Back in June 2023, Olivia Hunt was standing outside a coffee premises in Dunmore East when she was hit by a car and seriously injured.

Mother to a toddler, her first thoughts were for her two-year-old son as she tried to make sense of what had happened, not having seen the car coming towards her.

Olivia suffered multiple fractures and injuries to her pelvis and lower back in particular but was helped at the scene by people who had seen the accident, followed by emergency service personnel and particularly Dr Paul Campbell who volunteers with emergency medical charity 'CRITICAL'.

Today Olivia is doing well and is grateful to be alive and in good health.

She was in studio this morning (Wednesday) to talk to Damien on 'Deise Today' about what happened on that fateful day - and to appeal to listeners to support and donate to the charity 'CRITICAL' who are fundraising now in the run-up to Christmas.

CRITICAL has launched a new Christmas campaign to light up 1,308 lights, one for every call answered in 2024. Donors can sponsor a light from now until Christmas Day in support of the charity’s life-saving work and can also dedicate it in honour or remembrance of someone special. 

In the meantime, if you want to listen to Olivia chatting to Damien - and also David Tighe who is the CEO of 'CRITICAL' - you can click on the image above.

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On Sunday, Nov 16 last, 18-year-old Sammy Hanrahan from Clonard Park was critically injured in a crash between his e-bike and a car on the Cork Road in the city.

Sammy died a few days later — on Friday, Nov 21 — in hospital.

A very popular and well-loved young man, Sammy made an impression on the many people he met in his young life and is sadly missed by his heartbroken family.

From their home, his mother Jane spoke yesterday (Monday afternoon) to Damien Tiernan on Deise Today.

She described how Sammy had only got the e-bike just over a week before the tragic accident and how she believes e-bikes and e-scooters are a serious danger to all those using them — and should be banned.

You can listen back to Jane talking to Damien by clicking on the image above.

Meanwhile, for the latest podcasts (https://www.wlrfm.com/podcasts) and news (/news), tune into WLR and download the WLR App for news on demand.

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Helping Hand Waterford, the volunteer-run charity providing food and support to the homeless and vulnerable in Waterford, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Founded in 2015 as a small community effort offering soup and sandwiches at Merchant’s Quay, the organisation now operates a full soup kitchen five evenings a week from its base on Mary Street. Each night, volunteers serve between 35 and 50 hot meals, along with food hampers, sleeping bags, tents, and advocacy support.

“For ten years, Helping Hand Waterford has been about compassion and community,” said Vivienne Burns, Chairperson of Helping Hand Waterford. “We meet people where they are and offer dignity, warmth and hope — no questions asked.”

The charity, which was granted official charitable status in 2023, operates on a non-judgemental, non-denominational basis and is open to all, regardless of background or circumstance. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the group maintained uninterrupted service to ensure no one was left behind.

Looking ahead, Helping Hand Waterford plans to expand its support with a daytime drop-in service, an emergency accommodation fund, and continued outreach to those facing fuel poverty and homelessness.

This morning (Monday) on 'Deise Today', Damien was joined in studio by Stephanie Keating from 'The Helping Hand'.

You can listen back to their chat by clicking on the image above...

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WATERFORD has one of the highest rates in the country for road fatalities this year,

Speaking on 'Deise Today' this morning (Thurs) Insp Paul Donohoe, Inspector for Roads Policing in the Waterford/Kilkenny/Carlow garda division, said eight people have lost their lives this year so far on Co Waterford roads. Last year, the total figure was seven.

In a wide-ranging interview on the show this morning, Insp Donohoe spoke about many aspects of road safety, including driver behaviour, the use of e-scooters on our roads, speeding and the ongoing issue with use of mobile phones by those behind the wheel.

He also revealed some stark statistics about Waterford specifically.

You can listen back to the interview by clicking on the image above....

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Waterford businesses have sharply criticised a proposed commercial rates increase warning it will place already-pressured traders under further strain.

Dozens of retailers contacted councillors and the Waterford Chamber over the weekend, calling for a freeze or reduction in rates as they face rising costs in the new year.

This morning, on Deise Today, Damien spoke to a number of Waterford retailers abotu the proposed increase - and the further strain they feel it will put on small businesses operating out of the city.

Elaine Roche of TRM (clothing); Paul Reid of 'The Kiosk Cafe' and Ronan McDonagh of 'Mc's Outdoor Store' (on the quays) all voiced their concerns onm the show.

You can listen back to the chat by clicking on the image above...

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The annual WLR Christmas Appeal in aid of Waterford St Vincent De Paul (SVP) returns this year and, sadly, it is needed as much as ever.

Last year, the WLR Christmas Appeal raised in excess of €100,000. These funds went directly towards helping those most in need in Waterford with ongoing day-to-day costs, including education expenses, household food and fuel bills, as well as providing breakfast clubs in local schools.

With the continued rise in the cost of living, more individuals and families are turning to St Vincent de Paul for support. The WLR Christmas Appeal aims not only to raise vital funds, but also to raise awareness of the challenges facing people across Waterford this Christmas.

This year's appeal was launched this morning (Monday) on 'Deise Today' with Damien Tiernan speaking to David O'Neill, Regional Co-ordinator for the South East SVP, Liam O'Connor, Waterford City Area President and Frances Flahavan, Waterford County Area President.

You can listen back to their discussion by clicking on the image above...

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While hard at work, Sham (Seamus) Ryan from Modeligo was unexpectedly stung by a wasp—an incident that quickly turned life-threatening when he went into anaphylaxis and suffered a cardiac arrest.

Thanks to the incredible efforts of first responders, he was airlifted to CUH, where the amazing nursing staff and medical team fought tirelessly to save his life. Their care has given him a second chance.

But Sham’s journey is far from over.

He is now waiting for a bed in the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dún Laoghaire, where he will begin what is expected to be a long and challenging road to recovery. The rehabilitation process will be intensive, and the costs associated—travel, time away from work, ongoing therapies, and unforeseen expenses—will place a heavy strain financially.

Friends of Sham, and the wider West Waterford community around Modeligo, are now fundraising to help Sham and his family with the journey ahead - and this morning (Thurs) on 'Deise Today' they spoke to Damien about it. Friends Michael Dalton and Kevin Bannon spoke to Damien, along with Sham's daughter Clodagh.

You can listen back by clicking on the image above...

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This week on 'Deise Today' we're doing a special focus on traffic problems in Waterford.

Once again, the reduced number of lanes on the quays has been raising its head with many listeners to the show - and contributors - talking about how the current number of lanes is, in their view, causing backlogsall across the city.

This morning (Thursday) on the show, Damien spoke to taxi driver Conor Ryan and got his view - and experience - on Waterford traffic.

You can listen back to their chat by clicking on the image above...

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Today (Friday, Nov 14) is a very special day for one Co. Waterford family…AND community.

Kitty Brett, living on the Carrick Road in Portlaw, is celebrating her 100th birthday today!

Born on Nov 14 1925 in the townland of Lahardan, Kitty is 68 years married to husband Paddy.

For much of this, the couple lived on the High Road between Portlaw and Kilmeaden.

In 2000, they moved to Portlaw village - and since then, Kitty and Paddy have enjoyed great support and help from their many friends, neighbours and also the team of carers who call to them daily (big shout out to Catherine, Ann and Marie – and also Eileen, Lisa and Stephanie)

Earlier this week - ahead of the ‘big birthday’, Jennifer Long called to see Kitty and Paddy.

You can listen back to some of their chat by clicking on the image (from Kitty and Paddy's wedding day!) above....

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Waterford Historian Dermot Power joined Damien in studio this morning (Tuesday) to chat about his new book "The Street Where You Live".

As former Local History Advisor at Waterford City Library and author of 6 books, listen back as Dermot shares insights into the rich history of Waterford.

From the revival of Gaelic heritage to the deep connections of community and culture, Dermot delves into his extensive research.

Listen back to a fascinating conversation as Dermot prepares for his book launch at the Granville Hotel, and discover how this labour of love offers a unique glimpse into Waterford’s past.

Just click the image above!

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