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.