Triathlon challenge fundraiser in 1992
Three local FCA members were set to complete a major fundraising triathlon, with funds raised going to Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Dublin. The first leg of the sponsored triathlon would see Richard Bartley cycle the first leg from Cahir to Kilworth Camp, with international boxer, Fermoy’s Declan Higgins, taking on the challenge, running to Fermoy Swimming Pool. Adrian O'Hara would complete the challenge, swimming a total of 126 laps of the pool, covering a distance of 2 miles. John O'Connor of Alexander's, Fermoy, sponsored several vouchers for a prize competition, to go to those who guessed the closest time for the triathlon to be completed in.
Over 40 people attended the blessing of the newly restored Fermoy Famine Graveyard at Carrignagroghera, despite inclement weather. Custodians of the graveyard, Fermoy Field Club, hosted the ceremony which dedicated the erection of a large wooden cross, sponsored by Woodfab. Restoration work was undertaken by Social Employment Scheme employees, Edward O'Hara and Danny Fleming, who had cleaned up the graveyard and constructed an encircling footpath. The blessing was performed by Fr Twomey; Mairead Scannell led the singing of 'Faith of our Fathers', while Padraig Ó Braoin recited a decade of the Rosary as Gaeilge.
Tallow man Thomas Cunningham, well known for his singing exploits on the afternoon 'Live at Three' programme, was putting a list of songs together for a new 4 track EP. The big break in singing circles came for Thomas when he was a semi-finalist in both 1988 and 1991 in the over 55 entertainer of the year contest on Live at Three, raising his profile. He has already recorded a 2 track tape to much success ('You seldom see me any more' and 'The Fields of Athenry') in Studio Fiona, Fermoy, selling all 150 copies, having received encouragement from singer Paddy O'Brien to take the big step.
It was to be the end of an era for one family run business on Patrick Street, Fermoy, with O'Sullivan’s general drapery and menswear set to close. Proprietor Jack O'Sullivan decided to call it a day, bringing to a close a chapter which saw the family business operate for 80 years, his father Bill having originally established the business.
Avondhu area snippets in July 1992: Doneraile girl, Catherine Feehan took to the air for her first flying lesson on her 16th birthday – a contender for an Irish record at the time. There was outrage in Doneraile following the wanton vandalism of the town's only public phone box, with the estimate for repair at £600; it was thumbs up from two local students, who had just received degrees from Coleraine University in Northern Ireland - Tecla Condon, Strawhall, Fermoy received a degree in Humanitarian/Media Studies, while Bartlemy's David Kent studied English.
Dairygold progressed to the inter-company league final, when defeating a strong Bord Telecom side, atoning for their championship defeat to the same side earlier that season. Deadlocked at 1-5 apiece at half-time, a strong defensive showing by Niall O'Donnell at full back inspired the Dairygold outfit, with Justin Spratt securing their first half goal. A second half penalty scored by Telecom was neutralised by a similar score from the spot by Willie Roche; three glorious points by M Quirke and an injury time goal by Declan Power secured victory for Dairygold, on a final shoreline Dairygold 3-10 Bord Telecom 1-10. Team and scores: A McCormack, Denis B Murphy, N O'Donnell, W Kenneally, D Power (1-0), D O'Donovan, J Barry Murphy, J Gubbins (0-1), W Roche (1-3), J Spratt (0-1), Mce Quirke (0-3), J McCarthy, Dara O'Mahony (1-0), D Cadogan (0-2).
Published:
Friday 12th July 10:54am
