Well done to Chrissy Knight O’Connor for her
appearance on John Creedon’s latest series on RTE. Chrissy explained about the
Gallowshill Community Archaeology project and the associated research being
undertaken into the Viking presence in Dungarvan.
Book Launch
Aine Ui Fhoghlu launched her latest book in Ring
recently titled: ‘Scealta agus
Seanchas’. The launch venue was
packed to capacity. The book was launched by Padraig O Machain in Halla Pobail
na Rinne. He remarked what a valuable exercise Aine had undertaken in recording
the memories of local people and that he was glad to note that the book was
printed in Ireland. The museum is delighted to be associated with the
publication as we supplied a number of the illustrations for it from our
extensive image archive. Thanks to Barry Moore museum image archivist for
facilitating this. The hardback of 320 pages is a work of art and beautifully
designed and is bilingual.
Mai Fox
The museum was saddened to learn of the death of Mai
Fox who was a long-time member of the Museum Society and we send our sympathies
to her family and friends.
Margaret Power, widow, of Ballinagoul, Ringville, a poor industrious woman
The following report a Board of Guardian’s meeting in
Dungarvan shows the precarious existence of poor people in 19th
century Ireland. In this case a widow, Margaret Power, whose house was under
threat of demolition.
Waterford News 14 December 1866
Margaret Power, widow, of Ballinagoul, Ringville, a
poor industrious woman, who, with one son, aged twelve years, is in the habit
of making nets in that locality for fishermen, to enable them to maintain the
younger members of the family , was granted a continuation of two shillings a
week for a month.
The chairman remarked that if the applicant left her
little cabin, that moment it would be levelled to the ground; he might say she
had the fee-simple of it, and if she came into the workhouse she would become a
permanent burthen on the rate payers.
"The Vikings are Coming" - Making a model Viking Longboat
Continuing
to celebrate National Heritage week and in conjunction with Gallows Hill
Community Archaeology Project, Waterford County Museum held an enjoyable
workshop for children and their parents on Wednesday 21st
August.
This event organised by Tony
Hayes involved the children making their own model of a Viking Longboat and it
proved very successful. Parents, staff
and the children all got involved in the cutting, pasting and colouring. When the boats were finished the children
enjoyed posing for photographs with the reproduction Viking swords and helmets.
The
museum feels it is important to have events such as this to introduce children
to history and their local museum. Many
of our exhibits are suitable for children and we welcomed families from all
over the world throughout the summer months.
 |
| Alfie and Samuel Carroll |
Portrait Drawing Day in Waterford County Museum
To
mark the start of Heritage Week Waterford County Museum held a Portrait Drawing
Workshop on Saturday17th August.
Museum staff member Tony Hayes organised the event. Tony gave a PowerPoint presentation on five
women artists and spoke about their drawings.
Curator William Fraher gave a guided tour of the portraits on display in
the museum.
We would like to thank David for doing one of the modelling sessions and all those who participated in the workshop. This is the second successful drawing event at the museum and we hope to have more of them in the future.
Keep an eye on
Facebook, Twitter, our website and local newspapers for information on these
events.
Photo of the Week
Can
you identify anyone in this group photo in Dungarvan CBS in 1979? If so please
let us know.
John Mansfield (1906 - 1965)
John Mansfield was born at Ballinroad, Old Parish on
6th February 1906, the son of James Mansfield and Bridget Mansfield (Née Power). He was educated at Ballymacart
National School and later at C.B.S. Dungarvan.
He emigrated to America in 1924.
John volunteered to join the U.S. Army in February 1942
just over two months after the attack on Pearl Harbour on December 7,
1941. Although he was 36 years old at
the time, he believed that he would be drafted shortly and by volunteering he
was allowed to choose the branch of the army he wanted. He chose the Armored Corps and after basic
training, he was assigned to the newly activated 4th Armored Division formed at
Fort Knox, Kentucky in June 1942. The 4th Armored Division was assigned to Patton's
3rd Army and he served the entire war with this division. The division was known as "Paton's Pride
and Joy", having had the most days in combat of any unit of the 3rd Army.
John was very proud of the 4th Armored Division which
engaged in 17 major battles from Normandy to Czechoslovakia. It was the stellar Armored Division of the
3rd Army, and perhaps of all American divisions that served in the European
campaign. John was twice wounded and
many times decorated. He received the
following awards:
BRONZE HEART for Valour in the Battle of the Bulge
(Bastonge, Belgium)
PURPLE HEART WITH CLUSTER which means he received this
Medal twice for being wounded at Normandy and then near Metz in France.
EUROPEAN-AFRICAN MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN Ribbon with
seven battle stars which means he fought in seven major engagements in France,
Belgium and Germany.
DISTINGUISHED UNIT CITATION received by all members of
the 51st Armoured Infantry Battalion who served during the breakout of the
Normandy Beachhead.
OCCUPATION OF GERMANY MEDAL
AMERICAN DEFENCE MEDAL
GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL
French and Belgian Decorations.
He was honourably discharged from the Military Service
of the United States of America on 19th October 1945 when he returned to New
York where he died on 1st July 1965.
John Mansfield's military dog tags and a selection of
his medals, including his Purple Heart, are on display in Waterford County
Museum.
Stories from Old Newspapers
Waterford Standard 8 September
1899
H.R.H. The Duchess and the
Convent of Mercy, Stradbally
The sisters in charge of the weaving industries
attached to the Convent of Mercy, Stradbally have just received an order from
H.R.H. the Duchess of York for a number of their hand-made linen towels to be
sent to York House.
This industry, which was founded some time ago to
relieve the distress in the surrounding districts has developed, under the care
of the sisters, into one of considerable importance in the South of
Ireland. Not only are all sorts of
household linens, pocket handkerchiefs, etc., manufactured…but the convent has
gained for itself quite a reputation for its hand-woven coloured linens, which
are made in various art shades and used for decorative purposes as well as for
dresses. The Countess of Mayo has always
taken an active interest in the progress of the Stradbally industry, and not
long since the Countess of Cadogan ordered one of the rooms at the Vice regal
Lodge to be hung with Stradbally Linen. Another
order which the sisters have on hand is for two hundred yards of white serge
for the Cistercian monks at Mount Melleray.
Photo of the week
Can you identify anyone in this photo of the Dungarvam C.B.S choir from 1966?
If so, please let us know.
Friday 23rd August 2019 Gallows Hill Children's Viking Big Dig
Heritage Week Children’s Viking Dig
 |
| Children participating in the ISA Big Dig, Irish School of Archaeology |
Friday 23rd August 2019
To celebrate Heritage
Week 2019, we have invited School of
Irish Archaeology to join us providing hands-on learning for children. The
school will set up their unique ‘Viking House’ and excavation site that allows
children and young adults to explore the Viking world through a simulated archaeology
dig. Children and young adults (4yrs-13yrs) will have the chance to experience
what it is like to be an archaeologist by learning how to excavate the remains
of a Viking house.
As they dig
through the site, participants will unearth Viking treasures and artefacts
dating back 1,000 years. They will learn about the lives of our Viking
ancestors as history is brought to life by qualified archaeologists. Our
educational workshops offer a unique experience that will leave our future
generations fascinated by our ancient ancestors and eager to learn more.
Places are
limited and must be booked at Waterford County Museum on 058 45960 or by email info@waterfordmuseum.ie Gallows Hill
community dig takes place 23rd August to 3rd
September, all are welcome to visit and learn more about the fascinating
discoveries.
Court Cairn at Ballinamona Lower, Old Parish
This court
cairn is situated in the townland of Ballinamona Lower, Parish of Ardmore. The site is marked 'dolmen' on the 6 inch
O.S. map, and is known locally as 'Cailleach Bhearra's House'. It is located about one mile north of Mine
Head Lighthouse and about 100 yards from the cliff edge.
In May 1938
an excavation was carried out on the site as part of the relief of unemployment
programme under the direction of T.G.E. Powell.
Laurence Mongey a chemist and antiquarian and amateur photographer from
Dungarvan helped on the dig.
The Cairn & Forecourt : The cairn
(mound of stones covering the tomb) was not retained by kerb stones and was
about 32 feet in length with about 6 feet on either side of the chamber. On the south side of the forecourt a small
hearth was found. The forecourt
consisted of four large free standing uprights, two in the north and two on the
south side.
Plan And Elevation of a Portal Tomb
The
Chamber : This is
10 feet 6 inches long and 5 feet 3 inches wide.
It is built with five orthostats, two on the north, two on the south and
one on the east side. The entrance
opening at the west end is 18 inches wide.
The chamber is divided into two compartments. Originally the chambers would have been
covered by two or three slabs, these have since disappeared. The excavation
found that compartment A had been disturbed, as a pit had been dug into the
floor probably by treasure hunters. Some
flint flakes were found in this area. Some
artefacts were found in compartment B including a small amount of cremated
bone. However the floor here had been
disturbed at some period.
The Finds : Eleven pottery shards were found
in compartment B. This ware was about 5
millimetres thick. The shards had a red
colour with patches of grey. Some larger
shards were found and when these were joined they formed about one quarter of
the rim of a vessel about 13 cm in diameter across the mouth. The shards were 11 mm thick and
composed of grey and white stone grits and mica. The colour of the pot shards were dark brown
with grey and white specks.
'The
reconstruction suggests a round base for the vessel which, if this were so, was
then of a simple bowl type with heavy applied ledge rim. Decoration is found on the rim ledge on the
body of the pot where it survives. On
the rim are a series of five broad, shallow, horizontal grooves. Above these, on the edge of the lip are a row
of very small vertical impressions. The
outer angle of the applied ledge forms the centre line of a herring bone
pattern, made by small oblique stroke like impressions closely set on either
side. The herring bone pattern
deteriorates in some places to a few strokes on the upper side only, and in
another it is supplanted by three rough stokes executed in the stab and drag
technique. Below the best row of herring
bone is a zone broad horizontal grooves...'
Stone Disc : In the corner of compartment B. a
small stone disc was found. It was made
of a fine grained piece of old Red Sandstone with a diameter of 5 cm and 8 mm
thick in the centre.
by William Fraher
by William Fraher
17th - 25th August 2019 National Heritage Week
Waterford County Museum is gearing up for National Heritage Week. We have received our box of goodies in preparation for our programme of activities during the week.
Dungarvan Cycle Club Commemorate First Cycle Race
The first cycle race for a challenge cup was run in Dungarvan in September 1869. It was organised by the Dungarvan Ramblers Cycle Club and the race was won by Richard Edward Brenan, the Postmaster in Dungarvan. He was presented with a cup which is now on display in Waterford County Museum.
The
Dungarvan Cycling Club recreated the race last Friday night at Shandon. The museum was delighted to bring the
original cup to be presented to the winner of the race. Thanks to museum staff member Paulus who
brought the precious cup to the Shandon race.
The
original cup is now safely back in its display case as part of the museum
exhibition on the Brenan family. This
exhibition is a permanent display so why not visit the museum to learn more
about cycling in Dungarvan and the printing and photography work of the Brenan
family.
17th August 2019 - Portrait Drawing at Waterford County Museum
PORTRAIT DRAWING AT
WATERFORD COUNTY MUSEUM
SATURDAY
17th AUGUST 2019 10 am –
4.30 pm
Following
our successful National Drawing Day event and the resulting positive feedback,
the Museum is pleased to present a Portrait Drawing day. This is an excellent
opportunity to improve your drawing skills for all abilities.
This will be
a chance to participate in a portrait drawing event and enjoy a talk by curator
William Fraher who will discuss portraits from the Museum collection. There
will also be a presentation of differing approaches to portrait drawing
throughout history.
Places must
be booked in advance 18yrs +
It is
suggested participants bring a packed lunch.
Timetable of
events
10.00 Start: Drawing
11.00 BREAK: Talk by Curator /Museum Collection
11 .45 Drawing
12.30. -
1.15 LUNCH
1.15 Drawing
3.30 BREAK: Talk, different approaches to portrait drawing
4.30 Finish
21st August 2019 - Children's Event for National Heritage Week
THE VIKINGS ARE COMING
NATIONAL HERITAGE WEEK
2019
Celebrating National
Heritage Week and in conjunction with Gallows Hill Community Archaeology
Project Waterford County Museum are inviting Children
and Parents to participate in a free event "Making a model VIKING LONGBOAT ".
This event will take place on WEDNESDAY 21st
AUGUST
11am – 1pm. Age
10+ years
All children must be
accompanied by an adult
Materials will be provided.
Spaces on this event are limited and participants are required
to book in advance.
Contact us at info@waterfordmuseum.ie
Or phone +353 (0)58 45960
Photo of the Week
Can you identify anyone in this photo from 1960s in Ballinagoul, Ring? If so, please let us know.
Donation to Waterford County Museum
A
World War II gas mask was donated to the Museum by the Drummy family. Pictured in the photo are Alanna and Claudia
Drummy, daughters of Brendan and Claire Drummy, making the presentation to
William Fraher, curator of Waterford County Museum, Dungarvan.
Visit from Rehab Care Waterford
 |
| Some of the group from Rehab Care Waterford with William Fraher, curator |
On
Wednesday last we welcomed a group from Rehab Care Waterford who were on a day
trip to Dungarvan. They were given a
guided tour of the museum by the curator William Fraher.
If groups/organisations would like to visit
the museum you can contact us by phone at 058 45960 or email
info@waterfordmuseum.ie to arrange a date.
Stories from Old Newspapers
Waterford News 30 April 1869
California at Kilminnion -or the Miser’s Treasure
‘It appears that four brothers and one sister, known
by the name of ‘Villies’, the derivation of which I am at a loss to understand,
lived in the same locality for a period of 60 or 70 years. They generally cultivated con-acre land by
planting potatoes, grazed a few sheep…Neither of these parties ever married,
fearing the wives might be extravagant, and the offspring, if any, spend their
hard earnings. In time, three of the
brothers with their sisters paid the debt of nature, and the means acquired
dropped to the surviving party, who is the subject of this report.
Brother Michael followed the same avocation, but it
never transpired from his lips that he was worth one penny in the world. From his emaciated appearance and skeleton
frame, many commiserated his deplorable and wretched condition; a respectable
farmer, named Casey, gave him the use of a house rent free…He lived by himself,
reared a pig, which dined with him at the same table. On Saturdays he was sure to visit Dungarvan
market to purchase the worst description of fish, skate and scalpeen…with a
week's provision of yellow meal of the cheapest kind. As to the washing of his face and hands, they
only got an annual scouring, and as to the cleanliness of his linen, it never
saw the washerwoman’s hands from the day it was purchased…His outside garments
were so patched that it was actually impossible to discover the original
texture. As to the caubeen, it covered
many heads previous to its coming into his possession’.
One day Michael fell asleep in the ditch and fell ill
and died some days later. Mr Casey his
landlord looked after his internment. He
directed two of his unnamed servant boys to demolish the old house. One of the boys found ‘some silver in an old
saucepan’ and a five-pound note in the thatch.
The other boy did much better – he found a cart-wheel box which
contained a ‘large number of old guineas’. He went into
Dungarvan purchased a new suit and boots and then bought a ticket to America.