Book celebrates Waterford life during last century

A BOOK dealing with Waterford’s rich heritage has just been launched.

The second edition of Shadows of the Past, produced by Waterford Civic Trust, is dedicated to trust founder member and chair Padraig O’ Griofa.

It was officially launched by Arts Minister Martin Cullen at the Waterford Museum of Treasures — almost two years after the first edition hit the streets.

“I know that what prompted the publication of this second edition was the huge popularity of the first,” said Mr Cullen.

“I congratulate the Civic Trust on producing a volume that is not only beautifully produced and printed by a local printer Intacta but one that is also a commercial success.”

The book contains photographs showing life in the city during the last century.

“It has the ability to transport you back in time using images that speak volumes about this city and port that we all know and love,” said the minister.

He said that the river remains the dominant element in the city while the bridge, which features in many of the book’s images, “is still one of the main arteries connecting the city with its neighbours and the wider world beyond. Of course all this is about to change dramatically with the second river crossing... The new bridge will transform the economic and social life of Waterford and will also do much to alleviate the burden of heavy traffic on the city’s quays and the historic core, thereby become a driving force in the transformation of the city not just economically but also culturally.”