Operating from his home at Ballygrellihan, Castletownroche, Peter Noonan established Castle Crystal, a manufacturer of quality crystal products. Originally from Fermoy, Peter had gained significant experience in the glass industry, having worked in Fermoy Glass as a glass blower for 10 years. As he told The Avondhu, “blowing, cutting and engraving glass are the things I do best”. He had high hopes for the company having researched the business nationwide, anticipating a move to a business unit in the Castletownroche Mill building, while hoping to employ a minimum of two qualified glass cutters.
Commenting on the threatened closure of Fermoy Army Camp in November 1995, chairman of Fermoy UDC, Cllr Michael Hanley said that the town ‘should now organise its forces to ensure the Government receives the right message with regards to the town’s feelings over any move to take away this vital service’. He added that the presence of the Army in Fermoy was an example of decentralization at work, providing a sense of economic security to the town. While Fianna Fail TD, Ned O’Keeffe expressed his concern at the indecision of the Government regarding the continuation of Fitzgerald Camp, considering the many years commitment of the issue from the Fianna Fail Government in the past. He stated that either closure or a deterioration of the present position ‘would spell economic disaster for Fermoy’.
Denis Kelleher of Kelleher’s SuperValu Supermarket, Cappoquin accepted the 1995 SuperValu Hygiene Award, along with the prestigious Irish Quality Association Hygiene Mark, at a ceremony held in the Berkeley Court Hotel, Dublin from Minister of State for Agriculture and Food, Jimmy Deenihan TD.
Trevor Hickey and Timmy McCarthy, who played with the Cork football and hurling panels in 1995, were special guests at the Castlelyons Juvenile GAA social. Both were presented with specially commissioned trophies in acknowledgement of their achievements. The night concluded with a magic show by ‘The Great Padini’.
Minister for Justice, Nora Owen replied to a Dail question by Deputy by Deputy Ned O’Keeffe, as to whether she would consider restoring Mitchelstown Garda station back to its ‘original status’. Following a reduction in opening hours, the station was now being manned from 8am until midnight having previously been open on a 24 hour basis. The Minister stated that the new arrangement ensured that ‘the maximum number of Gardai were available for outdoor policing duties’, and that the ‘Garda authorities were satisfied that the reduction in opening hours… had enhanced, rather than reduced, the effectiveness of operational policing in the area’.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Ivan Yates TD, officially opened a state of the art facility at ice-cream manufacturer, Silver Pail Dairy Ireland, based in Fermoy. Established in 1978 by Michael Murphy to manufacture ice-cream and related products, the new investment created an additional 30 jobs and would result in an additional £3 in sales revenue for the company.
Fermoy Rowing Club were afforded a civic reception by Fermoy UDC in November 1995 for their achievements over the past year. Following in excess of 50 wins in events held throughout the country, it was the most successful club countrywide in that period, while five rowers represented Ireland in different international competitions, namely: Gearoid Towey, Paul Hickey, Ivan Donnelly, Michelle O’Connor and Sharon Bermingham.
Ballyporeen NS boys captured the South Tipperary title, defeating Drangan NS on a scoreline of 6-7 to 3-3. Scorers – D Lyons (1-1), Cormac O Duinnin (2-1), James Kenneally (2-1), James Cahill (1-1), Cathal O Duinnin (0-1) and Paul Hyland (0-1).
Meanwhile, Kildorrery claimed the North Cork U13 B hurling title in convincing fashion, defeating Doneraile 4-5 to 1-0. Stephen McGrath captained the side.
In brief – Gorse Lodge Restaurant, Kilworth were set to celebrate their 9th anniversary on December 1st, 1995 under proprietors Declan and Ann Dunne. While Finnegan’s Castle Bar in Castletownroche were celebrating their second anniversary, having been established in October 1993; under the stewardship of proprietors Noel and Kitty Finnegan, a 2-page Avondhu feature in November 1995 profiled the business. Meanwhile, Fermoy’s senior national boxing champion, Declan Higgins, travelled to Atlanta, Georgia in November 1995 for intensive training with the Irish squad, embarking on a journey which he hoped would see him selected as part of the Irish team for the 1996 Olympic Games.
