Welcome to the Copper Post, the online newsletter that covers the communities of Dunhill, Fenor, Boatstrand and Annestown.

In this week's newsletter...

• Newsletter Sponsor: AN DUINE BEAG

• SPORT

  • Anne Valley 5 Mile Challenge

  • Clanna Gael GAA

  • Dunhill GAA

  • Dunhill Squash Club

  • Fenor GAA

  • Na Gaeil GAA

• ARTS, HERITAGE & CULTURE

  • Down Memory Lane

  • Dunhill Players

• COMMUNITY & SUPPORT

  • Boatstrand

  • Community Alert

  • Community Care & Social Hub

  • Community Hall

• EDUCATION & LEARNING

  • Dunhill NS

  • Tiny Tots

• NATURE & ENVIRONMENT

  • Dunhill Tidy Towns

• MISCELLANEOUS

  • Trivia Question

  • Job Notices

  • Property

  • Death Notices

  • Weather

  • Join The Copper Post Business Directory

Newsletter Sponsor: AN DUINE BEAG

We are thrilled to extend a huge thank you to An Duine Beag Montessori School, Pre-school and Before & After-school for sponsoring this month’s newsletter!

As a special treat for the little ones, they are running an exciting Easter Camp over two weeks—Week One from March 30th to April 3rd, and Week Two from April 7th to 10th. Operating from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM (with flexible 6-hour sessions per day), the camp offers fantastic value with prices after the NCS subsidy.

With limited places available, be sure to book early by contacting An Dúne Beag at 085-2001356.

📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 087-1373396 | 085-2001356
📍 Address: Ballynageeragh, Dunhill, Co. Waterford.

SPORT

Anne Valley 5 Mile Challenge

Clanna Gael GAA

Well done to our U16 and U14 football teams on their recent wins in the opening round of the league.

Competitive games with some lovely football on display.

Dunhill GAA

Debutants

Congratulations to our debutants Noah Fanning, Conor Harkin, David Dunphy and James Power who played their first adult game for Dunhill, a challenge match against Tramore in Tramore on St. Patrick’s Day.

A few days later Luke Higgins played his first adult game against Ballyduff in Ballyduff in Round 1 of the football league.

Women In Sport Week

Well done to the 18 women who took part in our women’s-only strength programme as part of Women in Sport Initiative

Coach Cillian Bonnar from Full Rotation Fitness led the sessions, giving women an introduction to strength-based training.

Thank you to Waterford Sports Partnership for providing the funding to run this great initiative for women in our community!!! 💪

Upcoming Fixtures

29 Mar 2026 (Sun) – 12:00pm
Div. 5 Football League – Round 2 vs John Mitchels GAA in Dunhill

03 Apr 2026 (Fri) – 7:30pm
Div. 6 Hurling League – Round 1 vs Abbeyside GAA (B) in Abbeyside

12 Apr 2026 (Sun) – 12:00pm
Div. 6 Hurling League – Round 2 vs Ardmore GAA in Dunhill

18 Apr 2026 (Sat) – 4:30pm
Div. 5 Football League – Round 3 vs Ballinameela GAA in Ballinameela

24 Apr 2026 (Fri) – 7:30pm
Div. 5 Football League – Round 4 vs Kilmacthomas GAA in Kilmacthomas

10 May 2026 (Sun) – 12:00pm
Div. 6 Hurling League – Round 3 vs Ballinameela GAA in Ballinameela

16 May 2026 (Sat) – 7:00pm
Div. 6 Hurling League – Round 4 vs Sliabh gCua/St. Marys GAA in Dunhill

24 May 2026 (Sun) – 12:00pm
Div. 5 Football League – Round 5 vs Dungarvan GAA in Dunhill

Easter Camp

Get ready for an action-packed Easter break with the Brill Dunhill Easter Camp! Running over two weeks—Week One from March 30th to April 3rd and Week Two from April 7th to 10th, this camp is open to children aged 5 to 12 years. Sessions run daily from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with convenient early drop-off from 9:00 AM and late collection until 4:00 PM available.

With flexible booking options and great value for families, it's the perfect way to keep the kids active and entertained over the holidays.

Book now online at www.dunhillgaasc.ie to secure your child's place!

Dunhill GAA Centre

There’s no better time to kick-start your fitness goals at Dunhill GAA Centre Gym.

Manned gym hours for the weeks 23rd and 30th March. Those looking to join the gym or have any queries, call in during these hours or contact us directly on 083 876 1244.

Strength & Conditioning Training Classes 💪

🏋️ When? Every Tuesday & Thursday
📍 Where? Dunhill GAA Centre
📞 Contact: Tommy Colfer at 087-9725247

Expert-led Strength & Conditioning (S&C) training to improve fitness, strength, and endurance. Suitable for all levels!

Dunhill Squash Club

The finals of the Tom Murphy Car Sales League were held last Friday night. Great games of squash were played and thank you to those who turned out to support the event. We'd like to thank Tom Murphy for his continued support of the league. Tom presented Mary O'Loughlin (Locky) with a special award on the night, to acknowledge Mary’s years of dedication and commitment to Dunhill Squash Club. Long may it continue! Prize giving in Harneys Bar was supported by their usual fine hospitality.

Our Div 3 Munster Leagues team have 2 wins from 3. Next up is Celtic Squash Club away this Wednesday night. Best of luck to the team.

Congratulations to Dylan Dunphy (Boys U11) and Conor Murphy and Tom Dunphy (Boys U15) who represented Munster in the recent interprovincials in Dublin.
Congratulations to the Boys U11 team, who were victorious in their event, and the Boys U15 team, who finished in 2nd place. A great result from both teams!

Fenor GAA

Footballers Edge Opener

Footballers edge opener Fenor 0-9 Newtown 0-7

Fenor footballers got their County League (Division 3) campaign off to a winning start at William Flynn Park on Saturday. In truth, this was a bit of a cobweb-busting exercise for both sides.

There was nothing in it really, with James Hayden coming up with the decisive scores late on to edge it.

The game was preceded by a minute’s silence for inspirational figures, not least Kevin Burns, whom Fenor has lost in recent times.

Eoin Nolan and Cian Rellis (2) got our scores in the opening half, with a lively Newtown 0-4 to 0-3 up at the break.

Effort aside, the second period wasn’t much better entertainment-wise, and only David Cantwell and Cian Rellis — capping the move of the match, instigated by the impressive Cian Queally — scored within 20 minutes of the resumption.

In the closing stages, a skip pass from Iarla Hennessy set up wing-back Fintan Walsh for a superb score coming in off the right. And then James stepped up to land a two-point free from distance and he added a clincher after taking a return pass from influential substitute John Flynn. 

A Newtown free in injury time reduced their arrears, but Fenor did just about enough down the finishing straight to nick the win. Rusty for sure, this being our first game in six months,

Fenor's best performers included Jamie Clancy, Cian Queally, Dylan Farrell, Fintan Walsh, and Cian Rellis.

FENOR: Padraic O’Leary; Jamie Clancy, Richie Cullinane, Paul Condon; Dylan Farrell, John Heffernan, Mikey Nicholls; Ollie Buck, Fintan Walsh (0-1); Cian Queally, James Hayden (0-3), Cian Rellis (0-3); David Cantwell (0-1), Eoin Nolan (0-1), Iarla Hennessy

Subs used: John Flynn, Conor Burns, Niall Power.

Management: Mick Murphy, Eoin O'Neill, Peter Casey.

Next match

With Gaultier pulling out of the football, our next competitive game is the start of the Hurling League on Easter Monday in Fenor against Butlerstown (12pm).

The Late Peter Torpey, R.I.P.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗣𝗘𝗬, 𝗥.𝗜.𝗣.

All involved with Fenor GAA were immensely saddened to learn of the premature passing of Kill clubman Peter Torpey on Monday.

A huge loss to his family, friends, club, and the wider community — as captured so well by his beloved An Chill CLG — Peter was a gentleman in every sense of the word.

When Kill and Fenor joined forces in late 2013, Flop was all-in from the start. He wanted the best for both parties and, over the next seven years, gave countless hours and endless consideration to the combined cause as a player, supporter, committee member, coach, and selector; serving several seasons as roghnóir with Fenor, as well as with his own club.

An ever-present when it came to discussion and organisation, Peter made every team he was associated with better, initially as a skilful player with St Mary’s GAA and Kill, and later as a mentor. He could observe stuff in an instant and suggest a change or tweak that invariably worked out.

The Torpey family, of course, is steeped in Gaelic Games and Peter was rightly, if quietly, proud of that legacy. His own contribution was one of team spirit, persistence, and a genuine willingness to help. He was always popular with the players and management who appreciated his insights and encouragement.

We had great days and nights — two county titles included — and Flop loved the craic and sport in general. Always up to speed with the latest results and drops off the grapevine, his knowledge was something else. What he didn't know about Waterford GAA (and much more besides) wasn’t worth talking about.

He was someone who represented the very best about Cumann Lúthchleas Gael — selfless, thoroughly decent, passionate, and community minded.

Our sincerest condolences to Peter’s devastated family, many close friends, neighbours, former team-mates and long-time club/committee colleagues.

Thanks for everything, Flop, a name we’ll always remember fondly. Rest In Peace. [Jamie O’Keeffe]

Na Gaeil GAA

Mini Gaeil Well Kids Returns

We are delighted to announce the return of Mini Gaeil Well! Kids!

This fantastic program is the perfect way to introduce your little ones (boys and girls aged 3–5) to the world of sport. Led by our fully qualified and vetted coaches, children will learn fundamental movement and GAA skills through fun, engaging activities.

The eight-week term takes place on Saturday mornings at 9:30 AM in Dunhill GAA (X91N2YY), starting April 18th and we will be in Fenor GAA later in the year.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Thank you to all the children and parents who participated in the Tramore St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The kids were fantastic throughout. Watch the video above by Sarah to see all the action.

Hope everyone enjoyed the day ☘️ 🔴🟢

New Recruits

Our Under 6 & 7s, Under 8 & 9s and our Under 10 & 11s are back training.

We’ve had a couple of new recruits over the past few weeks and both they and their parents are very welcome to the club.

We’re always looking for new players of all ages to join our teams—come give it a try! Whether you’re new to the game or haven’t played for a while, this is a great opportunity to develop skills, make friends, and be part of a fantastic club.

📞 For more info, contact Na Gaeil secretary Michael O’Brien at 083-3344988.

ARTS, HERITAGE & CULTURE

Down Memory Lane

Soaring oil prices are headline news arising from the conflict in the Middle East. This photo shows young members of the O’Mahony family in playful mode outside their parents’ pub in Fenor in the late sixties.

Landlords John and Mary (née McHugh) served petrol to locals and passers-by for a decade from 1963 until ’73, when prices hit their lowest point in 1973, coinciding with the start of the first oil crisis.

O’Mahonys also sold coal, gas and farming products. Mother McHughs proprietor Sean (on left) is still “refuelling” customers. [Jamie O’Keeffe]

Dunhill Players

Review: The Dunhill Players’ Juno and the Paycock Bravo Juno, Jack, Joxer & Co.

The Dunhill Players’ recent staging of Seán O’Casey’s Juno and the Paycock was a thoughtful, darkly funny, and quietly affecting production that did full justice to this centuryold classic. Performed over three nights (March 5–7) to large audiences in the splendid Dunhill Community Hall, the play blended humour and heartbreak with the kind of sincerity and community spirit that only an amateur ensemble rehearsing since November can deliver.

At the centre of the drama were the Boyles, played with conviction and emotional clarity. Jonathan Whelan’s standout Captain Jack Boyle captured the bluster, vanity, and comic selfdelusion of the “paycock” himself, while Louise Walsh’s Juno anchored the production with a grounded, compassionate and emotionally resonant performance. Martin Harney brought a superbly maudlin, haunted fragility to the illfated Johnny, and Tara Murray’s Mary balanced idealism with vulnerability as her world slowly unravelled.

Jonny Ryan’s Joxer Daly proved a perfect foil to Boyle — equal parts mischief, charm, and opportunism, with terrific comic timing throughout. Anne Marie Queally was a wonderfully funny Mrs Maisie Madigan, hitting all the wrong notes perfectly. The wider cast — David Walsh (duplicitous Charlie Bentham), Peter Casey (pining Jerry Devine), Micheál Casey (exasperated Needles Nugent), Clodagh Feehan (woebegone Mrs Tancred), Samantha Doyle, Cormac Daniels, Darragh Veale, Eoin Casey, David Casey, and John Paul Harney — provided convincing support, adding texture and variety to the unfolding tragedy, particularly in scenes involving neighbours, creditors, and the ominous presence of the Irregulars.

O’Casey’s story, set in a cramped Dublin tenement during the Civil War, moves from comic bluster to devastating loss as the Boyles’ imagined inheritance collapses, pregnant Mary is abandoned, and Johnny’s past catches up with him. The Dunhill Players handled these tonal shifts with care, allowing the humour to land without diluting the play’s darker truths. The final passages — Juno’s grim determination, the stark news of Johnny’s demise, and Boyle’s oblivious return to his empty home — were delivered with both power and pathos.

Having played Juno herself back in 1978, director Mary Harney kept the production tight and purposeful, supported by a backstage team — stage manager Mary O’Hara, assistants Sophie Mulcahy and Emma O’Neill, and Theo Fitzgerald on lighting and sound — whose work ensured smooth transitions across the play’s three acts. Bertie Rogers’ behindthescenes advice also helped shape a production that respected O’Casey’s wit and weight in equal measure.

It was abundantly clear how much time, care, and grassroots feeling had gone into bringing Juno and the Paycock back to the Dunhill stage. The result was three richly enjoyable nights of local theatre that the cast and crew can be proud of. Take a bow, one and all — another class act. [Jamie O’Keeffe]

COMMUNITY & SUPPORT

Boatstrand

Boatstrand Parade

On March 15th, we kicked off the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with a lovely walk from the harbour to 1st park and back down to the centre.

After the stroll, everyone enjoyed freshly baked cakes courtesy of our star baker, along with a warm cuppa.

The kids had fun with sweet treats and received decorations to color, celebrating both St. Patrick’s Day and Mother’s Day. A special day of celebration for all!

Community Alert

Bearing in mind that we have circulated messages regarding burglaries on a number of occasions in the past month, we attach a communication from An Garda Síochána, Tramore, advising extra precautions, together with suggestions for protecting your home heating oil, which is now also a target for theft.

We also recommend installing a door camera (easy to install and not expensive), as one such camera has been an excellent aid in one of the above-mentioned burglaries.

Improving the physical security of oil tanks can significantly reduce the risk of theft of oil. Positioning a tank close to the house and within view of windows can make thieves less likely to attempt a theft due to the increased chance of being seen.

At the same time, tanks should ideally be screened from view from passing traffic by fencing, walls, shrubs, or hedging. You could consider enclosing tanks within lockable fencing or a cage.

Security lighting with motion sensors can act as a strong deterrent by illuminating the area if someone approaches the tank at night, provided you are close enough to observe when it is triggered.

Your video doorbell could be configured to take in the oil tank location, or perhaps add an additional camera to the setup.

Fitting a good-quality padlock to tank openings with a long barrel will allow for ease of fitting.

Technology can also play a role in preventing theft. Remote electronic oil level gauges are available that trigger an alarm if the oil level drops suddenly, which may indicate a leak or theft. Some systems can even send an alert directly to a homeowner’s mobile phone.

Community Care & Social Hub

Last Thursday 19th March, the Copper Coast Social Club was a great success. We had brilliant musicians with the Dunphy Brothers and a special guest, Cathy Foley from Tramore, with fiddle, banjo, and a fine singing voice. There was a big crowd in attendance, and the atmosphere was electric. The chat, crack, singing, storytelling, and music were mighty. It just shouldn’t be missed, and those of whatever age would feel at home.

The organising committee goes to great lengths to prepare for the event and to make it enjoyable for all in attendance. Someone said that they had read from some paper that everyone can sing, have a voice—only some need to practise more than others—fake news? Is that true! Everyone can play the spoons, drums, or whatever beat! 🎶

Community Hall

Karan Casey - Sat 23rd May

Tickets are selling well for Karan Casey on 23rd May – so don't miss out.
Tickets (€25) available from Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982355887824?aff=oddtdtcreator

Karan, who hails from nearby Ballyduff, has been blazing a trail for more than 30 years. A lover of ballads, love songs, and searing versions of social justice songs, and fond of a good yarn, she has toured the world making deep connections with her audience via Ireland’s past while crucially repositioning women and songs in a universal and modern setting.

Hear some of her work on YouTube: Karan Casey

Community Wellbeing Event - Have Your Say

DFBA & Dunhill Community Hall, with Healthy Waterford, will host a wellbeing event for the community across the Copper Coast area on Saturday, 26th September.

Use this short survey to tell us what you would like to see at the event:
https://forms.gle/nWZdZeJ76rgteme18

If you would like to get involved to help plan and organise the day, we'd love to hear from you. Contact Sarah on 087 1856852.

Comeraghs Wild Festival

Comeragh Wilds Festival 9-12th July - reaches Dunhill and the Anne Valley.

We're delighted to see that this year the Comeraghs Wild Festival will reach as far as Dunhill and the Anne Valley.  On Sunday 12^th July the Artisan Food & Craft Market in Dunhill Hall will be part of the festival programme.   

More news on other events in future editions.  

EDUCATION & LEARNING

Dunhill NS

80th Anniversary

Following a positive community meeting, plans are underway to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Dunhill National School.

📅 Save the date: Sunday 11th October 2026

A second meeting will take place as planning continues — everyone is very welcome to attend, whether you were at the first meeting or not:

📍 Dunhill Community Hall
📅 Monday 13th April at 7:30pm

This is for everyone — whether you’re new to the area, went to school in Dunhill, or have family connections through parents, grandparents or children. You don’t need any past connection to the school to get involved — we’re all one community, and this is a community event.

Even if you feel you’re short on time or can only contribute a little, every bit of help is welcome and appreciated.

We are also looking for school photos (past & present) for a display/archive.

Photos can be:

• Handed into the school after 13th April (after Easter holidays), please put your name & number on the back

• Emailed to [email protected]

• Sent to [email protected]
  It would be much appreciated if people can get the photos to us by Friday 1st May 2026 please?

All welcome — please spread the word 👍

Easter Bingo Night

📅 Friday, 27th March at 7:00 PM
📍 Dunhill Community Hall

Join us for an egg-cellent family night of bingo, laughter, and great community spirit—all in support of the Dunhill NS Parents Council 💛

🎟️ Don’t miss our raffle with fantastic prizes!

🎫 Bingo books available at the door. €10 for adults. €5 for children.

✨ All are welcome—let’s make it a cracking night! 🐣💛🥚

Confirmation

Congratulations to the 6th class students who made their Confirmation on Monday 23rd March.

Tiny Tots

The boys and girls have had a busy month, learning through play.

We learnt all about building and construction and were busy creating our own imaginative designs.

Dermot Bannon better watch out !

Tiny Tots Playgroup Dunhill is now welcoming new families!

With ECCE and part-time places currently available, it's the perfect time to secure a spot for your little one in this wonderful community-based playgroup.

For more information or to arrange a visit, contact them today by phone at 089 423 1867 or email [email protected].

NATURE & ENVIRONMENT

Dunhill Tidy Towns

A sure sign that spring is here is the sight of Tidy Towns becoming active in the village! Senan and Percy on weeding duties.

This pump has been relocated to a more visible position in the village.
After the 1870 Public Health Act, local authorities installed these pumps to provide safe drinking water.

They often became a key social gathering point, leading to the term “parish pump” politicians. Taller pumps allowed carts to collect water, while smaller ones were used with buckets.

The two youngsters in this photo remember using this pump.

A big thanks to Eddie Murphy and Martin Murray for organising the relocation of the pump.

MISCELLANEOUS

Trivia Question

It takes 5 machines 5 minute to make 5 doughnuts.

How long does it take 100 machines to make 100 doughnuts?

Last Month’s Answer

1) Silence is golden. 2) The short end of the stick. 3) Travel overseas.

Job Notices

Property

Death Notices

Weather

Join The Copper Post Business Directory

📢 Join the new Business Directory for Dunhill, Fenor, Boatstrand & Annestown

We’re creating a local business directory to help people to shop locally, use local businesses and help connect businesses across Dunhill, Fenor, Boatstrand, and Annestown.

📲 There’s no cost and it’s free to join. To be added to the group please fill in this form: https://forms.gle/8bEwDz7CAcypHW2D7 or send a message to 087-6398362 

📲 There’s no cost and it’s free to join. To be added to the group please fill in this form: https://forms.gle/8bEwDz7CAcypHW2D7 or send a message to 087-6398362