Déise Today

Waterford City and County Council is moving ahead with plans to examine the feasibility of a third crossing of the River Suir, with a consultant expected to be appointed within the next two months. The Council is currently tendering for a consultant to prepare a feasibility report examining the potential location, cost and viability of another river crossing for Waterford. The move was confirmed by council officials at the recent plenary meeting of council, having been raised by Fianna Fail councillor Adam Wyse. Adam was in studio for 'Deise Today' this morning (Wed) talking about the issue. Speaking to Damien, he also had some interesting things to say about the Fianna Fail party and leadership currently. You can listen back to the conversation by clicking on the image....See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In recent weeks on 'Dese Today' we've received many contacts from listeners in the Portlaw area. The issue is the 354 bus connecting Portlaw, and then Kilmeaden, with Waterford city (as well as Carrick-On-Suir and Dunmore East). Since the schools and colleges returned, there's been several mornings where the bus is at capacity before it even reaches all the stops in Portlaw - and school, college and work commuters to the city have been left behind at the bus stops. It was also mentioned on the show recently by bus driver and NBRU executive member Darren Ryan. This morning (Wednesday), Damien went to the bus stop on Queen Street in Portlaw to talk to passengers waiting on the 7.40am bus. You can listen back to those, and then a follow-up interview with Portlaw councillor Declan Clune, by clicking on the image!...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new play telling the story of the 2009 Waterford Crystal workers' occupation is taking to the stage in October! 'The Last Days of the Glass' is written by Derek Flynn and directed by James Power of Stagemad Theatre Company and will be performed in the Dr. Mary Strangman Large Room of City Hall, on Friday October 9, and Saturday October 10, at 7.30pm. The Theatre Vamps production features an entirely local cast, with Clodagh Kenny as Aoife, Caz Kelly as Anne, Jamie Power as Micheal and Derek Flynn as Johnny. Set during the dramatic occupation of the Waterford Crystal factory, the play explores the personal stories behind one of the most significant events in the city’s recent history. Faced with the loss of their jobs and pensions, the workers refused to leave the factory, beginning an occupation that captured the attention of the country. This morning, Derek Flynn and former Waterford Crystal worker Tommy Hogan popped into studio for a chat with Damien on 'Deise Today' about the play and of course, the events of early 2009 which inspired it. You can listen back to the interview by clicking on the image. Meawhile, tickets for the play are currently available on the Theatre Vamps page on Eventbrite.ie See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Power owns lands adjacent to Waterford Airport. At the moment, as people are aware, major work is ongoing at the airport site as the runway extension takes shape. However, Peter says the lack of adequate draining on the airport site is causing water to run onto his land. He spoke to Damien on 'Deise Today' this morning (Monday) and you can listen back to his chat with Damien by clicking on the image...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today (Thursday, Sept 10) is 'World Suicide Prevention Day'. Here in Waterford, a big event is taking place in The Tower Hotel this evening, organised by the Waterford and South East Samaritans. One of the guest speakers is the renowned and award-winning writer, podcaster and commentator, Michael Harding. This morning, Michael (who has spoken and written openly about his own mental health journey) was also one of the guests on 'Deise Today', speaking to Damien - along with Rory Fitzgerald from the Waterford and South East Samaritans.  You can listen back to the chat by clicking on the image...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The death occurred on Tuesday of Mona Manahan, late of Ballinamintra, Dunmore East. Mona was wife of the late Des Manahan, who died in 2021 and was regarded as one of the greatest musical theatre performers in Waterford, and of course, Mona was well-known in her own right and made huge contributions to the arts scene here in Waterford herself over the years. Des and Mona were married for nearly 60 years - and captured hearts around the globe after appearing on The Late Late Show, BBC News and ITV’s This Morning when Des shared the story of learning to apply Mona’s make-up due to her failing eyesight. The pair were grand marshals for the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Waterford City in 2019 and also became involved with the High Hopes Choir - including for their beautiful duet ‘Inextricably Linked’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber recently hosted its annual summer soiree at The Park Hotel. WLR's Kieran Foley and Kyle Butler went along and spoke to some of those in attendance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waterford has come alive with colour once again as Waterford Walls Festival 2026, which kicked off on Friday, August 7, brings ten days of spectacular street art, live events, workshops, music and family-friendly activities to the city until Sunday, August 16. Lynn Ferrari, Marketing Operations Manager, joined Maria to outline more.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rachel Keane from Dunhill, a past pupil of St. Declan's Community College, Kilmacthomas is this year's New Zealand Rose! She spoke with WLR's Kieran Foley ahead of this year's festival and outlined how the local community, including her mother Paula's fellow sea swimmers and local priest Fr Michael Enright, have rallied around her in support!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday (Thursday) in the Central Criminal Court in Waterford, a 35-year-old man was found guilty of murdering Tramore woman Gillian Curran. Ms Curran, who was 47 and originally from Sweetbriar in Tramore, was found unresponsive at her partner's house on the morning of 25 January 2025, and pronounced dead a short time later. Marcus O'Neill had denied murdering Ms Curran at his home on O'Brien Street in the city. However, a jury of five men and seven women returned a majority 10-2 guilty verdict on the charge of murder. This morning, Damien spoke to Ralph Riegel, who is Southern Correspondent with the 'Irish Independent'. You can listen back by clicking on the image above....  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Deise Today team were 'out and about' yesterday (Wednesday) in Kilmacthomas! This was another of our special programmes under our 'Waterford In Focus' series (in conjunction with Coimisiun Na Mean) celebrating  This time, we were just on the mid-way point of the Waterford Greenway, showcasing how infrastructure investment can revitalise and grow rural areas. Over the course of the programme, Damien spoke to a host of locals involved in various community organisations, business ventures - and some of those who were the driving forces of the greenway itself which opened, of course, back in 2017. You can listen back to this special broadcast by clicking on the image....See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning (Tues) on 'Deise Today', Damien spoke to Vicki and Shannon. Both are residents of Spring Garden Alley in Waterford city and have nightmare stories to tell of anti-social behaviour which is literally happening on their doorsteps on a regular basis. The street/laneway is only a stone's throw from the city's nightlife and the residents say they've had to deal with all kinds of situations, from people kicking and banging their doors and windows, to tearing hanging baskets off walls - and even having sex at the side of their houses. You can listen back to Vicki and Shannon by clicking on the image...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What will Waterford look like in 2050? And what new opportunities will have presented from the north quays, the Greenway and more?! This morning (Friday), we had a special programme on 'Waterford 2050' as part of our Waterford In Focus series of programming on air, thanks to the Coimisiun na Mean news fund. The WLR news team of Kieran, Kyle and Seamus, along with 'Deise Today's Damien and Jennifer, spoke to experts, stakeholders and the general public, to try and get a feel for Waterford thirty years from now! You can listen back by clicking on the image....See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On 'Deise Today' this morning (Thursday) we had a special focus on anti-social behaviour in Waterford city centre. It followed an alleged incident in fast-food restaurant Hillybilly's in recent days - where a staff member was allegedly assaulted by teenagers. Damien spoke to both the manager of Hillbilly's, and the alleged victim, on the show this morning. You can listen back to the piece by clicking on the imageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Catherine, from Beary's Cross in Touraneena, was on 'Deise Today' with Damien this morning (Monday). One of her family pets, an African Grey Parrot called 'Derby' is missing since Friday night. The beloved pet is so intelligent she even knows the names of Catherine's dogs. Since Friday, lots of people in the locality have been searching for Derby who escaped out Catherine's front door on Friday night, after getting a fright from a dog barking. But Catherine says there's been no sign of her since.  You can listen back to Catherine, and get all the details on missing 'Derby', by clicking above.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new play telling the story of the copper mining era in Bonmahon is about to take to the stage! The play, called 'The Man Who Sank Beneath the Sea' (written by Tom O'Brien) is being staged by the brilliant Gaelach Gorm Theatre Group in Kill, Co Waterford. The dates are Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, with tickets available on Powertik. This morning (Thursday), Angela Mulcahy and James Barry - who are two of the stalwarts of the Gaelach Gorm Theatre Group - came into studio to 'Deise Today' to have a chat with Damien about the upcoming production. You can listen back by clicking above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday afternoon (Tuesday), the Taoiseach delivered an unreserved State apology in the Dáil to the victims of convicted child sex abuser Bill Kenneally. This followed the recent publication of the report of the South-East Commission of Investigation, chaired by Mr Justice Michael White. Kenneally, a former basketball coach here in Waterford city, was convicted of a string of sexual offences against boys committed between 1979 and 1990.  He was sentenced to almost 19 years in prison and died in custody last month, having served just over half of his term. This morning (Wednesday), 'Deise Today' featured extensive coverage of the State apology, with Damien having travelled to the Dail on Tuesday for it. You can listem back to his report by clicking above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we've been highlighting on air this week, GAA clubs throughout Waterford having been playing host to teams from around the globe as part of events for the GAA World Games this week. One of these is Portlaw GAA club who welcomed the 'Wisconsin Dairy Girls' camogie and LGFA teams to Pairc de Hinbengerg last night (Tuesday) for an evening of (light) training, fun, food, music and Irish dancing! Jennifer Long was there for WLR and spoke to some of those present. You can listen back to her piece by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A special plaque to remember the Waterford and Tramore Railway (1853-1960) will be unveiled this Friday (July 17). The Heritage Blue Plaque will be unveiled - at Tramore Railway Station on the Lower Branch Road - by the Mayor of Waterford city and county, Cllr Liam Brazil. The event is being organised by the Waterford Civic Trust. This morning (Tuesday) on 'Deise Today', Damien was joined by Eugene Broderick of the Civic Trust and 94-year-old Waterford man Donal Brazil (who has fond memories of travelling the railway) to look back on the history and memories of the railway, and discuss Friday's event. You can listen back to the chat by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is there an e-scooter in your house? And if so, do you realise the extent of the danger posed, especially for child users?! E-scooters, according to clinicians cited by the Road Safety Authority, have become the single biggest cause of traumatic brain injuries among children admitted under neurosurgery and rehabilitation services at Temple Street. The stark warning has prompted renewed calls for stronger regulation as the RSA launched a campaign highlighting the dangers associated with e-scooter use. This morning (Monday) on 'Deise Today', Damien spoke to David Martin, of the RSA, as well as Waterford driving instructor Richie Roberts (whom listeners will be aware) does a regular driving/motorring slot on the show. You can listen back to what they both had to say about e-scooters by clicking on the image above.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waterford City and County Council is set to pay a substantial legal bill after withdrawing its High Court judicial review over planning permission granted for the Ferrybank Shopping Centre. While the final figure has yet to be determined, Chief Executive Sean McKeown confirmed this week that Waterford will be responsible for paying the legal costs of both Kilkenny County Council and Dunnes Stores following the withdrawal of the proceedings. Addressing a meeting of Waterford City and County Council in City Hall, Mr McKeown accepted full responsibility for initiating the legal challenge, making it clear that elected councillors had no involvement in the decision. "I want to clarify and confirm that it was myself that initiated the proceedings. The elected members had no part in that," he told councillors. This morning (Friday), 'Deise Today' had Kilkenny councillor Tomas Breathnach (Labour) in studio to discuss the Ferrybank Shopping Centre - from it's history right up to developments this week when Waterford council withdrew it's judicial review. You can listen back to his chat with Damien by clicking on the image above... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On 'Deise Today' this morning (Thursday), we had a special focus on jellyfish! In recent days, we've been flooded with images and videos from listeners across the county showing us jellyfish, of all varieties and fabulous colours, in our coastal waters and washed up on beaches. Listeners Eoin and Brendan were on air with us at the top of the show at 10 regarding their own encounters with jellyfish in recent days. And Damien was also joined in studio by Lola O'Sullivan, who is chair of the 'Waterford Safety Ireland' Local Area Committee to discuss the different types of jellyfish, why there are so many around the coast currently - and to give advice to listeners on which ones sting, and which don't! You can listen back to all the interviews by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.