The BARONY OF GAULTIER HISTORICAL SOCIETY is a group of individuals based in East Waterford, Co Waterford - incorporating the coastal villages of Cheekpoint, Passage East and Dunmore East and the townlands of the barony area. Waterford is in the South East of Ireland and has a rich heritage in history, historical sites and culture. We organise a range of events and new members are always welcome.
Genevs Barracks on the coastal rd west of Passage East, Co. Waterford has a facinating history and its origins go back to the arrival of a large group of Swiss in the 17th century. It was a barracks and a prison and even popped up in the song the Croppy Boy and the pages of Ulysses by James Joyce.
At Geneva Barrack that young man died, And at Passage they have his body laid.
Good people who live in peace and joy, Breathe a pray'r and a tear for the Croppy Boy
On Saturday 18th June the Gaultier Historical Society arranged a very succesful event to mark the Summer Soltice at Harristown Megalithic Passage Tomb. For many of the large number of attendees it was their first visit to this historic location that is only 2 miles from bustling Dunmore East village in Co Waterford. Society Chairman Richie Roberts welcomed everybody including a group from Vancouver, Canada and there was a well chosen range of short talks from members on the historic importance of the location and the tomb itself.
Chairman Richie Roberts
Eamon Gavin spoke about the differing types of tombs and dolmens etc. Noel McDonagh detailed the rich range of local history that is connected to the druids. There was a nice recitation of Yeats' poetry from Ray McGrath and Cathy Desmond played a haunting tune on the violin.
Harristown
The group adjourned to Aggies Pub in Killea where mine host Pat Flynn served up the traditional ribs and colcannon supper. The evening was rounded off with some excellent music from local musicians.
Noel McDonagh delivers a recent talk on his discoveries on the shoreline at Woodstown beach , Co Waterford where his findings included primitive tools. He also speaks about the great range of historic artifacts that remain undiscovered.
