BVOF Supports Further Rising Stars Aimee Kearney and Georgina Cassidy
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival has announced two new recipients of its 2025 Bursary Awards, presented in support of emerging operatic talent. Following the recent award to soprano Eva Kavanagh, this year's bursaries have also been granted to soprano Aimee Kearney and pianist Georgina Cassidy. Each artist will receive €5,000 to support their professional development and musical careers. As part of Blackwater Valley Opera Festival 2025, taking place from 27 May to 2 June, Eva Kavanagh will appear in the
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival Supports Bright Future of Irish Opera
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival Supports Bright Future of Irish Opera Blackwater Valley Opera Festival has announced that soprano Eva Kavanagh is the first-ever recipient of the Bríd Phelan Emerging Talent Award, supported by Kildare Village. The €6,000 bursary was presented after a special performance at Kildare Village, held to celebrate one month to go until the 2025 festival, which takes place from 27 May to 2 June. This new award, to be presented annually from 2025 to 2029, forms part of BVOF’s
World-class opera on your doorstep
Exclusive local access – tickets from just €40 and €50 for two major opera productions at Blackwater Valley Opera Festival 2025 As the summer season approaches, Blackwater Valley Opera Festival is set to bring world-class music and vibrant cultural activity to Lismore and the wider region from 26 May to 2 June. Local businesses and residents are invited to take advantage of specially priced tickets – €40 and €50 – for two outstanding opera productions as part of this year’s festival. At the heart of the
Climate-focused theatremaking top of agenda at Theatre Royal
Climate-focused theatremaking top of agenda at Theatre Royal Climate-focused theatremaking and community collaboration is to stay top of the agenda at Theatre Royal, as it extends the artistic residency of Nicholas Kavanagh, Curious State Theatre Company, for a third year. Since joining Theatre Royal as artist-in-residence, Nicholas has been a driving force behind innovative theatremaking with a climate action focus, working closely with the theatre team to spark conversations about climate
TOTEM Shines Bright with Réalta at the 2025 Transform Awards Europe
TOTEM, the Waterford and Cork based branding agency, has been once more recognised at the prestigious Transform Awards Europe 2025, winning a bronze award for Best Brand Architecture for its visionary work with Réalta - Ireland’s new national organisation for Arts and Health. Held each year in London, the Transform Awards celebrate excellence in rebranding and brand development across Europe. TOTEM’s accolade acknowledges the depth, clarity, and creativity of its strategy in reshaping how Arts and Health
Lives saved as Waterford’s cardiac care moves to seven-day service
A new chapter in cardiac care for the South East has begun, with three patients receiving life-saving treatment during the first weekend of extended cardiac coverage at University Hospital Waterford (UHW). This vital expansion marks the transition from a five-day cardiac service to full seven-day coverage, operating from 8am to 8pm daily, including Bank Holidays. It’s a move hailed as a significant healthcare milestone for the region. Behind this achievement is the relentless advocacy of healthcare
Waterford researchers leading the charge in resilient mobile networks
Waterford researchers leading the charge in resilient mobile networks Walton Institute at South East Technological University (SETU), Waterford, has been awarded nearly €350,000 through the prestigious Research Ireland U.S.-Ireland R&D Partnership Programme to lead a pioneering project aimed at enhancing the resilience of future mobile networks. The three-year project, titled NeTS: Small: Fungibility in Mobile Networks for Resilient 6G, is set to redefine how mobile networks operate under disruption,
HEAT WAVE Music Festival 2025
Waterford Chamber is delighted to support the new HEAT WAVE music festival this summer which will be held at the RSC Stadium Waterford this July, bringing additional footfall to our city and by extension supporting the whole community in terms of commercial opportunities. There are three tiers of sponsorship available enabling every business to benefit from this new and exciting event. The festival is fully supported by local Garda and the Waterford Council. The family orientated event boasts an
Waterford St. Patrick’s Festival Line-Up 2025
Waterford St. Patrick’s Festival Line-Up 2025 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 14th to Monday, March 17th. The theme for this year’s festival is Saints & Scholars – A Celebration of Waterford’s rich heritage and will be marked by parades, performances, carnivals and music right through the Bank Holiday weekend. And best of all…most events
Viking Hotel chefs win at Chef Ireland 2025 Culinary Competitions
Huge congratulations to our talented chefs, Uditha & Jagath, from the Viking Hotel Waterford! At the Chef Ireland competition during Catex 2025, both showcased their exceptional skills and took home multiple well-deserved medals! Jagath delivered an outstanding performance, winning three gold medals and one silver across his categories! Meanwhile, Uditha impressed the judges as well, earning one silver, one bronze, and a bronze class award in his competitions. Pictured here with their medals—an
Difference Leaders Make: Network Ireland Waterford Branch celebrates IWD 2025 with inspiring panel
Network Ireland Waterford Branch is thrilled to announce its annual International Women's Day celebration, themed "Difference Leaders Make," taking place on Wednesday, March 5th, 2025, at the prestigious Granville Hotel. This event promises an afternoon of insightful discussion, powerful stories, and invaluable networking opportunities. Join us for a prosecco reception and 3 course lunch from 12:30 PM, followed by a dynamic panel discussion featuring three of Waterford's most influential women: Ann Cusack,
Start strong, grow smart, and thrive global at Local Enterprise Week 2025
Waterford Local Enterprise Office has announced a programme of 24 events across 5 days during Local Enterprise Week 2025, taking place for Waterford City and County businesses from March 3rd to March 7th. This year’s Local Enterprise Week will feature many new events including informative and engaging workshops, seminars, presentations and advice clinics aimed at local businesses, whether in pre-start, start-up or as an established business looking to grow. The Local Enterprise Office has gathered
Waterford Chamber to host South East Jobs and Skills Fair 2025
Waterford Chamber are hosting the South East Jobs and Skills Fair on Saturday, February 22nd in the Granville Hotel Waterford from 9am to 3pm. The event is free to attend and will feature pop-up stands with employers from across the region who currently have live roles and are actively recruiting full, part-time and seasonal roles. According to Gerald Hurley, CEO Waterford Chamber, “From our ongoing engagement with our members and the wider business community, we understand that recruitment is
Collaborate to Elevate: A Marketing & Media Mix Event
Network Ireland Waterford is delighted to kick off 2025 with an unmissable event tailored for professionals and entrepreneurs eager to enhance their marketing and media skills. This exciting session brings together three incredible industry leaders who will share their expertise, practical insights, and actionable strategies to help you thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape.Date: 22nd JanuaryLocation: Granville Hotel, Waterford - 10am Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out,
Waterford Viking Marathon 2025 launches with Ireland’s First Disability-Friendly Run
The Waterford Viking Marathon 2025 is proud to announce its most inclusive event yet, set to take place on the 21st and 22nd of June in Ireland’s oldest city. This year’s event will make history by hosting Ireland’s first Disability-Friendly Run, catering to participants with vision impairments, hearing impairments, brain injuries, and more. The event promises something for everyone, featuring a full marathon, half marathon, 10k, an 8k Disability-Friendly Run, and a Children’s Run. The Children’s
Network Ireland Waterford Appoints Ann Marie Shannon as President for 2025
Network Ireland Waterford, a prominent organisation for women in business, announced the appointment of Ann Marie Shannon as its new President at its AGM on December 18th. Expressing her gratitude, Ms. Shannon remarked, “I am honoured to step into this role and to build on the incredible work of my predecessors. I will continue to foster professional development, leadership, and networking opportunities that help women thrive in their careers.” Ann Marie, co-owner of Veritas Chartered Accountants &
President Kevin Doolin was honoured to officially open the new Three Store in Ardkeen
Waterford Chamber President Kevin Doolin was honoured to officially open the new Three Store in Ardkeen, by kind invitation of Brian Clancy. Also present on the day were representatives from Samsung and Otterbox. Very best wishes to Brian and all the team at Three Store Ardkeen.
Waterford communities gear up for PPN Awards 2024
With seven group categories and three individual categories, thirty shortlisted groups and individuals are gearing up for the Waterford PPN Awards 2024 taking place in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan on Thursday, November 21st. Now in its 20th year, the awards scheme is the only platform in Waterford to recognise and celebrate the commitment and vibrancy of the community and voluntary sector in Waterford and recognises the value of the voluntary contribution made by community and voluntary groups and
Response to Dail comments on Waterford Airport runway extension business case
In response to comments by Junior Transport Minister James Lawless that likened the Waterford Airport business case to buying a 'pig in a poke', Waterford Chamber CEO Gerald Hurley has emailed the Minister:RE: Response to Dáil Comments on Waterford Airport Runway Extension Business Case Dear Minister Lawless, I am writing in response to your comments yesterday in the Dáil regarding the funding and business case for Waterford Airport’s runway extension. While I appreciate your willingness to consider
Football Cooperative (FC) marks significant social impact with plans for national expansion
A study conducted by South East Technological University (SETU) researchers on a unique social enterprise, shows that for every €1 invested in The Football Cooperative (FC) games, there is a return of €17.60 in social value. Founded with the aim of fostering sportsmanship, life-long learning, and a sense of belonging, FC provides a safe, competitive, and welcoming environment for men of all ages and abilities. The cooperative is making significant strides in promoting community and inclusivity through
Three Waterford projects feature as Excellence in Local Government Awards shortlist announced
Chambers Ireland has announced the shortlist for the Excellence in Local Government Awards 2024. In its 21st year, the Awards, sponsored by Orsted, feature a total of 98 Local Authority projects shortlisted across 15 categories, reflecting the dedication and innovation taking place at local government level, and one Local Authority will be awarded the overall award and named Local Authority of the Year 2024. These awards showcase best practice in local government and recognise the skills, hard work,
Shortlist announced for Waterford Business Awards 2024
A host of Waterford’s top businesses have been shortlisted for this year’s Waterford Business Awards. Organisers Waterford Chamber have joined forces again with partners WLR and Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber for the gala awards ceremony which will take place in the Tower Hotel on Friday, November 8th. Speaking about the awards, Waterford Chamber President Kevin Doolin said, “Congratulations to all the businesses who have been shortlisted, what a fantastic representation of the Waterford business
Blackwater Distillery wins prestigious Euro-Toques Food Award
Blackwater Distillery in West Waterford has won the Craft Award at this year’s Euro-Toques Food Awards for ‘their outstanding spirits and their contribution to protecting the tradition and skill of the age-old craft of distillation in Ireland.’ The Euro-Toques Food Awards are held annually to recognise and celebrate the very best food being produced in Ireland. They honour those who produce food of notable flavour and quality. Nominated by the chefs who use these exceptional products on their menus daily,
Waterford City and County Council shortlisted for three Excellence in Local Government Awards
Waterford City and County Council has been shortlisted in three categories of the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards 2024. The awards are held in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and showcase best practice in local government and recognise the skills, vision and innovation within local government. The Irish Wake Museum has been shortlisted in the Heritage & Built Environment category. This category celebrates best in class by a Local
More young people prefer to socialise at home rather than clubbing or going to the pub
More young people aged between 18 and 28 prefer to socialise at home or at a friend’s house rather than clubbing or going to a bar or pub. The research also revealed that travelling abroad and personal growth are the top two things young people between 18 and 28 are looking forward to this year. It's among the findings conducted by regional youth radio station Beat 102 103 and SPARK, as part of My So-Called Beat Life. The project was developed to understand young people’s attitudes, behaviours, and
Waterford business community turn out for Chamber Business After Hours at Port of Waterford
The Waterford business community was out in force on Thursday, June 20th to attend the Chamber business after-hours event at the Port of Waterford in Belview. Guests were welcomed by the Chairman of the Port John Treacey and treated to a tour of the activity port side and enjoyed some insights into the latest success at the Port and upcoming business developments from the Port CEO David Sinnott. Speaking at the event David said, “The history of Waterford City and the history of the Port are closely
Enterprise Ireland Innovation Vouchers
Is your small or medium-sized business at a cross-roads? Is there an opportunity or a threat on your horizon that you need to explore but you don’t have the time or resources to do it? RIKON at SETU is a specially trained team of business strategists that can assist you and your business in building your future business strategy. Innovation Vouchers are part of a fully-funded (free) grant scheme that is made available by Enterprise Ireland - specifically designed for SMEs in Ireland. RIKON specialises in
Councillors must hold Local Authority and Government accountable, says Waterford Chamber
Waterford Chamber has launched its Local Government Manifesto 2024, calling on those seeking election to Waterford City & County Council to “put their head above the parapet and be genuine in delivering for Waterford”. The extensive document outlines the current requirements to drive Waterford forward under three headlines, Vibrant Living City, Infrastructure for the Future and Green Ambition. According to Niall Harrington, President, Waterford Chamber: “In terms of the local elections, as a community
Waterford selected to host World Rally Championship
Rallying clubs, motor enthusiasts and the business community across the South East are celebrating today, as MotorSport Ireland President Mr. Aiden Harper announced the World Rally Championships is set to be hosted in the region for one of the three years, with Limerick and Kerry hosting the other two years. This will be the largest event ever to be staged in the region, with the base camp being specially erected in Waterford, attracting thousands of visitors to Waterford and surrounding counties, as well
