Cian Manning had another interesting story to recount on The Big Breakfast Blaa's "I loves me county" historical feature, exploring the unusual inquest investigating the death of surgeon major John George Stephen Lewis. It occurred in July 1897 and was believed to have resulted from an overdose of opium.

Only based in Waterford from early that year, Lewis's return to army duties was continually hampered by ill health and addiction.

Inquest

However his wife Isabella Harriet Lewis was reluctant to reveal all the details concerning the final hours of her husband's existence, with her testimony veering from the tragic to the farcical.

You can listen back to Cian and catch him every Wednesday on The Big Breakfast Blaa after the news at 9am.

Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily.

Cian Manning had another interesting story to recount on The Big Breakfast Blaa's "I loves me county" historical feature, exploring the unusual inquest investigating the death of surgeon major John George Stephen Lewis. It occurred in July 1897 and was believed to have resulted from an overdose of opium.
Only based in Waterford from early that year, Lewis's return to army duties was continually hampered by ill health and addiction.
Inquest
However his wife Isabella Harriet Lewis was reluctant to reveal all the details concerning the final hours of her husband's existence, with her testimony veering from the tragic to the farcical.
You can listen back to Cian and catch him every Wednesday on The Big Breakfast Blaa after the news at 9am.
<a href="https://wlrfm.com/podcasts/the-big-breakfast-blaa">Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily.</a>

Death, Opium and an Unusual Inquest

It's a Friday and Grace is looking back at a childhood filled with films we simply had no business watching at Halloween.

From Dolly Dearest to Child's Play, The Fog to Friday the 13th... it was free reign on a Friday night in Xtravision.

While she might not be watching any of these titles this weekend, she does recommend the new tv adaptation of Carrie, amongst other spooky series.

As for Grace herself... we are on the cusp of the long weekend, so she is headed straight for the Imagine Arts Festival and Wicked Woods for its return to Carriganore after 5 long years.

Listen back to Grace for some inspiration on how to spend your Bank Holiday weekend.

And as always, you can catch Grace after the news at 9am on Fridays on The Big Breakfast Blaa.

Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily.

It's a Friday and Grace is looking back at a childhood filled with films we simply had no business watching at Halloween.
From Dolly Dearest to Child's Play, The Fog to Friday the 13th... it was free reign on a Friday night in Xtravision.
While she might not be watching any of these titles this weekend, she does recommend the new tv adaptation of Carrie, amongst other spooky series.
As for Grace herself... we are on the cusp of the long weekend, so she is headed straight for the Imagine Arts Festival and Wicked Woods for its return to Carriganore after 5 long years.
Listen back to Grace for some inspiration on how to spend your Bank Holiday weekend.
And as always, you can catch Grace after the news at 9am on Fridays on The Big Breakfast Blaa.
<a href="https://wlrfm.com/podcasts/the-big-breakfast-blaa">Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily.</a>

The films we HAD NO BUSINESS watching as children!

Waterford has an established history involving body snatchers in Waterford... not what you might expect to be hearing on air midweek!

Cian Manning joined Ollie and Dymphna for his weekly slot, this time taking a distinctly spookier tone on the approach to Halloween.

For this chat, we went back to 1833 when the remains of the recently deceased Johanna Walsh from Hennessy's Road were found inhumanely placed in a sack.

It's believed she was recently disinterred from his resting place at Killoteran by a pair of body snatchers, people who often illicitly and illegally obtained bodies for medical examination.

The gruesome incident saw the local Waterford Mayor involved as well as a well-known business figure implicated in the case... for context, her body was found in a house actually owned by the Mayor!

Shocking story, made more so by the concrete truth behind it.

Listen back or send on to someone who you think might be interested in a darker tale from Waterford.



Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily.

Waterford has an established history involving body snatchers in Waterford... not what you might expect to be hearing on air midweek!
Cian Manning joined Ollie and Dymphna for his weekly slot, this time taking a distinctly spookier tone on the approach to Halloween.
For this chat, we went back to 1833 when the remains of the recently deceased Johanna Walsh from Hennessy's Road were found inhumanely placed in a sack.
It's believed she was recently disinterred from his resting place at Killoteran by a pair of body snatchers, people who often illicitly and illegally obtained bodies for medical examination.
The gruesome incident saw the local Waterford Mayor involved as well as a well-known business figure implicated in the case... for context, her body was found in a house actually owned by the Mayor!
Shocking story, made more so by the concrete truth behind it.
Listen back or send on to someone who you think might be interested in a darker tale from Waterford.

<a href="https://wlrfm.com/podcasts/the-big-breakfast-blaa">Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily.</a>

History of the Body Snatchers in Waterford

Gary Russell, the official Pride of Carrick-on-Suir has done it again, and he has smashed the glass ceiling of his fundraising target this year for the Solas Cancer Support Centre.

Yesterday, he presented Solas with a cheque for €18,800, his biggest target reached to date in his years of fundraising.

This comes following his significant efforts this year, including an ultramarathon in aid of Solas, as well as the WLR Waterford Viking Marathon, the Run and Walk for Solas, and this Sunday the Dublin marathon.

After this, he assures us that he will slow down for a little while before doing it all again next year!

Pour a cuppa and listen back to Gary.

Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily.

Gary Russell, the official Pride of Carrick-on-Suir has done it again, and he has smashed the glass ceiling of his fundraising target this year for the Solas Cancer Support Centre.
Yesterday, he presented Solas with a cheque for &euro;18,800, his biggest target reached to date in his years of fundraising.
This comes following his significant efforts this year, including an ultramarathon in aid of Solas, as well as the WLR Waterford Viking Marathon, the Run and Walk for Solas, and this Sunday the Dublin marathon.
After this, he assures us that he will slow down for a little while before doing it all again next year!
Pour a cuppa and listen back to Gary.
<a href="https://wlrfm.com/podcasts/the-big-breakfast-blaa">Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily.</a>

Gary Russell Does it Again!

Waterford company Clem Jacob has won a major international industry award for their efforts in sustainability.

At the 2026 International Awards for Powered Access in Istanbul, Turkey last week, the company saw off significant competition to win the award.

Clem joined Ollie and Dymphna in studio to reflect on the journey of the company since 2006, from navigating through a national and global recession to climbing the ranks of industry success.

Alongside his son, Clem has built and developed a sustainable training facility on-site in Waterford, which is powered by solar panels and renewable energy sources, removing the need for diesel in large plant machinery.

Clem was fast to point out that while their success is hard-earned, the company stands on the shoulders of Waterford, which has always lifted them, supported them, and carried them.

It is for this reason that giving back to charitable and community events and efforts is a decision which comes easily to Clem.

You can listen back to the interview in full here.

Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily.

Waterford company Clem Jacob has won a major international industry award for their efforts in sustainability.
At the 2026 International Awards for Powered Access in Istanbul, Turkey last week, the company saw off significant competition to win the award.
Clem joined Ollie and Dymphna in studio to reflect on the journey of the company since 2006, from navigating through a national and global recession to climbing the ranks of industry success.
Alongside his son, Clem has built and developed a sustainable training facility on-site in Waterford, which is powered by solar panels and renewable energy sources, removing the need for diesel in large plant machinery.
Clem was fast to point out that while their success is hard-earned, the company stands on the shoulders of Waterford, which has always lifted them, supported them, and carried them.
It is for this reason that giving back to charitable and community events and efforts is a decision which comes easily to Clem.
You can listen back to the interview in full here.
<a href="https://wlrfm.com/podcasts/the-big-breakfast-blaa">Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily.</a>

Clem Jacob Credits Waterford Community After Major International Sustainability Win

Following a series of bucket collections in the square in Tallow, more than €7,500 in funding is to be awarded to a series of community groups and organisations.

The donations coincide with Community Fire Safety Week, during which members of Tallow Fire and Rescue Service and the other stations in West Waterford are visiting schools with life-saving educational advice around fire aimed at school-age pupils.

Among those to receive a donation are St. Carthage's House which received a donation of €3,000, KGK Community Development, local Tidy Towns groups and more.

Joining Ollie and Dymphna was Donnchadh Mulcahy from Tallow Fire and Rescue Service who outlined the donations,and also spoke about the bravery and courage of members of the fire service.

Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily.

Following a series of bucket collections in the square in Tallow, more than &euro;7,500 in funding is to be awarded to a series of community groups and organisations.
The donations coincide with Community Fire Safety Week, during which members of Tallow Fire and Rescue Service and the other stations in West Waterford are visiting schools with life-saving educational advice around fire aimed at school-age pupils.
Among those to receive a donation are St. Carthage's House which received a donation of &euro;3,000, KGK Community Development, local Tidy Towns groups and more.
Joining Ollie and Dymphna was Donnchadh Mulcahy from Tallow Fire and Rescue Service who outlined the donations,and also spoke about the bravery and courage of members of the fire service.
<a href="https://wlrfm.com/podcasts/the-big-breakfast-blaa">Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily.</a>

Several community groups to benefit from Tallow Fire Service donation

Waterford's Miriam Gallagher was born Miriam O'Connor and was both a pioneering speech therapist, as well as an acclaimed playwright in Ireland.

Her work has been produced across the globe, along with being broadcasted on both the BBC and RTE.

It was her work as a speech therapist which saw her publish a ground-breaking book in 1977, when she was aged 37.

'Let's Help Our Children Talk' was written for parents and carers and it was the first of its kind published in the English language.

It came from her work initially in St. James' Hospital in Dublin and later as the founder of the Irish Association of Speech Therapists.

In a 2011 interview, Gallagher stated that the only limit to her ideas was 'the limits of the lifetimes available to deal with them.'

Her back catalogue of work is extremely impressive, and in 2026 when there is significant demand for Speech and Language Therapists across the country, it is remarkable that the woman who paved the way for others was Waterford's own Miriam Gallagher.

Thanks as always to Cian Manning for bringing this story to us. You can hear Cian every Wednesday on The Big Breakfast Blaa after the news at 9am.

Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily.

Waterford's Miriam Gallagher was born Miriam O'Connor and was both a pioneering speech therapist, as well as an acclaimed playwright in Ireland.
Her work has been produced across the globe, along with being broadcasted on both the BBC and RTE.
It was her work as a speech therapist which saw her publish a ground-breaking book in 1977, when she was aged 37.
'Let's Help Our Children Talk' was written for parents and carers and it was the first of its kind published in the English language.
It came from her work initially in St. James' Hospital in Dublin and later as the founder of the Irish Association of Speech Therapists.
In a 2011 interview, Gallagher stated that the only limit to her ideas was 'the limits of the lifetimes available to deal with them.'
Her back catalogue of work is extremely impressive, and in 2026 when there is significant demand for Speech and Language Therapists across the country, it is remarkable that the woman who paved the way for others was Waterford's own Miriam Gallagher.
Thanks as always to Cian Manning for bringing this story to us. You can hear Cian every Wednesday on The Big Breakfast Blaa after the news at 9am.
<a href="https://wlrfm.com/podcasts/the-big-breakfast-blaa">Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily.</a>

Waterford’s Miriam Gallagher: The Woman Who Helped Children Find Their Voice

This Saturday evening in the Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre a night of 1920s elegance, jazz and Dixieland is set to take centre stage as Deise Brass bring their unique 10 piece band offering.

Established in 2015, Deise Brass have a long history of using their talents and musical ability to raise money for community efforts and local charities.

This year, they are to feature as part of the 48th Internation Guinness Cork Jazz Festival over the October Bank Holiday Weekend.

However, before that they are treating Dungarvan to a night of pure musical joy in the Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre with doors opening at 7.30pm and the concert beginning at 8pm.

With the full details, Eoin O'Brien from Deise Brass joined Ollie and Dymphna on air.

Play to listen back in full.

Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily.

This Saturday evening in the Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre a night of 1920s elegance, jazz and Dixieland is set to take centre stage as Deise Brass bring their unique 10 piece band offering.
Established in 2015, Deise Brass have a long history of using their talents and musical ability to raise money for community efforts and local charities.
This year, they are to feature as part of the 48th Internation Guinness Cork Jazz Festival over the October Bank Holiday Weekend.
However, before that they are treating Dungarvan to a night of pure musical joy in the Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre with doors opening at 7.30pm and the concert beginning at 8pm.
With the full details, Eoin O'Brien from Deise Brass joined Ollie and Dymphna on air.
Play to listen back in full.
<a href="https://wlrfm.com/podcasts/the-big-breakfast-blaa">Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily.</a>

A night of 1920s jazz and Dixieland vibes to sweep through Dungarvan

The Book Centre, Waterford was awarded the title Bookstore of the Year at a national awards ceremony held in the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny last weekend.

The Elavon Retail Excellence Awards are a prestigious collection of awards celebrating the best in Ireland.

Having made it to the top 30 finalists, the Book Centre, Waterford were named Best Bookstore on the night, an impressive accolade in such a competitive category.

Lisa Connolly, manager of The Book Centre, Waterford joined Ollie and Dymphna to reflect on what a journey it has been since joining The Book Centre family.

At a time when retail has never been more challenging, The Book Centre has strengthened its place within the community, offering a sense of escapism, a place for friendship, and a haven for magic in the heart of the city.

Just last weekend, The Lit Festival filled The Well in The Book Centre celebrating young voices in the region.

This is just one example of how voices, artists, and those who still search the skies for magic are championed and supported locally.

Play to listen back to Lisa's interview in full (and pop in to say hello, tell them we sent you!)

Don't forget The Book Centre proudly sponsor Dymphna's Book Club each month, giving you the opportunity to win a stack of the top books of the month for readers of all ages.

Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily.

The Book Centre, Waterford was awarded the title Bookstore of the Year at a national awards ceremony held in the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny last weekend.
The Elavon Retail Excellence Awards are a prestigious collection of awards celebrating the best in Ireland.
Having made it to the top 30 finalists, the Book Centre, Waterford were named Best Bookstore on the night, an impressive accolade in such a competitive category.
Lisa Connolly, manager of The Book Centre, Waterford joined Ollie and Dymphna to reflect on what a journey it has been since joining The Book Centre family.
At a time when retail has never been more challenging, The Book Centre has strengthened its place within the community, offering a sense of escapism, a place for friendship, and a haven for magic in the heart of the city.
Just last weekend, The Lit Festival filled The Well in The Book Centre celebrating young voices in the region.
This is just one example of how voices, artists, and those who still search the skies for magic are championed and supported locally.
Play to listen back to Lisa's interview in full (and pop in to say hello, tell them we sent you!)
Don't forget The Book Centre proudly sponsor Dymphna's Book Club each month, giving you the opportunity to win a stack of the top books of the month for readers of all ages.
<a href="https://wlrfm.com/podcasts/the-big-breakfast-blaa">Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily.</a>

The Book Centre, Waterford named Ireland's Bookstore of the Year

Together with a sea of some 4,000 runners and walkers in a sea of orange, Grace will take part in this year's Run and Walk for Solas in Waterford City on Sunday, October 12th. The action gets underway the previous day in Dungarvan from 10am as part the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Solas Cancer Support Centre.

Clad in her bright orange t-shirt, Grace outlined her training plan ahead of the weekend, which includes binge watching the brand new Florence Pugh mini-series on Netflix, 'East of Eden.' (10/10 from Grace but a viewer's discretion to not watch with a parent or a family member without full knowledge of a healthy helping of on-screen nudity.)

Elsewhere this weekend, essential viewing is the brand new season 'War' on Sky, which has just had episode two drop featuring Dominic West and Sienna Miller. It follows a high-profile divorce with some dirty tactics being deployed by both parties. Big budget production, big cast, and ALL the drama. (bit of nudity here to be fair as well...)

Get your weekend off to a flying start with Grace on The Buzz on The Big Breakfast Blaa, every Friday morning just after the news at 9.

Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily.

 

Together with a sea of some 4,000 runners and walkers in a sea of orange, Grace will take part in this year's Run and Walk for Solas in Waterford City on Sunday, October 12th. The action gets underway the previous day in Dungarvan from 10am as part the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Solas Cancer Support Centre.
Clad in her bright orange t-shirt, Grace outlined her training plan ahead of the weekend, which includes binge watching the brand new Florence Pugh mini-series on Netflix, 'East of Eden.' (10/10 from Grace but a viewer's discretion to not watch with a parent or a family member without full knowledge of a healthy helping of on-screen nudity.)
Elsewhere this weekend, essential viewing is the brand new season 'War' on Sky, which has just had episode two drop featuring Dominic West and Sienna Miller. It follows a high-profile divorce with some dirty tactics being deployed by both parties. Big budget production, big cast, and ALL the drama. (bit of nudity here to be fair as well...)
Get your weekend off to a flying start with Grace on The Buzz on The Big Breakfast Blaa, every Friday morning just after the news at 9.
<a href="https://wlrfm.com/podcasts/the-big-breakfast-blaa">Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily.</a>
&nbsp;

Grace Goes Orange for Solas with a Side of Netflix Nudity

Start your day with Ollie Carroll, Dymphna Nugent and the WLR News team on The Big Breakfast Blaa, who will bring you plenty of on-air banter, laughter, great music, fantastic competitions, features and much, much more… And as well as being entertained you’ll also be kept well informed with all the very latest news, sport and traffic updates from our team. It's as much a part of Waterford life as the Blaa itself! The Big Breakfast Blaa is brought to you in association with <a href="https://coffeehouselane.ie/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Coffee House Lane</a> <a href="https://www.wlrfm.com/listenback">Listen back to The Big Breakfast Blaa here</a>.

Start your day with Ollie Carroll, Dymphna Nugent and the WLR News team on The Big Breakfast Blaa, who will bring you plenty of on-air banter, laughter, great music, fantastic competitions, features and much, much more… And as well as being entertained you’ll also be kept well informed with all the very latest news, sport and traffic updates from our team. It's as much a part of Waterford life as the Blaa itself! The Big Breakfast Blaa is brought to you in association with&nbsp;&lt;a href="<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://coffeehouselane.ie/">https://coffeehouselane.ie/</a>" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;Coffee House Lane&lt;/a&gt;&nbsp;&lt;a href="<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.wlrfm.com/listenback&quot;>Listen">https://www.wlrfm.com/listenback"&gt;Listen</a> back to The Big Breakfast Blaa here&lt;/a&gt;.

The Big Breakfast Blaa

Social links:

Follow the podcast:

359 clip(s)