WELL-KNOWN journalist and broadcaster Damien Tiernan is the new voice of mid-morning radio in Waterford, taking over as presenter of the award-winning 'Déise Today' on WLR.
WLR has confirmed that the former South East correspondent with RTE is to take the reins of the hugely popular talk and current affairs show, starting Monday, February 4th.
Damien lives in Passage East and is heavily involved in community life in the locality. He is one of the most recognisable faces in Waterford and both he, and WLR, are delighted that he is joining the team.
He left RTE only last month after 23 years. He was the second-youngest correspondent ever appointed at the age of just 26.
Originally from Newtown Mount Kennedy in Co Wicklow, Damien has lived in Waterford since the 90s and is hugely familiar with its people and its issues.
He has broken and covered some of the biggest stories in Waterford in the past two decades and his move to WLR's flagship programme is a dream come true for him.
“I am absolutely honoured to be following in the footsteps of the legendary Billy McCarthy who presented the show for 25 years, and more recently, Eamon Keane,” Damien said of his new role in WLR.
“I have always been an admirer of 'Déise Today' and have long thought that I would love to present this programme. Now that dream is becoming a reality.”
“The show covers a range of topics extremely well. It's going to be a new challenge for me and ten hours of live broadcasting a week will be both invigorating and exciting!”
“I am very excited at the prospect of working with talented producer and journalist Jennifer Long and all in the superb news and sports department. The fact that 'The Irish Times' is now onboard and there is a clear digital strategy to promote the programme is very important. We also intend bringing the programme out and about more to various parts of the city and county.”
WLR is considered one of the best independent radio stations in the country and 'Déise Today', the station's flagship show, is produced by Jennifer Long who is also WLR's Current Affairs Editor.
Managing Director of WLR, Des Whelan said he is delighted to welcome Damien Tiernan to WLR. “Déise Today is a hugely popular programme on WLR and while Damien has big shoes to fill presenting the 10 to noon slot, he is a hugely capable and respected broadcaster and I know he will do very well,” he said,
“A journalist who has broken and covered some of the biggest stories in this area in the last 25 years, Damien is very popular in our broadcast area and is actively involved in the GAA, the Waterford Junior Soccer League and in his local Passage East area. He understands the importance of local ethos. I know he will be a huge asset to WLR and I wish him well.”
Programme Director Michael Byrne, meanwhile, said that Damien's arrival to WLR reflects the station's commitment to maintaining a top-class local radio service for the people of Waterford.
