Just Published: Glassmaking in Ireland - From the Medieval to the Contemporary

Published by Irish Academic Press, Glassmaking in Ireland - From the Medieval to the Contemporary, edited by WAHS member and formerDecies editor, Dr John M Hearne, is described as 'A treasure-trove of fascinating information for the scholar, collector and enthusiast alike'.
This is a comprehensive book on the history of Irish glass-making, dedicated to the memory of Mary Boydell, who was an authority on Irish glass and a co-founder of the Glass Society of Ireland.

From archaeological evidence to results of new research, the importance of glass in art, history, and economy are dealt with in this publication, launched in Dublin by Dr Patrick F Wallace, Director of the National Museum of Ireland on Friday 28 January 2011.

The Waterford launch will take place this coming Friday 4 February 2011 in the Book Centre, Waterford.

January Lecture: Bridget Redmond, Keeper Of The Redmondite Flame in Waterford

Our first lecture of 2011 will be delivered by Ms Alice McDermott, Lecturer in History and Cultural Studies at Waterford Institute of Technology.

The subject of her lecture will be Bridget Redmond, TD for Waterford Constituency from 1932-1952, wife of William Redmond and daughter in law of John Redmond.

the Re-enacting Ancient Times Society

Remember our Viking/Templars re-enacting friends in September? They were interviewed on BBC Radio Northampton on Sunday 2nd January 2011. You can listen to the interview by clicking on the link below [it's a 3 hour-long program, move the cursor forward to the 2-hour mark] to hear Bjarni & Richard talk about their passion for live history and their visit to Waterford in September 2010.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/p00cs46v/Helen_Blaby_02_01_2011

Find out more about the Re-enacting Ancient Times Society : all about Live History and learning through fun!!!

http://r-a-t-s.webs.com/

Lecture on Ardnacrusha cancelled

Due to the severe weather conditions, it has been decided to cancel the lecture planned for Friday 3rd December 2010. The launch of the exhibition due to take place this evening (1st December) in the City Library has also been cancelled.

WAHS - Programme of Events 2011

Spring lectures

at Waterford Museum of Treasures, Hanover Street, 8 pm.

Friday 28th January: Ms Alice McDermott, Bridget Redmond:The Keeper of the Redmondite Flame in Waterford.

Friday 25th February: Mr Dave Pollock, Excavations at Egan’s / Penney’s – Waterford City Centre.

Friday 25th March: Mr Eddie Synnott, The Campile Bombing: An Accident or Deliberate Bombing in a Neutral Country?

Thursday 31st March: Annual General Meeting, followed by a short lecture on a topic of interest.

Friday 29th April: Mr Míchéal O hAodha, Faction Fighting – Munster Area.

Summer Outings

Thursday 2nd June: Visit Portlaw Heritage Centre, with guides Mr Ger Crotty and Mr Willie Power. Meet at the Heritage Centre, The Square, Portlaw, 7.15 pm.

Sunday 19th June: From Prehistoric Knowth to the Battle – Coach Trip to the Boyne Valley with guide Dr Pat McCarthy. Details to be announced at a later date.

Sunday 10th July: Trip to the Hook Peninsula, including guided tour of Fethard Castle, Churchtown Church, and Hook Lighthouse, with guide Mr Ben Murtagh. Meet in Ballyhack, Co Wexford, at 2.30 pm.

Thursday 28th July: Visit Dunhill Castle and surrounding area, with guide Julian Walton. Meet 7.15 pm near the bridge over the Anne River, below the castle.

Autumn/Winter Lectures

Friday 23rd September: Ms Orla Scully, MA, Recent Excavations in the Viking Triangle, Waterford City Centre.

Friday 28th October: Dr Pat McCarthy, Gun Running in Waterford, 1921.

Friday 25th November: Mr Willie Fraher, ‘The Bad Times’ The War of Independence and the Big Houses in Co Waterford.

Sunday 27th November: Society Annual Lunch. Details beforehand.

WAHS Annual Lunch 2010 - Braving the elements

Despite sub-zero temperatures, just over 50 members and friends made their way- some on foot-to Dooley's Hotel where they received a warm welcome.
Mulled wine and non-alcoholic beverages were available on arrival. The guest of Honour was Her Worship The Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. Mary Roche. She was presented with a copy of the latest edition of Decies, the journal of the society.

One has to admire those who came from the county, in particular our guest speaker, Julian Walton. Julian spoke about the hazards of the local history lecture, based on personal experience, both as lecturer and audience. A lesson to be learned: always be prepared for the unexpected, never rely on technology, always have a plan B!

Decies 66 just published!!!

The latest edition of our journal is out! and will be available in local bookshops as soon as the weather permits... Members will, as usual, get theirs through postal delivery.