The Origins of Dungarvan, Evidence of Shandon by John Tierney

The next talk in the series will take place on Wednesday November 16 at 8.pm in the museum.  This talk will be given by John Tierney.  John is a field archeologist based in Co. Waterford, a partner in Eachtra Archaeological Projects he has been involved in a large number of archaeological projects throughout Waterford and Ireland.  He is co - author of Near the River Bend ( an account of the excavation outside Kilmacthomas) and the Lowlands of South Galway, an account of a series of excavations near Gort in Co. Galway. He is currently project director of a survey of historical graveyards throughout Ireland having recently collaborated with the Waterford County Museum in Dungarvan.

His talk will center around the significance of Shandon in the early history of Dungarvan. Reference to the Shandon caves can be found in Smiths History of Waterford City and County in 1746.  It is also believed that there was a Viking settlement in Shandon.  A carved bone trial piece with Viking pattern  from the 9th/10th centuries was found in this area.  John Tierney will reveal all in this talk which is aptly titled " The Origins of Dungarvan" evidence from Shandon.

Children's Halloween Event At Museum



Group of Children with Darren Moynihan enjoying the Halloween Event

On Saturday October 29 the children's Halloween event was held in the museum.  A large group of children and adults enjoyed the story of halloween and took part in some arts and crafts along with some scary stories.

The event was organised by Helen Moynihan and assisted by Darren Moynihan and Emma Walsh. Well done to all for a successful event and also a thank you to Eddie for the photographs and Mary who helped out on the day. Follow us on Facebook to view more pictures of the event.

Wateford Museum Society A.G.M

The A.G.M of the Museum Society was held on Thursday 27 October.  The following officers were elected for the coming year.

President: Nioclás ó Griofáin
Vice President: Helen Moynihan
Secretary: Martin Whelan
Treasurer: Mary Giblin
Cmmittee Members: Josephine McCarthy, William Fraher, William Whelan, Eddie Cantwell, Jim Shine, Padraig ó Currain, John Daly, Tom Broderick and Martin Coffey.

President Nioclás thanked the committee and members for their work over the last 12 months and especially Eddie Cantwell for all his work in fundraising. 

Membership for the museum remains at €15 and can be paid by dropping into the museum, which is open Mon - Fri 9.00 to 5.00pm.

Children's Halloween Event At Museum

Children's Corner Prepared For Halloween

The museum will be holding a children's halloween event on Saturday October 29 between 12 -1.pm.

Children can come along and enjoy the story of the history of  Halloween, local ghost stories, crosswords and puzzles and take part in some halloween crafts.  Admission to the event is free and all materials are supplied.

Vikings in Waterford "The Penny's Site" by David Pollock

David Pollock returns to do the second lecture of our series.  People will remember his last two fascinating talks for the Museum Society.  David is best known in this town for his work in St. John's Castle, Dungarvan and other digs around the town.  He is an archaeologist and illustrator who picked up reconstruction drawing as a habit in Scotland, thirty years ago.  In 1984 he took his first commission from Historic Scotland to illustrate panels for Jedburgh Abbey.  He describes his life over the next ten years as a "Jekyll and Hyde" existence.  This, because he was archaeologist for half of the time and reconstruction drawer for the other half. 

David's work can be seen on the old wall of Penny's in Arundel Square in Waterford.  In 1990 David moved to Ireland and spent most of the following ten years as archeologist with a few stray Scottish contacts thrown in.  David's talents were recognised and he was commissioned by the National Monuments service to put together drawings of medieval Ferns Co.Wexford and this has led to a further batch of commissions for him.  David's talks are well attended and a must for anybody with an interest in their County history.
David's talk takes place in the Town Hall on Wednesday October 19 at 8.pm. Admission is €5.

Ulster to the Déise: Lennon's in Time

Ivan Lennon's Latest Book

This book recently brought out by Ivan Lennon son of George - Flying Column Commander- details the family history.  Ivan begins by giving  the family history in pre Norman Ulster.

He gives details of the Shanahan family of Dungarvan, Ellen Shanahan married George Crolly Lennon, who was  manager of the Dungarvan Gas Works in 1897.  The Shanahan family owned the ground on which the town park was laid out in 1895.  There is a chapter of the book given to material on the War of Independence and the Lennon family.

This is an illustrated, hardback book with 247 pages and is now available for sale at the museum.

Great Interest in Waterford Country Houses Exhibition

6th Class Pupils from Scoil Garbháin

Our latest exhibition Waterford Country Houses is bring many visitors to the museum. On Wednesday 28  and Thursday 29 we had two groups paying us a visit and were delighted with the items and photographs of this exhibit.
Our first group of visitors were the 6th class pupils from Scoil Garbháin along with their teacher Jennifer Ú Dhuibhir. The children were delighted with the  items of  childrens clothing and books on display, along with the many photographs of the great houses.

On Thursday a group from the Déise Day Centre visited and after  a very informative talk from curator William Fraher, they sat and  enjoyed a cup of tea provided by the museum staff. Visit us on facebook to view pictures of their visit.

We welcome visits from schools and groups, a visit can be arranged by dropping into the museum, Monday to Friday 10.am to 5.pm or by ringing us on 058-45960.