A group of over 20 locals in the Araglin area ‘created a blockade on a public road’, to prevent what they claimed was the dumping of sludge/slurry on land in the area. The blockade at Lyre, saw residents refusing to allow a lorry to pass, which they understood was carrying sludge/slurry for disposal on the land of a local landowner. With two Garda cars arriving on scene, those involved were informed that their gathering was unlawful, and were asked to disperse. With some residents refusing, ‘eventually a compromise was reached’ whereby the landowner in question undertook not to leave any further tankers on to his land. Shortly after, however, a similar situation arose at Barnahoun, where a similar agreement was struck. With claims by locals that ‘huge levels of slurry’ were being disposed of in the area, and that the community was ‘being left down badly’ by Cork County Council, a meeting was called for the local hall by the Araglin Valley Residents Association. The general consensus was that if further lorries tried to enter the area once again, ‘other blockades would be made’.
Watergrasshill trio James Lane, Brendan Healy and Eoin O’Reilly, won the Cork county Scor na bPaisti question time title at Ovens in November 1996.
A major new residential and day care facility for adults was being planned for the Duntahane area of Fermoy, with outline planning having been applied for by COPE. Estimated to cost in the region of £750,000, the facility would cater for 10 residential and 20 daytime patients.
Also at Duntahane, the official blessing of the housing scheme for the elderly – the Cluain Dara Housing Project – took place in November 1996 by Fr Donal Leahy and Rev John Haworth.
An update to last week’s mention of the missing CSP posters in Fermoy town – it appeared stormy weather and not malice, was the reason for the disappearance ‘of at least some’ of the party posters. A member of the public found the posters lying on the ground, believing they had not been put up properly in the first place.
In theatrical circles, ‘The Whiteheaded Boy’, performed by the Palace Players, was set to take the stage in Kilworth in November 1996, under the direction of Liam Howard. Cast members included Matt Greehy, Norman Brooks, Ber O’Sullivan, Sharon O’Carroll, Tom Dunne, John O’Connor, Liz and Bridane Desmond, Mary Walsh, John and Kate Murphy and Belinda Fitzgerald O’Brien.
Meanwhile, Ballyduff Drama Group were preparing to bring to stage a musical written by Midleton man, Martin Ryan, titled ‘November 22nd’. With a cast of up to forty, the musical told of the meteoric rise of the Kennedy family in the US. Direction was by Brendan Dunlea.
Celebrations were held to mark the 25th anniversary of the founding of Lismore/Cappoquin Credit Union Ltd. With both offices being blessed, by Fr Arthur (PP Cappoquin) and Rev Canon Nugent, vice president of the Irish League of Credit Unions, Frank Lynch, declared both offices officially opened. A social evening followed in Lismore Hotel, with Donal Kennefick acting as MC. The founding members were acknowledged for their foresight and inscribed pottery bowls, produced locally, were presented. The longest active account holder, Mrs Patsy Bransfield, also received a special presentation.
Described as ‘The Great Escape’, Galtee Gaels intermediate footballers survived a Bruree onslaught to grab a late equalizer in the dying minutes of an exciting county final, played in Kilmallock. Gaels lived to fight another day, thanks to a pointed free, from the hand, by John Quane with less than two minutes remaining – the final scoreline reading 0-8 apiece. Gaels team and scorers: P Luddy, K Luddy, D Moriarty, J Walsh, S Kearney, W Roche, S O’Donovan, J Quane (0-2), A Breedy (0-1), W O’Donnell, P Finn, J Mullins (0-2), F Moloney, N Quane (0-1), S O’Neill (0-2). Sub: T Breedy for W O’Donnell.
Fermoy junior men’s rugby team, advanced in the Garryowen Cup to meet Bruff, thanks to a 16-12 home victory over Carrick-On-Suir. Mike Hanrahan scored a first half try for the home side and leading 8-6 at the interval, Fermoy remained in control, with a second half try by full back Stephen Dennehy sealing the matter.
