The Bad Times- Waterford Country Houses During the Revolutionary Period

 

New Book

The Bad Times – Waterford Country Houses During The Revolutionary Period By William Fraher

This fascinating book that focuses on the impact of the War of Independence / Civil War on the owners of big houses in County Waterford. Most of these houses were modest in size and some were hunting lodges. This book approaches the subject from the viewpoint of the owners of the Big Houses and how it impacted on their lives and their attitudes to England and the new emerging Ireland.  The role of the house and estate staff is also examined. It looks at the efforts of the owners to obtain compensation to rebuild their houses which were burned or damaged. Fortunately, a number of primary sources became available during the research which have now been brought together for the first time. This book also looks at how this period is covered in unpublished local eye-witness accounts written by Anglo-Irish women.  These are key primary sources by Emily Ussher of Cappagh House, Mildred Dobbs of Camphire House, the Hon. Mary Olivia de la Poer of Gurteen le Poer, Beatrix, Lady Osborne Beauclerk and Frida Keane of Cappoquin. There are numerous illustrations of the various different houses and related aspects connected to them.

The cost of this book is €20, and is available to purchase at Waterford County Museum, Friary Street Dungarvan. If you purchase this book at the Museum you can get an exclusive signed copy by the author.  The Book is also available at David Walsh Office supplies shop Main Street, Dungarvan, Easons Dungarvan Shopping Centre and The Book Centre Waterford City.  This publication is the latest work by Waterford County Museum is support by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the Decade of Centenaries 2012-2013 initiatives and Waterford City and County Council Commemorations Committee.

Annual General Meeting

 

All members are  invited to attend the Museums A.G.M. which will take place in the Museum on Thursday 17^th February 2022 at 7.30pm.

We hope to see you there.

Stories from Old Newspapers

 Dungarvan Observer 6 April 1918

The Circus Comes to Dungarvan

Duffy and McLean’s Circus advertised their visit to Dungarvan on 8 April 1918. The acts included the ‘Sensation’ – Nature’s strongest caprice – Andy, the remarkable Sea-lion man. He juggles anything you hand him, bring something.

Also on the programme was ‘The Greatest Wonder of the Age’ – ZENO, the incomparable revolving Globe performer and inimitable juggler, in an up-to-date specialty act – ‘Atlas Triumphant’.

The circus included some of the best performing horses and ponies then touring Ireland. There were also clowns – pessimistic, optimistic, singing, dancing, and tumbling.

‘A little nonsense is relished by the wisest men. That is the reason all wise men come to see Duffy and McLean’s curious comical conglomeration of curious clowns and colossal contraband of comedy connivers, dressed in camouflage, which causes contentment and facial calisthenics conducive to a condition foreign to commiseration’.

The circus planed to parade at 1 o’clock headed by a ‘Grand Brass Band’.

Admission was 2 shillings and 4 pence, 1 shilling and 3 pence and 8 pence. Children were admitted for 2 and a half pence and ‘inmates of the Union’ [Workhouse] were free.

The circus was run by James Duffy and Elizabeth McLean.

When the circus arrived in Dungarvan it was held in the Gaelic field, which is now called Fraher Field.

Circus Parade in Lower Main Street ,Dungarvan, early 1900's

 

 

The Bad Times- Waterford Country Houses During the Revolutionary Period

 

New Book

The Bad Times – Waterford Country Houses During The Revolutionary Period By William Fraher

This fascinating book that focuses on the impact of the War of Independence / Civil War on the owners of big houses in County Waterford. Most of these houses were modest in size and some were hunting lodges. This book approaches the subject from the viewpoint of the owners of the Big Houses and how it impacted on their lives and their attitudes to England and the new emerging Ireland.  The role of the house and estate staff is also examined. It looks at the efforts of the owners to obtain compensation to rebuild their houses which were burned or damaged. Fortunately, a number of primary sources became available during the research which have now been brought together for the first time. This book also looks at how this period is covered in unpublished local eye-witness accounts written by Anglo-Irish women.  These are key primary sources by Emily Ussher of Cappagh House, Mildred Dobbs of Camphire House, the Hon. Mary Olivia de la Poer of Gurteen le Poer, Beatrix, Lady Osborne Beauclerk and Frida Keane of Cappoquin. There are numerous illustrations of the various different houses and related aspects connected to them.

The cost of this book is €20, and is available to purchase at Waterford County Museum, Friary Street Dungarvan. If you purchase this book at the Museum you can get an exclusive signed copy by the author.  The Book is also available at David Walsh Office supplies shop Main Street, Dungarvan, Easons Dungarvan Shopping Centre and The Book Centre Waterford City. 

DUNHILL EDUCATION CENTRE- History Lectures

 Thursday 10^th February at 7pm- “The Bad Times”

Waterford Country Houses in the Revolutionary Period.

Speaker Mr. William Fraher

Admission €5.

 

New Display Plinths

 

The Museum would like to thank Dungarvan Men’s Shed on creating new display plinths for us. 

Mr Willie Fraher receiving display plinths from Oliver Whelan of Dungarvan Men's Shed.  

 

Stories from Old Newspapers

 

Dungarvan Observer 1^st April 1939

 Death of prominent Cappoquin Man – The Late Mr. Thomas Daly

 

The death of Mr. Thomas Daly, which took place at his residence on last Thursday morning, at an advanced age, and after a brief illness, has removed one of the most prominent and highly respected residents of Cappoquin.  The late Mr. Daly was a member of one of the oldest families in West Waterford.  His great –grandfather, Luke Daly, was a native of Modeligo district and in the historic year of 1798, Jeremiah, his son, came to reside in Cappoquin, and established a fleet of pleasure and market boats on the River Blackwater, which craft served as the only passenger and commercial link between Cappoquin and Youghal.  This fleet was captained and managed by Jeremiah’s son, Captain James Daly.  The venture prospered, and 1848, in association with Sir Richard Musgrave of Tourin, a regular steamboat service was also managed by Captain Daly, and at his death passed into the hands of a Youghal company.

The late Mr. Thomas Daly was son of Captain James Daly. Considering the environment he was brought up, it was only natural that he should develop aquatic tastes, and at an early age, he attained considerable prowess as an oarsman and yachtsman… Mr. Daly was instrumental in establishing the now famous Cappoquin Rowing club…he represented the “Dark Blues” at every Irish Regatta of importance. 

In addition to being an athlete, the late Mr. Daly was a musician and singer of note.  In the old Brass and Reed band, he was a cornet player, and he also played the cello and piano. Possessed of a fine tenor voice, his services as a concert artist were much in demand. Mr Daly was both a carpenter and cabinet maker by trade, and in the old days was one of was one of the charge hands in the Cappoquin Wheel and Wagon , in which factory wooden coaches for the Railway Company were made.  Widely read, highly cultured, and with an extensive knowledge of local history.  He was an intimate friend of the late Mr. Jeremiah Dempsey, Building contractor, Cappoquin.