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Arts / Culture

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford ArtLinks Bursaries awarded

ArtLinks LogoThe ArtLinks partnership of local authorities Arts Offices in Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford is pleased to announce that it has awarded over €100,000 to artists in the South East across a broad range of artforms including music, visual arts, literature, theatre, dance, film , traditional arts, opera, circus, street arts and spectacle.

These bursaries for emerging and professional artists are supported by the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon and they provide professional development opportunities and supports for artists who are resident in these four counties.

The Arts Offices would like to thank everyone who applied and look forward to the successful recipients undertaking their projects, mentoring, courses and workshops in the coming months.

The Waterford recipients were Louise Bradley, Clashmore/Theatre. Cailean Finn, Dunhill/Visual Arts. Rayleen Clancy, An Rinn/Visual Arts. George Higgs, Villierstown/Music. Ben Hennessy, Annestown/Theatre & Visual Arts. Holly Pickering, Dunhill/Visual Arts. Mae Leahy, Ferrybank/Theatre. Dylan Kennedy, Lismore/Theatre. Julie Cusack, Waterford city/Visual Arts. Sarah Grimes, Waterford city/Music. Róisín Power Hackett, Kill/Literature. Jenny Fennessy, Lismore/Theatre. Rachel Roberts, Waterford city/Visual Arts.

Artists who are resident within the four partner Local Authorities can register for membership free of charge by contacting artlinks.ie@gmail.com for a registration form.

For all ArtLinks enquiries please contact artlinks.ie@gmail.com

Follow @Artlinks.ie on Facebook and Instagram for more information and updates.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford St. Patrick’s Festival

Waterford City and County Council, in association with Fáilte Ireland and EveryEvent, is delighted to announce a jam-packed four-day programme of St. Patrick’s Festival events from Friday, March 15th to Monday, March 18th.

The theme for this year’s parade is ‘Seize the Déise’, with community, sports, and charity groups encouraged to get involved to showcase the very best of all things Waterford in a show of colour, music and pageantry.  And best of all…most events are FREE!

With so much to do, see and experience, make sure you don’t miss a beat and download the full programme, with links to all events and where apt, ticket bookings, visit https://stpatricksfestivalwaterford.com/programme-of-events/

Music:  Kick-start your St. Patrick’s Festival weekend with free family fun activities at John Robert’s Square.  Over the four-day festival, Waterford’s city centre will be abuzz with the return of the much-loved City Centre Fairground, perfect fun for the littlest family members.  Wobbly Circus has been enthralling and delighting for years, so don’t miss them throughout the weekend, along with Waterford Active Cities and the Irish Olympic Federation, demonstrating sports skills of all codes.

Local talent will be feature big and bold as the Suir Ukulele Strummers, Waterford Centre of Music Choir, Bienvue Gospel Choir, the Uilleann Pipe Orchestra, EJ Mae, Liam & Bill, Omega 3, Knockadollys, Divorce Party, The Bad Shirts, the Booley House, Mark Atkins, and Caoimhe Power perform free gigs throughout the centre, from the Waterford Cultural Quarter (WCQ) to John Roberts Square to the Apple Market Stage. The Thomas Francis Meagher Fife and Drum band, a Waterford musical institution is the perfect prelude to St. Patrick’s Day at the Bishop’s Palace.

You can soak up the atmosphere of two great sporting clashes as Waterford take on Kilkenny in the National Hurling Final and Ireland and Scotland go head to head in the Six Nations Championship…all on the Big Screen at Bailey’s New Street.

Late night entertainment:  The music continues into the evening with energetic performances from Alan Power and the Aftershocks, Delta Dog, The Bad Shirts and Spring Break on the Apple Market Stage, Louise & Simon Whelan and Amaro Swingos at WCQ and back by phenomenal demand, the Churchyard Sessions at Bailey’s New Street featuring The Mulligans and Mad Ferrit.  The Burning Circus brings its intense, fiery spectacle to the Apple Market Stage when the lights go down!

Craft and entertainment:  With so much to choose from, don’t tie yourself up in knots, although the Celtic Knotwork Workshop in Waterford Cultural Quarter might be the perfect solution in case you do! Lovers of literature be sure to get along to the Spoken Word stage, while Fierce Mild will be bringing the classic 90’s pop tunes we all danced along to.

Arts & Crafts for all:  Paint, print and play at The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) Children’s Arts and Crafts Workshops and at City Square Shopping Centre or try your hand at festive Lino Printing at GOMA.

Culture & Tours: Delve into the illustrious history of Ireland’s Oldest City with free entry to the Medieval Museum. You’ll get the steps in with an Afternoon Walking History tour of the Viking Triangle or take a jaunt on the Illuminations Tour when the sun goes down to see the iconic city walls up close.  The Urban Greenway tour quite literally puts the (green) spotlight on the city’s historical monuments and iconic buildings.  You can take the route the Vikings once took and see the city from the majestic River Suir aboard the Osprey Viking Cruise, while the multi-cultural celebration of language, culture and music at St. Patrick’s Gateway Centre is a must.

Theatre:  Garter Lane and the Theatre Royal have a St. Patrick’s Weekend programme that will appeal to all lovers of good music, and rib-tickling comedy.  The Clancy Family returns to the Theatre Royal with songs and memories from the Clancy household, while funnyman Neil Delamare will bring his razor-sharp observations on life and trad.  Everyone’s favourite Cork man, Reggie from the Blackrock Road will play homage to his beloved Leeside at Garter Lane.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade:  The theme for this year’s parade is ‘Seize the Déise’ and will begin at 1pm sharp on St. Patrick’s Day, Sunday March 17th.  Led by Grand Marshall, All-Ireland finalists, Waterford Senior Camogie team, over 2,000 participants are scheduled to take part in the parade.

The parade begins at Waterford Bus Station and will proceed along the Quay, past the Clock Tower and the Plaza, moving around to the Mall, with entries gathering at the Bridge Street end of the Quay at the start of the parade.

Optimum viewing positions are from the Quays, where there is plenty of room as well as at   the Mall.  The parade will end at the Mall / Parnell Street junction and we ask that patrons do not congregate in Parnell Street as this area is designated for post-parade and production staff.

Waterford City and County Council is delighted to announce an Autism Family Friendly Area at the St. Patrick’s Day parade.  Working with Autism Friendly Waterford and 50 Shades of Exceptional we are proud to introduce this initiative as part of our vision to make Waterford Ireland’s first autism friendly city.  A special area has also been reserved and sign-posted for wheelchair users / special access at Mall Lane.  This is on a first come, first served basis and intending patrons should make themselves known to stewards.

Last minute entries to the parade are still open to community groups from Waterford City, County and beyond – intending participants should complete the application form on the St. Patrick’s Festival website www.stpatricksfestivalwaterford.com

There will also be an online streaming of the Parade, so those who cannot attend but still wish to enjoy the celebrations.

To find out more details of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and four-day festival in Waterford visit www.stpatricksfestivalwaterford.com to download the 2024 programme and keep an eye out on Waterford St. Patrick’s Day Festival social media channels.

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Images:

  • The Mulligans
  • Divorce Party
  • Bienvue Gospel Choir
  • 311042355:  The Burning Circus

For further information / arrange an interview:

Johnny Codd
Festival Coordinator
Waterford City and County Council
087 785 0538

John Grubb
Programme coordinator
EveryEvent
086 3403127

By Waterford City & County Council

Sustainability key to Tidy Towns Success

Waterford City and County Council facilitated a Tidy Towns seminar at the Old Market House Arts Centre in Dungarvan which focused on the importance of sustainability in progressing the circular economy.

Representatives from eleven Tidy Towns groups, from all over the county, were in attendance to hear from The Rediscovery Centre, Renew Enterprises, and Waterford City and County Council’s Parks and Landscape Department.

Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer with Waterford City and County Council, was delighted with the success of this inaugural seminar, saying, “There was fantastic energy in the room amongst the volunteers, who are all passionate about their local communities. From taking great pride in their towns and villages, helping their communities to move towards a circular economy and protecting the biodiversity, Tidy Towns committees, groups and volunteers help to make the changes that future generations will reap the benefit of. They received great direction and ideas at this seminar to bring back home to their local area and progress repair and reuse initiatives. ”

Steve O’Reilly from the Rediscovery Centre spoke about the circular economy, repair, reuse and waste prevention and working from the broader theory to examples of how this works on a local level.

Danny Murphy from Renew Enterprises gave an informative insight into some recycling initiatives that have been developed, such as the paint reuse initiative and bike repair scheme.

Dungarvan Tidy Towns was represented by Chris Santillo who informed those present about some of the group’s re-use initiatives, such as its Beach Toy Library, while Eoin Dullea from Parks and Landscape with Waterford City and County Council spoke about the importance of planting the right tree in the right location.

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images – David Clynch

By Waterford City & County Council

New events added to Waterford St. Patrick’s Day Festival Programme

Waterford City and County Council, in association with Fáilte Ireland, is delighted to present a jam-packed four days of craic agus ceol, live entertainment, music and culture taking place from March 15th to March 18th alongside the traditional St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Immerse yourself in a vibrant tapestry of traditions, flavours, and rhythms that showcase the rich diversity within our community. Lose yourself in a symphony of sounds, spectacular events and an eclectic mix of historical and cultural attractions taking place throughout the city.

Highlights of the festival include a smorgasbord of free events in Waterford’s Cultural Quarter; the Spoken Word stage, live performances from EJ Mae, Knockadollys, Delta Dogs and Amoro Swings, to name but a few.

Why not step back in time and join the Epic Tour, speciality walking tours, the Illumination Tours and the Dark History tour…all free and all spectacular! Or enjoy free entry to Waterford’s Medieval Museum and GOMA Gallery on March 16th.

The Apple Market Stage will be heaving all weekend as the best of local and national musical talent takes to the stage, including After The Break, Uillean Pipe Orchestra, The Booley House, Omega 3, Divorce Party, Alan Power and the After Shocks, and a fiery performance from the Burning Circus, along with so much more.

Bailey’s New Street will form the backdrop for the Churchyard Sessions featuring great live music along with a big screening of Waterford vs Kilkenny in the Allianz Hurling League, followed by a Six Nations Championship showdown, as Ireland take on Scotland.

Waterford’s Theatre Royal, Garter Lane and St. Patrick’s Gateway have a diverse offering of comedy, culture, folklore and music and John Robert’s Square will host all manner of strummers, choristers, clowns, food, fairgrounds and face-painters.

The parade’s theme is “Seize the Déise”, led by Grand Marshall, Waterford Senior Camogie team, which made history last year by reaching its first All-Ireland Senior Camogie Final in 78 years.

On Sunday, March 17th, the Waterford St. Patrick’s Day parade will start at 1pm, with entries gathering at the Bridge Street end of the Quay. The parade begins at the Waterford Bus Station and will proceed along the Quay, past the Clock Tower and the Plaza, moving around to the Mall.

Keep an eye out for the full programme of events coming soon on www.stpatricksfestivalwaterford.com

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Attached image:  The Burning Circus

For further information:

Johnny Codd

Festival Coordinator

Waterford City and County Council

087 785 0538

By Waterford City & County Council

SLí’s Big Swap

SLí Big Swap event
SLí Big Swap event

Do you have under loved Christmas presents? Or something that’s not your style but somebody else would love? Bring it to SLí’s Big Swap! Waterford SLí, Ardkeen Library and Waterford Council’s Environment Department are delighted to host this wonderful swap event on Saturday 24th in Ardkeen Library 2-4pm.

The details: Bring up to 5 items (in good nick) and swap them for vouchers. On Saturday swap your vouchers for whatever items you like. You can drop your items from Monday 19th February to Ardkeen library. Come and take even of you can’t bring. All for free? What could be better?Toys, Books, Gift Sets, Games, Candles, Instruments, Sport Equipment – The List Goes On!Free event, all welcome!

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford joins the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC)

Waterford City view

Waterford has been designated a UNESCO Learning City and been invited to join the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. The UNESCO Learning City Designation recognises good practices in promoting quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. This achievement of Learning City status follows the collaborative work of Waterford City and County Council, Kilkenny County Council, the Southern Regional Assembly, SETU, Waterford Chambers and the ETBs in preparing an application to UNESCO, setting out the ambition and commitment in Waterford to fostering lifelong learning opportunities for all its citizens.

As a member of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, Waterford can grow and develop as a recognised city of learning and build upon the strong stakeholder commitment and political support of the Learning City Initiative. The Designation of Waterford as a UNESCO Learning City is strongly supported by regional policy and advances the ambition set out in the Southern Regional Assembly’s Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy to develop Waterford City as a UNESCO Learning City, joining Limerick and Cork City as part of a network of Learning Cities and to develop the entire Southern Region as a UNESCO Learning Region.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway said, “As Mayor I would like to express how proud we are to be joining the UNESCO Learning Cities family.

“One of the most significant things about this network is the strong emphasis on lifelong learning, and that is something that we in Waterford as a council, and as a city will strive to consolidate and promote for the people of Waterford.”

He added, “Myself, my council colleagues, and the people of the city have a great and unwavering belief in the importance of learning…from the cradle to the grave.  We will do everything we can to be vibrant members of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities and assure you of our great commitment and support.”

On receiving news of the UNESCO Designation, Cathaoirleach of the Southern Regional Assembly, Terry Shannon said, “I want to commend the great collaboration of all involved in making this commitment for Waterford to become a UNESCO Learning City. Becoming a Learning City will help achieve progress in disadvantaged areas and marginalised communities and will develop our knowledge, innovation and strong skills base our future.”

The designation of Waterford as a UNESCO Learning City has also been welcomed and commended by Waterford Members of the Southern Regional Assembly, Cllr. Tom Cronin, Cllr. Thomas Phelan and Cllr. Conor D. McGuinness.

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By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council Festival & Event Grants for 2024

Waterford City and County Council has approved the allocation of €1,653,557 in festival and event funding to aid the development and promotion of events across Waterford City and County in 2024.

The figure represents a 6% increase in last year’s funding allocation.

In 2024 the allocation will support 71 festivals and events throughout the city and county.  The main thrust of the funding is to support, and promote local festivals that have an economic, tourism, cultural, artistic or community benefit for Waterford.  Funding is also in place to provide training support to help local festivals and events develop and grow.

In addition to the mainstay big-ticket festivals such as Spraoi International Street Arts Festival, West Waterford Festival of Food, Waterford Harvest Festival, Blackwater Valley Opera Festival and Winterval, Waterford can look forward to fourteen brand new festivals in 2024, including Lismore Community Festival, Waterford International Comic Art Festival and Waterford Pet Awards and Doggie Day Out.

Speaking following the adoption of the Festival and Events Grants for 2024 Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway said, “As Mayor I am delighted that Waterford City and County Council is showing true intent in supporting our vast array of artists, musicians, entertainers, producers and creatives.

“Whether the festivals are well-established or new additions to the calendar, they have one trait in common…they are a true reflection of the talent, creativity and passion that Waterford’s communities have in spades.”

Michael Quinn, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council added, “Waterford City and County Council has always been committed to supporting strong community spirit, in the form of festivals and events.  2024 will see that community spirit feature prominently throughout the year, with festivals bookending the year, starting in January and running right through to the 12th Winterval Christmas Festival, in what is officially set to be the European City of Christmas in 2024.”

“Waterford has always produced an entertaining, inclusive, and eclectic programme of events throughout the year.  This year we are particularly pleased to add fourteen new festivals to the list of funding and we look forward to seeing the range of new and distinctive events making their mark on the city and county.”

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By Waterford City & County Council

A festive Féile Grianstad is coming to Dungarvan

On Thursday December 21st the skies of Dungarvan will light up for Féile Grianstad, as the town centre will be the backdrop for an amazing solstice celebration.

The free festivities kick off at 5pm with a series of ‘ceolchoirmeacha agus craic’, featuring Dungarvan’s own Loungeroom Lizards, Danny and Tommy Dunford, Andy Dunne, Brendan Clancy, Benny McCarthy, Joe Kelly and friends.

Santa Claus and his naughty nemesis Krampus will make a special appearance and you never know who else may turn up at the party.

Then at 9pm, a very special sound and light extravaganza is planned as a spectacular fireworks display bursts into the skies to the beat of the bodhrán on Dungarvan’s beautiful quays.

This year Dungarvan Town Square will be partially closed off from lunchtime on December 21st to facilitate the ‘Big Stage’. Earlier in the morning the Square will be the scene of a special weekly market with the emphasis on all things Christmas.

Those coming to Dungarvan are encouraged to park outside the town and walk to Grattan Square for the festivities.  Immediately prior to the fireworks display the quays will be closed to all traffic to facilitate the safe passage of pedestrians and viewers.

The long-term plans for the festival will see a vibrant mix of community arts and entertainment that will animate and illuminate the shortest days and the longest nights with fun, traditional hearty food, song, storytelling, and winter warmth.

Older than Santa Claus, and well before the Vikings arrived, the origin of this festival symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and the promise of renewed life.

Féile Grianstad is an initiative of Waterford City and County Council Arts Office, in association with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport & Media.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford selected as European City of Christmas 2024

The International Jury of the European Capital and City of Christmas 2024 competition has unanimously voted to award the European City of Christmas 2024 title to Waterford City.

The International Jury, chaired by Danuta Hübner, Member of the European Parliament, and comprised of Mr Íñigo Méndez de Vigo, Mr Francisco Fonseca Murillo, Ms Marisol Garmendia, Ms Ainhoa García Jabonero, Mr Massimo Ruggero, Ms Mercedes Guillamón, assisted by the president of Christmas Cities Network, Alberto Gutiérrez Alberca, congratulated the city for “the high level of the projects presented, their proposals and the commitment of these cities to the European values of Christmas.”

 

The judging panel was impressed with Waterford City and County Council’s submission, citing, ‘The City of Waterford is an extraordinary jewel of Christmas harmony and aesthetics and represents values such as solidarity, which lies with the local communities as well as a strong commitment to its heritage as a hallmark of identity, material and above all immaterial and culture.’

 

It continued, ‘Waterford represents the ultimate expression of creative culture thanks to the great work done with its illuminations and markets.  Just as the streets become the perfect setting when associations, tourists and neighbours come together in a Christmas experience with its own identity.’

 

Winterval, Ireland’s biggest and best-loved Christmas festival will form the basis for Waterford as the European City of Christmas 2024.

As Ireland’s First dedicated Christmas festival, created by Waterford City and County Council in partnership with local stakeholders in 2012, year after year the festival has attracted on average 500,000 visitors throughout its six-week calendar.

 

As a festival for everyone of all ages and interests, Winterval 2024 promises to be the biggest Festival hosted in Waterford, with over 700,000 visitors anticipated to the festival, which will showcase the true meaning of an Irish Christmas, focusing on family and togetherness, communities and connectedness through arts, culture, food and entertainment.

 

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Joe Conway was delighted with such a prestigious accolade for Waterford, saying, “When it comes to Christmas celebrations, Waterford City and County Council has a track record to be proud of.  Since its inception in 2012, Winterval has grown to become Ireland’s favourite Christmas Festival, with an abundance of Christmas magic, festive family favourites and seasonal surprises.

 

“Its success stems from several factors which include local authority funding and commitment, strong stakeholder engagement and a festival team that has a flair for bringing the most festive, wonder-filled and engaging events to the streets of Waterford.

 

“Being recognised and awarded such a prestigious title as the European City of Christmas is a wonderful testament to Waterford of Christmases past and how Waterford is best in class when it comes to embracing the magic of Christmas.”

 

The directors of the Winterval Festival, John Grubb and Trevor Darmody are thrilled with the win. “We are delighted to see Waterford awarded the European City of Christmas 2024. The business community, the Winterval festival team and the festival’s volunteers backed by Waterford City and County Council work incredibly hard to deliver a magical Winter wonderland in the city each year, so, it is a real honour and testament to see this accolade come to Waterford and indeed Ireland for the first time for 2024. This award also means that the 2024 festival will be even extra special next year and planning for that is already underway!”

 

In addition to this award, Brno (Czech Republic) has been awarded the European Christmas Capital title, while special mention was given to the small municipality of Almaza (Spain) with less than 600 inhabitants.

 

The International Jury of the European Capital and City will officially present Waterford with the award and title at an awards ceremony in Madrid in early January 2024.

 

For further information about the European Capital and City of Christmas visit www.europeancapitalofchristmas.org

 

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By Waterford City & County Council

The Waterford Gallery of Art receives generous donations in support of an exciting year of exhibitions for 2024

The Waterford Gallery of Art on O’Connell Street is the home of one of the oldest and best civic collections of art in Ireland. The Waterford Art Collection, founded in 1939, includes artworks by some of Ireland’s most renowned artists including Paul Henry, Jack B Yeats, Mainie Jellett, Sir Frederic William Burton and Evie Hone. Established and maintained through the incredible generosity of individual donors and charitable organisations, the gallery is delighted to receive several new donations from two of the leading figures of the Irish art world.

David Britton, the former director at Adam’s Auctioneers and owner of the Frederick Gallery with curator and art historian, Karen Reihill, have personally gifted to Waterford a selection of works which will feature in exhibitions from early next year. One of the incredibly significant, and rare donations, is a folio entitled ‘Short Course Waterford 1949’. This beautifully made handbound book includes original linocuts by various well-respected artists from the time including Christopher Campbell, R.J. Hobbs, Patrick Heney (Padraig Ó hÉanaigh), James Manning, John Pearce and more. It is a delight and tribute to see the works return back to their home of origin.

Alongside this donation is a limited edition ‘artists working proof’ illustration by Elizabeth Rivers which was created as the main image for the book, ‘The Man Who Invented Sin’ (1948), by Sean O’Faolain. This commissioned artwork was completed for The Devin Adair Company in June 1948 and Rivers remained friendly with Sean and Eileen O’Faolain for the remainder of their life. Rivers, who was born in England but spent the majority of her life in Ireland and on the Aran Islands was also close friends with artist Hilda Roberts, one the founding figures of the Waterford Art Collection and Gallery. Roberts taught at Newtown School from the late 1920s alongside husband and headmaster, Arnold Marsh. The Waterford Gallery of Art currently features a free exhibition, ‘Arnold & Hilda’ exploring their life and work.

Britton and Reihill have also presented to the Collection a large and curious etching entitled ‘Toad and Spider, early morning June’ (1979) by Patrick Hickey. The artwork was identified as an item amiss from the gallery’s sizable collection of prints and etchings obtained from Dublin’s ‘Graphic Studio’ in the late 1970’s.

The folio, illustration by Rivers, and etching by Hickey will feature in the gallery’s ‘Prints and Drawings’ exhibition opening February 14th 2024. This opening is parallel to an accompanying exhibition launching on the same day in the gallery which celebrates the one-hundred-year anniversary of the founding of the Friends of the National Collections of Ireland. ‘100 Years of the FNCI’ will showcase the 10 substantial donations the FNCI have gifted to the Collection since their foundation in 1924 as well as an early painting by Sarah Purser, the initiator of the FNCI and resident of Dungarvan for 25 years.

Lastly, in acknowledgement of the research and development of an Olympic themed exhibition due to open in the gallery next summer, the collection has kindly been gifted a pastel work entitled, ‘Man of Sweden’ created by Christopher Campbell. This personal and masterly executed work is a portrait of Chistopher’s brother Laurence, who was also a recognised artist whose paintings feature in the Waterford Art Collection.

Art, including architecture, literature, music, painting and sculpture, were included as part of the Olympic Games between 1912 and 1948. The Waterford art Collection includes works by many artists (such as Christopher Campbell) that took part in the Olympics during these dates including artworks by silver medal winner Jack B Yeats, and bronze medal winner Letitia Marion Hamilton.

The Waterford Arts Office and Waterford City and County Council are incredibly thankful for the generosity and consideration shown by David Britton and Karen Reihill in supporting the work and programming of the gallery in the coming year and assisting the future development of Waterford’s prized art collection.

The Waterford Gallery of Art is open to the public Wednesday to Saturday, from 10am to 5pm and admission is free for all.

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For further information:

Luke Currall
Visual Arts Co-Ordinator
The Waterford Gallery of Art
lcurrall@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford FC signs 50-year contract with Waterford City & County Council for the use of Regional Sports Centre

Waterford FC has played its home games at the RSC since 1993, and after winning promotion to the Premier Division for the 2024 League of Ireland season, is delighted to secure the RSC for the long-term future, with the recent signing of a 50-year contract with Waterford City and County Council.

The RSC has been named the League of Ireland Pitch of the Year on multiple occasions, with the state-of-the-art facility having undergone large investment in recent years – most recently the installation of brand-new floodlights at the beginning of this year at a cost €260,000.

With the dedicated Waterford FC Club Shop a stones-throw away from the RSC, the club is delighted to secure its future at the Cork Road venue.

Speaking on the announcement, Group CEO Steve Curwood said, “It’s vital for Waterford FC to have a very productive relationship with the council; we’re in the early stages of a longer journey so it’s important that we continue to work together in making things happen.

“We have to use promotion as a fabulous platform to plan and develop everything around the football club, and this commitment from both ourselves and the Waterford City and County Council with this long-term agreement is the perfect start.”

Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Conway welcomed the announcement saying, “On behalf of Waterford city and county, we are delighted that this robust relationship with Waterford FC is set to continue.

“It was a significant year for the club, one which we all celebrated, and I’m confident the next fifty years will be as significant and exciting for Waterford FC as they begin their topflight League of Ireland journey.

“Waterford FC has put down a great base here at the RSC and we’re delighted with its success.  Waterford City and County Council is looking forward to continuing its work in supporting the club.  It’s destined to be a symbiotic relationship, great for the city, great for the county and great for the club.”

Ivan Grimes, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council added, “This long-term agreement will not only consolidate our great working relationship with the Board, management, players and fans of Waterford FC, it signals the Local Authority’s commitment to help build a better club.

“The benefits of this agreement are far-reaching as they will permeate through to our sports clubs, our schools, and our communities for many years to come.”

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Images:  Free to use – Noel Browne

1. The Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr.Joe Conway is pictured with Steve Curwood, Executive Director, Waterford FC and Ivan Grimes, Director of Services, Waterford City & County Council.

2. The Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr.Joe Conway is pictured with Steve Curwood, Executive Director, Waterford FC.

6.  The Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr.Joe Conway pictured with Marc O’Donovan-Wyatt, Chief Operating Officer, Waterford FC, Steve Curwood, Executive Director, Waterford FC and Ivan Grimes, Director of Services, Waterford City & County Council.

7. The Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr.Joe Conway pictured with Marc O’Donovan-Wyatt, Chief Operating Officer, Waterford FC, Steve Curwood, Executive Director, Waterford FC, Ivan Grimes, Director of Services, Waterford City & County Council and Darren Sealy, Manager, Waterford Regional Sports Centre.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Schools Clean Up for Litter Challenge

 

Eleven Waterford secondary schools were represented at a reception in City Hall earlier this week, in recognition of their dedication to keeping their local areas litter-free.

The Waterford Schools Litter Challenge, sponsored by Tom Murphy Car Sales Volkswagen, in association with Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Chamber saw secondary schools from across the city and county partake in the challenge.

St Augustine’s College Dungarvan emerged as the overall winner of the Schools Litter Challenge, and received €1,500 prize money, sponsored by Tom Murphy Car Sales Volkswagen.

The competition, which was launched in October by Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Joe Conway encouraged secondary schools to keep a designated local area litter free.  The students then carried out regular litter picking, identifying black spots for litter in their area, learning about the sources of litter, and about the benefits of using reusable items instead of single use items.

Prior to the awarding of certificates to the participating schools, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway said, “The Waterford Schools Litter Challenge has now ended for another year, but I sincerely hope that its influence has not.

“Seeing you all out in our communities in your high-visibility vests with your litter pickers and black bags in hand, taking responsibility for cleaning up the mess that others have made, will hopefully have made others more conscious of the impact of dropping litter.

“Your local communities are much nicer places to spend time in as a result of your hard work, not to mention safer places for both people and wildlife.”

The mayor added, “Initiatives like these couldn’t take place without the support of great local businesses.  I’d like to thank Tom and the team at Tom Murphy Car Sales Volkswagen for sponsoring this wonderful event and for taking the time to be with us here with us today.”

Tom Murphy, sponsor of the competition prize money for the third year, echoed the mayor’s sentiments, “We are once again delighted to be involved in this initiative.  All of the schools approached the challenge with enthusiasm, willingness and good humour!

“The fruits of their labour have not gone unnoticed, with a very apparent decrease in litter and debris in the designated areas.  We were also delighted to receive many reports of how impressed the local communities were when they saw the students out litter picking.”

Waterford City and County Council provided bags, gloves, litter pickers and high visibility vests to all schools and Tom Murphy Volkswagen sponsored the €1,500 prize for the winning school. 

The secondary schools from across County Waterford that entered the competition were Blackwater Community School, St Augustine’s College (Overall winner), Ardscoil na nDeise, Meanscoil San Nioclás, Mount Sion CBS Secondary School, Waterpark College, Ursuline Secondary School, Dungarvan CBS, St Declan’s Community College, De La Salle College, Abbey Community College and St. Paul’s Community College.

Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer with Waterford City and County Council commented, “This challenge seems to be going from strength to strength.  Not only does it serve to make young people more cognisant of the detrimental effects of litter, but it also encourages them to act.  These schools’ commitment to cleaner, greener localities and communities has a ripple effect as it make us all want to take action to keep our neighbourhoods litter free.”

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Free to use images: Noel Browne

1:         Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway and Tom Murphy, Tom Murphy Car Sales, presenting cheque to the winning school, St. Augustine’s College pupils Aoibhe O’Connor, Katie Power and Olivia Tumu and teacher Eamonn Cashin.

2/3:      Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer WCCC, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway and Tom Murphy, Tom Murphy Car Sales, and winning school, St. Augustine’s College pupils Aoibhe O’ Connor, Katie Power and Olivia Tumu with teacher        Eamonn Cashin.

4:         Pupils from  Abbey Community College

5:         Pupils and teachers from De La Salle College

6.         Pupils from St. Paul’s Community College

7.         Pupils from Blackwater Community School.

By Waterford City & County Council

RIAI recognises Rupert Maddock for contribution to architecture

The Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) has awarded the RIAI Gandon Medal to Rupert Maddock, BArch, MLA, FRIAI, for his contribution to the advancement of architecture.

The Gandon Medal is a lifetime achievement award that recognises a sustained output of quality of work over many years, and was presented by RIAI President Charlotte Sheridan MRIAI at a special reception at RIAI HQ in Merrion Square, Dublin on Thursday, November 30th, saying, “I am delighted to be awarding Rupert Maddock the RIAI Gandon Medal in recognition of his exceptional achievement in public practice, and the role he played in revitalising Waterford city, towns, and villages in the county.”

Rupert has enjoyed a long and rewarding career in architecture, having recently retired as City and County Architect with Waterford City and County Council.

A graduate of UCD and University of Pennsylvania, Rupert’s career has spanned over 40 years.  He joined the then Waterford Corporation in 1997.

Leading the Projects Team within the Economic Development and Planning Departments, the team has provided award-winning in-house architectural services to the Local Authority.

Transformational public realm projects, spearheaded by Rupert include the Millennium Project, which entailed the design of the William Vincent Plaza, and the design of John Roberts Square, creating a pedestrianised, decluttered and multi-purpose destination public realm space.

In addition to projects such as the redesign, development and conservation of the People’s Park, the Clock Tower, the Franciscan Friary and Mount Congreve, Rupert’s passion and undoubted forte is the preservation of Waterford’s rich history and heritage.

Under his tenure, Waterford has cultivated an enviable portfolio of museums, under the Waterford Treasures collective, which includes the Medieval Museum, The Bishop’s Palace, The Irish Museum of Time, the Irish Silver Museum and the latest addition, The Irish Wake Museum.

The Medieval Museum has received prestigious national and international accolades including the RIAI Irish Architecture Award for Best Public Building, the International UK Civic Trust Award and the EU prize for Contemporary Architecture, the Mies van der Rohe Award.

Michael Walsh, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council, paid tribute to Rupert on his achievement.  “For Rupert to be recognised by his peers for his contribution to architecture is only fitting.  Rupert’s dedication, vision and design ability have helped to transform Waterford to a best-in-class vibrant, accessible and rich city.

“He and his team have delivered almost thirty major projects that have had a tangible and positive impact on the lives of the people of Waterford.  From public realm works, to art installations and housing schemes, Rupert has played a key role in making design quality a key driver in all aspects of the cultural and economic development of the city and county.

“Rupert’s contribution has enriched the lives of the people of Waterford, and I would like to congratulate him on this outstanding achievement and thank him for his exceptional service with Waterford City and County Council.”

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Image attached:

Rupert Maddock receiving the James Gandon Medal from RIAI President Charlotte Sheridan MRIAI (Image: WCCC)

Rupert Maddock was honoured with the Gandon Medal for Lifetime Achievement at the RIAI (Image: Conor Healy)

About the RIAI James Gandon Medal:The RIAI introduced the James Gandon Medal in 2011 and each President of the RIAI has the honour of selecting a recipient for the Medal during their two-year term of office.

Previous winners of the Gandon Medal were Shane de Blacam and the late Jonn Meagher (1947-2021); Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara of Grafton Architects; James Pike of OMP Architects; Des McMahon of Gilroy McMahon Architects; Dr Ronnie Tallon of Scott Tallon Walker Architects; and the US-based Irish architect Kevin Roche.

By Waterford City & County Council

Dungarvan to Light Up for Christmas!

Dungarvan can expect a very special visit from the ‘man himself’ as Santa is due to switch on Dungarvan’s Christmas lights on Sunday, November 26th.

Dungarvan Shopping Centre, in association with Waterford City and County Council, has compiled a festive programme in the lead up to the big event.

Making his grand entrance in a fire engine, Santa will be escorted by local Vespa club, Only Fools and Scooters, and met by the Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Declan Doocey.

Commenting on the event, Gerry O’Connor, Manager Dungarvan Shopping Centre, said we’re delighted to partner with Waterford City and County Council to light up Dungarvan for the festive season.

“Dungarvan looks great throughout the year.  It really is the perfect destination for shopping, leisure or for a bite to eat, but when the lights go on, there is a fantastic festive atmosphere.

There is lots of activity planned in the Plaza and Grattan Square and it really is the perfect time to bring the family into town, young and old, to soak up the wonderful Christmas ambience.”

Santa will arrive in Grattan Square in a fire engine and make his way to the Plaza to meet the Deputy Mayor, of Waterford City and County where he and the winner of the Christmas colouring competition in the Dungarvan Leader will switch on the Christmas lights at approximately 5pm.”

WLRfm will be broadcasting live from 3pm to 6pm with Andy McCloskey and there will be loads of prizes and giveaways.  There’ll also be a Christmas Carousel in the Plaza to keep the youngsters entertained throughout the evening.

  • Santa’s arrival in Grattan Square – 4.15pm
  • Switching on of Christmas Lights on the Plaza – approx. 5pm

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