Waterford County Museum, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, Ireland. Charity Reg: 17397
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Thursday 5th March 2020 - Dunhill History Lecture by Eugene Broderick


Dunhill History Lectures

Series XIV, 2020



The series continues every Thursday until 12th 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.

The next lecture in the series on Thursday 5th March is by Eugene Broderick entitled: Thomas Meagher (1789? – 1874): the forgotten father of Thomas Francis Meagher.

Stories from Old Newspapers


Dungarvan Observer 5 June 1943

A Swimming Club.

The closing of Stokes’ Baths is surely the “coup-de-grace” and the old Borough must retire from the ring of bathing resorts.  So thought the pessimists.  Dungarvan, however, does not take it lying down and, thanks to a quick recovery we are again on the map and can boast of a swimming pool second to none.  To mark the occasion of its completion a number of persons interested in aquatics held a meeting in the courthouse…on Saturday, 29th May last, and it was unanimously decided to form a swimming club.  There is evidence of much local enthusiasm for such a project and the time is opportune for the promotion of swimming galas and other events during the coming summer months.  The promoters are anxious that there should be widespread interest and it has been decided to call another meeting….on 5th June.

Wednesday 11th March 2020 Lecture by Simon Dowling


A 3D look at Waterford's Archaeology.

An illustrated lecture by Simon Dowling

                                                                                                                  

3D photography has opened up a whole new world in Archaeology.  Waterford County Museum, Dungarvan are very lucky that Simon Dowling has become involved in a number of our projects.  Simon is a community pharmacist in Waterford with a background in computational modelling and engineering.  He has a keen interest in applying the emerging scanning technique of photogrammetry to Archaeology with some revealing and startling results.  Simon is pictured here creating a 3D image of a recently discovered stone on the outskirts of Dungarvan for us.

Simon’s talk is going to be quite fascinating.  It takes place at the wonderful venue, Dungarvan Sailing Club on the quay on Wednesday March 11th at 8 p. m. Admission is €5.
Simon at work at Gallowshill Dungarvan

Knockboy Church


The Sheare Street Social Club to be shown in SGC Cinema, Dungarvan.



Waterford County Museum is delighted to bring Jim Cullinane’s play “The Sheare Street Social Club” to the big screen in SGC Cinema, Dungarvan.  This is thanks to John Foley who filmed the rehearsal and the opening night in the theatre. John is now going to spend some time locked up doing the editing and is optimistic that the play is going to transfer well to the big screen.  John, Eddie & Deirdre, along with Cinema Manager Eugene Tobin, gave it a short trial run in the cinema and were impressed by the quality.  This showing in the cinema is in response to the requests from the many people who missed the play in the theatre and insisted that we should have had a second night. The play which was highly rated by the critics is now going through yet another metamorphosis and it is hoped that this will be received with the same enthusiasm displayed by the punters in the Town Hall Theatre, Dungarvan.  Once again, the proceeds from the film will go toward the Gallows Hill Community Archaeology project which is another ground breaking project by Waterford County Museum, Dungarvan.  We are indebted to Eugene Tobin, SGC Cinema, Dungarvan for his continued interest in our projects.

Tickets are on sale now at the Cinema, at the Museum on Friary Street, and at David Walsh’s on Main Street.   The film will be shown on Tuesday night, 24th March at 7 p.m. and admission is just €10.  Playwright and author James G. Cullinane will travel from the U.S.A. to be present at the event.

Photo of the Week


Can you identify anyone in this photo from the 1940s or where it was taken?  If so, please let us know at (058) 45960.  This photograph is one of many available to view online on www.waterfordmuseum.ie.


17th - 19th April 2020 - Coppercoast Trad Fest, Dunhill, Co. Waterford


Website for information and booking is: www.coppercoasttradfest.org



Thursday 5th March 2020 SGC Event - The Cherry Orchard


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 Cherry Orchard

 will be shown in SGC Cinema Dungarvan on Thursday 5th March 2020 at 7 p.m. 

Tuesday 10th March 2020 SGC Event - Frida: Viva La Vida


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. 

 Frida: Viva La Vida 

 will be shown in SGC Cinema Dungarvan on Tuesday 10th March 2020 at 7 p.m. 

Interview on WLR about Gallowshill Community Archaeology Project


Congratulations to Chrissie O'Connor Knight on her wonderful interview with Damian Tiernan on WLR last week.  Chrissie explained about the Gallowshill Community Archaeology Project and the recent exciting dating evidence for the Gallowshill site.

Stories from Old Newspapers


Grand Concert at Touraneena

Dungarvan Observer 13 April 1929

For the purposes of helping to liquidate the heavy parochial debt of £1,237 which still hangs over the Parish of Touraneena, a grand vocal and instrumental concert was held on Sunday night in the Boys School…which was largely attended.  A most attractive and diversified programme of Irish step-dancing, songs, recitations, instrumental selections and other appropriate items had been arranged.…the dancing items having being given by the clever children of the Boys’ and Girls’ National Schools in Touraneena, who had been specially trained for the occasion by Mr. P. Millea, Irish teach, in a manner which reflected great credit on him.  Mr. G. Quinlan and Miss J. Horan of the Boys school, and Miss M. Flynn and Mrs. J. Bell of the Girls school also deserve much praise.  Dr. Mullanny, Seskinane, and Mr. Seán Bell, Touraneena, were also prominent contributors….but the principal artists were supplied by Cappoquin as the result of Father Meskill’s thoughtfulness in requesting Mr. M. J. Sargent to organise a special concert for the occasion….

Photo of the Week


Can you identify anyone in this photo from the 1920s?  If so, please let us know.  This photograph is one of many available to view online on www.waterfordmuseum.ie.

Wonderful review of "The Sheare Street Social Club


ART AND THEATRE REVIEWS: The Sheare Street Social Club


We were delighted with Liam Murphy, the theatre critic’s review of Jim Cullinane’s play, ‘The Sheare Street Social Club.’   It went as follows: ‘There has been a renewed interest in social history and keeping aspects of community life to the fore in historical and social commemoration.  In the early days of Red Kettle Theatre, Jim Nolan, set several plays in the heart of Waterford memory as did Wexford's Billy Roach with his Wexford trilogy.  Waterford Youth Arts with Waterford Council funding have produced a series of social history reminiscences.  In Dungarvan, Waterford County Museum to support an archaeology project of excavation at Gallowshill, staged a 'dramatised read' or a rehearsed reading using local actors and adding mixed media of original songs and music from Donal Power.  John Power, the filmmaker, provided a set of video inserts to link the story of the Men's Social Club in Sheare Street Abbeyside in the late Fifties.  These inserts cut back and forth linking 'static' stage settings to a farewell drink in a local bar where sausages and brown bread were the 'nibbles'.
Written by James G Cullinane, it used a fictional drama with seven actors seated at a rehearsal table to reflect the grey Fifties with the lack of jobs or prospects, the hope of emigration in a story of friendship and hardship.  Of its nature, it had to show the demise and moving away of several characters, and this caused a repetition that did not serve the drama all that well.  But the audience loved the interaction, the banter, the crude chauvinistic language, the broad humour, and the hopes, secrets and revelations.
Experienced actors like Pat Power and Aaron Cowming contributed much to the veracity of the presentation, and Raymond Tobin-Walsh was a revelation in a serious role where he embodied a boastful, cynical commentary on women and life.  Ollie Kiely was excellent as the reflective Gusty. Other parts were played by Michael O'Mahony, Mark O'Rourke, Michael Drummy, with Martin Landers and Brian O'Connell in filmed inserts.  Deirdre Collender directed with an assured control, and a respect for the social and emotional aspect.  I hope this play will get support from the Decade of Commemorations or the Waterford Council.  It could with the addition of a brass band become a moving feast of memory involving actors and re-enactors.  It could also be made into a half-hour television feature.’

Watch this space for those of you who missed the play!!!.

April / May 2020 - Walks and Talks at 3 Series


We are busy preparing our Walks and Talks at 3 Series for this year. 
They will run through April and May and full details of the programme will be on our website and in the newspapers in the coming weeks.

The free walks and talks were a huge success in 2019 and everybody enjoyed the cup of tea in the museum afterwards. Don't miss out this year.  All welcome!


Families welcome to visit the Museum

Oscar, Michael and Colman enjoying the museum exhibits


Waterford County Museum is the perfect place for families to visit.  Children are very welcome to explore the museum and we have an area especially for young children.  We also welcome group visits from schools.  Our contact number is (058) 45960 if you require any further information.


Photo of the Week



Can you identify anyone in this photo from 1930s?  If so, please let us know.  This photograph is one of many available to view online on www.waterfordmuseum.ie.

Stories from Old Newspapers


Dungarvan Observer 25 January 1930

Cappoquin Bacon Factory

We are sorry to have to announce that owing to the great and continued scarcity of fat pigs, and the consequent depression in trade generally, 21 members of the staff of the Cappoquin Bacon Factory received notices last Friday that their services will not be required after the end of the week.  No blame, however, can be laid at the doors of this concern, as it must be admitted that the trade has been anything but prosperous for a considerable time past…rather than throw the entire staff out of employment by closing down the work, it was decided to temporarily dispense with the services of those who were considered redundant and to keep the factory going with a reduced staff.
Founded by the late R.H. Keane, the factory was first opened for business on January 2 1908, so that it had just concluded 22 years of trading on December 31st last.  Everybody was hoping that the opening of its 23rd year would be attended with more cheerful prospects.  We are glad to know, however, that Mr. James Lincoln, accountant, who has done so much to keep the concern going for the past 22 years, still remains to guide its destinies in the future…

20th Febuary 2020 - Lecture in Dunhill on Gallowshill Community Project


Dunhill History Lectures
Series XIV, 2020

The series continues every Thursday until 12th 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.

The next lecture is on Thursday 20th February by Christina Knight O’Connor and Eddie Cantwell about the investigations at Gallowshill, Dungarvan - a community archaeology project

Dunhill History Lectures - next lecture 13 February 2020


Dunhill History Lectures

Series XIV, 2020

The series continues every Thursday until 12th 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 and answer session and light refreshments.

Upcoming lectures:

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!


Stories from Old Newspapers


Dungarvan Observer 26 January 1918

Ireland’s Food Supply

‘A resolution was received from the City Hall, Dublin, which pointed at the absolute necessity for retaining all the food in the country, and asking the council to furnish information as to the quantities of food and of the different classes of food in their district.
Mr. Byrne - The working classes are not at all properly treated as regards their food supply.  There is no one to look after the interest of the labourer.  What is the working man going to do if all the food is shipped out of the country?  It is a shame, and I would advise every working man in the town to go to the station and if he sees there is any food being sent out…let him prevent it and let the people see that he is not going to starve.
A resolution of a similar character was received from Cork Corporation…The clerk was directed to supply the information requested and to send same to the proper quarters’.  

Photo of the Week


Can you identify anyone in this photo?  If so, please let us know.  This photograph is one of many available to view online on www.waterfordmuseum.ie.



'The Sheare Street Social Club' - A great success!

Image courtesy of John Foley

An extended standing ovation clearly marked Jim Cullinane’s play ‘The Sheare Street Social Club’ a thundering success! Jim was gutted that he was unable to attend the play due to prior commitments which could not be cancelled, otherwise he would have flown over for the play. He certainly need not have worried because under the directorship of Deirdre Collender, her class of actors brought Jim’s characters to life on stage. The audience stood as one to applaud this wonderful and skilfully directed production. The introduction of John Foley’s filming at Alice O’Connor’s bar in Abbeyside and at Merrys on Main Street certainly added an extra dimension to the overall production. Many remarks were also passed on Donal Power’s two new songs which he composed and sang. These were filmed by John Foley and skilfully stitched into his filming at O’Connor’s Bar and Merrys. Deirdre’s invitation to Donal to compose for the production was accepted without question. She did not need to twist his arm. People said later that the songs should be recorded and that the play should be taken to New York!  Dirk Baumann's lighting and sound added the appropriate atmosphere. The play was sold out and sadly, on the night, some people had to be turned away.
It was wonderful to note that the proprietor of O’Connor’s Bar, Alice Marie attended with her nephew Brian.  Also present were the extended Cullinane family who were certainly pleased with the production. Waterford County Museum/Gallowshill Group would like through this medium to thank the following people: Jim Cullinane for offering his wonderful play to raise much needed funds. Thanks also to Brian and Alice Marie O'Connor for welcoming the film crew and cast over Christmas, and also to Emilene Stafford of Merrys for the use of Upstairs in Merrys 1868 for filming. To Joe Kelly of Kellys Pharmacy, Abbeyside and Michael Drummy in David Walsh Office and School Supplies for handling the ticket sales.  Thanks to Pat Morrissey for his musical expertise and to John Collender for set transportation and leading the prayers...  The ladies from the Drama Circle - Charlie O'Donoghue, Áine Maire ni Aodha, Muireann nic Caba, Marlene Kirby, Padraigín ni Chadla,  Orla Glascott and Gina McGrath and  the ladies  of the Gallowshill Community Archaeology Group.  Staff of Waterford County Museum for front of house and all administration duties.  The Dungarvan Leader and Dungarvan Observer for the advertising and promotion.  Sean Organ of WLR for promotion. To Deirdre Collender who worked tirelessly to bring this special production to the stage in such a short period of time.  Thanks for the kindness of the actors who gave their valuable  and skillfil time to the play. The very talented John Foley who has been an oustanding friend to the Gallowshill Group from day one, and to his sidekick Rían O’Donoghue. To our lighting and Sound  expert,  Dirk Baumann.  Last but not least, Eddie Cantwell for all his untiring work in promotion on social media and in the local papers, and also for taking a leap of faith in this new format of fundraising.
A message was read by the MC for the evening, Charlie O Donoghue from Jim Cullinane: ‘To all the wonderful people who were inspired and worked so hard to bring this play into fruition, I cannot thank you enough. I hope it’s a wonderful night and enjoyed by all. I’ll mention one name, Eddie, who was instrumental in bringing this project along. He’s a force of nature. I know there are others, Deirdre, John, Donal, the cast who I hope to meet some day (a pint up at Alice’s?) and all the others involved. May it be a night to remember’.
We would publicly like to thank to our raffle sponsors; Eugene Tobin and SGC Cinema, The Old Bank, The Shamrock Restaurant,  Noark’s Restaurant, Shaws Department Store, Garvey’s Supermarket, The Wine Buff, 4th Waterford Abbeyside Scouts, Glanbia and  Currans Hardware .    

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