Waterford is rejoicing in the success of Gold Medallist Mark English after his triumphant win at the 800m final at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.

English came home ahead of the rest in 1:45.26 with Croatia's Marino Bloudek second in 1:45.62 and Mohamed Attaqui of Spain third in 1:45.71.

He stormed to the finish line, moving strongly from second place into first, confidently crossing the finish line claiming a gold medal for Ireland,  making it the first ever men's gold medal for an Irish athlete at the European Championships.

Mark English and his Fenor Connections

We love a Waterford connection, and when Teresa Murray contacted The Big Breakfast Blaa about Mark, we knew it was a story that had to be heard.

She explained why the village of Fenor has a double reason to celebrate...

Many years ago, Billy Burns and his brother Brendan Burns (Mark English's grandfather) were raised in Fenor before most of the family eventually moving away to England, as many did at that time.

When Brendan moved back home to Ireland, he bought a pub in Portlaoise and had three daughters.

The eldest of those daughters had a family of her own, one of whom is Mark's mother.

Teresa praised the ambition, determination, and talent of Mark, speaking highly of the man he has grown up to be.

A gorgeous national story with local Waterford roots... listen back to Teresa when she spoke on the show.

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

 

Waterford is rejoicing in the success of Gold Medallist Mark English after his triumphant win at the 800m final at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.
English came home ahead of the rest in 1:45.26 with Croatia's Marino Bloudek second in 1:45.62 and Mohamed Attaqui of Spain third in 1:45.71.
He stormed to the finish line, moving strongly from second place into first, confidently crossing the finish line claiming a gold medal for Ireland,&nbsp; making it the first ever men's gold medal for an Irish athlete at the European Championships.
Mark English and his Fenor Connections
We love a Waterford connection, and when Teresa Murray contacted The Big Breakfast Blaa about Mark, we knew it was a story that had to be heard.
She explained why the village of Fenor has a double reason to celebrate...
Many years ago, Billy Burns and his brother Brendan Burns (Mark English's grandfather) were raised in Fenor before most of the family eventually moving away to England, as many did at that time.
When Brendan moved back home to Ireland, he bought a pub in Portlaoise and had three daughters.
The eldest of those daughters had a family of her own, one of whom is Mark's mother.
Teresa praised the ambition, determination, and talent of Mark, speaking highly of the man he has grown up to be.
A gorgeous national story with local Waterford roots... listen back to Teresa when she spoke on the show.
<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;

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

The proud Fenor roots of Gold medallist Mark English

A poet, a Carmelite nun, and a woman who changed the course of her life. Jessica Powers achieved what many aspiring writers dream of.

She had moved to New York, entered literary circles and seen her poetry published in major American newspapers and magazines. She had a book published and was establishing herself as a writer.

But Jessica Powers made a decision that would take her life in an entirely different direction.

The American poet, whose family had roots in County Waterford, walked away from the literary world and entered a Carmelite convent at the age of 36.

Born in Wisconsin in 1905, Powers studied journalism at Marquette University before working in Chicago. Following the deaths of her parents, she spent years caring for her family before eventually moving to New York in the late 1930s.

Her first collection of poetry, The Lantern Burns, was published in 1939.

Just two years later, she entered the Carmelite community of the Carmel of Mother of God in Milwaukee.

She took the religious name Sister Miriam of the Holy Spirit and would spend the rest of her life as a nun.

Yet becoming a nun did not mean giving up poetry.

In fact, her religious life became central to her writing. Her poems explored faith, solitude, nature, mortality and the tension between the restrictions of everyday life and the desire for freedom.

Powers also questioned her own decision to enter the convent. In her poetry, she wrestled with the reality of enclosure and the dramatic change from the outside world to a life lived largely within convent walls.

Rather than silencing her creativity, however, the cloister became part of her artistic world.

She continued writing and publishing throughout her life and served as prioress of her Carmelite community on three occasions.

She died in 1988, aged 83.

Today, her papers are preserved at Marquette University and include handwritten and typed drafts of poems, correspondence, newspaper clippings and other writings. Marquette continues to recognise her as one of its notable creative-writing alumni.

For Waterford, there is an additional layer to the story.

Accounts of Powers' life state that her grandparents came from County Waterford, although that particular family connection would be worth further genealogical verification before being presented as definitive.

It adds an intriguing local dimension to the story of a woman who lived two seemingly very different lives . One life was an ambitious writer immersed in the American literary world, and another as a Carmelite nun living a life of prayer and contemplation.

Cian Manning joined Ollie and Dymphna for another fascinating look at the history books.

Jessica Powers' story raises a fascinating question that remains relevant today:

What happens when someone walks away from the life they have spent years trying to build, and discovers that another life gives them an entirely different voice?

A poet, a Carmelite nun, and a woman who changed the course of her life. Jessica Powers achieved what many aspiring writers dream of.
She had moved to New York, entered literary circles and seen her poetry published in major American newspapers and magazines. She had a book published and was establishing herself as a writer.
But Jessica Powers made a decision that would take her life in an entirely different direction.
The American poet, whose family had roots in County Waterford, walked away from the literary world and entered a Carmelite convent at the age of 36.
Born in Wisconsin in 1905, Powers studied journalism at Marquette University before working in Chicago. Following the deaths of her parents, she spent years caring for her family before eventually moving to New York in the late 1930s.
Her first collection of poetry, The Lantern Burns, was published in 1939.
Just two years later, she entered the Carmelite community of the Carmel of Mother of God in Milwaukee.
She took the religious name Sister Miriam of the Holy Spirit and would spend the rest of her life as a nun.
Yet becoming a nun did not mean giving up poetry.
In fact, her religious life became central to her writing. Her poems explored faith, solitude, nature, mortality and the tension between the restrictions of everyday life and the desire for freedom.
Powers also questioned her own decision to enter the convent. In her poetry, she wrestled with the reality of enclosure and the dramatic change from the outside world to a life lived largely within convent walls.
Rather than silencing her creativity, however, the cloister became part of her artistic world.
She continued writing and publishing throughout her life and served as prioress of her Carmelite community on three occasions.
She died in 1988, aged 83.
Today, her papers are preserved at Marquette University and include handwritten and typed drafts of poems, correspondence, newspaper clippings and other writings. Marquette continues to recognise her as one of its notable creative-writing alumni.
For Waterford, there is an additional layer to the story.
Accounts of Powers' life state that her grandparents came from County Waterford, although that particular family connection would be worth further genealogical verification before being presented as definitive.
It adds an intriguing local dimension to the story of a woman who lived two seemingly very different lives . One life was an ambitious writer immersed in the American literary world, and another as a Carmelite nun living a life of prayer and contemplation.
Cian Manning joined Ollie and Dymphna for another fascinating look at the history books.
Jessica Powers' story raises a fascinating question that remains relevant today:
What happens when someone walks away from the life they have spent years trying to build, and discovers that another life gives them an entirely different voice?

The poet who chose a life behind convent walls far from Waterford

Tramore Amusement and Leisure Park is set to host its annual Monster Fireworks extravaganza.

On Saturday, August 22 at 9:45pm, the annual fireworks show will take place marking a move towards the end of the season.

The park continues to be open everyday from 12noon.

Park Manager, Michael Garland joined Ollie and Dymphna on air on Tuesday morning.

Reflecting on the annual tradition, he said there is no sponsorship involved or grants available and the cost of the fireworks, approximately €25,000 is paid for by the park itself.

'What initially began as a way of us saying thank you to everyone for their support over the season has now evolved into an event in the calendar marking the end of the season,' said Michael.

The summer season was filled with high temperatures which means the beaches were filled with tourists and families.

While this was great news for footfall in the park and in the town, Michael said there needs to be more of an offering for visitors to keep them in the region when they visit for the day.

His comments referred to toilet facilities, accommodation options, and adequate bins in the region.

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.

Tramore Amusement and Leisure Park is set to host its annual Monster Fireworks extravaganza.
On Saturday, August 22 at 9:45pm, the annual fireworks show will take place marking a move towards the end of the season.
The park continues to be open everyday from 12noon.
Park Manager, Michael Garland joined Ollie and Dymphna on air on Tuesday morning.
Reflecting on the annual tradition, he said there is no sponsorship involved or grants available and the cost of the fireworks, approximately &euro;25,000 is paid for by the park itself.
'What initially began as a way of us saying thank you to everyone for their support over the season has now evolved into an event in the calendar marking the end of the season,' said Michael.
The summer season was filled with high temperatures which means the beaches were filled with tourists and families.
While this was great news for footfall in the park and in the town, Michael said there needs to be more of an offering for visitors to keep them in the region when they visit for the day.
His comments referred to toilet facilities, accommodation options, and adequate bins in the region.
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>

Tramore prepares to host spectacular annual fireworks display

The finalists for Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards 2026, have been announced, with 11 exceptional producers from Co. Waterford making it through to the final stage of Ireland’s most prestigious food awards. 

The countdown is now officially on for the return to Dingle this autumn, where the very best of Irish food and drink will be celebrated from Thursday 1st October to Sunday 4th October, with the Blas Village, Showcase, Eat Ireland in a Day market and the awards themselves will be announced on Friday 2nd October.

Now in its 19th year, Blas na hÉireann continues to grow, with more than 3,000 entries submitted from across the island, and a record number of new producers taking part. The number of food and drink categories has also increased from 170 to over 200 this year. Bronze, silver and gold awards are presented across the food and drink categories, alongside major accolades including Supreme Champion, supported by Bord Bia and Best Artisan Producer, supported by the LEO Network. The judging, which took place over June and July in partnership with UCC and TU Dublin, is blind-tasted and scored by a network of expert judges, including chefs, buyers, academics, restaurateurs, and industry leaders. Only the top entries from each category make it to the finalist stage, which is a huge achievement in itself.

The finalists shortlisted from Co. Waterford across a wide range of categories are 7th Raven, Beara Bitters, Blackwater Distillery, cocoabyjudit, Coffee House Lane, Dawn Meats, Dungarvan Wild Honey, Irish Gourmet Butter, Legacy Irish Craft Cider Ltd., The Lemon drop and Knockanore Farmhouse Cheese.

One of those finalists Mark Bergin of Coffee House lane spoke to Ollie 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.

The finalists for <a href="https://www.irishfoodawards.com/">Blas&nbsp;na&nbsp;h&Eacute;ireann</a>, The Irish Food Awards 2026, have been announced, with&nbsp;11&nbsp;exceptional producers from&nbsp;Co. Waterford&nbsp;making it through to the final stage of Ireland&rsquo;s most prestigious food awards.&nbsp;
The countdown is now officially on for the return to Dingle this autumn, where the very best of Irish food and drink will be celebrated from Thursday 1st October to Sunday 4th October, with the Blas Village, Showcase, Eat Ireland in a Day market and the awards themselves will be announced on Friday 2nd October.
Now in its 19th year, Blas na h&Eacute;ireann continues to grow, with more than 3,000 entries submitted from across the island, and a record number of new producers taking part. The number of food and drink categories has also increased from 170 to over 200 this year. Bronze, silver and gold awards are presented across the food and drink categories, alongside major accolades including Supreme Champion,&nbsp;supported by <a href="https://www.bordbia.ie/">Bord Bia</a><a href="https://www.bordbia.ie/">&nbsp;</a>and Best Artisan Producer,&nbsp;supported by the <a href="https://www.localenterprise.ie/waterford/">LEO</a> Network.&nbsp;The judging, which took place over June and July in partnership with UCC and TU Dublin, is blind-tasted and scored by a network of expert judges, including chefs, buyers, academics, restaurateurs, and industry leaders.&nbsp;Only the top entries from each category make it to the finalist stage, which is a huge achievement in itself.
The finalists shortlisted from Co. Waterford across a wide range of categories are 7th Raven, Beara Bitters, Blackwater Distillery, cocoabyjudit, Coffee House Lane, Dawn Meats, Dungarvan Wild Honey, Irish Gourmet Butter, Legacy Irish Craft Cider Ltd., The Lemon drop and Knockanore Farmhouse Cheese.
One of those finalists Mark Bergin of <a href="https://coffeehouselane.ie/?srsltid=AfmBOopDQwb5WVkFzI5vMxiUPJTJdpIOTxxu62R9Ve8DF9nUJ9Kc0iUY">Coffee House lane</a> spoke to Ollie 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 proud Fenor roots of Gold medallist Mark English

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