Following calls from the public, the 1996-1999 accounts of the Mitchelstown Leisure Centre Committee were published in June 2000. One of the biggest fundraisers was the 1996 banquet and golf classic, which raised just over £22,000, costing £9,578.30 to run. Other income of note over the four years included income from two Galtee climbs, a disco, race night and the sale of hay (which raised £125).
Former Lismore fire officer Stephen Kennefick was presented with a bravery award in June 2000 for his selfless actions in the rescue of a woman from a house fire in Lismore.
In Fermoy, Tipperary native Anthony Brislane replaced Charlie Byrne as Garda Superintendent, who had moved back to his native Dublin to take up a new position.
The Kilworth Caring Fund successfully raised the funds to purchase and modify a Fiat Ducato van for popular publican and builder, Donal Kenneally, who was confined to a wheelchair following a serious building accident. Their first outing was to a Munster hurling championship tie in Thurles.
Millennium preparations were well underway across the region. In Kilbehenny, the Girl Guides and Brownies buried a Millennium time capsule, to remain unopened until 2050 where they would invite the participants to return for the great opening. Meanwhile, a Jubilee Mass, as part of Millennium celebrations, was held at St Fanahan’s Well with over 300 parishioners present.
Pupils of Glenville National School, pose for their class photo in 2000. 
Liz O’Brien, Josie Murphy and Michael Glavin pictured after serving the last customer at The Torten Coffee Shop, Mitchelstown in June 2000. After 25 years serving the public, The Torten was no more in Mitchelstown. 
Sisters enjoying a girls night out, l-r: Libby Harty, Jackie Culligan, Nicola Harty and Sharon Brown, at the new-look Forge Pub and Restaurant in Fermoy in June 2000. 
Some of the large attendance at an open day in Castletownroche Mill in June 2000, back l-r: Denis O’Keeffe, John O’Callaghan and John McHugh; front l-r: Miriam O’Callaghan, Eilish O’Flynn, Mary O’Callaghan and Esther O’Sullivan. 
Plenty of smiling faces at a fete in Ballyhooly National School in June 2000. 
Olive Hogan (Ballyduff) and Christopher O’Driscoll (Glanworth), winners of the 100m and relay respectively at Castletownroche sports held in June 2000. 
Karen Hanley, Aideen Gubbins, Sarah Creagh and Laura O’Keeffe gave Camilla the royal seal of approval during the Sammy Stamp children’s fancy dress parade at the Festival of the Galtees in 2000. 
At the presentation of the Munster ESB Primary Schools Environmental Awards in 2000 were pupils from Kilbehenny National School who were third placed prizewinners. Included are Clodagh O’Mahoney, Elaine O’Mahoney, Kevin Casey, Seamus Myers and Faolan Holmes with their teacher, Mary Verling; Siobhan Browne, ESB and Geri Maye, RTE’s Den 2 who presented the awards.
Michael Ahern TD and Minister Ned O’Keeffe were selected to contest the General Election as the Fianna Fáil candidates; while in Mallow General Hospital, Minister for Health and Children Micheál Martin TD, opened the newly refurbished 13 bed medical ward.
In Agri news, the Libyan live cattle trade was on the table as Ireland were invited to tender for the supply of animals, after the Taoiseach personally raised the matter with Colonel Gadaffi.
Moanbaun Woods, Watergrasshill dominated the news. An environmental report disclosed that the park was home to a pair of rare hen harriers, and listed the diversity of the flora and fauna within the park. A fun day was planned to raise funds for the cause of protecting the area, with a falconry display and a Pokémon trail for the kids. For those who feared missing the big Cork v Kerry championship match, there was no excuse, for it was being show live in the forest too!
In other Watergrasshill news, the locals looked forward to welcoming darts superstar Phil Taylor, where he was due to take on 15 local players to raise funds for the Watergrasshill and District Environmental Alliance Group and Fermoy Hospital.
A fundraising raffle was advertised for Corrin, to have electricity brought to the recently erected cross. Tickets were £1, and the prize was a trip to Medjugorje.
Meanwhile, Supremac’s Fermoy were advertising for staff in advance of their big opening.
Planning for the 6th annual Curraglass Vintage ceremony was underway, with 10 ladies competing for the title of Festival Queen. Attendees were looking forward to the welly throwing competition, guess the number of blocks in a trailer, and a nail driving competition.
The Avondhu Bar were looking forward to welcoming Scotland’s Jim Reid to the banks of Fermoy, and SG1 were on track for Dean Wilson of Cream Liverpool with ‘20,000 watts of banging tunes, intelligent and laser light show’.
A special pullout feature on the summer holiday season encouraged locals to explore the region. Amongst the attractions were Annes Grove Gardens in Castletownroche, the Oceanic Manoeuvres Surf School in Tramore, and the Ivory Park Driving Range. Under the ‘Summer Rest and Recuperation’ programme, Cork was due to welcome visitors from Chernobyl, as an announcement was made of the closure of the Chernobyl nuclear power station.
In Supermac’s Classifieds section, a 1980 VW Golf with a new battery was going free to a good home – an unwanted gift, believe it or not!
In sports, Blackwater Sub Aqua Club trainees were finished their courses and ‘bulling for road’, visiting the wreck of The Aud with visitors from Derry Sub Aqua Club, dives on Fastnet Rock and a dip in Portroe Quarry.
Fermoy Soccer Club U13s celebrated winning the final of the Schoolboys League. Captained by David Clancy, the boys defeated Lakewood (Ovens) to take the trophy. While the Irwin’s Schoolboy League, still in their infancy, were looking forward to competing in the Kennedy Cup in UL.
A trio from the Fermoy Karate Club made the Irish team for the I.J.K.A World Karate Championships in Budapest. They were Mary Ryan, Brian Toomey and Natalie O’Sullivan, all of whom won medals at the European Championships previously. Despite this success, Irish Karate was not recognised for government or Lottery funding, and the team were seeking sponsorship.
