Close to 100 people gathered at the Town Hall Theatre to attend a talk by William Fraher, titled - The War of Independence/Civil War & The Big House in Co. Waterford. The audience was by no means disappointed and were given a fascinating insight with this period from the point of view of the owners of the Big Houses. Of particular interest were the extracts from unpublished diaries manuscripts and letters which William has unearthed during his research.
"It is" he said his intention to pursue the subject matter more fully and appealed for photographs, letters etc.
Proposing a vote of thanks to the speaker, author and historian Seán Murphy complemented William on his talk and the research undertaken.
For those who missed the talk there will be another opportunity to hear it in Waterford in November as part of Waterford Historical & Archaeological Society’s Winter talks programme.
The War of Independence/ Civil War & The Big House in Co Waterford
Waterford County Museums first talk for the New year is certain to generate a great deal on interest. William Fraher has - as usual - focused in on subject matter which is as controversial as it is interesting. William who is curator of the museum which is housed at the old Town Hall Dungarvan is not known to shy away from an historical Challenge and this talk will certainly prove to be as praiseworthy as the numerous others which he has given for the society.
The aim of this talk is to shed some light on a particular aspect of the War of Independence/ Civil War in Co Waterford - That is - how it impacted on the Big House in Co Waterford. The subject has been touched on by various historians of the period, but not in any great detail. William’s indept research will also prove valuable to students with an interest in ‘the Big Houses’ and any learning gained from William’s talk can be generalised into many fields of research.
William felt it would be interesting to see the subject from the Anglo-Irish viewpoint and how it impacted on their lives and how it shaped their attitudes to the new emerging Ireland.
As sources he has used original manuscripts and letters which are unpublished, newspapers and witness statements etc. He will also look at how this subject was portrayed in the literature of the period focusing on Emily Ussher of Cappagh House who is now a totally forgotten figure. She and her husband Beverly Ussher were very much nationalists and supporters of the Irish language.
Houses featured in the talk include - Mount Congreve, Curraghmore, Gardenmorris, Comeragh, Whitfield, Annestown, Lismore Castle, Cloncoskeran etc.
This is certain to be a fascinating talk with new insights from original documents recently unearthed by William. There will be a question and answer session after the talk and William will endeavour to deal with as many questions as he can. As usual, the talk is open to everybody and will take place at the Town Theatre on St. Augustine Street on Wednesday 19th January at 8 PM.
The aim of this talk is to shed some light on a particular aspect of the War of Independence/ Civil War in Co Waterford - That is - how it impacted on the Big House in Co Waterford. The subject has been touched on by various historians of the period, but not in any great detail. William’s indept research will also prove valuable to students with an interest in ‘the Big Houses’ and any learning gained from William’s talk can be generalised into many fields of research.
William felt it would be interesting to see the subject from the Anglo-Irish viewpoint and how it impacted on their lives and how it shaped their attitudes to the new emerging Ireland.
As sources he has used original manuscripts and letters which are unpublished, newspapers and witness statements etc. He will also look at how this subject was portrayed in the literature of the period focusing on Emily Ussher of Cappagh House who is now a totally forgotten figure. She and her husband Beverly Ussher were very much nationalists and supporters of the Irish language.
Houses featured in the talk include - Mount Congreve, Curraghmore, Gardenmorris, Comeragh, Whitfield, Annestown, Lismore Castle, Cloncoskeran etc.
This is certain to be a fascinating talk with new insights from original documents recently unearthed by William. There will be a question and answer session after the talk and William will endeavour to deal with as many questions as he can. As usual, the talk is open to everybody and will take place at the Town Theatre on St. Augustine Street on Wednesday 19th January at 8 PM.
Children's Christmas Event
Niamh, Darren, & Emma with some of the group
On Sunday 13 the children's Christmas event was held here in the museum. This is the second year of this event and again it was well attended. The children under the watchful eye of Helen and Darren cut out and coloured their own christmas cards and made some lovely decorations for the museum Christmas tree. wasThey also enjoyed some lovely treats laid on for the day. Thanks again to Helen, Darren, Noreen, Emma & Niamh for all their hard work on the day and to Conor Lannon of the Country Store for providing us with the christmas tree. More photos of this event can be seen on our facebook web page.
Children's Christmas Fun
Sunday December 12 the museum is holding it's Childrens Christmas Event. Children will spent the hour making up their own christmas cards from local scenes from bygone days, and decorating the museum christmas tree with their own hand-made decorations. There will be lots of fun and treats for all. The event is free to all and will take place in the museum between 2.00.pm - 3.00.pm.
Recent Visitors
On Wednesday 24 we had a group of English language students from Waterford city along with the teacher SallyAnne. These student visit us on a yearly basis, they are made up of many different nationalities and find the museum a very interesting place to visit.
On the same morning a group arrived from Cork. These visitors were a group of adults on a day's outing, passing through Dungarvan, stopped off, found the museum and dropped in. They were very impressed with the museum and the work that's being done to preserve our history.
Students From The Adult Education Centre Waterford
An American Soldier In World War 2 - John F Mansfield
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| John F Mansfield's American Army Medals |
John F Mansfield 1906 - 1965
He was born at Ballinroad, Old Parish, Co Waterford on 6 February 1906 to James and Bridget Mansfield (nee Power).
John emigrated to America in 1924. Just before the Second World War he enlisted in the American army and served with the 4th Armoured Division - Third Army, from its founding in April 1942 until he ended up in Pilsin, Czechoslovakia in May 1945.
This Division was the spearhead attack from Normandy right into Germany and was known as 'Paton's Pride & Joy', having had the most days in combat of any unit of the Third Army. John was wounded twice and decorated on several occasions. Received honourable discharge on 19 October 1945 and he settled in New York where he died on 1 July 1965.
Awards Received
- Bronze Star for valour at the Battle of the Bulge
- Purple Heart with cluster after being wounded at Normandy and Metz
- European-African Middle Eastern Campaign ribbon
- Occupation of Germany Medal
- American Defence Medal
- Good Conduct Medal
Successful Michael Smith Talk
Committee Member Eddie Cantwell With Michael Smith
On last Wednesday November 17 Michael gave another fascinating illustrated presentation based on his new book "Great Endeavour - Irish Antarctic Explorers" to a packed audience at Lawlor's Hotel. The very appreciative audience enjoyed his relaxed style of delivery and his encyclopedic knowledge of the subject.
We would like to thank Pat White and Aisling for Eason's who brought along copies of the book for sale, which Michael signed. We would also like to thank the staff at Lawlor's Hotel for their assistance with the event.
The book is available to buy at Eason's, priced at £30 and on http://www.amazon.co.uk/
Padraig Nugent Getting His Book Signed by Michael
The Hayes Family Attending The Lecture
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