The 13th Infantry Battalion FCA was stood down at Fitzgerald Camp in Fermoy to make way for a new 34th Infantry Reserve. A representative body of officers, NCOs and soldiers drawn from the five companies of the 13th, were reviewed by the battalion’s OC, Comd’t JP O’Neill, before ceremonially marching out of the Aerodrome for the last time. The 13th Infantry Battalion FCA had initially been formed in 1959.
There was uproar at the condition of the Christian Brothers Monastery in Mitchelstown, as local clergy were criticised for neglecting the parish property. People voiced anger at the lack of progress regarding the building, after it was left vacant when the Christian Brothers moved out a number of years prior. Parish priest, Canon Tim O’Leary, said that there were no plans, at the time, for the building.
News of new traffic lights in Mitchelstown received mixed reactions, as they were due to be erected at the Fermoy road entrance to the town. Many locals believed they would create further congestion in the town at the junction of Church Street and Upper Cork Street. Cork County Council had allocated €50,000 towards the provision of the new lights, in an effort to make the junction safer.
However, in Fermoy, traffic was at a standstill as many from across the country made their way towards Mogeely, where the National Ploughing Championships was hosted in 2005. In an era before the motorway bypassing Fermoy, major congestion was experienced on the main road arteries, as queues spanned from the town back to the Glocca Maura Inn, as an estimated 65,000 people flocked to this corner of east Cork.
A rare historical find in the Lismore and Tallow area, when local craftsman and historian, Ed O’Riordan, uncovered what was believed to be one of Waterford’s earliest Sheela na Gigs (carved female images found on medieval Irish churches and castles). While on a visit to Lismore Cathedral Library, Ed’s sister, Margaret, contacted her brother about the stone carving. It was revealed that the figure was dug up in Tallow’s Church of Ireland cemetery some time ago and was brought to Lismore for safekeeping
Watergrasshill was due to see the construction of a new playground at Mitchelsfort, right in front of the national school. The cost of the development was coming in at around €110,000, with Watergrasshill Community Association being the driving force behind the new amenity.
Confusion arose as to whether a planned new school for Kilworth had been ‘scaled back’ or not. It was understood that the board of management had requested a 10-classroom school, however, the Department of Education said that the design plan was always for an 8-classroom school, and had not been scaled back.
A meeting was being sought with the National Roads Authority (NRA) to clarify the up-to-date position in relation to the streetscape renewal for Fermoy town, before the bypass was completed.
Castlelyons’ sheltered housing project was due to go to tender, once legal difficulties with title deeds were overcome. The development was to consist of 12 units and was anticipated to cost in the region of €1 million.
Mickie White’s Pub on Lower Cork Street in Mitchelstown was closing its doors for the last time. The premises had been a public house for some 100 years and as the licence was now sold, it was speculated that the premises would be leased as a retail unit.
Fermoy farmer, David Flynn, was named as one of 40 farmers heading out on a special FBD-backed IFA International fact-finding tour, which was taking in visits to farms in South Africa.
The community in Clogheen were out in style, as they hosted a fashion show at the community hall which saw a cheese and wine reception, bumper raffle, etc, all in aid of the community council.
Fermoy’s winning tradition at handball continued, as Colm Jordan secured the 2005 All-Ireland Junior hardball doubles title. He was pictured with the 1948 All-Ireland Senior hardball doubles champion, Tommy Morrissey, the 1964 All-Ireland Minor singles and doubles hardball champion, Pat Cody, and Michael Jordan, chairman of Fermoy Handball Club.
Ballyhooly U14 footballers tasted success in the C football championship final in Castletownroche against Granard Gaels. Ballyhooly won the title 2-5 to 2-4, being captained by Kevin McCarthy.
While Ballyhooly local, Brian O’Connell, won the annual John Heffernan Memorial Cup competition, organised by the Fermoy and District Trout Anglers Association, fished on Lough Leane in Killarney.
