Freedom of Waterford for Gilbert O’Sullivan
Waterford musician Gilbert O’Sullivan received the Freedom of Waterford City & County at a ceremony in City Hall in March.
Born on the Cork Road in Waterford in 1946, his family emigrated to England in the 1950s.
He shot to global stardom in the 1970s - known for hits such as ‘Nothing Rhymed’, ‘Clair’, ‘Get Down’ and ‘Alone Again (Naturally)’.
Some weeks after the Freedom ceremony, news emerged that Gilbert would play concerts at The Theatre Royal later in the year. Five dates sold out quickly – and the concerts delighted home audiences in November and December….
Listen to the report from WLR’s Kieran Foley here…
The Munster Bar closes
It really was the end of an era back in March last when one of Waterford city’s best known and much-loved pubs closed its doors for the last time.
The Munster Bar, on the Mall, was in the Fitzgerald family for over 70 years, operated by three generations of the family since they bought it first in 1953.
The pub was popular not only with tourists but particularly theatre-goers from the next-door Theatre Royal and members of the local arts community generally.
On one of its final evenings in operation, Damien Tiernan popped into the Munster to chat with retiring owners Peter and Michael Fitzgerald – but also some of the many locals who popped in to pass on their well-wishes to the family.
Listen to report from WLR’s Jennifer Long here…
Local Elections 2024
Back in June, people country-wide took to the polls for the Local Elections 2024.
Here in Waterford, 79 candidates ran for 32 seats, across three electoral areas covering Waterford city and Tramore as well as Dungarvan/Lismore and Portlaw/Kilmacthomas.
Here on WLR, we had comprehensive coverage of the count, capturing all the highs, lows and drama involved.
You can listen to WLR’s Dymphna Nugent reporting here…
Waterford Airport
The issue of Waterford Airport dominated the political skylines in recent months for many.
It was a central issue in the local and general elections and here in WLR, we reported on the timeline of events throughout the year, culminating in statements from many local and national politicians in October and November.
The debate was also turned on its head by the now infamous “pig in a poke” comment by the junior Minister at the Department of Transport James Lawless.
Listen to Damien Tiernan’s report here…
Imelda Keenan case
It's 30 years since Imelda Keenan disappeared in Waterford city.
To coincide with the anniversary last January, Gardai made a new appeal for information in relation to the case.
The 22-year-old was last seen on Lombard Street on January 3rd 1994.
To mark her 30 years missing, WLR News aired a special broadcast which heard from Imelda's brother Gerry as well as other contributors.
You can listen back to Kyle Butler’s report here…
Theft of beloved Stradbally statue
Back in January, residents in picturesque Stradbally were shocked by the theft of a beloved statue.
The eye-catching creation located near the heart of the village was commissioned by Jim Thompson, owner of Woodhouse Estate.
It had become a focal point in the area, with many visitors stopping to admire its beauty.
Jim spoke on Deise Today the day after the discovery was made.
Listen to Kieran Foley’s report here…
Timeless Colours
Ian Hannigan is from Lismore Park in Waterford but lives now in Berlin, where he works as a designer an entrepreneur.
Out of a combined passion for cutting-edge technology, design and a fascination with historical photos, he embarked on a project involving the meticulous colourisation of 100 stunning old images of Waterford.
The result is ‘Timeless Colours’, a book – celebrating the rich history of the Deise and its people - which he published and launched here in his home city, in October.
During his visit home from Berlin, he also dropped into the studio for ‘Deise Today’ to tell Damien all about the project….
You can listen to Jennifer Long’s report here…
