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 27^th 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 31^st 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 45960

Email: info@waterfordmuseum.ie

Historic Town Atlas

The Museum has just restocked with the Historic Towns Atlas for Dungarvan prepared by John Martin for the Royal Irish Academy. This fantastic resource traces the evolution of settlement, society and economy in Dungarvan. Discover the origins of this coastal town, its archaeology, its architecture, industries and trade over the centuries as mapped and narrated in this comprehensive piece of work under the dedication of John Martin.  This is an ideal gift for those interested in local history. Copies of the Atlas are available to purchase at the Museum, priced at €35.

Stories from Old Newspapers

 

Kerry Evening Post 23 February 1901

Death of Old Warrior

We take the following from the Boston Western News…it may be interesting to some of our readers: -

There has just died at Appalachicola, Florida, Mr. Joseph Hansard, who was one of ‘The Six Hundred’ who was born in the town of Tipperary of a good old English family, nearly all his ancestors being military men. His father was the late John Hansard, who kept a wine and spirit establishment in the town of Tipperary some eighty years ago, and was commonly known as ‘Captain Johnny’, and this is how he came to Tipperary -In 1798 a volunteer regiment was raised in Tipperary by the then Earl of Derby…and his lordship brought over about 20 Englishmen to officer this corp. Amongst them was John Hansard, who, when the rebellion subsided and the regiment was disbanded…settled there, having married a Miss Lampier who was in business there, by whom he had several sons  - three of whom got free commissions in the East India Company’s service, through the influence of the Earl of Glengall, who then resided at Cahir Castle. The above-named Joseph Hansard, who died last month in Florida was a lieutenant in the Ceylon Rifle Brigade, volunteered for the Crimea in 1854, and was one of the ‘Gallant Six Hundred’, who rode through the famous charge…he requested [that] his sword [be] given to his nephew Mr. Joseph Hansard of Killarney…and all he regretted was that his bones would lay in a foreign soil, and not with those of his ancestors in Tipperary, or at Snenton, near Nottingham…and his last words were that either on the battle-field or n a foreign land, he always upheld the dignity of the Crown and the honor of his country...he desired to be remembered to General ‘Redan’ Massy, COB, the present High Sheriff of Tipperary’.

Joseph Hansard (1835-1909) of Killarney lived in Dungarvan for many years and had a printing office in Lower Main Street, where he published his History of Waterford City & County in 1870.

   

 

 Weapons of War Exhibition

A large attendance enjoyed an exhibition of weapons from the War of Independence & Civil War period which was on display in Grattan Square on Sunday 9^th October.

Thanks to Tola Collier professional military historian, all the re-enactors, the Decade of Centenaries Committee of Waterford Council, James Doherty, Christine and Tony King, and Thomas Phelan for their help in mounting this exhibition.

 October Museum Talk

‘A Most Magnificent Place’

The Garden & Demesne at Curraghmore, Portlaw, Co Waterford.

By William Fraher

This illustrated talk will tell the story of the evolution of the magnificent garden and estate at Curraghmore, the home of the Marquis of Waterford. The talk is based on extensive research in the archives over a number of years. It will include the architecturally important shell house created by Catherine Power in the 18th century, the Italianate Garden of the 1840s, walled garden, garden sculptures, and other features in the demesne.

When: Wednesday 26th October

Where: Waterford Co Museum, Friary Street, at 7.30.

Subscription: €5

Please note the talks will now be held on the last Wednesday of each month.