Many people are not aware that Waterford County Museum is a voluntary museum with no permanent employees. Our staff members are all participants on a Fas Community Employment training scheme. Over the years we have been exceptionally lucky with the quality of the workers/learners that we have attracted to the scheme. Without them, most of what the museum has achieved would have been unattainable. The downside of the scheme is that each participant has only a set time with us before they must leave. Unfortunately that time has arrived for one of our most popular and enthusiatic staff members Roberta Whelan.
Roberta's enthusiasm for our institution has been a wonderful asset to the museum in her 4 years with us. Whether it was greeting visitors or organising spot prizes for competitions she gave her all. I have no doubt that she will continue to stay involved with Waterford County Museum over the coming years. On behalf of the museum committee I would like to say thank you.
Documentary On Photographer Annie Brophy Filmed In The Museum
The Nemeton Crew: Seamus Hayes, Rose Anne Foley, Kieran Currain, Catherine Foley.
Recently we were pleased to welcome a crew from the local film company Nemeton, while they filmed an interview with Eoin O'Connell on the life of Annie Brophy.
Annie Brophy was one of the best known female photographers of her time (1919-1978) and had photographed Dungarvan on occasion. Eoin himself is an accomplished documentary photographer based in Cork and has done some interesting research into the work of Annie.
Rose Anne Foley (Director), Catherine Foley (Presenter), Seamus Hayes (Cameraman) and Kieran Currain (Sound) were on site at the museum at 9am to set up the interview. We were delighted to accommodate them and wish them the best of luck with the production "Trí Shúile an Chait" which will be aired in September on TG4.
Power O'Malley Features In Exhibition At St. John Fisher College, Rochester, New York
Poster Advertising The Exhibition In Rochester
Dungarvan Artist Power O'Malley (1877-1946) Commemorated
On Monday March 15th 2010 an exhibition titled "Forgotten Ireland - Defining a National Identity through Art in early 20th Century Ireland" will open in St. John Fisher College, Rochester, New York. The exhibition features works by Dungarvan born artist Michael Augustine Power O'Malley. O'Malley emigrated to America in the late 19th century and settled in New York.
O'Malley's paintings have been loaned by his grand-daughter Marietta Whittlesey. Other artists featured include Charles Lamb and Sean Keating. The exhibition was organised by Mr. Ivan Lennon of Rochester. Ivan is the son of Dungarvan man, George Lennon, a major figure of the War of Independence and the subject of a recent book titled Rebel Heart by Terence O'Reilly. The exhibition runs until April 30th 2010. More information is available on the St. John Fisher College website.
Museum Lecture On Power O'Malley
William Fraher museum curator, will give an illustrated talk on the artist on Wednesday 24th March at 8.p.m in the Town Hall, Friary St, Dungarvan. He has been researching the life and works of Power O'Malley for a number of years. The talk will feature illustrations of paintings, etchings and illustrations for books / magazines.
Donation Of Michael Joseph Hogan / Shamus O'Brien Boxing Poster
Shamus O'Brien VS Eddie Smith
Above is a poster advertising a fight between Irishman Michael Joseph Hogan (born in 1891 at Ballinacourty, Dungarvan, Co Waterford) alias Shamus O'Brien and Eddie Smith. O'Brien is the boxer on the left of the poster. The poster pictured above is a copy photographed by his grandson Bill Torpey some years ago. The original poster is now in the hands of Bill and he is willing to donate this to the Waterford County Museum, to ensure it is kept safe for future generations.
Thanks to Bill for his kind gesture. Hopefully the museum can ensure that the incredible story of Michael Joseph Hogan will be forever remembered in the place of his birth.
If you have an ancestor that achieved fame after they emigrated from Co. Waterford please contact the museum at history@waterfordmuseum.ie . We would be delighted to hear their story and preserve their memory.