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

In this month's newsletter...

• Before We Get Started

• Newsletter Sponsor: AN DUINE BEAG

• SPORT

  • Dunhill GAA

  • Anne Valley 5 Mile Challenge

  • Clanna Gael GAA

  • Dunhill Squash Club

  • European Transplant Games

  • Fenor GAA

  • Fenor Road Bowling Club

  • Na Gaeil GAA

  • Seaview Celtic

  • St. Anne’s

• ARTS, HERITAGE & CULTURE

  • Down Memory Lane

• COMMUNITY & SUPPORT

  • Boatstrand

  • Community Alert

  • Community Hall

  • SERI - Social Enterprise Republic Of Ireland

• EDUCATION & LEARNING

  • Dunhill Multi-Education Centre

  • Dunhill NS

  • Tiny Tots

• NATURE & ENVIRONMENT

  • Anne Valley

  • Dunhill Tidy Towns

• MISCELLANEOUS

  • Trivia Question

  • Job Notices

  • Property

  • Death Notices

  • Weather

  • Join The Copper Post Business Directory

Before We Get Started

The Copper Post newsletter is always looking for local news and new groups to contribute.

If you have anything interesting feel free to send it in at any time.

Send by email to [email protected]

A massive thank you to our contributors who take the time to send in news, information and photos. Without them, there would be no newsletter each month.

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!

Their always popular summer camp is FULLY BOOKED OUT, but if they have any cancellations that we will post them on their Facebook page

The 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

Dunhill GAA

A THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY

The official opening of our new facilities by President Jarlath Burns was quite the evening.

We very much appreciate everyone who played a part in it.

Too numerous to name individually.

To all the people who descended on the GAA Field & Centre to get it ready, thank you.

To all the businesses who worked on our facilities, thank you.

To all those who supported our fundraising efforts, thank you.

To all the teams, clubs, members and neighbours who use our facilities, thank you.

The biggest thank you goes to our many volunteers:

…those present and those who went before us, whose work we built upon.

…those who contribute countless hours and who, to quote our chairman, "If we paid them €1 an hour, we couldn't afford them."

…those who selflessly give their time, not for themselves but for their community.

When we feel a pride in where we are from, it is because of them.

Official Opening

Click play above to see the photo slideshow of the official opening.

(Photos by John Day. Slideshow by Helen Laffan.)

Summer Camp 2026

Join us this summer for weeks full of fun indoor & outdoor activities, including arts & crafts, games, scooters, mini games and much more!

BOOK ONLINE NOW:
www.dunhillgaasc.ie

Time: 10:00am–3:00pm

Ages: 3–12 years

Children attending must be fully toilet trained and able to self-feed independently.

⭐ Fully qualified & Garda-vetted staff
⭐ Limited spaces available each week

To book: www.dunhillgaasc.ie
📞 083 876 1244

Camp Dates
- Week 1: Monday 6th – Friday 10th July
- Week 2: Monday 13th – Friday 17th July
- Week 3: Monday 20th – Friday 24th July
- Week 4: Monday 27th – Friday 31st July
- Week 5: Tuesday 4th – Friday 7th August
- Week 6: Monday 10th – Friday 14th August
- Week 7: Monday 17th – Friday 21st August

Waterford Representation

Well done to Zack Butler who captained the Waterford U16 Footballers against Wicklow in Aughrim. Zack scored 4-3 on the day. Cillian Delaney Cian Cusack and Marc Daly also members of the squad.

Congratulations also to Mark Nugent who played an important role in Waterford’s 0–14 to 0–13 win over Cork in Round 4 of the Masters Football All-Ireland Series at Clashmore. He contributed 0–3 from placed balls in a tight game where scores were hard-earned. His accuracy helped keep Waterford in contention before Tom O’Gorman’s late winner sealed victory.

Junior Hurling

Join Us In Vegas For ‘Knees That Craic’

Knees That Craic tournaments provide a unique experience for hurling and Gaelic football players between 30–99 years of age.

Founded in 2023 to unite masters players from around the globe, Knees That Craic combines the spirit of competition with the excitement of Las Vegas and Fort Lauderdale. Our annual tournaments foster connections and relive cherished memories. All proceeds are donated to support North American collegiate hurling and Gaelic football programmes, ensuring the growth of Gaelic games in North America. The 2027 Knees That Craic “Over 40 Masters Global Cup” will be held in Las Vegas on January 30th, 2027 – St Brigid’s weekend.

Dunhill native Vinny Comerford is looking for more Waterford people and teams to attend. Over the past few years, PJ McGrath, Dermot Dunphy, and Paul Doyle have attended, and they are hoping a few more will join them this year.

The event has been growing into something special — not just a weekend of games, but a proper gathering of people who still want to play hard, enjoy the craic, and keep the game going well beyond the usual playing years.

The tournament itself is exactly what you’d hope for: competitive enough on the pitch, but very much about the social side off it. It’s the kind of weekend where you’re as likely to be talking about old games as you are about the ones you’ve just played.

If you are interested, contact Paul Doyle (086-8766844) or PJ McGrath (087-7995567).

Anne Valley 5 Mile Challenge

Some photos from the recent Anne Valley 5 Mile Challenge.

Clanna Gael GAA

Dunhill Facilities

CNG would like to congratulate Dunhill GAA Club on a wonderful evening last week, celebrating the official opening of the club's new facilities by GAA President Jarlath Burns.

We are very grateful to be able to share these amazing facilities with our players.

Our U12, U13 and U14 players and mentors were delighted to have been involved in the celebrations.

Championship

The championship is well underway for our U12 and U14 teams.

Our U16 hurlers started their campaign last week with a win over St Oliver's in Division 1. Next up for them is a home game against Mt Sion.

The Minor Hurling Championship commences on 1st July with an away game against Dungarvan in Division 1.

Best wishes to all involved.

Dunhill Squash Club

Our last league finals of the season, kindly sponsored by Pat Crowley of Dawn International Ltd, were held recently. We had some great competitive games of squash on the night. Thanks to those who came along to support us. Thanks also to Harney's Bar for the excellent hospitality at the prize giving.

New members are always welcome – we cater for all abilities.

Please email [email protected] for more information.

European Transplant Games

Great Scott

Massive congratulations to inspirational Scott Murray from Fenor, who won five gold medals for Ireland at the European Transplant Games in the Netherlands (21st–27th June).

Having received a life-saving bone marrow transplant from his sister Zola in 2022, Scott has shown extraordinary resilience in his recovery journey from Acute Myeloid Leukaemia and previous challenges.

Initially born with a congenital heart issue, he had open-heart surgery as an infant and, having attended Fenor National School, was diagnosed with leukaemia aged 12. After chemotherapy proved unsuccessful, Scott underwent a transplant and a protracted period of rehabilitation.

“Representing my family, supporters and community is a huge motivation,” said Scott before his first Games appearance. “Being able to get back to an even higher level of fitness than I was before I became sick is something I’m really proud of.

“I want people going through an illness like I did to know that it is possible to bounce back. Becoming sick isn't the be-all and end-all. It is possible to come back even stronger than before with dedication and perseverance.”

The 17-year-old swimmer, a student at Ardscoil na Mara, proved unstoppable in the pool in Arnhem. His family, including parents Zeta and Anthony, are extremely proud of Scott’s achievements and lifelong determination.

Speaking after his success, Scott stressed how critical a gift organ donation, and equally blood and platelet donation, can be: “It’s beautiful – it opens up a new chance at life.”

A remarkable young man. (Jamie O’Keeffe)

Fenor GAA

Wally Wins Community Hero Award

Wally O’Neill has been awarded Munster Runner-up in the 2026 EirGrid GAA National Community Heroes Competition.

The initiative celebrates volunteers across Ireland who make a lasting contribution to their local GAA clubs and communities.

Currently chairperson of Fenor, Na Gaeil and Clann na nGael, Wally's lifelong commitment as a player, adult and underage coach (including U14 hurling and football this year), mentor, administrator and fundraiser is already legendary.

As field manager, he also gives countless voluntary hours to the upkeep of William Flynn Park every week of the year — you name it, Wally does it.

Head of Public Engagement at EirGrid, Sinéad Dooley, said they were “delighted” by the standard of nominations received, with Wally’s story really impressing the judging panel. As Munster runner-up (no mean feat), CLG Fionnúir will receive €1,500.

Well done to Wally O’Neill — whose entire family has made an indelible mark on this parish over many decades — on his massive contribution to club and community, and on this very well-deserved recognition. 👏

Hurlers’ Winning Start

Fenor 3-16 Mount Sion 2-17

Fenor got their Eastern Junior A Hurling Championship campaign off to a positive start with a hard-fought comeback win over Mount Sion in sunny but breezy Dunhill on Sunday evening, 28th June.

The city side raced out of the blocks and were four points to no score up before Fenor got off the mark through one of Niall Power's six frees. The in-form full-forward added four points from play over the hour.

Mount Sion were pacy in attack and swooped for two opportunist first-half goals, with Sean Mackey netting one for Fenor, seizing onto a searching Fintan Walsh delivery to rifle a shot into the roof of the Anne Valley End net.

Trailing 2-10 to 1-9 at the break, but now with the breeze, Fenor upped their already impressive work rate and quickly levelled.

Making a big impact at centre-forward, Corey Kennedy intercepted and fed Sean, who laid a pass wide to David Cantwell, and he blasted home brilliantly from an acute angle.

Minutes later, Cantwell went for the jugular again, burying another goal to make it 3-10 to 2-11.

Mackey scored four classy points in the second period, and defiant defending from Fenor got them over the line, with their tenacity exemplified by the likes of John Flynn, Darragh Murphy, Fintan Walsh, James Hayden, Mikey Nicholls and Ollie Buck, among others.

Team & Scorers: Michael Mooney; James Hayden (c), Richie Cullinane, Paul Condon; Fintan Walsh, Cian Rellis (0-1), John Flynn; Ollie Buck, Mikey Nicholls (0-1); Darragh Murphy, Corey Kennedy, Eric Lonergan; Sean Mackey (1-4), Niall Power (0-10, 6f), David Cantwell (2-0).

Subs used: Conor Burns, Jim Halley, Cian Queally, Padraic O'Leary.

Déise Draw

Huge thanks to everyone who supported Fenor in the Déise Draw — a superb response as we plan for the future — and best of luck to all for the remaining four draws.

Veteran’s Victory

Veterans’ Victory: Well done to Jim Halley, who was picked out as one of Waterford’s top performers in their excellent recent Masters Gaelic Football Championship win over Cork in Clashmore. Mick O’Brien was also on the Déise panel.

Crooke Closer

We concluded our Hurling League campaign with a 6-21 to 0-16 win away to Passage on 6th June. Corey Kennedy was among those who impressed in his first game back with Fenor, having been the youngest member of our 2015 County title-winning panel.

Scorers: David Cantwell 3-4, Niall Power 2-4 (1-1f), Conor Burns 1-1, Cian Rellis 0-4 (1f), Corey Kennedy 0-3, Ollie St John 0-3, Dylan Farrell 0-1, Fintan Walsh 0-1.

Fenor Road Bowling Club

Competition is well under way for 2026. The club has no less than 4 finalists still in the mix to win silverware this year, while we already have 2 regional winners in their chosen grades in the bag and another 5 yet to start out of the original 11 who took on competition this year.

Winners presently are Aisling O’Callaghan from Kill nee Castletownkinneagh, East Cork-Waterford Junior winner and present Munster Junior semi finalist.

Anna Power, Tramore, Winner of U16 East Cork/Waterford region and finalist U18. Best of luck in Munster.

Timmy Desmond, Regional Finalist, Nov C, Wexford.

Gene Hourihan, Tramore, Veteran Region Finalist.

Liam Power, Tramore, Sec A, Nov D Regional Finalist.

Tommy Rowe, Waterford City, Sec B Nov D, Regional finalist.

Great to see Mary Cremin Züst and Tom Cremin Züst back from Switzerland to join us at our training. Mary is the daughter of Jerry Cremin who reintroduced Roadbowling back into these parts during the 70s where it has progressively grown from a social outlet of younger kids to generations of families who play social & competitive for the club today.

Na Gaeil GAA

What a fantastic evening for our Na Gaeil Juvenile Club!

Players from all age groups enjoyed a brilliant training session at Dunhill GAA as we celebrated the visit of GAA President Jarlath Burns 🏐👏

A huge congratulations and thank you to everyone in Dunhill GAA for a fantastic evening 🙌 We are so grateful to be able to share these amazing facilities with our young players! ❤️💚

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

Summer Camp (July 13th-16th)

Bookings are now live for our upcoming summer camp, run by Teaching Tekkers, who delivered a hugely popular camp with us last summer.

Bookings remain open until the camp starts on July 13th, but please book early to secure your place.

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

Jersey Sponsorship

Special thanks to Paul Doyle of Paul Doyle Hire Services for the generous sponsorship of our new jerseys, which arrived pre-kick-off in some of his trucks for a memorable team photo!

Having the support of local businesses means a lot to a growing club like ours, so thanks for your backing, Paul.

FAI Club Mark

We are absolutely delighted to announce that our club has been officially awarded the FAI Club Mark — the Football Association of Ireland's national accreditation for clubs that are run to the highest standards, on and off the pitch.

The Club Mark recognises best practice in governance, administration, coaching, safeguarding and player development. It is a reflection of the dedication shown by our volunteers, coaches, committee and members, week in and week out behind the scenes.

Receiving the Club Mark reflects our commitment to best practice, child welfare, coach education and providing the best possible football experience for everyone involved in our club.

A huge thank you to everyone who played their part in helping the club reach this important milestone as we continue to build and develop the club for the benefit of all our current and future members.

Under 13 Schoolgirl Cup Winners

Huge congratulations to our Under 13 Schoolgirls team, who made history by becoming the first Seaview Schoolgirls team to lift silverware when they won the inaugural Waterford and District Women and Schoolgirls League (WDWSL) Under 13 B Cup.

This is a fantastic achievement by a remarkable group of girls, and the success was all the more impressive considering this was their first ever season playing football.

Well done to all our players and our dedicated coaching staff!

St. Anne’s

Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others

Huge congratulations to the St Anne’s Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others team, who took part in five fantastic games at today’s Munster Blitz in Mallow.

It was a day filled with great football, plenty of fun, and lots of laughter. To top it all off, the team proudly took home the Best Original Costume award and emerged victorious in the Tug of War, overcoming the mighty and very formidable Teddy Bears Picnic team.

A brilliant day out and a fantastic achievement by all involved. Well done, ladies!

GAA President Visit

St Anne’s Camogie and LGFA Club would like to extend our sincere congratulations to Dunhill GAA on a fantastic evening on Friday, celebrating the official opening of the club's new facilities with GAA President Jarlath Burns in attendance.

A huge amount of hard work, time and dedication went into making this project a reality, and the result is a truly top-class set of grounds and facilities. It is a tremendous credit to everyone involved.

Thank you to all the girls, from U6 to G4MO, and to all the parents who came along to support the occasion and proudly showcase the fantastic range of club jerseys, made possible through the generous sponsorship of so many local businesses. We are incredibly grateful for your continued support—it is truly appreciated, including Tommy Colfer, HFS Phelan’s, Centra, Comeragh Veterinary, and Harney's Bar & Restaurant.

It was especially lovely to see the Jean O’Loughlin Bench taking pride of place overlooking the grounds, and to have Jean’s parents, Pauline and Paul O’Loughlin, in attendance to mark such a special evening.

Thank you to Ger and Rosie Murphy for sponsoring ice creams for the players.

A special well done to players Mairead Murphy (mentor), Aoife, Clara, Hannah, and Kate, who entertained the crowd with a wonderful performance after recently winning the Scór Ballad Group competition.

Congratulations and well done once again to everyone at Dunhill GAA, and we wish you every success with your wonderful new facilities. ❤️💚 ❤️🖤 💛

ARTS, HERITAGE & CULTURE

Down Memory Lane

Semple Stadium 1957

From left: Kelly Carberry, Loughdeheen, Kilmeaden; Joe Grant, Ardnahoe, Ballydermody, Dunhill; and Joe and Bob O’Shea, Pembrokestown, Lisnakill, enjoying the ceol agus craic in The Square, Thurles, after Waterford’s victory over reigning champions Cork at Semple Stadium in the Munster Hurling Final on 14th July 1957.

Photo courtesy of Pakie O’Brien. (Jamie O’Keeffe)

COMMUNITY & SUPPORT

Boatstrand

Swimming Lessons

Summer Weeks for Swimming and Lifesaving 2026:

• Dunmore East Swimming and Lifesaving Week starting July 6th

• Newtown Cove Lifesaving Only Week starting July 20th

• Ardmore Swimming and Lifesaving Week starting July 20th

• Boatstrand Swimming and Lifesaving Week starting August 3rd

• Ardmore Swimming and Lifesaving Week starting August 3rd

Full details on each week will be posted on the Water Safety Ireland Facebook page two weeks in advance.

Community Alert

Our third meeting of the season took place on 26th May. There was a small turnout on the night; however, it is understandable as the weather was warm and sunny. Sgt. Deirdre O’Neill gave a talk on home security during the summer months when people are on holiday or away on day trips.

Our guest speaker from Waterford Solas Centre, Fiona Power, gave an outstanding talk on the benefits of the organisation and how to access its services. We agreed that the importance of her talk warrants a return visit, which will take place at our AGM next February, hopefully to a bigger audience. Fiona has kindly agreed to come back to us.

We ask for your help with the following matter. Five large builder bags of garden waste were dumped on the roadside opposite the curate’s house in Ballyadam at approximately 11am on Thursday, 26th June. Thanks to the Council for removing them.

The parish makes every effort to keep the area litter-free and clean, thanks to the many voluntary hours given by people who take pride in the place where we live.

If you were in the area and saw anything suspicious, please contact any DCA committee member or AGS Tramore on 051 391620. Fly-tippers will be named and shamed.

Community Hall

Comeraghs Wild Festival

The Comeraghs Wild Festival takes place from Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th July. Four days of culture, nature, music and adventure, from the heart of the mountains to the coast.

The packed programme includes a wide variety of events for all ages and tastes, with a number taking place locally on the Copper Coast, including:

• Friday 10th: Traditional Willow Creel Making Workshop – Dunhill (Sold Out)

• Sunday 12th: Surfing Lessons (adults & children), 10am–12 noon – Bonmahon

• Sunday 12th: Artisan Food & Craft Market, 12 noon–4pm – Dunhill

• Sunday 12th: Evening of Song & Story, from 5pm – Stradbally

For more information on these and other events, visit www.comeraghswildfestival.ie.

Copper Coast Summer Market

The very popular summer artisan food and craft market takes place on Sunday 12th July, 12 noon–4pm, at Dunhill Community Hall.

With around 20 stalls ranging from delicious homemade cakes and jams to handcrafted jewellery, photography, pottery and crafts, you’ll find the perfect gift for family, friends or even yourself.

With live music, barista coffee and delicious food, it promises to be a great afternoon out.

News From Dunhill Hall

Louise Morrissey & Special Guest Marty Daniels – Friday 13th November
Linden Productions presents the multi-award-winning country music star for a very special evening. Louise Morrissey is known and much loved throughout Ireland, the UK and the US, where she has entertained audiences and received numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious European Country Music Gold Star Award.

Throughout her career she has toured with country legends such as Charley Pride, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson, to name but a few.

Tickets are on sale on Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/louise-morrissey-in-concert-tickets-1992705191871?aff=oddtdtcreator

Kids Cookery Camp
Siobhán Finan, trained chef and qualified tutor, returns with a week-long cookery camp for children aged 5–14 years. The camp in Dunhill runs from 13th–17th July, with camps also in Ballyduff and Carbally on other dates in July.

The July camp in Dunhill is full. Siobhán often runs similar events at other times of the year, so if you are interested in getting your kids cooking, please contact her on 087 902 7425.

Copper Coast Social Hub
The very popular Social Hub is taking a break over the summer months and will return in September. Held on the third Thursday afternoon of each month, it is a warm and welcoming place to meet old friends and new.

It is open to everyone living in or from the Copper Coast area, including Annestown, Boatstrand, Bonmahon, Dunhill, Kill and Stradbally. No age limits.

SERI - Social Enterprise Republic Of Ireland

A group from around the country attended the launch of its pre-budget 2027 submission in Leinster House on Wednesday 17th June. The group included representatives from social enterprises nationwide across various counties.

Our Comeragh Network was represented by Senan Cooke, Dunhill, Comeragh Task Group member. Standing in front are chairman of SERI and former government minister Richard Bruton (now retired), and SERI CEO John Logue.

They had presented the 2027 budget submission to an all-party Oireachtas Committee in the Dáil Chamber. They then officially launched the submission in a meeting room in Leinster House, attended by the group (see photo) and ten TDs from different parties across the country.

EDUCATION & LEARNING

Dunhill Multi-Education Centre

Community Garden

Dunhill History Lectures Turns 20

In February 2006, on my sixty-fifth birthday, my employment with University College Cork came to an end, as was then the practice. On our Retirement Course, we had been told: “Don’t just retire FROM something, retire TO something. Take up golf – or …”

I was lucky, for I did not have to take up golf – I was encouraged by Donal Lehane to join the staff of Dunhill Multi-Education Centre. I was given an office and told vaguely: “Make yourself useful.”

From these humble beginnings developed the series of Dunhill History Lectures, which ran weekly every year for ten weeks from mid-January to mid-March. I was initiated into the mysteries of PowerPoint by our then manager, Jason King, and we started on 25 January 2007.

Twenty years and over two hundred lectures later, we are still going strong.

Initially, I gave all the lectures myself and the main purpose was to give a general introduction to the history of DFBA (Dunhill, Fenor, Boatstrand and Annetown), from Adam to the Atom Bomb, so to speak. In the third year, we began to invite guest speakers, and this practice has developed until now I generally give only the first and last lectures. And as the internet has expanded in the last twenty years to such an extent that almost any information is available at the touch of a button, the topics have become more specialised, and the final lecture is often simply entitled “A Surprise!” Surprise topics have included the life and legacy of the Emperor Hadrian, a guide to heraldry, a pilgrimage to Mount Athos in 1969, the adventures of the Bible in Ireland, and German surface raiders of the Second World War.

There have, of course, been hitches. On the night of the very first lecture there was a thunderstorm; a lightning strike knocked out the local transformer, the whole district was plunged into darkness, and the event had to be postponed for a week. We have had wintry nights of snow, frost, gales, floods and fog. And on 12 March 2020, the final lecture of the series had to be cancelled at a few hours’ notice as Covid-19 reared its ugly head, schools and offices closed, and people fled for their lives. The following year, a second lockdown was imposed, and the entire series had to be cancelled. We made up the loss with three daytime lectures in the autumn, and this practice (increased to five talks) was revived in 2024 and 2025.

There has been no shortage of speakers, and we are grateful to all of them for the time and care they have taken to prepare their lectures, travel to us, and face an audience. Special thanks are owed to those stalwarts who could always be depended on to return year after year and fill the hall: Pat McCarthy (who would drive down from Dublin, give his lecture, and then drive back again), Eugene Broderick and William Fraher, all of whom have provided us with more than a dozen stimulating evenings.

It is always a worry whether anyone will actually turn up on a winter’s night to be entertained with a slab of history, but so far, we have not been disappointed. There have, in fact, been several surprises. It was with some trepidation that in 2009 I invited Niall Byrne to speak about his recent book The Irish Crusade – would a talk on medieval crusading orders attract our very mixed local audience? – but in the event the room was filled to capacity, and an animated discussion followed his discourse, which he delivered (amazingly) while suffering from a severe bout of pleurisy.

Another surprise was Christina Knight O’Connor’s 2022 lecture “Rebel Women: The Cumann na mBan in Waterford City and County”, which was attended by a huge audience, mainly female (this was one of two occasions on which the audience has included a babe in arms – both were well behaved throughout).

A record attendance of about ninety was achieved by Eugene Broderick’s 2024 lecture on Ireland’s Magdalen laundries with particular reference to Waterford.

There has been a huge diversity in our speakers, their personalities, their styles and their topics; to all of them, we express our heartfelt thanks – as, indeed, to our audience too, without whom there would have been no lectures at all. And I cannot conclude without thanking also our successive managers Marie Cox and Helen Kavanagh and their staff of backroom boys and girls who have established and run such an excellent facility – in particular, Shirley Moore, Alexandre Viegas, Stephen Rainey and their long-suffering colleagues who have come in or stayed late to ensure that all went well and/or provide the welcome refreshments which enabled us all to relax and chat after so much cerebral activity! (Julian Walton)

Dunhill NS

Sixth Class Charity Day

A huge well done to our 6th Class, who organised their very first Charity Day in support of Autism Friendly Waterford 👏

The class hosted a whole-school Pyjama Day, along with a raffle and cake sale, raising an incredible €1,020 💫

Before finishing school, they proudly presented the cheque to Tony and Sean O’Neill from Autism Friendly Waterford. During their visit, Tony spoke to the children about autism and sensory differences, while Sean shared his personal experience of school as an autistic student. We are so grateful to both for their time and inspiring insights.

Tony and Sean praised Sixth Class for their outstanding fundraising achievement, and we hope the children gained a deeper understanding of how to support and include autistic people in their school and community 💙

A huge well done once again to Sixth Class — your hard work, enthusiasm and generosity truly paid off! 👏🎈

School Tours

The pupils recently enjoyed some fantastic school tours throughout June!

The infants had great fun in the World of Bounce 🤸‍♀️, while 1st and 2nd Class had a brilliant day out at Fota Island, followed by a treat in McDonald’s 🐒🍟. Meanwhile, 3rd to 6th Class explored Hook Lighthouse and Ferrycarrig, making wonderful memories along the way 🌊🏰

A big thank you to all the teachers and school staff for organising such enjoyable and memorable days for the pupils 👏🎒✨

Student Sponsored Walk

A big well done to all the pupils who took part in the recent Sponsored Walk in aid of the Parents’ Council 👏

Together, they raised an incredible €2,274.84 💫

The children enjoyed a lovely walk through the Anne Valley to Dunhill Castle, with well-deserved refreshments there and a refreshing ice pop on their return to school 🍦🌿

Thank you to everyone who supported this great event — a fantastic day was had by all 🚶‍♂️😊

School Sports Day

The students had a fantastic School Sports Day recently in Dunhill GAA 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

The day was filled with fun, teamwork, and lots of great competition, with all our pupils giving it their best and cheering each other on 👏

A big thank you to all the teachers and staff for organising such an enjoyable day for everyone. 🏅 

Graduation

Congratulations to our fantastic 6th Class on their Graduation Ceremony on 18th June. 🎓✨ 🎉

They finished primary school last Wednesday, 24th June — a proud and special milestone after 8 years in Dunhill NS 💙

The celebrations were topped off with their traditional trip to the Wibit in Dunmore East Adventure Centre 🌊☀️

Well done to this super group of boys and girls, and best wishes for the exciting journey ahead 👏🎈

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-July, before the school goes on Summer break

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

Tiny Tots

June was a very busy month for all our little learners.

We had beautiful weather for our Sports Day. The boys and girls also enjoyed a Pyjama Day, a Bubbles Day and a Water Fight, although I suspect the adults had just as much fun.

There was great excitement for our annual school tour.

We would like to wish all our little friends who are starting primary school in September all the very best. We will miss you all, but you are all well ready for the next big step.

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

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

Contact Bernie on 089 423 1867 or email [email protected].

NATURE & ENVIRONMENT

Anne Valley

New Community Wellbeing Day

A new community wellbeing event, Balance at Anne Valley, will take place on Sunday, 26th July, from 8:00am to 4:15pm in the beautiful surroundings of Anne Valley, Dunhill, Co. Waterford.

Bringing together movement, mindfulness, nature, and connection, the event will offer a full day of activities designed to help people slow down, recharge, and reconnect in one of Waterford's most scenic outdoor settings.

Set against the backdrop of Anne Valley's woodland walks, river, lake, and historic castle, Balance at Anne Valley aims to create a welcoming and inclusive experience for people of all ages and abilities.

Activities throughout the day will include:

• Yoga

• Pilates

• Tai Chi

• Mindfulness Sessions

• Community Walks

• Nutrition & Wellbeing Talks

• Family-Friendly Activities

The event will feature a range of local facilitators, practitioners, and wellbeing experts from across Waterford, creating an opportunity for participants to explore different approaches to health, wellbeing, and personal balance.

"Balance at Anne Valley is about creating space for people to pause, reconnect, and enjoy the simple benefits of movement, nature, and community. Anne Valley provides a unique setting for this experience, and we look forward to welcoming people of all ages from across Waterford and beyond.

Whether it's enjoying a walk in nature with family, meeting friends for a coffee and a chat, or taking part in activities such as Tai Chi, Pilates, or mindfulness sessions, we hope people will find something that helps them restore, relax, and reconnect."

Balance at Anne Valley takes place on Sunday, 26th July at Anne Valley, Dunhill, Co. Waterford.

For further information, booking details, and event updates, please follow Annevalleywalk on Facebook and Instagram.

Dunhill Tidy Towns

Dunhill Tidy Town & Dunhill Community Gardens

On behalf of Dunhill Tidy Towns, the Dunhill Community Garden volunteers kindly offered to plant up 14 hanging baskets, "bring them on" in their polytunnels, feed and water them prior to the baskets being hung in the village. Tidy Towns provided the contacts of the baskets and hung them in the village. Great community collaboration!

The Dunhill Community Garden, supported by the REACH Fund, SOLAS and WWETB, runs every Friday morning at Dunhill Ecopark from 09:00 to 13:00. All are welcome and participation is free. Contact 051 396934 for more information.

As ever, Tidy Towns welcome volunteers. There is no commitment required, just turn up if and when it suits you. Contact Martin on 087 6992980.

Endeavour Award

For the second year in a row, Dunhill has won an Endeavour Award from TidyTowns.

The Endeavour Award is presented to the entrant in each county that achieves the biggest percentage improvement in its score compared to the previous year. It recognises groups that have made the most significant annual progress in enhancing their local environment.

MISCELLANEOUS

Trivia Question

Which of the following words is still a recognised word if you substitute the first letter for the next letter in the alphabet and the last letter for the previous letter in the alphabet?

(A) DRINK

(B) CROWN

(C) EARN

Last Month’s Answer

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

ANSWER: Right Front Inside

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