Stories from Old Newspapers

 

Waterford News 26 July 1890

Father John Power, Rathgormack and the People of Dungarvan

On Sunday last a deputation comprising Mr. P.McCarthy, Chairman of Committee; Mr. Michael Flynn, T.C.; Mr. Wm Morrissey, Assistant Secretary National League; Rev. F.C. Prendergast, Treasurer; and E O’Shea, Secretary ‘Suppressed’ branch, attended at Rathgormack for the purpose of presenting Father John Power with the illuminated address, copy of which was publicly presented on the 28th March last. Rev. Michael Power, C.C., late of Old Parish and Ring, and Mr. Adam Power, also joined the party. The address was beautifully designed and executed in the highest style of art by Mr. J.D. McCoy, Waterford.

Painted views of Dungarvan and Clonea churches, with several other local gems of scenery, were artistically arranged on the border, while the top bore the Dungarvan arms, surmounted by a harp, and underneath an excellent photo of the forenamed gentleman himself. Mr. E O’Shea…said…on behalf of the people of Dungarvan to present the address…he found it difficult to give adequate expression to the depth and intensity of love and esteem in which Father Power was held by the people of the parish of Dungarvan…that when the Irish Nation had succeeded in bringing this struggle of centuries to a close, the names of Father John Power, late of Dungarvan, and Father Michael Power, now of Kilsheelan, would be cherished…Father John Power in responding, thanked the members of the deputation for the beautiful address. He desired the members of the deputation to convey back to the loving and patriotic people of the Old Borough, his deep and lasting affection for them, his delight that they are still keeping the flag flying, despite the puny efforts of Balfour and his serfs…It is worthy of note that when leaving Dungarvan the cars of the deputation were followed for five miles into the country by the emergency car and again when reaching Rathgormack Father Power’s house was closely watched by police. Such are the Balfourian methods of 19th century government.