Four piglets were found dead in the reservoir at Knockananig, Fermoy by a gentleman out walking. It was believed the animals had not been in the water that long when discovered. Having been removed and disposed of ‘in a proper manner’, assurances were given to the public that there was no effect on water quality and no cause for public concern.
Armed raid
Three men were arrested in Fermoy on Tuesday, May 5th 1998, in connection with an armed raid on the TSB bank in Clonmel earlier that day. An off duty garda using the swimming pool in Fermoy, having heard radio reports about the raiders’ car, became suspicious when he saw a car matching the description near the leisure centre. Raising the alarm and following an extensive search in the area, the three men were arrested around 10pm that night. A ‘comprehensive search’ of the area uncovered a quantity of cash, three pistols (one of which was loaded), a balaclava and some ammunition. From Dublin and ‘known to gardai’, two of the suspects were taken to Mitchelstown for questioning, while the other was detained in Fermoy Garda Station.
Shortfall
Locals in Lismore were being asked to make up a shortfall of £26,000, necessary to fund the building of the new national school in the town – an amalgamation of the Christian Brothers and Presentation Primary School into one purpose-built facility. The main reason given for ‘over shooting the original costing’ (of £880,000) was that a sixth classroom had not been included in the original estimate. A weekly envelope distribution/collection had commenced.
‘Uncomfortable experience’
A 2-year old boy from the Springfield area of Fermoy had an ‘uncomfortable experience’ in May 1998, when his leg became stuck in a drain. Unable to be freed by his parents, Fermoy Fire Brigade personnel were called to the scene, with brickwork surrounding the gulley trap having to be removed in order to free the boy. Given the all clear by a local doctor, the youngster was reported as having been ‘frightened but unhurt’ after his ordeal.
Gothic gateway
The historic ‘battlemented Gothic gateway’ on Chapel Hill, Mitchelstown was damaged when a car struck the structure in May 1998. Dating from 1834 and forming an integral part of the old part of the town, Cork County Council assured the public that it would be ‘restored to its former state’.
Gas network
Looking to minimise ‘difficulties’ during the laying of the gas network in Fermoy town in May 1998, the local business association announced they had secured arrangements from the contractors, Bord Gais along with Cork Marts, to help facilitate trade and the smooth flow of traffic in the town. Free parking in Cork Marts’ town centre location for the month of May, outside of mart days, would allow the main street to be kept available for customers, while Bord Gais had been requested to ‘stop work at peak times on Thursdays and Fridays’.
100th birthday
A party atmosphere in Strawhall Nursing Home, as Skeheen, Mitchelstown native Hannah Smyth celebrated her 100th birthday in fine style. The home’s eldest resident, born on May 2nd 1898, she told Avondhu reporter, John Ahern of her delight to have reached the century mark, as she looked forward to many more happy years with her friends in Strawhall. Matron Chris Broderick said she was held ‘in very high esteem’, with everyone ‘mad about her’. Fr Donal Leahy celebrated Mass and then presented Hannah with the President’s cheque for £300, along with a letter from President Mary McAleese, wishing her many more years of health and happiness. Hannah recalled that some of her happiest memories were of her childhood days on the family farm in Skeheen.
Fishing competition
Good news with the announcement that Fermoy Coarse Angling Association had succeeded in raising the necessary finance (approx £10,000) to stage their annual fishing competition in the town, which had been in serious doubt due to the struggle to find a corporate sponsor – a combination of sponsorship from local businesses and Fermoy UDC secured the event.
Sporting briefs
A double for Ballyhooly Juvenile GAA in May 1998, with both the U12 (4-8 v Araglin’s 3-9) and U16 football teams (3-7 v Kilworth’s 0-3) winning their respective Avondhu league titles. Paul O’Keeffe secured the Cantillon Cup at Castlelyons Pitch & Putt Club, defeating Michael Sheehan. St Fanahan’s College U14 footballers claimed the U14 C championship trophy for 1998, defeating Cobh Vocational School 1-11 to 1-9 in Fermoy.
