Two Fermoy secondary school students were basking in the glory of having claimed 1st place in the Social and Behavioural Sciences section of the Aer Lingus Young Scientists’ competition. Loreto students, Paula Butler (Corrin View, Fermoy) and Siobhan O’Reilly (Ballyhooly), had spent almost 2 years examining ‘what effects listening to pop music has on concentration’. Studying 36 students, they found that “pop music was more detrimental to the logical sectors of the brain, but beneficial to the abstract”. Winning rosettes and a cash prize for their efforts, Paula was hoping to pursue a career in chemical or biological science, while Siobhan wanted to be an electronics engineer.

Locals in the Kildinan/Rathcormac area were eagerly awaiting the 1993 Five Nations rugby encounter in Murryfield, where Ireland were set to open their campaign. However, interest was on the Scottish panel, where Damien Cronin - who had relations in the area - was in contention to line-out. Damien’s great-uncle was Patrick Cronin from Killuntin, who had recently attended the rugby player’s wedding; while Damien last visited Cork in 1979, for a family wedding.

The closure of the Ballyduff sub-office of Allied Irish Bank, saw Waterford County Council writing to the bank to voice their objection. Locals were now left with no option, but to travel to either Fermoy or Lismore to conduct their business. It was understood that the sub-office, which operated from a local shop, was in the village since 1932 - the withdrawal of service was seen as yet another nail in the coffin for rural Ireland. The West Waterford village had also seen the closure of their library service in recent times.

Area entertainment in January 1993, saw a big attraction in The Blue Dragon, Kilworth who hosted an ‘Abba Special’, with Michael McNamara of 2FM fame presenting the night; while Brose Walshe and his dance band also played the same venue that weekend. ‘Sleeping Beauty’ was the musical for Fermoy Youth Centre, where Marie O’Mahony and Brendan Dunlea, amongst others, featured - production was by Cathal O’Keeney, music by Marjorie Moran. Big Jim’s Bar in Mitchelstown was set to bring in the punters with Dirty Harry’s Love Shack disco; Carrig House, Carraig na bhFear had dancing to Anna & The Monaghan Sound; Midleton Park Hotel would host Art Supple, following the Killeagh Point-to-Point races.

Poet Mike Cullen Aherne penned an interesting piece - ‘Ode to a nose’. The opening verses went: ‘My love is a country rose, Her smile blocks out the sun, Her skin is as sleek as a cat, But I’ll have to say that, My favourite part, From her head to her toes, Is her Nose: It has two perfect holes, Without a hair to show, Has a suitable place, In the middle of her face grown from her forehead down, And that as everyone knows, Is a nose’. Any requests to The Avondhu for the following 3 verses, will see the remaining poem published in the coming week!

Due to what was reported as ‘inactivity’ on behalf of Fermoy UDC, in dealing with legal documents, the matter was being referred to the Ombudsman. Solicitor John Hussey, whose client was awaiting the completion of documents by the UDC, relating to the transfer of ownership of a local authority property, had reportedly exhausted all avenues in having the matter resolved. Having waited 9 years and with the matter having been highlighted in The Avondhu, it had come to light that a number of other cases existed in the town, relating to the same issue. Mr Hussey felt, as he still hadn’t received a reply himself from the UDC, there was no choice only to refer the matter on to the Ombudsman.

The inaugural married v singles fundraising match on held St Stephen’s Day 1992, by Doneraile GAA Club, saw £300 being presented to the St Vincent de Paul. Winners on the day were the ‘experienced’ men, those taking to the field (16-aside) included: Married - Frank Carey, Lar Curran, John Roche, Denis Kelly, Denis Curtin, Peter Redmond, Eamon Lehane, Tom Flahive, Noel Landers, Christy Hanley, Paul Neligan (capt), Finbarr Hallihan, Mick Ryan, Timmy Healy, David Davern, Connie Philpott. Singles - John Fox, Declan Lehane, Pat Davern, Eamon Davern, Rodney O’Callaghan, Charles Jones, William Hallihan, Noel O’Connor (capt), Damien Carey, Mick McKeown, Alan O’Flynn, Declan O’Flynn, Edward Hallihan, Michael Davern, Johnny Flynn, Jeremiah Curran.

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