A date was finally revealed for when the public consultation on the Fermoy Flood Plan would open, as the Office of Public Works advised that it would be launched on November 14, 2005. An ‘indicative figure’ for the flood plan ‘would be in excess of €30M’, according to the OPW, with an expected 4-5 year project duration.
There was relief as agreement was reached with Galtee Meats following a dispute over pay increases, which had escalated. Galtee workers voted by a majority 94/40 in favour of a pay deal, which involved a new pay and work practice structure.
Kilworth Community Council received the generous offer of a plot of land, located to the rear of the parish hall and extending to two-thirds of an acre. The land, known locally as the old school playground, carried a value of €140,000 and was offered by local landowner, John Cotter and developers O’Leary & O’Sullivan. The deal was subject to one condition, that the community council would receive the land free of charge for the development of community facilities.
Parking problems were in focus across the region; residents of Linden Hill, Mitchelstown were canvassing their local representatives for additional parking, while in Araglin, it appeared that the parish church could not accommodate the amount of people attending Mass. From the church altar, Fr Tadhg Donovan asked local people to lobby their county councillors to secure extended parking facilities at the church.
Also, Mitchelstown Business Association addressed allegations from a previous article in The Avondhu, in which a local claimed that some business people were getting ‘preferential treatment on parking’. Chairperson in 2005, Tony Lewis, said: “The most important fact in all of this is that when 2-hour parking was accepted by the people of Mitchelstown, it was on clear commitment from Cork County Council that the provision of extra car parking would be fast-tracked. Unfortunately to date, zero has happened.”
Kilworth showbiz personality, Denis O’Brien, was named ‘Mr Lisdoonvarna,’ securing the title in Co Clare for the second year in a row. A regular at the annual matchmaking event, Denis was described by organisers as ‘a great character’, receiving a piece of crystal and a ‘substantial’ cash prize.
Cork County Council were ‘willing to flush away over €2,000 each month,’ read a headline, after costs of the new Mitchelstown public toilet were revealed. The facility was on lease by JCDecaux to the council for 20 years, costing over €32k a year – or €2,677.75 per month. Income generated in its first month of operation amounted to €488.15, based on a €0.50c fee.
A new award-winning history book was introduced in Glenbrohane National School. The book, written by pupils, was put to the test against competing schools and saw Glenbrohane named the overall winner in County Limerick.
A hit-and-run incident in Kilworth, which occurred at around 10pm on a Monday night in October 2005, saw several vehicles damaged. The driver of a jeep was later apprehended and arrested on suspicion of drink driving.
Options for entertainment were plentiful in October 2005; Auntie Mae’s in Mitchelstown were hosting Terminal 2 of a Saturday night, while the same weekend, Sharkey’s Niteclub in Ballylanders, The Website Nite Club (Mitchelstown) and SGI (Fermoy) had plenty lined up.
The Donnellans of Fermoy returned home, having completed the Leverkusen to Dusseldorf Rhine Rowing Marathon. The trip was also an exercise in building good international relations with Fermoy’s sister club in Germany, Ruder Club Germania.
In sport – Castlelyons secured the East Cork Junior B football championship title, defeating Carraig na bhFear in Rathcormac on a scoreline of 0-15 to 1-5. The team secured the Michael ‘Boig’ Coleman Cup for the first time since 1974.
Kilfinane hurlers proved their worth, with Blackrock club teams securing both the Limerick Minor county title and U14 county title. They celebrated with a special ceremony at Scoil Pól Secondary School.
Glenbrohane Sports Day proved a hit, welcoming children from across the region to compete in hurling, football and track and field games. Ballygiblin won the U10 hurling tournament, having defeated Glenroe in the final – captain Dean Barry accepted the shield. Anglesboro took home the Junior schools title, while it was Glenbrohane who claimed the Senior schools title.
Finally, there were record crowds in Ballysaggart for the final round of the All-Ireland Autograss Series and the Irish Fastest Person on Grass 2005, hosted by West Waterford Autograss Club. 17 clubs took part with nearly 200 drivers competing – Colin Byrne took the title of All-Ireland Autograss Series Champion of Champions.
