It was reported in October 2005 that two major developments were on the horizon in Mitchelstown, with planning permission having been granted for both by Cork County Council. One set of plans proposed a 80 bedroom hotel and mixed use commercial development on a 20-acre site at Coolnanave. While at Sutton’s Corner, planning was approved for a commercial and residential development; the site at the time was operating as Hanover Tyres. Watercourse Properties, from Churchtown near Charleville were the developers, who were proposing a mix of commercial units and luxury apartment accommodation, to include a restaurant on the first floor, 6 commercial units and 17 apartments.
Another crisis arose at Galtee Meats, as the rejection of a new pay and productivity deal at the Mitchelstown company raised questions about its future. Despite recommendations from SIPTU and the Labour Relations Commission, employees at the meat processing plant voted by a substantial majority to reject the deal, even though it had the potential to trigger the company’s closure.
Bypass works were ahead of schedule, as staff working on the Rathcormac/Fermoy bypass confirmed that the completion date for the project had been brought forward by eight months. If only the same efficiency could be applied to the Dublin light-rail system in 2026!
Staff and pupils in Ballyporeen were making use of its new state-of-the-art school facility, which was officially opened in June 2005, boasting six classrooms, each with an ‘en-suite cloakroom’, toilets and storeroom. An office space, library, canteen and PE hall were all included in the modern building. School principal as Nioclás Ó Duinnín.
Parking was proving a problem for Mitchelstown, as it was alleged that some people were ‘getting preferential treatment’. Residents of the town were angered by having to fight for parking spaces outside their own doors, claiming those working in the town shouldn’t be taking up these spaces. The two-hour on-street parking was also not being adhered to by business people and shoppers alike.
Several young people from Doneraile were planning a 14,500km cycle from Ireland to South Africa to raise funds for Oxfam Ireland on World AIDS Day, on December 1st 2005. Doneraile’s Paddy Frankel, along with Paul Tuthill and Juliet Wolfe, were appealing for sponsors ahead of setting out on the mission to fundraise for Oxfam AIDS projects in Africa and to raise awareness of the disease.
Over 50 walkers and runners from Fermoy and surrounding areas raised €17,000 for the Abbie Gubbins Cardiac Memorial Fund by taking part in the Women’s Mini Marathon in Cork in September 2005. The fund was set up in memory of Abbie, the young daughter of Padraig and Veronica Gubbins, who sadly passed away the previous March.
School reunions got underway, with the Loreto Secondary School, Fermoy classes of 1975 and 1980 reuniting, while the CBS, Mitchelstown class of 1965 reunited some 40 years later.
The Grand Hotel in Fermoy had a busy line-up of entertainment, including a Seisiún Cheoil Tradisiúnta on a Saturday evening. The cost of a carvery lunch at The Grand, came in at much less in 2005 than what you’d pay today, as the roast lamb with ratatouille was just €10.95.
A meeting of Cork County Council heard that they were in negotiations about how best to tackle the issue of chewing gum litter, with the Department of the Environment and chewing gum manufacturer, Wrigleys. After cigarette butts, chewing gum was reportedly the most common cause of litter on town streets and was costing thousands to remove.
Fermoy Town Council was also getting tough on litter, as Cllr John Murphy outlined that the town council had issued 40 on-the-spot litter fines of €125 to offenders since Christmas.
Cork ladies footballers secured their first All-Ireland Senior title, defeating Galway 1-11 to 0-8. The team was captained by Juliet Murphy, who raised the Brendan Martin Cup for the Rebels on the day.
The win was all the sweeter, as the Fermoy Minor footballers secured the North Cork Minor A title on the same day, defeating Kildorrery and securing the local club the Minor A hurling and football double. Fermoy took the win 2-10 to 2-7.
Elsewhere, Kilworth Junior A hurlers were victorious in the North Cork final against Clyda Rovers, 4-17 to 1-12. The team and their mentors were welcomed home to a huge crowd, with Main Street lined with well-wishers, as they were led through the village by the Thomas Kent Pipe Band.
Finally, Carraig na bhFear GAA won their first-ever juvenile title, overcoming Bishopstown in the County U16 ‘B’ hurling final, captained by Martin Hickey.
