The Big Breakfast Blaa

Grace is back, and she brings stories of 'Weapons', 'Naked Gun,' and watching walls right across Waterford this weekend.

This of course coincides with the Waterford Walls weekend.

She may have had two weeks off air, but she spent it formulating her strong opinions on this week's top bring screen hits.

From 5 blaas to 0 blaas, find out which Grace rated, and which she slated.

Click on the image to listen back in full.

As part of an hour-long special on Deise Today, Dymphna Nugent spoke with 4 women who made the decision to return to full-time education.

They have since finished a full degree programme and work within the educational environment.

All four women are mothers and members of the Traveller community.

In a rare interview, they spoke candidly about the legacy left behind from school experiences.

They also traced the roots of the Traveller community in Ireland, of the need to celebrate the culture and history, and the importance of having representation at the top table.

This is the story of John O'Neill, a famous shoemaker from Carrick-on-Suir.

He moved with his large family to pursue a literary career in London circa 1808.

His work would eventually promote the idea and ideals of temperance.

While determined to still make a living as a shoemaker, John wrote numerous poems, some 8 dramas, and a 3 volume novel.

Hear more about this renowned man by pressing the 'Play' button on the image.

Don;t forget you can listen back to the full catalogue of 'I Love My County'.

Self-professed 'blow-in' to Passage East, Mary Grehan, is our first stop on this week's Tour de Blaa.

Despite having lived in the village for more than 20 years, Mary claims it takes at least 3 generations to be called a local.

From the Damien Tiernan bench, to the Estuary Café, and the better sleep- Mary loves it all.

She spoke with Dymphna to explain exactly why!

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Veronica Troy, better known as Bonnie, has proudly sold her beautiful blooms in Lismore for 22 years.

As part of the Tour de Blaa in Lismore, Bonnie caught up with Ollie.

Nothing was off the table- including Bonnie's Christmas tree (this mention was all Bonnie- entirely unconnected to Dymphna!)

She reflected on following your passion, setting up shop, and the success of Bonnie's Bouquets.

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As part of the Tour de Blaa in Lismore, Gearóid Morrissey takes us within the castle walls.

While a physical visit is out of the question with the castle privately owned- a virtual visit offers the next best thing.

This is exactly what Gearóid gave Dymphna when she popped in to Lismore Heritage Centre.

A wealth of offerings is within the centre-with Gearóid himself hailing from one of Lismore's oldest families.

All this week, Ollie and Dymphna are touring Lismore as part of the Tour de Blaa.

Follow the podcast all week to catch up.

Ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, Grace pays tribute to the legacy of Spraoi in Waterford.

Many will head to All Together Now, others are Spraoi bound, and some will divide their time between both festivals.

Grace Drohan, from 'The Buzz' was a firm part of the Spraoi family for many years.

She fondly remembers the legacy of Miriam Dunne, and the impact her efforts had on the county.

Grace also has some top TV suggestions for some post-festival downtime next week.

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Lehane's in Cappoquin has been an integral part of the community since the 1940s.

Those years have seen significant trade, both within the town, and within the motor trade.

Having taken over the running of the business from his father, Patrick Lehane kept the empire steady.

Now, in 2025, the shopfront remains a fond reminder of the early days of the business.

Click on the image to listen back to a rare interview with a gentle, Cappoquin man.

Today's story from historian Cian Manning reflects on 150 years of a sisterly bond in Lismore.

Charlotte and Henrietta Arnold together penned a 101-page book of poems, titled 'Village Lyrics.'

Their story has been saved from the pages of history by the efforts of Cian Manning on The Big Breakfast Blaa.

His full catalogue of Waterford stories is available on The Big Breakfast Blaa podcast.

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Cappoquin man, Noel O'Donoghue, is playing a vital role in the future of the bustling West Waterford town.

In recent years, he took a leap of faith and became a full time artist.

This saw him, paintbrush in hand, depicting the importance of St. Declan to the region.

As part of the Tour de Blaa feature with Ollie and Dymphna, WLR visited Cappoquin.

There, on the side of the road, Noel spoke fondly of the work underway, and the future of the area.

Click on the image to listen back in full.