Model of Edmund Rice's Birthplace
Model of the birthplace of Edmund Rice at Westcourt, Callan, Co. Kilkenny, held at the Edmund Rice International Heritage Centre, Mount Sion, Waterford City.
© Waterford City Council Library Service.Model of Edmund Rice's Birthplace
© Waterford City Council Library Service.
© Waterford City Council Library Service.
Model of Edmund Rice's Birthplace
Model of the birthplace of Edmund Rice at Westcourt, Callan, Co. Kilkenny, held at the Edmund Rice International Heritage Centre, Mount Sion, Waterford City.
© Waterford City Council Library Service.Childhood and Early Adulthood
Edmund was born at Westcourt, Callan, Co. Kilkenny on the 1 June 1762. His parents were fairly prosperous tenant farmers and part of the Catholic middle class.Edmund had a happy childhood. He remembered fishing, swimming and playing hurling. He attended a hedge school set up by a travelling teacher whose parents could afford to pay the fees.
Edmund was lucky to get an education, as the majority of Catholics continued to live in poverty and were not able to attend school.
Edmund attended a commercial academy in Kilkenny for two years until he was 18. He then began an apprenticeship with his uncle, Michael Rice, who ran a food supplies and ship chandling business in the Port of Waterford.
He worked hard at his uncle's stores in Barronstrand Street, in the warehouse and onboard the ships. He became a successful businessman and his uncle signed over the business to him. Edmund enjoyed socialising, singing and boating.
Edmund was lucky to get an education, as the majority of Catholics continued to live in poverty and were not able to attend school.
Edmund attended a commercial academy in Kilkenny for two years until he was 18. He then began an apprenticeship with his uncle, Michael Rice, who ran a food supplies and ship chandling business in the Port of Waterford.
He worked hard at his uncle's stores in Barronstrand Street, in the warehouse and onboard the ships. He became a successful businessman and his uncle signed over the business to him. Edmund enjoyed socialising, singing and boating.