The Big Breakfast Blaa

Waterford youth group St. Paul's Scout Group was honoured the Waterford PPN awards in Dungarvan.

They were nominated in the Children and Youth category alongside Woodland Brownies, and Manor Street Youth Services.

The judges ultimately named St. Paul's Scout Group as the overall category winners.

Making their decision, they judges noted their 'long standing and meaningful contribution to society.'

Additionally, the 'inclusive' environment created by the group was noted as shaping the confidence and friendships of young people.

Pat O'Connor spoke with Dymphna Nugent that night in The Park Hotel, Dungarvan.

He said it's a huge honour to be recognised by your own county.

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An athlete with Pat Rockett Martial Arts Academy & Waterford Fitness is celebrating a series of big kickboxing wins.

Joni Hayes joined Ollie and Dymphna in studio with her coach, Clodagh Cullen.

A student of St. Angela's Secondary School in Waterford, Joni is 14 years old.

Medals spanning gold, silver and bronze adorned her neck as she entered the studio.

These represent a small selection of her spoils from fights both overseas and at home.

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Ahead of the opening of Waterford's new sustainable transport bridge, a Waterford organisation is to increase its evening patrols.

Re-A-Suir, Waterford's only face to face out-of-hours suicide prevention service spoke to WLR on this subject.

They were well represented at this year's PPN Awards in Dungarvan.

Last Thursday night, they won the Community Safety Award for their city-based service.

Judges noted their 'courage, kindness and commitment to saving lives.'

They added that Re-A-Suir has 'created a caring and approachable safety net and their presence provides not only practical help but also hope, reminding those who are struggling that they are not alone.'

Jo Ann and Chris from the organisation spoke with Ollie after the awards about the work that they do.

Waterford businesses are being supported and encouraged to hire staff with disabilities.

That's according to Cathy Burns, Employment Services Co-Ordinator and WorkAbility Programme Support Worker with Buíon.

She spoke with Ollie and Dymphna in The Park Hotel last week.

During the interview, she referred to Dungarvan's Hannah O'Mahony as a 'shining star' in the programme.

Workplaces are being encouraged to hire staff with a disability with a view to expanding workforces in Waterford.

Employers may find the interview informative and helpful with a view to understanding how the programme may benefit their workplace.

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Dungarvan's own Hannah O'Mahony has always, and continues to make the town of Dungarvan proud.

Hailing from Ballinroad, Hannah is working in The Park Hotel, Dungarvan.

Following her course in SETU, she engaged with Buíon under the WorkAbility programme.

With their help, she secured her life-long ambition, to successfully gain employment in her chosen area.

Hannah spoke with Dymphna about her work, her course, and the kindness of her fellow staff following the death of her sister.

This short interview will 'fill your cup' and remind you of what's important in life.

Press play to listen back in full to Hannah on The Big Breakfast Blaa.

Dungarvan Rugby Club's Kerrie Walsh was voted Junior Volunteer of the Year at the 21st annual PPN awards.

The awards which took place in The Park Hotel, Dungarvan celebrate groups and individuals which positively impact communities.

Kerrie was shortlisted in the category alongside Aaron Griffin (Waterford Inclusivity Network Youth Committee) and Lucy Batchelor (Woodlawn Grove Residents Association.)

The award recognises the outstanding contribution that an individual under the age of 18 has made to their local community.

Reflecting on Kerrie's success, the judges noted how 'her energy, compassion and leadership have transformed the experience of so many.'

Play back to the listen to Kerrie's interview from The Big Breakfast Blaa in full.

Grace McFly (aka Drohan) goes Back to the Future in this week's 'The Buzz with Grace.'

With an retro-outfit to rival Marty McFly, Grace arrived in studio wearing denim on denim.

Back to the cinema with her, in celebration of 40 years of Back to the Future.

A treat for Grace who carried her mighty crush on actor Michael .J. Fox into the cinema with her.

Hot on the heels of Halloween, Grace laments the theft of her treats, box, window boxes, and more.

Confused? Just a normal week with Grace...

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Last night at the 21st PPN Awards, members of Tallow Men's Shed spoke of their love for cake, new adventures, and staying young.

In the Park Hotel, the group won the Social Inclusion and Community Support award.

Competition was strong- with the group shortlisted alongside Cnoc Buí Active Retirement Association, and KGK Community Council.

In making their decision, judges noted that the group 'enriches lives and fosters a sense of belonging.'

They added:' Some places quietly become the heart of a community, and this is one of them.'

The award itself recognises groups that reduce social exclusion and improves quality of life.

This is particularly notable in the case of marginalised or vulnerable communities.

Some members of the group spoke with Dymphna Nugent and their interview aired on The Big Breakfast Blaa.

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A case of truth being stranger than fiction, and reality being more terrifying than frightful fireside tales.

Waterford’s Mary Ann Walshe spent 4 years trying to find her daughter Emily.

She had been sent to the Caragh Orphanage in Co. Kildare.

This sad and chaotic case has been further compounded by the revelations of notorious mismanagement and murder which took place at Caragh.

Another fascinating story from Waterford's history thanks to historian Cian Manning.

Click on the play option to listen back in full to Cian on The Big Breakfast Blaa.

In the event of life-saving intervention, how many defibrillators are in your area?

Councillor Adam Wyse, Mayor of the Waterford Metropolitan District joined Ollie and Dymphna in studio.

For the first year, councillors have a funding pot to draw from, with €8,000 per councillor available.

This must be used within the community adhering to certain criteria.

Adam decided to use his to fund the installation of AEDs within the community.

This includes locations such as Villa FC, the Williamstown Sports Centre, and Butler Community Hall.

A map of AEDs in areas across the county can be found here.

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