A ‘rather folically challenged’ Bartlemy farmer decided to do ‘the ultimate in self adoration’, when getting his eyebrow pierced for Telethon People In Need. John Arnold’s dilemma centered on the fact that many of his playing colleagues in Bride Rovers undertook headshaves to fundraise for the charity, leaving him at somewhat of a loose end. However, never one to shirk from a challenge, he got ‘a sterling silver bar inserted adorned at each end with two miniature ball bearings’, refusing all general and local anaesthetic and valiantly succumbing to the ‘horrendous suffering in a very brave manner’. We hope he raised a considerable sum for his efforts!
Callers to The Avondhu believed that 38 asylum seekers were ‘due to be billeted’ in Ballyhooly village, with Ballyhooly Lodge named as the premises due to house the individuals – a building which had been for sale for a number of months. However, a spokesperson for the Department of Justice was ‘unable to confirm or deny’ if this was the case. Owner of the premises, Mr Pat Tierney, confirmed that a fire officer was ‘examining facilities on his premises’, however he refused to make any further comment regarding the use of his building.
Fr Cornelius O’Donnell and members of his congregation in Rathcormac were breathing a collective sigh of relief, as a number of chalices, some ciboria and wine, were returned by gardai, following their theft from the sacristy of the parish church. Discovering ‘the door wide open and the safe missing’ upon arrival at 8am for Sunday morning Mass, Fr O’Donnell alerted gardai. Raiders had forced the door of the sacristy some time on the Saturday night, removing the safe, which thankfully was found unopened by a member of the public on the side of the road in Glanmire. It was thought the safe had fallen from the back of a van used by the thieves during transportation up the hill at Rathcooney, with unsuccessful attempts having been made with an angle grinder to open it. Fr O’Donnell, who was ‘saddened’ by the incident, speculated that those responsible mush have thought it contained money from the church collection, however the real items of value were the irreplaceable chalices, some over 100 years old.
A gruelling May bank holiday fishing challenge, in aid of Kilworth Sheltered Housing Project, saw two members of Kilworth/Glanworth Trout Anglers go head to head. Scrutineer Tony Lillis was kept on his toes as the marathon seven hour challenge, which made its way from Kildorrery Bridge to Kilworth (Downing) Bridge, saw Jerry Keating crowned winner ‘by a short head’ over sporting rival Dinny Hanrahan. With only six fish caught on what was described as a very warm day, ‘not at all good for fishing’, the duo availed of several breaks for refreshments en route – including at Charlie Burke’s Cross, where ‘the kettle was boiling’ and ‘the beer went down well’, provided courtesy of Declan and Carmel Roche and family. The reward for the duo at day’s end, were two bronze trophies presented by Kilworth Community Council and a meal at Corbett Court.
The ‘biggest and certainly the best to date’ was how organisers described the line up which was taking shape for Mitchelstown Music Festival in 2000. Committee spokesperson Conor O’Callaghan revealed that Marc McCabe, whose single ‘Maniac 2000’ was in the chart for 9 weeks and counting, would headline Saturday night; while Aslan and Jack L were the star attractions for Sunday night, supported by groups Dara and Sutras.
Glanworth ICA’s Millennium publication was launched at the local community hall in May 2000. Titled ‘Glanworth Millennium 2000’, the impressive 196 page tome had a limited print run of 600 copies.
After nearly three-quarters of a century of bustling activity at Ashe Quay, Fermoy, operations at Cavanagh’s Ford garage had finally come to an end, with the workforce making their way to the new purpose built premises at Cork Road. Service advisor, Tom O’Brien and parts manager, Raymond Ennis – who became company director – recalled fond memories of their days working by the Blackwater.
Inventor Tony Allen from Clondulane, won a gold medal, with distinction, at the International Inventions Fair in Geneva. He was also awarded a trophy for innovation and technology from the Italian delegation for his ‘Spider Catcher’.
In sport – St Catherines were crowned East Cork senior hurling champions, defeating Cloyne 2-12 to 2-08 in Midleton. Gordon Bryan top-scored with 2-1, while the side were captained by Martin O’Keeffe. Meanwhile, St Fanahan’s College senior camogie team lost their second county final of the year, going down 0-3 to 5-1 to a strong Coláiste Eoin, Youghal team. Caitriona Sheehy captained the Mitchelstown side.
