Some Castletownroche residents were narked over ‘irresponsible parking’ at the ‘new houses’ in the village, which a caller to The Avondhu claimed was preventing people from going about their normal business. Not willing to disclose the name of the estate in question, the caller claimed people were persistently blocking the entrance and exit to residents’ houses, stating “there are plenty of other places to park in the village”.
‘Left in the dark’
“We are being treated like little mice and are being left in the dark about major decisions” – the claim of Fr Nugent, Clogheen to the snubbing by Dairygold management to attend a community meeting in the South Tipperary village in April 1998, amid concerns of the possible closure of the co-op store located in the centre of the town. The second in a series of public meetings held in St Paul’s Community Centre, heard members of the public ‘demand the retention of the Dairygold owned premises’. There was anger at the ‘refusal’ of Dairygold management to send a representative to the meeting, with many of those in attendance claiming the decision to ‘snub’ the meeting was ‘a reflection of the way Dairygold treated its many small shareholders’. Mention was also made of the ‘frosty reception’ given to supporters of the Clogheen Co-Op Store, who picketed the Dairygold AGM in Mallow earlier that month. One speaker highlighted the survival of Clogheen Hospital, which had also faced the threat of closure, as an example of what could be achieved by a strong community based lobby group. There was a growing fear that Dairygold were intent on closing more of the small co-op stores in the area, something that would see small villages ‘turned into ghost towns’.
Barnane Walk
An official application for European Union funding had been submitted in an effort to prevent erosion at Barnane Walk on the banks of the Blackwater in Fermoy. Concern had been expressed by councillors and members of the public that unless action was taken, the quality of the walkway ‘would continue to deteriorate’. The cost of such works put it outside the scope of the UDC budget.
Questioning
The alleged sexual assault of an 18 year old Mitchelstown woman saw ‘a Tipperary man in his late 20s’ being taken into custody for questioning. Alleged to have taken place early morning in April 1998, it was claimed the man engaged the woman in conversation on Lower Cork Street, before ‘dragging her into a nearby laneway’, where the alleged assault took place. The woman’s screaming alerted 2 passers-by to her predicament, who ‘confronted the assailant’, who fled. Mitchelstown Sergeant Kieran Barry was loud in his praise for the actions of those who came to the young woman’s assistance. A file was being prepared for the DPP.
Tree planting ceremony
The signing of the historic Northern Ireland/Good Friday Peace Agreement in April 1998 was marked locally by a tree planting ceremony in Fermoy. Members of the local Lions Club joined with clergy, local politicians and members of the public on the grounds of St Patrick’s Church, where a weeping birch was planted. Invited guests included members of Fermoy UDC, Junior Minister Ned O’Keeffe and Cork East TD, Paul Bradford. Fr Donal Leahy performed the blessing.
Telethon People In Need
Staff of Telecom Eireann in Mitchelstown and Fermoy raised in excess of £10,000 for Telethon People In Need in April 1998. While Minister of State, Ned O’Keeffe TD, got to experience the ‘hospitality’ of Cork Gaol along with a number of ‘other celebrities’, for a 5-hour prison sentence. Thankfully for the sporting Minister, his constituents came up trumps with the necessary ‘bail’ to ensure his release by none other that President Mary McAleese – all part of the national drive to raise much needed funds for People In Need.
Centra Store of the Year 1998
Ryan’s Centra Foodmarket on Patrick Street, Fermoy were declared ‘Centra Store of the Year 1998’. A 4-page Avondhu feature highlighted the scale of the achievement, under the stewardship of Clonoulty, County Tipperary native, David Ryan. Opening on Patrick Street in May 1990, with an initial compliment of 6 staff, Ryan’s Centra had grown to an impressive operation with a workforce of over 80 people by early 1998.
Final win for Brideview
Brideview United coasted to a 4-0 win over neighbours Lismore, in the final of the Dungarvan Tyre Centre Cup in April 1998. Captained by John Doyle, four goals in a 23 minute spell in the second half secured victory, scorers for the Tallow side being Paul Curley, John P Grey, Denis Martin and Stewart Barry.
