It was claimed, in September 2000, that the Fermoy Bypass was the only PPP (Private/Public Partnership) in Cork. Someone did the maths and stated that if all bypasses from Cork to Dublin were tolled, drivers would face about £17 for a return trip – ‘highway robbery’ they alleged.
Riordan’s SuperValu, Fermoy announced the imminent arrival of Larry Gogan and the 2FM Roadcaster to the store via a full page advertisement in September 2000; while across the road, Toss Bryan’s were holding a clearout sale, where £124 would get you a 14’’ TV, plus the remote control! An accompanying video player would set you back £109.
Glanworth welcomed back their regular English visitors, Doug and Julie Clarke, who loved the village so much as a holiday destination that Doug supplied the new heritage centre with ventilators from his company, free of charge. The couple were on their third visit to the village, after initially stopping over on a visit to Killarney. “Nothing could have prepared us for the welcome we received and the idyllic setting, which locals are fortunate to enjoy all year round,” they said.
In Mitchelstown, Presentation Secondary School students Doireann Ronayne and Mairead Ryan, received special awards from Ben Lynch, manager of Bank of Ireland in the town, for receiving the highest marks in the school in the Leaving Cert and Leaving Cert Applied, respectively.
Meanwhile, John O’Donovan from Gortnahown, received a scholarship for Pallaskenry Agricultural College from the Farming Liaison Committee of Mitchelstown Credit Union.
Elsewhere in the town, a taximeter area in was seemingly welcomed by all, as no objections had been received after a consultation. The plans came as the taxi office on Lower Cork Street had closed, and people were “walking the streets” in the hopes of getting a taxi.
Here’s hoping former employees of Dairygold got home ok in September 2000, as they held a retirement bash in The Forge, Fermoy. The night was for all its retired members, ‘be it recent or some time ago’. Sixty people attended and the night finished ‘“ripping the light fantastic, plenty of beer and banter.” Meanwhile, down in SG1, it was ladies only in SG1 for ‘The Chain Gang’ – Ireland’s first gang of male strippers.
Punters were rearing to go for Bartlemy Horse Fair in 2000. The ‘hard working committee’ were under the direction of Denis Barry, whose marquee promised the ‘best of craic and nourishment’. If Tallow was anything to go by, they would have a great year, as Tallow Horse Fair in 2000 was described as ‘the best for at least three years.’ The best ‘Ridden Horse’ went to local Timmy Beecher’s 4 year old bay gelding.
In The Avondhu Classifieds, someone was looking for ‘good quality milk’, while over in Ballyporeen, someone found an engagement ring. Meanwhile, a 1995 Corolla was for sale, with a “genuine reason for selling – owner deceased.”
On the water, Fermoy Rowing Club’s Gearóid Towey headed to Sydney for the Olympics, as the town welcomed teams from all over Ireland for the National Sprint Championships.
In the North Cork Soccer League, both Mitchelstown Celtic and White City advanced to the quarter-final stages of the Avondhu Shield. Goals from White City’s Thomas Murphy and Stephen Slattery secured the win, while in Mitchelstown’s game it was Kieran Nolan, John McGrath and Eddie Murphy who scored.
Bride Rovers GAA captured their first-ever All-Ireland title at the St Jude’s 7-a-side hurling competition. The team, captained by Pat Walsh, faced Galtee Rovers from Bansha in the final, beating them 1-6 to 1-1.
The U12A hurlers of Fermoy Juvenile GAA, captained by Eoin Ryan, won the North Cork hurling blitz, while the Ballygiblin U11s were crowned North Cork champions, beating Shanballymore.
Ballygiblin’s U12Bs heralded the “dawning of a new Millennium” as they secured three North Cork titles in a row. Captain Mikie Shinnick accepted the cup, while the report declined to single out any individuals for praise, as they all gave “110%”.
Kildorrery were ‘easy winners’ over Harbour Rovers in the Junior B Hurling Championship final, defeating the Glanworth side to take the cup. The top scorers for Kildorrery were captain Austin Walsh and David O’Brien, while Glanworth’s Patrick O’Brien held up the defeated side with 7 points.
It wasn’t all the boys this week in 2000 however, as Galbally girl Noelle Casey was crowned All-Ireland handball champion for the sixth time, at the age of 15. Following this, she was preparing for the World Championships in Chicago.
