Great Dungarvan Characters
Michael Byrne
Michael Byrne is well known for his attempts to improve conditions for the Workhouse inmates. Although he was a working man, a stevedore, he was always an independant man who regarded himself as the equal of any man in Dungarvan.
Jan 1907
HE IS NOT A TRAMP. HE BELONGS TO THE TOWN.
Debate at Board of Guardians about the admission to the Waterford District Asylum of a patient named Michael Grady. The Master of the Workhouse Thomas Walsh said he was a tramp and had been in the workhouse nine days. The Waterford District Asylum said he had been admitted suffering from scabies and was verminous.
Byrne - He is not a tramp. He belongs to the town.
Matthew Walsh - The Master says he is a tramp.
Byrne - He is not a tramp. He went to school with Patrick Kelly, a member of our board, and myself.
Jan 1907
WE ARE GUARDIANS OF THE POOR
Byrne - I say we are here as guardians of the poor and they should be looked after.
Jan 1907
THIS HOUSE WAS NEVER MEANT TO BE A PRISON
There was a rule of the Local Government Board that the infirm who were unable to work should not have access to the farm attached to the workhouse. Michael Byrne complained about this rule and had it rescinded in Dungarvan.
Byrne - This house was never meant to be a prison. I hold that the old infirm people ought to have the use of the farm.
May 1909
STRICKEN DOWN BY THE DEAD
James Hennessey, mason, wrote the to DUC asking for compensation.
In February 1908 a sewer was open when I was lifting a very heavy flag in a stooping position. A funeral was passing and I was called to stop by several persons and I did not hear them, when I was suddenly stricken down, in my opinion, by the dead, as I was crushed in the sewer...I would thank the Board to grant me the small amount of £20. I think I am insured under the late Town Clerk.
Patrick Sexton - Shall we take any action on this letter?
Michael Byrne - Not at all (laughter).
Patrick Foley - Tell him we are not accountable for the actions of the dead.
John Curran - Tell him we have no funds. If we had we would give him something.
Michael Byrne - Maybe he is entitled to get compensation.
William Stack - Yes, maybe he is, and you the labour candidate here was the first to speak against him. You are the labour representative. Why don't you stand up and talk for him (laughter)?
Michael Byrne - I move that he get £20 (laughter).
Jan 1911
HE LIKED TO PLEASE THESE OLD MEN
Michael Byrne was against giving the Workhouse milk contract to the Shandon Dairy Co. Mr Egan, Ballygegan, the old contractor, had always given them satisfaction. He had heard the old men in the house praising the milk they were getting before, and he liked to please these old men and give the paupers the best of food.
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