Stories from Old Newspapers

Saunder’s News-Letter 9 January 1787

About three weeks ago one Hassett, a farmer, of the neighbourhood of Mountain Castle, County Waterford, was in a most violent and cruel manner dragged out of his house by the Right Boys, and carried on a horse barebacked twenty miles and upwards, to Newcastle, Co Tipperary, and there buried, during the late first and snow up to his chin in a pit lined with briars and furze, where he lay for a whole night. This barbarous cruelty was inflicted by the Right Boys on this poor man, for having dared to break through Captain Right’s proclamation, in having taken a farm before it had lain waste, or had been in any other hands but the former lessee, for three years. Informations were sworn shortly after against some of the villains, who were known, before Sir John Keane, Esq., Cappoquin, one of his majesty’s Justices of the Peace…but unless the unfortunate sufferer Hassett is protected, it is much to be feared he may be murdered, as was lately one Dunn, near Johnstown, Co Kilkenny, for attending last assizes at Clonmel to prosecute some White Boys, who cut off his ears, as a punishment for taking his own tithes.

Note: The ‘Right Boys’ were a new version of the ‘White Boys’ and were established in 1785, led by an imaginary leader ‘Captain Right’. The Boys committed attacks on agents, middlemen, tithe proctors and others. They were denounced by the Catholic clergy.

Stories from Old Newspapers

 Cork Examiner 25th May 1859

Close to the town of Dungarvan, in fact, so close is it to form what might be termed a continuation of the same town- is the picturesquely situated village of Abbeyside.  It is a little place of modest and unpretending appearance, its permanent inhabitants consisting principally of fishermen; but in the summer its natural advantages as a watering place make it a resort of sea- bathers from different parts of the Counties of Waterford and Cork, as well as from more distant localities.  Situated on a spot where the breeze of the ocean blows into cool the heat of the summer sun, and with a fine strand washed by the waves of the broad Atlantic, a more suitable or healthier place for a saltwater residence could hardly be found.  Some old ruins, from which the village takes its name, contribute to the attractions of the place…Abbeyside labours under a misfortune… it has received little improvement at the hand of man.  The inhabitants are generally poor, and their houses one of corresponding class, so that the architecture, with one exception, is of an order anything but pretending.  Some years ago, when the people will still suffering from the effects of the fearful famine of ’46 and ’47, the parish church of Abbeyside was fast going to ruin; the roof had got into such a state that no one could calculate on the lapse of an hour…before it might fall in, and often, in stormy weather, when the congregation collected inside on a Sunday, and heard the fierce howling of the wind around the tottering walls…would the telling of the beads be suspended, while anxious glances were cast upwards, in fear best the crazy old covering that but imperfectly kept out the storm, might fall and crush them.  The Rev. Mr. O’ Mera, the present active and respectful parish priest …commenced a collection for repairs…with the funds raised among them [Abbeyside people] and in the neighbouring parish of Dungarvan, and among the charitably disposed of the gentry around, the good priest went to work, and succeeded in converting what was before but a crumbling, uninviting looking structure, into a handsome and elegant finished county church. The porch of the church is formed of a venerable old tower. The interior… has been fitted up in a commodious and elegant style. 

The decorations of the walls and interior of the roof are neatly and tastefully done, and the mouldings and sculpture around the altar are in keeping with the rest of the work.  The altar itself, which has lately replaced the old one, is very pretty one of marble, ornamented with some finely sculptured figures.

Phil O' Donnell Exhibition

 

These witness statements were collected by Dungarvan man Phil O' Donnell, who was employed in the 1950's by the Bureau of Military History to collect the statements and interviews from Cork Republicans. O’ Donnell was interned on Spike Island in 1921 and there is a collection of documents [including the roll book containing the names of over 700 Republican prisoners] also on display the documents show how O’Donnell complied his notes and what the completed interview statements looked like.

National Lottery Good Causes Awards – Finalist 2022

 Waterford County Museum- Gallowshill Project.

Waterford County Museum is a community organisation dedicated to promoting and preserving local history. A heritage site which has proven to be an important settlement for over 2,000 years has been uncovered by the project and rewritten the recorded history of Dungarvan. The Museum’s most successful community outreach has been the multi-award winning Gallowshill Community Archaeology Project. Good Causes funding through the Heritage Council allowed the team to have many innovative outcomes and has uncovered an exceptional heritage site that has rewritten the recorded history of Dungarvan.

Congratulations to the 35 National finalists across the categories of Health & Wellbeing, Sport, Heritage, Arts & Culture, Community, Youth, and the Irish Language. The winners will be announced at a Gala awards dinner in Autumn 2022.

 

The Sheare Street Social Club. (Abbeyside)

 Last shout out for tickets now available at, Joe Kelly’s Pharmacy on the Causeway Abbeyside; David Walsh’s Office Supplies on Lower Main Street, SGC Cinema Dungarvan and at the Museum here on Friary Street Dungarvan the cost of the tickets are €10 each. Playwright Jim Cullinane will be over from The USA, to attend the ‘Stage to Screen’ showing, and will say a few words on the night. Critics have said of his play; ‘Funny, irreverent and profound.

It is directed by Deirdre Collinder, Cinematography is by John Foley, and new music and songs have been specially composed by Abbeyside’s Donal Power. It stars  Rian Ó’ Donoghue, Aaron Cowming Pat Power, Michael Drummy, Ollie Kiely, Raymond Tobin Walsh, Mark O’Rourke, and Michael O’ Mahoney.  This is a night not to be missed. It takes place on Thursday Night June 30^th at 7pm.

Phil O' Donnell Exhibition

 Witness to Revolution Collecting IRA Statements for Co. Cork'

These witness statements were collected by Dungarvan man Phil O' Donnell , who was employed in the 1950's by the Bureau of Military History to collect these witness statements and interviews from Cork Republicans. This exhibition is now on display at the Museum.

 

Stories from Old Newspapers

 Waterford Standard 7^th January 1880

Dear Sir,

 What are the Commissioners doing is a question which naturally suggests itself to everyone who sees the filthy state of our streets and footways on Sunday mornings. They are most disgraceful.  And I am told that the commissioners’ officers are paid very fair salaries, and have not much to do only to see this state of things, but they seem to neglect it.  The Borough Surveyor is scarcely ever seen about the streets with his men scraping and cleaning and laying down stones, as should be done at this time of year. And then on Saturday evenings the sanitary official should be with his men cleaning up every part of the footways, so that the town on every Sunday morning would look clean and respectable.  But instead of that there is nothing done and the consequences is that on Sundays the town looks anything but tidy.  Would it not be better for the Commissioners to see to this sort of neglect…I really think the ratepayers should call on those Commissioners to resign who are perpetually raising squabbles at the board and hindering the progress of public business.   

 Our streets are in a disgraceful state and if a commissioner questions the Borough Surveyor he is snapped at by another commissioner, who wants to get £8,000 to build a bridge.   Begging to be excused for trespassing so much on your valuable space, I am, Mr. Editor, your obedient servant.

A Ratepayer, Dungarvan January 5^th, 1880.

Sheare Street Social Club (Abbeyside)

 From Stage to Screen (for one night only)

Having been delayed due the pandemic, we are pleased to announce that the Sheare Street play by Jim Culliane, will be shown on Thursday 30^th June 2022 @ 7pm (for one night only) at the Dungarvan SGC cinema. Tickets are available from the Museum and  Dungarvan Cinema and they cost €10 each.

Sheare Street Social Club (Abbeyside)

From Stage to Screen (for one night only)

Having been delayed due the pandemic, we are pleased to announce that the Sheare Street play by Jim Culliane, will be shown on Thursday 30^th June 2022 @ 7pm (for one night only) at the Dungarvan SGC cinema. Tickets are available from the Museum and they cost €10 each.

Phil O' Donnell Exhibition

  Phil  O' Donnell Exhibition

 'Witness to Revolution Collecting IRA Statements for Co. Cork'

These witness statements were collected by Dungarvan man Phil O' Donnell , who was employed in the 1950's by the Bureau of Military History to collect these witness statements and interviews from Cork Republicans. This exhibition is now on display at the Museum.

 

Stories from Old Newspapers

 Waterford Star 4^th November 1916

CAPPOQUIN MEN KILLED

“News has been officially received at Cappoquin that Private Thomas Collins, aged 20years, of the 7^th Leinster Regiment No. 10378, has been killed in action on September 9^th.   The deceased, who had one year and seven months service, was the son of Corporal John Collins, R.G.A, B.E.F France, and was a native of Barrack Street Cappoquin.  He had been through many engagements, including the Dardanelles.  Prior to joining the army he was a faithful and popular employee on the Chearnley Estate at Salterbridge, and sympathy is expressed for his parents and relatives. The sad news also reached Cappoquin that Private William Hackett, of the Royal Irish Regt, was killed in action about the same date.  He had rather short service, and was one of the quietest men reared at the Old Chapel Street, Cappoquin”

Collins has no known grave, but he is listed on pier and face 16c on the Thiepval memorial in France. William Hackett was in the 6^th battalion and died on 9^th September service number: 9806. He was born in Lismore and enlisted in Cappoquin.  Has no known grave but is listed on pier and face 3A on the Thiepval Memorial in France.

 

 

Museum Closed

On Wednesday 22^nd of June 2022 County Waterford Museum will be closed for the entire day, due to the ESB working in Friary Street.  We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.  The museum will be opened on the Thursday 23^rd   for normal business hours.

 

Re-scheduled Museum Visit / Trip

The first Museum visit / trip for 2022 to Cappagh House and Gardens courtesy of  the Chavasse family. Unfortunately  the trip has had to be re-scheduled due to unforeseen circumstances.and will take place on Saturday 18th June.

Here are the updated details:

Date: Saturday 18th June

Time: Arrive Cappagh 10.30am

Cost: €5 (including refreshments) will be collected on the day

Places Limited to 25 - Places must be booked in advance

Please Phone (058) 45960 

Email:    info@waterfordmuseum.ie

Own Transport required.

 

 

 

The late Dervla Murphy

Waterford County Museum was saddened to hear of the passing of Dervla Murphy of Lismore.              The renowned and intrepid travel writer, global trailblazer and author of over 25 books. One of the most popular films with visitors to the Museum is “Who Is Dervla Murphy” produced by Mixed Bag Media, released on June 16^th 2010 in association with Waterford Arts Office.

We extend our sympathy to her daughter Rachel, her grandchildren and to all Drevla’s extended family and friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam

Stories from Old Newspapers

 Waterford Advertiser 24 July 1895

‘An Interesting Sketch of Bonmahon’

The half ruinous, out-of-the-way, little village of Bonmahon…on the coast of county Waterford; which bare and desolate as it looks at first sight, has within each reach beauty enough to satisfy the soul of any tourist who can admire a view where for miles and miles there is scarcely a tree worthy of the name, and whose spirits are proof against the depressing influences of ruin and desolation – for Bonmahon represents the wreck of an industry – the industry of copper mining in the south of Ireland. The result, as it affects the landscape is melancholy, but picturesque; rows of empty, decaying houses, meet the eye on every turn; scarcely a hilltop but is crowned with the crumbling ruin of an engine house, the tall, dilapidated chimneys standing out black against the sky, and surmounting grey heaps of mining refuse. Thirty or forty years ago Bonmahon was a stirring prosperous little place, with a thriving population of over 2,000 persons, dependent on these mines.

Skilled miners had been imported from Cornwall, but there was also a considerable native population. The Bonmahon mines…were finally abandoned in 1882; English miners returned whence they came, and the poor Bonmahon men emigrated in great numbers to the United States; a large contingent of them having settled Butte City, Montana. At present the chief industry of Bonmahon is a creamery, the property of Mr James Watts, who is also the proprietor of the principal shop in the Place.

Bonmahon might be a paradise for artists, if they did but know it; for besides the cliff scenery…and the mountains…And if the artist’s taste should happen to lie rather in figure painting; he need not want for models…The inhabitants…are certainly not below the average as to good looks – Pretty, black-eyed girls; bent old crones, bare-footed and brief of skirt, stooping under creels of seaweed, tall, thin, melancholy-eyed men, with fine features…brown-legged and brown-eyed little boys abound; and they have, alas, the picturesqueness of extreme poverty. If you enter into conversation with them, you will hear pitiful stories of want, and suffering, and emigration, and loss. But poor as they are, they are remarkably honest.