A major fracas broke out in Fermoy on Patrick Street and around the town centre, following a planned Garda raid on the Gasworks pub, where officers searched, under warrant, individuals for illegal substances. The disturbance largely involved New Age Travellers, who it was reported ‘were intent on disrupting the search’. Garda reinforcements were required from Mitchelstown, Watergrasshill, Glanmire and Cork City, with up to 30 gardai eventually managing to restore order. However, a number of gardai had sustained injuries, one receiving a ‘severe gash on his upper lip’, while a Garda sergeant had to undergo surgery at University Hospital Cork to repair a torn tendon. Locals informed The Avondhu of their annoyance at the levels of noise coming from the premises on occasion and ‘expressed their delight at the news that the pub had ceased trading’. In all, eight men and a woman were arrested.
Having received much criticism locally on ‘his apparent inaction’ regarding Fermoy’s water supply problems, Minister for the Environment, Brendan Howlin gave the green light for the first phase of the town’s stage 3 water scheme. Cllr Aileen Pyne stated at the monthly convening of the town’s UDC that this was a saga that ‘was nearly 10 years old’. There was an overall welcome for the news. Work in stage 3 would involve substantial replacement of old piping, further investigation into where best extra water supplies could be sourced, as well as the construction of a reservoir in the Uplands area.
The was plenty of choice for those seeking weekend entertainment in early September 1995. The Central Lounge in Ballylanders were hosting Raglin Road, along with Donie Foley, while for those of a somewhat younger vintage, Sharkey’s Nite Club were holding a Beach & Cocktail Party. Brendan Shine was headlining at the Glenview Lounge, Ardfinnan; Alexander’s in Fermoy were promoting all pints for £1.50 for their Rock ‘n’ Roll Club, Garth Brooks Country night, the ‘Club 25’ Mad Hatters Party and Oldies ‘n’ Irish gathering; while there was dancing to The Hillbillies at Pat & Mary’s in Bridesbridge.
There were very positive reports following the holding of the Féile Fhearmuí festival in Fermoy – an event which attracted musicians, singers, writers and historians to the town. Well known Gaelgoir Padraig O Braoin spoke on the opening night regarding the pre-famine period, while local author Bill Hammond gave an account of the town’s literary traditions. Step dancer extraordinaire, Matt Feerick gave a sample of his talents, with Bridie Maunsell giving a rendition of ‘My Home in Fermoy’.
The Village Arts Centre in Kilworth was celebrating its first year in operation, with the Centre’s management stating it had been a ‘great experience’ and expressing overall satisfaction. The Centre had come in for positive reviews from visiting groups. However, to maximise the potential of the intimate village theatre and increase ticket sales, manager Liam Howard said that a full time manager would be necessary, with grant aid for the position to be sought.
Lismore welcomed home its delegation from the prestigious Entente Florale prizegiving ceremony held in Tullen, Austria – having secured a category award for the ‘Effective use of Flowers’. ‘Commitment, hard work and community effort’ were key to the town’s success, according to group representative Mrs O’Dowd.
‘Amid great excitement’, the minor hurlers from Castlelyons claimed the club’s first ever minor A championship title, defeating Sarsfields in Watergrasshill on a scoreline of 1-13 to 1-3. Playing with the wind in the first half, a Timmy McCarthy goal built their score to establish ‘a good lead at the break’, eventually emerging comfortable winners. Captain Timmy McCarthy accepted the cup.
Fermoy & District Trout Anglers wished their colleague Eamonn Neligan well, as he departed for the World Fly Fishing Championships, held in Galway in September 1995. Following his success in the All-Ireland Fly Fishing Championships in 1994 on Lough Corrib, County Galway, Eamonn was part of the 8-man Irish team, competing against 21 countries in the week-long event.
In brief – Members of the gardai in Fermoy bade farewell to one of their own, as County Mayo native Austin Mulkeen retired from the force; he was stationed in Fermoy since the late 1970s. John ‘Sparkey’ O’Keeffe scored ‘a cracker’ of a second half goal to rescue a point for Watergrasshill side Hill Celtic, who drew at home in a Division 1B encounter with West End United.
