Monarchs restored

On the Town: He may have proven a divisive figure in Belfast but William of Orange, along with his fellow British monarch, King George I, drew plenty of admiring looks in Waterford when restored portraits of both royals were unveiled at the city's Museum of Treasures this week.

The two paintings - which were restored by Waterford man Tom Irish - were officially unveiled by the British ambassador, Stewart Eldon, who recalled that he was paying his second visit to Suirside in the space of a week after the success fo the Tall Ships.

Chairman of the Tall Ships committee, Nicky Fewer, was enjoying a well-earned evening off following the event. Also enjoying the evening and admiring the two full-length portraits by Sir Godfrey Kneller was Lord Waterford from Curraghmore.

The Mayor of Waterford, Cllr Hilary Quinlan, extended sympathies on behalf of the people of the city to ambassador Eldon over the London bombings.

Museum director Eamon McEneaney and historian Dr Eugene Broderick explained how both kings came to sit on the British throne as well as the complex political/religious milieu which led Waterford Corporation to commission the paintings in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Celine and John Walsh from the Vinery greatly admired the paintings, with Celine praising the work of Tom Irish. "The restoration has really brought them alive - they're just hopping out at you," she said.

Des and Carmel Griffin from Newtown were accompanied by their daughter Eileen - who was just back from Helsinki where she's studying music. "I remember seeing the paintings in the City Hall before it was refurbished and they were put into storage then for over 20 years - it's great to see them restored so well and on display again after so many years," said Des.

The paintings - which were restored with the assistance of the Friends of Waterford Museum of Treasures - will remain on permanent display at the impressive quayside museum which was voted Irish Museum of the Year in 1999.