Déise Today

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...

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...

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 a...

Today (Friday, Nov 14) is a very special day for one Co. Waterford family…AND community. Kitty Brett, living on the Carrick Road in Portlaw, is celebrating her 100th birthday today! Born on Nov 14 1925 in the townland of Lahardan, Kitty is 68 years married to husband Paddy. For much of this, the couple lived on the High Road between Portlaw and Kilmeaden. In 2000, they moved to Portlaw village - a...

Waterford Historian Dermot Power joined Damien in studio this morning (Tuesday) to chat about his new book "The Street Where You Live". As former Local History Advisor at Waterford City Library and author of 6 books, listen back as Dermot shares insights into the rich history of Waterford. From the revival of Gaelic heritage to the deep connections of community and culture, Dermot delves into his...

IT's back! Yesterday (Thursday) saw manufacturing re-commence of their infamous luncheon roll at 'Countrystyle' in Grannagh after a lull of 6 weeks. It's had Waterford people talking - and 'Deise Today' listeners reacting - as peoples' love of the Countrystyle 'red lead' is well known! Six weeks after we 'broke' the story, Damien was at Countrystyle yesterday (Thursday) afternoon, talking to owner...

Alfie Hale, the 86-year-old Waterford Football Legend joined Damien on 'Deise Today' this morning (Thursday) to talk about 'True Blue', the new book written by Dermot Keyes, which tells Alfie's life story. Alfie reflects on his upbringing in a lively family of nine, the bonds of community, and how those who influenced his journey inspired him to write this heartfelt account. With anecdotes about i...

Ballinroad FC in county Waterford has celebrated huge growth over the years, with the club catering for 5 adult teams, 15 schoolboy teams, and 7 schoolgirl teams. As a result of their own success, Ballinroad FC face an acute shortage of facilities, and find that they are unable accommodate their players at St Laurence's Hall. Recently, an opportunity emerged from local developer Micheal Ryan for t...

Chef, TV cook and Food Media Broadcaster Aisling Larkin joined Damien on 'Déise Today' this morning (Wednesday), to talk about the power of seeds and their amazing benefits. Listen back to hear how these tiny super-foods can transform your diet and wellbeing, as well as handy tips on how to incorporate them into your meals. Just click the image above!

As former Kilkenny hurling superstar DJ Carey awaited his sentencing this morning on fraud charges, 'Deise Today' spoke to Eimear Ni Bhraonain. A Kilkenny-based journalist, broadcaster and communications expert, Eimear has just published her first book, 'The Dodger', the riveting story of extraordinary rise and fall of the star hurler. Live from the courts this morning just ahead of the sentencing...

Minister of State at the Department of housing John Cummins joined Damien in studio on Wednesday to discuss presidential election reactions, Waterford Airport and new social housing delivery statistics for Waterford. Listen back to their critical conversation as Minister Cummins delves into the latest national and local developments, from the recent presidential election and cost of living, to fun...

Minister of State and Government Chief Whip Mary Butler joined Damien in studio this morning (Tuesday) following the fallout from the presidential election with questions up in the air about Taoiseach Micheal Martin's leadership, offering her opinions on the presidential electoral process and the disappointment among Fianna Fáil membership. Mary also touches on policing in West Waterford, the rece...

Waterford man Evan Mansfield spoke to Damien on 'Déise Today' this morning (Tuesday) ahead of taking part in the New York marathon on Sunday. Evan, who is at college in Fairfield University in Connecticut has been selected as a member of Team Inspire, one of the 26 most inspirational stories running this year. Following his diagnosis at the age of 2, Evan has dealt with autism his whole life, work...

During a special meeting of the council yesterday,  local Councillors voted in favour of a 30-million-euro private investment into Waterford Airport.   Listen back to hear how the proposal came to be from Main shareholder in Waterford Airport William Bolster, as well as some local opinions! Just click the image above.

IT's their first original 'Opedia' book in eight years and father-daughter duo John and Kathi Burke from Waterford city will be launching it in The Book Centre this evening (Wednesday). 'Animalopedia' explores Ireland's animals by habitat, the myths and legends associated with them, favourite folklore superstitions and famous real-life Irish dogs, horses and dolphins, amongst others. There's a lot...

As 'Deise Today' informed listeners this week, there's a shortage of 'red lead' or luncheon in Waterford currently which has left the public without one of their lunchtime favourites! Structural works at Countrystyle Foods Ltd at Grannagh have resulted in a temporary manufacturing stoppage of the company's infamous luncheon roll - and it's proving hugely missed! Deise Today has been on top of the...

Yesterday afternoon (Tuesday), Budget 2026 was unveiled by Government - and the reaction has been mixed. While there were VAT cuts for hospitality, business and apartment developers, perhaps the biggest criticism has come from 'the squeezed middle' , with some analysts saying a working couple with children will actually be worse off by about 75 euro. This morning, 'Deise Today' had analysis in stu...

On Friday night last at The Lyrath Hotel, the 'Deise Today' team took gold in the IMRO National Radio Awards 2025. The winning entry was in the 'Community/Social Action' category for a campaign the programme ran - highlighting the stories and efforts of Waterford parents - to secure primary school places for children with ASD. The entry was a compilation of interviews from a focus by the programme...

The annual Run and Walk for Life takes place on October 11 (Dungarvan) and October 12 (Waterford) next. It's the largest annual fundraiser for the Solas Cancer Support Centre which is based in Williamstown in Waterford and at the Alternative Health Clinic in Dungarvan on a Monday. Last year's event had a whopping 3,900 participants and raised over 185,000 euro. This morning (Wed) on 'Deise Today',...

At the 238th Annual General Meeting of Waterford Chamber on Monday, Éadaoin Carrick, Executive Chairperson of the Cantec Group, was elected President of Waterford Chamber. Éadaoin joined Damien in studio on 'Déise Today' and spoke about moving from Dublin to work in the family business Cantec, the importance of community, workplace culture, and the growth of Cantec. She also outlined her vision fo...

Columnist with the 'Irish Daily Mail' Philip Nolan suffered a life-changing stroke last April while covering the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome. He returned to writing his popular column last Thursday, detailing his impactful story of survival and rehabilitation. Philip spoke to Damien this morning (Monday) on 'Déise Today' about his experience, adapting to a healthier lifestyle, and the ups and...

A new equine centre in memory of the young Waterford jockey Jack de Bromhead opens in Dublin today (Friday. 13-year-old Jack, the son of racehorse trainer Henry de Bromhead, died in a pony-racing accident in Co Kerry in September 2022. The Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre is being opened Henry and Heather de Bromhead, along with their daughters Mia and Georgia on the ChildVision Campus in Drumcondra...

In the summer of 2023, Waterford man Sean McCarthy suffered a major cardiac arrest which then led to a traumatic brain injury. This week, he returned to his home in Larchville for the first time in two years! Ann-Marie, Sean's wife, spoke to Damien this morning (Thursday) on 'Déise Today' about life after Sean's life-altering medical emergency and the prolonged recovery journey the family have bee...

Sophie Morris, Health-food Advocate, Food Entrepreneur and Author of new book 'Sophie's Swaps' spoke to Damien this morning (Wednesday) on 'Déise Today' about ultra-processed foods in our supermarkets. Sophie offers tips on shopping smarter to reduce exposure to processed foods, and the impact of store marketing on consumer behaviour. Listen back to learn about effective food substitutes, freezing...

Waterford driving Instructor Richie Roberts spoke to Damien on 'Déise Today' this morning (Monday) about road safety. Richie spoke about how drivers need to be more vigilant as most collisions are caused by dangerous driver behaviour rather than vehicle issues. They also spoke about an email the show received from a school bus driver last week regarding a very scary experience he had driving a sch...