‘Who did it?’ That was the question in November 1997 following the discovery by a member of the public of a ‘hoard’ of Adi Roche presidential election posters in a ditch at Ballinrush, Kilworth. While The Avondhu had ‘received numerous telephone calls’ regarding the number of posters which were ‘literally hanging around’ following the election, this blatant act of dumping placed the spotlight on the candidate and her ‘backers’, namely the Labour party. When contacted by The Avondhu, local Labour party activist, Tadhg O’Donovan ‘stated categorically that he had no idea how the posters came to be dumped’, saying it would have been ‘naive’ if any of his colleagues had dumped them and expected not to be found out.
With an estimated completion date of Easter 1998, work was under way on a 32 bedroom development at Corbett Court. Located on the main Cork to Dublin road, proprietor Declan Corbett saw it as a ‘logical step’, with the restaurant ‘going superbly well’ since opening. Upon completion, he was confident of attracting a range of guests to stay in rooms which would be finished ‘to a very high standard’, from holiday makers to business people. Oliver McCarthy was building contractor.
A Kilworth man who entered the sea in Kinsale, attempting to rescue a woman, was preparing to travel to Dublin Castle in November 1997, to receive a silver medal for bravery. Originally from Knockatrasnane, Richard Buttimer told The Avondhu the incident happened in 1994 when a car entered the sea. Unfortunately the woman couldn’t be saved, however Richard’s bravery was set to be commended.
With November 2018 bringing cocktail success for Grand Hotel employee John Coleman, the Fermoy establishment had employee Richard Moloney crowned ‘cocktail king’ in November 1997, when taking a prize at the 26th All-Ireland Cork Dry Gin Cocktail competition. His creation consisted of 2/9ths Huzzar Vodka, 2/9 Coconut Liquer, 1/9 Grenadine, 3/9 pineapple juice and 1/9 cream, suitably blended of course, and topped with a red cherry, strawberry, orange and a mint leaf! Voilá…
A novel way of highlighting the poor state of local roads, found its way via the post to Mitchelstown based councillor and chairman of the Mallow Area Roads committee, Conor O’Callaghan. Informing a meeting of the committee that the ‘disturbing video’ sent by residents of Clonlough, Mitchelstown had ‘x-rated’ contents, it showed footage of the road which was described as being in ‘a terrible state’. Putting a ‘forceful case to the assembled county councillors’ at the area meeting, residents’ representative William Fox, upon being informed that ‘an engineer would inspect the road and bring back a report’, suggested ‘that he bring his wellingtons’.
A proud moment for the Gowen family from Downing, Kilworth who were selected Kerrygold Master Farmers of the Year for 1997. The award was presented annually by the Farm Apprenticeship Board, with the Gowen family the longest serving Master Farmers in the Board’s training programme, having registered in March 1965. Displaying an ‘exemplary record’ with the Board and providing ‘an excellent training environment’ for apprentices, regularly having two apprentices placed on their farm, the award was accepted by husband and wife, Michael and Gretta at the Board’s annual conference in Ennis.
A very capable Liscarroll side were no match for a determined Castletownroche side, who claimed the North Cork U21 B hurling championship crown in Doneraile in November 1997. An entertaining hour’s hurling was served up in spite of poor underfoot conditions, and although behind by 2 points at the interval, second half goals from Michael Farrell and Michael Lenihan, sent them on their way to victory. Jonathan O’Callaghan captained the side, who were claiming their first title at U21 level for 25 years.
The minor B footballers from Kildorrery failed in their bid to capture county honours, being defeated in a low scoring game by Grenagh, 1-3 to 0-9. Grenagh’s dominance at midfield placed the Hill defence under constant pressure and trailing by 0-6 to 0-1 at half-time, Kildorrery could only draw to within a point of the eventual champions in the second period, thanks to a goal from John Howard.
Further sporting success for Killavullen in 1997, when capturing the Fitzgerald Cup thanks to a 1-9 to 2-5 victory over Deel Rovers. Eight points in arrears at half-time in the final of the Avondhu junior A football league in Churchtown, scoring a solitary 2 points in the opening period, a marvellous second half recovery, including a goal by Dave Hartnett, secured the title. Captain was Ian O’Driscoll.
