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.
