Castlelyons Community Council were set to host the 19th Cork Makes It Exhibition in 1992 - details of which were discussed with then Taoiseach, Albert Reynolds TD. A delegation of 12 people, made up of committee and sponsors, sat down at Government buildings to discuss details of the 3-day event, which made national headlines. The representation informed him that the exhibition provided a shop front for smaller business, which received his full support. Describing the enthusiasm towards the event, committee member Ann Hegarty commented that “for the first time, they had received no cancellations - but rather have a long waiting list from companies wishing to participate". Michael Ahern TD, Minister for Science and Technology, would open the event.

A three woman deputation representing the parents’ association from Rathcormac National School, highlighted the fear locals had regarding safety for pedestrians in the village - the main Cork-Dublin Road through the village having recently been upgraded, which was leading to an increase in speed from passing traffic. The Northern Division meeting of Cork County Council, heard from spokeswoman Kathy Dunne, that there was no pedestrian crossing serving the school, despite repeated requests since 1981. To highlight the seriousness of the situation, she quoted figures from a survey carried out by the parents’ group in the village. A range of options were proposed: Cllr Carey Joyce said either “an overpass or underpass” should be seriously looked at, with Cllr Conor O’Callaghan in agreement, while Deputy Joe Sherlock felt traffic lights were the answer.

Breen’s Spar Supermarket in Kilworth was set for change, with proprietors Paddy and Eily Breen retiring from the business. Having opened in 1961, and joining the Spar group in 1963, the business made a name for itself through its home baking. The business was set to be taken over by John Joe and Catherine Shanahan.

The installation of a condom vending machine at the Royal Hotel in Fermoy made headline news. Manager Dave McCarthy was fully behind the decision to install such a machine in the mens toilets, saying “without doubt in this day and age of AIDS, I think the majority of people would agree there is a necessity for these products”. A random Avondhu poll of over 50 individuals supported his view, with only two people against the move. It was understood that several other publicans and dance hall owners in the area were looking at a similar installation on their premises.

Castletownroche’s John Griffin claimed two awards at the annual national gardening competition. From Wallstown, John beat off competition from all-comers to take top spot in class 20 ‘The best display of roses’, while also taking first in Region K for ‘The complete summer garden’. Along with his wife Teresa, the duo kept their garden well maintained, dominated by roses, trees and shrubs. “It’s like winning the Rose of Tralee I suppose,” John told The Avondhu.

Mitchelstown was suffering from an accommodation crisis, according to Fine Gael councillor, Conor O’Callaghan. Describing a “dire need for apartment accommodation” and with “a shortage of Local Authority housing”, the councillor stated that the problem appeared to be especially chronic amongst young married couples and single parents. Equally in his view, the town was losing a massive amount of potential revenue by not having enough hotels and B&Bs available - due to its central location in Munster, the town was regularly selected to host conferences and could not reap the full benefits as such.

Further news snippets from November 1992 show: Bartlemy’s Frances Lenihan raised a total of £576 for the needy in Somalia, through a 24-hour fast; the owner of a commercial cigarette machine was being sought, with gardai in Kildorrery looking to reunite same with its owner after it was found dumped at the side of the Scart Road; planning permission had been granted for a new 14 bed hotel in Mitchelstown - the old Bank of Ireland building on Baldwin Street set to be transformed; popular principal at Glanworth National School, Cal O’Keeffe was honoured at a special function held in the school following his retirement. Presentations were made by Sean Quirke, representing the board of management and Joan Hanrahan, on behalf of the parents.

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