This book by authors Eddie Cantwell and Christina Knight - O’Connor- is now on sale at the museum and retails for €25.
Stories from Old Newspapers
Southern Reporter & Cork Commercial Courier 30 September 1847
Famine Relief Project - New Cappoquin Bridge
‘On Saturday the 18th instant, the foundation stone of
the bridge over the Blackwater was laid by Sir Richard Keane, Bart, D.L., in
the presence of a large concourse of the inhabitants of Cappoquin and its
vicinity. The worthy baronet was drawn by the workmen, in a triumphal car to
the southern abutment, when he addressed the multitude assembled in a very
appropriate speech, and after eulogising the conduct of the contractor(
Hamilton White Esq)in giving so much employment in such a season of distress,
proceeded to observe of all the bridges over the Blackwater from its source to
the ocean, not one had a name, he, therefore, begged to call this structure
‘Victoria’ after her most gracious Majesty the Queen. This announcement was
received with tremendous cheers by the multitude assembled. When the ceremony
was completed three cheers were given for the Queen, Sir Richard Keane, H.
White, Captain Hill (Mr. White’s partner) and Henry Owen, the County Surveyor.
In the evening Mr. White and Captain Hill entertained,
at dinner, Sir Richard Keane, and a large party of friends; and the workmen
were plentifully supplied with the good things of this life by Sir. R. Keane;
tar barrels blazed, fiddles were tuned, and the fun kept up in a gallant style.
Sir Richard Keane was presented with a handsome silver trowel and a maul made
of bog yew which was found in the excavation’.
The bridge of six arches of limestone ashlar, was
designed by Henry H. Owen, County Surveyor, who was married to Maria
O’Shaughnessy. In May 1847 their son was born in Dungarvan. The bridge was
built under a Famine Relief Act and the Office of Public Works gave a grant of £4,000 towards its construction. It had replaced a
wooden bridge built in the early 17th century by the Earl of Cork. In 1812
William Robertson did a design for a five arch bridge and in the early 1840s
Sir Richard Keane proposed a stone bridge with seven 50-foot arches and a
drawbridge, neither got beyond the drawing board.
Garda Síochána Exhibition
We are delighted to have the Tom O’ Neill’s collection of Garda memorabilia, as part of Garda centenary celebrations. It has taken him thirty years to put this unique collection together. Also he is the author of Spike Island’s Republican Prisoners, 1921 book. This is the first comprehensive history of individuals and events on the island during the Irish War of independence. This is on sale at the museum and retails at €20.
Museum Christmas Opening Times
Museum will be opened from Monday 19th to Friday 23rd of December 2022 and will close from December 24th and will reopen on Tuesday 3rd January 2023.
On behalf of the Trustees, the Curator and al the Staff we would like to wish all our members and visitors a very happy Christmas and peaceful, healthy and prosperous new year. Nollaig shona daoibh go léir.
The Irish Civil War
We are delighted to have contributed images to the new RTE Cork and University College Cork (UCC) documentary TV series about The Irish Civil War, as part of the Decade of Centenary commemorations, which has premiered recently on RTE 1.
Archaeology Ireland
In the winter issue (2022) of Archaeology Ireland’s volume 36 No.4. Issue, County Waterford Museum Curator (Mr. Willie Fraher) has a fascinating article about the first bicycle race for the Challenge cup, held in Dungarvan in September 1869 and won by Mr. Richard Edward Brennan.
Garda Síochána Exhibition
We are delighted to have the Tom O’ Neill’s collection of Garda memorabilia, as part of Garda centenary celebrations. It has taken him thirty years to put this unique collection together. Also he is the author of Spike Island’s Republican Prisoners, 1921 book. This is the first comprehensive history of individuals and events on the island during the Irish War of independence. This is on sale at the museum and retails at €20.
Garda memorabilia on display at Museum
Stories from Old Newspapers
Kilkenny Moderator 28 September 1892
Villierstown
School Fete
In the interest of
education, it is the custom of Mr and Mrs Villiers-Stuart* of Dromana to invite annually the children attending
the Villierstown National Schools to Dromana. Last week the children (boys and
girls) assembled in their respective schools, assembled at the time appointed
started in procession for Dromana, where they were received by Mrs
Villiers-Stuart, Mr Maurice Stuart, and the Misses’ Stuart who displayed great
energy in making the children feel happy. A football match was arranged for the
boys, during which the girls were shown the beautiful flower garden. When the
match had ended, Mr Maurice Stuart* suggested some races, which were speedily arranged, the young fellows
being most eager to win the prizes presented by that gentleman.
The sack races
caused much amusement. Mr Stuart coming upon the scene at this stage enjoyed
these sports most heartily. All were then summoned to tea, which was
plentifully served out to the entire company, mustering about 200 children,
with buttered bread and sweet cake. At the close of these happy proceedings the
children thanked their kind patron and patroness by cheering loudly, and waving
their hats.
*Henry Windsor
Villiers-Stuart (1827-1895), soldier, clergyman, politician and Egyptologist,
and Mary Power, daughter of Ambrose Power, Archdeacon of Lismore. *Maurice Ambrose Villiers-Stuart (1870-1932).
 |
| Villerstown ,circa 1910 |
The Book Signing of the Waterford Women of The Revolution
Meet the authors Eddie Cantwell and Christina O’Connor and get your own copy signed. The book retails for €25.
Date: Thursday 22th December
2022
Time: 11.am – 2pm
Location: Waterford County Museum building,
Friary Street Dungarvan
For further details
Phone: (058) 45 9 60 Email: info@waterfordmuseum.ie
Christmas Get Together- Thursday 22th December
The museum will be having a Christmas gathering, for its members (and a guest), which will have finger food and the launch of Donald Brady’s new book. Also the authors will be signing copies of the Waterford Women of The Revolution.
The details are as follows:
Date: Thursday 22th December
2022
Time: 1.30pm – onwards, Refreshments
will be served
Location: Waterford County Museum building,
Friary Street Dungarvan
For further details
Phone: (058) 45 9 60 Email: info@waterfordmuseum.ie
Museum Christmas Opening Times
Museum will be opened from Monday 19th to Friday 23rd of December 2022 and will close from December 24th and will reopen on Tuesday 3rd January 2023.
On
behalf of the Trustees, the Curator and al the Staff we would like to wish all
our members and visitors a very happy Christmas and peaceful, healthy and
prosperous new year. Nollaig shona daoibh go léir.
Date for your Diary- Christmas get together
The museum will be having a Christmas gathering, for its members (and a guest), which will have finger food, a book launch, and entertainment.
The details are as follows:Date: Thursday 15th December 2022
Time: 7pm, Refreshments will
be served
Location: Waterford County Museum building,
Friary Street Dungarvan
For further details
Phone: (058) 45 9 60 Email: info@waterfordmuseum.ie
Stories from Old Newspapers
Saunder’s News-Letter, 24 November 1821
Ellen Crotty, Cappoquin, aged 103
On the 5th instant, in Cappoquin, at the advanced age
of 103 years, Ellen Crotty, alias Byrne. She was born in the year 1718 and was
nine years old at the death of King George 1st, and of course, lived in four
reigns. She had the full use of all her faculties to the last, particularly her
sight and hearing, and was so strong about a month previous to her death as to
carry a stone of potatoes a considerable distance; and, what is very singular,
during her long life, she was never confined to her bed one day by sickness
except at child-birth.
She was always in very humble circumstances, and very
much addicted to smoking tobacco, of which she was so fond as often to say that
she would prefer a pipe to her breakfast or dinner; and it may literally be
said, she died with one in her mouth, as she was continually using it. She was
born at Tourin, the late residence of Sir Richard Musgrave, Bart, deceased, who
for many years before his death allowed her an annuity. She was never at more
than ten miles distant from the place of her birth. She had several children,
one of whom only survives her, namely, a son aged about 68 years, who had more
the appearance of being her husband than her son. The poor fellow is in the
greatest grief for her death, he having lived a bachelor and continually
resided with her.
Date for your Diary- Members Christmas Get Together
The details are as follows:
Date: Thursday 15th December
2022
Time: 7pm, Refreshments will
be served
Location: Waterford County Museum building,
Friary Street Dungarvan
For further details
Phone: (058) 45 9 60 Email: info@waterfordmuseum.ie
Stories from Old Newspapers
Saunder’s
News-Letter
14 April 1787
Thomas Fowler’s
Misfortune
To The
Nobility and Gentry
Thomas Fowler, of Dungarvan, having upwards of
thirty-five years exported Provisions, his own property, to Dublin Market, on
Saturday the 13th day of March last, the sloop Thomas and Nelly [of
Dungarvan], laden with fish and potatoes, all of said Fowler’s property was
cast away and lost between the lighthouse and Dunleary, and the lives of the
crew providentially preserved.
Said Fowler has lost three sloops within these three
years, and three of the crew perished in one of them; and as the sole
dependence of himself and family was on the sloop and cargo, he is reduced by
the loss, to a real state of want. Benefactions for the poor man will be
received by Mr John Maddock, of Temple Bar, Dublin.
According to Watson’s Almanack 1783, John Maddock of
19 Temple Bar, was a ‘Hatter’.
The Bad Times – Waterford Country Houses During the Revolutionary Period
A new expanded edition of this book is now available in hardback and paperback at the museum and direct from Amazon. It now contains an index, map, additional text and images and a new foreword by John Martin author of the Historic Atlas of Dungarvan.
A vivid account of the people who lived through the revolutionary period, whether as occupants of the country houses (both large and small), their servants, members of the IRA or the Free State army, or ordinary people living in the countryside caught up in the tides of war. The research is meticulous and is based on an extraordinarily wide range of sources, both published and unpublished, including compensation claims in the National Archives, witness statements given to the Bureau of Military History, and contemporary Irish and UK newspapers.
One of the most valuable sources is the family archives of the owners of some of those houses, particularly the correspondence of Emily Ussher of Cappagh House and the diary of Mary de la Poer of Gurteen le Poer. This book is available to purchase at the following places: Waterford County Museum Dungarvan, David Walsh Office Supplies Dungarvan and the Book Centre, Waterford City and Mount Congreve shop and visitor centre, County Waterford. The paperback is €20 and the hardback is €25.
Date for your Diary- Christmas get together
The museum will be having a Christmas
gathering, for its members (plus a friend). The details are as follows:
Date: Thursday 15th December 2022
Time: 7pm, Refreshments will
be served
Location: Waterford County Museum building, Friary
Street Dungarvan
For further details
Phone: (058) 45 9 60 Email:
info@waterfordmuseum.ie
Stories from Old Newspapers
Irish Times 18 November 1957
Mount Congreve Gardens by G. O. Sherrard
I paid a visit to a very interesting garden lately
that of Mount Congreve near Waterford, the property of Mr. Ambrose Congreve. It
is a large garden and has two main features - (1) A walled garden of about two
acres with a wide herbaceous border running completely round it at the foot of
the wall and a well-kept lawn in the centre; and (2) an informal garden of
trees and shrubs, planted in clearings in a wood.
The herbaceous border is very fine and reminds me of
that at Castle Forbes Co. Longford. There is a great selection of plants. And
the width of the border allows them to be planted in groups with tall things,
such as Lavatera Olbia at the back. The flowers of late autumn were making a
display when I was there – Michaelmus Daisies, Rudbeckias, Eupatoriums,
Heleniums, Sedum Spectabile and so forth. I noticed an improved form of the
sedum, named Brightness, and a fine form of Rudbeckia Newmanni,called
Goldsturm. Salvia Uliginosum was producing its vivid blue flowers and is quite
hardy in this garden.
The house is at the top of a rather steep wooded slope
and vistas have been cut through the trees so that the River Suir could be
seen. Many of the trees are fine specimens and Mr Congreve has used them to
shelter a choice collection of shrubs, in which Rhododendrons are prominent.
Other shrubs which are well represented are the Magnolias, of which I saw large
specimens of M. Campbelli and M. Mollicmats, the beautiful pink species. The
large Mahonias, such as M. Bealei, M. Nepalense and M. Lomarifolia, made quite
a handsome group in the woodland.
Stories from Old Newspapers
Loss of A Vessel in Dungarvan Bay
On Monday evening the brig Thyme, from Cork, laden with coals and iron, struck on a ledge of rocks called the Geanors, stretching across from Helvick Head towards Ballinacourty Point. It was three quarters ebb at the time, and blew a great gale from S.W.; the waves running frightfully high. The Coast Guard’s boat endeavored to go to her assistance, but failed. Six brave Ring-men then manned one of their yawls, and with that intrepidity, and humane and generous enterprise, which characterized their noble and daring exertions on many former occasions, braved the fury of the waves, and, at peril of their own lives, succeeded in rescuing the crew from the imminent and certain fate which momentarily awaited them. Such heroic and praiseworthy action, as saving from certain death the lives of six or eight human beings would be sure in any other country but this to meet with liberal and prompt reward, but in Ireland, at least in this locality. Seldom do we find any other stimulus or incentive to the achievement of such fine, manly and hazardous deeds, but the innate principles of virtue, and magnanimous spirit of fearless courage, and disinterested philanthropy which animate the Irish heart. The Thyme was about 150 tons burthen. She went to pieces, parts of her bulwark, etc, came ashore, under the Abbeyside Castle, on this evening.
Next Museum Talk - Next Wednesday 23rd November.
CATHAL BRUGHA, Soldier, Politician, Businessman, Family man -
PATRIOT !
A talk by Tommy Mooney
 |
| Brugha captured on his mode of transport |
Waterford County Museum are delighted to
welcome back to the Museum, Ardmore’s Tommy Mooney for this our final talk for
2022.The title of Tommy’s talk clearly illustrates the profile of a man who was willing and indeed died for what he believed in. Brugha was
willing to lay down his life for his principles. He was certainly a man that
can be called a true hero. And, we sometimes forget his and his family’s
connection with this area. Tommy Mooney, of course is no stranger to
researching and writing about men like Brugha, we can be thankful to him for
such books as ‘Cry of the Curlew’ and ‘The Déise Divided.’ Both which resurrected many local heroes who
we also seem to have forgotten. Tommy’s talk takes place
at the Museum on Friary Street at 7.30pm next Wednesday 23rd
November. As usual all are welcome. Admittance is just €5.The Bad Times- Waterford Country Houses During the Revolutionary Period
A new expanded edition of this book is now available in hardback and paperback at the museum and direct from Amazon. It now contains an index, map, additional text and images and a new foreword by John Martin author of the Historic Atlas of Dungarvan.
A vivid account of the people who lived through the revolutionary
period, whether as occupants of the country houses (both large and small),
their servants, members of the IRA or the Free State army, or ordinary people
living in the countryside caught up in the tides of war. The research is
meticulous and is based on an extraordinarily wide range of sources, both
published and unpublished, including compensation claims in the National
Archives, witness statements given to the Bureau of Military History, and
contemporary Irish and UK newspapers.
One of the most valuable sources is the family archives of the owners of some
of those houses, particularly the correspondence of Emily Ussher of Cappagh
House and the diary of Mary de la Poer of Gurteen le Poer. This book is available to purchase at the following places: Waterford County Museum Dungarvan, David Walsh Office Supplies Dungarvan and the Book Centre, Waterford City and Mount Congreve shop and visitor centre, County Waterford. The paperback is €20 and the hardback is €25.
Stories from old Newspapers
Cork Examiner 1 October 1858
Cappoquin – New Organ
The opening of a magnificent organ, purchased from the
firm of Messrs Hill & Sons, London, for the Catholic Church of this town,
took place on last Sunday, the 26th inst.
It was a glorious day for Cappoquin and will long be
remembered by the large and respectable congregation that filled every
available part of the church…High Mass, which commenced at a quarter to twelve,
was celebrated by the Rev. John Ryan, R.C.C., Waterford. After mass a most
feeling and instructive discourse was delivered by the Rev. James O’Brien, All
Hallow’s College.
Mr John Fleming, organist of St. Augustine’s Church,
Cork, presided at the organ, and it is but justice to him to say, as a
professional man, that he was ‘the right man in the right place’. The masterly
manner in which he evoked the powers and resources of the noble instrument
filled the vast congregation with feelings of admiration and delight. The music
selected for the occasion was Mozart’s Mass No 12., which was indeed
beautifully rendered in all its parts by a very efficient choir, brought down
specially for the occasion by Mr Fleming, assisted by the very able and
accomplished tenor, John Deenford, esq., Waterford, with whose sweet, powerful,
and well-toned voice all were pleased and delighted.
The collection amounted to over £93, a large sum, no
doubt, when taken into account that over £370 have been paid over the last two
years towards repairs and improvements to the church. In the evening a large
party of clergymen and laymen were entertained to dinner by the hospitable and
zealous parish priest.
.jpg) |
| St. Marys R.C. Church , Cappoquin, circa 1910 |
Stories from Old Newspapers
Clonmel Chronicle 5 February 1881
The Threatening Notice Case at Ardmore
At the Ardmore petty Sessions on Tuesday, a
respectable farmer’s son named John Crowley, was charged with writing a
threatening letter and posting it on the gates of Ardmore chapel…Mr Thomas
Slattery, Solr., Lismore, appeared for the defendant, and Sub-Inspector Milling
prosecuted on behalf of the Crown. The Rev. Mr Shanahan P.P., Ardmore, deposed
that on Sunday morning, the 21st of November, he found the threatening notice
posted on the church gate; he tore down portion of it and threw it in the
sacristy, where a policeman afterwards obtained possession of it; he had known
the defendant for six years and he bore an excellent character.
Constable G. Pollock, Ardmore who found the notice
said that it read as follows:
‘Notice, any farmer in the property of the O’Dell’s,
Greaves, or Bagge’s that pay more than Griffith’s valuation must be guarded
himself like the tirant Boycott, you must be unioted and loial to the cause
like your fello countrymen. Our nation once again. Down with landlordism’.
Beneath the text was a drawing of a gun, and the
signature ‘Captain Moonlite’. Sub-Constable Patrick Hegarty said he went to see
Crowley at his home in Ballinamona on the pretext of gathering information on
local farms. ‘I am in the habit of gathering agricultural statistics and I am
aware that the defendant’s father is a tenant of Colonel Greaves, one of the
landlords mentioned in the threatening notice’. Hegarty stated that the
handwriting was the same as on the notice posted at the church. The case was
sent for trial by jury and Crowley was moved to Dungarvan bridewell. ‘The
prisoner was then admitted to bail, himself in £50 and two sureties of £25 each to attend the Waterford Assizes’.
.jpg) |
| Interior of Ardmore R.C. Church |
Next Museum talk on 23rd November
The next museum talk / lecture will take place on Wednesday 23rd of November 2022, at the Museum @ 7.30pm. The speaker is Ardmore author Tommy Mooney and he will be speaking about CATHAL BRUGHA, Soldier, Politician, Businessman, Family man - PATRIOT!
Admission is €5.
Stories from Old Newspapers
Kilkenny Moderator 6 October 1830
Fete at Curraghmore
On Thursday, the tenantry of the Marquis of Waterford,
of the barony of Gaultier, were entertained to dinner by his Lordship at
Curraghmore. The tables were laid in the courtyard protected from the weather
by an awning, fresh from the neighbouring [Malcomson] factory at Portlaw. At 3
o’clock the worthy yeomen, to the number of about 170, sat down to their
substantial roast beef, with its accompaniments, and an abundance of ale and
choice port to wash it down. Their young and noble host sat at the head of the
table and omitted nothing that could render the party social and hearty.
His Lordship’s health was received with acclamations, and drunk in the full spirit of Irish welcome. His Lordship returned thanks, apparently greatly excited by the warmth and feeling which he experienced in the midst of these honest peasantry…he expressed his intention of residing at Curraghmore at the expiration of two years…repeated cheers that made the welkin ring were the intelligible response… to these very generous sentiments…Though there were many onlookers, the tenantry were the only invited guests. The ladies of the family witnessed the animating and delightful scene at a short distance at the head of the table. His Grace, the Lord Primate was present, and his health being drunk, he returned thanks, and stated that it afforded him great pleasure, as the guardian and uncle of the young marquis to observe the mutual feeling of attachment which reigned between his Lordship and tenants…At five o’clock, dinner being over, the company adjourned to an open space nearer the house – the band of the Waterford Staff struck up some lively airs, and dancing commenced and proceeded with the utmost gaiety – It is true we could not distinguish the light quadrille from the gay gallopade , and many a foot seemed to figure away altogether untutored by the professional skill of our Goodman; but there was mirth and good humour galore…At length…the guests found it time to depart. Their chargers were called for, and the good men mounted as well as they were able, and drawing eight abreast, they gave three cheers for the house of Curraghmore. Erin go Bragh!
Halloween / Samhain at the Museum
Children visit the Witch’s spooky, shadowy, Bibe’s cave at Waterford County Museum. Do the Halloween quiz, colour scary pictures and take a selfie in the cave. From Thursday 27th October 2022.
Photography Appeal
The museum is asking for the general public’s assistance, we are looking for the owner of the original copy of a hurling photo of the Dean Ryan Cup Team 1944-45, which had a Michael O’Brien in the photo. This was in the Dungarvan Observer dated 31st of July 2013. If the owner of the original photo would come into the Museum and let us scan this and then pass this on to the relative of Michael O’Brien, it would be very much appreciated.
Please contact the Museum at:Telephone: 058 45960Email: info@waterfordmuseum.ie