Wednesday 30th October 2019 - A Talk by William Fraher in Dungarvan Sailing Club

Wretched and Unsanitary - Working Class Housing in Dungarvan
 1800 - 1970

William Fraher

A Talk by William Fraher

This is the first detailed research to be undertaken on the type of houses in which the poorer citizens of  Dungarvan lived from the 19^th to the 20th century.  Descriptions of Dungarvan by 18th and 19th century travel writers comment on the amount of 'cabins' to be seen all around the town especially on the roads and streets leading out from the centre.  These had thatched roofs and stone or mud walls with one, or at the most, two rooms. The shocking aspect is the number of people who occupied these tiny spaces - sometimes eight to twelve people. Houses were built by the Marquis of Waterford and the Duke of Devonshire in the1820s as part of the activities surrounding the 1826 election. These houses were solidly built and appear to have had slate roofs but were still being lived in up until the 1950s and 1960s when they had become totally unsuitable.  Sometimes the slum dwellings were owned by members of councils which meant that nothing happened apart from issuing an order to the landlord to the repair the property. Willie will also talk about the new housing developments initiated by the council -Loughmore, Cathal Brugha Place, Dr Caseyville and Murphy Place. These were a vast improvement on the slum dwellings but they were not without controversy. Issues with sewage, high rents, faulty doors and windows, and leaks were reported in the local papers. The Murphy Place development was one of the first in Ireland to employ direct labour.

Tobin brothers at Shandon Street, Dungarvan ( Note the half door).

William Fraher is by now recognised as the foremost historian in Dungarvan. His contribution to the history of the town and surrounding area is unequalled. This talk takes place at the wonderful Dungarvan Sailing Club venue on the quay, a location for which we are very grateful.

To hear more - come along, take a seat and enjoy a drink, as you listen to this illustrated talk on Wed 30^th October at 8p.m. There will be a €5 entrance fee, and as usual, all are welcome.

Venue:          Dungarvan Sailing Club, Davitt's Quay, Dungarvan.

Date:             Wednesday 30th October 2019.

Time:            8 p.m.

Admission:   €5

13th July 2019 - Celebrating Lady Catherine's life in Curraghmore House

Afternoon Tea celebrating Lady Catherine's Life hosted by Curraghmore House

As part of the Comeraghs Wild Festival, on Saturday the 13th July at 3 p.m. historians Julian Walton and William Fraher will host an afternoon commemorating Lady Catherine Beresford Nee Power.

Talks will be accompanied by a traditional afternoon tea in the formal dining room.  The event includes both talks and afternoon tea in the house and a visit to the Shell House.

Tickets €50 pp.   Due to limited numbers, places must be pre booked.


Julian Walton

Commemorating Lady Catherine Beresford, Nee Power (1701-1769)

Catherine was the only child of James Power of Curraghmore, Earl of Tyrone, and his wife Anne Rickards of Dangan near Kilmacow.  Born in 1701, she inherited the vast Curraghmore estate at the age of two on the death of her father.  She was brought up by her mother and in 1717 married Sir Marcus Beresford, uniting two of Ireland's most prominent families.  During their long life together they transformed Curraghmore, Catherine's special contribution being the Shell House.  They had a large family which by the end of the century had become Ireland's foremost political dynasty.  Catherine had a forceful personality and is still remembered in local tradition.  This lecture is a tribute to her remarkable life, which ended 250 years ago.


William Fraher

Laid out in Fine Taste

Lady Catherine Power and Sir Marcus Beresford's creations at Tyrone House and Curraghmore.

The Talk will focus on the couple's Dublin town house - Tyrone House, and their work at Curraghmore, rebuilding and embellishing the house and garden including the remarkable Shell House.  They employed the renowned Lafranchini brothers to decorate the walls and ceilings of both houses with magnificent plasterwork.

Venue:  Curraghmore House, Portlaw, Co. Waterford

Date:    13th July 2019

Time:    3 p.m.

Admission:   €50 (including afternoon tea).

Photo from Walks and Talks at Three

Audience enjoying lecture by William Fraher entitled "As Others Saw Us: Visitors Impressions of Dungarvan".

The Tragic Voyage of Paul and Aga Mueller - An Illustrated Talk by Brian Mulvihill

Brian’s talk deals with Aga Mueller and her father Paul and their failed voyage from Germany to Argentina in a sixteen foot boat named Berlin.  The journey that they chose to undertake was indeed an epic one and Brian will trace their journey to its end and all that happened in between.

The story is a fantastic one with twists and turns that people will not believe, it’s worthy of an Agatha Christie novel, with a cliff hanger ending.  The story does not end with the ending of the voyage and goes right up to the modern day!  Brian has spent many years researching this particular project, and it most certainly is going to be a very interesting talk.

Brian worked for many years in Dungarvan Crystal prior to the factory closure.  He then returned to college and retrained as a teacher.  This retraining included a yearlong work placement at a camp in America.  Upon qualification, Brian secured work with the Waterford Wexford ETB and he currently works as a tutor with Dungarvan Youthreach.

This talk takes place in the Town Hall Theatre, Dungarvan on Wednesday the 20^th of February at 8pm.  There is an admittance fee of €5, and as always, all are welcome.

Talk by Des Power

There was a large attendance at the museum last Wednesday to hear Des Power’s talk about the Power family of St Brigid's Well Brewery.  Des thanked Eddie Cantwell for his assistance with the research and said he was delighted to give the talk in the museum which was such a great setting and an asset to Dungarvan.

Des traced the story of individual family members and how many of the family set up their own businesses.  He explained the history of the brewery, developed by Thomas Power who also established a successful cider industry.

The museum is delighted to say that Des has kindly donated a collection of papers relating to the brewery which will be added to our existing Power archive.

The Powers of St. Brigid’s Well Brewery - An Illustrated Lecture by Des Power

This promises to be a most interesting talk as Des Power will speak about his family, the Powers of St. Brigid's Well Brewery.

The talk will take place at Waterford County Museum, Friary Street on Wednesday the 16^th of January at 8pm and all are welcome to attend.  There will be a €5 entrance fee.

Cancellation of Talk on Louisa Marchioness of Waterford

The talk on Louisa Marchioness of Waterford which was due to take place on Wednesday the 21^st of November at the Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club has been cancelled until the New Year due to unforeseen circumstances.

Sorry for the inconvenience caused and we will let you know the new date as soon as we know it.

LOUISA MARCHIONESS OF WATERFORD (1818-1891): A BICENTENARY ASSESSMENT. An Illustrated Lecture by Julian Walton.

Louisa was a daughter of Lord Stuart de Rothesay.  Beautiful, artistic and religious, she married Henry Beresford, 3rd Marquess of Waterford, who had hitherto been renowned for his reckless and spendthrift behaviour.  She was noted for her humanitarian endeavours, especially during the Famine.  During a long widowhood in England she developed her artistic talent.

Julian Walton is a retired secondary school teacher and librarian.  He has worked at Waterford Heritage Genealogical Centre, Waterford Cathedral Library and the UCC Library.  He writes and lectures on the history of County Waterford and is currently researching the history of Curraghmore.  Julian is also very well known as a radio broadcaster from his many years presenting ‘On This Day’.

Waterford County Museum are delighted to have Julian back again with this most interesting lecture.  It takes place in the wonderful setting of the Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club at Davitts Quay on Wednesday the 21^st of November at 8pm.  There is a €5 entrance fee and all are welcome.

“We always vote Redmond in this house” - The Redmonds and Waterford, a political dynasty 1891-1952. A Lecture by Dr Pat McCarthy.

Waterford County Museum are delighted to welcome back Dr Pat McCarthy for this most informative talk on the Redmond’s.  This is sure to grab the attention of all.

The Redmond family dominated Waterford politics for sixty years.  John Redmond represented Waterford at Westminster.  He also represented the County in Leinster House.  Redmond resigned his parliamentary seat in Wexford to fight Parnell’s old seat in Cork but was decisively beaten in the by-election.  He went on to challenge Michael Davitt in a bitter electoral struggle in Waterford.  The Waterford people supported him until his death.

After his death John Redmond’s son William, held the seat, and was returned in the General Election that year.  It was the only seat won by the Irish Parliamentary Party in the South of Ireland - a testimony to the enduring bond between the Redmonds and Waterford.  Elected to Dáil Éireann in 1923, he formed and led the ill-fated National League in 1926 and after the demise of that party he joined Cumann na nGaedheal.

After his sudden death in 1932 he was succeeded by his widow, Bridget.  For almost twenty years she worked tirelessly for her constituents and also played a role on the national stage in Dáil Éireann.

Pat McCarthy’s book on the Redmonds is a wide-ranging study, and offers a new insight into the political career of John Redmond and his family.  Pat who is by now no stranger to Dungarvan, is a native of Waterford City, holds a PhD and an MBA from UCD and worked for many years in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.  He is the author of The Irish Revolution, 1912–23: Waterford (Dublin, 2015) and Waterford and the 1916 Rising (Waterford, 2016).

His talk takes place at the Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club on Wednesday the 17^th of October at 8pm.  There will be an entry fee of €5 and as always, all are welcome, bring along your book for Pat to sign!

Kilmacthomas Historical Society Talk

During Heritage Week the Kilmacthomas Historical Society will be hosting a talk on the ‘Kilmacthomas Curraghmore Connection’ by the renowned historian Julian Walton.  

The talk will take place on Tuesday the 21^st of August 2018 at the Coach House Café in Kilmacthomas at 8pm.  This will be followed by tea/coffee and biscuits.  

All are welcome.

Seán Murphy Talk

Seán Murphy’s talk on local people and their connection with WW1 took place at the Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club on Wednesday the 21^st of March.  There was a great attendance and Seán gave a brilliant and informative talk.  

We would like to thank Seán for giving his time to do the talk, also a big thank you to Austin Flynn and the Sailing Club for allowing us the use of their wonderful facility which was a big hit with those attending over the past three lectures.  

Our thanks also to Seán Organ for publicising our talks over the past season and our thanks to the Dungarvan Leader and Dungarvan Observer for their continued coverage of our events.  

This completes our lecture season until September.

International Women’s Day Talk

Our talk on Sarah Purser by William Fraher was held in the museum on International Women’s Day Thursday the 8^th of March.  There was a brilliant attendance and the talk was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

World War 1: Some Local Stories - An Illustrated Talk by Seán Murphy

It is true to say that Seán Murphy is probably the most recognised personality in County Waterford.  Seán and his wife Síle’s contribution to local history is legendary.  They have several books to their credit dealing with local history down through the years.

Seán will be giving a talk on local people and their connection with WW1 at the Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club on Wednesday the 21^st of March at 8pm.  Admission is €5.

  

Kilmacthomas Historical Society Talk

Kilmacthomas Historical Society are holding a talk on ‘A Church of Ireland family story 1920-1923’ by John Hobbs in Lenihans Lounge Bar, Newtown, Kilmacthomas on Monday the 12^th of March at 8pm.  

Admission is €5 and all are welcome to attend.

International Women’s Day Talk

To mark International Women's Day on Thursday the 8^th of March Waterford County Museum will hold a talk by William Fraher on the artist Sarah Purser who lived at The Hermitage, Abbeyside, titled: Sarah Purser (1848-1943) - Artist - Advocate for the Arts-Nationalist.  

The talk will take place at 3pm in the museum.  Admission is free.

Liam Suipéil Talk

There was a capacity audience at the Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club for Liam Suipéil’s talk on the coastal place names from Ring to Ardmore.

We were given a fascinating insight into the background of these names and it is hoped that when the research is completed that this important work will be published and made available to all.

Nioclás Ó'Griofáin, Noirin Ní Chonaola, Liam Suipéil and Eddie Cantwell.

The Personality of a Coastline - An Illustrated Talk by Liam Suipéil

If you love exploring the local rocky coastlines then you will certainly be interested in this talk.  Liam’s talk will cover the coastline from Ring to Ardmore and certainly promises to be of great interest.  

The talk will take place at the Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club on Wednesday the 21^st of February at 8pm and as always all are welcome.  Admission is €5.

17th January 2018 Lecture - Philip Barron, Man of Mystery by Áine Uí Fhoghlú

We are delighted to announce that we will be commencing our 2018 lecture season with a talk that is sure to be of immense interest called 'Philip Barron, Man of Mystery' by Áine Uí Fhoghlú.

Áine will offer an illustrated look at the life and achievements of Philip Barron of Stradbally who founded (probably) the first ever Irish language college in the country, in Bunmahon in 1835.

So who was Philip Barron, what was his contributiion to the area, and to the country?  What became of him and why is he not more widely known in Irish history?  Áine will be shedding light on these questions.

Áine Uí Fhoghlú lives in An Rinn with her family.  She has a number of poetry books to her credit and was a writer in residence with Co. Kilkenny VEC.  Áine has also won many awards for her poetry including the prestigious Irish language prize at Dún Laoghaire International Poetry Competition and the Michael Hartnett Poetry Prize.  She also has a keen interest in local history.

This looks like being a very interesting and enjoyable talk, and is not to be missed!

Venue:             Clubhouse, Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club, Davitt's Quay, Dungarvan

Date:                Wednesday 17th January 2018

Time:                8pm

Admission:      €5

Our November Lecture - Waterford's First Arts Centre?

William Fraher’s talk on the Old Provincial Bank in Bridge Street took place at the Dungarvan Sailing Club last Wednesday November 15^th.  The talk was well attended and revealed a very interesting history of the building.  Not only was the past history of the structure focused on, William also profiled several of the prominent figures that were associated with it.  The talk was followed by a very lively question and answer session. 

The Museum Society are indebted to Austin Flynn and the Dungarvan Sailing Club for allowing us the use of their wonderful facility, which seems to be a big hit with those who have attended our two lectures which took place there.

This completed the first half of our 2017/18 lecture.  Our talk continues on January 17^th 2018.

  

Copper Coast Geopark Visit

Photo: left to right: Donnchadh Ó Ceallacháin (Waterford Treasures), Chrissy Knight-O’Connor (Waterford County Museum), Eddie Cantwell​ (Waterford County Museum) and Cian Manning (Editor Decies).

On Saturday 4^th November Chrissy Knight-O’Connor and Eddie Cantwell, who are very involved in Waterford County Museum, were invited to Copper Coast Geopark in Bunmahon, County Waterford to talk about our Middlequarter Community research for the launch of Waterford Archaeological & Historical Society’s Decies Journal 2017.  

Chrissy gave an excellent presentation on Community Archaeology in Dungarvan starting with Gallows Hill and ending with Middlequarter investigations, a paper on the latter written by Chrissy Knight-O’Connor and Eddie Cantwell being included in the latest (73^rd) edition of Waterford Archaeological and Historical Society’s Decies Journal 2017.  Many congratulations to the both of them.  

Thank you to Cian Manning (Editor Decies), Donnchadh Ó Ceallacháin (Waterford Treasures), Knotted Cords and all at Copper Coast Geopark.