Photo of the Week


Can you identify anyone in this Abbeyside school class photo taken in 1916 at Hughes and Co. Photographic Studio, Dungarvan.  If so, please let us know.  This photograph is one of thousands available to view online on www.waterfordmuseum.ie.


Stories from Old Newspapers


Dungarvan Observer 26 January 1918

Out of Danger

The many friends of Mr. John Barron, the Square, Cappoquin, will be pleased to learn that he is now out of danger after his recent severe illness.  Mr. Barron, who is ship’s corporal on H.M.S. Revenge, arrived home on leave on New Year’s Day and was no sooner at the old homestead when he was stricken down with a fit of appendicitis, and has been under the care of Dr. William White.

Mr. Barron, prior to the outbreak of hostilities, was a constable in the R.I.C. and was stationed at Courtmacsherry, Co. Cork.  He is a splendid oarsman and was a prominent member of Cappoquin Rowing Club, and many a time brought victory to the famous “Dark Blues”.  He is brother to Gunner J. Barron, R.G.A., who was wounded twice, and also brother of Driver W. Barron, R.F.A., who was killed about 12 months ago in action.  The three plucky Cappoquin men are sons of Mr. John Barron, baker, of Cappoquin.

9th January - 12 March 2020 - Dunhill History Lecture Series XIV


DUNHILL HISTORY LECTURES
Series XIV, 2020

The series will run for ten weeks, every Thursday from 9 January to 12 March.  Lectures are held at Dunhill Multi-Education Centre (opposite the GAA grounds). 

Starting at 8 p.m., each lecture lasts about an hour and is followed by a question & answer session and light refreshments.

9 Jan        Julian Walton: “Eaten by a hog”: The early history of Kilmeadan

16 Jan       Liam Suipéal: Coastal Place names from Dungarvan to Youghal - an illustrated talk on our coastal heritage.

23 Jan       Niamh Crowley: Women, the vote, and Waterford

30 Jan       Julian Walton:  The Hore family of Dungarvan

6 Feb     William Fraher: Visualising the past: Waterford County Museum’s photographic archive

13 Feb  Julian Walton: Charles Newport Bolton (1816-1884) – artist, genealogist, and historian of Waterford Harbour

20 Feb      Christina Knight O’Connor and Eddie Cantwell: Investigations at Gallows Hill, Dungarvan - a community archaeology project

27 Feb       Dave Pollock: Finding medieval Stradbally

5 March     Eugene Broderick: Thomas Meagher (1789?-1874): the forgotten father of Thomas Francis Meagher

12 March   Julian Walton: A surprise!


Museum Christmas Party


We had a very enjoyable evening at this year’s Museum member’s Christmas party which was held in the museum.  Museum staff Miriam and Patricia along with committee member Mary Giblin prepared a tempting selection of treats which were enjoyed by all. 

Members were entertained by a selection of readings, poems and songs performed by Julian Walton, Willie Fraher, John Daly, Ann Mulqueen, Tomás Walsh, Joe Power and Nioclás ó Gríofáin.


Joe Power performing at the party
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the duets by Willie and Julian













Christmas Greetings


Merry Christmas to our members, donors and supporters from all at Waterford County Museum



Stories from Old Newspapers


Saunders News-Letter 9 June 1789

A lucky escape!

Monday last, a fishing wherry from Dungarvan, being four miles west of Ardmore Head, discovered a small boat, full of people, several of whom were employed in bailing out the water, which she had unavoidably taken in, on account of a rough sea.  The Dungarvan vessel approached to assist those distressed persons, whom it seems had been three days floating on the ocean. With little or no provision, and in danger of being every moment overset or foundering.  The crew consisted of four men and three women, who were endeavoring to get on board a brig, lying off Lundy, bound for Cork.  They were all brought safe to Dungarvan, early on Tuesday morning.

New Book on Coastal Placenames


Congratulations to Museum Society member Liam Suipéil on the publication of his book - "The Personality of a Coastline Logainmneacha agus scéalta ón chósta - Dún Garbhán go hEochaill".  Liam spoke to the Museum Society last year on this topic.

The first print run of the book is now sold out.


Photo of the Week


Can you identify anyone in this photo of the Dungarvan Town I.C.A. birthday dinner in the Ormond Hotel in 1964?
If so, please let us know.

February 2020 - The Sheare Street Social Club



The New Year will be kicked – off in dramatic fashion…make no mistake!  Watch this page!

In the meantime, we are still looking for photos of the ‘Sheare Street Social Club!’ We are also seeking information on the interior furnishings…CONTACT US if you have any information about this historical building!

There is a clue in the text of what will take place in early February...!

Stories from Old Newspapers


The Field 24 September 1859

A True Sportsman Gone

We have to lament the death of Dr Poole of Clashmore, Co Waterford, who has been more familiarly known to our readers as ‘Long Tom’, and whose contributions to our columns have been often welcomed by them. A correspondent has forwarded us the following notes: ‘Your late correspondent ‘Long Tom’ was the eldest son of the late Walter Croker Poole, Esq., formerly a Lieutenant in the 88th Regiment (Connaught Rangers), with which he served through the Peninsula War, and was wounded at Toulouse.

Our late friend was brought up to the medical profession, and graduated at Trinity College, Dublin.  During the time the cholera raged in Ireland in 1832, whilst a student, he volunteered to assist in the discharge of the duties of the Sligo Hospital, the cholera raging in that district with fearful violence. In early life he suffered much disappointment, because circumstances prevented him getting into the army. He found a recompense, however, in his complete love of field sports of every kind and was a most devoted follower of Izaack Walton.  Since his father’s death some six years ago, he resided in his property near Clashmore.  He was an antiquarian and a member of the Archaeological Society in Kilkenny.  The property of our deceased friend goes to his only brother, Wellington Wellesley Waterloo Poole, surgeon and serving on the staff in India, and who had previously served in the Cape and Crimea’.

Dr Poole died after only a few days illness, in the prime of life, and sincerely lamented.   

Wednesday 11th December 2019 - Christmas Evening for Museum Members





CHRISTMAS GET TOGETHER


We will have a little Christmas party for our members on Wednesday 11th December from 7.30 p.m. onwards in the museum.

If you are free come along and enjoy some light refreshments and entertainment!


New Book on Walsh / Welsh Family



Spencer Welsh has just published a 1000 page account of the Walsh/Welsh family of Kilongford, Woodstock, Pilltown, Glenard, etc.  The book has taken decades to research and is copiously illustrated with Spencer's own watercolour sketches, family trees and coats of arms.  He has included a chapter on the murder of the "minor" Charles Welsh of Glenard House.

Spencer and his wife Gill called to the museum this week to show us the impressive publication.



Thursday 12th to Saturday 14th December 2019 - Annual Book Sale


ANNUAL BOOK
SALE



Our Annual Book sale will take place from Thursday 12th to Saturday 14th December from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Dan McCarthy's former paint and wallpaper shop on Friary Street.  Volunteers are required to help during the sale and if you are available to assist please contact the museum at (058) 45960 or by email at info@waterfordmuseum.ie.

Books for the sale can be dropped into the museum in Friary Street until Wednesday 11th at 5 p.m.

Please no magazines, text books or encyclopaedias.  Books must be in good condition.  Thank you.

Venue:   Dan McCarthy's former paint and wallpaper shop, Friary Street.

Date:     Thursday 12th - Saturday 14th December 2019

Time:     10 a. m. - 8 p.m. 

Next Events in SGC Cinema Dungarvan


Next events in SGC Cinema Dungarvan are:



December 8th:     Friends 25th Anniversary, Part 1.

December 10th      Copelia: from the Royal Ballet London

December 11th      Friends 25th Anniversary, part 2

December 15th    Friends 25th Anniversary part 3

December 16th    In Search of Beethoven

December 17th    The Nutcracker: From the Royal Ballet London

December 21st    The Nutcracker: from the Royal Ballet London

December 31st      Berliner Philharmoniker Live New Year’s Eve Concert




It's advisable to purchase tickets now before the performances are sold out!

Tickets are available to members of the Museum at a significant discount. Call to the Museum to collect your concession tickets.

This is thanks to Eugene Tobin, Manager and SGC Cinema.  So don't be disappointed and book now!


Photo of the Week


Can you identify anyone in this photo of the Waterford group in Lourdes in 1970s?  If so, please let us know.



Lecture by Joanne Rothwell, County Archivist in Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club


Joanne Rothwell, County Archivist give an illustrated lecture entitled “From the Cradle to the Grave”: The Work of the Sanitary Officer, on Wednesday last in Dungarvan Sailing Club.  The talk was very well attended and enjoyed by everyone. 

Our sincere thanks once again to Austin Flynn and the Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club for allowing us the use of their excellent premises for our talks. 


Photo of the Week


                     Can you identify anyone in this photo? If so please let us know.

Stories from Old Newspapers


Waterford News 28th September 1866

                                         Improvements in Dungarvan

The Augustinian church -  the railing which surrounds the new alter of this beautiful church was now been stained and completely finished by a young mechanic, a native of this town named Robert Power. Several specimens of wood staining were presented by parties from surrounding towns to the Rev. P. Toomy O.S. A., and from his taste and judgment he selected that of Mr. Power.  The work has been remarkably well executed , it's the admiration of all...  The top rail is finished  in French polish, and the entire work is proof of native talent. 
Great improvement is carrying on by J.R. Power, Esq. J.P., on the Buttery, which has given much employment to masons and labourers for the past month.  The property was purchased by Mr. Power in the Encumbered Estates Court.  The Town Commissioners are also carrying out  improvements in the immediate vicinity of the above locality,  in opening a new street , from the verge  of Mr. John Walls premises, to the spring road.   This improvement when completed, will be a great public advantage.    The commissioners have also done great service as to the sewerage in many parts of the town lately.

At Abbeyside there has been a decided improvements... especially in the Humble-Street, the houses in that district being all whitewashed both on the interior and exterior, the dung pits- filled up, and the premises to the rear are now in the most satisfactory condition.
                                                         

Upcoming Events in SGC Cinema


The following is a list of upcoming performances which will be screened live at the SGC in Dungarvan

It's advisable to purchase tickets now before the performances are sold out. 

Tickets are available to members of the Museum at a significant discount.
Call to the Museum to collect your concession tickets.
This is thanks to Eugene Tobin, Manager and SGC Cinema.

So don't be disappointed and book now!


November 28       Present Laughter:  From the Old Vic London.
December 2nd      Les Miserables:  The staged Musical
December 8th:      Friends 25th Anniversary, Part 1.
December 10th      Copelia: from the Royal Ballet London
December 11th      Friends 25th Anniversary, part 2
December 15th     Friends 25th Anniversary part 3
December 16th     In Search of Beethoven
December 17th     The Nutcracker: From the Royal Ballet London
December 21st     The Nutcracker: from the Royal Ballet London
December 31st       Berliner Philharmoniker Live New Year’s Eve Concert



Wednesday 27th November 2019 - "From the Cradle to the Grave": The Work of the Sanitary Officer - An Illustrated Lecture by Joanne Rothwell, County Archivist


An Illustrated lecture by County Archivist; Joanne Rothwell

Forthcoming lecture with the wonderful ‘romantic’ title "From the Cradle to the Grave”: The Work of the Sanitary Officer. And who better to deliver this talk than the County Archivist, Miss Joanne Rothwell. For those of you who have recovered from William’s talk last month, be prepared to be dragged further into our murky past, when our poor ancestors scraped out an existence in order to survive…well, some of them did!  But then, along came the Sanitary Officer…
Improvements in the survival rates of people in Ireland in the 19th and 20th centuries owes much to the work of the Sanitary Officers appointed to oversee a huge range of issues from clean water; diseases and control of infections; hospital accommodation; bath-houses; slaughter-houses; lodging houses; schools, mortuaries and burial grounds.  Every aspect of life from the cradle to the grave came under their remit and the records of the work of the sanitary officers are often one of the only places we can glimpse the lives of ordinary people struggling to survive.  In this talk the Archivist will give people a chance to explore a little of what life was like in sometimes gross and gory detail.

Venue:            Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club on Davitts Quay

Date:              Wednesday 27th November 2019

Time:              8 p.m.

Admission:     €5.00 

 As always, all are welcome.  Be Early!

Photo of the Week


Can you identify anyone in this photo? If so please let us know.

Stories from Old Newspapers



Dungarvan Observer 2 May 1925

A New Ferryboat - Youghal Notes

It is stated on good authority that the Waterford Co. Council have placed a contract for a new ferry boat for the Blackwater at Villierstown, with the Messrs Aherne, boat builders, Strand Street, Youghal.  This is certainly another addition to the many instances of go-aheadedness of the Waterford Co. Council as compared to our own Cork Council.

The Placing of the contract with Messrs Aherne is a proof of the name they have gained for turning out their work.  Last year they built a splendid fishing boat for a returned Irish-American, who was highly satisfied with the craft.



Thursday 28th November 2019 NT Live: Present Laughter (Captured Live) In SGC Cinema


We have another special for our Museum members in 
conjunction with SGC Cinema.  Members can avail of reduced rates to 
events courtesy of Mr. Eugene Tobin, Manager SGC Cinema, Dungarvan. 

It is advisable to book your tickets in advance for these events. 

Members can call to the museum to pick up their concession tickets. 

The event is: NT Live: Present Laughter (Captured Live)

It will be shown in SGC Dungarvan on Thursday 28th November 2019 at 8 p.m. 

Stories from Old Newspapers


Dungarvan Observer 2 March 1918

Sinn Féin Branch Formed in Ballyduff and Macollop    By E. A. Murphy

On Sunday, February 24th…. a public meeting was held in Ballyduff to organise a Sinn Féin Club in the combined parishes of Ballyduff and Macollop.  Mr P. O’Sullivan, President of Kent Sinn Féin Club, Lismore; Mr. J. O’Gorman, Lismore; and Captain James Madden of the Irish Volunteers, Lismore were the speakers.

The large crowd….gave the speakers an enthusiastic reception.  Mr. O’Sullivan….explained the objects for which the meeting was called, and explained what Sinn Féin stands for.  Mr. O’Gorman…. In his handling of the subject proved himself to be a very able speaker.

Captain James Madden…..treated on the industrial side of Sinn Féin in an able manner.  The meeting was brought to a close by Mr. O’Gorman’s fine rendering of “The Soldier’s Song”, in which the crowd joined.  After the meeting sixty people handed in their names as members.  Mr. John Daly was elected President; Mr. John Cashin, Hon. Sec., and Mr. James Quirke, Treasurer.  The Ballyduff and Macollop Corps of Volunteers attended in full strength. 


Photo of the Week


Can you identify anyone in this photo?  If so, please let us know.


Thursday 7th November 2019 NT Live: Hansard (Live) in SGC Cinema



We have another special for our Museum members in 
conjunction with SGC Cinema.  Members can avail of reduced rates to 
events courtesy of Mr. Eugene Tobin, Manager SGC Cinema, Dungarvan. 

It is advisable to book your tickets in advance for these events. 

Members can call to the museum to pick up their concession tickets. 

The event is: NT Live: Hansard (Live)

It will be shown in SGC Dungarvan on Thursday 7th November 2019 at 7 p.m. 


Sunday 10th November & Tuesday 12th November 2019 42nd Street - The Musical in SGC Cinema


We have another special for our Museum members in 
conjunction with SGC Cinema.  Members can avail of reduced rates to 
events courtesy of Mr. Eugene Tobin, Manager SGC Cinema, Dungarvan. 

It is advisable to book your tickets in advance for these events. 

Members can call to the museum to pick up their concession tickets. 

The event is: 42nd Street - The Musical  

It will be shown in SGC Dungarvan on at 4.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.Sunday 10th November 2019 

and again at

7.30 p.m. on Tuesday 12th November 2019




Children's Event in the Museum at Halloween

Two scary visitors to the Museum at Halloween
 Our Halloween event for children was another great success!

The children made their own Halloween masks to take home.

Thanks to museum staff member Tony Hayes and his artistic team for organising the event. 



 We look forward to having more children’s events in the museum in the coming                                                   months.
Information will be in the local newspapers, on Facebook and Twitter.










Photo of the Week



Can you identify anyone in this photo?  If so, please let us know by phone at (058) 45960 or email at info@waterfordmuseum.ie


Decies - Historical Journal on sale in Waterford County Museum




Decies, (vol. 75), the historical journal of the Waterford Archaeological & Historical Society is on sale in Waterford County Museum for €20.00.

This book has contributions from Eddie Cantwell, Chrissie Knight-O’Connor and Cian Flaherty.  Niall O’Mahony who had work placement in the museum while studying in U.C.C. also has a piece about “The Morris Papers” which are in the museum archive.


Donation of painting to the Museum

Maighread O'Riordan donating the painting of Mrs. Murphy to William Fraher, Museum Curator

The museum has received a donation of a painting of Mrs. Murphy, fish seller by American artist Velma Sorensen Limmeroth.  The painting won first prize at Tillamook County Fair and Maighread brought it from the United States for the museum.

The history of the painting is that Velma was very touched by a poem that Michael Wright had written about Mrs. Murphy and after hearing her history from Maighread, she decided to paint the picture.  Michael passed away while Velma was painting the picture and Velma added the Mat Hatter’s hat in his memory.  This painting has been seen online and was part of an art exhibition in the United States.

Velma has donated it to the museum in the memory of Mrs. Murphy and Michael Wright R.I.P.  The painting can be viewed in the museum.

Thank you to Mary Giblin


Mary Giblin retired from her post as Treasurer of the Museum this week.

We are very grateful to Mary for all the hard work she has done over the years.  

The Museum is delighted that Mary has decided to remain on the Committee.

Talk by William Fraher in Sailing Club

Some of those attending William's Talk in the Sailing Club

William Fraher’s talk ‘Wretched & Unsanitary - Working Class Houses in Dungarvan 1800 -1970’ took place in the wonderful surroundings of Dungarvan Harbour  Sailing Club premises on Dungarvan Quay.  The talk was very well attended and was certainly an eye opener, with lots of questions at the end of the talk.

Our sincere thanks to Austin Flynn and the Dungarvan Harbour sailing club for allowing us the use of their excellent premises for our talks. It has been a huge success with large numbers  attending the lectures.