Object of the Week - Angel on Painted Canvas Formerly in Abbeyside Church, Early 20th Century

This fragment of painted canvas was part of an elaborate scheme which was fixed to the wall behind the high altar in Abbeyside Church.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries this type of detailed decoration in canvas, but more often stencilled or painted, was common in most churches and it can be seen in old photographs of Abbeyside Parish Church, and St. Augustine's and St. Mary's in Dungarvan.  We have no information on who carried out the work in Abbeyside.

The painted canvas was removed during major renovations to the church in 1972.

21st to 23rd April 2017 - Local Historic Photographic Exhibition

There will be an exhibition of photographs from the Tomás agus Kathleen Walsh Collection in association with Helvic Head Lifeboat Station.

Venue:              Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club

Dates/Times:    Friday 21st April 2017 at 8pm, Saturday 22nd at 11am, Sunday 23rd at 11am    

New Exhibition - 'Picturing Childhood'

We are currently preparing a new exhibition titled 'Picturing Childhood', drawing on images from the Museum's extensive archives featuring childhood from the late 19th century to the end of the 20th century.

This exhibition will open during the West Waterford Festival of Food and will continue during normal Museum opening hours.  Admission is free.

Object of the Week - Illuminated Address Presented to Canon Denis Whelan D.D. by the Students of St. John's College, Waterford, 1919

The address was presented to Canon Whelan to mark his departure to take up a new post as Parish Priest of Kilsheelan.  The address notes that he was thirty years in St. John's College holding the posts of Dean, Professor, and President of the college from 1910 to 1919.  It is signed by David Power, Andrew McGrath, John Hickey and Patrick Reddin.

Canon Whelan was a member of the Augustinian Order, hence the photographs of Abbeyside Church and the Friary Church which are attached to the address.  Canon Whelan died in 1934.

Sunday 7th May 2017, History Day at Dromana House, Cappoquin - 'The Arts and High Politics: Winston Churchill-Ireland'

On Sunday 7th May 2017, there will be a history day at Dromana House, Cappoquin, with talks by guest speakers Aurelia Young - 'Churchill's Favourite Sculptor: The unconventional life of Oscar Nemon; husband of Patricia Villiers-Stuart and friend of Winston Churchill', Mark Leslie - 'The Prime Minister's Speech', Peter Murray - 'Whatever is to be is written: The life and art of Clare Sheridan', and Dr. Martin Mansergh - 'Dev and Churchill: Conflicting perspectives on Ireland's place in British-Irish relations'.

For further details visit dromanahouse.com/events/, email info@dromanahouse.com, booking is essential.

Object of the Week - 'Patent Agate Balance' Beam Scales by W & T Avery, Birmingham, 19th Century

These scales were used in Walsh's Tobacconists, Main Street, Dungarvan.  The Walsh family took over from the Carbery's in the production and selling of tobacco in Dungarvan.

Slater's Directory of 1879 lists John Walsh, Main Street, as a tobacco manufacturer.  Egan's Guide 1894 noted that the business was run by Mary Walsh who also made snuff.

The shop and living quarters were on the site of the present Garvey's Supermarket.  Thom's Directory 1909 notes Matthew Walsh as a 'Grocer & Spirit Merchant, Tobacco & Snuff Manufacturer'.

By 1924 they had opened a shop at the corner of Mary Street and Grattan Square.

Railway Heritage Photographic Exhibition at Kilmacthomas Library

This exhibition, curated by Andy Kelly in conjunction with Waterford County Museum, will continue during normal opening hours at Kilmacthomas Library.  Museum staff members Bridge O'Sullivan, Michael Fitzgerald and Brian O'Donnell assisted in the gathering of photographic items and organisation of this exhibition.