New Poetry Book "Songs of a Stargazer" Launched at Museum

John Daly presenting the Canadian Ambassador Loyola Hearne with a copy of his poetry on his recent visit to the museum

John Daly a long serving committee member of the Museum Society published his first book of poems"Songs of a Stargazer" last Friday night December 9 in the museum.
The book was officially launched by Frank Daly in the presence of a large number of friends and museum members.

John has been writing poetry for a number of years and publishes regularly in the local press.  We wish John the best of luck with this publication, which is available for sale here in the museum, at Eason's store and Michael Power's book shop. Priced at €10 this book would make a lovely Christmas present. To view more images of the event follow us on facebook

Visit of Canadian Ambassador to Museum

Canadian Ambassador Loyloa Hearne addressing the Audience at the Museum

We were delighted to welcome his Excellency Ambassador Loyola Hearne to the Museum to mark the Ireland Newfoundland links. The Mayor of Dungarvan was represented by Clr Michael Cosgrove. Also in attendance was Denis McCarthy, acting County Manager and committee members of the Ireland Newfoundland connections.


The Mayor praised the work of the museum and stated that it was an important asset to the town and county. The museum President, Nioclás Ó Griofáin recalled the links between West Waterford and Newfoundland and referred to booklet - The Newfoundland Emmigrant Trail, edited by Paula Uí Uallachain which was launched last year at the museum.  To view more images  Visit us on Facebook

Recent Visits From Waterford Schools

Group of the Students from the Adult Education Center in Waterford City.

In recent weeks we had the pleasure of visits from schools in the east of the county. The first school to visit was the boys from 3rd year of the CBS in Tramore and were given a guided tour by Michael Fitzgearld. They were delighted by the enactment of the loading of the Brown Bess Musket shown on the iPad.

The following week on the 30 November we had 35 adult students from Adult Education Center in Waterford who are frequent visitors to the museum and were very impressed with our latest exhibition the Big Houses of Co Waterford.

Win A Historic Waterford Photo For Free In Our Competition

As a little Christmas present to our Facebook Fans and Twitter Followers, Waterford County Museum is having a competition. You can win a photo of your choice from the 5200 photos of historic County Waterford, Ireland on our image archive at www.waterfordcountyimages.org. Entering the competition is free and we will give out 4 photos to both Facebook and Twitter competitions.

To Enter On Facebook: Share the competition post and like our page. We will draw 4 names from all the people who enter and allow you to pick a photo of your choice. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/waterfordcountymuseum

To Enter On Twitter: RT the competition post and follow our page. We will draw 4 names from all our twitter followers who retweeted and allow you to pick a photo of your choice. Find us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/waterfordmuseum

Some Rules

1. Closing date of the competition is 5pm 10th December, (Irish Time)
2. This competition is for fun and is a little thank you for people's support over the year.
3. We will post a photo to any country as part of the prize.
4. We are a charity with an interest in promoting Waterford's history. That is the primary goal of this competition.
5. No-one on the museum committee is allowed enter.
6. You can select from any of the 1400 images on our web site marked 'Buy Photo'. You can select from any of the other 3500 photos we must ask the photo donor for permission to send you the image.
7. Judges decision is final.

Latest Decies Journal Published

Decies Journal No 67

The latest issue of Decies has just been published. There is the usual fascinating collection of articles. Of particular interest is the article by Margo Griffin titled From Waterford to Worcester: Records from a Massachusetts Archive. This tells the story of Richard O'Flynn (1829-1907) of Newtown, Kilmacthomas who settled in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1851. He opened an antiquarian bookshop which was commercially successful. He was a founder of the Worcester Society of Antiquity and had a particular interest in recording the history of the Irish in Worcester. All of his research was recorded in twenty folio volumes.

This article refers to the Co Waterford people recorded by O'Flynn. These include fascinating pen pictures of the individuals, such as Jeremiah Kane of Dungarvan who became one of Worcester's famous detectives. There are people from Stradbally, Dungarvan, Ring, Mothel, Kilmacthomas, Fenor etc. Copies of the journal are on sale at the museum at €20.

Living History in An tSeanphobal

On Saturday November 26 the Parent's Association of Ballymacart National School in Old Parish are holding a history event.  This event is being held to celebrate the fact that Old Parish is the oldest parish in Ireland and also to launch their newly restored school inspection books from 1866.

The event will run from 1.30 - 5.30pm.

1.30 -2.00 - Unveiling of a plaque at the site of the Old Parish soup kitchen.
2.00 - 2.30 - Official opening of the restored school inspection books.
2.30 - 3.00 - History of the school from 1840 - Martin Coffey.
3.15 - 4.30 - Lecture on the famine - Willie Whelan.

Also in the afternoon:

• Genealogy - One to one on how to trace your family - Eddie Cantwell & Nioclás ó Griofain.
• An tSeanphobal young musicians.
• 70 years of Aisteoirí an tSeanphobal (Actors Group)
• Old Parish Photos.

Exhibitions will include farm machinery from a by-gone age, plough, pulper, pony and trap, household items that have been replaced in modern life, the gramophone player and wireless. Some school items, ICA memorabilia and other exhibits. Of special interest for the children on the day will be the creating of a time capsule.

The museum are happy to be invited to attend and participate in this event with our President Nioclás, Eddie, Willie and Martin all giving talks.

"Evidence of Shandon" Lecture A Great Success

John Tierney at the Podium

The latest talk in our lecture series was a great success, with a large crowd attending to hear John Tierney's talk on the Viking Settlement in Shandon and the early history of Dungarvan.

John who is a field archaeologist based in Co. Waterford kept the attention of the crowd with his very informative talk on this area of our local history.

The Origins of Dungarvan, Evidence of Shandon by John Tierney

The next talk in the series will take place on Wednesday November 16 at 8.pm in the museum.  This talk will be given by John Tierney.  John is a field archeologist based in Co. Waterford, a partner in Eachtra Archaeological Projects he has been involved in a large number of archaeological projects throughout Waterford and Ireland.  He is co - author of Near the River Bend ( an account of the excavation outside Kilmacthomas) and the Lowlands of South Galway, an account of a series of excavations near Gort in Co. Galway. He is currently project director of a survey of historical graveyards throughout Ireland having recently collaborated with the Waterford County Museum in Dungarvan.

His talk will center around the significance of Shandon in the early history of Dungarvan. Reference to the Shandon caves can be found in Smiths History of Waterford City and County in 1746.  It is also believed that there was a Viking settlement in Shandon.  A carved bone trial piece with Viking pattern  from the 9th/10th centuries was found in this area.  John Tierney will reveal all in this talk which is aptly titled " The Origins of Dungarvan" evidence from Shandon.

Children's Halloween Event At Museum



Group of Children with Darren Moynihan enjoying the Halloween Event

On Saturday October 29 the children's Halloween event was held in the museum.  A large group of children and adults enjoyed the story of halloween and took part in some arts and crafts along with some scary stories.

The event was organised by Helen Moynihan and assisted by Darren Moynihan and Emma Walsh. Well done to all for a successful event and also a thank you to Eddie for the photographs and Mary who helped out on the day. Follow us on Facebook to view more pictures of the event.

Wateford Museum Society A.G.M

The A.G.M of the Museum Society was held on Thursday 27 October.  The following officers were elected for the coming year.

President: Nioclás ó Griofáin
Vice President: Helen Moynihan
Secretary: Martin Whelan
Treasurer: Mary Giblin
Cmmittee Members: Josephine McCarthy, William Fraher, William Whelan, Eddie Cantwell, Jim Shine, Padraig ó Currain, John Daly, Tom Broderick and Martin Coffey.

President Nioclás thanked the committee and members for their work over the last 12 months and especially Eddie Cantwell for all his work in fundraising. 

Membership for the museum remains at €15 and can be paid by dropping into the museum, which is open Mon - Fri 9.00 to 5.00pm.

Children's Halloween Event At Museum

Children's Corner Prepared For Halloween

The museum will be holding a children's halloween event on Saturday October 29 between 12 -1.pm.

Children can come along and enjoy the story of the history of  Halloween, local ghost stories, crosswords and puzzles and take part in some halloween crafts.  Admission to the event is free and all materials are supplied.

Vikings in Waterford "The Penny's Site" by David Pollock

David Pollock returns to do the second lecture of our series.  People will remember his last two fascinating talks for the Museum Society.  David is best known in this town for his work in St. John's Castle, Dungarvan and other digs around the town.  He is an archaeologist and illustrator who picked up reconstruction drawing as a habit in Scotland, thirty years ago.  In 1984 he took his first commission from Historic Scotland to illustrate panels for Jedburgh Abbey.  He describes his life over the next ten years as a "Jekyll and Hyde" existence.  This, because he was archaeologist for half of the time and reconstruction drawer for the other half. 

David's work can be seen on the old wall of Penny's in Arundel Square in Waterford.  In 1990 David moved to Ireland and spent most of the following ten years as archeologist with a few stray Scottish contacts thrown in.  David's talents were recognised and he was commissioned by the National Monuments service to put together drawings of medieval Ferns Co.Wexford and this has led to a further batch of commissions for him.  David's talks are well attended and a must for anybody with an interest in their County history.
David's talk takes place in the Town Hall on Wednesday October 19 at 8.pm. Admission is €5.

Ulster to the Déise: Lennon's in Time

Ivan Lennon's Latest Book

This book recently brought out by Ivan Lennon son of George - Flying Column Commander- details the family history.  Ivan begins by giving  the family history in pre Norman Ulster.

He gives details of the Shanahan family of Dungarvan, Ellen Shanahan married George Crolly Lennon, who was  manager of the Dungarvan Gas Works in 1897.  The Shanahan family owned the ground on which the town park was laid out in 1895.  There is a chapter of the book given to material on the War of Independence and the Lennon family.

This is an illustrated, hardback book with 247 pages and is now available for sale at the museum.

Great Interest in Waterford Country Houses Exhibition

6th Class Pupils from Scoil Garbháin

Our latest exhibition Waterford Country Houses is bring many visitors to the museum. On Wednesday 28  and Thursday 29 we had two groups paying us a visit and were delighted with the items and photographs of this exhibit.
Our first group of visitors were the 6th class pupils from Scoil Garbháin along with their teacher Jennifer Ú Dhuibhir. The children were delighted with the  items of  childrens clothing and books on display, along with the many photographs of the great houses.

On Thursday a group from the Déise Day Centre visited and after  a very informative talk from curator William Fraher, they sat and  enjoyed a cup of tea provided by the museum staff. Visit us on facebook to view pictures of their visit.

We welcome visits from schools and groups, a visit can be arranged by dropping into the museum, Monday to Friday 10.am to 5.pm or by ringing us on 058-45960.

Waterford Country Houses Exhibition Opening

Helen Moynihan, Thomas McCarthy, William Fraher & Julian Walton

Our latest exhibition Waterford Country Houses - History, Architecture & Landscape was officially opened on Thursdsay 22 by author and poet Thomas McCarthy.

Vice Chairperson Helen Moynihan welcomed the guests and introduced the first speaker, Curator William Fraher.  She commented that the history of  Big Houses of Co. Waterford has been the subject of a lifelong study by William and this is evident in the quality of the exhibition.

William began by dedicating the exhibition to the late Mrs. Nell Collender and Desmond Fitzgerald, Knight of Glin, both great collectors.  He thanked Fás and Waterford Leader Partnership for their financial support over the years.  He hoped people would gain an insight into life above and below stairs from this exhibition.  He concluded by reading an amusing piece about the Anson family at Woodhouse, Stradbally in 1902/1903. taken from Clodagh Anson's memoir.

Thomas McCarthy began by stating that this was a "world class" exhibition and he was impressed with all the the aspects which were covered including - gardens, libraries, landlord and tenants, artist's views etc.  Thomas praised the work of William Fraher in promoting Dungarvan and Co. Waterford over many years.  He congratulated the Museum Society on their  continued professionalism in promoting the history of the county through exhibitions such as this and through their excellant web site.  He concluded by reading a poem from his latest book - The Anglo Irish Tea Party.

A number of the owners of houses featured in the exhibition were in attendance and we were delighted to welcome renowned architectural historian, Mark Girourard who was the first to write about the Co.Waterford houses back in the 1960s for Country Life magazine.  Follow us on facebook to view more photographs of the event.

Visit The Museum For Culture Night 7pm to 10pm Friday 23rd September

If you cannot visit the museum during our normal hours of opening, you now have an opportunity to see our latest exhibition on Friday evening 23rd September from 7pm to 10pm thanks to Culture Night.

Learn all about the history of the real life 'Downton Abbeys' visit Waterford County Museum and view our latest exhibition 'The Big Houses In Waterford', which will be officially opened on Thursday 22nd September 2011 at 8.00pm.

This is the first such exhibition on Country Houses to be mounted in Waterford. The museum has an extensive photographic archive and we have picked out a selection of fascinating photos relating to the Big Houses of Co. Waterford. The exhibition is divided into themes such as - Interiors, gardens, costume, the hunt, artists and the Big House, libraries, leisure, servants, the War of Independence, etc.

There are original letters, maps documents, artefacts and pictures from many of the 'Big Houses' in Waterford, including material on the Chearnley family of Salterbridge House, Cappoquin, the Poer family of Belleville, Cappoquin (later the home of the writer Molly Keane) and the de la Poer family of Gurteen le Poer, Kilsheelan. Included is a manuscript account of the 1866 Parliamentary Election held in Dungarvan.

The museum will stay open until 10.00pm on Friday (thanks to the efforts of our volunteer members) but if you can't make it on Culture Night the exhibition will be open Monday to Friday for several months from 10a.m. to 5p.m.

Admission Is Free

If Maps Could Speak, Ordnance Survey Past & Present by Richard Kirwan

The first of the lecture series will take place in the Town Hall on Wednesday September 21 at 8.00pm.

Richard Kirwan is a Waterford native.  Having graduated from UCC with a degree in Civil Engineering, he spent many years working with Ordnance Survey Ireland. He had a childhood fascination with maps and his native city. In his book "If Maps Could Speak" which was published in 2010, he engages his combination of memoir, history and stories about  people and places during the history of Ordnance Survey in Ireland.
Richard is responsible for the modernisation and re- mapping of Ordnance Survey of the entire Country and in his talk he will take the audience behind the scenes and into the minds and early works of the map makers.

The Fenian Wild Geese Book Launch

Áine Ui Fhoglú, Eddie Cantwell, Nioclás Ó Griofain with Ormonde Waters.

On Monday 12 September Mr. Ormonde Waters gave a talk to a full house about his new book - The Fenian Wild Geese.  In his talk he concentrated on local man John Cashman whose family hailed from the Burgery, Abbeyside.  President Nioclás Ó Griofain suggested that a plague be erected to Cashman in Dungarvan.

On behalf of all present he thanked Mr. Waters for his excellent talk.

Lecture Series 2011 - 2012

The lecture series is about to begin again with some new faces and interesting topics.  As usual the lectures will take place on the third Wednesday of every month in the Town Hall at 8.00pm, an entry fee of  €5 applies.  Any changes  in regard to the lectures will be posted here and in the local papers.  The line up is as follows:

September - 21 - Richard Kirwan - If Maps Could Speak, Ordnance Survey Past and Present.

October -19 - David Pollock -Viking Dig at Barronstrand St, Waterford.

November -16 - John Tierney - The Origins of Dungarvan - Evidence from Shandon.

January - 18 - Dr. Méabh Ní Fhuartháin - Details to be confirmed.

February - 15 - Bill Power - The Blackwater River, Discovering the Irish Rhine from Source to Sea.

March - 21- William Fraher - Old Dungarvan Families.

Museum Photograph Used by BBC 4

5 R.I.C. officers posing for a photograph at Kiely’s Cross, Ardmore. Sgt Patrick Hassett is seated center.

On a BBC 4 programme aired on Saturday 11 August entitled "From our own Correspondent" Fergal Keane foreign affairs correspondent with the BBC discussed the state of the Irish economy.
This discussion was prompted by a picture of his great grandfather Sgt Patrick Hassett who was a member of the Royal Irish  Constabulary, which he found  on display at an exhibition held  in Ardmore, Co. Waterford during the summer months. The picture is part of the the collection on the museum website www.waterfordcountyimages.org
A synopsis of the talk can be found online in the  BBC  News magazine.

Talk On The Fenian Wild Geese by Ormonde D.P. Waters.

On September 12 Ormonde D.P.Waters will give a talk on his latest book "The Fenian Wild Geese" to the Museum Society members   Ormonde was born in County Cork in 1932 and emigrated to Western Australia with his family from Laytown Co. Meath in 1967.  Here he pursued a successful career in the state public service.  He is widely recognised as the pre - eminent authority in his special areas of historical interest which include the United Irishmen of 1798, the life and works of John Boyle O'Reilly, the sixty two Fenians transported to Western Australia on the last convict ship in 1868, and the Catalpa Rescue of 1876.  Ormonde D.P. Waters is a former editor of the Journal of the Australian Irish Heritage Association The Fenian Wild Geese is his latest publication.  The event will take place at 8.00 pm in the museum.

Launch of Dungarvan Town Trail App



Members of the Museum Committee with Town Mayor Theresa Wright, County Mayor Liam Brazil, Bernadette Guest & Dave Lee.

A large group of the Museum Society members gathered in the Civic Offices for the launch of the Dungarvan town trail by the Town Mayor Theresa Wright on Tuesday 23. This audio trail allows the listener to explore the 1000 year history of the town, the tour features an interactive map, GPS and  38 photos.

The version of the trail  initially being launched is for the iphone and is available to download for just 79 cent from the App store.  Simply search for Dungarvan.  A free podcast of the trail will play in all common MP3 players or Android phones and will be availabe shortly to download from www.waterfordmuseum.ie

The trail is a collaborative effort between the members of Waterford County Museum, Dave Lee of www.rememberwhen.ie who's company is involved in dvd slideshows and life history recordings, and from the members of the local dramatic club Orla, Dave, Ruaidhri, Margaret, Ann, Brendan, Con, Noreen and Joe who gave their time free of charge for this project for us.  Visit us on facebook to view more photos of the event.

Event for Heritage Week at Museum

Darren Getting a Helping Hand from a Young Visitor

In conjunction with heritage week, education officer Helen Moynihan organised an event "Tell a Tale" for the children.  This was held in the museum on Saturday 20 August.
The afternoon consisted of story telling, quizzes and colouring.  Helen told the children some of the history of the town and then they heard the story of the Salmon of Knowledge from Darren Moynihan. 
The children  enjoyed some time drawing pictures of the salmon and answering questions on the story.
As always well done to Helen and Darren for organising and  putting on the event.

Heritage Week Event at Museum

A children's event will be held in the museum on Saturday 20 from 2 - 3pm. The event entitled "What is heritage?" will comprise of story telling, quizzes and colouring.
As always the event is free and all materials will be supplied.

The Kane brothers from Kilkenny

The boys enjoying the replica artifacts in the museum. They were also given a demonstration of how to fire from the brown bess musket with the aid of our new iPad.

The museum is a voluntary non profit organisation with charitable status. Admission is free and all are Welcome, Fáilte, Willkommen, Bienvenue & Witaj.

Sheehan Family Visit to the Museum.

Maggie & Trevor with children Amy, Emma, Shauna & Andrew.

GAA Medals Donation.

Presentation of medals by Joseph Randles to Waterford County Museum.

These Medals were awarded to Michael and Joseph Wyse of Dungarvan. The earlier medal dated 1896 was awarded to Michael Wyse of Erin's Hope Team at the Waterford Football Championship. The other medals were awarded to Joseph Wyse in 1926 & 1927. We are delighted to add these very important GAA Medals to our collection.

Audio Walking Trail - WLRFM Radio Interview

William Whelan discussed the Walking Trail App with Ian Noctor of WLR FM,  for the radio programme 'Noctor 'til Six' at 4:45pm today (August 2nd 2011). The museum would like to thank Ian Noctor and WLR FM for the airtime.

The interview was six minutes in length and is available to download in two formats.

• MP3
• WMA (Windows Audio)

The Walking Trail App was developed in conjunction with Dave Lee of http://www.rememberwhen.ie/

Audio Walking Trail Launched For Dungarvan, Co. Waterford

Discover the history of Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, Ireland and explore some of the historic landmarks. This easy to use audio tour features contemporary accounts from soldiers, travellers and writers from times past. Travel back in time and see the town as our ancestors saw it. The app contains an interactive map with GPS system, 38 photos (most over 100 years old), a cast of 9 actors, sound effects and a script created by historians from Waterford County Museum. Once the tour has been downloaded it works offline, which means that you can enjoy the tour without needing to connect to the internet.

This audio trail has been produced by Waterford County Museum in co-operation with rememberwhen.ie (a Dungarvan company that specialises in producing DVD slide shows for special occasions and recording oral histories) and local volunteers who gave their time freely so that you can enjoy our town's history. The iPhone version of the Dungarvan Heritage Audio Tour costs 79 cent, it is available now via the App Store.

Free Podcast Version For MP3 Players, Android And Other Smartphones
A free version of the tour is currently being prepared. This podcast will not feature the GPS system on the app or the photos. We have prepared a free downloadable map to accompany this tour. The advantage of the free tour is that it will play on all smart phones (Android etc.) and will also run on MP3 players. It will also function as an audio synopsis of Dungarvan history for those who cannot visit the town.

Official Launch
The official launch of the App will be happening during Heritage Week 20th to the 28th August. We will also announce other exciting museum developments at the launch. Full details of all those who worked on the app for the past 8 months or so will be appearing in the official press releases which will appear in the local media in, my thanks to them all and also Glen Barnes of mytoursapp.com for his help and co-operation.

Developing Low Cost Walking Tours Across Waterford
It is hoped to do a lecture in September for other heritage / community groups in Waterford to allow communities to develop their own own walking tour apps. We managed to develop this app at almost no cost due to the goodwill of a lot of people, hopefully the lessons we have learned can be used by other community groups.

Waterford County Museum is a voluntary organisation and a registered charity dedicated to preserving the history of County Waterford. You can see screenshots from the app on iTunes / App Store.

Follow The Museum On Facebook, Twitter & YouTube
One of the best ways of keeping up with what the museum is doing is to follow us on

www.facebook.com/waterfordcountymuseum

www.twitter.com/waterfordmuseum

www.youtube.com/user/waterfordcomuseum

Grandchildren of Captain Kavanagh Visits Museum

Mrs. Meade and her brother Joe O'Brien with Members of the Museum Committee.

We were delighted to welcome Joe O'Brien and his sister Mrs. Meade to the museum last week. They are the grandchildren of Captain Joseph Kavanagh (1853-1923).  Kavanagh was appointed captain of the Fenian boat the Erin's Hope.  They presented the museum with a photograph of Captain Kavanagh and copies of his ship's master certs.  We have an engraving of the Erin's Hope on display in the museum.

Museum Society Trip to Cobh

David Hourigan & Don Fennessy enjoying the trip.

On Saturday July 11 a group of 26 members of the Museum Society departed the museum for a boat trip from Penrose Quay, Cork to Cobh.

The boat trip with on board commentary took an hour and a half and  was enjoyed in beautiful sunshine. On arriving in Cork the group had a very pleasent meal at the Commadore hotel and then spent some time visiting some of the sites in this historical town, the  Cathedral, the old cemetery, and the Sirius Art Centre.

Arriving back in Dungarvan at 6.30, the group described the day as very relaxing and enjoyable.  We would like to thank O' Brien's bus service for transporting the group for the day and the Commadore hotel for the lovely meal.  Visit us on facebook to view more photos of the day.

Launch of "Two Centuries of Tall Ships in Waterford" at Waterford County Museum

Two Centuries of Tall Ships in Waterford by Bill Irish & Andrew Kelly

On Thursday 23 we had the launch of "Two Centuries of Tall Ships in Waterford".  The book by Andrew Kelly & Bill Irish gives a pictorial record of ships from the Suir to the Blackwater.  The book holds many rare images previously unpublished, some in colour, others in black and white.  Each image is accompanied by a detailed description of the vessel.  Also included is a list of the  Ship Owners, Captains and Seamen of Waterford and Dungavan.  In all there are 143 images contained in well laid out and beautifully designed book.

This is a first photographic book on Waterford ships, a number of Dungarvan ships are mentioned, The Eliza O'Keeffe, the Margaret West, The Moresby and the Jameson to name but a few.

This is a very interesting book for anyone interested in the Maritime History of Waterford.

The book is available to buy here at the Museum, and at Readers Choice, Lower Main Street, Dungarvan. Priced at 20 euros.

Join us on facebook to view pictures of the night

Film Premiere On Life Of West Waterford IRA Commander

George Lennon

Members of the museum attended the premiere of Ó Cogadh go Síocháin - Saol George Lennon at the SGC Dungarvan on Wednesday May 25.  It details the life of Dungarvan man George Lennon who was commander of the West Waterford Flying Column during the War of Independence. Many local historians were interviewed including Nioclás Ó Griofáin, Seán Murphy, Tommy Mooney and Terence O'Reilly the author of the recent biography of George Lennon. A number of photographs from the museum archive feature in the film. 

The film was directed by Cormac Morel and edited by Nicola Leddy and was produced as part of works by the students of the Higher Diploma in Television Production run by Nemeton. On the day there were ten films premiered and all were of a very high standard. The films will be shown on T na G later this year.

Number Of School Visits On The Increase

A Group of Students from the Cope Foundation, Cork

In the last number of weeks we have been very pleased to welcome a number of schools to the museum. Some of the schools are based locally, St. Joseph's National School, St. John's School, Kilbrien National school and it's great that they are taking advantage of the facilities that the museum has to offer.

Today Monday 30 we had a group of student's from the Cope Foundation, Penrose Quay, Cork.  They took time to visit during their day out in the area and promised to return in the future with other groups of their students.

As the time for school tours approaches we hope to see many more schools pay us a visit and enjoy the many items on display.

We can provide a tour to suit individual needs, some like a guided tour others like to browse at their leisure.

Visit to Dromana House

 Members of the Museum Society had an enjoyable trip to Dromana House and Garden last Friday evening.  They were given an informative tour by Nicholas and Barbara Grubb and Mrs Emily Villiers Stuart.

 Afterwards they enjoyed refreshments in  the new tea room, which also has a small display of artefacts associated with the family.

George Lennon Film

Portrait of George Lennon

The Museum Society wish to extend best wishes to Cormac Morel and indeed all of the film crew who worked with him on the making of the George Lennon Film. The Museum Society was delighted that Cormac selected the museum as a location for some of the footage which will be included in the film.

Ivan Lennon son of George Lennon has a strong connection with Waterford County Museum and is a regular visitor when he is in Ireland.

 We wish Cormac and the entire crew the best of luck with the production which premiers at the S.G.C. Dungarvan on May 25.

Kilbrien School Visit

The Children of 3rd, 4th and 5th Class Kilbrien School

The children from the senior classes,  Kilbrien school paid a visit to the museum on Wednesday 18. The children spent their time browsing the different exhibits and were very interested in different area's of the museum.
This was the first visit we have had from the school, they were very impressed with what they saw and promised to return.

Cork Students Visit Museum

On Friday 13 a group of second year students from Regina Mundi College Cork visited the museum.  They were in Dungarvan on a geography field trim and took time out to visit.  They were very impressed with the amount of exhibits on display and praised the museum for their work in preserving the local history.

The museum saw a large volume of visitors all during the week, with some visitors from England and America.

Visit from Scoil Náisunta Baile Mhic Airt

Múinteoir Liam Ó Lionáin agus na Paistí as ranga 5 agus 6.

On Thursday 12 we had the pleasure of greeting 5th and 6th class from Scoil Náisunta Baile Mhic Airt along with their teacher Liam Ó Lionáin.  This was their first time visiting the museum and were delighted with the exhibits. They took a great interest in the story of the Moresby and the items on display of this awful tragedy.

Our President Nióclas was on hand to speak to the children and enlighten them on the history of the locals James Mansfield, Old Parish  and Seán Graves, Ring.
 See our facebook page to view pictures of the visit.

Annual Book Sale

Our annual book sale was held over the bank holiday weekend and it was a great success attracting hundreds of visitors. The sale was held again this year on the premises of Garvey's Super Valu and a big thank you to the management for providing us with the premises and to the Abbeyside Scouts who provided us with tables for the event.

The book sale is one of our main fund raising events and we are delighted with the proceeds of the weekend.

A big thank you to all who helped transport the books and  who gave their time over the weekend, but espically Eddie Cantwell who sorted and priced all the books over the last couple of months and over saw the running of the sale over the weekend.

Proceeds from the sale will go towards developing various museum projects.

Variety Concert A Great Success

Local Group Béaltaine on stage

Our second variety night was held in the town hall theatre on Thursday April 28.  This event was held in conjunction with the official opening of Féile na Déise with all monies going to the museum.  The concert was opened by broadcaster Micheál ó Muircheartaigh who thanked the Féile committee for their great work and the museum for their very impressive exhibition space.

The audience had a great night's entertainment and we would like to thank all those who took part, the Dungarvan Brewing Company for refreshments and to all the helpers who gave of their time on the night.

Finally a big thank you to Eddie Cantwell for putting the event together. You can follow us on facebook to view pictures of the night.

Lemonade Making A Great Success

Darren Giving His Talk on The History of Lemonade

The children's  event held in the museum on Saturday April 16 was a great success.  The museum was packed with both adults and children, where they enjoyed an illustrated talk on the making of lemonade.  They then had the chance to design and make their own label.

Well done to Helen Moynihan who put the event together, along with the assistance of her son Darren, Emma and Aisling.

This event was in conjunction with the Festival of Food and saw the museum open for the two days over the weekend. Thanks to staff members  Noelle, Noreen and Tony who manned the museum over the weekend. We are delighted with the numbers that visited the museum over the course of the weekend and enjoyed both the lemonade making and the Baking & Brewing exhibition.

To view more pictures of Saturday's event, visit us on facebook.

Official Opening of the Brewing & Baking Exhibition

Des Power launching the Baking & Brewing Exhibition.

The official opening of the exhibition took place in the museum on Wednesday 13 April at 7.30 pm. Mr. Des Power grandson of Thomas Power founder of the brewery, was on hand to do the honours and he gave a very enlightening  talk on his family's history.

A large crowd was in attendence and after the opening speeches, they took time to browse the many panels and cases holding the exhibit. A great night was had and we would like to thank Des and his family for attending and for the many items they have donated to the museum.

Photographs from the exhibition launch can be seen on our Facebook Page.

Children's Workshop - Traditional Lemonade Making

As part of the Festival of Food the museum are again holding a children's event. This will take place in the museum on Saturday April 16 from 12 noon to 2 pm. 
Darren Moynihan will give an illustrated talk on the history of lemonade.  The children will then have the opportunity to help in the making of lemonade and design and make their own bottle label.  The event is free and all materials will be provided.
The museum will be open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday April 16 and from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday April 17.

Official Opening of The Brewing & Baking Exhibition

Power's Cider Factory, O'Connell St Dungarvan

The spring exhibition "Brewing & Baking In Dungarvan" will be officially opened on Wednesday April 13 at 7.30 at the museum by Mr. Des Power a member of the the Power family. The exhibition which will coincide with the Waterford Festival of Food, will display many photos and memorabilia from the Power's brewery and bakery collection held here at the museum. We hope you can come along and join us on the night. The exhibition will run for a number of weeks.

Annual Book Sale 2011

Our annual book sale will take place again this year.  The event will take place at Garvey's Supervalu on the weekend of April 28 to May 1.  We are still taking books for the sale and all second hand books in good condition will be gratefully received.
The books can be handed into the museum any day between 10.am and 5.pm.

Ballynatray House and Garden by Neil Porteous

Our final lecture of the season will be on the magnificant Ballynatray Estate which has been restored in recent years and is now undergoing a further series of improvements by it's present owner, including the restoration of the landscape and a spectacular new garden on the foot print of the old walled garden.  The talk will take place in the Museum on Wednesday March 23 at 8.00 pm. Entry fee of £5, All are welcome.

Museum Spring Exhibition Baking & Brewing In Dungarvan

To conincide with the Waterford Festival of Food, which will run from Friday April 15 - Sunday April 17. we will be mounting an exhibition on brewing and baking in Dungarvan. This exhibition will be on going in the museum for a number of weeks. The core of the display will concentrate on the history of Power's Brewery, using the large Power collection in the museum archive.
 If  anyone has any items relating to brewing or baking in Dungarvan we would like to hear from you.

Donal Moloney Visits Museum

Committee Member Jim Shine with Donal Moloney

A recent visitor to the museum was Mr. Donal Moloney.  Donal's great great grandmother was Abagail Moloney, who was one of Dungarvan's best known business women.

South East Heritage & Culture Awards 2010

Committee Members Mary Giblin, Helen Moynihan, William Fraher,  Nioclás Ó'Griofáin and William Whelan with Senator David Norris

 South East Heritage and Culture awards in association with the Munster Express and Dooley's Hotel was held on February 3 at Dooley's Hotel.  This is the second year of the award which compromises of 4 awards annually compromising of 4 categories and an overall award for the year.
The awards are given out to groups and organisations in the South East who promote the regions Heritage, Crafts and Culture.  The museum was the recipient of the Heritage Group award in the first quarter of 2010.
 A group of the committee members attended the award ceremony.  The Spraoi group were the over-all winners.
Guest of honor for the occasion was Senator David Norris.

Waterford Museum Annual Members Dinner 2011

A Group Of The Members At The Annual Dinner

The museum held it's annual dinner at Crew's restaurant on Friday February 4. There was a very good attendance and the night was enjoyed by all.  A special surprise was arranged to mark the birthday of our President Nioclás Ó  Griofáin.  Museum curator Willie Fraher gave a brief but fascinating account of a 19th century diary written by John Russell of Ballysallagh, Kinsalbeg, which is in the museum collection.  We would like to thank the management and staff of Crew's for the lovely meal.  To view more pictures from the night visit us on facebook

Lecture On The War of Independence & 'The Big House' Hughly Successful

Close to 100 people gathered at the Town Hall Theatre to attend a talk by William Fraher, titled - The War of Independence/Civil War & The Big House in Co. Waterford. The audience was by no means disappointed and were given a fascinating insight with this period from the point of view of the owners of the Big Houses. Of particular interest were the extracts from unpublished diaries manuscripts and letters which William has unearthed during his research.

"It is" he said his intention to pursue the subject matter more fully and appealed for photographs, letters etc.

Proposing a vote of thanks to the speaker, author and historian Seán Murphy complemented William on his talk and the research undertaken.

For those who missed the talk there will be another opportunity to hear it in Waterford in November as part of Waterford Historical & Archaeological Society’s Winter talks programme.

The War of Independence/ Civil War & The Big House in Co Waterford

Waterford County Museums first talk for the New year is certain to generate a great deal on interest. William Fraher has - as usual - focused in on subject matter which is as controversial as it is interesting. William who is curator of the museum which is housed at the old Town Hall Dungarvan is not known to shy away from an historical Challenge and this talk will certainly prove to be as praiseworthy as the numerous others which he has given for the society.
The aim of this talk is to shed some light on a particular aspect of the War of Independence/ Civil War in Co Waterford - That is - how it impacted on the Big House in Co Waterford. The subject has been touched on by various historians of the period, but not in any great detail. William’s indept research will also prove valuable to students with an interest in ‘the Big Houses’ and any learning gained from William’s talk can be generalised into many fields of research.
William felt it would be interesting to see the subject from the Anglo-Irish viewpoint and how it impacted on their lives and how it shaped their attitudes to the new emerging Ireland.

As sources he has used original manuscripts and letters which are unpublished, newspapers and witness statements etc. He will also look at how this subject was portrayed in the literature of the period focusing on Emily Ussher of Cappagh House who is now a totally forgotten figure. She and her husband Beverly Ussher were very much nationalists and supporters of the Irish language.
Houses featured in the talk include - Mount Congreve, Curraghmore, Gardenmorris, Comeragh, Whitfield, Annestown, Lismore Castle, Cloncoskeran etc.

This is certain to be a fascinating talk with new insights from original documents recently unearthed by William. There will be a question and answer session after the talk and William will endeavour to deal with as many questions as he can. As usual, the talk is open to everybody and will take place at the Town Theatre on St. Augustine Street on Wednesday 19th January at 8 PM.