful selection of music on Queen Square, Fermoy. The programme, which included several Irish pieces, was very capably rendered and was listened to despite the severity of the weather by a large and appreciative audience. It was many years since a military band had performed in the square.
The greatest sympathy was expressed in Mitchelstown with Mr and Mrs P.J. Morrissey and their numerous relatives and friends at the great loss they had sustained by the death of their daughter, Miss Susie Morrissey. Though little more than a child – 16 years – she was extremely popular and her gentle disposition endeared her not only to her companions, but to everybody in Mitchelstown.
In reference to the application of Mr Michael Canty, Brigown, Mitchelstown for a Civil List Pension, he received the following letter from the Prime Minister, to whom he recently wrote. Mr Canty’s claim had been supported by the Mitchelstown Guardians, the Fermoy Guardians and the Fermoy Urban Council and resolutions on the subject had been passed by these bodies and forwarded to the proper departments and it was believed that his claim would now finally be dealt with and in a manner to which his artistic abilities entitled him. The letter of the Prime Minister was as follows: ‘Home Office, 15th Jan., 1917. Dear Sir, – I am desired by the Prime Minister to acknowledge the receipt of your letter and enclosures and to inform you that your application is receiving consideration. Yours faithfully, Wm. Sutherland’.
At Lismore Sessions, Thomas Keating, labourer, of Ballynoe was prosecuted under section 12 of the Cruelty Act, 1908, for ill-treating and exposing his two children, under 16 years of age, on 13th January. The court convicted the defendant and ordered that he be imprisoned for two months, with hard labour.
The death occurred of Rev. J.P. Ryan, C.C., Cappoquin at his parent’s residence after an illness which was borne with true Christian fortitude. The deceased, who was only 25 years of age, had been only ordained the previous November at Mount Melleray for the Diocese of Armidale, N.S. Wales, Australia and was to take up duty there by the end of the month.
