Lismore based county councillor, Ollie Wilkinson, was calling for a Garda enquiry, in the wake of news that a group calling itself the Friends of the Blackwater, had lodged an objection against planning permission already granted for a mushroom growing concern, at Headborough, Knockanore. When granted, the planning was warmly welcomed by many locals and public representatives, who were pleased to hear that up to 30 jobs may be created. However, many local representatives were questioning the authenticity of some of the signatories listed as opposing the permission. Cllr Wilkinson felt there was scope for a Garda investigation, as he had been told by an individual in Cappoquin that despite being among the signatories, he didn’t actually sign anything!

An influx of Travellers to O’Connell Park in Mitchelstown saw a real threat to the community facility, with the trustees who governed the park concerned as to its future. Some 15 caravans at the site were joined by ‘a crew from Glasgow’ with ‘a ten tonne truck and tarmacadam equipment’ in tow, leading to fears that this show of Traveller strength would act as a magnet for more to follow. An attempt to block the entrance with a large boulder, to discourage further Travellers from moving in, was unsuccessful as the bolder was simply broken up and removed. The local camogie club, speaking to The Avondhu, said that they wouldn’t be entering the park to play on their newly reseeded pitch. Cllr Conor O’Callaghan put the damage to the pitch to be well in excess of £2,000.

Several Ballylanders projects were set to gain from FÁS aid, with a four person committee set up to administer the work locally, which would involve up to 15 employees and a full time supervisor over a 12 month period. Four FAS employees were to be assigned to the local gun club’s project at Griston Bog, to help install ponds and a walkway; the pitch and putt club would receive two employees under the scheme; four individuals were to be allocated under the Tidy Towns effort, with three allocated to parish projects, care taking in Knockadea and Ballylanders National Schools, as well as in the day care centre. A further two would help plant trees and shrubs, as well as maintain the community pitches.

The bombing atrocity which had occurred in Warrington, England on the eve of Mothers’ Day in 1993, was roundly condemned at Fermoy UDC’s March meeting. Fermoy held close ties with the English town, through the Cheshire Cheese Anglers. Cllr Tadhg O’Donovan’s request, that books of condolence be opened in both town churches, at the UDC headquarters, and possibly in the library and post office, received unanimous support from his colleagues. Cllr John Egan described the bombers as “animals”, while John Guinevan described it as “a despicable act”. Expressions of sympathy were recorded, before those in attendance stood for a minute’s silence.

The Fermoy St Patrick’s Day parade was a resounding success in 1993, with Tim Duggan, chairman of the town’s traders’ association, declaring it ‘the most successful in Fermoy’s history’. Three bands and over 20 floats participated on what was a sunny morning. Such was the turnout, that some congestion meant that a small number of participants did not pass the review stand at Pearse Square. Category winners were as follows: Best parade entry - Fermoy Credit Union; Best shop window - Ryan’s Centra; Best commercial float - Bride View Homes; Best club or association - Glanworth Scouts; Most colourful float - John Dunlea; Most original entry - Fermoy Set Dancers; Educational category - Fermoy Community Pre-School; Best first entry - SuperValu, Fermoy.

Some other area news snippets - Lismore girl Valerie Barry picked up an All-Ireland athletics 400m title, at the indoor finals staged in Nenagh; It was likely a new band would form in Doneraile, with a musical void left in the North Cork town following the disbandment of the once successful majorette outfit - this followed on from the success of the local Presentation Convent Primary School in the Scor finals; Fermoy AFC secured their place in the final of the 1993 Munster Senior Cup, defeating Cobh Ramblers in the semi-final 4-3 following extra time, having trailed 3-0 with 12 minutes remaining.

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