Gardai were investigating the suspicious death of a 15 year old pomeranian dog in Mitchelstown. Found near its home in a serious condition, the dog died shortly after being brought to a vet – gardai believed the dog had either been shot or stabbed.
It was time for the pupils and staff at Castlelyons National School to move into their newly revamped premises, having been initially based in the community hall at the commencement of the 1996 school term. Renovation works costing in the region of £40,000 provided ‘a massive facelift’ to the school, funded by the Department of Education grants in conjunction with a massive fundraising effort undertaken by the parents’ association.
The criteria by which civic receptions were being afforded to individuals and organisations by Fermoy UDC was set to change. Following a special meeting of elected members in committee (i.e. no press present), it was decided to ‘tighten up’ the criteria ‘in order to restore prestige to the whole affair’. Those refused a civic reception – ultimately decided on by a full meeting of council members – would never have their name enter the public domain.
There was strong local reaction to the coverage given by RTE television of Mitchelstown during the 1996 Tidy Towns Awards programme broadcast on RTE 1 in September 1996. The programme highlighted the pitfalls to be avoided by Tidy Towns aspirants, with Mitchelstown featuring as a case in point. Pictures of overflowing rubbish bins, derelict buildings, unsightly ESB poles, etc were shown ‘and it took very little working out that it was Mitchelstown that was being highlighted’. Chairman of Mitchelstown Business Association, Tom Hyland, was ‘not at all surprised’, stating to The Avondhu that the town’s approach roads were ‘in an appalling state’, the public toilets were ‘an absolute disgrace’ and streets were ‘always strewn with litter’. However, criticism was levelled at Cork County Council by Mr Hyland, Cllr Conor O’Callaghan and Bill Power for not providing a sufficient lead to the community, with nobody prepared to ‘grasp the nettle and give a bit of leadership’.
From amongst 900 entries nationwide, Tallow Enterprise Centre had been chosen as one of the six overall finalists in the Community/Enterprise Development section of the AIB sponsored Better Ireland Awards in 1996 – due recognition of their outstanding contribution in promoting enterprise in the West Waterford region.
A change at the helm in St Colman’s College, Fermoy, following diocesan appointments made by Bishop of Cloyne, Most Rev John Magee. Canon Sean Cotter, president at the school, was being transferred to Charleville to take up duties as parish priest. Replacing him was Rev Denis Kelleher, a native of Midleton.
Disappointment on the ground in Fermoy, with Tidy Towns volunteers set to review their overall score of 174 marks, from a maximum 300, losing 9 marks on their 1995 score. Finishing fifth of seven entries in category D (towns with population of between 2,500 and 5,000), Clonakilty were category winners with 234 marks.
In brief – Karen Considine from Mitchelstown took gold in the U10 100m sprint race at the Community Games in Mosney in September 1996. Donegal TD, Dr Jim McDaid gave the oration at the annual Liam Lynch Commemoration held at Kilcrumper, Fermoy.
Avondhu senior hurlers drew with Glen Rovers in the 1996 county SHC semi-final, in a game which ‘never reached the heights expected’. Captained by Aidan Kenny (Kilworth), a scoring burst at the end of the opening period narrowed the deficit and saw Avondhu trail 1-7 to 0-8. A goal from Tomas Mulcahy shortly after the resumption for Rovers, following a mix-up in the Avondhu defence, had the Glen 2-7 to 0-10 clear. However, with the Glen failing to score in the closing 9 minutes, a last gasp equaliser from Killavullen’s Brian O’Driscoll set the scene for a replay.
Heartbreak for Castlelyons in the East Cork junior A hurling final in September 1996, beaten by a spirited Fr O’Neill’s team at the Killeagh venue. Castlelyons, although slight favourites, were always playing catch-up. Fr O’Neills, though hanging on in the finish with ‘a virtual siege’ on their goal, claimed the title 1-7 to 0-9, to take the Jamesey Kelleher Cup back to Ballymacoda and Ladysbridge at the thirteenth time of asking.
