Déise Today

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.

Across Waterford city and county last night (Monday) people were treated to a spectacular Northern Lights display!The powerful solar storm was sparked by a strong solar flare on Sunday.Dr Brian O'Halloran is a former astrophysicist with the European Space Agency - and he lives in none other than Boatstrand, Co Waterford!This morning (Tuesday) he came on 'Deise Today' to explain the beautiful phenomenon!You can listen back by clicking on the image above (which is actually one of Brian's own, taken from his home in Boatstrand last night!)...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She's been 30 years working at the Waterford Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre - and 16 years as its manager.Anne Scully, who is retiring in the coming weeks, has also served two terms as chair of Rape Crisis Network Ireland.This morning (Monday), she popped into studio for a chat with Damien on 'Deise Today'.She reflected on her time at WRSAC, the changes she has seen - and spoke about how she is now looking forward to a new chapter in her life!You can listen back to Anne's chat with Damien by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you let your child have an odd 'duvet day' at home from school?Niamh O'Reilly is a freelance writer and broadcaster and it happened to her quite by accident recently when her child, seeming too sick for school the night before, was actually perfectly fine the next morning! However, in a piece in the 'Irish Independent' this week, she questioned whether it was a bad thing anyway to let a child have a 'duvet day' occasionally, especially given the various pressures young people are facing today!This morning (Thursday) Niamh had a chat with Damien on 'Deise Today'.And you can listen back to it by clicking on the image above... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Post is increasing the price of both national and international stamps from Tuesday, 3 February. It's been confirmed that the price of a national stamp will increase by 20 cent from €1.65 to €1.85 and follows a 25c rise last February. A new rate of €3.50, meanwhile, will apply for letters to anywhere in Europe, including Britain.This morning (Tuesday) on 'Deise Today', Damien spoke to Tramore postmaster and current President of the Irish Postmasters' Union, Sean Martin.You can listen to their chat by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Wednesday, British armed forces supported the US seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic.The Marinera, a Venezuelan-linked tanker previously known as the Bella 1, was stopped by the US Coast Guard as it travelled northwards through waters between Iceland and Scotland.This morning (Thursday) on 'Deise Today' Damien spoke to Chris Reynolds, former Irish Coastguard Director and Commanding Officer of the Irish navy diving section.Chris is also a former head of the EU's counter-piracy mission to Somalia.He discussed this situation, and maritime security issues generally at present, with Damien on the show.You can have a listen back by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning (Wednesday) Damien was joined in our Dungarvan studio by Waterford woman Jennifer Davy!From St John's Park originally and now living in Co Waterford, Jennifer trained and worked as a teacher originally - before finding her true calling as a life coach, helping women in particular.As we now start a new year, Jennifer had some good tips about habits for 2026.You can listen back to her chat with Damien by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a new year and a time we like to set ourselves new challenges!So, on 'Deise Today' this week - and for the following four weeks (each Monday at 11am) - we've enlisted the services of Waterford schoolteacher Abby Walsh to help us all either brush up on, or try to learn, a cupla focail of Irish!Abby, who was also the former Waterford Rose (of Tralee) in 2024, is a teacher at Gaelscoil Phort Lairge in Ballygunner.You can tune into her and Damien's 'crash course' to Gaeilge each Monday at 11am.And to listen back to their first slot from today (Monday, Jan 5), click on the image above!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government Chief Whip and Minister of State Mary Butler has acknowledged the FF party "made a hames" of the Jim Gavin presidency situation.In a wide-ranging studio interview on 'Deise Today' with Damien Tiernan this morning (Friday), she acknowledged it's resulted in a lot of difficulties for FF and unfortunately has done some damage to its party leader Michael Martin.In a wide-ranging interview on the programme, the Waterford TD and Junior Minister also spoke in strong terms about the High Court court case - a decision on which is due this afternoon - where two Opposition TDs have alleged the attendance of "super junior" ministers at meetings of the Government is "unconstitutional".Mary Butler told Damien she is always a very positive person but was "very annoyed today! about this case, given how important it is for the mental health ministry to be part of Cabinet.You can listen back to Mary Butler's full interview this morning by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mother of an eight-year-old girl who was murdered by her former partner has called for the laws to be changed, so that killers get whole life sentences.35-year-old Mohammad Al Shaker Al Tamimi, of Lower William Street, New Ross, Co Wexford, was jailed for life after pleading guilty to the murder of his daughter, Malika Noor Al Kattib.Tamimi was charged with the murder of the child as well as the attempted murder of her mother, Aisha Al Katib.This morning (Friday) on 'Deise Today', Aisha Al Katib was live in studio to talk to Damien about her story, Malika and Aisha's compaign now for whole life sentences.Aisha was joined in studio for the chat by her friend Davina who has been a huge support to her since the events of December 2024.You can listen back to their interview with Damien by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Holy Cross farewell with Bobby & Eileen Bohill bid farewell after over 30 years in the Holy Cros,s they both chatted to Seamus Barry See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, a 63-year-old craftworker from Waterford was given a four-month suspended jail sentence and been banned from keeping dogs for life after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to almost 70 dogs she kept in substandard conditions.Sandra Hennessy, a knitwear and jewellery maker, pleaded guilty to a total of 29 counts animal welfare offences including over 20 counts of causing or permitting unnecessary suffering to the dogs under her care.Hennessy admitted the offences at two addresses at Dunmoon North, Tallow, Co Waterford and Dyrick, Ballinamult, Co Waterford, on various dates between July 23rd, 2024, and February 28th, 2025, when she appeared at Lismore District Court sitting in Dungarvan.Evidence was given in the case by NSPCA senior animal welfare inspector Alice Lacey.This morning (Wed) on 'Deise Today', Alice Lacey was in studio to talk about the case and but also about general issues to do with animal welfare.You can listen back by clicking on the image above.Meanwhile, for the latest podcasts (https://www.wlrfm.com/podcasts) and news (/news), tune into WLR and download the WLR App for news on demand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As 'Storm Bram' descended on Waterford, Deise Today featured a chat with Gabriel Hynes.Gabriel is Director of Services with Waterford City and Countu Council, dealing with roads, water and the environment.He spoke to Maria McCann on the preparations ahead of the arrival of the storm - and the efforts the council would be making to minimise the impact.You can listen back by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Irish Medical Organisation has warned that the flu has hit Ireland "fast and hard" and will add enormous strain to the already stretched public hospital system.Consultant in Emergency Medicine in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin and a member of the Consultant Committee of the IMO Dr Peadar Gilligan said that flu has come early and is accelerating in terms of the number of cases presenting to GPs and Emergency Departments.This morning (Tuesday) on 'Deise Today', Maria McCann spoke to Dr Austin Byrne from Tramore Medical Clinic about the situation - and the effectiveness of the flu vaccine.You can listen back to their chat by clicking on the image above.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning (Thursday) on 'Deise Today', Damien was joined in studio by Tracy McEneaney and Jennie Loughran from Waterford Libraries.Baffled by the choice of books to buy for Christmas for loved ones, or yourself?!Tracy and Jennie had lots of tips and suggestions for both young and old!You can listen back to the chat by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back in June 2023, Olivia Hunt was standing outside a coffee premises in Dunmore East when she was hit by a car and seriously injured.Mother to a toddler, her first thoughts were for her two-year-old son as she tried to make sense of what had happened, not having seen the car coming towards her.Olivia suffered multiple fractures and injuries to her pelvis and lower back in particular but was helped at the scene by people who had seen the accident, followed by emergency service personnel and particularly Dr Paul Campbell who volunteers with emergency medical charity 'CRITICAL'.Today Olivia is doing well and is grateful to be alive and in good health.She was in studio this morning (Wednesday) to talk to Damien on 'Deise Today' about what happened on that fateful day - and to appeal to listeners to support and donate to the charity 'CRITICAL' who are fundraising now in the run-up to Christmas.CRITICAL has launched a new Christmas campaign to light up 1,308 lights, one for every call answered in 2024. Donors can sponsor a light from now until Christmas Day in support of the charity’s life-saving work and can also dedicate it in honour or remembrance of someone special. In the meantime, if you want to listen to Olivia chatting to Damien - and also David Tighe who is the CEO of 'CRITICAL' - you can click on the image above.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Sunday, Nov 16 last, 18-year-old Sammy Hanrahan from Clonard Park was critically injured in a crash between his e-bike and a car on the Cork Road in the city.Sammy died a few days later — on Friday, Nov 21 — in hospital.A very popular and well-loved young man, Sammy made an impression on the many people he met in his young life and is sadly missed by his heartbroken family.From their home, his mother Jane spoke yesterday (Monday afternoon) to Damien Tiernan on Deise Today.She described how Sammy had only got the e-bike just over a week before the tragic accident and how she believes e-bikes and e-scooters are a serious danger to all those using them — and should be banned.You can listen back to Jane talking to Damien by clicking on the image above.Meanwhile, for the latest podcasts (https://www.wlrfm.com/podcasts) and news (/news), tune into WLR and download the WLR App for news on demand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Helping Hand Waterford, the volunteer-run charity providing food and support to the homeless and vulnerable in Waterford, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.Founded in 2015 as a small community effort offering soup and sandwiches at Merchant’s Quay, the organisation now operates a full soup kitchen five evenings a week from its base on Mary Street. Each night, volunteers serve between 35 and 50 hot meals, along with food hampers, sleeping bags, tents, and advocacy support.“For ten years, Helping Hand Waterford has been about compassion and community,” said Vivienne Burns, Chairperson of Helping Hand Waterford. “We meet people where they are and offer dignity, warmth and hope — no questions asked.”The charity, which was granted official charitable status in 2023, operates on a non-judgemental, non-denominational basis and is open to all, regardless of background or circumstance. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the group maintained uninterrupted service to ensure no one was left behind.Looking ahead, Helping Hand Waterford plans to expand its support with a daytime drop-in service, an emergency accommodation fund, and continued outreach to those facing fuel poverty and homelessness.This morning (Monday) on 'Deise Today', Damien was joined in studio by Stephanie Keating from 'The Helping Hand'.You can listen back to their chat by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WATERFORD has one of the highest rates in the country for road fatalities this year, Speaking on 'Deise Today' this morning (Thurs) Insp Paul Donohoe, Inspector for Roads Policing in the Waterford/Kilkenny/Carlow garda division, said eight people have lost their lives this year so far on Co Waterford roads. Last year, the total figure was seven.In a wide-ranging interview on the show this morning, Insp Donohoe spoke about many aspects of road safety, including driver behaviour, the use of e-scooters on our roads, speeding and the ongoing issue with use of mobile phones by those behind the wheel.He also revealed some stark statistics about Waterford specifically.You can listen back to the interview by clicking on the image above....See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waterford businesses have sharply criticised a proposed commercial rates increase warning it will place already-pressured traders under further strain.Dozens of retailers contacted councillors and the Waterford Chamber over the weekend, calling for a freeze or reduction in rates as they face rising costs in the new year.This morning, on Deise Today, Damien spoke to a number of Waterford retailers abotu the proposed increase - and the further strain they feel it will put on small businesses operating out of the city.Elaine Roche of TRM (clothing); Paul Reid of 'The Kiosk Cafe' and Ronan McDonagh of 'Mc's Outdoor Store' (on the quays) all voiced their concerns onm the show.You can listen back to the chat by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The annual WLR Christmas Appeal in aid of Waterford St Vincent De Paul (SVP) returns this year and, sadly, it is needed as much as ever.Last year, the WLR Christmas Appeal raised in excess of €100,000. These funds went directly towards helping those most in need in Waterford with ongoing day-to-day costs, including education expenses, household food and fuel bills, as well as providing breakfast clubs in local schools.With the continued rise in the cost of living, more individuals and families are turning to St Vincent de Paul for support. The WLR Christmas Appeal aims not only to raise vital funds, but also to raise awareness of the challenges facing people across Waterford this Christmas.This year's appeal was launched this morning (Monday) on 'Deise Today' with Damien Tiernan speaking to David O'Neill, Regional Co-ordinator for the South East SVP, Liam O'Connor, Waterford City Area President and Frances Flahavan, Waterford County Area President.You can listen back to their discussion by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While hard at work, Sham (Seamus) Ryan from Modeligo was unexpectedly stung by a wasp—an incident that quickly turned life-threatening when he went into anaphylaxis and suffered a cardiac arrest. Thanks to the incredible efforts of first responders, he was airlifted to CUH, where the amazing nursing staff and medical team fought tirelessly to save his life. Their care has given him a second chance.But Sham’s journey is far from over.He is now waiting for a bed in the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dún Laoghaire, where he will begin what is expected to be a long and challenging road to recovery. The rehabilitation process will be intensive, and the costs associated—travel, time away from work, ongoing therapies, and unforeseen expenses—will place a heavy strain financially.Friends of Sham, and the wider West Waterford community around Modeligo, are now fundraising to help Sham and his family with the journey ahead - and this morning (Thurs) on 'Deise Today' they spoke to Damien about it. Friends Michael Dalton and Kevin Bannon spoke to Damien, along with Sham's daughter Clodagh.You can listen back by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on 'Deise Today' we're doing a special focus on traffic problems in Waterford.Once again, the reduced number of lanes on the quays has been raising its head with many listeners to the show - and contributors - talking about how the current number of lanes is, in their view, causing backlogsall across the city.This morning (Thursday) on the show, Damien spoke to taxi driver Conor Ryan and got his view - and experience - on Waterford traffic.You can listen back to their chat by clicking on the image above...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.