Lecture by Mr James Eogan: 100 years A Diggin'

On Friday 23rd May, Mr James Eogan from the National Roads Authority gave us an insight on a whole century of archaeology in Waterford county and city, indeed starting in 1914 when what can be 

called the first scientifically recorded excavation took place.

Among other familiar names in the field were those of the Forsayeth family, Canon P. Power, Laurence Mongey, findings in caves and fields of west Waterford, of bones and ogham stones...

to contemporary excavations in Waterford and Dungarvan centres, or along the river Suir. From chance findings, to purpose-led diggings.

Questions and recollections shared by many after the lecture, once again a great attendance. 

Vice-chair person, Ms Erica Fay, with lecturer Mr James Eogan. 

And from the lecture to the 'field-trip' we can consider it an introduction to the the first outing of this summer, by Ms Orla Scully in early June. 

Upcoming Lecture: Mr James Eogan - 100 years a diggin'

Our next lecture will be on archaeological matters.

On Friday 23rd May 2014                   

Speaker:  Mr. James Eogan
Topic:  100 years a diggin'. A century or archaeological excavations in Waterford city and county.

Venue: Edmund Rice Heritage and Conference Centre, Barrack Street, Waterford

Time: 8 pm

Admission: € 5.00 non-members (members free)

Dr Eugene Broderick's Lecture on Bishop Daly, the 'Protestant Pope'

Our April Lecture was on the subject of Bishop Robert Daly, a very prominent Church of Ireland bishop in the 19th century, who left nobody indifferent at the time, being very evangelical in his approach to his own religion, and extremely intolerant of Catholics. It was said about him that 'He assumed the bearing of a Protestant pope' - hence his nickname. His views on religion were very simple: the truth laid in the Bible. He was bishop during the Great Famine, and was in Waterford at that time.

Dr Eugene Broderick held the audience enthralled with the life and time of Bishop Daly, brushing a strong portrait of the man whom very few remember now despite his having been a household name at the time.

To find out more, you can read Dr Broderick's article in History Ireland 

PROGRAMME OF SUMMER OUTINGS 2014

Thursday 5th June  Recent Excavations in Cathedral Square.

 Guided tour of recent excavation sites in Cathedral Square with Archaeologist Ms Orla Scully. Meet in Cathedral Square at 7.00pm.

Sunday 8th June Coach Trip to visit the Forts of Cork Harbour with guide Dr. Pat McCarthy.

Including boat trip to Spike Island and guided tour.
Guided tour of Camden Fort.
4 course meal in Old Imperial Hotel, Youghal on homeward journey.

 Thursday 26th June Tooreen Bronze Age Sites.

Guided tour of the Tooreen Bronze Age sites with guide Mr. Michael Desmond. Meet in the Community Centre car park, Ballymacarberry at 7.00pm

Sunday 13th July Our Mining Heritage

Visit to Bonmahon copper coast. Meet at the Copper Coast Geopark Centre, Bonmahon (located in the old Church of Ireland Church) at 3pm. Visit will include tour of the centre including a short film, followed by a guided tour of the Tankerdstown site.


Thursday 31st July Dunbrody Abbey: Guided tour of Dunbrody Abbey and Visitor Centre.

The centre is approx. 2 miles from the Passage East car ferry, drive from Ballyhack to Arthurstown and follow the R733 road to New Ross, or if travelling from New Ross, follow the R733 road to Arthurstown. Meet at the centre car park at 7.00pm.

August – Heritage Week We are hoping to arrange a final Thursday evening outing to coincide with Heritage Week 2014 (23rd to 31st August). Details to be confirmed closer to the date.