Dún Garbhán in Dungarvan in County Waterford, Munster, Ireland — Irish South-West ((Éire) North Atlantic Ocean)

Councillor Michael Byrne

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 16, 2026

1. Councillor Michael Byrne Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Councillor Michael Byrne, R.I.P.
Member Dungarvan Urban District Council 1908–1918 and Board of Guardians 1913–1917

In grateful remembrance of his untiring and successful efforts to secure concessions and comforts for the inmates of the institutions under the control of the Board. He spent his public life fighting for the interests of his fellow-workers.

[Gaeilge:]
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

[English translation:]
May his soul be at the right hand of God.

Erected by the Dungarvan Council of Trade Unions

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Labor Unions. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.

Location. 52° 5.329′ N, 7° 37.161′ W. Marker is in Dungarvan, Munster, in County Waterford. It is in Dún Garbhán. It is on Saint Augustine Street south of Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 17 St Augustine Street, Dungarvan, Munster X35 HW30, Ireland. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Ancient East.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

on the Island of Ireland,

on the Celtic Fringe,

in the European Union,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Peter Crotty (a few

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steps from this marker); St. Augustine's Catholic Church (within shouting distance of this marker); John and James Mulcahy (within shouting distance of this marker); Seán Norris (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Mai O'Higgins (about 120 meters away); Tadhg Gaelach Ó Súilleabháin (about 120 meters away); James FX O’Brien (about 150 meters away); Dan Fraher (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dungarvan.

Also see . . . Byrne, Mike (Waterford County Museum).

Mike Byrne was a member of Dungarvan Urban District Council between 1908 and 1918. He was also on the Board of Guardians at the Work house between 1913 and 1917. The workhouses eventually became County homes. Byrne set about improving the conditions suffered by the inmates. Breakfast consisted of porridge or ‘stirabout”, and dry bread was generally the main meal of the day. Meat was served only on very rare occasions. The inmates had the ‘pauper’ branded on the backs of their garments. Byrne successfully campaigned to have this brand removed. This step was followed by local authorities all over the country. He also introduced
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 16, 2026

2. Councillor Michael Byrne Marker
The marker is located on the Waterford County Museum building. It can be seen to the right of this image.
an ounce of tobacco for the men every week and an ounce of snuff for the women. This initiative was also commended throughout the country.

(Submitted on June 18, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 18, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.