The trials and tribulations of election candidates was prominent in the news in February 1999 as an embattled councillor was re-instated to his political party. John Hussey spent two years suspended by his Fianna Fail colleagues after he allegedly used “unparliamentary language” during an exchange of views with a council colleague. It was part of a court battle as the councillor sought a High Court injunction to prevent the local convention being called for his election area. But the battle came to an end at a special meeting of the group, as he apologised for his robust words. He was not willing to talk about it but promised that he would be a serious contender in the upcoming local elections.
In Mitchelstown, there was much rejoicing as the works on the local square were nearing completion. The Avondhu reported that business was badly hit during the refurbishment works. It was hoped as the new layout was completed, footfall would return to retail outlets in the area.
As the turn of the century came close, many Millennium projects were under consideration. There was good news for Lismore as it was to get a dedicated park on land near West Street, to mark the new millennium.
There was a disturbing incident in Araglin as a local walker found three goats shot dead and dumped in a public area – close to where the goats and their offspring were grazing at Elizabeth’s Bridge. There was an effort to rescue the orphaned kids and take them into care, but they had gone to ground in the deeply wooded area and it was proving difficult to capture them.
Pat Brennan, a candidate in the upcoming local elections in 1999, raised the issue of more public lighting on the streets of Mitchelstown. He stated that new housing developments were not given adequate street lighting, noting that a local terrace of 30 houses had just two lights.
There was a lot of disquiet across the region on the subject of litter, with Glanworth and Mitchelstown declaring that the problem was out of control. Glanworth spent £6,500 on a renewal project for the village but locals were angry that the work was blighted by the ongoing issue of litter. Local groups called on citizens to do their bit to keep Glanworth clean. Meanwhile, In Mitchelstown, the town’s new community council chairperson Joan O’Sullivan, declared they would wage war on litter, saying that the problem had to be addressed as a priority for the group.
There was the issue of sheep attacks due to careless dog owners leaving their animals to roam free at night. The latest attack was near Dungarvan and involved two dogs – Waterford dog warden Ollie Walsh said that he was still hunting for the murderous canines to bring them to justice.
Cllr Kevin O’Keeffe wasn’t happy about the council policy of patching damaged roads with hot tar and stones. A roadway in Mitchelstown was subject to the restoration tactic and he had received a significant volume of phone calls from constituents complaining that the method of filling the cavities was causing damage to cars due to loose stones. The engineering staff said that there was a large amount of holes waiting to be filled and sometimes workmen would temporarily repair the holes, before the full work could be carried out.
Denis Mellerick, a man declared one of Castletownroche’s most respected figures, announced his retirement after 45 years with local company Farrell Brothers Agricultural Merchants. Besides his work in the agriculture sector, he was also a well known hurler in his younger days.
The people of Rathcormac were working to make life better for the hard of hearing as they considered placing a loop system in the local community centre. The council believed this would be of immense benefit to anyone in the community struggling with their hearing and who could not hear proceedings at events held in the facility.
Jack Murray, well known for his work with pipe bands in Fermoy, was honoured at the local district council. His 40 year career of teaching the pipes to students was recalled. He was recalled as someone who dedicated his life to the instrument and kept interest alive across the community.
In sport, Hill Celtic scraped a victory against Brooklodge by one goal, while Knockadea FC defeated St Mologga’s in a 4-3 thriller.
Bride Rovers celebrated their success in 1998 at the club’s victory dinner in early 1999. Club chairman Brendan O’Driscoll, welcomed all present for what he described as a ‘truly historic occasion’.
