Taoiseach Albert Reynolds was set to arrive in Fermoy, to deliver the oration at the annual Liam Lynch commemoration in Kilcrumper. Focus nationwide was expected to be very much on the visit, as Mr Reynolds was playing a key role in talks regarding the IRA ceasefire and the peace talks in 1994. A busy itinerary on the day would firstly see him carry out the official opening of Michael Horgan’s food manufacturing plant at Ballygiblin, then travel into Mitchelstown to open the Castle Park Hotel, before heading by helicopter to Kilcrumper, Fermoy for the commemoration ceremony.

Refurbishment works to the tune of £200,000 at Killavullen National School were heading in the right direction, with Pat O’Regan’s construction firm hoping to be off site in 6/8 weeks. The start of the new school year in 1994 therefore necessitated some reorganisation to accommodate all pupils, as 3 classrooms, a medical room cum library and staff room were yet to be completed. However, two classrooms had been added to the old national school building since commencement of works. 1st, 2nd and 3rd class pupils were being accommodated temporarily in the local community centre, as the refurbishment works neared completion.

Concern was being expressed in Glenville as to the future of the village’s post office, as the battle to retain post offices services in North Cork continued to ‘hot up’, following nationwide cut-backs/rationalisation. Post mistress Breda McDermott spoke to The Avondhu, saying she was constantly being asked by locals if she would be closing down. She was ‘naturally very worried’ about the situation, fearing that any changes would ‘harm the village and the life of rural people in the locality’. She also complimented The Avondhu’s ongoing campaign on behalf of rural post offices.

The sod had been turned for the construction of a new advance factory for Fermoy. Located at Cork Road, Fermoy Region Enterprise Board were spearheading the 40,000sq feet venture, targetting ‘another major industry to fill it’. The fully serviced site adjacent to the N8, was being designed to be ‘easily adapted for multi-purpose use’.

Ballyduff Upper had a flyer in young Seamus Hannon, who brought home gold to the West Waterford village following his success in the U8 60m event at the All-Ireland Community Games finals in Mosney. However, considering his father Seamie Hannon reached great heights on the hurling field with Waterford, Munster and even the All Stars, his sporting achievement wasn’t totally unexpected!

A GAA double header scheduled for the Mitchelstown venue in September 1994, would see Grange and Shanballymore contest the JB 1 football championship final, while Ballyhooly were hopeful of defeating Buttevant in the JB 1 hurling championship final. A three page Avondhu feature previewed the finals - Shanbally’ would be captained by John Walsh, with Eddie Fitzgerald as coach and selector. Ballyhooly would be captained by Paddy Duggan, who was battling to overcome an injury, with Jim Dowling as trainer.

Meanwhile, St Catherines GAA Club were hopeful that their intermediate hurlers would capture the county title, as they prepared to face Cloughduv at Pairc Ui Chaoimh. Trained by Pa Finn of St Finbarrs, Catherines advanced to the final thanks to a semi-final defeat of city side Delaney’s, 3-16 to 2-15. Injury aside, they would be captained by left half back Patsy O’Donoghue. Team selectors included Pat Clancy and Cathal Casey.

Top rated side Avondale United fell to Fermoy FC at Carrig Park, with the local lads finishing top of their section following a 2-1 victory and thus qualifying for the semi-final of the 1994 league cup competition. In what was described as ‘a fast, exciting and uncompromising’ game, Fermoy took a 44th minute lead through Cormac Mulcahy, though they had to survive some nervy opening half moments, with Avondale hitting the crossbar as early as the 4th minute. Both sides hit the woodwork in the second half, with Mick Hennessy scoring number 2 in the 74th minute for the home side. However, ‘bonny fighters’ Avondale reduced the deficit in the 80th minute, but it wasn’t enough as the home side ran out victors. Team: W O’Hanlon, W Corcoran, N O’Connor, P Houlihan, P Roche, MJ Hennessy, R O’Connor, B McMahon, J Ronan, C Mulcahy, T Egan, S Tobin, K O’Connor.

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