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In Waterford the most famous painting by Daniel Maclise remains the Wedding of Stongbow and Aoife.

The artist also painted a scene inspired by a Halloween party in Blarney, co. Cork, in 1832.

A Mix of Music and History for the launch of Decies 75

It was certainly fitting to have the launch of the journal linked to a weekend of musical celebration, (John Dwyer Trad Weekend) since one of the articles concerns the 75th anniversary of the founding of Waterford Music Club, as illustrated on the cover with the photograph of the medallion of the club.

The launch kicked off with
Dr Jimmy O'Brien-Moran 

who played a few tunes on the Uilleann Pipes, 

before rushing off to another venue. 

Some of the contributors to the journal had also been invited to give a short talk related to the article they wrote.

Cian Flaherty talking about the diary of Bishop Stock, written in 1811. 

A great number was in attendance despite the heavy downpours outside.

Continuing the musical theme, Jenny Walsh played a few tunes on the fiddle

There had been great excitement in Dungarvan when excavations on a hill outside the town

 revealed multiple burials had taken place many centuries ago. 

The Gallows Hill Community Archaeology Project took place between 2015 and 2019.

Dave Pollock, archaeologist, stepping in for Christina Knight-O'Connor, gave us an insight on the work done on Gallows Hill. 

The launch was brought to a close with some more music, bringing us nicely back to the modern times

Committee member and former chaiman Sonny Condon on the harmonica 

had us humming along to The Rose.

Peigí Devlin, Hon editor, and her editorial committee:

Clíona Purcell, Shane Brown and Cian Flaherty.

Dr Elizabeth Twohig, Chair of the Waterford Music Club, 

wearing the medallion that appears on the cover of this year's journal. 

Past Tracks Launches in Waterford

Past Tracks, a collaboration between Iarnród Éireann, Flahavan's 

and award-winning author, travel writer and historian Turtle Bunbury 

was launched at Waterford's Plunkett Station on Saturday 12th October.

Committee member and well known local historian Joe Falvey 

was invited to give a short history of the area on the occasion. 

John Flahavan and Jane Cregan holding the panel which offers whimsical

 and little known information about Waterford. 

The pictures on the panel are by talented Carlow-based illustrator Derry Dillon.

Upcoming Events : Lecture on Pirates and Decies 75

Friday 18th October 2019 at 8:00pm in Saint Patrick's Gateway Centre, Patrick Street

Dr Connie Kelleher will give a talk on Pirates, Slaves and Shipwrecks 

Dr Connie Kelleher is a member of the State Underwater Archaeology Unit (UAU) in the National Monuments Service (NMS), Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Former chair and current secretary of the Irish Post-Medieval Archaeology Group (IPMAG),  Connie has published widely and has two books due for publication shortly.

The talk will delve into aspects of the parallel maritime economy that developed on the coast and the waters around Waterford, and the historical and archaeological evidence for these activities.


Saturday 19th October 2019 at 6:00pm in The Granville Hotel, Meagher's Quay

Launch of the 75th edition of Decies 

In conjunction with the John Dwyer Trad Weekend, there will be live music provided by Sonny Condon, while WIT music lecturer and uileann piper Jimmy O'Brien Moran will talk about trad music in Waterford.

Three contributors will also be giving brief talks on their research:

Historian and former Decies editor Des Cowman will discuss new information he has uncovered about how people once lived in the village of Kill.

Coming straight from this summer's dig in Dungarvan, Christina Knight-O'Connor will talk about what archaeologists have discovered beneath the ground at Gallows Hill, a mysterious mound which has been a source of speculation for generations.

Cian Flaherty will explore the significance of a small diary, tucked away on the shelves of Trinity College Dublin.

Copies of the brand new journal will be available for members to pick up, and for non-members to purchase.
Everyone is welcome, so come along to see our members, meet some of our brand new contributors, and to hear about the latest historical research taking place in County Waterford.

Whether you're a student looking for inspiration for a history project, a curious history fan, or are interested in joining a welcoming local society, there's something here for everyone!

See you there!