The Mitchelstown Music Festival was hailed a great success in 1999, as 10,000 people came to the town to celebrate the bank holiday weekend. There was an increase in the size of the crowd from the previous year, as blistering heat and bright sunshine greeted the revellers. Gardai in the town said they were delighted with how the event went and described it as very well organised. “I want to compliment the crowds of patrons who were good natured and well behaved,” Sergeant Pat Slattery said. “The gardai in Mitchelstown worked in a spirit of co-operation with the committee and the community in general and this has contributed to the festival’s success. Everyone had a great time.”
Glenroe woman Bridie McCarthy was on her way to New York by Concorde after she won a raffle on RTE’s National Lottery Fame and Fortune gameshow. She was set to travel on the supersonic aircraft with presenter Marty Whelan – the village were out in force to congratulate her and many sent best wishes.
There were concerns about a major shopping development project planned for Little Island, as North and East Cork councillors came together to voice concerns about the potential damage to towns. The plan involved a shopping mall being constructed in Eastgate and councillors said it would have major social and economic implications for the whole of County Cork if it were to go ahead. Fermoy councillor, Michael Hanley said he was ‘frightened by the apathy’ being displayed by the traders of Fermoy and claimed their inaction was a major threat to their own fortunes. “They seem blissfully unaware of the real threats posed to their businesses. What is needed to promote Fermoy economically is a cohesive unit of businesses working together for this end. Many don’t seem to be bothered,” cautioned Cllr Hanley. Cllr Ted Murphy of Midleton Urban District Council claimed that it would lead to the destruction of towns across the region. “I believe Cork County Council stand guilty of the most bare-faced hypocrisy. On one hand, they are promoting Town and Village Urban Renewal Schemes, but are allowing these developments which will destroy the lifeblood of our communities,” he blasted.
Coolagown was declared the most litter-free village in the North Cork Litter Challenge, clearly topping the table with 872 points out of a total of 900. Millstreet was next on the list, followed by Kilworth and Kiskeam.
The problem of public toilets in Fermoy was revealed by the former owner of The Grand Hotel, Mr Sean Kavanagh. He said that many people were using the hotel’s washrooms, but not contributing to the business by buying food or beverages. He said there had been a marked 30% increase in members of the public using the facility. “As a result of the increased use, I have to pay extra water rates. I have put my case to the UDC that given the fact that I am effectively providing a public service, my rates should be reduced accordingly. But the UDC has shown neither understanding nor sympathy towards my position.” Mr Kavanagh said he would not throw people out for using his facilities, but said he would continue to pressure the UDC and councillors for a new public toilet facility.
Crime figures dropped in Cork North Garda Division with a 25% drop in crime in the area covered by Chief Superintendent Ray McAndrew and his fellow gardai. Within the Fermoy District, which covered a number of surrounding areas including Mitchelstown, there was a marked decrease in offences. The drop saw less burglaries and thefts and also a reduction in juvenile crime. Chief Supt McAndrews said that a great commitment to crime prevention, heightened public awareness and increased co-operation between the community and An Garda Siochana was key tp its success.
The Fermoy Fire Brigade were celebrating the recruitment of a new firefighter to their ranks, as Liam Lacey from Wolfe Tone Park joined the service. Having secured a new fire tender the year before, the future was looking bright for the unit as a new base was also set to be constructed.
There was an appeal for help from Francis Slattery who, having been fostered as a child, was trying to trace his sister who he believed was living in Fermoy. He was led to the general Fermoy area by news that a woman named Slattery was searching for her mother in the pages of Ireland’s Own. His investigation found that a local priest had been in touch with the woman but had destroyed a letter with a Fermoy address on it.
In sport, there was good news for Ballylanders as they ran out 1-15 to 1-9 winners over Oola in the football championships Noel Frewen the goal scorer. They were set to face Monaleen in a semi-final play off. The Bride Rovers minors recorded a thrilling draw against their rivals Dungourney with both teams scoring 2-8 apiece in the first round of the hurling championship. Maurice O’Driscoll scored the two goals.
