Some very rare and valuable Irish currency notes were amongst the items stolen from The Spinning Wheel pub in Castletownroche in November 1996. As well as a quantity of spirits, one £10 Ploughman note (1929), one £5 note (1931), one £1 Ploughman note (1937) as well as Old Maid of Erin notes – £100, £50, £20 and £10 – were taken in the early morning raid.
While an office premises on Thomas Street, Mitchelstown saw some IT-minded thieves make off with a fax machine and telephone answering machine, having gained entry through a back window.
Despite the unavoidable absence of appointed guest of honour, President Mary Robinson, the official opening of Rathcormac’s revamped Community Centre went ahead in November 1996. A project lasting some 18 months and costing in the region of £370,000, all manpower for the ‘ambitious rebuilding programme’ was provided by FAS. Pat O’Callaghan, regional director of FAS, acting as replacement for President Robinson, unveiled a commemorative plaque, with the official blessing performed by PP Fr Neilus O’Donnell and Dean GP Hillard. According to chairman of Rathcormac Community Council, James Maye, the building was “a credit to the workmanship of FAS, the farsightedness of its designers and the financial support of the local community.”
Watergrasshill farmer Tom O’Keeffe from Skehanagh – a Waterford Foods, Castlelyons supplier – struck it lucky when he opened his bucket of Cappravin Dry Cow, to find a ‘Golden Tube’, which made him winner of a pedigree heifer of a nationwide competition.
Heated discussions at Fermoy UDC’s annual budget estimates meeting in November 1996, regarding works being undertaken by Cork County Council at the northern side of Fermoy Bridge leading on to Brian Boru Square. Councillor Michael Hanley requested that all works, which primarily involved the building of a traffic island and the narrowing of a footpath in the vicinity of the bridge, be halted until related concerns could be discussed by the UDC – something which was ‘turned down flatly’ by the Council. The councillor claimed Council staff were ‘showing ‘utter contempt’ for the views and wishes of local public representatives’, receiving the support of a number of councillors. A letter was also read out from Supt Carey, An Garda Siochana, outlining concern for the safety of pedestrians. Cllr John Hussey, however, ‘left the meeting in disgust’ looking for the motion to be deferred, as it was the annual budget estimates meeting which he felt was being ‘hijacked’. Town Clerk, Michael Cremin rejected the criticism of the council, while Town Manager Paddy Deasy expressed surprise at the reservations of the gardai, who he understood were happy with the proposed works. The meeting concluded with chairman Richie O’Leary looking to set up a meeting between council members, local gardai and council engineers.
The budget estimates for Fermoy UDC did however get passed on the night, with a rise in refuse, water and commercial rates once again.
Luck was in for chef Hugh O’Donnell, an employee at Paki Fitz’s pub in Mitchelstown, when he was drawn to participate in the National Lottery’s ‘Winning Streak’ TV gameshow. A native of Clonmel, the darts enthusiast ‘walked off with the princely sum of £15,750’.
Gerald Harty from John Anderson Place in Fermoy was the inaugural recipient of the Cavanagh’s Scholarship at Colaiste an Chraoibhin, something initiated by local businessman Tom Cavanagh. The scholarship, worth £3,000, would be awarded annually to a past student who had progressed to third level studies. Gerald was studying Arts at UCD.
November 8th, 1996 was an important date for the people of Glenroe, as it saw the official opening of the local hall following extensive renovations. Addressing a large attendance, chairman of the hall committee, David McCarthy, stated that a great deal of voluntary work ensured that the renovations were undertaken.
Blackwater Lodge, Ballyduff was venue for a special evening of celebration to mark the 40th anniversary of the Ballyduff/Ballysaggart branch of IFA. Amongst the guests was deputy president of the IFA, Michael Slattery, who made a number of presentations – to the first secretary of the local branch, Kitty Quirke (accepted by her husband, Jimmy); as well as to three members who marched to Dublin in 1966, namely Michael O’Connor, Donal Kenneally and Alex Heskin.
County glory for Watergrasshill ladies footballers on a scoreline of 4-7 to 1-8, overcoming a strong challenge from Mourneabbey in Mallow in November 1996. Three ‘smashing goals’ in the first half from Marian Lynch, Orla Creedon and Orla Carey were crucial to the Hill’s victory. The side was captained by Liz Gardiner.
