A Waterford Olympic Medalist: Peter O'Connor

In the 1906 Olympic Games in Athens Peter O’Connor, a lawyer from Waterford, won a silver and a gold medal.

 Prior to independence Irish athletes took part in the games as part of the British team and during the medal ceremony O’Connor brandished a green flag to emphasise his Irish nationality.

The Blue Plaque that bears his name is located at 23, O'Connell Street, Waterford. (Source: Waterford Civic Trust)


Footage of his jump can be seen on the top floor of the Bishop's Palace.

Visit to Graiguenamanagh

On Sunday 15 July members and friends made their way to Graiguenamanagh in the neighbouring county to meet members of the local historical society for an afternoon of discovery. Mr Owen Doyle, Chairman, guided the visitors through the streets of Graiguenamanagh, on the banks of the river Barrow, and to Duiske Abbey.

In pictures: Coach Trip to Kinsale

The coach trip to Kinsale was a great success, and we were lucky enough since the clouds stayed on the other side of the bay. We first went to Charles Fort, where we met Mr Dermot Ryan who gave us an introduction to the history of the area, then we followed  OPW guide William Butler through the fort. After a short lunch break, we went to Kinsale and visited Desmond Castle and met once more Mr Dermot Ryan for a guided tour of the town. We made a detour before leaving, to see the monument commemorating the Battle of Kinsale, a large throne made from stone from the different provinces.
The day ended with a beautiful dinner at Greenbarn Bistro. 

More pictures of  Charles Fort here and the street walk and Desmond Castle here

 

The first part of the coach trip brought us to Charles fort where we were met by Mr Dermot Ryan who gave us the background of the history of  the Spanish Landing.

On the opposite side, the ruins of James Fort are still visible. 

 Inside Charles Fort, guide William Butler ( from Co Waterford!) was waiting for us and gave us an insight of what life in the Fort was, starting with a map of the Fort, in mosaic, he recounted how the fort came to be built, the purpose of each area and the several stages of construction.   

.Standing in front of what was the ordinary  soldiers barracks. 

The monument to the MacCarthy brothers

WAHS Last Outing of the season - T F Meagher

Our outings season is coming to an end, and we'll stay in the city, through the streets of Waterford with Dr M J Hearne who will bring us on the Thomas Francis Meagher Trail on Thursday 26 July.

Meet outside the Granville Hotel, The Quay, Waterford, at 7.15 pm.

High Crosses and Passage Tombs In The Rain

Passion for the past prevailed on Thursday 28 June and members and friends gathered on the car park of Anthony's Inn to meet Mr Joe Sullivan.  Everybody was well equipped with rain jackets, umbrellas and wellies. 

We started at Kilkieran Cemetary, then on to Knockroe Passage tombs and finished at Ahenny. Unfortunately as it was getting darker and the rain was getting heavier we didn't stop at the Slate Quarries. [To see more pictures of the outing click  here]

An Irish solution to an Irish problem: the sound system had its very own umbrella!

One of the high crosses in Kilkieran .

Getting a closer look at the carvings inside.

Not everyone could fit in! 

High cross in Ahenny

Last Outings of the Season: Duiske Abbey & T. F. Meagher

We are coming to the end of our outings season, with 2 events
remaining on the agenda.

On Sunday next, 15 July, Mr Owen Doyle will be our guide in
Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny.

Meeting point: Duiske Abbey, Graiguenamanagh,  at 2.30 pm


Then on Thursday 26 July the last outing will be in Waterford City,
starting outside the Granville Hotel at 7.15 pm, on the  Thomas
Francis Meagher Trail, with Dr M.J. Hearne.

Robert Boyle Summer School

The Robert Boyle Summer School will take place on July 15 -18. Described as a celebration of  Robert Boyle's life, works, and legacy, it is however 'not a "scientific conference" but will be of special interest to scientists, engineers, technologists, along with historians, educators and anyone with an interest in the progress of human thought. As well as talks and discussions, there will be a costumed recreation of Boyle's most famous experiments, a guided tour of the castle gardens, a visit to St. Carthage's Cathedral, a walk in the Blackwater Valley and a coach tour of the surrounding countryside.

For more details and full programme of events go to http://www.robertboyle.ie/robert-boyle-summer-school