Déise Today

IT'S been a long time coming and the culmination of a campaign that was hard-fought but this morning (Monday) saw the start of 24/7 cardiac care at UHW! Since March of last year, the hospital has been providing a seven day, 8am-8pm on-call primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and emergency cardiac care service. However, as of this morning (Monday, July 6), this is being extended to a 24-hour basis of operation, through all 365 days of the year. This specialist cardiac service at UHW, utilising both cardiac catheterisation laboratories in the hospital, will support the care needs of those who require it in the surrounding parts of the HSE Dublin and South East region, according to the HSE. On 'Deise Today', to mark the big day, Damien spoke to Health Minister Jennifer Carroll-MacNeill as well as local 24/7 cardiac campaigner Willie Doyle. You can listen back to both their interviews by clicking on the image.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In recent days, a very interesting event took place at Google HQ in Dublin, bringing together Waterford people who are in business in Dublin and have a strong passion for development here in the Deise. The event, entitled 'Backing Waterford's Future: Connect & Contribute', was organised by the 'Deise in Dublin Business Network' and was a hands-on workshop focused on two of the region's biggest growth drivers; namely SETU and Waterford Airport. The 'Deise in Dublin' network was established in 2024 and holds quarterly events which are designed to connect Waterford people living and working in Dublin while encouraging collaboration and supporting economic opportunities for the county. The latest event, as mentioned, took place on Tuesday last in Google HQ, thanks to the Head of Google Ireland who is none other than Waterford woman Vanessa Hartley! Damien was there for WLR and you can listen back to his report - speaking to many of those attending the event - by clicking on the image...  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He has never spoken publicly about his story - but it was his bravery as a young 14-year-old in reporting his abuse to gardai that would later set in motion a chain of events which would prove momentus. 'A8' (as he is called in the Commission of Investigation report) was only a young teen when he was abused by paedophile Bill Kenneally. It was an experience that would affect him throughout his life (as he tells Damien in his powerful interview with him this week). But importantly, it also brought him to the doors of Waterford Garda Station to report it - an act that it's accepted was a defining moment in how subsequent events came to a conclusion. As he still wishes to preserve his anonymity, we have disguised the voice of 'A8' for the purpose of his interview for 'Deise Today' But you can listen back to his story by clicking on the image....See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Waterford Fianna Fail councillor says there should be an investigation into the role of party members and party structures in enabling paedophile Bill Kenneally's continuing involvement in party activies. Eamon Quinlan was speaking to Damien Tiernan on 'Deise Today' this morning (Wednesday), on the recently-published Commission of Investigation report into the overall handling of the Kenneally case. Eamon Quinlan said he and other younger members of the party would be happy to see an internal Fianna Fail party probe. "I very much want to see anyone trying to use Fianna Fáil as a blanket for any wrongdoing to be kicked out and kicked down the road," he said. You can listen back to his full, in-depth chat with Damien on the issue by clicking on the image above...       ally memSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They were once the most eagerly-awaited social events of the year! But now, it seems, the cost of a wedding is leading more and more people to say 'I don't' when an invite comes in the post! A new survey by Tesco Bank (UK) found that one in three invitees, in the UK at least, are declining invites these days. Is it the same in Ireland? Why do people here say no - and how do you do that without causing offence?! On 'Deise Today' this morning (Tues), we got the view of Ciara Elliot, who is Editor/Head of Content at leading Irish and UK wedding website, 'One Fab Day'. You can listen back to Damien's chat with Ciara by clicking on the image above!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning (Tuesday) on 'Deise Today', Damien spoke to Dylan O'Riordan. Dylan, who lives in Waterford and has autism, was recently awarded €29,000 in a dismissal of an appeal made by Omniplex, over a Labour Court case relating to disability law. You can listen back to his chat with Damien by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning (Friday) on 'Deise Today' Damien spoke to Wexford Labour TD George Lawlor. George has been on the show a few times in recent months on the issue of the controversial Glenmore static speed camera. In recent days, he received data from the Dept of Justice on fines issued for all other static speed cameras across the country - and it makes for very interesting reading when it's compared to the Glenmore situation. You can listen back to what George had to say by clicking on the image above...  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Western Europe is ⁠in the grip of a deadly, record-setting heatwave that has killed dozens of people, closed schools, slowed trains, knocked out electricity and forced farmers to harvest grain at night. France recorded its hottest day since records began nearly 80 years ago and authorities have sought to restore electricity to thousands of homes hit by power cuts in the northwestern region of Brittany.  This morning on 'Deise Today' we caught up with Prof John Sweeney, Emeritus Professor of Geography at NUI Maynooth, to discuss the situation. You can listen back by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning (Friday), Government Chief Whip, Minister of State and Waterford TD Mary Butler was a studio guest on 'Deise Today'. Yesterday, just a week after the publication of the Commission of Investigation report into the handling of his case, the paedophile Bill Kenneally died. He had long-term health issues and had recently been receiving palliative care while in prison custody. Kenneally was once a member of the former Kenneally family Fianna Fail political dynasty. Earlier this week, following the commission report publication, Taoiseach Michael Martin said the actions of the serial child sex abuser were “reprehensible and horrific”, but there was “no evidence” of a cover-up within Fianna Fail. You can click on the image above to listen back to Damien Tiernan's interview with Minister Mary Butler this morning...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Convicted paedophile Bill Kenneally has died in prison, it was confirmed this morning (Thursday). The notorious child sex abuser was serving a 19-year sentence for historic abuse of boys in Waterford and died in the early hours of this morning. He was in custody in the Midlands Prison and was under the care of the prison service health care team at the time of his death. On 'Deise Today' two of the survivors of Kenneally, Jason Clancy and Kevin Keating, spoke about the news of the death of their former abuser, which has come just a week after the publication of the report of the Commission of Investigation into the Kenneally case. You can listen back to Jason and Kevin talking to Damien by clicking on the image above.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A group of survivors of paedophile Bill Kenneally yesterday (Wednesday) met with the Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan in relation to the findings in the Commission Report published last week. The group travelling to Dublin for the meeting where they were given a Ministerial apology and also confirmation of a Full State Apology to follow in the coming weeks. Minister Jim O'Callaghan also confirmed he had met with the Garda Commissioner who, he said, was equally upset at the findings of the report and the handling of the matter by gardai back in the 1980s. He also confirmed that the Government will be bringing in new legislation to make sure that the mistakes of the past re: the case will never again be made in this country. This morning (Wed), Colin Power - one of the group who attended the meeting - was a studio guest on 'Deise Today'. You can listen back to his chat with Damien by clicking on the image.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The North Quays Project Team presented a progress update at the June Plenary Council meeting yesterday (Thursday), highlighting significant milestones achieved across the development and outlining the next phase of works scheduled over the coming 18 months. Sean Dobbs, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council, said the current phase of construction is nearing completion, marking another important step in the transformation of Waterford's North Quays and wider city centre. Several key elements of the project are now complete and open to the public. In Ferrybank, access works on Abbey Road, Fountain Street and Dock Road have been fully completed apart from minor finishing works and snagging, along with all associated accommodation works at Our Lady of Good Counsel National School and neighbouring community facilities. This morning (Friday), 'Deise Today' had engineer Sean Dobbs in studio to give the full update on all elements of the project. You can listen back by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The long-awaited and multi-million euro State inquiry into one of Ireland’s most notorious paedophiles is published today (Tuesday). Bill Kenneally from Waterford is still in prison for multiple child-abuse offences in the 1970s and 1980s. A Commission of Inquiry in matters surrounding his activities has finally concluded its work after being set up eight years ago. It is highly critical of certain State bodies and Garda investigations. Kenneally is serving 18 years in prison for the serious sexual abuse of 15 young boys between 1979 and 1990. Gardaí believe at least 14 other boys, possibly more, were abused by him. This morning on 'Deise Today', just hours ahead of the report's official publication, Damien re-capped on the story of Bill Kenneally on-air, before speaking to one of his survivors, Jason Clancy, and also solicitor Conal McGarrity. You can listen back by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Taylor is due to box in Croke Park on Saturday, September 5, 2026. She is looking to defend her WBO, WBA and IBF titles and fights for the vacant WBC  Super Lightweight Championship against France's undefeated Flora Pili. The event is being promoted by Eddie Hearn for Matchroom Boxing in association with Aitken Promotions, Brian Peters and title event partner Lidl Ireland. Tickets will officially be released on sale via Ticketmaster this Friday, June 12th, priced from €38.70 each with family ticket packages at €125. Full details, including on-sale dates and service charges, are available on Ticketmaster. The venue will be able to hold 80,000 supporters on the day and it will be the first time a professional boxing event has been staged at the home of the GAA since the late great Muhammad Ali famously fought Detroit heavyweight Alvin ‘Blue’ Lewis back in 1972. Katie Taylor is on a tour across Ireland to promote the fight and as part of that, she came into WLR yesterday (Sunday). Click on the image to listen to the interview Katie, and manager Brian Peters, did with Damien…    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Met Éireann confirmed yesterday (Thursday) that the national maximum temperature record for May was exceeded by more than 2C last month. Exceptionally high temperatures were reached between Monday 25 and Wednesday 27 May, according to the forecaster's latest climate statement. The conditions were the result of an intense area of high pressure, combined with an unseasonably hot tropical airmass This morning (Friday), Deise Today discussed the latest findings with Met Eireann meteorologist/climatologist Paul Moore. You can listen back to Damien's chat with him by clicking on the image above.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning (Friday) on 'Deise Today', Damien had a very interesting chat with Dr Julie Brown. She's the Clinical Director and Deputy CEO of the charity 'One in Four' who are Ireland's leading service supporting adults who have survived child sex abuse. She's also a psychoanalytical psychotherapist. She gave some great practical tips and help for people who may have experienced abuse in their past. You can listen back her chat with Damien by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a long time in the planning and preparing but last week he finally achieved his dream... Adam Sweeney, aged just 22, has became the youngest Irish person to ever climb Mount Everest! For the young Dunmore East adventurer and his family, it's been an absolute whirlwind - and they are still trying to come to terms with the scale of the achievement. Adam returned to Dunmore East on Saturday last and this morning (Tuesday), we were delighted to welcome him, his mum Karen, his grandad Tom and his uncle Geoff into studio to chat about it all. You can listen back by clicking on the image...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A PUBLIC meeting they organised in their secondary school on the subject of drug-related intimdiation and violence has won a group of transition year students from Dungarvan CBS a top garda award! The group of students - Harry, Rian, Krishnay and Jack - were announced as the Overall Waterford/Kilkenny Garda Youth Awards 2026 winners at a ceremony in the city's Tower Hotel The young men showed brilliant initiative in organised a public meeting in the school, at which some of the most senior members of the force at both a regional and national level spoke about DRIVE (Drug-Related Intimidation and Violence) in our communities, and the effect it has on young people, families and the wider community. This morning, one of the young students involved in the project, Rian Bulfin spoke to Damien on 'Deise Today'. He was also joined by his mum, Sasha, who spoke about the importance of educating young people on drugs. You can listen back to them both by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IT'S a proud day for the Sweeney and Harris families in Dunmore East - and a proud day for Waterford too! Adam Sweeney (22) last night became the youngest Irish person ever to reach the summit of Mount Everest! It's a dream come through for the young Dunmore man who has been a long-time preparing for the the biggest adventure of his young life. This morning (Wednesday) just hours after the good news filtered through (that Adam and two team-mates had reached the summit) we caught up with Adam's proud mum, Karen Sweeney. You can listen back to her chat with Damien by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A significant milestone in Ireland’s aviation infrastructure was marked yesterday (Monday) with the  official sod-turning ceremony at Waterford Airport today (Monday, 18th May 2026). The ceremony was performed by the Deputy Mayor of Waterford, Councillor John Pratt and members of Waterford City and County Council. Public representatives, stakeholders and members of the local business community gathered in the terminal building before stepping out across the existing Runway 21 to officially turn the sod on the new €30 million construction phase of the airport development. Damien and the 'Deise Today' team were there to watch in all happen - and speak to all involved. You can tune into the special programme by clicking on the image above!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning (Tues) on 'Deise Today' two of Waterford's most senior gardai discussed the situation with drugs, and drugs intimidation, in Waterford. Det. Insp Donal Donohoe and Det. Sgt Michael Bourke were in studio for a lenghty chat with Damien. You can listen back by clicking on the image above.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A NEW report into the incident in March which saw two children fall from the balcony of a Council apartment was released in recent days. The report has highlighted issues with the balcony's screws and brackets. A seven-year-old girl and a three-year-old boy were injured in the incident on Friday, March 20, with the boy, in particular, suffering serious injuries. On 'Deise Today' this week, Damien spoke to Independent Waterford City and County Councillor Joe Kelly about the report - as well as Maggie Moody, who has long campaigned for issues at Mount Suir to be addressed. You can listen back to both their interviews by clicking on the image...  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the devastating fire at the former Jute Factory in Tycor on Saturday evening, many small businesses have been left counting the cost. And for residents in the area, it's a time of worry and confusion as they try to process the information and advice issued by Council and others regarding debris, dust and more. Damien Tiernan was at the scene of the fire on Saturday evening as the fire, and effort to contain it, unfolded and he spoke to many of those present, some of whom were personally affected by the raging fire. Here's his report from 'Deise Today' this morning (Monday)...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doctors across Waterford have been warned by UHW authorities about a "staffing crisis" at the Dept of Dermatology in UHW - with potential significant impact on patients. A Consultant Dermatologist is understood to be leaving UHW in the coming weeks, leaving just two dermatologists (one of them currently on reduced hours). It's understood there should be at least 5 dermatologists to facilitate the referrals from the region and meet the clinical need. The letter, sent to GPs in the Southeast catchment area, highlights how the situation will result in referalls being prioritised on clinical urgency and risk. It does, however, warn of "clear barriers" in place due to the "significant shortage of staffing" - and is asking GPs to consider "alternative referral routes" for appropriate patients. 'Deise Today' this morning (Tuesday) spoke to Tramore-based GP Dr Austin Byrne to get his take on the situation. You can listen back to his chat with Damien by clicking on the image.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sunday sees Waterford take on Tipperary in Walsh Park in Round 2 of the Munster Senior Hurling Championship. The pressure is on both sides following their defeats by Claire and Cork - and nowhere is the excitement being felt more than in the Carrick-On-Suir environs where there's more than a healthy sprinkling of fans on both sides! On Wednesday evening, Damien took a spin to Carrick and Carrickbeg to talk to both Waterford and Tipp fans, young and not-so-young, ahead of the much-anticipated clash! You can listen back to his full report by clicking on the image...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning (Thursday), 'Deise Today' featured an extensive studio interview with Minister of State at the Dept of Housing, John Cummins. Modular homes, before the Cabinet this week, were discussed, along with former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's controversial comments in recent days about rural Ireland. Damien also asked the Minister and Waterford TD about a massive increase in the broadcast levy for independent radio stations. You can listen back to Damien's interview with John Cummins by clicking on the image above.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fantastic large-scale mural in the Ferrybank area of Waterford city has been commissioned with the aim of bringing the area's history to life. International artist Mariana Duarte Santos is in the process of transforming a 150-metre wall into an artwork that runs along the Dock Road from Waterford train station. The project is a collaboration between Waterford City and County Council and the organisers of street art festival in the city, Waterford Walls. Damien caught up with Mariana for a piece on 'Deise Today' this morning (Wednesday). You can listen back to the piece by clicking on the image...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On 'Deise Today' this morning (Friday), Birdy Ward, Medics saved my baby, hear the full story. Living in Mullinavat, Birdy - who was seven months pregnant - was involved in a serious car accident back in late January, which threatened the lives of both her and her unborn baby.What followed was a journey which, thankfully, had a good news outcome for both, thanks to intervention from medics that Birdy will forever be grateful for.You can listen back to her story by clicking on the image....See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On 'Deise Today' this morning (Friday), we heard the fascinating story of Birdy Ward. Living in Mullinavat, Birdy - who was seven months pregnant - was involved in a serious car accident back in late January, which threatened the lives of both her and her unborn baby. What followed was a journey which, thankfully, had a good news outcome for both, thanks to intervention from medics that Birdy will forever be grateful for. You can listen back to her story by clicking on the image....See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As has been widely reported this morning (Thursday), pressure is now seriously mounting on Michael Martin's leadership of Fianna Fail, following three of the party's youngest TDs voicing concerns about its attitude to voters. The three have also been supported by party elders Willie O'Dea and Sean O'Fearghail; the latest blow to the Taoiseach who, not too long ago, weathered the storm of the Jim Gavin controversy. Overall, it's been a very eventful few weeks for Government with the fuel protests, blockades and shortages dominating the news and political agenda. This morning, 'Deise Today' reflected on 'the fortnight that was' with three political stalwarths; John Drennan, political columnist for 'The Irish Mail on Sunday and 'The Irish Daily Mail', Pat Leahy, political editor of 'The Irish Times' AND former Government minister Shane Ross. You can listen back to their discussion with Damien by clicking on the image above...  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions have been raised about media coverage of fuel protests, with Media Minister Patrick O'Donovan suggesting that reporting of recent demonstrations may not have reflected the full range of public opinion. Speaking on Deise Today this morning (Monday), the Minister told Damien Tiernan that he intends to ask the media regulator to examine how protests were covered across broadcast platforms. You can listen back to Minister Patrick O'Donovan by clicking on the image above...    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As widely reported this morning (Friday), the blockades of fuel depots in Limerick and Galway, as well as at the country's only refinery in Cork, are starting to lead to fuel shortages countrywide. Yesterday, service stations in the south and west ran out of diesel and petrol and by this morning more than a hundred forecourts had run dry, said Fuels for Ireland. Here in Waterford, the impact is also being felt with major queues in forecourts yesterday afternoon and reports some filling stations had run out of diesel. Mary Butler, Government Chief Whip, Minister of State and TD for Waterford, was in studio this morning for Deise Today, reacting to the situation. You can listen back to her talking to Damien by clicking on the image above...  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen back to Damien's chat with John Nolan, secretary of the Irish Road Haulage Association, talking to Damien on 'Deise Today' this morning (Thursday). John was part of the talks with Government yesterday and exclusively spoke to Damien this morning as the situation regarding protests escalated - and Government called in the Defence Forces to assist.# Listen by clicking on the image...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A formal investigation into the Mount Suir apartment complex in Waterford City is continuing, with councillors indicating that the probe will be comprehensive and far-reaching following last week’s serious incident. A three-year-old boy and his seven-year-old sister fell from a balcony at Block C of the complex and were hospitalised. Sinn Féin councillor Jim Griffin was on 'Deise Today' this morning with Damien and he confirmed that the investigation began almost immediately after the incident and is now progressing with input from independent experts. He said engineers are examining the entire structure “from the ground up,” not just visible elements like balconies or façades. Councillors held a closed (in-camera) meeting on Thursday afternoon, led by Metropolitan Mayor Adam Wyse, to review the incident and the council’s response. You can listen back to Jim Griffin talking to Damien by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confirmation season is upon us and First Holy Communions are just around the corner too! For families of children involved, they have become very expensive events and it's difficult to achieve the balance of making the day special for your child, while not going over the top on the spend! But they can also be expensive occasions for extended family, friends and neighbours of the children; who have to question how much money to put in a card...how much is too little, or indeed, too much? This morning on 'Deise Today', we had a chat with Aileen Hickey, who is the CEO of Parentline to get her view. You can listen back to her chat with Damien by clicking on the image above.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investigations are ongoing into an incident at Mount Suir Manor apartments in Carrickphierish on Friday where two children fell from a second-floor balcony. The children, a boy aged 3 and a girl aged 7, were hospitalised after they fell from their apartment balcony, at Block C, when a glass panel gave way.  Thankfully, both children have now been released from hospital. The girl suffered minor injuries and the young boy, a bleed to his brain, but both are now home.  The incident occurred around 11.40am on Friday. The family involved are now staying with the children's grandparents. Damien was at the scene at Mount Suir on Friday for WLR after events unfolded - and he also spoke to the family involved yesterday (Sunday) about the shock and horror of the incident. Here is Damien's report from 'Deise Today' this morning (Monday)...  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waterford City's Darkness Into Light Walk will not take place this year. The decision was made at a meeting of the local organising committee last night (Thursday) Des Purcell, chairman of committee, outlined the reasons behind the decision on 'Déise Today' this morning. He said the recent decision by Pieta to move the Waterford service from the Waterside in the city to a new location was "upsetting" for the committee. "They can't justify taking money from the people of Waterford when the house is closing, that's the bottom line," he said. "They do not want to go and request money from the people of Waterford while, simultaneously, the house is closing." He explained that a letter would be issue to Pieta headquarters today informing them of the decision. The walk was due to take place in May and, also speaking on 'Déise Today', committee member Jim Griffin outlined that posters and placards had already been ordered. "It's a black or white issue," added Mr Purcell. "Either we have a walk and we have a house or we don't have a house so we don't have a walk." He outlined issues with the proposed co-location model put forward by Pieta which would see the charity establish a presence within every Integrated Healthcare Area across the country. Mr Purcell described having a physical house in Waterford as "sacrosanct" The decision by the Waterford city committee does not impact the other 'Darkness Into Light' walks that take place each year in Waterford, in areas such Dungarvan, Tramore, Dunhill, Portlaw and others. These will be a matter for their own individual committees.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twenty-one-year-old Cara Comerford from Portlaw is the Waterford Rose for 2026! Following in the footsteps of her late grandmother Jean Walsh (a former Kerry rose), Cara will be Tralee-bound this August to represent the Deise in the Rose of Tralee. Daughter of Priscilla and Tom Comerford, and brother to Keelan, Cara is a Biomedical Engineering student at MTU in Cork, currently on work placement with Stryker Neurovascular. She was sponsored in the Waterford Rose competition by The Reg and was selected as overall winner at the selection event held at The Tower Hotel on Saturday night. This morning (Monday). 'Deise Today' spoke to Cara about her big moment on Saturday night - and how she feels to be representing Waterford in Tralee! You can listen back to her chat with Damien by clicking on the image above...    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waterford's Pieta service will move to a new location later this year. The decision was confirmed by Pieta yesterday as part of what's been described as "a strengthened regional and local service model aligned with national health strategies and the development of HSE Regional and Integrated Healthcare Areas". "Under this model, Pieta will establish a presence within every Integrated Healthcare Area across the country, making services more accessible to people in their local communities," the statement said. "Each area will be supported by a regional centre within the relevant HSE region, providing clinical leadership, coordination and specialist support." As part of the transition, three of Pieta's centres will move to a co-located outreach model, including the service in Waterford. "Pieta remains fully committed to Waterford and the surrounding communities," the statement added. This morning (Friday), 'Deise Today' had an extensive interview regarding the changes at Pieta, and the impact on Waterford, with CEO of Pieta Stephanie Manahan. You can listen back to her chat with Damien by clicking on the image...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Tramore mother who has spent the past 9 months in the Netherlands with her seriously ill child has been describing her upset after her welfare has been terminated back home in Ireland. Edwina Healy has been alone in the Netherlands with daughter Emma (11), who has a serious bone marrow failure condition, since last year after they went there for treatment for 3/4 months, as they thought. Edwina's other three children are home in Ireland without her since, which has been a huge struggle for the family. But speaking on Deise Today this morning (Thursday), Edwina revealed that the family's struggles have now seriously intensified as while Emma receives ongoing treatment in the Netherlands, Edwina's social welfare entitlements have been cut off, leaving her struggling to make ends meet in the two households she's trying to keep going. You can listen back to Edwina and Emma's story by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All eyes will be on Los Angeles this coming Sunday night as the the 98th Academy Awards take place, celebrating the best films of 2025 and the people behind them! Hollywood's biggest night will be held, as usual, at the renowned Dolby Theatre, where the global film industry will gather to honour the year's most outstanding achievements in cinema. The big Irish interest this year will be Jessie Buckley who is nominated in the prestigious 'Best Actress in a Leading Role' category for her performance in 'Hamnet'. If she wins, she'll be the first Irish woman to achieve this honour. But there is also a couple of other Irish potentials, including Irish animated short 'Retirement Plan' and the 'Avatar: Fire and Ash's' special effects lynchpin Richard Baneham. On 'Deise Today' this morning, we were delighted to connect directly to Los Angelus for a chat with Lisa Cannon, Head of Studio at DMG Media! Lisa's in LA this week to cover the Oscars and it was fantastic to haver on the show chatting to Damien, giving us the lowdown on the atmosphere in LA ahead of this year's event, and to preview the awards ceremony! You can listen back to Lisa chatting to Damien by clicking on the image above...  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you know what an Asian Hornet is? And if you do, would you know one if you spotted it?! On Tuesday, Damien had a very interesting chat with Kilmeaden-based beekeeper John Cunningham who is also involved with the 'East Waterford Beekeepers' Association. And you can listen back, by clicking on the image above...  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning (Monday) on 'Deise Today', Damien spoke to Minister Patrick O'Donovan. The FG Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport did a wide-ranging interview covering topics from the worrying situation in the Middle East to the contentious Ireland v Israel Nations League fixtures, to flares at matches. You can listen back by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was reported earlier this week that the combination of a static speed camera and reduction of the speed limit on the N25 near Glenmore has seen a huge surge in fixed charge notices issued on drivers. While it's been hailed as a good development in terms of road safety, it's believed up to 200 drivers per day have received fines and penalty points - with many blaming 'inadequate' warning signage in the lead-in to the static camera. This morning on 'Deise Today' Damien spoke to Dick Murphy of the N25 road safety campaign to find out what is happening - and to get Dick's viewpoint on it. You can listen back to the chat with Dick by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Residents of Passage East are dealing with the aftermath of flooding over the weekend.The brook, located above the village, overflowed during the Status Yellow weather warning on Friday night, resulting in significant damage to some nearby homes.The flooding impacted the area of Brookside but also spread throughout the village into Post Office Square.As affected residents continued to count the cost of the clean-up yesterday (Monday) - and prepared for potential further flooding this week - Damien Tiernan called to see how things were.You can listen back to his piece from Passage village by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After more than 40 years, the Forum in The Glen, Waterford has been sold.The sale was confirmed today, January 30th by long-time owner Ciaran O'Neill.The new owner, a Dublin-based businessman, has not been identified but the sale does ensure the continued operation of the venue's long-running bingo nights.You can listen back to Ciaran O'Neill on 'Deise Today' this morning (Friday) by clicking on the image above.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IT's less than a fortnight since Ballygunner claimed the All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship title after a thrilling final against Loughrea at Croke Park.They produced a performance built on intensity, composure, physicality, and tactical discipline in a contest that lived up to its billing as a classic.Ballygunner are just the 13th club to win multiple All-Ireland senior hurling titles and only the fourth from Munster to do so. But what is it that led to this achievement for the city club and what kind of work goes on in the background to make a win at this level possible?!This morning (Tuesday), 'Deise Today' had two club stalwarths in for a chat about all things Ballygunner hurling; club chairman Dave Sheahan and club president Gerry Cullinan.You can listen back to their chat with Damien by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 'Santa at the Strand' 2025 experience in Lismore has raised €60,000 !The beneficiaries are three different groups including Saint Carthage‘s nursing home, Cappoquin Day Centre and the Little Blue Heroes …Damien went to Lismore on Wednesday evening - when the cheques were presented - to report on this amazing achievement by wonderful volunteers and community.You can listen back to his piece by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

January is the peak month for health insurance renewals and with prices going up substantially in many cases, people are considering their options.This morning (Thursday), 'Deise Today' enlisted the services of Ireland's leading expert on health insurance, Dermot Goode!Dermot answered questions which came in from dozens of listeners in recent days.You can get further information from Dermot's website www.healthinsuranceireland.ieOr you can listen back to his advice and tips by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday (Wednesday), city and county councillors received an update on Active Travel in Waterford city.One element of this was a 'design review' which had been carried out of the Farronshoneen Roundabout and specifically, changes to the approach to this with reduced lanes.The report on the roundabout acknowledged "additional delays" on the approaches to it but said the priority of Active Travel schemes was the "safety of vulnerable road users" and suggested there were other factors also involved in traffic delays, including changing traffic patterns in the area, unequal volumes of traffic on the approaches AND excessive speeding on the western (Kilcohan) approach.This morning (Thursdayu), 'Deise Today' got the reaction of two local councillors who were at the workshop...Fianna Fail's Eamon Quinlan and Independent councillor Declan Barry.You can listen back to the piece this morning by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.