The issue of inadequate public lighting in Conna village came to the fore at the AGM of the local community council, with the disappointment and outrage of those in attendance being bourne out by the decision of the council to ask all politicians to remove their election posters from poles within the village. The situation was so bad, one speaker stated, that people were ‘walking into objects, such as poles, flower pots and trees.’ While another speaker added that someone would be seriously hurt because of the inaction of the powers that be to rectify the situation. The annoyance came primarily from the fact that many representations had been made to TDs, as well as deputations at county council meetings, yet the matter was not even on the county council’s estimates for 1993.

Mitchelstown was set to welcome a new licensed premises, with Miko and Josie McGrath taking charge at Miko’s Bar, located at New Square. A two page Avondhu feature highlighted the venture, which was set to be officially opened on St Fanahan’s Day (November 25th). John Geary would kick-off celebrations with music on the night, with ‘happy hour’ from 9-10pm. Formerly McEnally’s Blackthorn Bar, the McGraths transformed the premises with a complete renovation.

The Cork Makes It Exhibition, held in Castlelyons, surpassed all expectations. Opened by Minister for Science & Technology, Michael Ahern TD, attendance was at an all-time high, business during the event was encouraging and exhibitors were so impressed by the response, that the following year’s event was already heavily booked. The focus of the exhibition was very much on small industry, catering exclusively for Irish goods. It was a particularly rewarding event for local blacksmith, Peter Thurbly, who ran the Bridesbridge Forge, winning the Irish Trade Board’s ‘In Search Of Excellence Award’.

Hugh crowds were present at Ashe Quay in Fermoy, adjacent to Waterloo Lane, to witness the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to two soldiers, who tragically drowned while trying to cross the River Blackwater in Fermoy 50 years earlier. This was preceded by a commemorative Mass in the garrison chapel at Fitzgerald Camp, where over 200 people paid their respects, the celebrant being Fr Michael Murphy, command chaplain Southern Command. The flag ceremony was performed by Lt Owen Foley, 12th Inf Battalion, while wreaths were laid by the organising committee, Mrs Irene McElligott (widow of Sgt Michael J McElligott) and relatives of Lt Thomas A Ryan - who both drowned on exercise on September 6, 1942.

All the spills and thrills of the racing turf were experienced as Ballynoe Community Council organised a race night, with funds going to the Somalia Famine Relief Fund. In total, £1,500 was raised, on a night where the opening race, the Rathbarry Stud Maiden, was won by Martin O’Donnell’s ‘Hairy Mary’, a 4/1 shot piloted by Eamonn Cotter. Robert Walsh of County Sound Radio, who was present on the night, accepted the proceeds from chairman of the local community council, John D Cotter.

A new housing development was announced for Fermoy, with O’Driscoll Developments due to develop seven sites in Barry’s Boreen. This was to be the first part in a four phase development at the location. Detached bungalows were to be priced in the region £48-£52,000. Paul O’Driscoll, of Thomas J O’Driscoll Auctioneers, stated the development would be ideal for first time buyers who would not have to pay stamp duty, as well as being able to avail of a £2,000 first time buyers’ grant.

Things were hotting up on the election circuit, with candidates canvassing for votes in The Avondhu area, before the imminent general elections. Fianna Fail’s strategy was to return both Ned O’Keeffe and Michael Ahern to Dail Eireann, while Fine Gael, under party leader John Bruton, visited Mitchelstown in a last push to secure votes for party candidates in the Cork East constituency, Paul Bradford, Michael Hegarty and Paddy Hegarty. The Green Party were putting forward Donogh McCarthy-Morrough. Meanwhile, Democratic Left candidate Joe Sherlock, visited Fermoy pushing for votes.

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