The Big Breakfast Blaa

The staff at Williamstown Golf Course had some seriously good treats for their elevenses this week.Ollie and Dymphna jumped into the WLR car and arrived armed with Walsh's blaas, butter, and Tayto.Wayne, a valued staff member at the course was nominated by his mother, Mary to receive the goodies.The tea was poured, the chat was flowing, and hungry bellies were dealt with.Wayne told Dymphna, that on a very rainy day, they are looking forward to the summer sun and return of the golfers.On a summer day, the 18-hole course spread across 120 acres is filled with happy golfers.Play to listen back in full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dublin-born Edward Garraway moved to Rockshire in his youth and was educated at Waterford Diocesan School before studying medicine at Trinity College. His medical career brought him to Africa, where he took part in the Jameson Raid, with Garraway’s prison journals being of great significance to historians of the event. Garraway went on to attain several high ranking positions in the Union of South Africa before returning to Waterford.He then became a member of Waterford Corporation and Master of the City and County Infirmary.Another fascinating look at a Waterford tale, lost to the pages of history only for Cian Manning.Play to listen back in full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Facts, history, general knowledge, and areas of special interest... Darragh has got it covered.The young student of Garranbane National School is an extraordinarily impressive child.His view of the world, his attention to detail, and his thirst for knowledge left a lasting impression on listeners.During a follow-up visit to the school, Ollie and Dymphna caught up with Darragh.He is a pupil in the special classroom at the school.Their recent fundraising efforts aim to fully furnish a sensory room for pupils to use.For Darragh and many others, this is an opportunity to regroup, to recharge during the day, and to fulfill their sensory needs.Darragh is a remarkable boy, and this interview will fill your cup with wholesome goodness.Play to listen in full, we promise you will learn facts galore!Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark White is, by now, synonymous with the WLR Be A Little Star Christmas Appeal.Since the inception of the appeal, Mark has rallied his troops and raised the bar each and every year.Last week, he was presented with a commemorative cheque marking his fundraising efforts for the past 8 years.These efforts have raised a cumulative €115,585 all in aid of SVP here in Waterford.Speaking to Ollie and Dymphna at his gym in Tramore AFC, Mark said he was humbled by the community efforts made.His reasons for his efforts are deeply personal.He recalls finding himself in a 'dark place' and managing to 'claw' his way out through the support of SVP.Play to listen back in full.For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a slight change from usual content, Grace has launched an appeal for Waterford people in support of a local teen.Lorek O'Keeffe, a student at Mount Sion CBS in Waterford has had an extremely challenging year.In May of last year, he was rushed to hospital and underwent a 15-hour surgery.Unprecedented cardiac issues mean that further surgery is likely in Lorek's future.Along with his family, he attends medical appointments in Dublin at least twice a week.A fundraising evening taking place on January 31st aims to relieve financial pressures on his family.Grace joined Ollie and Dymphna for her weekly slot and issued a special appeal.Play to listen back in full.Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The wider community near Garranbane National School has rallied around recent fundraising efforts.A target has been set to raise enough funds for a full suite of equipment to serve the sensory room.Costs are estimated at in the region of €15,000 to purchase the equipment.Pupils in the special classroom at Garranbane National School have visited other schools with their teachers in recent weeks.Already, they have compiled a list of their favourite items which they would like to see included in the equipment.Tara Sheehan spoke with Ollie and Dymphna during their recent visit to the school.She explained that as the sensory classroom is located in a modular building, there is no funding available.Consequently, this means the school is relying entirely on support from the community.Donations have come in from families of past pupils, local GAA clubs, and many others.Tara explains the importance of the room as a resource for the future of all pupils.Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scandalous secrets of the Profumo bedroom dominates Cian Manning's chats with us this week,The early 1960s in British politics saw the name Profumo associated with controversy and scandal.Conspiracies of the State and secrets of the bedroom emerged through the conduct of MP, John Profumo.Remarkably, the surname would become firmly connected with Ballyglan estate overlooking Woodstown Strand.This connection was through John's brother, Major Philip Profumo.Indeed, he himself would have his own indiscretions reported in the Irish press.A wonderfully scandalous tale as told by Cian Manning, this is worth pouring a cuppa and having a listen.Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major clinic for major and minor surgeries for Waterford's teddies and dolls will run this Saturday.The annual Juniors for Juniors Teddy Bear Hospital returns for its third year.Nurses, student nurses and consultants will be gowned up on the day to carry out major surgeries and repairs.These include stitches, scans, triage, x-rays, blood pressure checks and more.Time slots must be booked in ahead of attendance, which runs from 10am to 3.30pm in the Healthcare building at SETU.All bookings can be made on the Juniors for Juniors website.While a vital service for all cuddly loved ones, the hospital serves an additional important role.According to Joe, it prepares children for their upcoming stay in hospital and what to expect.This, he says, takes away the fear which comes with uncertainty around a hospital visit or stay.Play to listen back in full to all the details needed, and about what Juniors for Juniors does for the children's ward in UHW.Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A continual decline in the membership of the Waterford Boat Club since 1928 saw one of the oldest sporting institutions in Ireland on the verge of going out of existence in 1941. However, there would be many ups and downs over a few months.It was these which secured the future of the club that is still active on the River Suir today.Cian Manning joined us for another look back at stories which Waterford really should know about.Every Wednesday, Cian joins Ollie and Dymphna in studio for 'I Love My County.'Play to listen back to this fascinating tale of the the saving of Waterford Boat Club.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Longest Toenails to Life Lessons: Grace explains it all from the Guinness Book of World Records.This was her gift to Ollie for Christmas, and he was like a child on Christmas morning poring over it.Grace is back for another calendar year of 'The Buzz with Grace.'Over the year she has brought us some cracking features, putting the world to rights.This week, we chatted long fingernails, enormous snakes, and so much more from the world of the impossible.You can catch Grace every Friday on The Big Breakfast Blaa after the 9am news bulletin.Play to listen back in full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alexander William ‘Bill’ Anderson’s childhood took place at Mount Prospect, Ballymountain, Co. Kilkenny.His parents Paul and Eily were active with both the South Kilkenny and Waterford branches of the Irish Red Cross Society. A talented illustrator, some of Bill’s work was published in the Waterford Standard.However such artistic pursuits were forgotten about when he joined the Royal Navy during the Second World War. A remarkable sequence of events saw one family disappear over a few years.A story linking Waterford, Kilkenny, Dublin, and beyond- Cian Manning reminds us of a man lost to the pages of history.Play to listen back in full to this week's edition of 'I Love My County' with Cian Manning.You can also listen back to the full catalogue of Cian's segments each Wednesday on The Big Breakfast Blaa.Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tramore woman, Áine McCarthy Kent joined Dymphna in studio to discuss exciting developments in her career.Following her recent album launch, she is flying high on the reality of realising your dreams.A former teacher in Waterford for 29 years, Áine comes from a well-known musical family.It was music she was set to pursue following her retirement from teaching on the cusp of the arrival of Covid.However a diagnosis of a cancer followed, and some difficult times for Aine and her family.Today, she looks back with gratitude, and looks ahead with excitement to a future of possibilities.Play to listen back to her interview in full.Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Freya Marsh at just 12 years of age, has been nominated for a national award recognising Young Athlete of the Year.The HerSport.ie awards take place later this month, recognising athletes who have achieved significant success in their field.Last year was a huge year for Freya, with a documentary based on her airing in cinemas to much acclaim.Locally, a special mayoral reception was held in her honour in City Hall marking her success at the IMMAF World Championships in Abu Dhabi.By the age of 10, Freya was already a two-time gold European Champion medallist.Proficient in MMA, Jiu Jitsu, and Boxing to name but a few, Freya has her heights set firmly on the future.She joined Ollie and Dymphna on The Big Breakfast Blaa ahead of the awards ceremony in Dublin.Play to listen back in full to Freya and her mum Michelle on the show.Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Music hall singer and male-impersonator, Ella Shields was the daughter of a Wexford father and a Waterford mother.She was a huge success in England from 1910 until her death in 1952. She received great acclaim for her performance of the song, ‘Burlington Bertie from Bow,.'However the initial success of the song would subsequently place a huge spectre over the rest of her career. Shields’ last performance of the song which brought her fame has gone down in theatrical lore.As we approach the end of 2025, pour a cuppa and listen to a wonderful look back at an extraordinary woman.Play to listen back in full.Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At Christmas, we often reflect back on the festive times and memories which shaped us.For Grace, this was Garvey's pub with her nanny and grandad on Ballytruckle.This year, Grace will go to her mum's (Mary goes nowhere) and her dad's for Christmas.There, she proudly tells us, her childhood bedroom is preserved like a shrine or a time capsule.To wander down a Christmas memory lane with Grace, press play to listen back.Merry Christmas to all from Grace- celebrating her first year on 'The Buzz' on The Big Breakfast Blaa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We invite you to meet the lads of the Passage East Car Ferry...That's exactly what Ollie and Dymphna did when they popped down with a delivery of blaas and Tayto.The good people of Walsh's Bakehouse and Tayto supplied the goodies and Ollie and Dymphna popped down.Michael Walsh and the lads invited them on board and they sailed to Ballyhack having the chats.With 90 sailings a day, they are kept busy and are currently full of the festive spirit.Play to listen back in full to Dymphna and Michael Walsh.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blaa Giveaways have a Mega Fundraising bundle in their live draw this Sunday, 21st Dec at 10 pm, all in aid of the WLR Christmas Appeal in Aid of St Vincent De Paul.Megan from Blaa Giveaways joined Ollie and Dymphna in studio ahead of the sixth year of the draw.Tickets are €3.99 per entry.Click Here To EnterHere is the list of amazing prizes and remember, the winner will walk away with ALL of the below.iPhone 17 256gbiPad 10th gen55" UHD Samsung TVApple Airpods ProNintendo Switch 2Ninja Dual AirfryerFitbit Sense 2Eufy Robovac€100 Smyths Voucher€3.99 per entryMax entries 1995Draw goes ahead regardless of sales Live draw Sunday 21st Dec 10pm on Facebook Page & YoutubePlay to listen back to Megan in studio with Ollie and Dymphna.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winter League will hold a Santa Hat Run on Wednesday, 17th December 2025. First runners off from 7 pm at the R.S.C. WLR will have a bucket collection on the night to raise money for the Christmas Appeal in aid of St Vincent De PaulJoe Cawley from the Winter League joined Ollie and Dymphna in studio with all the details.He said for one week only- anyone can turn up and enjoy the fun and contribute to the bucket collection.Play to listen back in full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael O’Brien claimed to be the first person in Waterford city, if not the Irish Free State, to have a television in his own home in 1935.From his family home in Jail Street, O’Brien devised an early prototype that received transmission from London. The Cork-born O’Brien was to become well-known in Urbs Intacta as ‘the modern counterpart of the old town-crier’ for his public address announcements made across the city.Cian Manning joined Ollie and Dymphna in studio with the full, amazing story.He appealed to anyone who may be a surviving relative of the late Michael O'Brien to make contact also.Play to listen back in full to this extraordinary story of Waterford's first television set.Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tickets are now on sale for the little stars concert which will be held in the Sacred Heart Church this evening 9th Dec at 7.30pm. This year’s lineup features the De La Salle College Senior Choir, St. Mary’s Ballygunner National School Choir, St. Ursula’s Primary School Choir, Scoil Lorcain Boys National School Choir, and a very special guest appearance from soprano Rhea Kennedy.MC for the night is Dymphna Nugent from the Big Breakfast Blaa. This is a  ticketed event and the link is available on our website. Tickets cost €8. Wayne Brown, musical director and co-ordinator for the event joined Ollie and Dymphna in studio with all the details.Play to listen back in full.Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are thousands of euros worth of items in this year's Farmview Auction as part of the WLR Be A Little Star Christmas Appeal.This Thursday from 6pm-8pm, the phone lines will see an influx of people bidding on their favourite items.From solar panels fully installed, to artisan hampers, Chamber vouchers, and 3 course Christmas meals- there is something for everyone.While definitely not just for farmers, the auction has a wealth of items for those in the agri industry.There will be Farm and Agri vouchers for Feed, Dairy Hygiene, A I , Fertiliser Vet Meds plus range of Agri Services.At the helm for his 23rd year is Kieran O'Connor who will be joined by Sean Organ.Kieran joined Ollie and Dymphna on air to preview the auction.Play the interview to listen back in full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grace goes full Griswold this Christmas and she landed into WLR decked head to toe in baubles and tinsel.She is stepping into her favourite time of the year and has gone full throttle into Christmas this week.We all have baubles and Christmas decorations which hold sentimental value for us.Grace is no different, and she brought a selection of choices in to studio for us to see.From now until Christmas, she is watching and rewatching some of her favourite seasonal movies.Top of that list for Grace (and for Dymphna) is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.For this month, she is not Grace Drohan, she is proudly Grace Griswold.Play to listen back in full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kilkenny-born, Mount Sion-educated William Joseph Kenny would travel the world in the late 19th and early 20th century. His story began attending universities in Germany and France to working as a student interpreter in China and Japan. Kenny rose through the ranks of the British consular services, leading the Irishman to become British Consul-General in the Philippines in 1903. Sadly, ill-health brought an end to his career in Asia.A fascinating story, which carries echoes today in Mount Avenue, Cheekpoint which was knocked down in the 1950s.According to Andrew Doherty (Tides and Tales) the property was part of the Power family estate, better known today as the Faithlegg estate.Play to listen back in full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark White has reacted to raising almost €20,000 for the WLR Be A Little Star Christmas Appeal.His annual fitness challenge kicked the appeal off last Saturday at Tramore AFC.On site there was a BBQ, fitness challenges and personal bests, cakes, a monster raffle and more.The community of Tramore turned out en masse to support his endeavours.From 5am, members of Mark White's gym took to the assault bikes, the spin bikes and more to achieve their target.The count is still ongoing but as it stands, more then €19,400 was raised.Still to come are the totals from the SVP bucket collections on the day.To express his gratitude to all who helped, Mark joined Ollie and Dymphna on The Big Breakfast Blaa.Click on the play option to listen back in full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dungarvan Christmas Concert 2025 Set to Spark Seasonal MagicThe 2025 Dungarvan Christmas Concert brings festive joy to The Friary Church on Wednesday, 3 December. The event starts at 7:00 pm and promises a warm, community-driven evening of Christmas music.Local talent will shine throughout the night. The Dungarvan Brass Band opens the celebration with classic seasonal favourites. The Voiceover Choir, Friary Choir, Cór Fear Na Déise, and Harmony Children’s Choir will follow with uplifting performances. Music Generation Waterford will also showcase young musicians from across the region. Oliver Carroll from The Big Breakfast Blaa’s will compère the event and keep the evening flowing with festive energy.This concert is a free event with a bucket collection on the night in support of the WLR Christmas Appeal in aid of St Vincent de Paul. Join neighbours, friends, and families as Dungarvan celebrates community spirit and holiday cheer. This concert offers the perfect start to the Christmas season.Press Play to listen back in full to Will Dee on The Big Breakfast Blaa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In December, if there is sweat, cakes, a BBQ, and some fast feet- it can only mean Mark White is fundraising!To officially launch this year's WLR Be A Little Star Christmas Appeal, a mammoth undertaking is happening in Tramore AFC.This Saturday, from 5am until midday, everyone is invited to visit Tramore AFC.Members of the gym will be personally fundraising by spinning, cycling, undertaking HIIT classes, and more.There will be cakes, a BBQ, an absolutely enormous raffle, and WLR will be there broadcasting on the day.A flavour of some of the prizes include a full Christmas dinner prepared and cooked, a Christmas party, vouchers for Saints Hair Salon, a €500 Chamber voucher, a home security system, and so much more.Mark White popped in to studio to Ollie and Dymphna with all the details.Press play to listen back in full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Journi Credit Union are delighted to support the Only Fools on Scooters 2025 Toy Run in aid of the Children's Ward at University Hospital Waterford.They are inviting members to help put a smile on a child's face this Christmas with the gift of a book, a small toy or a game.Toy donations can be dropped into branches at Mooncoin, Parnell Street, Summerhill, Tramore or Upper Grange before December 3.Linda O'Kane from Journi Credit Union popped into Ollie and Dymphna in studio.She spoke of the transformation which Journi Credit Union has undergone in recent times.Additionally, she gave all the details of the phenomenal Toy Run being undertaken by Only Fools on ScootersPress Play to listen back in full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The son of a Waterford man, Samuel S. Brannan went on to establish the first newspaper in San Francisco.Many commentators suggested that Brannan was the first to publicise the California Gold Rush. Brannan membered the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.However he would come into conflict with church authorities as he went from being a Mormon millionaire to dying penniless in 1889.The son of a Waterford man, Brannan was successful, pioneering, and gained national fame for his pursuits.However, like many of the characters absorbed into the pages of history, his story is bittersweet.Cian Manning joined Ollie and Dymphna in studio for another week of 'I Love My County.'Click on the Play option to listen back in full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, Aiken Promotions announced four more dates as part of their Live at the Marquee summer lineup.Ollie and Dymphna popped down to Cork to chat with Peter Aiken, from Aiken Promotions.From Bell X1, Dec Pierce and his Block Rockin' Beats, James Taylor & his All-Star Band, and World Darts- they are all set to descend on the Marquee.These acts add to the already announced gigs from David Gray, K-Pop Forever! Tribute, Paul Weller, and Two Door Cinema Club.Also featured in the lineup are Kesha, Tom Grennan, James Arthur, and Christy Moore. Peter Aiken reflected on 20 years of Live at the Marquee and how the landscape has changed over that time.He spoke of his grandchildren, his work, and how he never loses sight of the audience's happiness.Press play to listen back in full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twin brothers Eli and Jack Hayson are the subject of a rather chilling tale this week with Cian Manning.On Christmas Eve, one brother was at home in Waterford.At the same time, another brother was aboard a ship which was docked in Cork.That night saw one brother experience a vision, while the other did not live to see Christmas Day. Only years later would further light be shed on the Hayson family’s tragedy.Cian recounts this story which raises the question...'Do twins share an unexplinable telepathic connection?'Click on the Playback option to listen back in full on The Big Breakfast Blaa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waterford youth group St. Paul's Scout Group was honoured the Waterford PPN awards in Dungarvan.They were nominated in the Children and Youth category alongside Woodland Brownies, and Manor Street Youth Services.The judges ultimately named St. Paul's Scout Group as the overall category winners.Making their decision, they judges noted their 'long standing and meaningful contribution to society.'Additionally, the 'inclusive' environment created by the group was noted as shaping the confidence and friendships of young people.Pat O'Connor spoke with Dymphna Nugent that night in The Park Hotel, Dungarvan.He said it's a huge honour to be recognised by your own county.Click on the Play Back option to listen back in full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An athlete with Pat Rockett Martial Arts Academy & Waterford Fitness is celebrating a series of big kickboxing wins.Joni Hayes joined Ollie and Dymphna in studio with her coach, Clodagh Cullen.A student of St. Angela's Secondary School in Waterford, Joni is 14 years old.Medals spanning gold, silver and bronze adorned her neck as she entered the studio.These represent a small selection of her spoils from fights both overseas and at home.Pour a cuppa and listen back in full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the opening of Waterford's new sustainable transport bridge, a Waterford organisation is to increase its evening patrols.Re-A-Suir, Waterford's only face to face out-of-hours suicide prevention service spoke to WLR on this subject.They were well represented at this year's PPN Awards in Dungarvan.Last Thursday night, they won the Community Safety Award for their city-based service.Judges noted their 'courage, kindness and commitment to saving lives.'They added that Re-A-Suir has 'created a caring and approachable safety net and their presence provides not only practical help but also hope, reminding those who are struggling that they are not alone.'Jo Ann and Chris from the organisation spoke with Ollie after the awards about the work that they do.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waterford businesses are being supported and encouraged to hire staff with disabilities.That's according to Cathy Burns, Employment Services Co-Ordinator and WorkAbility Programme Support Worker with Buíon.She spoke with Ollie and Dymphna in The Park Hotel last week.During the interview, she referred to Dungarvan's Hannah O'Mahony as a 'shining star' in the programme.Workplaces are being encouraged to hire staff with a disability with a view to expanding workforces in Waterford.Employers may find the interview informative and helpful with a view to understanding how the programme may benefit their workplace.Press play to listen back in full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dungarvan's own Hannah O'Mahony has always, and continues to make the town of Dungarvan proud.Hailing from Ballinroad, Hannah is working in The Park Hotel, Dungarvan.Following her course in SETU, she engaged with Buíon under the WorkAbility programme.With their help, she secured her life-long ambition, to successfully gain employment in her chosen area.Hannah spoke with Dymphna about her work, her course, and the kindness of her fellow staff following the death of her sister.This short interview will 'fill your cup' and remind you of what's important in life.Press play to listen back in full to Hannah on The Big Breakfast Blaa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dungarvan Rugby Club's Kerrie Walsh was voted Junior Volunteer of the Year at the 21st annual PPN awards.The awards which took place in The Park Hotel, Dungarvan celebrate groups and individuals which positively impact communities.Kerrie was shortlisted in the category alongside Aaron Griffin (Waterford Inclusivity Network Youth Committee) and Lucy Batchelor (Woodlawn Grove Residents Association.)The award recognises the outstanding contribution that an individual under the age of 18 has made to their local community.Reflecting on Kerrie's success, the judges noted how 'her energy, compassion and leadership have transformed the experience of so many.'Play back to the listen to Kerrie's interview from The Big Breakfast Blaa in full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grace McFly (aka Drohan) goes Back to the Future in this week's 'The Buzz with Grace.'With an retro-outfit to rival Marty McFly, Grace arrived in studio wearing denim on denim.Back to the cinema with her, in celebration of 40 years of Back to the Future.A treat for Grace who carried her mighty crush on actor Michael .J. Fox into the cinema with her.Hot on the heels of Halloween, Grace laments the theft of her treats, box, window boxes, and more.Confused? Just a normal week with Grace...Press play to listen back in full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last night at the 21st PPN Awards, members of Tallow Men's Shed spoke of their love for cake, new adventures, and staying young.In the Park Hotel, the group won the Social Inclusion and Community Support award.Competition was strong- with the group shortlisted alongside Cnoc Buí Active Retirement Association, and KGK Community Council.In making their decision, judges noted that the group 'enriches lives and fosters a sense of belonging.'They added:' Some places quietly become the heart of a community, and this is one of them.'The award itself recognises groups that reduce social exclusion and improves quality of life.This is particularly notable in the case of marginalised or vulnerable communities.Some members of the group spoke with Dymphna Nugent and their interview aired on The Big Breakfast Blaa.Click on the play option to listen back.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A case of truth being stranger than fiction, and reality being more terrifying than frightful fireside tales. Waterford’s Mary Ann Walshe spent 4 years trying to find her daughter Emily.She had been sent to the Caragh Orphanage in Co. Kildare. This sad and chaotic case has been further compounded by the revelations of notorious mismanagement and murder which took place at Caragh.Another fascinating story from Waterford's history thanks to historian Cian Manning.Click on the play option to listen back in full to Cian on The Big Breakfast Blaa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the event of life-saving intervention, how many defibrillators are in your area?Councillor Adam Wyse, Mayor of the Waterford Metropolitan District joined Ollie and Dymphna in studio.For the first year, councillors have a funding pot to draw from, with €8,000 per councillor available.This must be used within the community adhering to certain criteria.Adam decided to use his to fund the installation of AEDs within the community.This includes locations such as Villa FC, the Williamstown Sports Centre, and Butler Community Hall.A map of AEDs in areas across the county can be found here.Click on the image to listen back in full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A group of young surfers are preparing to represent Ireland on the World stage in December in Peru.Giorgi Herterich, Keelan Maloney, Ella Dooly, Ruby Fanning are currently fundraising for their trip to the World Junior Surfing Championships.The athletes popped into studio to speak with the Breakfast crew about the nerves, the competition, and the planning behind it all.Collectively, between €12,000 and €14,000 is needed to ensure the athletes can travel to compete.They told Dymphna and Andy that local businesses and individuals have been enduring in their support.Click on the image to listen back in full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grace has given us her top picks for FREE Halloween events in Waterford this weekend.From boat trips on the River Suir to spooky events in Waterford's Cultural Quarter- she has got you covered.It wouldn't be Halloween in the Deise without a drop of rain, but we have umbrellas for a reason!Events are running in the city for the younger Waterfordians, the older teens, and the adults.Grace has scanned the list and given us her top must-attend events, all of which are free of charge.Listen back through the Play option to hear Grace's list in full.Extra brownie points awarded for Grace's 'Social Butterfly' outfit of choice on The Big Breakfast Blaa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alpacas, chickens, scabs, and foam hair... it can only mean that Waterford Panto is back with a bang.Jane Kennedy has been behind the scenes for many years, transforming the heads and hair of the cast on stage.However this year, she steps into the limelight as 'Scabriella' (Scabs to her close friends) in Cinderella.Alongside Tony Corcoran, she will bring beauty to the Ugly Sisters and a fine measure of attitude.Dymphna popped out to a rehearsal recently and caught up with Jane.Jane spoke about family, her children, her pets, and why this is her time to shine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Levitating beds and spooky surgeons in Waterford... strange, but true!Historian Cian Manning joined us for another week on air of spooky tales from Waterford on the approach to Halloween.He bring us a tale connected to the fate of a Waterford 1798 Rebel named Bowen.To his detriment, he failed to heed the warnings of a surgeon named George Alexander Waters. The latter’s dwelling on Peter Street was regularly frequented by British naval colleague.However, one night, a guest’s slumber was disrupted by a levitating bed.A spooky procession on Peter's Street, rumblings in the night, and lots of things that go bump in the night.Press play to listen back in full to the tales of what happened on Peter Street.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 bonus points in the CAO are granted to students who earn at least a H6 in Higher Level Maths.This is a tale as old as time in a very controversial system.No additional points are given to students who score highly at Ordinary level for Maths.The bonus points are not added to your overall CAO points, however they are added to the points awarded for Maths.This allows students to then consider Maths as part of their best 6 subjects.This week, Ollie and Dymphna were joined in studio by two secondary school students on work experience.They were Orlaith Carroll from Coláiste Cois Siúire, Mooncoin and Ava Kiely-Albayrak from St. Augustine's College, Dungarvan.Ava, who says she struggles in Maths and is more comfortable with 'right-side of the brain' subjects wants to see changes made.She believes the 25 points are something she won't achieve and therefore leaves students 'at a disadvantage.'Press play to listen back in full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waterford Council are seeking land along the Copper Coast for use as an off-road campervan facility.This comes as the Council recently limited campervan parking at Kilmurrin Cove to designated places only.Citing road safety issues, as well as fair-use policy, the sea-facing spaces have been designated for cars only.That's according to local Independent councillor, Declan Clune.Following the erection of 'No Campervan' signs at Kilmurrin Cove, queries were raised by the public as to the reasoning behind the choice.Cllr. Clune joined Ollie and Dymphna on The Big Breakfast Blaa.He said the Council are actively inviting landowners to contact the Council regarding the use of their land.It is his preference that toilets, washing facilities and adequate rubbish facilities be created in the area.However, he accepted that budget constraints are an obstacle to the development of such facilities.Click on the play option to listen back in full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Waterford man has spoken of his decision to regularly donate platelets.Speaking with Ollie and Dymphna on The Big Breakfast Blaa, Shane O'Neill from Tramore explained the ease of the process.His commute to donate takes him from Tramore to Cork, where he spends a number of hours.This follows an initial eligibility assessment on his suitability as a donor.The test can be completed in the same clinics as the blood donation clinics which visit the locality regularly.Platelet donation takes place in many cases including in cases of blood clotting assistance, newborns, or those being treated for leukaemia.Press play to listen back in full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coffee House Lane have been riding the wave of success in the last few days nationally.The Waterford coffee company has been awarded Gold at the Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards.Additionally, they earned Origin Green Gold Membership.This award recognises outstanding commitment to sustainability and green busienss practices.Owner and Founded, Mark Bergin joined Ollie and Dymphna live on air to discuss.He looked back on a busy year, reflected on his coffee of choice at the weekends, and the pride in every pour.Click play to listen back in full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unexplainable disturbances in Costelloe's Lane and Carriglea in Waterford City are Cian Manning's subject this week.In 1892, a man tried his hardest to protect his family from these disturbances.The Kinlough family home was visited by the Roman Catholic clergy, and the Royal Irish Constabulary.This story tells the story of a headless figure and a ghoulish greyhound.Peter Kinlough has become famed as the 'most haunted man' in Waterford.Click on the play option to listen back in full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grace joined Ollie and Dymphna in studio for an in-depth talk on furniture made from people.She is, of course, referring to Ryan Murphy's newest instalment in the Monsters series.From box-office hits to utter flops, she has STRONG opinions this week.With Hallowe'en on the horizon, Grace is taking herself off to the cinema to look at the haunting of a family.Plot twist: it is from the perspective of the dog.Grace makes it all entertaining in the way that only she can.Click play to listen back in full.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.