One of Our Own Returns for its second series starting Tuesday, July 2nd 2024

Ten inspirational figures from the Déise will talk to the writer Catherine Foley over the coming weeks on WLR FM sharing their memories of childhood, family and career. This unique mix of individuals includes the celebrity chef Paul Flynn, the poet Thomas McCarthy, the gallery owner Joan Clancy, the maritime historian Andrew Doherty and the former TD Ciara Conway.

Series producer and editor RoseAnn Foley says she set out to discover what makes a true Waterford person tick. “They are all fascinating people,” she says. “I find their stories truly inspirational. I loved working on this series. And I think there’s a lovely vibe through the series as Catherine and I have known a number of the guests over many years, while with others it was as if we’d known them all along. It was a delightful project.”

Over ten weeks, these proud Waterfordians, including those born here and some who have lived here all their lives, discuss over half an hour the steps they have taken to reach their current position in life.  The series was made possible with the funding provided by Coimisiún na Meán and with the support of WLR FM.

Episode 1: Paul Flynn

Paul Flynn recalls his earliest days growing up in Dungarvan town, including memories of his First Holy Communion, and his first foray into kitchen life. He also talks about being at the helm of his restaurant The Tannery with his wife Maura.

Episode 2: Joan Clancy

Catherine chats with Joan Clancy about the opening of her art gallery in An Rinn and her late husband, the singer and actor Tom Clancy, and their life together in Hollywood.

Episode 3: Ciara Conway

Ciara Conway discusses the highs and lows of being a TD for Waterford from 2011 to 2016. She also reminisces about her childhood in Tramore and how her socialist leanings began while she was still at school.

Episode 4:  Rosemary Ryan

Rosemary Ryan keeper of the five museums that make up the Waterford Treasures portfolio, talks about her work within the Viking Triangle. She also recalls her schooldays in Crehana National School where her father John was principal and she explores her passion for antiquity and her ongoing interest in ancient Waterford artefacts.

Episode 5: Thomas McCarthy

Thomas McCarthy, the Irish poet, novelist, and critic, talks about his childhood in Cappoquin. In the interview, he also discusses how and where he first began to write and how those early days have shaped the collections he has had published to date.

Episode 6: Agnes Aylward

Agnes Aylward features in program 6. Chair and founder of the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore, she describes her passion for this internationally recognised garden and her motivation to create this oriental world. She discusses its development and also being the recipient of the Commendation of the Foreign Minister of Japan Award in August 2021.

Episode 7: Andrew Doherty

In Program 7 Andrew Doherty, a maritime historian, environmentalist and writer, tells how he was born in 1965, has lived all his life in Cheekpoint and started out as a fisherman. After writing three books, he describes how his first blog post appeared in May 2014.

Episode 8: John O'Connor

The former Munster Express Deputy Editor and News Editor, talks about the two professional passions in life - music and newspapers. He recalls the years he took a break from The Munster Express to become a professional musician before returning to work again in the newspaper.

Episode 9: Mary Lincoln

Mary Lincoln, a renowned potter, who has been working with clay for 40 years, is the interviewee in program 9. She talks about starting out as an artist and her life in Ardmore where she has lived all her married life. She also talks about the beginnings of her studio and craft shop and how she continues to draw inspiration from the natural environment around her.

Episode 10: Eibhear Walsh

In the final program, the guest is Eibhear Walshe, director of Creative Writing in the School of English at University College Cork, where he has lectured for the past thirty years. He recalls his youth growing up in Waterford city and revisits some of his memories and the writing of his memoir Cissie’s Abattoir, which was published in 2009.