Podcasts about Waterford

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Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 12:48

On Friday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you all the fallout as Shamrock Rovers suffer a Europa Conference League defeat to NK Celje, whilst Shelbourne are beaten in North Macedonia.Bradley doesn't want to get into a row with Celje's Riera.Riera continues his bullish nature.Noonan wants Waterford to save their season.Dyche gets his first win with Nottingham Forest.Brendan Rodgers happy with Celtic victory.And Rafa Benitez is back in management.Become a member and subscribe at offtheball.com/join

Celebrating 200 Years of the Erie Canal

New York NOW

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 26:16 Transcription Available

New York State is celebrating the Erie Canal's bicentennial anniversary. We discuss the history and legacy of the Erie Canal with Rebecca Hughes and Jackie Schillinger of the NYS Canal Corporation. To commemorate the anniversary, the Buffalo Maritime Center has constructed a full-sized replica of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief to travel on the canal. We take a trip to one of the tour stops in Waterford. WMHT Producer Catherine Rafferty shares an episode of her Reflections on the Erie Canal documentary series. EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

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Klearcom announced as 2025 Technology Fast 50 company

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Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 2:19

Klearcom, a global leader in AI-driven IVR and telecom testing, has been announced by Deloitte as one of the 50 fastest growing technology companies across the island of Ireland. The Waterford-based company's ranking will be revealed at this year's Technology Fast 50 Awards, which will take place on 27 November in the Round Room at the Mansion House in Dublin. Running for 26 years, the Technology Fast 50 is one of Ireland's leading technology award programmes, recognising and celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship in Ireland's indigenous technology sector. At last year's awards, Klearcom received the Rising Star accolade, which recognises a company with a promising growth trajectory and the potential for inclusion in the Fast 50 rankings in years to come. As well as driving continued success in Ireland, Klearcom recently announced its first physical base in the US and the expansion of its team. This is part of its plan to further grow its share in the IVR market by identifying and resolving issues with customers' telecom system infrastructure. Speaking about the 2025 Technology Fast 50 listing, Liam Dunne, CEO, Klearcom, said: "We're incredibly proud to have made the list this year and to be seen as not only an innovator but disruptor in this space. It's a testament to the work and expertise of our team who deliver the fastest response and best customer service." See more stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

Kacper Radkowski

The Official Waterford FC Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 32:02

This week's guest on the podcast is defender, Kacper Radkowski. Kacper is usually a quiet and reserved character but he stepped out of his comfort zone to talk to host, Tony Kelly. Kacper chats about his early years in Poland, his schoolboy days at Warsaw, moving to Ireland to play with Bohs and his time at the Blues.Proudly sponsored by Volkswagen Waterford.

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Ryan Burke

The Official Waterford FC Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 29:53

This week's guest on the podcast is Blues full back, Ryan Burke. Burkey has just surpassed 100 appearances for the Blues and has been a fan favouite and ever-present at the club always since he got here. Ryan shares about his childhood in Dublin, his time at Birmingham City, the return home and, of course, the highs and lows of his time at Waterford FC.Proudly Sponsored by Volkswagen Waterford

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Tipp Today Full Show 231025

Tipp FM Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 139:45

On Thursdays Tipp Today, Fran spoke to driver Leonard about criticisms of taxi availability in Clonmel, Tara on the plight of carers, Cllr John O'Heney on post mortem services in Waterford, Bernard Purcell on the latest controversy involving Prince Andrew, Eileen on placement for children with autism, John G O'Dwyer on Tipp's inclusion in the Lonely Planet list of places to visit, Noel on speed limits, Muriel answered all your health questions, Cllr Declan Burgess on plans to address issues at Wallers Lot, and Shane Brophy on his upcoming fundraiser.

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S9 Ep34: S9EP34 Does Anyone Want Europe?

Between the Stripes LOI podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 85:18

It's another packed episode as Kieran and Gary open with a scathing assessment of Ireland's lacklustre showing against Armenia. Did Bohemians act too soon handing Alan Reynolds and his staff new two-year deals before securing European football? And does anyone actually want those final European spots? The relegation scrap is heating up with Galway, Sligo, and Waterford all level on points, while the First Division play-offs are overshadowed by Mick McDermott's bizarre exit from Cobh. All that and plenty more in this week's episode — proudly brought to you by our sponsor, QuinnAv.ie.

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Episode 415: How Self-Advocacy Led to a Positive Induction and Birth Story for Claire

To Birth and Beyond

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 47:04

In today's episode of To Birth and Beyond, Anita sits down with Bump to Birth Method graduate Claire Wolfer to talk all about her birth story - a positive birth experience via induction. Together, Claire and Anita discuss everything from how Claire chose her care team, to her full birth story and advice she would give listeners - as a mom AND a Pelvic Health Occupational Therapist. Birth stories are some of our most popular episodes for a reason - so this one is not to miss!Claire Wolfer is a first time mom and a Pelvic Health Occupational Therapist at Hartford Health Care - East Region in Waterford, Connecticut.- - - - - - - - -If you liked this episode of To Birth and Beyond, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show.Want more? Visit www.ToBirthAndBeyond.com, join our Facebook group (To Birth and Beyond Podcast), and follow us on Instagram @tobirthandbeyondpodcast! Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!Resources and References Anita's Bump to Birth Method - on-demand!Resource: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/Show Notes 0:55 - Bump to Birth Method - Anita's self-study program for birthing folks - is available now!2:40 - Anita introduces what we are chatting about today, and welcomes Claire Wolfer to the podcast4:36 - Claire recalls how she felt during pregnancy - physically, mentally, and emotionally - and what was going on that caused additional stress11:04 - Claire recounts how her care providers were during her pregnancy14:07 - Claire shares how she decided on her provider group16:52 - Claire lists the different steps she took to prepare for birth - including Bump to Birth!21:58 - Claire divulges what pieces in Bump to Birth that stood out to her that she took into her very first birth prep23:32 - Claire details her birth story and how she felt supported by her care providers32:33 - Claire describes what it was like spending time with her baby in the hospital just following birth34:37 - Claire shares what her recovery and postpartum experience was like37:23 - Claire identifies what recovery items and rehab-focused movements she recommends people have for their initial birth recovery 42:52 - Claire shares advice for expecting parents46:33 - Anita brings the episode to a close

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Government accuses some Local authorities of "undermining national efforts" to tackle vacancy and dereliction

RTÉ - Drivetime

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 14:33

Cabinet heard yesterday how several councils made no compulsory purchase orders of homes or sites, in 2023 or 2024. For more on this Minister of State in the Department of Housing, with responsibility for Planning and Local Government and Fine Gael TD for Waterford.

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Ep.80: Language, home and fitting in, with Patrick Holloway

The Nerve: An English and Arts Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 32:29

This episode of the podcast features the writer Patrick Holloway, whose debut novel, “The Language of Remembering” was released earlier this year. The book tells two parallel stories: the first is set “Now” and details Oisín's return from Brazil with his wife and daughter and his reconnection with his mother Brigid, who is suffering with early onset Alzheimer's. The second, “Then” details Brigid's early life in the same small town, as she deals with an unexpected pregnancy. Patrick himself lived in Brazil and pursued a Masters and PhD in Creative Writing and he has produced poems and short stories that have also explored themes of language, belonging and grief.

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Football Daily | Rovers champions in waiting, Slot's Liverpool injury worries, Palmer crocked and Newcastle's Wissa on the comeback trail

Drive105 Match Night Live

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 12:01

On 's Friday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you a look ahead to tonight's live commentary game between St. Patricks Athletic versus Shamrock Rovers at Richmond Park, as Rovers chase a title whilst, the Saints hunt a European place.Stephen McPhail not taking a disjointed Pats team for granted.Waterford battling to avoid the drop.Derry City looking to secure Europe.Arne Slot on two players who could feature in the game with Manchester United.Enzo Maresca without ice-'Cold' Palmer.And Middlesbrough back in action under the lights against Ipswich.Become a member and subscribe at offtheball.com/joinFootball Daily with thanks to #Toyota #BigBrotherBigSister

Ronan Boyce sets sights on Waterford payback after early-season sting

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 3:32

Catch Ronan Boyce chatting with Patrick Cooke from Match Night Live ahead of a big away day in Waterford! The lads are buzzing to bounce back after a rough last visit and keep their unbeaten streak going. With only a few games left and European football up for grabs, Ronan talks about what's driving the squad, the team vibes, and how the fans help fire everyone up. Join us live from 7:00pm live from the RSC, Waterford with Michael Kealey and James O'Toole on commentary & Dee Curran in the studio.

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Derry edging closer to securing European qualification. We hear from Tiernan Lynch after Derry win away to Waterford.

Drive105 Match Night Live

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 2:27

Interview by James O'Toole

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Fleming looking to get on the score sheet as Derry prepare for trip to Waterford

Drive105 Match Night Live

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 5:43

Interview by Dee Curran

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From Waterford to Water Street: An Interview on Newfoundland Genealogy with Craig Morrissey

How We Got Here - The Stories of Atlantic Canada

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025 70:49

For a FREE 30-minute Family History Consultation, book your spot here: https://bookings.howwegothere.caIn this Episode, Brian welcomes Craig Morrissey of More You Genealogy and The Rooms archives to explore Newfoundland genealogy. Craig details the essential resources for family history, starting with the provincial archives at The Rooms, which is named for traditional "fishing rooms." He breaks down the early European settlement, primarily driven by the cod fishery, drawing people from southeast Ireland and southwest England. He also highlights crucial records, including Colonial Office and merchant records, necessary before civil registration began in 1891–92.The episode also covers the impact of industrial change and the significant history of out-migration to the "Boston States," offering advice on tracing ancestors through border documents and digital archives. Craig concludes with a genealogist's "Holy Grail"—the missing 1911 Census and the fire-destroyed Catholic records for Harbour Grace—and stresses the value of methodical, patient research.How We Got Here: Genealogy is hosted by family historian Brian Nash. Brian helps people not just trace their family tree, but understand the history surrounding the people, places, and events that make up their family's unique story.CONNECT & SUPPORT

LIVE from AVEA Conference 2025 - Get your attraction retail ready

Skip the Queue

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025 50:26

Paul Marden heads to the AVEA conference in front of a LIVE audience to find out why gift shops are such an important part of the attraction mix. Joining him is Jennifer Kennedy, Retail Consultant, JK Consulting and Michael Dolan, MD of Shamrock Gift Company. They discuss why your gift shop is an integral part of your brand and why it needs to be just as good as the experience you have on offer. This coinsides with the launch of our brand new playbook: ‘The Retail Ready Guide To Going Beyond The Gift Shop', where you can find out exactly how to improve your online offering to take your ecommerce to the next level. Download your FREE copy here: https://pages.crowdconvert.co.uk/skip-the-queue-playbookBut that's not all. Paul walks the conference floor and speaks to:Susanne Reid, CEO of Christchurch Cathedral Dublin, on how they are celebrating their millennium anniversary - 1000 years!Charles Coyle, Managing Director, Emerald Park, on how they are bringing AI integrations to enhance their booking processesRay Dempsey, General Manager of The Old Jamerson Distillery on how they offering more accessible touring optionsIt's a mega episode and one you'll not want to miss. Skip the Queue is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, a digital agency that builds remarkable systems and websites for attractions that helps them increase their visitor numbers. Your host is Paul Marden.If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm.If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on LinkedIn. Show references: Jennifer Kennedy — Founder, JK Consultinghttps://jkconsultingnyc.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kennedy-aba75712/Michael Dolan — Managing Director, Shamrock Gift Companyhttps://www.shamrockgiftcompany.com/Catherine Toolan — Managing Director, Guinness Storehouse & Global Head of Brand Homes, Diageohttp://diageo.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinetoolan/Máirín Walsh — Operations Manager, Waterford Museumhttps://www.waterfordtreasures.com/Dean Kelly — Photography & Visitor Experience Specialist https://www.wearephotoexperience.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-kelly-1259a316/Charles Coyle — Managing Director, Emerald Parkhttps://www.emeraldpark.ieSusanne Reid — CEO, Christ Church Cathedral Dublinhttp://www.christchurchcathedral.iehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/susannereid/Ray Dempsey — General Manager, Jameson Distilleryhttps://www.jamesonwhiskey.com/en-ie/visit-our-distilleries/jameson-bow-street-distillery-tour/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ray-dempsey-37a8665a/ Transcription: Paul Marden: Welcome to Skip the Queue, the podcast that tells the stories behind the world's best attractions and the amazing people that work in them. In today's episode, I'm at the AVEA 2025 conference in Waterford, Ireland, and we're talking about gift shop best practices. With Jennifer Kennedy from JK Consulting, a tourism and retail consultancy. And Jennifer led retail at Guinness Storehouse for more years than she would care to mention, I think. And we're also here with Michael Dolan, MD of Shamrock Gift Company, who has brought along the most amazing array of gift shop merchandise, which I'm sure we'll get into talking a little something about later on. And I've also got an amazing live audience. Say hello, everybody.Everyone: Hello.Paul Marden: There we go. So we always start with icebreaker that I don't prepare the two of you. Now this is probably a very unfair question for the pair of you, actually. What's the quirkiest souvenir you've ever bought? I can think of those little, the ones that you get in Spain are the little pooping santas.Jennifer Kennedy: I have a thing for Christmas decorations when I go on travel, so for me, there always tends to be something around having a little decoration on my tree every year. That if I've had one or two holidays or I've been away, that has some little thing that comes back that ends up on the tree of Christmas. I have a lovely little lemon from Amalfi that's a Christmas decoration, and so you know, so a little kind of quirky things like that.Paul Marden: Michael, what about you? Michael Dolan: One of our designers who will remain nameless? She has a thing about poo. So everyone brings her back to some poo relation. Paul Marden: Sadly, there's quite a lot of that around at the moment, isn't there? That's a bit disappointing. First question then, what's the point of a gift shop? If I put that in a more eloquent way, why are gift shops such an important part of the attraction mix?Jennifer Kennedy: Okay, it was from my point of view, the gift shop in an attraction or a destination is the ultimate touch point that the brand has to leave a lasting memory when visitors go away. So for me, they're intrinsically important in the complete 360 of how your brand shows up— as a destination or an attraction. And without a really good gift shop and really good product to take away from it, you're letting your brand down. And it's an integral piece that people can share. From a marketing point of view, every piece of your own product that's been developed, that's taken away to any part of the world can sit in someone's kitchen. It can be in multiple forms. It can be a fridge magnet. It could be a tea towel. It could be anything. But it's a connection to your brand and the home that they visited when they chose to be wherever they're visiting. So for me, I'm very passionate about the fact that your gift shop should be as good as everything else your experience has to offer. So that's my view on it. Michael Dolan: Sometimes it's neglected when people create a new visitor attraction. They don't put enough time into the retail element. I think that's changing, and a very good example of that would be Game of Thrones in Banbridge. We worked with them for two years developing the range, but also the shop. So the shop reflects the... I actually think the shop is the best part of the whole experience. But the shop reflects the actual whole experience. Jennifer Kennedy: The teaming.Michael Dolan: The teaming. So you have banners throughout the shop, the music, the lighting, it looks like a dungeon. All the display stands have swords in them, reflecting the theme of the entrance.Jennifer Kennedy: Yeah, it's a good example of how a brand like that has incorporated the full essence and theme of why they exist into their physical retail space.Paul Marden: They definitely loosened a few pounds out of my pocket. Michael Dolan: Another good example is Titanic Belfast. So they spent 80 million on that visitor attraction, which was opened in 2012, but they forgot about the shop. So the architect who designed the building designed the shop that looked like something out of the Tate Gallery. Yeah, and we went and said, 'This shop is not functional; it won't work for our type of product.' They said, 'We don't have anything in the budget to redevelop the shop.' So we paid a Dublin architect to redesign the shop. So the shop you have today, that design was paid for by Shamrock Gift Company. And if you've been in the shop, it's all brass, wood, ropes. So it's an integral part of the overall experience. But unfortunately... you can miss the shop on the way out.Paul Marden: Yeah, it is very easy to walk out the building and not engage in the shop itself. It's a bit like a dessert for a meal, isn't it? The meal's not complete if you've not had a dessert. And I think the gift shop experience is a little bit like that. The trip to the experience isn't finished. If you haven't exited through the gate. Michael Dolan: But it's the lasting memories that people bring back to the office in New York, put the mug on the table to remind people of when they're in Belfast or Dublin to go to. You know, storehouse or Titanic. So those last impressions are indelibly, you know, set.Paul Marden: So we've already said the positioning of the shop then is super important, how it feels, but product is super important, isn't it? What product you fill into the shop is a make or break experience? How do you go about curating the right product? Michael Dolan: Most important is authenticity. You know, it has to be relevant to the visitor attraction. So it's not a question of just banging out a few key rings and magnets. So I brought you along some samples there. So we're doing two new ranges, one for Titanic and one for the Royal Yacht Britannia, and they're totally different. But reflect the personality of each attraction.Paul Marden: Absolutely.Michael Dolan: I mean, a good example, we worked together or collaborated together on many, many projects in Guinness. But we also worked in St. Patrick's Cathedral.Jennifer Kennedy: Yeah.Michael Dolan: You were the consultant.Jennifer Kennedy: Yeah, yeah. So I suppose, again, from the product point of view. Yeah, if you can root product in why the experience exists. So in that example, a cathedral is a great example of how you can create really great product by utilising. Well, the main reason people are there is because this amazing building exists and the historic elements of it. So I suppose to make it real, some examples of products that connected with the audience in that environment are things like a little stone coaster. But the stone coaster is a replica of the floor you're standing on. So I suppose the other balance in attractions is realistic price points and realistic products. So there's no point in creating a range of products that's outside the price point of what your visitors are prepared to pay. So it's that fine balance of creating product that connects with them, which is, I'm using the cathedral as an example because you've got architraves, you've got stained glass windows, you've got stunning tiles. So all the elements of the fabric of that building. Can be utilised to create really beautiful products, but castles, you know, cathedrals, all of those sorts of spaces.Jennifer Kennedy: When we start talking about product, always we go to, 'why are we here?' And also the storytelling elements. There's some beautiful stories that can, I can give you another really great example of a product that was created for another cathedral, which was... So in cathedral spaces, there's all these stunning doors that run the whole way through, like they're spectacular; they're like pieces of art in their own right. And every one of them has a very unique ornate key that unlocks each door. So one of the products that did one of the cathedrals was we wanted to create a ring of brass keys with replicas of all the keys in the cathedral. But as we were progressing, we forgot at the start— it was like we forgot to tell them to scale them down. They weren't the same size as all the keys in the cathedral. So it was a very intrinsically specific gift to this particular cathedral. And it's been used ever since as kind of the special gift they give to people who come to visit from all over the world. They get quite emotional about this particular gift because it's like this is the actual replica of all the keys to all the doors in the cathedral.Jennifer Kennedy: So it's a product that's completely born. It can never be replicated anywhere else. And it's completely unique to that particular space. And I think that's the power of, for me, that's what authenticity feels and looks like in these environments. It has to be connected to the fabric of why you exist.Paul Marden: Yeah, so I was at Big Pit in Wales six months ago, I think it was. Museums Wales are redeveloping all of their gift shops and they are going through exactly that process that you're talking about, but bringing it back to the place itself because all, I think, it's six of their museums, the gift shops had much the same set of product. They described it as, you know, you were just walking into a generic Welsh gift shop with the dressed lady.Jennifer Kennedy: And it's hard— like it really takes an awful lot of work— like it doesn't just happen, like you really have to put a lot of thought and planning into what our product should and could look like. And then, when you've aligned on with the team of people managing and running these businesses, that this is the direction you want to take, then it's the operational element of it. It's about sourcing, MOQs, and price, and all of that stuff that comes into it. Minimum order quantities.Michael Dolan: That's where we come in. So, you know, we met Jennifer in St. Patrick's and we met Liz then, we met the Dean. So we really sat around and talked about what were the most important elements in the cathedral that we wanted to celebrate in product.Michael Dolan: And St. Patrick obviously was the obvious number one element. Then they have a harp stained glass window. And then they have a shamrock version of that as well. So they were the three elements that we hit on. You know, it took a year to put those three ranges together. So we would have started out with our concept drawings, which we presented to the team in St. Patrick's. They would have approved them. Then we would have talked to them about the size of the range and what products we were looking at. So then we would have done the artwork for those separate ranges, brought them back in to get them approved, go to sampling, bring the samples back in, then sit down and talk about pricing, minimum order quantities, delivery times.Michael Dolan: So the sample, you know, so that all goes out to order and then it arrives in about four or five months later into our warehouse. So we carry all the risk. We design everything, we source it, make sure that it's safely made, all the tests are confirmed that the products are good. In conformity with all EU legislation. It'll be in our warehouse and then it's called off the weekly basis. So we carry, we do everything. So one stop shop. Paul Marden: So the traction isn't even sitting on stock that they've invested in. We know what we're doing and we're quite happy to carry the risk. So one of the things we were talking about just before we started the episode was the challenges of sourcing locally. It's really important, isn't it? But it can be challenging to do that.Jennifer Kennedy: It can. And, you know, but I would say in recent years, there's a lot more creators and makers have come to the fore after COVID. So in kind of more... Specifically, kind of artisan kind of product types. So things like candles are a great example where, you know, now you can find great candle makers all over Ireland with, you know, small minimum quantity requirements. And also they can bespoke or tailor it to your brand. So if you're a museum or if you're a, again, whatever the nature of your brand is, a national store or whatever, you can have a small batch made. Which lets you have something that has provenance. And here it's Irish made, it's Irish owned. And then there's some, you know, it just it gives you an opportunity.Jennifer Kennedy: Unfortunately, we're never going to be in a position where we can source everything we want in Ireland. It just isn't realistic. And commercially, it's not viable. As much as you can, you should try and connect with the makers and creators that they are available and see if small batches are available. And they're beautiful to have within your gift store, but they also have to be the balance of other commercial products that will have to be sourced outside of Ireland will also have to play a significant role as well.Máirín Walsh: I think there needs to be a good price point as well. Like, you know, we find that in our museum, that, you know, if something is above 20, 25 euro, the customer has to kind of really think about purchasing it, where if it's 20 euro or under, you know, it's...Michael Dolan: More of an input item, yeah.Máirín Walsh: Yes, exactly, yeah.Paul Marden: And so when it's over that price point, that's when you need to be sourcing locally again. Máirín Walsh: It's a harder sell. You're kind of maybe explaining a bit more to them and trying to get them to purchase it. You know, they have to think about it.Jennifer Kennedy: But it's also good for the storytelling elements as well because it helps you engage. So I've often found as well that even train the teams and the customer service. It's actually a lovely space to have, to be able to use it as part of storytelling that we have this locally made or it's made in Cork or wherever it's coming from, that it's Irish made.Máirín Walsh: We have, what have we got? We've kind of got scarves and that and we have local— we had candles a few years ago actually. I think they were made or... up the country or whatever. But anyway, it was at Reginald's Tower and there were different kinds of candles of different attractions around and they really connected with your audience.Michael Dolan: So 20% of our turnover would be food and all that is made in Ireland. Virtually all of that is sourced locally here in Ireland. And that's a very important part of our overall product portfolio and growing as well.Paul Marden: Is it important to serve different audiences with the right product? So I'm thinking... Making sure that there's pocket money items in there for kids, because often when they come to a museum or attraction, it's their first time they ever get to spend their own money on a transaction. Yeah, that would be their first memory of shopping. So giving them what they need, but at the same time having that 25 euro and over price point. To have a real set piece item is?Jennifer Kennedy: I would say that's very specific to the brand. Paul Marden: Really? Jennifer Kennedy: Yes, because some brands can't actually sell products or shouldn't be selling products to children. Paul Marden: Really? I'm looking at the Guinness items at the end of the table.Jennifer Kennedy: So it depends on the brand. So obviously, in many of the destinations around Ireland, some of them are quite heavily family-oriented. And absolutely in those environments where you've got gardens, playgrounds or theme parks. Absolutely. You have to have that range of product that's very much tailored to young families and children. In other environments, not necessarily. But you still need to have a range that appeals to the masses. Because you will have visitors from all walks of life and with all perspectives. So it's more about having something. I'm going to keep bringing it back to it. It's specific to why this brand is here. And if you can create product within a fair price point, and Mairin is absolutely right. The balance of how much your products cost to the consumer will make or break how your retail performs. And in most destinations, what you're actually aiming to do is basket size. You want them to go away with three, four, five products from you, not necessarily one.Jennifer Kennedy: Because if you think about it, that's more beneficial for the brand. I mean, most people are buying for gifting purposes. They're bringing things back to multiple people. So, if I'm able to pick up a nice candle and it's eight or 10 euros, well, I might buy three of them if it's a beautiful candle in a nice package. Whereas, if I went in and the only option available to me was a 35-euro candle, I probably might buy that, but I'm only buying one product. And I'm only giving that to either myself or one other person. Whereas, if you can create a range that's a good price, but it's also appealing and very connected to why they came to visit you in the first place, then that's a much more powerful, for the brand point of view, that's a much more... Powerful purchasing options are available to have a basket size that's growing.Michael Dolan: We worked together in the National Stud in Kildare, so we did a great kids range of stationery, which worked really well. We've just done a new range for the GAA museum, all stationery-related, because they get a lot of kids. Again, we would have collaborated on that.Jennifer Kennedy: And actually, the natural studs are a really nice example as well, because from even a textile point of view, you can lean into equine as the, so you can do beautiful products with ponies and horses. Yeah. You know, so again, some brands make it very, it's easy to see the path that you can take with product. And then others are, you know, you have to think harder. It's a little bit more challenging. So, and particularly for cultural and heritage sites, then that really has to be grounded in what are the collections, what is on offer in these sites, in these museums, in these heritage sites, and really start to unravel the stories that you can turn into product.Paul Marden: But a product isn't enough, is it?Jennifer Kennedy: Absolutely not.Paul Marden: Set making, merchandising, storytelling, they all engage the customer, don't they?Jennifer Kennedy: 100%.Paul Marden: Where have you seen that being done well in Ireland?Michael Dolan: Get a store is the preeminent example, I would think. I mean, it's a stunning shop. Have you met Catherine too? Paul Marden: No, not yet. Lovely to meet you, Catherine. Michael Dolan: Catherine is in charge of getting the stories. Paul Marden: Okay. Any other examples that aren't, maybe, sat at the table? Game of Thrones is a really good example and Titanic.Michael Dolan: Game of Thrones. I think Titanic's good. The new shop in Trinity College is very strong, I think. So it's a temporary digital exhibition while they're revamping the library. They've done an excellent job in creating a wonderful new shop, even on a temporary basis.Jennifer Kennedy: I would say Crowe Park as well. The GAA museum there has undergone a full refurbishment and it's very tailored towards their audience. So they're very, it's high volume, very specific to their... And the look and feel is very much in keeping with the nature of the reason why people go to Crowe Park. I would say the Irish National Asteroid as well. And Colmar Abbey, Cliffs of Moher. We've got some really great offers all over the island of Ireland.Paul Marden: Yeah, absolutely. I was at W5 recently in Belfast and I think that is a brilliant example of what a Science Centre gift shop could be like. Because often there will be the kind of generic stuff that you'll see in any attraction— a notebook with rubber and a pencil— but they also had lots of, there were lots of science-led toys and engineering-led toys, so they had... big Lego section. It was like going into a proper toy shop. It was just a really impressive gift shop that you could imagine engaging a kid.Catherine Toolan: And if I could come in there for an example outside of Ireland, you've got the House of Lego in Billund. I don't know if anybody has been there, but they've got a customised range, which is only available. Really? Yes, and it's so special. They've got a really unique building, so the Lego set is in the shape of the building. They've got their original dock. But the retail store in that space, it's very geared towards children as Lego is, but also imagination play. So they've done a brilliant job on looking at, you know, the texture of their product, the colour of their product. And whilst it's usually geared to children, it's also geared to adult lovers of Lego. So it's beautiful. Huge tech as well. They've incredible RFID wristbands, which you get from your ticket at the beginning of the experience. So all of your photo ops and everything you can download from the RFID wristband. Very cool.Jennifer Kennedy: Actually, I would say it's probably from a tech point of view, one of the best attractions I've been to in recent years. Like, it's phenomenal. I remember going there the year it opened first because it was fascinating. I have two boys who are absolutely Lego nuts. And I just— we went to the home of LEGO in Billund when it opened that year and I just was blown away. I had never experienced, and I go to experiences everywhere, but I've never, from a tech point of view and a brand engagement perspective, understood the nature, the type of product that they deliver. For me, it's, like I said, I tell everyone to go to Billund. Paul Marden: Really? We've got such amazing jobs, haven't we? However, as you're both talking, I'm thinking you're a bit like me. You don't get to go and enjoy the experience for the experience's own sake because you're looking at what everybody's doing.Jennifer Kennedy: But can I actually just add to that? There's another one in the Swarovski Crystal in Austria.Paul Marden: Really?Jennifer Kennedy: That is phenomenal. And in terms of their retail space, it's like, I like a bit of sparkle, so I'm not going to lie. It was like walking into heaven. And their retail offering there is world-class in that store. And the whole brand experience from start to finish, which is what you're always trying to achieve. It's the full 360 of full immersion. You're literally standing inside a giant crystal. It's like being in a dream. Right. A crystal, sparkly dream from start to finish. And then, every year, they partner and collaborate with whoever— designers, musicians, whoever's iconic or, you know, very... present in that year or whatever. And they do these wonderful collaborations and partnerships with artists, designers, you name it.Paul Marden: Sorry, Catherine, there you go.Catherine Toolan: Thank you very much. It's on my list of places to go, but I do know the team there and what they're also doing is looking at the premiumization. So they close their retail store for high net worth individuals to come in and buy unique and special pieces. You know, they use their core experience for the daytime. And we all talk about the challenges. I know, Tom, you talk about this, you know, how do you scale up visitor experience when you're at capacity and still make sure you've a brilliant net promoter score and that the experience of the customer is fantastic. So that is about sweating the acid and you know it's that good, better, best. You know they have something for everybody but they have that halo effect as well. So it's really cool.Paul Marden: Wow. Thank you. I'm a bit of a geek. I love a bit of technology. What do you think technology is doing to the gift shop experience? Are there new technologies that are coming along that are going to fundamentally change the way the gift shop experience works?Jennifer Kennedy: I think that's rooted in the overall experience. So I don't think it's a separate piece. I think there's loads of things out there now where you can, you know, virtual mirrors have been around for years and all these other really interesting. The whole gamification piece, if you're in an amazing experience and you're getting prompts and things to move an offer today, but so that's that's been around for quite some time. I'm not sure that it's been fully utilised yet across the board, especially in I would say there's a way to go in how it influences the stores in Ireland in attractions at the moment. There'll be only a handful who I'd say are using technology, mainly digital screens, is what I'm experiencing and seeing generally. And then, if there is a big attraction, some sort of prompts throughout that and how you're communicating digitally through the whole experience to get people back into the retail space. Paul Marden: Yeah, I can imagine using tech to be able to prompt somebody at the quiet times of the gift shop. Michael Dolan: Yeah, also Guinness now you can order a pint glass with your own message on it in advance. It's ready for you when you finish your tour. You go to a locker and you just open the locker and you walk out with your glass. Catherine Toolan: Could I just say, though, that you just don't open a locker like it's actually lockers? There's a lot of customisation to the lockers because the idea came from the original Parcel Motel. So the locker is actually you key in a code and then when you open the customised locker, there's a Guinness quote inside it and your personalised glass is inside it. And the amount of customers and guests that we get to say, could we lock the door again? We want to actually open it and have that. whole experience so you know that's where I think in you know and one of the questions that would be really interesting to talk about is you know, what about self-scanning and you know, the idea of checkouts that are not having the human connection. Is that a thing that will work when you've got real experiences? I don't know. But we know that the personalisation of the engraved glasses and how we've custom designed the lockers— not to just be set of lockers— has made that difference. So they're very unique, they're colourful, they're very Guinnessified. And of course, the little personal quote that you get when you open the locker from our archives, make that a retail experience that's elevated. Paul Marden: Wow.Jennifer Kennedy: But I would also say to your point on that, that the actual, the real magic is also in the people, in the destinations, because it's not like gift shops and destinations and experiences. They're not like high street and they shouldn't be. It should be a very different experience that people are having when they've paid to come and participate with you in your destination. So I actually think technology inevitably plays a role and it's a support and it will create lovely quirks and unusual little elements throughout the years.Paul Marden: I think personalisation is great. Jennifer Kennedy: And personalisation, absolutely. But the actual, like I would be quite against the idea of automating checkout and payouts in gift shops, in destinations, because for me... That takes away the whole essence of the final touch point is actually whoever's talked to you when you did that transaction and whoever said goodbye or asked how your experience was or did you enjoy yourself? So those you can't you can't replace that with without a human personal touch. So for me, that's intrinsically important, that it has to be retained, that the personal touch is always there for the goodbye.Dean Kelly: I'm very happy that you brought up the human touch. I'm a photo company, I do pictures. And all the time when we're talking to operators, they're like, 'Can we make it self-serve? Can we get rid of the staffing costs?' I'm like, 'I'm a photographer. Photographers take pictures of people. We need each other to engage, react, and put the groups together. No, we don't want the staff costs. But I'm like, it's not about the staff costs. It's about the customer's experience. So all day long, our challenge is, more so in the UK now, because we operate in the UK, and everybody over there is very, we don't want the staff.' And I think, if you lose the staff engagement, especially taking a picture, you lose the memory and you lose the moment. And photographers have a really good job to do, a very interesting job, is where to capture people together. And if you lose that person— touch point of getting the togetherness— You just have people touching the screen, which they might as well be on their phone.Paul Marden: And the photo won't look as good, will it? Anybody could take a photo, but it takes a photographer to make people look like they're engaged and happy and in the moment.Dean Kelly: Yeah, exactly, and a couple of other points that you mentioned— with the brand, personalisation, gamification, all that kind of cool, juicy stuff, all the retail stuff, people going home with the memory, the moment, all that stuff's cool, but nobody mentioned photos until Cashin, you mentioned photos. We've had a long conversation with photos for a long time, and we'll probably be still chatting for another long time as well. But photography is a super, super retail revenue stream. But it's not about the revenue, it's about the moment and the magic. Jennifer Kennedy: Yeah, you're capturing the magic. Dean Kelly: Capturing it. And fair enough that what you guys do at Shamrock is very interesting because you talk to the operators. You kind of go, 'What gifts are going to work for your visitors?' And you turn that into a product. And that's exactly what we do with all the experiences. We take pictures.Dean Kelly: But what's your demographic saying? What's your price points? What's your brand? What's your message? And let's turn that into a personalised souvenir, put the people in the brand, and let them take it home and engage with it.Paul Marden: So... I think one of the most important things is how you blend the gift shop with the rest of the experience. You were giving a good example of exiting through the gift shop. It's a very important thing, isn't it? But if you put it in the wrong place, you don't get that. How do you blend the gift shop into the experience?Jennifer Kennedy: Well, I would say I wouldn't call it a blend. For me, the retail element of the brand should be a wow. Like it should be as invaluable, as important as everything else. So my perspective would be get eyes on your retail offering sooner rather than later. Not necessarily that they will participate there and then.Jennifer Kennedy: The visual and the impact it has on seeing a wow— this looks like an amazing space. This looks like with all these products, but it's also— I was always chasing the wow. I want you to go, wow, this looks amazing. Because, to me, that's when you've engaged someone that they're not leaving until they've gotten in there. It is important that people can potentially move through it at the end. And, you know, it depends on the building. It depends on the structure. You know, a lot of these things are taken out of your hands. You've got to work with what you've got. Jennifer Kennedy: But you have to work with what you've got, not just to blend it, to make it stand out as exceptional. Because that's actually where the magic really starts. And it doesn't matter what brand that is. The aim should always be that your retail offering is exceptional from every touch point. And it shouldn't be obvious that we've spent millions in creating this wonderful experience. And now you're being shoehorned into the poor relation that was forgotten a little bit and now has ten years later looks a bit ramshackle. And we're trying to figure out why we don't get what we should out of it.Michael Dolan: And it has to be an integral part of the whole experience.Jennifer Kennedy: Yeah, and I think for new experiences that are in planning stages, I've seen that more and more in recent years. Now, where I was being called to retrofix or rip out things going, this doesn't work, I'm like, okay, well, we have to retro do this. Now, when people are doing new builds or new investments into new spaces, I'm getting those calls at the planning stages where it's like, we've allocated this amount of space to retail. Do you think that's enough? And I don't think I've ever said yes, ever. At every single turn, I'm like... No, it's not enough. And, you know, what's your anticipated football? Oh, that's the numbers start to play a role in it. But it's not just about that. It's about the future proofing. It's like what happens in five years, 10 years, 15? Because I've been very lucky to work in buildings where it's not easy to figure out where you're going to go next. And particularly heritage sites and cultural heritage. Like I can't go in and knock a hole in the crypt in Christchurch Cathedral. But I need a bigger retail space there.Jennifer Kennedy: The earlier you start to put retail as a central commercial revenue stream in your business, the more eyes you have on it from the get-go, the more likely it is that it will be successful. Not now, not in five years, not in ten years, but that you're building blocks for this, what can become. Like it should be one of your strongest revenue streams after ticket sales because that's what it can become. But you have to go at it as this is going to be amazing.Catherine Toolan: I think it's important that it's not a hard sell and that's in your face. And, you know, that's where, when you think about the consumer journey, we always think about the behavioural science of the beginning, the middle, and the end. And people remember three things. You know, there's lots of other touch points. But if retail is a really hard sell throughout the experience, I don't think the net promoter score of your overall experience will, you know, come out, especially if you're, you know, and we're not a children's destination. An over 25 adult destination at the Guinness Storehouse and at our alcohol brand homes. But what's really important is that it's authentic, it's really good, and it's highly merchandised, and that it's unique. I think that uniqueness is it— something that you can get that you can't get anywhere else. You know, how do you actually, one of the things that we would have done if we had it again, we would be able to make our retail store available to the domestic audience, to the public without buying a ticket. So, you know, you've got that opportunity if your brand is the right brand that you can have walk-in off the high street, for example.Catherine Toolan: So, you know, there's so many other things that you can think about because that's an extension of your revenue opportunity where you don't have to come in to do the whole experience. And that is a way to connect the domestic audience, which is something I know a lot of the members of the Association, AVEA are trying to do. You know, how do we engage and connect and get repeat visits and and retail is a big opportunity to do that, especially at gifting season.Paul Marden: Yeah, yeah, sustainability is increasingly important to the narrative of the whole retail experience, isn't it? How do you make sure that we're not going about just selling plastic tat that nobody's going to look after?Michael Dolan: We've made this a core value for Shamrock Gift Company, so we've engaged with a company called Clearstream Solutions, the same company that Guinness Store has. have worked with them. So it's a long-term partnership. So they've measured our carbon footprint from 2019 to 2023. So we've set ourselves the ambitious target of being carbon neutral by 2030.Michael Dolan: So just some of the elements that we've engaged in. So we put 700 solar panels on our roof as of last summer. All our deliveries in Dublin are done with electric vans, which we've recently purchased. All the lights in the building now are LED. Motion-sensored as well. All the cars are electric or that we've purchased recently, and we've got a gas boiler. So we've also now our shipments from China we're looking at biodiesel. So that's fully sustainable. And we also, where we can't use biodiesel, we're doing carbon offsetting as well.Paul Marden: So a lot of work being done in terms of the cost of CO2 of the transport that you're doing. What about the product itself? How do you make sure that the product itself is inherently something that people are going to treasure and is not a throwaway item?Michael Dolan: We're using more sustainable materials, so a lot more stone, a lot more wood. Paul Marden: Oh, really? Michael Dolan: Yeah. Also, it begins with great design. Yeah. So, you know, and obviously working with our retail partners, make sure that the goods are very well designed, very well manufactured. So we're working with some wonderful, well, best in class manufacturers around the world. Absolutely.Jennifer Kennedy: I think as well, if... you can, and it's becoming easier to do, if you can collaborate with some creators and makers that are actually within your location.Jennifer Kennedy: Within Ireland, there's a lot more of that happening, which means sourcing is closer to home. But you also have this other economy that's like the underbelly of the craft makers market in Ireland, which is fabulous, which needs to be brought to the fore. So collaborations with brands can also form a very integral part of product development that's close to home and connected to people who are here—people who are actually creating product in Ireland.Paul Marden: This is just instinct, not knowledge at all. But I would imagine that when you're dealing with those local crafters and makers, that they are inherently more sustainable because they're creating things local to you. It's not just the distance that's...Jennifer Kennedy: Absolutely, but in any instances that I'm aware of that I've been involved with, anyway, even the materials and their mythology, yeah, is all grounded in sustainability and which is fabulous to see. Like, there's more and there's more and more coming all the time.Michael Dolan: We've got rid of 3 million bags a year. Key rings, mags used to be individually bagged. And now there are 12 key rings in a bag that's biodegradable. That alone is 2 million bags.Paul Marden: It's amazing, isn't it? When you look at something as innocuous as the bag itself that it's packaged in before it's shipped out. You can engineer out of the supply chain quite a lot of unnecessary packaging Michael Dolan: And likewise, then for the retailer, they don't have to dispose of all that packaging. So it's a lot easier and cleaner to put the product on the shelf. Yes.Paul Marden: Something close to my heart, online retail. Have you seen examples where Irish attractions have extended their gift shop experience online, particularly well?Jennifer Kennedy: For instance, there are a few examples, but what I was thinking more about on that particular thought was around the nature of the brand again and the product that, in my experience, the brands that can do that successfully tend to have something on offer that's very nostalgic or collectible. Or memorabilia and I think there are some examples in the UK potentially that are where they can be successful online because they have a brand or a product that people are collecting.Paul Marden: Yeah, so one of my clients is Jane Austen House, only about two miles away from where I live. And it blew me away the importance of their online shop to them. They're tiny. I mean, it is a little cottage in the middle of Hampshire, but they have an international audience for their gift shop. And it's because they've got this really, really committed audience of Jane Austen fans who want to buy something from the house. Then everybody talks about the Tank Museum in Dorset.Paul Marden: Who make a fortune selling fluffy tank slippers and all you could possibly imagine memorabilia related to tanks. Because again, it's that collection of highly curated products and this really, really committed audience of people worldwide. Catherine Toolan: The Tank were here last year presenting at the AVEA conference and it was such an incredible story about their success and, you know, how they went from a very small museum with a lot of support from government to COVID to having an incredible retail store, which is now driving their commercial success.Paul Marden: Yeah, absolutely. Nick has done a load of work. Yeah, that leads me nicely onto a note. So listeners, for a long time, Skip the Queue has been totally focused on the podcast. But today we have launched our first playbook. Which is hopefully the first of many. But the playbook that we're launching today is all about how attractions can focus on best practice for gift shop e-commerce. So we work with partners, Rubber Cheese, Navigate, and Stephen Spencer Associates. So Steve and his team has helped us to contribute to some sections to the guide around, how do you curate your product? How do you identify who the audience is? How do you create that collection? The team at Rubber Cheese talk about the mechanics of how do you put it online and then our friends at Navigate help you to figure out what the best way is to get bums on seats. So it was a crackpot idea of mine six months ago to put it together, and it is now huge.Paul Marden: It's packed full of advice, and that's gone live today. So you can go over to skipthequeue.fm and click on the Playbooks link there to go and download that. Thank you. So, Jennifer, Michael, it has been absolutely wonderful to talk to both of you. Thank you to my audience. You've also been fabulous. Well done. And what a packed episode that was. I get the feeling you two quite enjoy gift shops and retailing. You could talk quite a lot about it.Jennifer Kennedy: I mean, I love it. Paul Marden: That didn't come over at all. Jennifer Kennedy: Well, I just think it's such a lovely way of connecting with people and keeping a connection, particularly from a brand point of view. It should be the icing on the cake, you know?Paul Marden: You're not just a market store salesperson, are you?Jennifer Kennedy: And I thoroughly believe that the most successful ones are because the experiences that they're a part of sow the seeds. They plant the love, the emotion, the energy. All you're really doing is making sure that that magic stays with people when they go away. The brand experience is the piece that's actually got them there in the first place. Paul Marden: Now let's go over to the conference floor to hear from some Irish operators and suppliers.Charles Coyle: I'm Charles Coyle. I'm the managing director of Emerald Park. We're Ireland's only theme park and zoo. We opened in November 2010, which shows you how naive and foolish we were that we opened a visitor attraction in the middle of winter. Fortunately, we survived it.Paul Marden: But you wouldn't open a visitor attraction in the middle of summer, so give yourself a little bit of a run-up to it. It's not a bad idea.Charles Coyle: Well, that's true, actually. You know what? I'll say that from now on, that we had the genius to open in the winter. We're open 15 years now, and we have grown from very small, humble aspirations of maybe getting 150,000 people a year to we welcomed 810,000 last year. And we'll probably be in and around the same this year as well. Paul Marden: Wowzers, that is really impressive. So we are here on the floor. We've already heard some really interesting talks. We've been talking about AI in the most recent one. What can we expect to happen for you in the season coming in?Charles Coyle: Well, we are hopefully going to be integrating a lot of AI. There's possibly putting in a new booking system and things like that. A lot of that will have AI dynamic pricing, which has got a bad rap recently, but it has been done for years and years in hotels.Paul Marden: Human nature, if you ask people, should I be punished for travelling during the summer holidays and visiting in a park? No, that sounds terrible. Should I be rewarded for visiting during a quiet period? Oh, yes! Yes, I should definitely. It's all about perspective, isn't it? Very much so. And it is how much you don't want to price gouge people. You've got to be really careful. But I do think dynamic pricing has its place.Charles Coyle: Oh, absolutely. I mean, a perfect example of it is right now, our top price is not going to go any higher, but it'll just be our lower price will be there more constantly, you know, and we'll... Be encouraging people to come in on the Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as you said, rewarding people for coming in at times in which we're not that busy and they're probably going to have a better day as a result.Susanne Reid: Hi, Suzanne Reid here. I'm the CEO at Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin. What are you here to get out of the conference? First and foremost, the conference is a great opportunity every year to... catch up with people that you may only see once a year from all corners of the country and it's also an opportunity to find out what's new and trending within tourism. We've just come from a really energising session on AI and also a very thought-provoking session on crisis management and the dangers of solar panels.Paul Marden: Yes, absolutely. Yeah, the story of We the Curious is definitely an interesting one. So we've just come off the back of the summer season. So how was that for you?Susanne Reid:Summer season started slower than we would have liked this year in 2025, but the two big American football matches were very strong for us in Dublin. Dublin had a reasonable season, I would say, and we're very pleased so far on the 13th of the month at how October is playing out. So hoping for a very strong finish to the year. So coming up to Christmas at Christchurch, we'll have a number of cathedral events. So typically our carol concerts, they tend to sell out throughout the season. Then we have our normal pattern of services and things as well.Paul Marden: I think it's really important, isn't it? You have to think back to this being a place of worship. Yes, it is a visitor attraction. Yes, that's an aside, isn't it? And the reason it is a place of worship.Susanne Reid: I think that's obviously back to what our earlier speaker was talking about today. That's our charitable purpose, the promotion of religion, Christianity. However, you know, Christchurch is one of the most visited attractions in the city.Susanne Reid: Primarily, people do come because it will be there a thousand years in 2028. So there is, you know, the stones speak really. And, you know, one of the sessions I've really benefited from this morning was around accessible tourism. And certainly that's a journey we're on at the cathedral because, you know, a medieval building never designed for access, really. Paul Marden: No, not hugely. Susanne Reid: Not at all. So that's part of our programming and our thinking and our commitment to the city and to those that come to it from our local communities. But also from further afield, that they can come and enjoy the splendour of this sacred space.Paul Marden: I've been thinking long and hard, and been interviewing people, especially people like We The Curious, where they're coming into their 25th anniversary. They were a Millennium Project. I hadn't even thought about interviewing an attraction that was a thousand years old. A genuine millennium project.Susanne Reid: Yeah, so we're working towards that, Paul. And, you know, obviously there's a committee in-house thinking of how we might celebrate that. One of the things that, you know, I know others may have seen elsewhere, but... We've commissioned a Lego builder to build a Lego model of the cathedral. There will obviously be some beautiful music commissioned to surround the celebration of a thousand years of Christchurch at the heart of the city. There'll be a conference. We're also commissioning a new audio tour called the ACE Tour, Adults, Children and Everyone, which will read the cathedral for people who have no sense of what they're looking at when they maybe see a baptismal font, for example. You know, we're really excited about this and we're hoping the city will be celebratory mood with us in 2028.Paul Marden: Well, maybe you can bring me back and I'll come and do an episode and focus on your thousand year anniversary.Susanne Reid: You'd be so welcome.Paul Marden: Oh, wonderful. Thank you, Suzanne.Paul Marden: I am back on the floor. We have wrapped up day one. And I am here with Ray Dempsey from Jameson Distillery. Ray, what's it been like today?Ray Dempsey: Paul, it's been a great day. I have to say, I always loved the AVEA conference. It brings in such great insights into our industry and into our sector. And it's hosted here in Waterford, a city that I'm a native of. And, you know, seeing it through the eyes of a tourist is just amazing, actually, because normally I fly through here. And I don't have the chance to kind of stop and think, but the overall development of Waterford and the presentation from the Waterford County Council was really, really good. It's fantastic. They have a plan. A plan that really is driving tourism. Waterford, as a tourist destination, whereas before, you passed through Waterford. It was Waterford Crystal's stop and that was it. But they have put so much into the restoration of buildings, the introduction of lovely artisan products, very complimentary to people coming to here, whether it is for a day, a weekend, or a week. Fantastic.Paul Marden: What is it? We're in the middle of October and it's a bit grey and drizzly out there. But let's be fair, the town has been packed. The town has been packed.With coaches outside, so my hotel this morning full of tourists.Ray Dempsey: Amazing, yeah it's a great hub, a great hub, and they've done so much with the city to enable that, and you see, as you pass down the keys, you know that new bridge there to enable extra traffic coming straight into the heart of the city, it's fantastic. We're all learning from it, and hopefully, bring it all back to our own hometowns.Paul Marden: I think it's been really interesting. We were talking earlier on, before I got the microphone out, saying how it's been a real mixed bag this year across the island of Ireland, hasn't it? So some people really, really busy, some people rubbish year.Ray Dempsey: Yeah, I mean, I feel privileged the fact that, you know, we haven't seen that in Dublin. So, you know, there's a it's been a very strong year, a little bit after a little bit of a bumpy start in January, February. But, like, for the rest of the year onwards, it's been fantastic. It's been back to back festivals and lots of things, lots of reasons why people come to Dublin. And, of course, with the introduction of the NFL. That's new to us this year. And hopefully, we'll see it for a number of years to come. But they're great builders for organic growth for our visitor numbers. So I'm happy to say that I'm seeing a growth in both revenue and in visitor numbers in the Jameson Distillery. So I'm happy to see that. Now, naturally, I'm going to have to work harder to make sure it happens next year and the year after. But I'm happy to say that the tourism product in Dublin has definitely improved. And Dublin-based visitor attractions are doing well. Paul Marden: Exciting plans for summer 26? Ray Dempsey: Yes, every year is exciting, Paul. And every year brings a challenge and everything else. But I'm delighted to say that our focus for 2026 really is on building inclusion. So we're looking at language tours.Ray Dempsey: We're looking at tours for... you know, margins in society. And I think it's a really interesting way for us to be able to embrace accessibility to our story. And also, we have increased our experience repertoire to engage more high-end experiences, not private experiences. More demand for those. Okay. So we're delighted to say that we have the product in order to be able to do that. So that's exciting for us, you know, to be building into 2026. Great. Paul Marden: Thank you so much for joining us. I am the only thing standing in the way of you and a drink at the cocktail reception later on. So I think we should call it quits. Ray Dempsey: And for sure. Paul Marden: If you enjoyed today's episode, then please like and comment in your podcast app. It really does help others to find us. Today's episode was written by me, Paul Marden, with help from Emily Burrows from Plaster. It was edited by Steve Folland and produced by Wenalyn Dionaldo. See you next week. The 2025 Visitor Attraction Website Survey is now LIVE! Dive into groundbreaking benchmarks for the industryGain a better understanding of how to achieve the highest conversion ratesExplore the "why" behind visitor attraction site performanceLearn the impact of website optimisation and visitor engagement on conversion ratesUncover key steps to enhance user experience for greater conversionsTake the Rubber Cheese Visitor Attraction Website Survey Report

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Goals, Goodbyes & Cup Final Countdown

Final Whistle Women's National League

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025 56:09

It's the last league episode of the season and Breifne Earley is joined once again by Meabh De Burca (@MeabhDeBurca) to wrap up a wild final weekend in the Women's Premier Division, reflect on the retirements of four legends, and look ahead to this weekend's FAI Women's Cup Final.

The Glossy Ibis

RTÉ - Mooney Goes Wild

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 11:33

Listener Martin Murray from Waterford sent us in some lovely photos of a Glossy Ibis feeding. Ornithologist Eric Dempsey explains this interesting bird.

waterford ibis glossy

Ep. 79: The Poetry Lounge

The Nerve: An English and Arts Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2025 52:45

In this first episode of the new season of The Nerve, we visit The Poetry Lounge, a regular event organised by Waterford poet Ger Duffy that features well known and new poets from around the country. Events are held in Waterford Gallery of Art and are free and open to members of the public. This episode features the poets Luke Morgan, John Noonan and D'Or Seifer and includes readings of their work recorded at the event by Aidan Grant.

culture art english ireland events theater irish theory poetry literature nerve waterford luke morgan

Leafy Peaks

RGB: Presents The Pitch Putt & Puff Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025 30:35

Today we are joined by Kerrie and Anthony from Leafy Peaks Dispensary located in Waterford New York to discuss the dispensary and the journey of opening to where they are today. We also discuss the upcoming Fall Festival this Sunday from 12-5 at the Waterford location where you can find live music food vendors c@nna vendors and of course great vibes!! So make sure you stop in check them out on Sunday if you can't make it Sunday check them out on instagram @leafy.peaks or online www.leafypeaks.com and put your order in for pick up or delivery #podcast #518 #bogey #live #golf #birdie #bogeygolf #explore #fairway #golfer #gardener #gardentok #

peaks waterford fall festival leafy

Interview w/ Omar Ramos! | Waterford Place Cancer Resource Center

Good Morning Aurora

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 29:19

Good morning! This morning we are excited to welcome a new guest to our program. We will be talking with Mr. Omar Ramos, Program Development & Operations Manager for Waterford Place Cancer Resource Center. The 10 year anniversary is fast approaching and we will also be talking about the Pretty In Pink event Monday, October 13th from 5:00 pm to7:00 pm. Got questions? Send us an email to: goodmorningaurorail@gmail.comHave a great rest of the day! Good Morning Aurora will return with more news, weather and the very best of Aurora. Subscribe to the show on YouTube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/c/GoodMorningAuroraPodcastThe second largest city's first daily news podcast is here. Tune in 5 days a week, Monday thru Friday from 9:00 to 9:30 am. Make sure to like and subscribe to stay updated on all things Aurora.Threads: https://www.threads.net/@goodmorningaurorailInstagram: goodmorningaurorailSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6dVweK5Zc4uPVQQ0Fp1vEP...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../good-morning.../id1513229463Anchor: https://anchor.fm/goodmorningauroraACTV (Aurora Community Television): https://www.aurora-il.org/309/Aurora-Community-TV#kanecountyil #bataviail #genevail #elginil #aurorail #auroraillinois #cityofaurorail #auroramedia #auroranews #morningnews #goodmorningaurora #wednesday #fyp

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Ep 1112: Live Show 10/4 - Max Togisala is En Fuego!

Utah Golf Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2025 106:36

Max Togisala joins the live show on ESPN 700 to dish on his 3 US Adaptive Opens, Seated Division, in a row, and winning the overall championship in the Minnesota Adaptive Open. Tournament Director John Coolbaugh catches us up on the Bank of Utah Championship and their statewide trophy tour. Utah PGA pro and Park City HS coach Jon Paupour tees up next week's state high school championships, and Waterford coach Jeff Instefjord relishes the Ravens' state 2A championship. Sponsored by Goldenwest Credit Union.

bank espn ravens live show 2a waterford en fuego

Mike Harris | Teaching Students to Save Lives: Stop the Bleed Law

The Steve Gruber Show

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 11:00

State Representative Mike Harris of Waterford, Michigan, joins The Steve Gruber Show to discuss his new “Stop the Bleed” legislation. The law updates Michigan's Good Samaritan protections to cover anyone using life-saving blood control techniques, like pressure and tourniquets, during emergencies. Harris also explains how the bill integrates a Stop the Bleed curriculum into school health and safety courses, giving students the skills to act quickly and save lives when every second counts.

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S09E32: European Odysseys, Waterford Whispers and Seani Maguire's FAI Cup Feelings

LOI Weekly

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 69:31

The finishing line is in sight for everyone apart from Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne as the closing stretch of the league clashes with the beginning of European league phase excitement. Dan and Johnny convene to discuss a busy week on a variety of fronts; and return to the familiar theme of Shamrock Rovers levels and Shelbourne's 2024 standards, discussions that might just happen more frequently than Waterford changing managers. Our mailbag listeners do ask us to go there in the search to put respect on names, while there's also talk of Damien Duff sightings, ungentlemanly transfer speculation and Derry dramas amongst other things. Johnny hears from Cork City's Seani Maguire ahead of a big weekend for the final four in the FAI Cup. We couldn't do this without our fab four; Collar & Cuff, Rascals Brewing, Future Ticketing and Sport Cosanta.

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Football Daily | Arteta's Arsenal win big in Newcastle, Coleman feels the Waterford blues, Roma join Milan and Napoli at the top, and 50 athletes call for Israel ban

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2025 10:39

On Monday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you the latest as Arsenal snatched a late win against Newcastle United, and a look ahead to tonight's game as Everton take on West Ham.Mikel Arteta feels like it was a big weekend in the title race.Eddie Howe worries over the lack of quality in his team's performance.Unai Emery wants his Aston Villa side to kick on.Eddie Howe defends Joshua King from the naysayers.Evan Ferguson plays just 30 minutes in Roma's win.And 50 athletes call for an Israeli sporting ban.Become a member and subscribe at offtheball.com/joinFootball Daily with thanks to #Toyota #BigBrotherBigSister

LOI Late Night: Rovers one step closer to the title | Shels beat Waterford in fiery encounter

ireland league encounter late night fiery loi waterford one step closer rovers otb johnny ward shels

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2025 51:40

Ben Symes, Shane Keegan and Johnny Ward are here for LOI Late Night after yet another dramatic evening of League of Ireland football.LOI on OTB is with Rockshore 0.0

Harry Wood: 'It is something that I will remember forever... ' | Shels chase a return to Europe ahead of Waterford visit

Tales From The East Stand

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 13:45

Harry Wood speaks to our own Cillian Horan ahead of Shelbourne's clash with Waterford on Friday night. Shels are currently in sixth position and need to win games to keep their European aspirations for next season alive.The League of Ireland on Off The Ball with Rockshore 0.0

europe european ireland forever league wood waterford shelbourne shels

TFTES 344

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 229:18

Jason Gaffney fills in for Gar this week to review the Cork and Waterford away games, and give his thoughts on writing for Hoops Scene, the Japan 1975 tour, attendance figures, Matt Healy and Dublin Derbies this season. Alan Campbell, a former teammate of Jason's dad Robbie in the early 80s, guest stars on a new edition of the TFTES Hotline with topics for our 10 callers ranging from Europe, birthdays and injuries to best pints, podcasts and Irish TV series.

europe japan football ireland league cork gar shamrocks waterford rovers irish tv matt healy alan campbell

Almost 60% of Contactless Payments Made Using Mobile Wallets rather than Cards

librarians waterford best picks

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 5:59

Over 1.6 billion contactless point of sale (POS) payments, valued at €28.3 billion, were made in shops, restaurants and other retail outlets in the 12 months to June 2025, according to the latest payments analysis published today in Banking & Payments Federation Ireland's (BPFI) Payments Monitor. The report reveals that contactless payments accounted for 87.9% of all POS card payments in H1 2025, with more than half of all contactless payments now made using mobile wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, rather than cards. Speaking on the publication of the latest Payments Monitor, Gillian Byrne, Head of Payments, BPFI, stated: "Looking at the payments trends in today's report, we can see that contactless payments continue to be very popular with Irish consumers, accounting for almost nine out of ten point of sale (POS) card payments made in shops, restaurants and other retail outlets in Ireland in the first half of 2025. The use of smartphones and watches is growing in popularity and is the preferred payment device over physical cards for many consumers. Some 58.2% of contactless payments were made using mobile wallets rather than cards in the first half of 2025 (58.8% in Q2 2025), up from 52% in the same period of 2024. Overall, there were almost 454 million mobile wallet payments in Ireland on Irish cards in H1 2025, up 19.7% on the same period in 2024." Adoption of mobile wallet payments varies by region Looking at regional variations, Ms Byrne added: "Dublin had the highest number of contactless and mobile wallet payments per capita in Ireland at 392 and 238, respectively, in the twelve months ending June 2025, accounting for 39.1% of all contactless payments and 41.8% of mobile wallet payments. Carlow had the second-highest number of contactless payments per capita at 339, followed by Limerick with 299 and Waterford with 289. By contrast, Roscommon had the lowest contactless per capita at 139, behind Offaly with 148 and Monaghan at 157." As cash usage declines, digital euro plans will be key Ms Byrne continued: "As the popularity of contactless payments has grown, cash usage has fallen in recent years, with less than half of POS payments in Ireland made in cash in 2024, according to European Central Bank (ECB) survey data, down from about 54% two years earlier. While cash remains of vital importance to many people, a recent consumer survey commissioned by BPFI shows that 7% of consumers say they don't use cash, while most use it for small payments, with 54% holding less than €50 cash on hand. The ECB has noted the limitations of physical cash in an increasingly digital world and is seeking to complement it with a digital form of cash - the digital euro." "However, there is still some uncertainty as to how a digital euro will work, reflected in the fact that almost one in four (23%) said that they did not plan to use the digital euro, and 14% of consumers said they didn't know how much digital euro they expected to hold. When asked how they would use the digital euro, just under half of respondents stated they would be likely or very likely to use a digital euro for online purchases, sending money to friends or family or for POS payments. The ECB is expected to announce the next steps for the digital euro shortly, although it is likely we will see the rollout of digital euro wallets by banks in the years to come. However, the results of today's research points to the need for raising greater consumer awareness of the digital euro and how consumers could benefit from using it in the future." Efficiency and consumer experience must remain priorities for digital euro rollout She concluded: "Meanwhile, a recent PwC study commissioned by the European Credit Sector Associations estimates that implementing the digital euro could cost euro area banks about €18 billion - before ongoing running costs and enhancements are factored in. The focus must be on efficiency and long-term viability, giving banks and payment providers the...

Waterford Librarians have all their best picks for autumn

Today with Claire Byrne

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2025 12:56

Jennie Loughran, Waterford Librarian and Tracy McEnaney, Waterford Librarian

S9 Ep31: We're Sorry (Ft. Joey O'Brien & Kev Doherty)

Between the Stripes LOI podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2025 73:48

We've got some making up to do after last week's phantom episode — and we're back with a bang. This week features fascinating audio with Joey O'Brien and Kevin Doherty. The Shels boss admits this season has fallen short of expectations as defending champions, while Doherty hits back at criticism over his side's style of play. Elsewhere, the lads break down a hectic few days across both divisions, from Sligo's revival to Galway's decline and Waterford's defensive woes. In the First Division, Dundalk face some harsh words after their shock defeat to Longford. Sponsored by QuinnAv.ie

galway doherty waterford sligo dundalk longford first division joey o shels kevin doherty

Klearcom establishes US office with 20 new jobs

european galway double header shamrocks collar waterford cuff drogheda shamrock rovers shelbourne andrew quinn

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2025 3:53

Klearcom, a leading provider of global contact centre testing solutions, today announces that it has established its first physical base in the US with the opening of a new office in Boonton, New Jersey. To facilitate this growth, Klearcom will hire 20 new team members in the US. The announcement has been welcomed by Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment of Ireland. Headquartered in Waterford, Klearcom is currently pursuing aggressive growth in the US market. The new base will enable Klearcom to acquire more US-based customers and strengthen relationships with existing clients, such as Google, Mastercard and Visa. This will help the company to grow its share in the interactive voice response (IVR) market, currently valued at $5.9BN and growing at a rate of 7% per annum. The new hires, to be appointed across sales and customer service over the next 12 months, represent a significant investment from Klearcom. They, and the New Jersey base, will be central to enhancing service delivery and providing on-the-ground support to Klearcom's growing US customer base. As the IVR market continues to grow at pace, the expansion will ensure Klearcom stays ahead of market challenges and seizes new opportunities. At the same time, Klearcom will continue to deliver reliable and quality testing for businesses' automated voice systems, especially within critical customer service channels. The expansion will facilitate faster onboarding, greater support and a more personalised service, enabling the company to align more closely with US business priorities, time zones and escalation needs. Mark Rohan, co-founder and chief operating officer, Klearcom, said: "The US market is vital to Klearcom's growth strategy. As such, this announcement is not only a mark of our success in the US to-date, but also our commitment to businesses there. And, while this is our first office in the US, it will not be our only one. "For us, the expansion comes at the perfect time as businesses increasingly demand cutting-edge technology over outdated legacy systems. Our AI-driven IVR testing is the fastest in the world, enabling enterprises to quickly identify and resolve issues within their telecom system infrastructure, and cementing our position as the leading provider of contact centre testing solutions. "Our US office doesn't just mean faster response times - it means being on the ground, right where our customers need us most." Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment of Ireland, said: "Klearcom is a prime example of an Irish company whose ambition has driven impressive growth on the global stage. This next step in the company's journey will open the door to exceptional opportunities within the United States, which have the potential to take the business to new heights. I look forward to watching the team's progress as they grow their footprint in this important market." See more stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

S09E31 Double Header Review. How good are Shamrock Rovers? What next for Galway United?

LOI Weekly

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 65:50

The boys are back in Oliver Ireland for a quickfire review of a double header that could prove very significant come the end of the season. Johnny has Galway's woes on the mind, while Dan debates the potential legacy of this Shamrock Rovers side before we hear from Andrew Quinn and Joey O'Brien about another Drogheda v Shelbourne meeting where possession equals defeat. On top of that, we've got a mailbag searching for new words on Mason Melia, some worries about Waterford's slump and a call for European predictions that the lads skilfully manage to swerve before Dan changes course with a big call for 2026. All of these definitive guesses are brought to you in association with Future Ticketing, Collar & Cuff, Sport Cosanta and Rascals Brewing.

SNA redeployment - Waterford weather map - Pitch vandalism - Silent 999 calls

RTÉ - Liveline

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2025 66:53

Listeners are worried about the redeployment of SNAs in schools. Noel has noticed something about Waterford's position on the map during the television weather bulletins. Dave explains what happened to the pitch where he trains soccer in Co. Leitrim. Sgt. Caitriona Holohan explains what a silent 999 call is.

weather silent pitch sgt waterford vandalism leitrim redeployment snas

Podcaster And Author Ciaran Murphy On His Decision To Take Up Hurling In His 40s

The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2025 14:14

Second Captains co-host, Irish Times columnist and author, Ciaran Murphy, has published his second book ‘Old Parish: Notes on Hurling”.He tells the story of how despite being an avid Galway GAA fan – one of the few dual counties in Ireland – he had only ever played Gaelic football.So, in the lead up to his 42nd birthday, he decided to move to Co. Waterford and play hurling with An Sean Phobal, the club that his father played for in the 1960s.Ciaran joined Matt on Monday's The Last Word to tell him why he felt compelled to do it.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the conversation.

ireland decision podcasters last word gaelic take up waterford ciaran irish times hurling second captains

Students Recycle 1.5 Million Batteries and save valuable materials from landfill

ireland natural treatments plant providing wetlands waterford rte wastewater treatment george lee

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2025 3:47

Students across Ireland saved the equivalent of 1.5 million AA batteries from landfill last school year - the weight of close to four school buses - with one small school collecting nearly 2,000 AA batteries per person. Cloonfour National School in Roscommon, with just 40 pupils, proved that even the smallest schools can make a massive impact as they rallied their families and community to collect used batteries for recycling and win their category in the national WEEE Ireland Schools Battery Recycling Competition. Other winning schools hailed from Galway, Carlow, Roscommon, Waterford and Donegal, with each awarded a €2,000 sports voucher for their efforts. This year's competition launches as the new EU Batteries Regulation come into full effect, bringing higher waste battery collection, recycling and recovery targets. WEEE Ireland is calling on schools, families, and communities nationwide to get involved by gathering used batteries for recycling and help Ireland meet these ambitious goals - while supporting environmental protection and the programme's charity partner LauraLynn Ireland's Children's Hospice. The competition is open to all primary and secondary schools in WEEE Ireland's battery recycling counties that collect at least 10 full 5kg battery boxes. "The new EU Batteries Regulation raises the bar for all of us, and schools across Ireland are proving they are ready to meet that challenge," said Elizabeth O'Reilly, Head of Environmental Compliance at WEEE Ireland. "The incredible efforts of students, teachers, families and local communities will help ensure we meet the minimum recovery targets for materials like cobalt, copper, lead, lithium, and nickel. This ensures these materials are recaptured for use again in manufacturing, as part of a more sustainable and circular battery economy. "Every year we see how collective action can achieve real results - and even the smallest schools, like Cloonfour National School, can make an outsized contribution." Expressing her gratitude, Kerry McLaverty, CEO of LauraLynn said: "The funds we have received from WEEE Ireland as a result of battery recycling programme over the last 14 years of this partnership have had such a positive impact on the children and families who avail of LauraLynn's specialised care and supports all across Ireland. "This year's donation brings the total fundraising to an incredible €610,000. LauraLynn would also like to say a huge thank you WEEE Ireland for the support across this campaign over the last number of years and to everyone who took the time to recycle their batteries. "It may seem like something small, but for the children and families who rely on LauraLynn, and for the environment, it is huge and very impactful." Schools can find more information and order free WEEE Ireland Blue Battery Boxes at www.weeeireland.ie. See more stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

Wetlands providing natural wastewater treatment plant in Waterford

RTÉ - Morning Ireland

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025 6:32

George Lee, RTE's Environment Correspondent, looks at sustainable solutions to Ireland's waste water treatment, including one approach taken in Waterford.

eir evo and OGCIO Launch Strategic Satellite Partnership to Safeguard Public Services in Remote Communities

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025 6:03

eir evo has announced its successful award of the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) Satellite Connectivity Tender. The announcement was made at the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore, where key stakeholders gathered to mark a major milestone in Ireland's digital infrastructure strategy. Under the seven-year contract, eir evo will deliver satellite connectivity to an initial 21 sites, with the potential to scale to 300 locations. The initiative is designed to enhance the resilience of public services in remote and island communities, particularly in response to significant climate-related disruptions such as Storm Éowyn. Deployment will begin with island locations, including Inishturk, where the OGCIO and healthcare teams are already engaged in rollout planning. The satellite network will serve as a critical backup to terrestrial telecoms, supporting emergency services, healthcare continuity and local hubs in areas where traditional infrastructure is vulnerable or unavailable. As part of the agreement, eir evo has partnered with Eutelsat to deliver satellite services to the Irish Government. The OGCIO contract ensures that eir evo is the channel for delivering Eutelsat satellite services to Government entities in Ireland. Eutelsat's European footprint and advanced satellite capabilities bring technological excellence to the partnership, positioning Ireland at the forefront of resilient digital infrastructure in Europe. Susan Brady, Managing Director of eir evo, commented: "Storm Éowyn was a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by our remote communities. At eir evo, we believe connectivity is not just about access, it's about resilience, continuity and safety. Securing the OGCIO Satellite Connectivity partnership is a proud moment for us. It reflects our commitment to building infrastructure that can withstand the challenges of climate change and support critical public services when they're needed most." Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers, welcomed the announcement, saying: "I think it is particularly appropriate that we are making this announcement here at the National Ploughing Championships, which of course is not just a celebration of rural life and culture in Ireland but also an opportunity to explore the latest innovations that are already transforming the industry and will continue to support the future of agriculture. "Initiatives such as the high-speed network and satellite services and the new data centre in Backweston will help us transform our public services by ensuring they have the modern infrastructure they need to work securely and reliably, no matter where people live or what challenges arise. "The new National Low Latency Platform is a secure, high-speed network connecting government bodies across Ireland and is now fully operational. Funded through the EU's Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the network stretches from Westport to Waterford, and Cork to Dundalk, helping public services work faster and more reliably." Minister of State with special responsibility for Public Procurement, Digitalisation and eGovernment, Emer Higgins, also attended the launch of the new technology and said: "These projects are about building strong foundations for Ireland's future. Our emergency services do a fantastic job in circumstances that can be very challenging. I am delighted to announce the delivery of the new high speed, secure communications network which will ensure emergency teams can stay connected in the most remote areas, helping people stay safe especially during bad weather or emergencies." Cyril Dujardin, President of the Connectivity Business Unit at Eutelsat, said: "Together with our partner eir evo, we are strengthening Ireland's communications backbone with the resilience of our OneWeb constellation. This capability ensures that emergency services, healthcare providers and community hubs ...

The Day of Judgment Draws Near

bible speaker event draw broadcaster devotional sermonaudio waterford grace baptist church day of judgment tim davis

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 19:00

A new MP3 sermon from Grace Baptist Church of Waterford is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The Day of Judgment Draws Near Subtitle: Joel: Devotionals Speaker: Tim Davis Broadcaster: Grace Baptist Church of Waterford Event: Devotional Date: 9/16/2025 Bible: Joel 3:1-21 Length: 19 min.

Sika Deer: Pest or Precious?

Tommy's Outdoors

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 89:05

Sika (cervus nippon) is a mid-sized deer that was introduced to Ireland in the 1860s to the Powerscourt Estate. Soon after that, it started spreading across Ireland. Today, the main concentrations of sika are in Kerry, Wicklow, Tyrone and Fermanagh. More recently, it has also been found in Waterford, Galway, Limerick, and Wexford. The National Biodiversity Data Centre in Ireland lists sika as an invasive species. Despite that, it's afforded protection under the Wildlife Act. It is prized by hunters as a game species and a source of excellent quality venison on the one hand, and hated by foresters and environmentalists for the damage to forestry and biodiversity on the other.Sika is present on the entire European continent and, although not as widespread as in Ireland, it is also causing similar problems. This is reflected in the recent move by the European Commission to launch consultations to put sika on the Invasive Alien Species (IAS) list across the Union. This poses the obvious question: what does it mean for the Irish population of sika if the EC makes such a decision? Will or should it be allowed continuous protection with open and closed hunting seasons? Or should it be reduced to the status of vermin and be eradicated across the country? To discuss the potential future of sika deer in Ireland and present a whole spectrum of views about this species, and invasive species more generally, I spoke with four expert guests presenting different views on the subject. By listening to this episode you will hear from Professor Jaimie T.A. Dick who specialises in Invasion Ecology, Eoghan Daltun an award-winning author who has spent last 15 years regenerating an Irish Atlantic rainforest, Damien Hannigan a Government Appointee to the Irish Deer Management Forum and Public Relations Officer at the Irish Deer Commission, and Professor of Wildlife Restoration Ecology, Adam T. Ford.Sika Deer in Ireland: Invasive Status and Its Impact - A Three-Episode ExclusiveAccess here: https://conservationlens.com/products/sika-deer-ias---Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science NewsletterSupport the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/booksMerch: tommysoutdoors.com/shopFollow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and FacebookMentioned in this episode:This is the Conservation and Science podcast Replay series, a curated collection of best episodes from last year. If you are new to the show, this is an excellent opportunity to catch up with the most popular episodes from the back catalogue. And if you're a regular listener, maybe you missed one of those or want to listen to one of them again. Don't worry! The new episodes are being published on the regular fortnightly schedule, so keep tuning in for the new content every other Tuesday.

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Call on the Lord and Be Saved

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Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025 43:00

A new MP3 sermon from Grace Baptist Church of Waterford is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Call on the Lord and Be Saved Subtitle: Joel: Devotionals Speaker: Tim Davis Broadcaster: Grace Baptist Church of Waterford Event: Devotional Date: 9/15/2025 Bible: Joel 2:32; Romans 10:13 Length: 43 min.

God's Call for You to Call on Him

god bible speaker event broadcaster devotional sermonaudio waterford grace baptist church tim davis

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2025 36:00

A new MP3 sermon from Grace Baptist Church of Waterford is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: God's Call for You to Call on Him Subtitle: Joel: Devotionals Speaker: Tim Davis Broadcaster: Grace Baptist Church of Waterford Event: Devotional Date: 9/12/2025 Bible: Joel 2:28-32 Length: 36 min.

Meet Leo: A High-Energy Carolina Dog Looking for His Perfect Match

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Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 2:18

Today's Connecticut Humane Society Pet of the Week is Leo! A 2-year-old Carolina dog with tons of love and energy to share! He came to the Connecticut Humane Society from local animal control and is now ready for his forever family. As an adult, Leo is already housebroken and even knows a few tricks. While he may be a little shy at first, once he warms up, he's all about fun, play, and adventure. Leo thrives with other dogs and would love a canine companion, though he hasn't had much experience with cats yet. With his big personality and high energy, Leo will do best with a family who has experience with large breeds and can give him the structure, exercise, and attention he deserves. He's available now at the Waterford location. You can apply online at cthumane.org/adopt to meet him!

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It is a Fearful Thing to Fall Under the Lord's Judgment