Cumann na mBan Exhibition

The Museum plan to organise an exhibition that accurately reflects the role Waterford women played in gaining an independent Ireland.

Many stories are written and indeed continue to be written about the freedom fighters that fought for Irish independence and a Free State. But, what of the women who also risked their lives for this cause. Much has also been written of the Waterford men directly involved in the War of Independence and Civil War but the stories of the local women have largely remained untold.

The women locally were involved with carrying messages, hiding arms, tending the sick and wounded, and providing safe houses, acting as look out, organising fundraisers and many more duties. A witness statement by P.J. Paul, Officer commanding the East Waterford Brigade, 1919-1921, pay tribute to the valuable services provided by local women as individuals throughout the City and County (Bureau of Military History).

The Women's League "Cumann na mBan" an auxiliary force was founded in Dublin on the 2nd April 1914, due to the exclusion of women from the newly formed Volunteers.

We are looking for the individual stories of those involved. If you can help us with our research, stories, documents, photos etc. please contact Waterford County Museum, Friary St, Dungarvan
by email or phone 058 45960

Photo above of  Mary Ormonde, Dungarvan (standing 3rd left) was a member of Cumann na mBan c1920

New Book on Waterford's Geological Heritage

Corries Caves and Coast
Corries Caves and Coast - The Geological Heritage of Co Waterford, was launched recently at the Copper Coast Centre by the Chief of the Heritage Council, Michael Starrett. The book received  support from the Heritage Council and the Geological Survey of Ireland.

The book is written by Matthew Parkes, Robert Meehan and Sophie Préteseille, and includes details of caves, slate quarries, mines and coastal features of Co Waterford

The book is beautifully designed and is full of wonderful colour photographs. It is available From the Civic Offices, Dungarvan and the Copper Coast Centre www.coppercoastgeopark.com  at the cost of €10.

New Book on Lismore

"But for Ireland, I'd Not Tell Her Name"

This book is written and illustrated by Gerard Taylor. The title is based on the traditional Irish air Ar Éireann Ni Neosfainn Cé Hi. The author's great uncle Joe Collins lived in Botany in Lismore and worked as a baker. During the War of Independence he joined with the local republicans. He climbed up a ladder with two cans of petrol and set fire to the courthouse in Lismore, suffered burns but escaped capture.

The book  tells the story of the family in Lismore and is part fact and part fiction and is illustrated with colour illustrations by the author.

For further information on ordering a copy contact the author at gezmurals@yahoo.co.uk

Children's Christmas Workshop

Children you are invited to make a Christmas card with Waterford festive scenes from days gone by. Learn how to make your own NIK-NOK toy as children did long ago.

Venue: Museum, Friary St.

Date: Saturday 14th December

Time: 12-1 pm

Admission Free

All children very welcome

Walking History of St Joseph's Hospital

Repeat showing of the film titled "Walking History of St. Joseph's Hospital"

Date: Saturday 7th December 2013

Venue: S.G.C. Cinema, Dungarvan

Time: 11.30 am

Tickets €5- Available at the door

Ideal Christmas Gift

Looking for the ideal Christmas gift for family and friends at home or abroad.

Call to Waterford County Museum and pick up a copy of "Dungarvan Historic Guide & Town Trail"

Contents of book include:

Historical Sites around Dungarvan

Street Names of Dungarvan and Abbeyside

Historical Photo Selection

Dungarvan Heritage Walking Trail

Book is priced at €10- and is available at
The Museum, Friary St
also Easons and Readers Choice, Dungarvan.

New Waterford History Book by Julian Walton

Museum member Julian Walton will launch his new book titled
 "On This Day"

Date: Friday 29th November

Venue: The Book Centre, Waterford

Time: 6.30 pm

The book contains a selection from the programmes broadcast on WLR FM between 1994 and 2012. It is to commemorate eleven centuries of the history of Waterford City and County.

The launch will be performed by Eddie Wymberry

All are welcome

Book Launch History of Fishing of the South and West Coasts

Museum member Sylvester Ó Muirí will launch his new book titled
"The State & The Sea Fisheries of the South & West coasts of Ireland 1922-1972"

Venue: Woodlands Hotel, Dunmore Rd., Waterford

Date: Friday November 15th

Time: 7.30pm

All are welcome

Walking History of St Joseph's Hospital

A new film by Eddie Cantwell and Fionn Mac Giolla Chuda tiltled "A walking history of St Joseph's Hospital, Dungarvan 1930s-1970s will have its premiere in Dungarvan

Venue: SGC Cinema, Dungarvan

Date: Thursday 21st November 2013

Wine Reception at 6.30pm

Film will begin at 7.30pm

Tickets €6 Each

Michael Brennan (who grew up in the gate lodge) takes the viewer on a tour of the complex and talks about the personalities, staff, doctors, death, farm work and the history of the buildings.

The film makers have kindly agreed to donate any profits on the night to Waterford County Museum.
Tickets can be purchased from the Museum in Friary St., we can also  be contacted on 058-45960.

Lecture By Eoin McGarry - Diving The RMS Lusitania & More

Town Hall Theatre Friary Street Dungarvan

Wednesday 16th October 8PM

Refreshments will be served

€5 Entry all are welcome

Dungarvan diver Eoin McGarry, is now recognised as one of the best technical salvage divers in the world. He has spear-headed entire operations. Experts in the field who have worked with him in the deep will attest that his engineering skills when working at tremendous depths must be seen to be believed, he is also the diver who made headlines several years ago by bringing back the "smoking gun" evidence from the wreck of the liner RMS Lusitania which lies in almost 300 feet of water, a technical diving operation which has been compared to the arduousness of working in outer space. Eoin is a highly qualified and respected diver in both the National and International diving scene. He has been diving for up on 25 years and is passionate about wreck diving in particular.

Eoin McGarry has led many dive expeditions and recovery operations, some of those have included a documentary with National Geographic on Lusitania, ammunition and artefact recovery from Lusitania, recovery of anchors from Roger Casement's gunrunning ship the Aud, recovery of the bell, wheel and compass from the lost sail training vessel the Asgard II sunk in the Bay of Biscay and is currently involved in documentary being made for TG4 based on the Lusitania and has also just completed a radio documentary for RTE Radio 1 on sunken treasures off the Irish Coast. Eoin is also specialized in the use of Side Scan Sonar for the detection of lost objects, sadly human remains being the primary target of interest and has assisted and worked with the Naval Service Divers in the use of this type of sonar equipment.

Eoin's qualifications also include; Open and Closed Circuit Mixed Gas Technical Rebreather Diver, Commercial Diver, Search and Recovery Diver and Cave Diver. This then is most certainly not an opportunity to be missed; Eoin will also have a number of artefacts from his dives on display on the night, refreshments will be served and Eoin will be available to chat. This illustrated talk takes place at the Town Hall Theatre on Friary Street on Wednesday 16th October at 8.PM. And as always, all are welcome.

Lusitania Image Courtesy: German Federal Archives

Waterford Memorial Dedication & Remembrance Ceremony

A Monument commemorating the eleven hundred Waterford men and women who lost their lives in the First World War will be unveiled in Dungarvan.

Date: Sunday 6th October 2013

Time: 3pm

Location: Castle Street, Dungarvan

The 1914-18 war was a calamity for Waterford. Approximately eleven hundred men and women from the city and county lost their lives. Many more were injured and traumatised.

The Waterford Memorial in the form of a simple polished black granite wall has been inscribed with each of these individual names to mark their passing and the loss felt by their families and friends.

It's felt the monument will also serve as tangible evidence of a sincere desire for friendship and respect between people of different and until recently, irreconcilable political traditions.

 

A view of the 125th Battery Royal Field Artillery going out to fire their guns during the First World War. Included are Soldiers on foot in the foreground, followed by a Soldier on horseback and then Soldiers on teams of horses pulling gun carriages.

 

King John's Castle

Castle Street, Dungarvan

The Life and Athletic Career of James Hughes by Donal Power

Donal Power  will give a power point presentation on the life and athletic career of his grandfather, Irish International Cross-Country runner  James Hughes.

It will deal with his achievements, fame in England, life as a soldier in World War 1, international sports, the Olympic Games 1908 & 1912 and the tragic and abrupt end to his athletic career, his return to Ireland and his life in Abbeyside in the 1950's and 1960's.

 

 

Where: Town Hall Theatre, Dungarvan

 

When: Wednesday 18th September 2013

 

Time: 8pm

 

Admission €5

 

Donal Power is a well known Abbeyside personality through his music, recordings and fundraising efforts. He is presently living in Carrigaline with his wife and family.

 

 

Anyone who has an interest in athletics should add this date to their diary.



 

 

 

 

"Windmills of the Mind" by John Daly

Launch of New Book "Windmills of the Mind" 
A collection of Poems by John Daly

Where: Waterford County Museum, Friary St., Dungarvan

When: Friday 27th September

Time: 8.30 pm

Admission Free

Refreshments Served

All are welcome

A Celebration of Jane Austen at Salterbridge House

A celebration of Jane Austen in aid of

the restoration of the old Presbyterian Church in Lismore

 

 

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the publication of Pride & Prejudice and Salterbridge House is an ideal place to celebrate Jane Austen. Set amidst beautiful grounds above the river Blackwater, it was built in 1750. Substantially altered in the 19th century, the house and oak panelled hall sets the scene for a feast of Jane Austen activities.

 

Date: Sunday 6th October

 

Venue: Salterbridge House, Cappoquin, Co Waterford

 

Time: 10.30am to 4.30pm

 

Dress: Regency Costume if desired

 

Lunch: An Austen inspired 3 course lunch

 

Cost: €75 for whole day or Lecture/Play and refreshments €25 per session

 



 



Jane Austen Dress

 

Regency dress is optional, with a prize for the best dressed participant. Changing rooms will be available for those who wish to complete their toilette on arrival.

 

Dr. Sophia Hillan, author and lecturer on Irish literature will speak about "Cassandra's Star, Jane Austen's nieces in Ireland"

 

In the afternoon Empire Line Productions presents Ladies of Jane, Scenes and Musings from the Pen of Jane Austen.

 

Bookings 058-54952/08702030763 or email susiewingfield@hotmail.com

 

 





Museum Event For Heritage Week, Re-building of Dungarvan in the 1800's

This year the Museum is concentrating on the re-building of Dungarvan in the early 1800's by the Dukes of Devonshire. William Fraher will give an illustrated presentation titled  "The 19th century re-building of Dungarvan by the 5th and 6th Dukes of Devonshire".

When: 21st August

Where: The Town Hall Theatre, Friary St, Dungarvan 

Time: 8pm

Admission Free

The works undertaken by the Dukes of Devonshire completely transformed the appearance of the town adding a square, market place and new streets.

Tea Tales & Tombstones Fund Raising Event a Great Success

Many thanks to all who supported our Afternoon Tea fund-raiser at St. Mary's Vintage Tea Rooms last Saturday, organised by Ria Drohan.

There was a photographic exhibition of images from the Museum collection. Eddie Cantwell and John Tierney were on hand to talk about the graveyard.

Thanks to Mary, Johanna and Helen and museum committee members for their assistance with the event and to all those who donated cakes.

Church Repair Fund
The next afternoon tea event will take place on Saturday 3rd August and is for a very worthy cause, repairs to St. Mary's Church of Ireland.

Museum Members Outing

Visit to Loftus Hall and Kennedy Homestead

When: Saturday 10th August

Leaving at 9am from Museum, Friary St.

Coach and Admission Fees €30-

Anyone interested please contact the Museum before Wednesday 7th August as we require numbers for coach. Contact No. 058-45960

 

 

Tea, Tales and Tombstones

 

 

The Charity Vintage Tea Rooms St. Mary’s Church of Ireland, Dungarvan hosts a History and Tea day in aid of  Dungarvan Museum & the Churchyard repair fund on Saturday 28^th July 13.  A team of history experts will be there for you to quiz on the day and Eddie Cantwell will speak about the graveyard and point out interesting tombstones.  A ‘who do you think you are?’ expert Genealogist will also be on hand  to help you find your family roots at no cost.  

An exhibition of local photos will be on display. Old fashioned tea, dainty sandwiches and homemade cakes will be served in this lovely setting by a 1940’s maid. Outside tables available. 2p.m -  5p.m . FACEBOOK: Charity Vintage Tea Rooms

 

Trip Advisor Award for Museum

We are delighted to announce that the Museum has been awarded a Five Star Certificate of Excellence for 2013 by Trip Advisor.

The award is presented in recognition of consistently positive reviews by visitors

Australian Visitors to Museum

Mr Peter Graves Rasmussen and his wife Kirsten, visited the museum recently to see the War of Independence Medals of his distant relative.

 

Peter Graves Rasmussen viewing the 1916 Medals

of his relative Seán Graves, Helvick

Upcoming Events Afternoon Tea in Aid of Museum and St. Declan's Way Pilgrimage Walk

Afternoon Tea at the Charity Vintage Tea Rooms in aid of the Museum.

Where: St. Mary's Church of Ireland
When: Saturday 27th July 2-5pm.

If there are any bakers who would like to bake or donate a cake for the fund raiser, the Museum would be very grateful. Contact us at 058-45960

Hope to see as many members, family and friends as possible for a cuppa and a chat on the day.

 

 

 

St. Declan's Way Pilgrimage Walk -Wednesday 24th to Sunday 28th July 2013

 

As part of the Gathering 2013, Knockmealdown Active are organizing a full length walk of St. Declan's way from Cashel to Ardmore.

 

Day 1: Begin at the Rock of Cashel (Feast of St Declan), travelling south to Cahir

Day 2: Journey on to Ardfinnan

Day 3: Ascending the Knockmealdowns to reach Lismore

Day 4: Travel along the Blackwater and enjoy the Waterford countryside

Day 5: Final leg of the journey into the seaside village of Ardmore, site of St. Declan's Monastery and grave.

 

Cost is €20 per person per day to a maximum of €70 for the entire walk. Cost covers transport, guides and refreshments at the end of each day.

 

Contact http://www.kmdactive.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 



Walking Tour of Dungarvan

On Tuesday last a group from The Focolare Movement visited the Museum while on a guided walking tour of the town led by Willie Whelan.

The Focolare Movement was in Dungarvan for a conference being held at St. Augustine's College.

 

If you or your friends are interested in a tour of the town or the museum

please feel free to contact us at 058-45960 or by E-mail.

 

Schools and Clubs are Welcome

Visit to Museum is Free

 

Anyone interested in a tour of the town or the museum
please feel free to contact us

Donation of 19th Century Prints to Museum

We were delighted to receive a donation of 19th century prints from Patricia Harty-James.

Prints of Master McGrath and Daniel O'Connell are being donated in memory of her father.

 

Master McGrath,

Born in 1868 at Colligan Lodge, Co Waterford. 

Won the Waterloo Cup on three occasions

Died 1873

 

 

 

 

 

Stradbally na Deise 11 Book Launch

Where: Stradbally Girls School

When: 6th July at 12.00 Noon

All are welcome

Contact Tom Hickey 051 293219 or Brian Corry 051 293356

Robert Boyle Summer School Conference

The second annual Robert Boyle Summer School will take place in the great scientist's birthplace, Lismore.

The subjects of this year's conference include Valentine Greatrakes, the 17th century healer from Affane, known as "The Stroker". whose powers as a faith healer caused a sensation in Restoration Britain, the speaker Peter Elmer had just publishes a book on Greatrakes.

Dr. Bill Eaton of Georgia Southern University and Dr. Anna Maria Roos of the University of Lincoln will speak on Robert Boyle. Further programme details are available on www.robertboyle.ie

Tickets can be booked by calling Elenor at the Lismore Heritage Centre (058-54975)

When: 4th-7th July

Where: Lismore Heritage Centre

 

 

 

New Book on Valentine Greatrakes

Peter Elmer has just published a biography of the celebrated 17th century healer Valentine Greatrakes (1629-1660) titled - The Miraculous Conformist - Valentine Greatrakes, the Body Politic, and the Politics of Healing in Restoration Britain.

 

Greatrakes' grandfather, William, settled in Ireland during the Munster Plantation in the 1580's. In the early 1600's the family leased the Norrisland estate at Affane from Richard Boyle, Earl of Cork. Valentine was born at Norrisland house on 14th February 1629. In 1662 he claimed to have acquired the gift of healing and tried curing some of his neighbours with much success. His fame spread and many came to be cured from Ireland and England. He was invited to England where he caused a sensation, meeting some of the most noted figures of the period.

 

Based on extensive research the book tells of one man's engagement with, and response to, some of the most important events of that time, including the Irish Rebellion 1641, English Civil Wars, the Cromwellian conquest  of Ireland and the Restoration on 1660. It is a fascinating insight into the religious and political thinking of the period. In west Waterford the landowners, the family networks  and the extensive links with Devon are all covered in detail.

 

 



 

 

Upcoming Events: Afternoon Tea In Aid Of The Museum; Talk - McGrath Castles In Waterford

Talk on McGrath Castles in Waterford
As part of the McGrath Clan Rally organised by Dan McGrath, Willie Fraher will give an illustrated talk titled "McGrath Castles in Co Waterford"

Where: Town Hall Theatre, Friary St, Dungarvan
When:  Friday 14th June 2013 at 7.30pm
Admission: €5 All are welcome

Afternoon Tea in aid of Waterford County Museum

We would like to hear from members who would be willing to supply cakes for the event. Contact us on 058 45960. We look forward to seeing as many members and friends as possible supporting this event.
Where: St. Mary's Church of Ireland

When: Saturday 27th July 2013 from 2-5pm

Book Launch On Medieval Dungarvan A Great Success

The official launch of the book "Medieval Dungarvan Above & Below Ground" took place last Thursday 23rd May in the Museum.  

Museum President, Padraig Ó Cuirrín, welcomed the author Dave Pollock, Museum members and special guests.

William Fraher spoke of the importance of the publication and hoped that there would be a copy in every home and school in Dungarvan. He complemented the author on his fine illustrations which help to bring the subject to life. Dave Pollock, archaeologist has worked on some of the most important digs in Dungarvan over the years including Dungarvan Castle and the old Leather Factory site.

Dave Pollock in his address thanked The Heritage Council, Waterford Co. Council and Waterford County Museum.

A big thank you to the Waterford Living History Group who were dressed in their medieval costume for the occasion.

Dave Pollock Author, Padraig Ó Cuirrín  Museum President

& William Fraher 

Members of the Waterford Living History Group

This book will be a valuable resource for students and those interested in the archaeological evidence of this period of the town's history. The publication was funded by the Heritage Council and Waterford Co. Council.

The book is on sale at the Waterford County Museum, Friary St, Dungarvan for €8.50

Launch of New Book "Medieval Dungarvan Above & Below Ground"

Following the recent postponement we are delighted to announce the new date for the Launch of "Medieval Dungarvan Above & Below Ground" by Dave Pollock


Where: At Museum, Friary St., Dungarvan
When: Thursday 23rd May at 8pm
Refreshments Served

All are welcome.

Donation of 18th Century Picture to Museum

Julian Walton presented Waterford County Museum with an 18th century rare aquatint by Thomas Sautelle Roberts of Lismore Castle.

The artist was one of the talented Roberts family of Waterford. His brother Thomas was the distinguished landscape painter and their father John built both Waterford cathedrals.

The Museum greatly appreciates this donation.

 

Julian Walton presenting the picture to

Padraig Ó Cuirrín, Museum President

Book Sale A Great Success

Our annual fund raising book sale was held over the May Bank Holiday weekend and once again was a great success.

A big thank you to all those who donated and transported the books. All those who gave up their time over the weekend to help out at the book sale.

A special thank you to all who contributed by purchasing the books and making it such a success. The Museum greatly appreciates your contribution to this fund raising event.

A very special thank you to Eddie Cantwell who organised and over saw the running of the book sale.
To Garvey's SuperValu for the use of there premises and to Baumann Jeweller's for their generous spot prize.

Waterford County Museum Maritime Exhibition

On Thursday  2nd May the Museum launched its Maritime Exhibition. The exhibition was officially opened by Museum President, Padraig Ó'Cuirrín. Guest speaker was Silvester O'Muiri, An Rinn, also in attendance was County Mayor Billy Kyne.

Artefacts from the Lusitania,(courtesy of Eoin McGarry) and various tools from The Wooden & Iron Ship Building era, (courtesy of Andy Kelly) were on display.

 William Fraher, Pádraig Ó'Cuirrín, Mayor Billy Kyne & Eoin McGarry

Mayor Billy Kyne, Padraig Ó'Cuirrín & Jim Shine

Andy Kelly & William Fraher

 

Window from Lusitania

 

 

The Maritime Exhibition will be on display for some time so feel free to call in.

 

Opening Hours over the Bank Holiday Weekend 2-5pm Sat, Sun.& Mon.

Normal Opening Hours 10am-5pm, Monday-Friday.

Saturday Opening 1-5pm,  June to September

Waterford County Museum Hosts Maritime Exhibition

Maritime Exhibition Opens this Weekend

What: Maritime Exhibition "Dungarvan of the Old Sailing Ships"
Where: County Museum, Friary St., Dungarvan
When: From Friday 3rd May 2013

Opening Hours over the Bank Holiday Weekend: Saturday, Sunday & Monday 2-5pm

Admission Free

This Bank Holiday weekend Dungarvan are hosting its first Maritime Festival and in conjunction with this, the Waterford County Museum are launching its Maritime Exhibition "Dungarvan of the Old Sailing Ships" On display will be a wide range of photographs and tools from the wooden ship building era.

One of the highlights of the exhibition will be a display of some artefacts from the Lusitania.

All are Welcome


Book Sale

Our annual book sale takes place this weekend
Where: Main Entrance to Garvey's SuperValu, Main St, Dungarvan
When: Thursday, Friday & Saturday, the "2nd, 3rd & 4th of May from 9am each day

A large variety of books available.

Please come along and support your local Museum

John O'Grady donates his Geraldine's Goal Keeper's Jersey to the Museum

John O'Grady was born in 1942 to parents Ned and Maureen O'Grady. He attended Aglish National School. His first employment was with the ESB before he travelled to Newport in Wales and Nottingham where he took up employment. On returning to Ireland, he worked at different jobs in the locality but eventually took up a position with John A Woods at Whitechurch, Cappagh in 1964. He married Helen Mernin from Villierstown in 1965.

Over the years John had many social interests, especially fishing, shooting and card playing but he is best known for his many exploits on the GAA field playing with the Geraldines. He began by playing Minor Hurling and Football with near neighbours Ballinameela. He played with the Geraldines for over 30 years, his first game was in 1958 playing Senior Hurling against Tourin.

John O'Grady & William Fraher 

John won four County Championship and six Western medals with his club and one Western Championship medal with nearby club Villierstown, (his wife's Helen home club). He captained his Junior and Intermediate Hurling teams to two County Championships wins in 1967 and 1976 against the Mollerans and Portlaw, respectively. He also played on two losing Senior Football teams for his club in the County Finals of 1962 and 1969 against Kill and Tramore. On the Inter County front, John captained the Waterford Intermediate Hurling team in 1967 which was defeated by Clare, and played Senior Football Tournament with his county against Tipperary in Dungarvan. On one particular day he had the honour of playing with his two sons, Paul and Brendan, his brother Eddie and hid nephew Harold.

He is affectionately known to all as "the Keeper" or perhaps as "O'Grada" a name conferred on him by Father Pat Fitzgerald P.P.

The Museum is very grateful to John for donating his Goal Keepers Jersey which he wore with pride from 1963 to 1991.

Children's Event Bee Amazed a Tremendous Success

Once again the Festival of Food children's event at the Museum which took place on Saturday last 13th April was a tremendous success.

Darren Moynihan told the fascinating story of the relationship between the honey bee and the bee keeper. The children met some very busy bees and tasted their honey. They also enjoyed colouring and filling in work sheets, and enjoyed some of Flahavan's  Flapjacks and other little treats.

 

Children listening attentively to Darren

 

Darren in his bee keeping suit

 

Young boy modelling some of the safety equipment

worn when bee keeping

 

 

Adults and Children enjoying the event

 

A very enjoyable morning was had by all who attended.

Many thanks to Darren.

 

Childrens Event at Museum for Waterford Festival of Food

Bee Amazed at the Museum

Where: Waterford County Museum, Friary St, Dungarvan
When: Saturday 13th April 12 to 1 pm
Admission: FREE

On Saturday next 13th April, Helen and Darren Moynihan will present their popular children's workshop in the Museum for the Waterford Festival of Food.

"Bee Amazed" will tell the story of the relationship between the honey bee and the bee keeper. Participants will be able to taste the end  product, a wonderful local honey. Meet some real busy bees up-close in their beehive and be captivated by the story of the life of the honey bee as told by Darren. Work and drawing sheets will be available.

This free event will take place at the Waterford County Museum, Friary St, Dungarvan  on Saturday from 12 to 1 pm. All are welcome.

Talk: Dungarvan Workhouse Orphan Girls - "To Hell or Australia" 
by Eddie Cantwell

Where: Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre, Friary St, Dungarvan
When: Wednesday 17th April 8 pm
Admission: €5

On Wednesday 17th April, Eddie Cantwell will give an illustrated talk on the Dungarvan Workhouse Orphan Girls. Between 1848 and 1850 under the Earl Grey scheme over 4,000 orphan girls were removed from workhouses all over Ireland. These girls were aged between 14 and 18. Forty two girls were taken from the Dungarvan Workhouse.

Eddie Cantwell has been researching the Dungarvan Workhouse girls over the past 12 months. He tells us that while many girls left Dungarvan workhouse, some claimed Lismore, Clashmore, Cappoquin and other townlands as their home place. He also informs us that the Dungarvan Orphan girls story will be of special interest to people because the girl's surnames can still be found in the townlands they came from. This was a bitter, desperate and uncompromising period of Ireland's history. Families were torn apart in the worst possible way, as the strongest survived and the weakest perished.

Who were these girls? What became of them? Were they all orphans? To get some answers to these questions come along to the Town Hall Theatre on Wednesday 17th April at 8pm. All are welcome. Subscription €5.

Book Sale
On Thursday, Friday and Saturday the 2nd, 3rd & 4th of May our annual book sale will take place at the front entrance to Garvey's SuperValu, Main St., Dungarvan from 9am each day. If you have any books other than magazines that you no longer require, please drop them into the Museum at Friary St.

We regret to say that the Book Launch planned for Thursday 4th April in the Museum has been postponed due to circumstances beyond our control.

Successful Talk by Michael Smith on Ernest Shackleton-A Legend of Antarctic Exploration

On Wednesday February 27th we were delighted to welcome back Michael Smith to talk to the Waterford County Museum Society on Ernest Shackleton-A Legend of Antarctic Exploration

Michael gave a wonderful talk as usual to a very appreciative audience which included the Abbeyside Boys Scouts Troop. The boys were very interested in what he had to say, and when Michael opened the floor to a question and answer session, they showed great enthuasiasm and knowledge on the subject.

Michael's previous books, provided by Easons, were on sale on the night.
Easons also sponsored a voucher for a raffle, congratulations to the lucky winner.

Michael is currently researching a biography of Ernest Skackleton.

 

Michael Smith addressing his audience

Michael Smith signing a copy of his book

&

Abbeyside Boy Scouts 

 

 Jim Shine, Mary Giblin, Eddie Cantwell and Michael Smith

 

 

Joanne Rothwell Talk

 

Our next talk will be given by County Archivist, Joanne Rothwell and has the intriguing title "Love, Lies and Lithographs" on Wednesday 20th March in the Town Hall at 8pm.

 

Baltinglass Students

We recently had a visit by a large group of students from Scoil Chonglais, Baltinglass, Co Wicklow. The reason for their visit was to use the App to explore the history of Dungarvan. The audio trail allows the listener to explore the 1000 year history of the town, it features an interactive map, GPS and 38 photos.

 

 

Students from Scoil Chonglais