Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Fitzgerald's of Ring

Mary O' Connor has been to Ring on a number of Occassions researching her family roots.The information below has been passed on to me by Mary.The labours of her research were compiled by her and made into a book. The cover which you see was taken from an original post card which will be well known to people.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Liam Ó Míodhcháin, An Rinn


Please note that all content on this Blog is copyright,


This very interesting photo features Cummins Shop in O’Connell Street. I remember it well (not in the particular period that the photo was taken!) when I was a messenger boy at Michéal Power’s Shop and Public house which stood on the opposite side of the street and just next door to Queally’s. There are a number of interesting aspects to the picture. There are eleven people pictured. This suggests quite a busy establishment. Lino for the stairs, displayed on the side walk... Mats and several types of Linen & clothing can be seen displayed in the window...along with what look like maids white aprons! Close inspection of the street fronting the premises reveal a clay and stony surface. All photos in this article are (c) from a private Collection

The stations of the Cross which were designed and made by Liam, pictured prior to being mounted


Another interesting thing about this photo is the man standing third from the left; his name is Liam Ó Miadacáin (Liam Meehan) Liam came originally from Mount Stuart to work at Cummins Shop in O’Connell Street. The name will also be familiar to Abbeyside people because Liam Meehan from Murphy Place is Ó Miadacáin’s nephew. Readers will also be familiar with Ó Miadacáin’s Daughter, Maire Connery of Park Terrace Dungarvan & his son Eammon Meehan, who also lives in Dungarvan. Liam died in 1960, aged 86, leaving behind a legacy both cultural & social which will continue to stand as a memorial to him. Liam Ó Miadacáin is better known in the parish of Ring. He first went there to manage ‘An Stor’ with his wife Úna Ní Dhruacháin.
Here the couple ran a thriving business for many years. His talents however went much further than that. The results and evidence of his artistic abilities are still evident in Ring and indeed in other counties today. Liam was a very talented artist and was responsible for designing, everything from mortuary cards to graveyard headstones. He had had a particular interest in Celtic design, which was put to use widely in its various formats. Liam was called on numerous times to design displays for important and various events. He was always keen to oblige. Some of his most rewarding efforts were the design of the Stations of the Cross for Ring Church which can be seen there at present. Another unique feature is the local landmark at Helvick; the Erin's Hope Monument. The monument which was designed by Liam stands as a tribute to his memory. He also designed the unique family home and here his likeness for Celtic design can be seen on the exterior wall surrounding the house.
His artistic abilities did not stop here; he also designed furniture, some with a Celtic flavour, much of which survives today. Liam was also a contributor to cannon Power’s ‘Place names of the Decies’ Indeed, the final revision in the updated edition was carried out by Liam and a number of place names were added to the cannon’s place names of the Decies by him. He was also in great demand for designing and creating illuminations in art form. An excellent piece hangs in the hall at Ring College and is well worth a visit. Liam was also involved in the Gaelic league and held classes in the town hall Dungarvan. The document on the right was written by Liam the translation goes as follows:


Transalation to the document -left.
(c) private collection
On the proposal of Liam Ó Míod
hcháin
Seconded by Dan Fraher
"This being the motion:-
That it was with great sadness we - the members of Conradh na Gaeilge in Dungarvan - heard of the death of Máire Paor (Mary Power) who helped us so strongly and enthusiastically for [on behalf of] the language since the Branch was founded here.Since God chose to take her from her family in the bloom of her youth, we offer our sympathy to them at this time of hardship.





This wonderful Tom Tobin picture (below)portrays certain mischievousness on the Part of Liam. It was taken at Ring College and there is no mistaking the mischievous glint in his eye as he gazes at the camera from over the shoulder of Eamon De Valera.







A waxed moustache always perfectly displayed. Other familiar faces in the picture will be known to readers.
This is just a brief profile of a man who has contributed so much energy to the heritage of this area.
(c)Eddie Cantwell, 2010





























The official opening of Liam’s monument at Ring , Liam on the Lorry

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Áine Uí Fhoglú lecture



Áine Nicholas Graves & Meself

Tadhg Ó Foghlú (Snr.)...is responsible for the pictures featured here...when not taking photos he is better known for his famous honey.

Áine delevered a wonderful lecture at Dungarvan Town theatre on Jennie Wyse Power, née O'Toole (1858-1941) Jennie grew up in Dublin in a nationalist family. She joined the Ladies' Land League in 1881, took an active part in its activities and became a member of its executive. She married John Wyse Power, who was a member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood. He was also founder member of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).


Jennie herself was also an activist. She was involved with the Dublin Women's Suffrage Association and the Gaelic League. She was a founder member and vice-president of Inghínidhe na hÉireann, and was also a founder member of Sinn Féin. She was elected vice-president in 1911. She was elected first president of Cumann na mBan. She was also elected Poor Law Guardian in 1903 and was one of five women elected to Dublin Corporation in 1920.




Silvester Murray has a very attentive audence...discussing the subject matter of the lecture...


Jennie supported the Treaty, joined Cumann na nGael and was appointed to the first Seanad of the Irish Free State where she had an outstanding record as champion of women's rights from 1922 to 1936.


Áine waded through the subject matter with professional aplomb, a sense of fun and great enthusiasm; indeed, she kept her audience spellbound for well over one hour.



some more happy guests at the Lecture...


http://ringcowaterford.blogspot.com/2009/11/new-book-launch_30.html

Read more about Áine by clicking on the link above

Anna Haslam and the Quakers of Piltown and Youghal

My god friend Mike Hackett who resides this side of Youghal Bridge is Youghl's foremost Historian. Mike has several books behind him And...