Mount Melleray Abbey closes…
An order dating back to the 12th century, a monastery founded in 1833, and nearly two centuries of stories and connections came to an emotional close in January 2025.
For almost 200 years, the Cistercian monks were an integral part of life in Melleray, Modeligo, and Cappoquin, County Waterford.
However, with vocations in sharp decline, the Order announced in 2024 that Mount Melleray would close – at least for now – by the end of January 2025. The decision stirred deep emotion among locals and those with personal ties to the Abbey.
To honour the legacy and celebrate the bond between the monastery and the community, Damien and the Déise Today team broadcast a special two-hour programme live from Mount Melleray.
And here’s just a flavour of it….
The Kilmac/Aintree connection!
Back in early April, Kilmacthomas found itself basking in the success of Aintree Grand National winner Nick Rockett.
The horse had numerous connections to Mid County Waterford
and was named after a local man.
WLR News and Sport Editor Kieran Foley visited Timmy and Caroline
O’ Byrne at The Lodge Stud, Kilmacthomas, to find out more…
Waterford man on Bangkok earthquake experience…
At the end of March, a devastating earthquake hit Myanmar in South East Asia, directly killing more than 5,000 people there and 100 more in Thailand.
Up to 11,000 people were injured and many more reported missing in the days that followed.
Stephen Spratt from Dungarvan was living in Thailand and on the day the earthquake hit, was actually in a shopping centre in Bangkok when the quake hit.
He spoke to Damien on ‘Deise Today’….
School places for children with autism..
In October 2024, Deise Today aired an emotional interview with Waterford parents who were unable to secure primary school places for their children with autism, launching an eight-month campaign to give affected families a voice.
As the story gained momentum, national media followed, and by late 2024 parents were speaking in the Dáil and meeting senior politicians and government ministers.
Throughout, ‘Deise Today’ remained focused on highlighting the injustice of denying four- and five-year-old children their constitutional right to education. Through interviews with families, experts, and advocacy groups, we explored life with autism, challenged TDs and ministers to act, and covered parent-led protests.
A breakthrough came on February 27 when Minister of State Mary Butler exclusively announced on the programme that new school places would be available in September at schools previously highlighted.
In the weeks that followed, parents returned to share their relief as placements were confirmed, completing a full-circle journey from concern to real change.
You can listen to just some of our ‘Deise Today’ reporting on this story, here…
Oldest Bell-ringer!
In January 2025, the oldest ‘bell-ringer’ in Ireland celebrated his 90th birthday!
And as he had done for seven decades previous, Richard de Courcy used the occasion to once again brave the 50 steps up to the belfry at Christ Church Cathedral!
Over the years, even health struggles couldn’t deter Richard from his beloved bell-ringing.
Damien Tiernan had a nice chat with Richard back in January – and here it is…
