Déise Today

From fresh produce to heartwarming connections, this episode celebrates the vibrancy of Waterford's local businesses and the people who make them special! Damien took a trip out to Kervicks in Ballybricken in recent days to talk to Bridie O'Loughlin, her co-worker Tom, and a few of their cherished customers, who spoke of their friendly service. Bridie O'Loughlin, long-time fan of WLR, told Damien...

This morning (Wednesday) on 'Deise Today', Damien had a chat with 40-year-old Colette Ryan from Dromana, near Cappoquin. Colette is a Patient Advocate for 'You Can Ireland' which is a support service for young people in their 20s, 30s and 40s with current or previous cancer diagosis. However, Colette also had her own battle with cancer in her 30s and she spoke frankly about her experience on the s...

This morning (Tuesday) on 'Deise Today', Damien had a very interesting chat with Colin O'Gara. Colin is a Consultant Psychiatrist with St John Of God Hospital in Dublin where he works as the Head of Addiction Services. He is also a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry with UCD. In a piece in 'The Irish Daily Mail' yesterday (Monday), Colin said he had no doubt that there will be mobile phone detox and...

This morning on 'Deise Today', Damien chatted to fellow WLR presenter Gemma Delaney, as we continued to cover the topical weight management issue and the growing use of weight-loss jabs. As she was heading for her 40s and had endured a difficult relationship with food and dieting for many years, Gemma approached her GP some time ago to enquire about possible use of Ozempic, not for weight loss BUT...

Weight management has become a huge topic for debate in recent times. How do you change your habits to ensure a healthy weight-loss journey? Are weight-loss injections the answer in some cases? And what are the impacts not only for individuals but society in dealing with an obesity crisis?! In recent weeks on 'Deise Today' we've been chatting about weight management and the struggles people have....

Ballyduff Drama Group snagged the top award at the RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival Awards 2025 with their performance of ‘The Blackwater Lightship’ by Colm Tóibín, adapted for stage by David Horan. The announcement was made at the spectacular awards ceremony which was held in Athlone's Radisson Blu Hotel this past weekend, and marked Ballyduff's third All-Ireland win in the past past four years. Th...

As people flock to the many beautiful beaches in Waterford in the good weather, it obviously brings an increase in the numbers of dogs there too. But are these pets allowed on our fabulous beaches from Ardmore to Dunmore and if so, are there restrictions in terms of having them on leads etc?! 'Deise Today' invited one of Waterford City and County Council's dog wardens, Keith Murphy, into studio to...

Major concerns are growing in the construction sector in Ireland about the dangers post by silica dust (a by-product of many vital materials in construction). Prolonged exposure can lead to a condition called Silicosis, a dangerous disease which causes lungs to swell and harden. It's been highlighted in other countries but so far, it's been little-talked about here in Ireland. Recently, on 'Deise...

The imminent arrival of the bridge’s steel superstructure from its fabrication plant in Belgium will mark a significant progress milestone for Waterford’s North Quays Public Infrastructure Project.  The superstructure is due to arrive in Waterford in the coming weeks for lifting and installation. In parallel with the construction of the bridge substructure in the river in Waterford, the steel...

The issue of weight-loss/management medication is hugely topic at the moment. While some are concerned about the growing use of weight-loss jabs like Ozempic, others point to research such as a study published this week which pointed to a very positive possible effect on the risk of obesity-related cancers. This morning on 'Deise Today', Damien spoke to Dungarvan pharmacist Daragh Connolly (of Hav...

Waterford trainer Henry De Bromhead has paid tribute to Rachel Blackmore who has achieved "so much" in her racing career. Her work ethic, her brilliance and natural ability as a rider and her attention to detail were key to her success, he says, adding he was "delighted" for her following her announcement that her "days of being a jockey have come to an end". Henry de Bromhead was speaking to Dami...

Dungarvan now has a "spiritual connection" to our new Pope Leo XVI, who has visited the town in the past. This morning (Friday), 'Deise Today' spoke to Waterford cleric Fr Gerry Horan who has fond memories of meeting the new Pope on several occasions - and even journeying on a road trip around Ireland with him! Fr Gerry Horan, who is chaplain at St Augustine's College in Dungarvan and a former Pro...

What's the best use for the former Clover Meats site in Ferrybank? At a meeting held locally in recent days, member of the community suggested a major sports complex, a public swimming pool, and even a large graveyard. The site was acquired by Kilkenny County Council in 2023 and they are now progressing plans for a community park on some of the site. Plans for the nine-acre site are currently at p...

Motor insurance premiums rose in the first six months of last year - with the average premium now standing at 616 euro! That's also a rise of 67 euro since 2022, according to new data from the Central Bank; and it represents an increase of 12% over the last two years alone. This morning (Wednesday) on 'Deise Today', Maria spoke to Waterford insurance broker Oliver Murphy on why the costs are risin...

Waterford man Dean O'Mahony is set to represent Ireland at the European Karate Championships next week. Having recently secured a fourth successive national title, the 25-year-old makes the trip to Armenia in the hope of securing continental success. Before he flies out this Sunday, he was in studio to speak with Jordan Norris.

Finding love is difficult enough at the best of times, never mind adding a child or children into the mix. As a single parent who wants to put themselves 'back on the scene', how do you both approach putting yourself out there again PLUS deal with all that comes with being a parent if you are lucky enough to find a prospective partner. This morning on 'Deise Today', Maria McCann spoke to matchmake...

A café in Tipperary is charging up to €15 per coffee for a child-free experience. The Old Barracks Coffee Roastery in Birdhill is welcoming caffeine lovers and their dogs - but not their kids. The adults-only café aims to provide its customers a "tranquil" experience. The owner Alan Andrews says the idea stemmed from his daughter not wanting to go to coffee shops with him. "I realised that I'm not...

There are grave concerns that Waterford city is 'falling behind' on its retail strategy and economy. At the recent Metropolitan District Council meeting, Mayor Joe Kelly described attending a recent retail meeting in the city where comments were made that the city may be "dying on its feet". This morning (Tuesday), Cllr Kelly spoke to Maria McCann on Deise Today about the concerns were voiced AND...

A 25-year-old stable lad from Dungarvan thought his life had changed for the better on April 19th 2024. Dylan Phelan placed a €30 each way bet on two horses trained by Declan Queally at odds of 125/1 and 80/1 - with both horses running at Limerick and Ballinrobe on the day. In the space of half an hour, both horses had won - meaning Dylan was set to collect a sum just under €320,000 having pl...

New figures published by the 'Irish Independent' have revealed 5,447 appointments were cancelled at University Hospital Waterford in 2024. This follows 5,378 that were cancelled at the same hospital in 2023. The newspaper reports today (Friday) that nearly 300,000 appointments were cancelled across hospitals in Ireland last year, an average of more than 772 every day...even as the State makes effo...

Huge crowds are continuing to queue in St Peter's Square to pay their final respects to Pope Francis. His simple wooden coffin has been placed on the main altar of the 16th century basilica, where he will lie in state until tomorrow (Friday) evening. This morning, 'Deise Today' went live to the Vatican, speaking to cleric Fr Michael Toomey who is PP in the parishes of Ardfinnan and Newcastle and s...

Huge premium hikes on health insurance plans are going hand-in-hand with a slashing of benefits. That's according to one of Ireland's leading health insurance brokers, Dermot Goode, who says four health insurers in Ireland are now engaged in the practice of "shrinkflation". The totalhealthcover.ie expert says that in the past few months, VHI Healthcare, Laya Health, Irish Life Health and Level Hea...

Are hot school meals providing enough nutritional value? Linda Murray of Beoga Nutrition joined Damien on Deise Today to discuss the matter earlier this morning. They spoke on concerns regarding the levels of saturated fats and processed meats as the programme continues to be further rolled out at local level.

A new suicide support organisation has been established in Waterford. HUGG Waterford is a peer-to-peer support organisation for people who have been bereaved by suicide. Phyllis Conway and Tasha Lanigan, both of whom are group facilitators with HUGG Waterford, spoke on Deise Today this morning. They promoted the group, what it is, how it might help people and spoke on their upcoming meetings and e...

The Transport Minister has been asked this week by Waterford Council to clarify the Government commitment to Waterford Airport and the next steps that are being taken on it. Waterford City and County Council CEO says the Mayor has sent a letter to the Minister seeking a meeting on the Programme for Government commitment on Waterford Airport - and the "urgency of the situation" has been stressed. T...