The Big Breakfast Blaa

Life's still unfair for Malcolm in the Middle as Grace celebrates the return of the mammoth 00s TV hit. The original lineup returns, with the exception of Erik Per Sullivan, who isn't reprising his role as Dewey. Grace has been waiting for this moment with baited breath, all set to embrace nostalgia with both hands. Also top of her TV list for this weekend is 'The Testaments,' the screen adaptatio...

The first man to identify himself as ‘Puerto Rican’ was known as Ramón Power ye  Giralt. A significant figure in the history of Puerto Rico, Power y Giralt was a brave  servant in the Spanish navy. He was also an adept legislator who played a significant role in one of  the earliest and most liberal constitutions in the world. All of this, as well as being a great...

The sound of brass, pipes, and drums filled the air in Waterford on Friday, March 27th, as musicians and audiences gathered to celebrate a remarkable milestone—the 20th anniversary of the Waterford Massed Bands. Three great organisations benefited from the night namely Assisi House Day Centre, Order of Malta Waterford unit and Scene and Heard Productions. What began two decades ago as a loca...

As Artemis II reached the far side of the moon last night, so too did a tribute to Waterford woman, the late Mary Cullen. Late of Philip Street, Waterford and Hove, Brighton, Mary worked for electronics company Knowles in the UK. Following the successful moon landing in 1969, Mary received a letter from Knowles which outlined the role she played in the communication system between the crew and the...

The Spring of 1902 saw the first motor-bicycle built in Waterford city on display at Co. Armagh-native William J. Cordner’s premises. An enterprising figure, Cordner began his cycle warehouse in the city on Henrietta Street in 1898. However, by the time he left Waterford by the mid-1920s, sold a range of sporting equipment, electrical goods as well as gramophones and records. How much d...

The world of recruitment is intense, fast-paced, and no day is ever the same. For the staff at Hartley People, a reward was in store thanks for Walsh's Bakehouse and Tayto. Ollie and Dymphna popped out with Blaas, Butter, and Tayto just in time for their elevenses. For Danielle Bohill-Walsh, this treat was the result of perseverance and determination. For months on end, she had nominated Hartley P...

Thousands of euro was raised last night, March 25th, in Ardscoil na Mara in Tramore. Spearheaded by the student council and TY student, Theo Fitzgerald, Ardscoil's Got Talent took place in the foyer. A raffle was organised on the night by the Parents Association, with hampers and prizes provided by local people and businesses. The Association matched all funds raised with all proceeds going to Bar...

A criminal gang of young people in Waterford became known as 'The Clutching Hand Gang' following 'The Exploits of Elaine.' This popular silent movie era television programme featured a gang of the same name. In Waterford, circa 1914, the gang terrorised the city, with reports at the time says 'no shop or grocers were safe.' The gang's leader, Bill, became particularly infamous for his exploits. St...

Local woman Breda Mahony is celebrating an incredible 40 years working at Monica’s in Dungarvan, a beloved cornerstone of the local retail scene. For decades, Monica’s has been at the heart of the community, and Breda’s story is a testament to its lasting impact. Speaking with Ollie and Dymphna, Breda fondly recalls March 19th, 1986, the day she first walked into Monica&rsqu...

Waterford was once known as 'the city with no statues.' This is almost inconceivable when you look around the city today with its plethora of museums and commemorative statues. The person who changed the landscape of the city was artist Gabriel Hayes. In the 1950s, she was the visionary behind the statue of Luke Wadding, now synonymous with Waterford. Cian Manning, historian extraordinaire joined...

Dungarvan St. Patrick's Day parade will be proudly led this year by the Dungarvan United Women's Football Team. This decision comes on the back of their phenomenal success across the past year. Proceedings kick off at 2pm in Dungarvan, with live music setting the scene from 12.30pm. Member of the organising committee, Ann Marie Rossiter joined Ollie and Dymphna on air. She is the final speaker fro...

Grace Harris (8) claimed her place in the history books as she accompanied the Waterford Rose at the selection event last Saturday. Cara Comerford, Portlaw, was crowned the Waterford Rose who will go on to represent the county at the International Rose of Tralee event later this year. 8-year-old Grace, an accomplished Irish dancer and proud Ballygunner National School pupil accompanied her. Grace...

Portlaw's Grand Marshall for this year's parade has been named John 'Corky' Corcoran. He is a stalwart of Portlaw United FC where he has been the unbroken Chair for the last 56 years. According to member of the organising committee, Declan Clune, John does not like the limelight but agreed to represent the club. A sea of floats, groups, walkers will showcase Portlaw in its best light from 12 noon...

A record number of floats will take part in this year's St. Patrick's Day parade in Clashmore/Kinsalebeg. The parade gets underway at noon, with those taking part asked to assemble from 11.30. This year's Grand Marshall is local character, Maura McGrath as voted by the organising committee. The community has come together to line the streets with handmade bunting, flags, and gifts for children tak...

This year, the parade in Tramore will feature Tramore's Park Run as Grand Marshall. Johnny O'Grady from the organising committee joined Ollie and Dymphna in studio. He outlined the start times, route, and what to expect on the day. One thing is for certain, Johnny will have his usual tails, top hat, and dapper style at hand. Play to listen back in full. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info...

Billy Flynn and Pierre Fetat joined Ollie and Dymphna following their successful trip to France. Together with the U9 team from St. Joseph's AFC, they played the likes of PSG, Juventus and more. This life-changing opportunity fostered strong friendships within the players, the parents, and the coaching staff. Together with improving their French, the players developed a hunger for playing at highe...

A year ago, Dymphna approached Grace and told her she had an idea for a Friday contributor on air. Grace instantly replied 'Great, I'll get my thinking cap on for someone suitable.' Of course, Grace WAS that someone suitable and a year later she is part of the furniture. With her wit, vibrancy, optimism, and buzziness, she is loved by listeners across the county (and beyond!) A friend, a professio...

Grace has done as promised, and she spent the weekend in the fine cinemas here in Waterford. What she saw documented rabid gorillas, Lord of the Flies type desert island relationships, and more. What better for a cinema snack than some salty, buttery popcorn? How about frozen popcorn? Grace tried out the viral trend, made the popcorn and froze the lot. Play to hear how she got on.   See omnys...

The early years of the First World War saw a rather unusual character traversing Ireland in the form of 'palm reader' Professor Zodiac. He was subsequently charged with committing a heinous crime in Waterford. This formed part of the charge sheet of one of Britain and Ireland's most notorious serial abusers. Professor Zodiac was turning over extensive sums in payments for services rendered. He was...

Helvick Head and Dungarvan RNLI has issued an invitation to the public to attend their Annual Review this Friday. Previously termed the AGM, the Annual Review looks at the end-of-year finances, the roles, and the future fundraising efforts. Kevin O'Morchoe joined Ollie and Dymphna on air this morning, March 3rd to discuss the open call for new volunteers. Also on the line was Liam Harty from Helvi...

The Waterford Festival of Food takes place next month from April 24th-26th. The main hub for the 3-day festival will be Dungarvan itself, however for the first time there will also be events in Lismore, Waterford City, Kilmeaden, Ardmore, Villierstown, Ballyduff and Cappoquin. The official launch of the programme of events takes place on March 12th, with tickets available to book from the followin...

In yet another busy week on The Big Breakfast Blaa, Grace joined us for 'The Buzz with Grace.' On the menu this week a baby monkey in Japan captured hearts around the world including that of one Grace Drohan and the return of everyone’s favourite hospital drama Scrubs. Listen back to this week's episode of The Buzz with Grace. And catch up on all the podcasts from  The Big Breakfast Bla...

Scottish comedian and music hall entertainer, George French, would become a familiar figure in Waterford during the 1920s. He not only holidayed in the Gentle County, but supporting many charitable and sporting endeavours. These two efforts would be combined in the 1930s in staging a competition for the George French Shield. He donated the Shield to the Waterford & District Junior League. This...

A new six-part series exploring farming at Curraghmore Estate is set to air on RTE. 'Our Farm: A GIY Story' follows Waterford-based GIY amid their efforts to journey from farm to fork. Across six episodes, viewers follow the GIY team as they battle pests, weather, funding crises, staffing pressures and customer churn. All of this, while trying to build a viable veg box scheme, restore historic lan...

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, th...