It was a narrow escape for 73 year old Catherine Sheehan of Corrin, Fermoy, after a forty-foot articulated lorry ploughed into the front garden of her home, missing her bedroom by inches before demolishing her neighbouring son’s garage. The incident, which took place shortly before 8am on a Friday, was believed at the time to have been caused by the driver falling asleep at the wheel. As well as knocking the pier, wall, gate and garage at the Sheehan residence, the force of the collision blew out all four porch windows at the front of the house.
Members of the public were invited to take a look at the major improvements at St Patrick’s Community Hospital that had taken place over previous years. The centrepiece of these developments was the newly completed 30-bed unit designed to cater for those seeking respite, convalescent or terminal care.
A public meeting was called in Kilworth over the future development of the village, in particular, a new major housing development. Kilworth Muintir Community Council set up a Watchdog Committee on Housing Development in order to liaise with Cork County Council on planned developments for the area.
Cork County Council finalised a deal with Dairygold for the purchase of Forrest Hall, located at New Square, Mitchelstown. It was reported that this property was earmarked for the development of a new library and tourist information centre.
The sale of five acres at Brigown, Mitchelstown focused attention on plans to construct a leisure centre for the town. The process was entering a critical phase following a decision to sell 5 acres of the 8 acre site originally intended to accommodate the centre. A £2.2 million price tag was put on the development, which was said to include a 20 metre swimming pool, a 140 square metre fitness gymnasium, a health suite including sauna and jacuzzi, changing rooms and ancillary accommodation. Plans also included a 75 space car park and three additional bays for coaches and busses.
In Glanworth, locals came together in St Michael’s Hall to witness the launch of ‘Glanworth Millennium 2000’, a history book compiled by members of the Glanworth ICA. Up to 400 people packed into the hall in May 2000 to purchase one of the 600 copies available. The book was researched, compiled and written by Mary McNamara, Maura O’Neill, Betty Brewster, Maire O’Neill, Anna McGrath and Joan Hanrahan.
Plans to develop a sports hall in Ballyduff community field were launched at St Michael’s Parish Hall. Local engineer, Michael Walsh told the public that the 100ft by 50ft multi-purpose sports hall had an estimated cost of £85,000 based on an element of voluntary service, without which, the project could reach £120,000 to build.
Members of Tallow Traders’ Association were preparing a delegation to meet with Waterford County Council regarding planters on Convent Street which they said were having a damaging effect on business. It was claimed the planters were obstructing over 20 parking spaces and were installed by the council in an attempt to create an avenue approach to the town.
Changes were made to a popular Mitchelstown staple as a new format was announced for the Festival of the Galtees monarch selection. Candidates and the chosen successor to the outgoing Queen at the time, Joan Sweeney, would not have to undertake any fundraising before or after the selection. Instead, readers of The Avondhu were given the opportunity to vote for their choice by ballot.
In May 2000 entertainment, ‘Never Heard of ‘Em’ played both Mac’s Bar, Fermoy and Gallahue’s Bar, Ballylanders over 3 days. Mac’s Bar also had ‘The Waxies’ from Waterford performing. ‘Fatal Attraction’ were playing in Willie Andies, Mitchelstown, while Fermoy Community Youth Centre Cinema were screening ‘Scream 3’ starring Courtney Cox and David Arquette.
Avondhu U16 hurlers were the sporting heroes of the week following a four point victory over West Tipperary in the Munster B hurling championship final at the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick. Seamus Stack contributed 0-8 all from frees, while Luke Philpott, who had not figured in the quarter or semi-final, emerged as top scorer with 3-2.
Castlelyons were beaten by Midleton in a county senior hurling championship clash at Ballynoe. Castlelyons scorers included Timmy McCarthy (1-3), E Fitzgerald (0-4) and B Ronayne (1-0), with Midleton emerging victorious 2-10 to 2-7.
Watergrasshill were the big winners in the Junior Hurling Millennium Championship in Ballyclough, which saw them face off against Millstreet. Denis O’Leary, Paudi Cahill and Michael O’Riordan were the chief marksmen and secured some great scores, leaving the final score Watergrasshill 2-17 Millstreet 0-5.
