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

In this month's newsletter...

• Newsletter Sponsor: AN DUINE BEAG

• SPORT

  • Anne Valley 5 Mile Challenge

  • Clanna Gael GAA

  • Dunhill GAA

  • Dunhill Squash Club

  • Fenor GAA

    • Fenor NS Camogie Win

  • Fenor Road Bowling Club

  • Na Gaeil GAA

  • Seaview Celtic

  • Waterford AC

• BUSINESS FEATURE: Irish Gourmet Butter

• ARTS, HERITAGE & CULTURE

  • Down Memory Lane

  • Rose Of Tralee

• COMMUNITY & SUPPORT

  • Boatstrand

  • Community Care & Social Hub

  • Multiple Myeloma Cycling Expedition

  • Swim For Cora

• EDUCATION & LEARNING

  • Ardscoil na Mara

  • 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!

An Duine Beag’s exciting Summer Camp will run from Thursday 18th June to Friday 31st July.

Summer Camp runs 5 days a week Monday to Friday 7.30am – 5pm.

There is a minimum attendance of 3 days a week and 6 hours a day per child.

Outside the flexible 6-hour sessions, additional hourly fees are:
- 1 child €2.70
- 2 children €5
- 3 children €7

To obtain a booking form, email [email protected] / ring 085-2001356

SPORT

Anne Valley 5 Mile Challenge

We are delighted with the entries so far and can’t wait to see you all in Dunhill on Saturday 30th May. We are sure it will be a great event, especially with our new finishing straight 😊

Entry is €13, and we are thrilled that every cent raised will go to our fantastic local charity JUNIORS FOR JUNIORS.

We couldn’t host this event every year without our wonderful sponsors — Alfie Hale Sports and Comerford Foley. Thank you both for your continued support.

We are also looking for volunteers on the day, and we would be delighted with any help at all… give us a shout if you can spare an hour 👍

Due to a change of route this year, our kids’ race will look a little different, but we’re sure the children will still have a whole lot of fun 😊

The Kids’ Race will take place on the Anne Valley Walkway at 9.55am, finishing at the official finishing line by The Happy Grind.

Registration takes place in the parish hall on the morning.

Our walk will also take place a little earlier this year, starting at 9.15am from outside the parish hall, with registration also in the parish hall on the morning.

Registration is still open, and you can register now at the link below:

👉 https://my.raceresult.com/390571/

Clanna Gael GAA

All teams are busy back training and competing in their various competitions.

Hard luck to our U15 Feile Football team who lost out in the semifinal and to the U15 Hurling team who lost to a very strong Passage team in the Feile final.

Well done to Sean Mackey on his involvement with the Waterford Senior Hurling team. Not the right result this year, but here's hoping to a better 2027 campaign.

A special day for the Mackey family and Fenor GAA Club last Sunday with Sean on the senior team and his brother Darragh on the Primary Go Games Team.

Well done to all our players on Development squads, who have been having good success.

Congratulations to all our CNG players who have graduated from secondary school over the last week. Best of luck with your exams and the future.

Dunhill GAA

Waterford Representation

Zack Butler, Cillian Delaney and Cian Cusack were on the match day panel on the U16 Football Development Squad who played Tipperary on Saturday. Missing from the photo is Marc Daly, who is also a member of the panel.

Deise Draw

The Déise Draw 💙🤍 returns again in June with tickets €100 (or €20 per draw).
It remains our main fundraiser for the year, with the club retaining €63 from each ticket.

Please contact your usual promoter, Niall Dunphy or any committee member to purchase a ticket.

Over the last 5–6 years your Deise Draw ticket purchases or your fortnightly fiver 💵 with Split The Pot (https://member.clubforce.com/tickets_m.asp?LL_ID=2480&intTE_ID=1360#topp) has allowed Dunhill GAA to greatly enhance its facilities.

Sports Capital and other grants have really helped us, but the supporters of the club have really enabled us to complete many of our projects, like the hurling wall, the Astro and the robot mower (to name just a few).

Over the last number of weeks, work has recommenced on our walking track, which is an amenity being used by parishioners of all walks of life. The installation of lighting, which will make it an all-year-round facility, and fencing / ball-stop netting for the safety of its users, will be completed in the coming weeks.

Don’t underestimate your importance in helping us complete these projects, which will serve us for years to come 🚶‍♀️ 🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♀️ 🚶

SETU Award

Congratulations to John Groves on being named Senior Hurling Player of the Year at the Sports & Societies Awards 2026 at South East Technological University (SETU).

Dawn Walk

Many thanks to all who supported our Dawn Walk on the Anne Valley in support of Re-A-Suir for suicide prevention.

Special thanks to the following:

1. Michael Casey for officially launching the walk this morning.

2. Frank Kavanagh and Brendan Groves for providing first aid support.

3. Kieran Foley, from WLR, for providing media coverage of our walk.

4. Staff at The Happy Grind; Alan, Seamus & Ciara, for serving the refreshments.

5. The Anne Valley Walking Trail Committee.

6. The Parish Hall Committee.

7. St. Annes Camogie & Ladies Football Club for partnering with us for this event, with particular thanks to Noreen Beresford and Ailis & Kate Dwan for their help with preparing the refreshments.

8. Our generous sponsors; Brady Ham, Flahavans, Glenpatrick Water, O'Donnacha's Bar & particularly The Happy Grind.

9. Sincere thanks to the volunteers of the Dunhill Healthy Club Sub-Committee, particularly Niamh Ryan, Martin Harney, Ciara Crowley & Joanne Freyne for all their behind the scenes work in setting up for and rolling out this event, and tidying up afterwards.

10. Finally, thanks to all the walkers who came out early this morning to help raise awareness & vital funds for our recipient charity, Re-a-Suir, who do great suicide prevention work.

The Dawn Walk raised approximately £820 for Re-a-Suir, which is a fantastic effort given that there were also other walks on in other parts of the local community this morning, and a major fundraiser only a week ago in the parish as well.

We are blessed to live in such an abundant & caring community 🤗

Sent on behalf of the Dunhill GAA Club and its Healthy Club Sub-Committee.

Dunhill GAA Centre

Call into sign up to the gym or for any other inquiries.

Manned gym hours for the week of 25th May: Tueday 5-7pm. Wednesday 5-7pm. Friday 5.30-7.30pm

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

Squash season is coming to an end. The Semifinals of the Dawn International sponsored League take place this week, with the finals being held next week.
Thanks to all our generous sponsors for their continued support.

New members always welcome — we cater for all abilities.
Please email [email protected] for more information.

Fenor GAA

Football League

From champagne football to flat prosecco, Fenor contrived to lose their last county league game away to Sliabh gCua on Saturday evening, having been in a seemingly unassailable position at the interval.

Played for the (Touraneena clubman) Ned Burke Shield, the visitors didn’t read the script and racked up a 2-12 to 1-4 lead by the break, featuring some wonderful link-up play and superb kicking.

But despite having plenty of possession we only added three more scores to the board after the change of ends. As Fenor ran out of legs and ideas, the hosts, handed the initiative, finished the stronger side to edge a two-point victory.

A salutary lesson for Fenor in finishing what they started. Though minus several first teamers, we could at least point to outstanding overall performances from the likes of Paul Condon, Darragh Murphy, Conor Rockett, Mick Kelleher, Ollie Buck, Dylan Farrell, Fintan Walsh, Luke Middleton; and a selection of top-quality scores, including three sublime left-footers from Dylan Farrell and a Conor Burns two-pointer, in that opening period.

Team (pictured) and scorers: Michael Mooney; Luke Middleton, Richie Cullinane, Dylan Farrell (0-3), Ollie Buck, Mick Kelleher (0-1); Fintan Walsh, Paul Condon (0-2); Conor Rockett (1-1), Darragh Murphy (1-3), Conor Burns (0-3f); Padraic O’Leary, Eoin Nolan (0-1).

Hurling League

Our recent hurling action was highlighted by a gritty league win in Ballydurn, with Niall Power and David Cantwell on fire, scoring a brace of goals each — all superbly netted in the second half — as we came from behind to snatch a 4-10 to 0-19 victory.

That was followed by another long away trip to take on Colligan where, again shy on numbers, we scored 1-20 but conceded 3-24 on the night. Unfortunately, Eoin O’Connor sustained a serious double injury setback after entering the fray and we wish him well in his recovery.

Fenor NS Camogie Win

A huge well done to all involved with Fenor National School who were crowned Cumann na mBunscol Roinn D Camogie winners in sweltering Walsh Park on Wednesday.

Hard luck to Bhaile Nua after a hotly contested final in which some super talent shone through on both teams. These girls' skills were really outstanding, especially given that it was the hottest day of 2026 so far! Congratulations to all the players as well as their mentors, teachers and families on their success. Top class!

Thanks to Tina Schley for the fab photos

McHugh’s Music

Waterford/Wexford trad combo Sláinnte (including Fenor multi-instrumentalist Kerry Batan) made their Mother McHughs debut in mid-May, playing a smashing Friday night set. Among those who enjoyed the tunes were Jimmy “Skinner” Flynn, Damien Lyons and Tommy Butler.

Fenor Road Bowling Club

Fenor Road Bowling Club had a Walk To Remember in the early hours of Saturday Morning on May 9th for Family and Friends. It left the village cross at 5am with a moment of reflection at the bench before coming back the high road on return. A sum of €250 was raised for Re-A-Suir for much needed services. Thank you to all who came and donated.

The East Cork / Waterford Championship is well under way now and lots of our players are now competing in scores at different grades & locations such as Clashmore, Killea, Conna and Ballincurrig. Best of luck to all and safe journeys back and forth while you keep our traditional sport going. Follow our Facebook page for more info.

Na Gaeil GAA

Cúl Camps

The Na Gaeil Cúl Camp portal remains open for anyone looking to book.
It will be in Dunhill / Fenor on June 29th to July 3rd.

📌 Booking link:
https://www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie/booking/?county=Waterford&venue=3227&week=2

Blitzes

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.

Seaview Celtic

We are delighted to announce that Seaview Celtic will be hosting the first of our annual Summer Camps on Mon–Thurs July 13th–16th in partnership with Teaching Tekkers. The camp is open to both boys and girls aged 5–14 of all skill levels.

The camp will be run by UEFA qualified coaches with focus on having fun while developing as players.

The cost is €85 per player which includes a Teaching Tekkers training kit. There will be a €10 discount per extra sibling.

You do not have to be a member of Seaview Celtic to attend.

You can book via our website or using the QR code and/or booking link provided:

Booking link: https://bookings.teachingtekkers.com

For more information like, follow and share Teaching Tekkers on social media.

Waterford AC

Big congratulations to our members who ran the Limerick Marathon yesterday. Fantastic results all round.

Noel Murphy ran out of his skin to finish in 5th place in 2:30:12. Brilliant performance from Noel, who works so hard and is an inspiration to his fellow WAC runners.

BUSINESS FEATURE: Irish Gourmet Butter

ARTS, HERITAGE & CULTURE

Down Memory Lane

Donkey Derby 1979

First Holy Communions in Dunhill NS 1946-2026

With the First Holy Communions taking place in Dunhill and Fenor last weekend and Dunhill NS school building celebrating it’s 80th anniversary in a few months, we look back at the event over the years in Dunhill.

First Holy Communion has long been one of the most cherished occasions in the life of Dunhill Parish. In a small rural community where school, church, and family life are closely connected, Communion Day is about far more than a ceremony — it is a celebration shared by the entire community.

Since the opening of Dunhill National School in 1946, generations of children have prepared for this important sacrament with the support of parents, grandparents, teachers, and clergy. In the years after World War II, when life in rural Ireland was modest and money was scarce, Communion Day brought a sense of joy and excitement to families throughout the parish. Great pride was taken in preparing children for their special day, with new outfits carefully chosen or made at home and family gatherings organised afterwards to mark the occasion.

Those years were not easy, and many families struggled to make ends meet. One local man remembered fondly for his kindness during that time was Patrick Halley, the local shoemaker. In the earlier years, Patrick repaired children’s shoes for their First Holy Communion and, knowing the hardship many families faced, would often carry out the work free of charge. His generosity reflected the strong spirit of neighbourliness and quiet support that existed in rural communities like Dunhill, where people helped one another through difficult times.

Teachers have always played a central role in guiding children through the preparations, while the parish clergy helped make the day one of deep faith and community spirit. Though the celebrations may have changed over the decades, the heart of Communion Day in Dunhill has remained the same — children gathering proudly with classmates, families meeting outside the church gates, and photographs capturing memories that would be treasured for years to come.

Today, just as in 1946, Communion Day remains a wonderful occasion of faith, family, and togetherness — a tradition that continues to hold a special place in the heart.

Rose Of Tralee

Congratulations to Dunhill native Rachel Keane who has been selected in New Plymouth to represent New Zealand as the East Bay Auckland Rose at this year’s Rose of Tralee Festival, joining fellow Waterford representative Cara Comerford.

A past pupil of St. Declan’s Community College, Rachel has already received warm congratulations from her former school community, who celebrated seeing her step onto the international stage.

COMMUNITY & SUPPORT

Boatstrand

Massive thank you to everyone who supported the Harbour of Hope Walk on Saturday 9th May 2026🌅

The walk went off brilliantly and then back to the centre afterwards for a well-deserved breakfast buffet.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make such a beautiful spread — from cooking the sausages to making delicious breads, tarts, porridge and yogurt cups.

Special thanks to Cillian Bonner for joining us again this year with Endorfin Sauna.

We would also like to thank four members of the Bunmahon Coast Guard for helping to keep everyone safe on the walk.

Thanks to everyone's kindness and generosity the Harbour of Hope Walk 2026 raised €1,020.00 for Waterford City River Rescue and €204.00 for Pieta House.

Community spirit was truly shining 💙

Community Care & Social Hub

Multiple Myeloma Cycling Expedition

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Many of you will remember my sister, Mimi, and the journey she faced in 2024 when she was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma.

At the time, Mimi was undergoing a stem cell transplant and facing the toughest battle of her life. In the middle of that, family, friends, neighbours, and our local communities came together in the most extraordinary way to support her and to help raise awareness of this disease.

Together, in just one month, we raised €23,000 for Multiple Myeloma research and brought much-needed awareness of this disease to the forefront in Waterford. That support carried Mimi through one of the darkest periods of her life and reminded her that she was not facing this alone.

Today, I am so grateful to say that Mimi is in remission and doing well.

But as Mimi says, “myeloma doesn’t simply go away — it stays with you, bringing uncertainty for the future.”

Rather than stepping back, Mimi has chosen to move forward with strength and purpose.

She has become a passionate advocate for people living with Multiple Myeloma and has established a support group in Waterford for patients and families navigating this diagnosis — offering others the same support and understanding that meant so much to her.

Now, Mimi is taking on her next challenge.

In August 2026, she will travel to Iceland as one of just 20 participants from around the world — including patients, doctors, and nurses — selected to take part in the International Myeloma Foundation Iceland Cycling Expedition.

Over the course of this extraordinary event, Mimi will cycle 100 miles across Iceland to raise vital funds for myeloma research, supporting the International Myeloma Foundation and the iStopMM study.

For Mimi, this challenge is deeply personal.

“While I’m well, I want to do something that matters. This is my way of giving something back, and of helping create a better future for everyone living with myeloma.”

Mimi has already shown extraordinary courage in facing this disease. Now she is showing the same courage in fighting for others.

If you are in a position to support her fundraiser, whether through a donation or simply by sharing her story, it would mean so much.

Every contribution will help fund vital research, support better treatments, and bring us closer to a cure.

I'm sharing a link to the Multiple Myeloma donation page. Please note the page was set up by the American side of the fundraiser so it is in US$. So if you are donating you will need to convert your donation from Euro to US$. To give you an idea of the conversion, every €10 equates to $12.
https://fundraise.myeloma.org/fundraiser/7093931

Thank you for your kindness, your support, and for standing with Mimi once again.

With sincere thanks,

Helen Laffan

Swim For Cora

The committee that organised the Fundraiser for Daryl Swift were delighted with the support they received from the community. In particular they wish to thank the Griffin Family for their support by allowing Swim for Cora to be the main fundraising event.

We also want to thank Annestown Plant Hire for all their support on the day. Daryl Swift was blown away by the support and wants to acknowledge and thank everyone for their support.

Daryl can fully concentrate on his recovery now that the financial worry has been taken care of. We are very lucky where we live.

EDUCATION & LEARNING

Ardscoil na Mara

Clanna Gael boys who won the U16 Pan Munster Giles Shield in rugby today with Ard Scoil na Mara, 73–17 in Virgin Media Park.

Dunhill NS

First Holy Communion

Congratulations to the 2nd Class boys and girls on making their First Holy Communion on Saturday 23rd May ✨🙏

A big thank you to Mrs. Power, and to Fr. Richard for making the day so memorable.

A sincere thanks also to the staff of Dunhill NS and the Parents’ Council for hosting the lovely refreshments afterwards ☕🍰 - it was greatly appreciated!

Well done everyone 👏🎈

U13 Camogie

Well done to the fantastic U13 Camogie team who won their Roinn C Shield Final vs. Glór na Mara in Azzurri Walsh Park on a scoreline of 7-3 to 1-2 ! ✨🏆

They have all worked so hard and shown great dedication and team spirit in all their matches! 👏💪

Well done girls ! 💫🍀

U11 Boys

Well done to the U11 boys who took part in the inter-school blitz in Kill GAA last week ✨👏

It was fantastic to see them playing alongside our Copper Coast neighbours, Fenor NS and Kill NS 💚

Great skill, teamwork and effort on display - but most of all, it was lovely to see the friendships between all the groups before, during and after the games 😊🤝

Athletics

Well done to all the students who took part in the Inter-Schools Athletics Competition in the RSC on 14th May ✨👏

A fantastic day of effort, determination and school spirit 💚💪
Congratulations to everyone who represented the school so brilliantly - well done all! 🏅🎉

80th Anniversary

We are delighted to have already received some lovely photographs and memories from across the years — including: Past and present pupils, School friends, School matches, School concerts and events

Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far.

We know there are still many more wonderful photos in albums and drawers around the parish, and we would love to include them in our 80th Anniversary Celebrations. Every photo is important — whether it’s a class photo, a group of school friends, a sports team, or a special school memory.

We are still looking for:

Class photos • School friends • School tours • Sports teams • Concerts • First Communion & Confirmation • School events • Special memories

How to submit photos:

📍 Drop into the school
(Please write your name & contact number on the back for safe return)

📧 Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]

🗓️ Please submit photos by mid-June, before the school goes on Summer break

💚 Every photo helps tell the story of Dunhill National School and the wider community.

Tiny Tots

The sun has got its hat on hip hip hip hooray. The boys and girls are enjoying the sunshine at last.

We've been in our outdoor classroom and enjoying the surrounding area. We picked some flowers on our nature walks to the nearby Ecopark and created some lovely bracelets.

We are now taking enrolments for September 2026. ECCE and NCS places available.

Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 12pm.
Full & part-time places available.

Contact Bernie on 089 4231867 or email [email protected]

📞 Phone: 089-4231867
📧 Email: [email protected]
📘 Find us on Facebook for updates and more information.

NATURE & ENVIRONMENT

Dunhill Tidy Towns

Kicked off work in earnest early this month. Weeded and planted verge going from the village to Anne Valley.

Also cleared vegetation from the wall to expose as much stonework as possible. We needed to be careful to keep roots in place to secure the stonework.

Before and after photos. Note Brian Dunbar risking life and limb on behalf of the village!

MISCELLANEOUS

Trivia Question

Imagine you put your phone in your right-hand back pocket. Now, imagine you put your trousers on inside out and back to front. Where do you have to put your hand to get your phone out of the pocket?

A) Right Front Inside

B) Left Front Inside

C) Right Back Inside

D) Left Back Inside

Last Month’s Answer

Answer: 18

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