The Big Breakfast Blaa

WLR

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

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Today · 7 min
The films we HAD NO BUSINESS watching as children!
It's a Friday and Grace is looking back at a childhood filled with films we simply had no business watching at Halloween. From Dolly Dearest to Child's Play, The Fog to Friday the 13th... it was free reign on a Friday night in Xtravision. While she might not be watching any of these titles this weekend, she does recommend the new tv adaptation of Carrie, amongst other spooky series. As for Grace herself... we are on the cusp of the long weekend, so she is headed straight for the Imagine Arts Festival and Wicked Woods for its return to Carriganore after 5 long years. Listen back to Grace for some inspiration on how to spend your Bank Holiday weekend. And as always, you can catch Grace after the news at 9am on Fridays on The Big Breakfast Blaa. Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yesterday · 9 min
History of the Body Snatchers in Waterford
Waterford has an established history involving body snatchers in Waterford... not what you might expect to be hearing on air midweek! Cian Manning joined Ollie and Dymphna for his weekly slot, this time taking a distinctly spookier tone on the approach to Halloween. For this chat, we went back to 1833 when the remains of the recently deceased Johanna Walsh from Hennessy's Road were found inhumanely placed in a sack. It's believed she was recently disinterred from his resting place at Killoteran by a pair of body snatchers, people who often illicitly and illegally obtained bodies for medical examination. The gruesome incident saw the local Waterford Mayor involved as well as a well-known business figure implicated in the case... for context, her body was found in a house actually owned by the Mayor! Shocking story, made more so by the concrete truth behind it. Listen back or send on to someone who you think might be interested in a darker tale from Waterford. Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wednesday · 11 min
Gary Russell Does it Again!
Gary Russell, the official Pride of Carrick-on-Suir has done it again, and he has smashed the glass ceiling of his fundraising target this year for the Solas Cancer Support Centre. Yesterday, he presented Solas with a cheque for €18,800, his biggest target reached to date in his years of fundraising. This comes following his significant efforts this year, including an ultramarathon in aid of Solas, as well as the WLR Waterford Viking Marathon, the Run and Walk for Solas, and this Sunday the Dublin marathon. After this, he assures us that he will slow down for a little while before doing it all again next year! Pour a cuppa and listen back to Gary. Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tuesday · 8 min
Clem Jacob Credits Waterford Community After Major International Sustainability Win
Waterford company Clem Jacob has won a major international industry award for their efforts in sustainability. At the 2026 International Awards for Powered Access in Istanbul, Turkey last week, the company saw off significant competition to win the award. Clem joined Ollie and Dymphna in studio to reflect on the journey of the company since 2006, from navigating through a national and global recession to climbing the ranks of industry success. Alongside his son, Clem has built and developed a sustainable training facility on-site in Waterford, which is powered by solar panels and renewable energy sources, removing the need for diesel in large plant machinery. Clem was fast to point out that while their success is hard-earned, the company stands on the shoulders of Waterford, which has always lifted them, supported them, and carried them. It is for this reason that giving back to charitable and community events and efforts is a decision which comes easily to Clem. You can listen back to the interview in full here. Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
October 15 · 5 min
Several community groups to benefit from Tallow Fire Service donation
Following a series of bucket collections in the square in Tallow, more than €7,500 in funding is to be awarded to a series of community groups and organisations. The donations coincide with Community Fire Safety Week, during which members of Tallow Fire and Rescue Service and the other stations in West Waterford are visiting schools with life-saving educational advice around fire aimed at school-age pupils. Among those to receive a donation are St. Carthage's House which received a donation of €3,000, KGK Community Development, local Tidy Towns groups and more. Joining Ollie and Dymphna was Donnchadh Mulcahy from Tallow Fire and Rescue Service who outlined the donations,and also spoke about the bravery and courage of members of the fire service. Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
October 14 · 10 min
Waterford’s Miriam Gallagher: The Woman Who Helped Children Find Their Voice
Waterford's Miriam Gallagher was born Miriam O'Connor and was both a pioneering speech therapist, as well as an acclaimed playwright in Ireland. Her work has been produced across the globe, along with being broadcasted on both the BBC and RTE. It was her work as a speech therapist which saw her publish a ground-breaking book in 1977, when she was aged 37. 'Let's Help Our Children Talk' was written for parents and carers and it was the first of its kind published in the English language. It came from her work initially in St. James' Hospital in Dublin and later as the founder of the Irish Association of Speech Therapists. In a 2011 interview, Gallagher stated that the only limit to her ideas was 'the limits of the lifetimes available to deal with them.' Her back catalogue of work is extremely impressive, and in 2026 when there is significant demand for Speech and Language Therapists across the country, it is remarkable that the woman who paved the way for others was Waterford's own Miriam Gallagher. Thanks as always to Cian Manning for bringing this story to us. You can hear Cian every Wednesday on The Big Breakfast Blaa after the news at 9am. Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
October 13 · 5 min
A night of 1920s jazz and Dixieland vibes to sweep through Dungarvan
This Saturday evening in the Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre a night of 1920s elegance, jazz and Dixieland is set to take centre stage as Deise Brass bring their unique 10 piece band offering. Established in 2015, Deise Brass have a long history of using their talents and musical ability to raise money for community efforts and local charities. This year, they are to feature as part of the 48th Internation Guinness Cork Jazz Festival over the October Bank Holiday Weekend. However, before that they are treating Dungarvan to a night of pure musical joy in the Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre with doors opening at 7.30pm and the concert beginning at 8pm. With the full details, Eoin O'Brien from Deise Brass joined Ollie and Dymphna on air. Play to listen back in full. Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
October 12 · 9 min
The Book Centre, Waterford named Ireland's Bookstore of the Year
The Book Centre, Waterford was awarded the title Bookstore of the Year at a national awards ceremony held in the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny last weekend. The Elavon Retail Excellence Awards are a prestigious collection of awards celebrating the best in Ireland. Having made it to the top 30 finalists, the Book Centre, Waterford were named Best Bookstore on the night, an impressive accolade in such a competitive category. Lisa Connolly, manager of The Book Centre, Waterford joined Ollie and Dymphna to reflect on what a journey it has been since joining The Book Centre family. At a time when retail has never been more challenging, The Book Centre has strengthened its place within the community, offering a sense of escapism, a place for friendship, and a haven for magic in the heart of the city. Just last weekend, The Lit Festival filled The Well in The Book Centre celebrating young voices in the region. This is just one example of how voices, artists, and those who still search the skies for magic are championed and supported locally. Play to listen back to Lisa's interview in full (and pop in to say hello, tell them we sent you!) Don't forget The Book Centre proudly sponsor Dymphna's Book Club each month, giving you the opportunity to win a stack of the top books of the month for readers of all ages. Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
October 9 · 8 min
Grace Goes Orange for Solas with a Side of Netflix Nudity
Together with a sea of some 4,000 runners and walkers in a sea of orange, Grace will take part in this year's Run and Walk for Solas in Waterford City on Sunday, October 12th. The action gets underway the previous day in Dungarvan from 10am as part the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Solas Cancer Support Centre. Clad in her bright orange t-shirt, Grace outlined her training plan ahead of the weekend, which includes binge watching the brand new Florence Pugh mini-series on Netflix, 'East of Eden.' (10/10 from Grace but a viewer's discretion to not watch with a parent or a family member without full knowledge of a healthy helping of on-screen nudity.) Elsewhere this weekend, essential viewing is the brand new season 'War' on Sky, which has just had episode two drop featuring Dominic West and Sienna Miller. It follows a high-profile divorce with some dirty tactics being deployed by both parties. Big budget production, big cast, and ALL the drama. (bit of nudity here to be fair as well...) Get your weekend off to a flying start with Grace on The Buzz on The Big Breakfast Blaa, every Friday morning just after the news at 9. Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
October 8 · 9 min
Local Teacher on Junior Cert Results, Industrial Action and More
Local teacher, Katie Chance was among many reacting to the error on the printed transcripts for students receiving their Junior Certificate results yesterday, of which there were some 74,000 across the country. This year, grading parameters were changed so, for example, a Distinction which was 90%-100% previously is now changed to 85%-100% making it more achievable for students hoping to be awarded a Distinction. She also weighed in with her personal opinion on the validity in 2026 of the space the Junior Certificate occupies, and how much, if any it prepares students for in terms of the wider world. Elsewhere, schools have confirmed that they will close their doors across the country next Wednesday, October 14th as part of industrial action. Speaking with Ollie and Dymphna, Katie explained what the work-to-rule has looked like for both students and teachers from uncertainty around open days in colleges, school trips, correspondence from teachers and supervision on breaks. It is not, she stressed, something that any teacher wants to do, fully aware of the impact on students sense of academic stability, routine, and the reality that many rely entirely on the breakfast clubs in schools. An interesting, worthwhile listen. Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
October 7 · 7 min
For the Love of Camogie: Waterford's Queen of Sport
Waterford's 'Queen of Sport' is arguably, one of the most versatile sporting figures in the 20th Century, Newrath-native Josie McNamara. Josie won Munster Camogie Championships with Waterford, played in All-Ireland finals for Kilkenny, and won County Championship medals with four different clubs across the two counties. This was a female athlete for whom county borders posed no challenge, she simply loved the game. Today, some might term Josie a 'rented' camogie player, drafted in to bring clubs and counties a sugnificant degree of success, but her talents extended far beyond camogie. She was proficient in badminton, golf, table tennis, and tennis seeing her earn the title locally of 'Queen of Sport.' At the time, Josie was a pioneer for Waterford camogie, bearing in mind that in the 1940s and beyond, the game was not as widely supported as it is today and it was often maligned compared to today's success. Today, we proudly print the name of our local players who are nominated for All-Star awards, but back then, it was Josie. In 2023, Nigel Kelly, former Head of Sport for WLR produced and directed a special documentary 'For the Love of Camogie'- a special documentary on the 1945 All-Ireland. The 12 players who would line out in the final hailed from St Mary’s St Columcilles, Clashmore, St Carthages, Ballyduff and Knocknore. They were as follows: Cáit Flynn was in goals. Full Back, Maura Curran. Mamie O’ Meara at Right wing-back. Nellie Breen was the centre of the wall. Nora Hennessy at left wing back to complete the defense. The midfield comprised of Kitty O Sullivan, Josie McNamara and Captain Bríd McCraith. The attackers were Teresa Hynes and Nora Healy at right and left-wing forward positions. Angela Spencer was named at cente forward, with May Kennedy at full forward. In this documentary you hear from Angela Spencer’s daughter and niece, Betty Lodge and Lillian O’ Sullivan, Mamie O’ Meara’s nephew Declan and Biddie McCraith’s daughter Máire who all reflect on the life and times of the 1945 team. As always, Cian Manning has the story we should all hear, so at your own leisure, pour a cuppa and listen back to the story of Josie McNamara, Waterford's 'Queen of Sport.' And don't forget, you can catch Cian every Wednesday morning on The Big Breakfast Blaa after the news at 9. Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
October 6 · 7 min
From Breast Cancer at 19 to World Cup Glory: Christine Frank's Incredible Story
At 19, Christine Franks, an accomplished taekwondo athlete found a lump in her breast. Shortly after, it was confirmed that she had Stage 3 Breast Cancer. Frightened and fearing the worst, she contacted the Solas Cancer Support Centre the very next day and a full suite of treatments, therapies and services were offered not just to Christine but to her family also. These services were, and are, entirely free thanks to the generous annual donations and fundraising efforts across the year, but most notably the Run and Walk for Solas. Now aged 21, Christine is in full health following a decision to undergo a mastectomy and she has just returned from competing in Spain in her chosen discipline of taekwondo where she won the World Cup. Her involvement with the sport never wavered throughout her sickness or her treatment, and with a support system including her father Master Franks, her mum Lisa, and her boyfriend James, she never stopped moving forwards and looking to the future. Christine's story is one of tremendous courage, tenacity, love, and most importantly hope because at 19 no young person ever expects to receive such devastating news, to become part of a rare statistic. Ultimately it was her decision to breast check, to act on what she found and to engage with medical and therapeutic supports and services which saved her life. Registration for the Run and Walk for Solas is still open and can be made here. Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
October 2 · 11 min
The Crash: The Netflix True Crime Story That Sent Grace Down a Rabbit Hole
Bad Apples, The Crash, and a momentous October 2nd with a fainting spell involving The Darkness... Grace has been a busy bee this week. Bad Apples is in cinemas now starring Saoirse Ronan as a teacher frustrated with a challenging student, a distinct lack of support from school management, and a class which cannot be reached with her attentions directed towards managing one student. A fairly grey moral area emerges as the teacher effectively kidnaps the student and imprisons him in her house. Grace gave this cracker of a film a 4.5/5 (not one to award the full 5 stars easily is our Grace!) And for those who won't make it to the cinema, The Crash on Netflix has viewers going down a rabbithole of armchair detective activity when a car driven at 100 mph crashes killing two passengers and injuring the driver. The driver is Mackenzie Shirilla, aged then 17, who was in a long-term committed relationship with Dominic Russo and living with him in his house. What seemed initially as a tragic accident turned into a murder trial, ahead of her eventual imprisonment. It's the side stories on YouTube, Reddit, and other platforms which add much more meat to the bone here and make this something worth sinking your teeth into, AND it's October 2nd, which marks Grace's anniversary of feigning a fainting period outside HMV in order to see The Darkness... would you doubt her? Listen back in full and catch Grace every Friday after the news at 9am. Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
October 1 · 9 min
Sent to Dublin: The Hidden Stories of Ireland's Forgotten Women
Stiúrthóir/Director of Red Shoe Productions in An Rinn, Maggie Breathnach is motivated and inspired by people, their stories, their traditions, and their 'why.' Having seen The Lost Children of Tuam which premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh, she was 'moved' by the courage, tenacity and determination of 'an ordinary woman.' It was this tenacity and doggedness which saw historian Catherine Corless uncover what happened in Tuam and her attempts to bring some peace to more than 700 babies and their families. That story was brought into the public sphere in Galway through film and thus reached a new audience, or perhaps even the same audience, but in a different way- through film and with a real depth of feeling. Maggie knew she had to do something with the feelings the film had evoked in her, such is the power of film. This Friday, she has organised a special screening of The Lost Children of Tuam in Dungarvan Cinema with special guests in attendance, and a community of creatives who tell stories through their own medium, each an activist in their own right bringing about change. Red Shoe Productions is moving further into scripted film and an exciting project is currently in its infancy, exploring the stories of local people who went to houses in Dublin rather than into one of the Magdalene laundries. The story of this lesser-known alternative for woman is set to be turned into a film in the near future working with the extraordinary Maeve O'Boyle with a red carpet event planned close to home. Maggie is inspirational, fiercely determined, and fuelled by the stories of our people. Pour a cuppa and listen back. Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 30 · 11 min
Loren’s Miss World Ireland Message: Listen to Women
Miss World Ireland 2026 finalist Loren Flynn is using her platform to shine a light on an issue she believes deserves far more attention: women’s cardiac health. Loren has just completed her BA in Psychology in SETU and while she is originally from Douglas in Co. Cork, she has been embraced by the Déise and now works with young people with intellectual disabilities. While the Miss World Ireland competition is about much more than a title, Loren says she wants to use the opportunity to start conversations that could make a real difference to women. In particular, she is encouraging women to take their heart health seriously and to advocate for themselves when something does not feel right. This, she says is particularly important for women who can often be dismissed when they first flag their concerns with a healthcare provider. 12 months ago, Loren began her healthcare journey to investigate heart palpitations, extremem fatigue, dizziness and general symptoms which were out of character for her. Many months went by with many bouts of testing completed and today Loren has a loop implant recorder in her chest which records activity in her heart and sends the details recorded to an app on her phone which is monitored by her medical team. While scary, this, she says offers her a degree of comfort to know that while the cardiac activity is happening inside her body and being felt only by her, it is being monitored by a team of people who will instantly know if she isn't ok. That loneliness that goes hand-in-hand with health concerns is something is keen to highlight, the loneliness and isolation. Health challenges can affect far more than a person's physical wellbeing. They can have an impact on confidence, relationships, social lives and a person's sense of connection with the world around them. Loren believes those emotional and social effects deserve to be part of the conversation too. She hopes her Miss World Ireland journey will allow her to reach women who may be quietly experiencing health difficulties, while also reminding friends, family and communities of the importance of connection and support. Speaking on The Big Breakfast Blaa, Loren shared why using her voice for these issues is such an important part of her journey and why she hopes other women will feel empowered to speak up about their own health. For Loren, the platform is not simply about a competition. It is an opportunity to encourage conversation, raise awareness and remind people that nobody should have to face health challenges or isolation alone. Voting opens on the Miss Ireland app on Thursday October 1st and voting can be completed every 24 hours. Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 29 · 4 min
Tallow GAA celebrates Zuckerberg windfall
Tallow GAA, Lismore GAA, and Shamrocks GAA are all celebrating the news that Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan have made a donation of €150,000 to be divided evenly across all three clubs. This is the Chan Zuckerberg's first philanthropic donation since their purchase of Strancally Castle in West Waterford last month. Kieran Geary is the treasurer of Tallow GAA Club and he joined Ollie and Dymphna on air to welcome news of the funding. This donation, he says, is the single largest donation ever received by the club across its 139 year history and will ensure all three clubs are future-proofed for future generations in the community. It seems that Kieran may not only have manifested this development, but even actively sought it. He admitted to having sent an email to the Meta founder following news of his purchase of Strancally Castle with a suggestion on how local clubs might benefit. Did he receive the email? Who knows... but the donation was forthcoming and warmly welcomed. Listen back to Kieran Geary in full on The Big Breakfast Blaa with thanks to Shaws. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 29 · 8 min
The Waterford man who shaped Mickey Mouse
The foundation of Universal Pictures in 1912 remains a major moment in the history of Motion Pictures. Remarkably, among its founders was Waterford’s own Patrick A. Power, known in the United States as Pat Powers. The Barrack Street-born son of a coachbuilder went on to become closely associated with Thomas Edison concerning the development of the gramophone. Later, Powers’ Celebrity Productions became the first distributor of Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse cartoons in the late-1920s. Powers continued to have a keen interest in his native Ireland for the rest of his life, with his generosity and love for home demonstrated before his death. At times, it feels like you can't move for the famous connections in Waterford once you scratch beneath the surface, and Cian Manning is the man to bring those stories to the fore. Cian joined us on a Tuesday this week but ordinarily, you can listen back to Cian Manning each Wednesday just after the news at 9 on The Big Breakfast Blaa. Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 25 · 8 min
Practical Magic 2 & Lizzie Borden: Grace Was NOT Having It
Two giants of film and small screen hit households this week- Practical Magic 2 and Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story. Grace saw both and Grace has lots to say about both. Back in 1998, we fell in love with the Sally and Gillian Owens in Practical Magic, the sisters who battle a family curse and strengthen their own familial bonds in the process. A return to Practical Magic has been on our bucket list for such a long time and 2026 was the year we got it. What does Grace think? Officially she awarded it 1/5 with the star given for the nostalgia vibes only. Which brings us to one of the most awaited stories to come to Netflix, Ryan Murphy's depiction of the Lizzie Borden story as part of his famous Monster series. Previously we saw Dahmer, the Menendez Brothers, and Ed Gein and so it was high time a woman featured on the list of truth being stranger than fiction. Grace firmly believes she was not well represented on screen, and that only breadcrumbs of truth were present in Ryan Murphy's artistic licence. A disappointing result for Grace who had high hopes, but never fear... she wore her Westlife robe into studio, a comfort blanket of floating heads. Listen back to Grace on The Big Breakfast Blaa and don't forget you can catch her every Friday just after the news at 9. Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna from 6am until 10am daily. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 24 · 6 min
“Every Story Matters”: The Mount Sion Teacher Giving Students a Voice
Eadaoin Griffin is many things, an English and Geography teacher, an SEN co-ordinator for third year, and the literacy co-ordinator in Mount Sion CBS in Waterford. As part of One Day Many Voices, The Big Breakfast Blaa visited the school and we sat surrounded by books, beanbags, and an atmosphere of active learning. It was in the company of Eadaoin that students offered to share their experiences to WLR of the challenges and bravery in making Waterford their new home. Through the School of Sanctuary, she helps to create a nurturing environment which is supportive, encouraging, and kind. Why does she do it? Simply because she believes in the importance of recording our histories, our stories, and of listening to each other. It is through listening to the personal reflections of lived experiences that we can learn, develop, and gain appreciation and understanding of challenges beyond our own. This is a mantra which has guided Eadaoin throughout her career. Listen back to the full interview with Eadaoin, and her enduring love of books and learning. Listen back to The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna, weekdays from 6am to 10am. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 24 · 6 min
“Every Smile Meant Something”- Mount Sion CBS Students Give Thanks
In Mount Sion CBS, sometimes, it is the smallest things that can make the biggest difference. A smile. A kind word. A moment of friendship. For Shakhib, who travelled for 15 months from Afghanistan before reaching safety in Ireland, those moments have helped him build a new life in Waterford. And for Antonio, who moved here from Portugal, kindness and inclusion helped turn an unfamiliar place into somewhere he could call home. The two Mount Sion CBS students joined The Big Breakfast Blaa this morning as WLR marked One Day Many Voices, sharing powerful stories of starting again, finding friendship and looking towards the future. “I’m choosing my future” Shakhib is now studying for his Leaving Certificate at Mount Sion, determined to succeed and build a future he can be proud of. But getting to this point has been a long and difficult journey. He left his childhood home in Afghanistan, leaving family, friends and the life he knew behind. For 15 months, he travelled here, immersed in fear and uncertainty, without the personal or financial security many of us take for granted. The days and the nights brought unimgainable fear and very real dangers. Then came Ireland. Then came Waterford. And then came Mount Sion. Shakhib arrived with very little English and a fear of failure. What he found, however, were people willing to help him find his feet. Teachers who encouraged him. Classmates who included him. And those little moments of kindness that meant so much. He spoke movingly about being grateful for “every smile, every kind word and every moment of friendship.” He hasn't forgotten where he came from. He hasn't forgotten what he left behind. And he hasn't forgotten the 15 months of fear that brought him here. But Shakhib is looking forward. His past is part of his story, but he is determined to choose his future. “Waterford became home” Antonio's journey was very different. He moved to Ireland from Portugal and, while he already had a good command of English, he still had to navigate a new culture, new surroundings and a completely different social environment. Once again, friendship made the difference. The welcome he received at Mount Sion helped him settle, find his place and eventually begin to think of Waterford as home. Today, Antonio is a proud member of the school's School of Sanctuary community. And having experienced what it feels like to be the new person, he understands just how important that first smile or friendly word can be. Because you never know what someone has been through before they walk through the school gates. Two journeys. One powerful message. Shakhib and Antonio have very different stories. But both spoke about the importance of being welcomed, included and given the chance to belong. Their message is a simple one. Kindness matters. For someone starting again, a smile might be more important than you realise. A kind word might stay with them for years. And an invitation to join in might be the moment they stop feeling like an outsider. Powerful stuff from two students of Mount Sion CBS, shared with WLR as we mark One Day Many Voices. Two journeys. Two new beginnings. And a reminder that sometimes, making someone feel at home starts with simply making them feel welcome. Listen back to The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna, weekdays from 6am to 10am. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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