Staff Departure

 

The museum curator, committee members and staff would like to wish all the best of luck to our admired colleague Miriam Walsh on her recent departure from the museum. Her amicable, conscientious and professional manner & interactions with all the staff, public and committee members will be hard to replace. Miriam’s sense of humour and spirit of generosity was a daily occurrence.

Also we would like to offer her many congratulations on her recent graduation from DCU- well done; all your hard work has paid off.

 

New Book

The Bad Times – Waterford Country Houses During The Revolutionary Period By William Fraher

This fascinating book that focuses on the impact of the War of Independence / Civil War on the owners of big houses in County Waterford. Most of these houses were modest in size and some were hunting lodges. This book approaches the subject from the viewpoint of the owners of the Big Houses and how it impacted on their lives and their attitudes to England and the new emerging Ireland.  The role of the house and estate staff is also examined. It looks at the efforts of the owners to obtain compensation to rebuild their houses which were burned or damaged. Fortunately, a number of primary sources became available during the research which have now been brought together for the first time. This book also looks at how this period is covered in unpublished local eye-witness accounts written by Anglo-Irish women.  These are key primary sources by Emily Ussher of Cappagh House, Mildred Dobbs of Camphire House, the Hon. Mary Olivia de la Poer of Gurteen le Poer, Beatrix, Lady Osborne Beauclerk and Frida Keane of Cappoquin. There are numerous illustrations of the various different houses and related aspects connected to them.



The cost of this book is €20, and is available to purchase at Waterford County Museum, Friary Street Dungarvan. If you purchase this book at the Museum you can get an exclusive signed copy by the author.  The Book is also available at David Walsh Office supplies shop Main Street, Dungarvan, Eason’s Dungarvan Shopping Centre and The Book Centre Waterford City.  This publication was supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the Decade of Centenaries 2012-2013 initiatives and Waterford City and County Council Commemorations Committee.

Stories from Old Newspapers

 

Dungarvan Observer 15 March 1930

Funeral of Sir Richard J Musgrave Bart., Tourin House, Cappoquin

Striking evidence of the widespread regret and sympathy aroused by the death of Sir R J Musgrave…was afforded on Friday 7th inst, when the funeral of the deceased took place to the family burial ground in Affane Churchyard and provided one of the most remarkable and eloquent displays of public sympathy and respect seen in Cappoquin district for years.

The funeral was timed to leave his residence…at 2o’clock, but long before that hour a long procession of motor cars and other vehicles had begun to arrive in the precincts of the stately mansion, bringing mourners and friends from practically all parts of Munster...he was one of the most kindly and unassuming gentlemen who had ever lived. The casket…had been lying in state in the spacious hall of the mansion and was covered with a magnificent collection of the most costly wreaths…special praise must be given to Mr McConnell, house steward; Mr Matthews, estate steward; Mr P Walsh undertaker; Mr George O'Brien, Lismore; Mr George Russell, Cappoquin; the Venerable Archdeacon Burkitt, Rector of Cappoquin, rendered valuable assistance.

A touching feature of funeral was the presence of all the children from Tourin Schoolhouse, of which Sir Richard was the owner, and who, in charge of their teachers, Mrs W Sweeney and Miss Landers, were lined up in front of the hall door…and who later headed the sad cortege…The remains were enclosed in a beautiful silver-mounted coffin of polished chestnut made from timber grown on the Tourin estate.

All the leading members of the West Waterford Hunt, of which Miss Dorothy Musgrave is the respected Master, were present…while members of the United Hunt, Lismore Race Committee and other sporting bodies in the south were also strongly represented. The elite of society in Munster was also fully represented, while rich and poor in various stations in life helped make the funeral one of the most imposing and representative seen passing through Cappoquin since the great funeral of the late Mr R H Keane.

At the cemetery…the coffin was then lowered into a beautiful moss-covered grave made by his own workmen, close by the grave of his father who died in 1874, his mother, who died in 1895, and his two sisters, the Misses Fanny and Florence, who were drowned on October 19 1918 [On RMS Leinster]. The chief mourners were: Lady Musgrave (widow); Mrs T. O. Jameson and Miss Dorothy Jameson (daughters); Capt T O Jameson (son-in-law); Sir Christopher Musgrave (heir to the title); Mrs Reginald Chaplin and Mrs Burroughs (sisters-in-law); Capt Charles Trench, M.C. (nephew); Col Chaplin, Mr Burroughs and Sir Hercules Langrishe (relatives).


Sir Richard Musgrave  1911



The Bad Times- Waterford Country Houses During the Revolutionary Period



New Book

The Bad Times – Waterford Country Houses During The Revolutionary Period By William Fraher

This fascinating book that focuses on the impact of the War of Independence / Civil War on the owners of big houses in County Waterford. Most of these houses were modest in size and some were hunting lodges. This book approaches the subject from the viewpoint of the owners of the Big Houses and how it impacted on their lives and their attitudes to England and the new emerging Ireland.  The role of the house and estate staff is also examined. It looks at the efforts of the owners to obtain compensation to rebuild their houses which were burned or damaged. Fortunately, a number of primary sources became available during the research which have now been brought together for the first time. This book also looks at how this period is covered in unpublished local eye-witness accounts written by Anglo-Irish women.  These are key primary sources by Emily Ussher of Cappagh House, Mildred Dobbs of Camphire House, the Hon. Mary Olivia de la Poer of Gurteen le Poer, Beatrix, Lady Osborne Beauclerk and Frida Keane of Cappoquin. There are numerous illustrations of the various different houses and related aspects connected to them.


The cost of this book is €20, and is available to purchase at Waterford County Museum, Friary Street Dungarvan. If you purchase this book at the Museum you can get an exclusive signed copy by the author.  The Book is also available at David Walsh Office supplies shop Main Street, Dungarvan, Eason’s Dungarvan Shopping Centre and The Book Centre Waterford City.  This publication was supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the Decade of Centenaries 2012-2013 initiatives and Waterford City and County Council Commemorations Committee.

 

 

 


Stories from Old Newspapers

  

Dungarvan Observer 17th May 1930

 

No Cinema on Sunday

 

The application of Mr. Daniel Crotty for renewal of his cinema license was before the Council. 

Mr. McGrath- Does the application state the number of nights?

Chairman- the application states under the regulations, which I presume, means seven days a week.

Mr. Keane- I propose we grant the license as heretofore.

Mr. Hackett seconded.

Mr. McCarthy- what objection is there to seven days?  I have no objection. What harm is there in Sunday night. I propose we grant a 7-day license.

Mr. McCarthy- I think it is better for girls and boys to go to the pictures than go to dances on Sunday nights where they are out all night.  If they go to the pictures they will be home by 11p.m.  I am looking at the matter from a moral point of view.  I would not wish to go against the clergy but I must go according to my conscience.

Mr. Foley- I am of the same mind as Mr. McCarthy.  I know there is more harm done out the roads. I am a man of experience and I know (laughter).

Mr. McCarthy- it is not where you are- but what you are doing.

Mr. McCarthy- The pictures can be on in Youghal and other places on Sunday nights.  I don’t see what harm they are.

A vote was taken and resulted:-

A vote for Mr. McCarthy’s amendment-

Messrs. Griffin, Foley and McCarthy- 3

Against- Messrs. Moloney, Clancy, Hackett, Envoy, McGrath, Dee, Keane, O’Donnell, Lawn and the Chairman- 10.

Mr. Keane’s resolution was then passed and a 6-day license was granted.

Mr. McCarthy- I am sorry my resolution was defeated from a moral point of view. You’ll know before long.

Dan Crotty’s cinema was situated by the Bridge, located opposite the 360 Quay Stay (formally the old Aras Brugha Building).


Poster fro Dan Crotty's Cinema early 1930's



The Bad Times- Waterford Country Houses During the Revolutionary Period

 

New Book

The Bad Times – Waterford Country Houses During The Revolutionary Period By William Fraher

This fascinating book that focuses on the impact of the War of Independence / Civil War on the owners of big houses in County Waterford. Most of these houses were modest in size and some were hunting lodges. This book approaches the subject from the viewpoint of the owners of the Big Houses and how it impacted on their lives and their attitudes to England and the new emerging Ireland.  The role of the house and estate staff is also examined. It looks at the efforts of the owners to obtain compensation to rebuild their houses which were burned or damaged. Fortunately, a number of primary sources became available during the research which have now been brought together for the first time. This book also looks at how this period is covered in unpublished local eye-witness accounts written by Anglo-Irish women.  These are key primary sources by Emily Ussher of Cappagh House, Mildred Dobbs of Camphire House, the Hon. Mary Olivia de la Poer of Gurteen le Poer, Beatrix, Lady Osborne Beauclerk and Frida Keane of Cappoquin. There are numerous illustrations of the various different houses and related aspects connected to them.




The cost of this book is €20, and is available to purchase at Waterford County Museum, Friary Street Dungarvan. If you purchase this book at the Museum you can get an exclusive signed copy by the author.  The Book is also available at David Walsh Office supplies shop Main Street, Dungarvan, Easons Dungarvan Shopping Centre and The Book Centre Waterford City.  This publication is the latest work by Waterford County Museum is support by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the Decade of Centenaries 2012-2013 initiatives and Waterford City and County Council Commemorations Committee.



Annual General Meeting

 


All members are  invited to attend the Museums A.G.M. which will take place in the Museum on Thursday 17th February 2022 at 7.30pm.

We hope to see you there.


Stories from Old Newspapers

 Dungarvan Observer 6 April 1918

The Circus Comes to Dungarvan

Duffy and McLean’s Circus advertised their visit to Dungarvan on 8 April 1918. The acts included the ‘Sensation’ – Nature’s strongest caprice – Andy, the remarkable Sea-lion man. He juggles anything you hand him, bring something.

Also on the programme was ‘The Greatest Wonder of the Age’ – ZENO, the incomparable revolving Globe performer and inimitable juggler, in an up-to-date specialty act – ‘Atlas Triumphant’.

The circus included some of the best performing horses and ponies then touring Ireland. There were also clowns – pessimistic, optimistic, singing, dancing, and tumbling.

‘A little nonsense is relished by the wisest men. That is the reason all wise men come to see Duffy and McLean’s curious comical conglomeration of curious clowns and colossal contraband of comedy connivers, dressed in camouflage, which causes contentment and facial calisthenics conducive to a condition foreign to commiseration’.

The circus planed to parade at 1 o’clock headed by a ‘Grand Brass Band’.

Admission was 2 shillings and 4 pence, 1 shilling and 3 pence and 8 pence. Children were admitted for 2 and a half pence and ‘inmates of the Union’ [Workhouse] were free.

The circus was run by James Duffy and Elizabeth McLean.

When the circus arrived in Dungarvan it was held in the Gaelic field, which is now called Fraher Field.


Circus Parade in Lower Main Street ,Dungarvan, early 1900's


 

 


The Bad Times- Waterford Country Houses During the Revolutionary Period

 

New Book

The Bad Times – Waterford Country Houses During The Revolutionary Period By William Fraher

This fascinating book that focuses on the impact of the War of Independence / Civil War on the owners of big houses in County Waterford. Most of these houses were modest in size and some were hunting lodges. This book approaches the subject from the viewpoint of the owners of the Big Houses and how it impacted on their lives and their attitudes to England and the new emerging Ireland.  The role of the house and estate staff is also examined. It looks at the efforts of the owners to obtain compensation to rebuild their houses which were burned or damaged. Fortunately, a number of primary sources became available during the research which have now been brought together for the first time. This book also looks at how this period is covered in unpublished local eye-witness accounts written by Anglo-Irish women.  These are key primary sources by Emily Ussher of Cappagh House, Mildred Dobbs of Camphire House, the Hon. Mary Olivia de la Poer of Gurteen le Poer, Beatrix, Lady Osborne Beauclerk and Frida Keane of Cappoquin. There are numerous illustrations of the various different houses and related aspects connected to them.






The cost of this book is €20, and is available to purchase at Waterford County Museum, Friary Street Dungarvan. If you purchase this book at the Museum you can get an exclusive signed copy by the author.  The Book is also available at David Walsh Office supplies shop Main Street, Dungarvan, Easons Dungarvan Shopping Centre and The Book Centre Waterford City. 



DUNHILL EDUCATION CENTRE- History Lectures


 Thursday 10th February at 7pm- “The Bad Times”

Waterford Country Houses in the Revolutionary Period.

Speaker Mr. William Fraher

Admission €5.


 


New Display Plinths

 


The Museum would like to thank Dungarvan Men’s Shed on creating new display plinths for us. 





Mr Willie Fraher receiving display plinths from Oliver Whelan of Dungarvan Men's Shed.  

 


Stories from Old Newspapers

 

Dungarvan Observer 1st April 1939

 Death of prominent Cappoquin Man – The Late Mr. Thomas Daly

 

The death of Mr. Thomas Daly, which took place at his residence on last Thursday morning, at an advanced age, and after a brief illness, has removed one of the most prominent and highly respected residents of Cappoquin.  The late Mr. Daly was a member of one of the oldest families in West Waterford.  His great –grandfather, Luke Daly, was a native of Modeligo district and in the historic year of 1798, Jeremiah, his son, came to reside in Cappoquin, and established a fleet of pleasure and market boats on the River Blackwater, which craft served as the only passenger and commercial link between Cappoquin and Youghal.  This fleet was captained and managed by Jeremiah’s son, Captain James Daly.  The venture prospered, and 1848, in association with Sir Richard Musgrave of Tourin, a regular steamboat service was also managed by Captain Daly, and at his death passed into the hands of a Youghal company.

The late Mr. Thomas Daly was son of Captain James Daly. Considering the environment he was brought up, it was only natural that he should develop aquatic tastes, and at an early age, he attained considerable prowess as an oarsman and yachtsman… Mr. Daly was instrumental in establishing the now famous Cappoquin Rowing club…he represented the “Dark Blues” at every Irish Regatta of importance. 

In addition to being an athlete, the late Mr. Daly was a musician and singer of note.  In the old Brass and Reed band, he was a cornet player, and he also played the cello and piano. Possessed of a fine tenor voice, his services as a concert artist were much in demand. Mr Daly was both a carpenter and cabinet maker by trade, and in the old days was one of was one of the charge hands in the Cappoquin Wheel and Wagon , in which factory wooden coaches for the Railway Company were made.  Widely read, highly cultured, and with an extensive knowledge of local history.  He was an intimate friend of the late Mr. Jeremiah Dempsey, Building contractor, Cappoquin.