Pig farmers, estimated at some 130 people, protested at the importation of 30 boar from the UK market and gathered outside Galtee Deer Care’s farm at Coolenave, Mitchelstown. While the importation was within the law, the controversy was ‘mainly because of the importer’s refusal to adhere to the rules followed by pig farmers in general, which included having imported stock quarantined.’ This, farmers claimed, could ‘seriously endanger their livelihoods’. It was reported that the lorry diverted ‘to avoid confrontation’ at the time – however it was understood the cargo was finally delivered to the Coolenave farm at 1.30am.
Fermoy & District Trout Anglers Association celebrated their 60th anniversary and to coincide with the occasion, launched a book ‘Fermoy & District Trout Anglers Association – 60 Years A Growing’. The original minute book of the association, which recorded every AGM up until the mid-1970s, was great assistance to the sub-committee charged with compiling the club’s history. Those researching the history included Jim Lysaght (club PRO), Kevin Barry, John Heffernan, Gerry Lane (secretary), Noel Neligan and Dan Quill.
A full-page Christmas promotional advertisement run by the Mitchelstown Business Association, titled ‘Mitchelstown Has It All’, featured 15 businesses, many of which are still operating to this day. It featured Special Days (Evelyn Finn), DF Condon Drapery (Prionsias Condon), Galtee Electric (Tom Hyland), O’B’s Shoe Stop (Mairead O’Brien), The Newsbox (Edwin Nolan), Doody’s Pharmacy (Tim Doody), Roche’s Spar, the Co-Op superstores (Denis Norton), Doran’s Knitwear (Teresa Doran), The Dolls House Boutique (Aileen Redmond), Ryan’s Centra (John Ryan), English’s Drapers (Billy English), Deirdre’s Baby Wear (Deirdre O’Brien), Mervin Hodgins Family Butchers (Mervin Hodgins) and Bank of Ireland (manager Ben Lynch).
The saga regarding the adoption by Fermoy UDC of the estimates for 1996, rumbled on in December 1995, as for a second time, agreement could not be reached. A ‘number of heated exchanges’ took place in Council chambers, as the night ‘ended in disarray’. The motions in question dealt with the adoption of the Book of Estimates, the domestic refuse charge, the domestic water charge and the rate in the pound. A three week deadline was fast approaching for the passing of the estimates – with Fermoy UDC the only urban district council still to approve a set of estimates for 1996.
Minister of State, Liz McManus TD, launched an ambitious development plan for Cappoquin, prepared by Waterford County Council and financed by the Cappoquin Community Development Company Ltd, which was formed in 1992. Highlights of the plan included extensive development for Glenshelane Woods; the purchase of an industrial enterprise unit at Lefanta; an urban renewal project focussing on the development of the town square, as well as refurbishment works of the Old Mill, which was allocated a grant of £20,000.
A 2-page promotional feature in The Avondhu highlighted the 2nd anniversary and ongoing success of Dan Seaman Motors, located at Dublin Road, Fermoy. A main dealer for both Volkswagen and Audi, the company had, prior to establishing a base to Fermoy, built up a formidable reputation in the motor industry through 2 garages at Lapps Quay, Cork and Bandon. With 16 full-time and 4 part-time staff, Fergus Coomey, general manager, worked alongside a team including John Hanrahan (sales manager), Rohnan Seaman (sales rep), mechanics Pat O’Brien and John Beecher, valets Kenneth Power and Mick Hayes, Tim O’Donoghue (parts dept), Martha McCarthy and Briege Costigan (office), Mary Lane, Jas Cummins, Brian Lynch and David Quirke.
In brief – The unexpected death occurred in December 1995 of Avondhu contributor and Gaelgóir, Pádraig Ó Braoin from Fermoy. ‘Kinder Garments’ – a shop described as ‘a treasure chest of children’s clothing, toys, gifts and books’ – opened at Kent Street, Fermoy under proprietor Constance Ramirez, an America native.
Local sporting success included Glanworth U21 ladies footballers securing the championship title, defeating Rockchapel 3-4 to 1-5 – Mairead Murphy captained the side; Ballyduff U21 footballers, captained by Michael Drislane, won the Divisional B title at Cappoquin, defeating Shamrocks 4-4 to 1-6. Fermoy junior B hurlers defeated rivals Kilworth to claim the North Cork championship title, in a ‘dour encounter’ – final scoreline reading 0-9 to 1-5, Dave Daly captained the side. While in schools’ football, a combination side from Ballyporeen/Skeheenarinky won the Tipperary county schools’ final, getting the better of Upperchurch 8-3 to 4-1 – Darragh Lyons was proud captain.
