In pre-smartphone era November 2000, the front page of The Avondhu carried an ad from Cavanagh’s for a Ghettoblaster for £69, and a Camcorder for £399, part of their Christmas Crackers offer.
In Mitchelstown, companies were exasperated at the lack of industrial sites in the town, with “businesses suffering severely for want of space.” No lack of space in he square though, as the annual St Fanahan’s Day Pattern was held alongside a small funfair in New Square to celebrate the weekend.
Meanwhile, Church of Ireland members across the county were looking forward to Bishop Colton’s visit, as he endeavoured to visit every parish in one day for the Christ the King festival, on November 25th.
Jamie Hennessy of Mitchelstown Scouts was presented with a Chief Scout Award from Chief Scout Peter Dixon. The 18 year old was the first unit member to clinch the prestigious award.
An open letter was printed in The Avondhu from an unnamed writer, who remember the abuse they had suffered at the hands of a “friend” of the family since they were a young child. The letter was short, and began, “I’m writing this letter to you and I’m not sure why I’m doing it. Maybe I’m hoping that by putting it down on paper it may help me in some way to come to terms with what happened.”
There was “revulsion” in Galbally at the robbery of an elderly couple’s home that lost them valuable antique items as they attended a vigil mass.
Fermoy rowers, on their return from Dusseldorf as champions for the fourth time funning, were honoured with a Civic Reception in The Courthouse in the town. Club president Dick Stritch and chairman Paul Kavanagh were in attendance to celebrate the lads’ success. Up in Richard Rice Place, a boundary wall was demanded by local councillor Frank O’Flynn, to combat “vermin infestation”.
A ceremony was held also in Fermoy, at the Famine and Military Graveyards, to remember those who died in the Great Famine and in the First World War. Wreath laying was undertaken by Lord Montegle, Mrs Grace Fleming, and Mr Basil Baker, amongst others.
The Entertainment pages in The Avondhu 21 years ago were packed out, with pubs and bars across the region gearing up for Christmas. Thin as Lizzie were playing in Mac’s Bar, while Elvis (Kieran Sheehan) entertained the crowds in Kilbehenny.The Firgrove had The Zodiaks for a Fermoy fundraising drive, while The Final Furlong in Coolagown hosted the 5th heat of the Voice of North Cork.
Elsewhere, singers in Fermoy were represented as Loreto’s Choir excelled in a Welsh Choral Festival in Llandudno, Wales, taking first place in the competition.
A public exhibition on the M8 Fermoy to Skeheenarinky route was viewable in The Firgrove in Mitchelstown, while in the town of Fermoy the local authority “regretted” the inconvenience that would invariable occur with resurfacing from John Anderson Place down to FCI.
In Watergrasshill, Moanbawn Wood was officially recognised as a national amenity, having escaped being the site of a SuperDump earlier in the year.
For Christmas 2000, the predicted top toys were the Who Wants to be a Millionaire electronic game, Poochi the electronic dog, and Amazing Alley. According to the article, on average over £100 would be spent per under-12, an increase on previous yars “due to the greater affluence in the economy.”
If someone was stuck for a Christmas present, two tickets were going for a ‘Five’ gig in The Point Theatre, Dublin in the classifieds. The ‘Wanted’ section carried requests for an old button accordion, and also a door for a 1986 Fiat Panda. It’s unknown if these were intended to be put under the tree!
St Catherine’s Ladies were on a high, as the County B Camogie Champions. Captained by Elaine Harpur, they beat Youghal 2-4 to 0-5 to take the cup in Castlemartyr. The team visited their alma maters in Ballynoe, Conna, and Curraglass on the following Tuesday to a celebrated homecoming.
Kildorrery footballers were hoping for their first Minor A Championship title, as they looked forward to facing Youghal in the upcoming match in Páirc Uí Rinn. The Glanworth men were going for equal glory in the County B Football Championship final against Barryroe.
Over in Kildorrery, the U14 ladies captained by Nollaig Baker brought glory to the club, defeating Fermoy for the winning trophy.
Castletownroche GAA were anticipating a good night ahead as they prepared to honour the county winning men’s teams of 1960 and 1964 in the Hibernia Hotel, while the Ballyrafter Riding Club’s Nancy Willoughby presented Martina McGrath the perpetual trophy for ‘Rider of the year’.
