There were tributes to popular radio presenter Robert Walshe, as he moved from 103FM to take up a role in Dublin. The new job would see Robert become a presenter on Lite FM, a new commercial radio station in the capital.
The Avondhu reported that it was a shock to many of his loyal listeners, who considered Robert as a hugely professional broadcaster and respected his ability on the radio. In the previous ten years with County Sound, he had become very well known in the area and had been a popular guest at many official openings.
In an interview with The Avondhu, Robert said he was very sad to be leaving 103FM, but added that he was excited to be going to his next big challenge. “I have had ten great years with County Sound and I am delighted and privileged to have been a part of the team that built it up to one of the best and most successful local radio stations in the country,” he explained.
The Town Commissioners in Lismore had decided to give up some of their expenses following a proposal by their colleague, John Heneghan, that each chairman should donate £150 to help fund a Lismore Coat of Arms.
Commissioner Heneghan said that the commission had spent so long looking for the coat of arms, that it would be a gesture on their part to forfeit monies to ensure its acquisition during the commission’s tenure. “Obviously it’s a matter for individuals, but I don’t see why half of the chairman’s expenses shouldn’t go towards it,” he said.
Cllr John Campion said during the meeting that all Commissioners should surrender some of their expenses and the eight members agreed to the proposal.
All-Ireland winning hurler, Timmy McCarthy from Castlelyons, helped to open the new Carrig Court Health and Fitness Club. Having relocated from their Showgrounds premises to Fermoy Leisure Centre, the facility continued to grow.
Councillors issued their support for a dedicated bus service for Ballindangan. Campaigner Dave Ryall hailed the news of politicians supporting his cause and said he was glad of the progress. “It’s good that the councillors are taking an interest. A bus service on two days a week is the bottom line – it’s the least we can get,” he said.
Mr Ryall had joked that his daughter was recently teaching in Nepal for the last 14 months. He said her normal transport to school was a rickshaw and he suggested if Bus Eireann didn’t urgently address the Ballindangan route, that an enterprising person could start a similar service in Ireland.
Kevin Condon, from Ballyduff, was celebrating his win in the All-Ireland joinery competition at the Department of Education and Science National Apprentice Competition 2000. The twenty-one year old beat off still competition from all over Ireland, to be crowned the National Apprentice Joiner of the year.
“I couldn’t believe it when they called out my name, it was brilliant. To get to Dublin was a major achievement, but to win was even better. The other competitors in my category had excellent pieces, so I wasn’t sure of my chances,” he said.
There were calls that documents about a plan for Safeway Warehousing in Corrin, Fermoy should be made available to the public. The call was made by the Ballyhooly Christian Solidarity Party, who said that the documentation in relation to the proposed waste licence plant should be put on display at Fermoy Library and the Fermoy UDC offices. “We in the CSP feel it is not suitable for people from Fermoy and Corrin area to have to travel to the Cork County Council offices in Cork or in Mallow to examine the documentation regarding the project which is pending an EPA waste licence,” a statement said.
A car load of American tourists hit a footpath at the Glocca Maura junction and collided with an army truck coming in the opposite direction. Luckily, no one was seriously injured in the crash.
There was news of a new school for Lismore, to come to fruition in 2002. Commissioner John Heneghan said that all the plans had been set in motion for the new development and that the plans were set to be put to tender.
In sport – Coláiste an Chraoibhín’s Under 16 basketball team made history when they were crowned county champions. The final was staged at the Neptune Stadium, Cork against St Brogan’s College from Bandon. The final score was 30-24 with scorers being: Kieran Foley, Ross McCarthy, Wayne Power, Darragh Casey, Eoin Hegarty and David Condon.
