Edward Brenan was an amateur
artist and historian who discovered the remains of mammoth, bear, deer, etc, in
the Shandon Caves, Dungarvan in 1859. He
drew and sketched in and around Dungarvan in the mid 19th century and we are
delighted to have received a donation of a number of his sketches including a
fascinating panorama of Dungarvan with the principal buildings marked. Also included in the exhibition are his
sketches of Irish Elk found locally and a selection of archaeological pamphlets
of local interest which belonged to the family.
His son Richard Edward,
postmaster and printer founded the first cycle club in Ireland - ‘The Dungarvan
Ramblers C. C.’ in 1869. He and his son
David were also amateur photographers who recorded people and places around
Dungarvan, Co. Waterford and beyond. On
display is a recently donated album of their work with remarkable images of
people, places and events such as the Shanahan Eviction of 1887. There are four large reproductions of
stunning photographs taken by Richard Edward in Co. Waterford showing poor
people outside of their humble country homes.
Also in the display are two
penny farthing bicycles dating from the 19th century and the first
cup for a cycle challenge race in Ireland dated 1869.
The exhibition is open Monday
to Friday 10am to 5pm and admission is free.
