Bill Power of Mitchelstown has just launched his latest book - The Blackwater - History & Images from the Irish Rhine. This magnificent tome of 300 pages is profusely illustrated with Bill's own photographs, old engravings, drawings, and photos. It follows the river from its source, to the sea at Youghal. It is available in paperback and hardback.
Derby Mercury 21 November 1849
Continued Festivities at Lismore
Castle
‘The
Duke of Devonshire [William Spencer Cavendish 1790-1858, 6th Duke] has during
his long and most welcome visit to his magnificent Castle of Lismore, given
large dinner parties every Tuesday, and frequently a ball and supper followed
afterwards. [He had arrived in Lismore in September] On Tuesday week he gave
what was intended for his farewell party; but in his great hospitality, he gave
way to his feelings and had another, the largest for the season, on Tuesday
last. And further to display those feelings of goodness and kindness…he gave on
Saturday a large dejeuner à
la fourchette (a luncheon or light meal of eggs, meat, etc), which was attended
by over 80 of the gentry and their families. Such has been the kindness and
affability of his grace since his arrival…that the utmost gloom and despondency
would affect every one of every class there, were it not for the positive
certainty that his grace will return early next season and pay a more
protracted visit to his Irish estates.
He
expressed himself highly delighted with his visit, and thinks every day, better
and better of the people. As a proof of his feeling, he has gone constantly amongst
them, walked into the houses of some of the humblest, and entered into
conversation with them. As a further proof of his intentions, he has already
devised a great addition to the castle, the works for which are to be commenced
early in the spring. The east wing of the castle was not uniform with the rest;
being of a more modern form, and not of the castellated style. This is to be
taken down, and a more appropriate building to be erected on its site. A
ballroom and supper-room are also to be built on another part, where an ancient
ruin at present stands. His grace, by these improvements, will thus effect a
double object…placing himself in a better position to indulge in that princely
hospitality…and at the same time the carrying out of those works will afford
vast employment to the tradespeople of the town and neighbourhood…He has
already laid out a beautiful walk cut in the majestic cliffs on which the
castle stands…The surrounding grounds are all now planted with evergreens. On
Friday night Mr and Mrs Currey gave a large evening party, or rather a ball, to
the tradespeople and workpeople connected with the castle, to the number of
over 100. His grace and every member of his household were present. He remained
till 3 o’clock a.m. A sumptuous supper, laid in an adjoining apartment… The
dancing was kept up with great spirit, the pianoforte being presided over by Mr
John Quin, a young gentleman of this town’.
The
duke recorded his impressions of the people: ‘A week at Lismore goes like an
hour anywhere else. My neighbours throng to see me, and all are admitted. They
have got a natural bonhomie and want of pretension that makes them very
captivating, never wanting to appear what they are not…They are always gay.’
The duke also brought along an artist- Samuel Cook, who painted a beautiful
series of watercolours of the castle before its rebuilding.
The
work of rebuilding the castle was entrusted to Joseh Paxton (1803-1865) and
photographs taken at the time by pioneer photographer Francis Edmund Currey
(the duke’s agent in Lismore) can be seen currently in an exhibition – ‘Ways of
Seeing – the albums of Francis Edmund Currey’, at St Carthage’s Hall, Lismore,
which is on show until 16 July.
 |
| William Spencer Cavendish 6th Duke of Devonshire Circa 1852 |
 |
| Engraving of Lismore Castle Circa 1824 |
Bill Power of Mitchelstown has just launched his latest book - The Blackwater - History & Images from the Irish Rhine. This magnificent tome of 300 pages is profusely illustrated with Bill's own photographs, old engravings, drawings, and photos. It follows the river from its source, to the sea at Youghal. It is available in paperback and hardback.
Waterford Evening News 24 November 1904
Rejoicing at Strancally Castle
‘Not for a long time was there such rejoicing in this
part of the country as that which took place on Saturday evening, at Strancally
Castle, on the return of Mr George Whitelocke Lloyd and his bride off their
honeymoon. There was nothing left undone to make the occasion a real Irish
welcome. Beautiful arches were erected at intervals along the avenue…bonfires
were to be seen everywhere for miles… [He is] one of the kindest and most
popular gentlemen, and largest employers of labour in the south. At 6p.m…a vast crowd of the tenantry and
people from the surrounding district, headed by their local band, had taken up
their position…When the carriage arrived, a ringing cheer which rent the air,
and cries of ‘You are Welcome’. When the cheering subsided, Mr. Michael Whelan
stepped forward on behalf of the tenants…and welcomed the return of Mr. & Mrs.
Lloyd…Mr. Lloyd acknowledged in return their gratitude and hoped that the good
feeling would long continue…the whole party adjourned to a large building in
the courtyard, decorated for the occasion…Messrs Whelan & Dunne left
nothing undone to make everything most comfortable…The ball was opened by Mr.
Whelan, D.C., Camphire and when he rose to drink the health of Mr. & Mrs.
Lloyd, the toast being joined by all present, who sang, ‘For he’s a Jolly Good
Fellow’. Dancing commenced at 9p.m. and lasted till 6 in the morning, when the
pleasant party broke up, well pleased with their night’s amusement’.
Mr Lloyd was married three times. His first two wives
were Selina Jane Henry 1854, and Lady Anne Margaret Butler 1861. His third wife
was Anna Maria Bennett of Buttevant Castle, Co Cork.
Ardmore – Memory and Story Book
The History, Traditions and Stories of
an Irish Village
By Siobhan Lincoln
Stories of growing up in an Irish
village told with a "blend of history, tradition and humour". Siobhán
Lincoln records the social history of Ardmore village, tales of school days,
dances, fishing, work, language and tradition. This book will be of interest to
anyone who wants a picture of life in rural Ireland from the late 19th century
to the dawning of the Millennium.
This book can be purchased at County
Waterford Museum.
Paperback €20 Hardback €25
Co Tipperary Independent & Tipperary Free Press 4 August 1900
United Irish
league – Ardmore Branch
A public meeting was held in Ardmore on Sunday in
furtherance of the objects of the United Irish League. A number of police were
present from Cappoquin, Lismore, Dungarvan, etc., under District Inspector
Egan, and with them a government note-taker. The D.I. having approached Rev.
Father Queally on the subject, the note-taker was accommodated with standing
room on the platform. During the day the proceedings were enlivened by the Old
Parish and Ardmore fife and drum bands. Mr M. Cunningham, R.D.C., proposed that
Father Queally take the chair, seconded by Mr M. Flavin, Co Councilor…the
Parish Priest, Father Walsh, was absent through illness…He had a letter from
him enclosing €2 towards the
General Election Fund, which would be started in the parishes of Grange and
Ardmore on the first Sunday of September. It was many years since he [Rev.
Queally] had seen such a splendid gathering. Having dwelt on the necessity for
unity and organization, the Rev. Chairman exhorted all to work on the lines of
the U.I.L. and as a result they would soon have their Parliament in College
Green. William Spratt, R.D.C.,proposed the following:
1: Approve the programme adopted at the great
convention held recently in Dublin.
2. We hail with delight the existence once more of a
United Irish Parliamentary Party…like a solid wall to block the way of the
British House of Commons until Legislative Independence is restored to Ireland.
3. Pledge to subscribe to a fund to defray the
expenses of the General Election.
4. People of Grange/Ardmore pledge to form a branch of
U.I.L…whereby felonious and oppressive landlordism can be swept away…
5. We call on the government to amend the Labourers’
Act to enable labourers to purchase their own holdings.
6. We approve of better housing for the working
classes both in town and country.
Mr. Cunningham, R.D.C. seconded the resolutions. Mr.
J.J. Shee, M.P., Mr. A Heskin, Tallow, and Col. Fitzgerald supported the
resolutions.
Ardmore – Memory and Story Book
The History, Traditions and Stories of
an Irish Village
By Siobhan Lincoln
Stories of growing up in an Irish
village told with a "blend of history, tradition and humour". Siobhán
Lincoln records the social history of Ardmore village, tales of school days,
dances, fishing, work, language and tradition. This book will be of interest to
anyone who wants a picture of life in rural Ireland from the late 19th century
to the dawning of the Millennium.
This book can be purchased at County
Waterford Museum.
Paperback €20 Hardback €25
Waterford Standard 16 February 1867
Kilmacthomas
Clothing Club
Lately the annual sale of clothing to the poor of the
above village took place, at which considerably more than 100 poor persons
purchased warm clothing, blankets, etc. This charity is maintained by the
Marchioness of Waterford [Christiana Leslie (died 1905), married Rev John de la
Poer Beresford, 4th marquis of Waterford (1814-1866)].
Poor persons of good character, by regular monthly
payments, create a fund, at the year’s end an equal sum is added by Lady
Waterford, and with this the purchases are made by the people. Thus, by
inducing habits of saving, and self-reliance, good is effected, to which after
the indiscriminate ‘giving’ of many kind-hearted individuals, fails to produce.
In addition to the above, all the labourers at Curraghmore, have been, we
believe, supplied with full suits of clothing, leggings, etc., by the same
noble house. Those who by suchlike efforts, and example, benefit the poor, may
well be called benefactors in the true sense. Messrs Locke & Co of this
city [Robert Locke & Company?] supplied the goods which give such
satisfaction.
Marchioness of Waterford
Yorkshire Post & Leeds Intelligencer 3 December 1953
Lismore Hotel
– ‘An Outstanding Opportunity’
To acquire an hotel
known throughout Ireland, adjacent to Lismore Castle – Irish seat of the Duke
of Devonshire, the famous River Blackwater, noted for its salmon and where
hunting and shooting abound. Comprising impressive entrance hall, reception,
cloaks, private offices, attractive dining room, public lounge with bar,
residents lounge, Paddy’s Bar, ballroom, writing room, 24 bedrooms all with
fitted wash basins, h & c.’ plugs and bells, 3 baths, 8 toilets, kitchen
with ‘Green’s Heat Flow’ range, stillroom, wine cellar, food larders, laundry,
staff bedrooms, owner’s flat, garage for 8, stabling for 12, kitchen garden,
etc.
The property is
tastefully furnished throughout, was modernized, redecorated, and furnished in
1948, is fully equipped even to linen and cutlery. Freehold and free from
ground rent, rateable valuation only £58, and offered for disposal solely due to
serious illness of the proprietor. To affect an immediate sale, £7,500 to
include everything will be accepted.
Apply to owner’s
agents: Cork Estates, 70 South Mall, Cork.
The 19th Century Reconstruction of Dungarvan
Jesse Hartley (1780-1860) - Engineer to the Duke of
Devonshire.
Hartley was born on 21 December 1780 near Pontefract, Yorkshire into a
family of bridge builders/stone masons.
He was described as a: ‘man of ruddy complexion, a powerful bodily frame
and robust constitution’. He was the first full-time professional dock engineer
in the world. When the Duke of Devonshire planned to rebuild the centre of
Dungarvan in the early 1800s he also decided to build a new quay to help the
development of trade and to construct a bridge to link Abbeyside with the town
centre. Before this people had to either cross by ferryboat (for which they had
to pay a fee) from Abbeyside or travel up the Colligan and cross the river at
Ballyneety Bridge.
Hartley was employed as the chief engineer for the works in Dungarvan
and he arrived in the town around 1809 and stayed until 1818. Over time he
became friendly with the daughter of a local Inn Keeper, her name was Ellen
Penny. Her father, William Penny, was
the Seneschal (equivalent to a Town Clerk) and had an inn near the
quayside. William died young in 1811 aged 42 as did his wife Fanny who died in
1806 aged 35. He and his wife are buried beside the old gable wall in St Mary’s
Church of Ireland, and on the monument, there is a reference to their daughter
Ellen and Hartley. Ellen died at Bootle Marsh in Liverpool on 9 December 1836
aged only 28, we don’t know the cause of death, but it may have been during or
after the birth of a child.
After leaving Dungarvan Hartley was appointed as engineer to the
Liverpool Docks. He designed the Albert Dock with special fire- proof
construction. He expanded the docklands from 46 to 212 acres. The buildings
have been converted and are now a visitor and leisure attraction of
architectural significance.
Jesse died on 24 August 1869 at Bootle Marsh, Liverpool aged 80. He had
one child, a son named John Bernard who was also an engineer.
.jpg)
Dew Laas, moored at Davitt's Quay, Dungarvan
The day trip will be on Saturday 29th April 2023, at 9.15am outside the Museum premises.
Please book before Monday 24th April and payment (€27 per
person ) is required beforehand.
(Minimum 25 people
needed)
We will be visiting Doneraile Court Co. Cork
17th/18th/19th century
house, the seat of the St. Legers. Interiors recently restored and refurnished by
the Office of Public Works (OPW).
Ground and first floor open. On site café
Visting Annes Grove, Co. Cork
Important garden created by the Annesley family
and recently restored by the OPW.
Booking & Payment
needed in Advance
€27 per person (Does
not include lunch)
Please wear suitable shoes
for outdoor walking at Annes Grove garden.
Cork Examiner 2 May 1849
The Pilot 21 October 1846
State of the
Country
Dungarvan – More Arrests - Intimidation – State of the
People
Dungarvan – Monday night, October 19 - On this night
16 persons have added to the very great number already in custody, for
intimidating the farmers and to pay back the con acre rent received by them
this year. They were arrested last night in and about the neighbourhood of
Dromana and Villierstown by the police of three stations. An investigation was
held previous to their being committed for trial to the Villierstown Petty
Sessions.
Condition of
the People
The condition of the people is truly heart-rending.
They are starving! One of the dragoons, a very intelligent man, gave me a most
deplorable account of the sights witnessed by them as they came along today by
the houses of their prisoners. They were followed by frantic looking women and
children, half naked, whose cries were unlike anything human – being husky,
broken, and quite feeble from starvation. Is there to be any remedy – any
panacea for this awful evil, now staring the country in the face? The landlords
of this country have done their duty in this matter, by taxing their properties
enormously to afford general employment. The Irish part of the government have
done what they could. But it would seem that all is destined to prove abortive,
in consequence of no measures being taken to reduce the famine price of food.
Indian meal is two shillings a stone; wages per day, only ten pence. This sum
would purchase about 6 pounds in weight of meal. What will they do for fire to
boil it on, condiments to use with it, and the various other indispensable
necessaries of life?
 |
| Small group of children standing in the street at Villierstown Village, Co. Waterford ,Cira 1890 |
Waterford Star 26 June 1897
Alleged
Proselytism in County Waterford
‘Mr Moloney (instructed by Mr J.F. Williams) applied
on the part of Frederick Spanner, a coastguard, living at Bonmahon…for a
conditional order for a writ of habeas corpus directed to the Rev. Francis H.
Burkett, Rector of Stradbally, and William Claxton, farmer, of the same place,
to compel them to produce Alice Cunningham, aged 15 years. Consul relied on an
affidavit made by Spanner, in which he stated that Alice Cunningham was his
stepdaughter, that she was about 3 years old at the time he married her mother
in Dundee in 1885. Her mother was a Roman Catholic, and the child had been
brought up in the same religion. He had himself been a Protestant but became a
Roman Catholic. In 1892 the child’s mother died, and deponent married again.
About three months ago the Rev Mr Burkett asked him to allow Alice…to go to the
Rectory for a short time to help in the household work, as his cook was away.
He allowed the girl to go, and he heard no more about her until he heard from
his mother, a Protestant, who resides in the Isle of Wight, that she was glad
to learn that Alice was not then a Catholic. This was the first time he had got
any inclination that the religion of the child was being tampered with…he asked
that she be sent home…as she did not return…he went to the house [Rectory]. He
was told by the servant that the child would be down in a few minutes, but she
did not make her appearance…Rev. Burkett said Alice should give a month’s
notice before she could leave. Deponent replied that no contract had been
entered into, and that there was no necessity to give notice…the girl had been
sent out by a back way to the house to William Claxton, about two miles away.
He followed her there, but as it was late at night and raining heavily, and she
said she was not fit to travel, he consented to let her remain that night, but
said she must be sent for next day. He did so, but she was not forthcoming, and
he had not seen her since. The court granted the conditional order’.
We don’t know what happened to Alice. The Spanner
family are included in the 1901 census as living in the coastguard station in
Bonmahon. Frederick’s second wife that he refers to above was a widow,
Elizabeth O’Flaherty who had three children from her first marriage – James
aged 14, Silvester aged 9 and Ann Eliza aged 11. Frederick had two sons listed
in the census, John aged 3 and Frederick aged 2. Frederick Spanner Senior was later transferred
to Kilmore Quay in Wexford. Alice Cunningham is not listed on the census.
Liam Ó Míodhacháin and Conradh na Gaelige in Dungarvan
By Kyle Beresford
In 2022 an illuminated address was donated to Waterford County Museum. It was created in 1914 and was presented to Liam Ó hÍceadha/William Cornelius Hickey (1885-1935), the secretary of Conradh na Gaelige in Dungarvan to mark his forthcoming marriage. Liam worked as a Customs and Excise officer. His wife was Katherine Power of Corballybeg Co Waterford. She worked as a baker and confectioner in Dungarvan.
The work is over one hundred years old and is a fine example of Celtic Revival artwork. The colours are remarkably well preserved. These illuminated addresses were popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries to mark events such as retirement, coming of age, weddings, and so on. One of the finest creators of these addresses were John and Florence Gilbert of Cork. Michael Beary the Borough Surveyor in Dungarvan also painted addresses. A fine example of his work is on display at Waterford County Museum, presented to Captain John Veale.
This address is richly decorated with a border of elaborate Celtic Revival motifs, and vignettes featuring the Dungarvan coat of arms, the old gable wall at St Mary’s Church of Ireland, and the ruins of McGrath’s Castle, Abbeyside. The latter was probably included as that is where Hickey lived. It also features fantastic beasts similar to those seen in early Irish illuminated manuscripts. At the top of the address a real photograph of O’Hickey has been pasted on. The following is the inscription translated to English:
Testimonial to Liam Ó hÍceadha.
We, Cuallacht Chosnamha na Gaeilge (the Irish language defence committee) here in Dungarvan, wish to express our respect and appreciation to you for all you have done amongst us to promote the use of and respect for the Irish language and all that accompanies it; and we consider no more timely opportunity to do so than now on the occasion of your marriage. Our respect and esteem for you should not come as a surprise to anyone, as from the first day we came to know you to the present time, neither your enthusiasm or your dedication could be surpassed; and as well as that you were astute, intelligent and discerning, dispensing advice wisely on many occasions.
It is not only ourselves who will forever be obliged and blessed by your support, your efforts will also be appreciated by every other true Irish person whose wish it is to see the ancient and beautiful language of the Gael bloom and thrive again; and if every heart were as favourable towards it as yours is, it would not take long for it to be so.
You have always scorned the bitter enemies of the Irish language and indeed, have often succeeded in thwarting the efforts of those who would see the language suppressed.
We wish you and your wife a long and happy life together and may God spare you to assist us for a long time to come in the successful promotion of that work which we all enjoy so much.
We, the undersigned, on behalf of Cuallacht Cosnamha na Gaeilge, Dungarvan.
Domhnall Ó Fearchair (President); Seán Ó Loingsigh (Vice-President); Mícheál Ó Floinn (Treasurer). Date: 15/9/1914.
Dan Fraher was an athlete, Gaelic scholar, and had a drapery business on Grattan Square, known as ‘The Gaelic Outfitting Store’. The ‘Fraher Field’ in Dungarvan is named after him. At present we don’t have further details about the Vice-President and Treasurer.
The address was created by Liam Ó Míodhacháin/William Meehan who lived at An Rinn in a house which he built. He incorporated a number of Celtic Revival motifs in its exterior and interior. There were wall paintings and furniture made with Celtic designs. He was born on 11 October 1874 to Edmund Meehan and Mary Coffey. He was an amateur artist/craftsman who tried his hand at a number of artistic ventures, such as gravestones, mortuary cards, illuminated addresses, and book illustration. He designed the Stations of the Cross in St Nicholas Church, An Rinn, and the obelisk at Helvick commemorating the Fenian ship, the Erin’s Hope. He died on 30 August 1960 aged 86.
Conradh na Gaelige/The Gaelic League was founded on 31 July 1893 by Eoin MacNeill and others to promote Irish language and literature. Its first President was Douglas Hyde. The League produced their own newspaper – An Claidheamh Soluis. According to an article by Séan Ó Cadhlaigh in the 1902 issue of An Sléibhteánach, Dan Fraher (1852-1929) started teaching Irish classes in 1888 in the premises owned by the Dungarvan Literary Society. They were encouraged by the P.P. Rev. Peter Casey.
On 7 May 1895 a meeting was held in Dungarvan to start a branch of Conradh na Gaelige:
A meeting was held in Dungarvan on the 7th, at which, among others, the following were present: Rev. M.P. Hickey, chairman; Messers Patrick Carmody, Kilmacthomas; M.T. Foley, Ring; Thomas McCarthy, Town Clerk, Dungarvan; Daniel Fraher, Patrick Sweeney, and James Daly, all of them representative of local men, good Irish speakers and noted supporters of the movement. A branch of the Gaelic League was formed, a number of members were enrolled, and subscriptions were handed in, the chairman subscribing one pound. The central committee was represented by Mr. J. McNeill, Hon secretary.
Irish classes were held in the Town Hall. There were separate nights for the men and women.
I would like to acknowledge the assistance of the following in the preparation of this article: Liam’s granddaughters: Nóirín Westman, Muireann McGrath and Iosoilde Dromey; Áine Uí Fhoghlú; William Fraher, Curator Waterford Co Museum; Nioclás Ó Gríofáin; Eddie Cantwell; and the Trustees of Waterford County Museum for permission to reproduce images of the address.
Further reading:
http://ringcowaterford.blogspot.com/2010/02/this-very-interesting-photo-features.html
https://www.ainm.ie/Bio.aspx?ID=539&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
Dhonnachadha, P. Ó. (2003). AN LINN BHUÍ Iris Ghealtacht na nDéise . In p. Ó. Dhonnachadha, AN LINN BHUÍ Iris Ghealtacht na nDéise UIMHIR 7 (pp. 84-86). Ballycleat: leabhair la linne.
An Śleibhteánach. 1902
The book is available from the Museum, Eason’s Dungarvan, The Book Centre Waterford City, Book Market Clonmel and David Walsh’s shop Dungarvan. Cost €25
Liam Ó Míodhacháin and Conradh na Gaelige in Dungarvan
By Kyle Beresford
In 2022 an
illuminated address was donated to Waterford County Museum. It was created in
1914 and was presented to Liam Ó hÍceadha/William
Cornelius Hickey (1885-1935), the secretary of Conradh na Gaelige in Dungarvan
to mark his forthcoming marriage. Liam worked as a Customs and Excise officer.
His wife was Katherine Power of Corballybeg Co Waterford. She worked as a baker
and confectioner in Dungarvan.
The work is
over one hundred years old and is a fine example of Celtic Revival artwork. The
colours are remarkably well preserved. These illuminated addresses were popular
in the 19th and early 20th centuries to mark events such as retirement, coming
of age, weddings, and so on. One of the finest creators of these addresses were
John and Florence Gilbert of Cork. Michael Beary the Borough Surveyor in
Dungarvan also painted addresses. A fine example of his work is on display at
Waterford County Museum, presented to Captain John Veale.
This address
is richly decorated with a border of elaborate Celtic Revival motifs, and
vignettes featuring the Dungarvan coat of arms, the old gable wall at St Mary’s
Church of Ireland, and the ruins of McGrath’s Castle, Abbeyside. The latter was
probably included as that is where Hickey lived. It also features fantastic beasts
similar to those seen in early Irish illuminated manuscripts. At the top of the
address a real photograph of O’Hickey has been pasted on. The following is the
inscription translated to English:
Testimonial to Liam Ó hÍceadha.
We, Cuallacht Chosnamha na Gaeilge
(the Irish language defence committee) here in Dungarvan, wish to express
our respect and appreciation to you for all you have done amongst us to promote
the use of and respect for the Irish language and all that accompanies it; and
we consider no more timely opportunity to do so than now on the occasion of
your marriage. Our respect and esteem for you should not come as a surprise to
anyone, as from the first day we came to know you to the present time, neither
your enthusiasm or your dedication could be surpassed; and as well as that you
were astute, intelligent and discerning, dispensing advice wisely on many
occasions.
It
is not only ourselves who will forever
be obliged and blessed by your support, your efforts will also be appreciated
by every other true Irish person whose wish it is to see the ancient and
beautiful language of the Gael bloom and thrive again; and if every heart were
as favourable towards it as yours is, it would not take long for it to be so.
You
have always scorned the bitter enemies of the Irish language and indeed, have
often succeeded in thwarting the efforts of those who would see the language
suppressed.
We
wish you and your wife a long and happy life together and may God spare you to
assist us for a long time to come in the successful promotion of that work
which we all enjoy so much.
We, the undersigned, on behalf of Cuallacht
Cosnamha na Gaeilge, Dungarvan.
Domhnall Ó Fearchair (President);
Seán Ó Loingsigh (Vice-President); Mícheál Ó Floinn (Treasurer). Date:
15/9/1914.
Dan
Fraher was an athlete, Gaelic scholar, and had a drapery business on Grattan
Square, known as ‘The Gaelic Outfitting Store’.
The ‘Fraher Field’ in Dungarvan is named after him. At present we don’t
have further details about the Vice-President and Treasurer.
The address
was created by Liam Ó Míodhacháin/William
Meehan who lived at An Rinn in a house which he built. He incorporated a number
of Celtic Revival motifs in its exterior and interior. There were wall
paintings and furniture made with Celtic designs. He was born on 11 October 1874
to Edmund Meehan and Mary Coffey. He was an amateur artist/craftsman who tried
his hand at a number of artistic ventures, such as gravestones, mortuary cards,
illuminated addresses, and book illustration. He designed the Stations of the Cross in
St Nicholas Church, An Rinn, and the
obelisk at Helvick commemorating the Fenian ship, the Erin’s Hope. He died on
30 August 1960 aged 86.
Conradh na
Gaelige/The Gaelic League was founded on 31 July 1893 by Eoin MacNeill and
others to promote Irish language and literature. Its first President was
Douglas Hyde. The League produced their own newspaper – An Claidheamh Soluis.
According to an article by Séan Ó
Cadhlaigh in the 1902 issue of An Sléibhteánach, Dan Fraher (1852-1929) started
teaching Irish classes in 1888 in the premises owned by the Dungarvan Literary
Society. They were encouraged by the
P.P. Rev. Peter Casey.
On 7 May 1895 a meeting was held in Dungarvan
to start a branch of Conradh na Gaelige:
A meeting was held
in Dungarvan on the 7th, at which, among others, the following were
present: Rev. M.P. Hickey, chairman; Messers Patrick Carmody, Kilmacthomas;
M.T. Foley, Ring; Thomas McCarthy, Town Clerk, Dungarvan; Daniel Fraher,
Patrick Sweeney, and James Daly, all of them representative of local men, good
Irish speakers and noted supporters of the movement. A branch of the Gaelic League was formed, a
number of members were enrolled, and subscriptions were handed in, the chairman
subscribing one pound. The central
committee was represented by Mr. J. McNeill, Hon secretary.
Irish classes were held in the Town Hall. There were separate nights for the men and
women.
I would like
to acknowledge the assistance of the following in the preparation of this
article: Liam’s granddaughters: Nóirín
Westman, Muireann McGrath and Iosoilde Dromey; Áine
Uí
Fhoghlú; William Fraher, Curator Waterford Co Museum; Nioclás Ó
Gríofáin;
Eddie Cantwell; and the Trustees of Waterford County Museum for permission to
reproduce images of the address.
Further
reading:
http://ringcowaterford.blogspot.com/2010/02/this-very-interesting-photo-features.html
https://www.ainm.ie/Bio.aspx?ID=539&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
Dhonnachadha,
P. Ó. (2003). AN LINN BHUÍ Iris Ghealtacht na nDéise . In p. Ó. Dhonnachadha, AN
LINN BHUÍ Iris Ghealtacht na nDéise UIMHIR 7 (pp. 84-86). Ballycleat:
leabhair la linne.
An Śleibhteánach. 1902
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