Member News

Christ Church Cathedral launches ‘Buy a Piece of History’ campaign

Christ Church Cathedral, Waterford is launching a new fundraising campaign for its roof replacement with an evening of lectures on Waterford’s past, present and future.

This takes place on Wednesday, September 25th at 6.30pm in Christ Church Cathedral, Cathedral Square and is a free event, to which all are welcome.

Patsy McGarry, the Irish Times Religious Correspondent, leads off the evening with an interesting and insightful evaluation of the changing role of the Church of Ireland in the country over the last 200 years. This will be followed by Dean Maria Jansson’s exploration of the changing role of the cathedral locally, nationally and internationally. Finally, CEO of Waterford City and County, Michael Walsh sets out his view on the future of Waterford, socially and economically.

While this will be an interesting and educational evening, it is principally organised to launch the Cathedral’s fundraising campaign to replace the slates on its roof, damaged during Hurricane Ophelia two years ago.

That churches need new roofs is not a new story, especially when the roof of the cathedral in question is over 200 years old: but what is new is how the Cathedral is raising funds for its roof repairs.

Dean Jansson is asking parishioners, the Waterford public, tourists and businesses to buy a piece of history by purchasing a 240 year old slate taken from the original roof of the Cathedral built by John Roberts in 1779.

Considering the Cathedral and the Church of Ireland’s openness to all, the Dean is hoping that the old roof will belong to the whole of the community in Waterford and its friends abroad.

“The Cathedral belongs to the City, it always has done. It has so many friends throughout Waterford and beyond, we hope this campaign captures their imagination, that they take this opportunity to buy a slate and own a piece of history.” explained Dean Jansson.

The plans are ambitious, but she is confident. “This is a way of permanently linking this generation with an iconic building in Waterford and preserving that connection for generations to come.”

Christ Church Cathedral is, arguably, the finest 18th Century ecclesiastical building in Ireland. Designed by John Roberts, the architect of Georgian Waterford, it is a strong example of the elegance of the period, taking on board principles of Neo-Classicism and symmetry, alongside fresh and decorative rococo styling. John Roberts also designed Waterford’s Roman Catholic Cathedral on Barronstrand St.

There has been a Cathedral on this site since 1096. It was on this site of Christ Church that in 1170 that Strongbow married to Aoife, daughter of Diarmait Mac Murchada, King of Leinster. This is, therefore one of the most important historic sites in Ireland.

With the support of Waterford Chamber on the evening Dean Jansson emphasised that there has always been a strong link between the Cathedral and the community of Waterford, in particular the business community. Many people have supported the Cathedral over the years. The Waterford business community and many, many generous individuals came together only 20 years ago to save the cathedral by raising a significant amount of money.”

There are volunteers on hand in the Cathedral during its publicised opening hours, willing and able to help anyone who calls in to buy a slate for a €50 donation.

Rapid Cabs team up with WIT Students’ Union to launch ‘Get Home Safe’ campaign

Now in its third year, Rapid Cabs and the WIT Students’ Union want to reiterate their message to students starting their academic year, “Don’t walk home alone”.

Rapid Cabs CEO Eric O’Brien, explains the importance of this message to students, “In our industry we see it all. Being safe when out at night comes down to making smart decisions. That is why messages like this are so important. It seems obvious not to walk home alone but when you are out and have no money, you do not think you have a choice. Now you do.”

You’re a student of WIT and out for the evening. You’ve run out of money, lost your wallet or purse and it’s time to go home. However, now you can get a taxi with Rapid Cabs rather than walking home on your own. Just leave your WITCard with them and pay your fare when you collect it the next day.

“Waterford City does not differ from any large urban environment, it is no safer or more dangerous that any third level City, but people need to plan their night out, and that includes getting home”.

John Fortune, WITSU President endorses this new initiative, “WIT Students’ Union are delighted to once again, work with Rapid Cabs to ensure that all WIT students have a safe way to get home whether it be day or night time. With this scheme our students can exchange their student card for the taxi ride and then pick up their card when paying for the ride in the following days. This scheme makes Waterford a more attractive place to both students and parents as it provides a peace of mind knowing there is always the option to pay later!"

The ‘Safe Home Scheme’ is now in place and will be promoted through-out the Institute campus and on local radio.

The scheme was nominated by Purple Flag Waterford and achieved runner up in the Best Safety, Security and Resilience Scheme at the International ATCM awards held in Camden Town, London on the 26th June, 2019. WIT, Rapid Cabs and Purple Flag Waterford are actively promoting the scheme throughout the city

Rapid Cabs is a licensed taxi dispatch operator by the National Transport Authority and all of its drivers are fully Garda vetted, insured and licensed. Open and accessible 24 hours a day 365 days a year, Rapid Cabs has a computerised booking dispatch system from its local taxi call centre and has installed in-car driver devices in all of its taxis to ensure as such efficiency as possible.

Its App is available for free on Apple and Android.

Smovey Bootcamp

We are delighted to announce our new boot camp.

This is for anyone who loves to workout or wants to lose weight, improve fitness, gain muscle, tone up to name but a few.

POWER HIIT bootcamp is High Intensity Interval Training combined with smoveyPOWER,so not only are you getting a fantastic HIIT workout but also the benefits of vibrations.

The boot camp runs for the month of October but you are invited to come along to a free taster session on 16th September 6.30pm in our new studio - Unit 13 Seapoint, Riverstown business park, Tramore.

Space is limited so please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0858525766 to reserve your space.

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Multi award-winning Beat 102 103 shortlisted for 4 national IMRO Radio Awards

It has been another stellar year in radio broadcasting on the island of Ireland and the crème de la crème were today announced on the IMRO Radio Awards 2019 shortlist. Multi award winning Beat 102 103 continues to shine brightly on the national stage with 4 nominations this year.

Current Best Radio DJ in Ireland David Hammond is shortlisted once again in the same category so will be hoping to secure back to back gold.

Beat Breakfast, with Niall Power, Trish Archer and Vincent Bradley has been shortlisted for Breakfast Programme. This is the second time that the popular trio has received a nomination in this highly competitive category.

Breakfast show Host and Head of Station Sound Niall Power says “Beat Breakfast is known for our fun approach at a hectic time of day. Our audience knows when they switch on to us, we’ll make them laugh; we never take ourselves too seriously and I think that’s what makes the show work so well each morning.”

Wexford-native Shonagh Lyons is shortlisted for her powerful documentary, “So much more than the baby blues,'' which shone a fascinating & insightful spotlight on the sensitive issue of Postnatal depression.

Debbie Ridgard has received her second consecutive nomination. Following on from being shortlisted last year for Best Newcomer, the Tramore native has been shortlisted this year for Regional Sports Broadcaster of the year.

Speaking following the announcement, Beat 102 103 CEO, Gabrielle Cummins said “these four categories are extremely competitive and as a national judge myself, I know how hard fought it has been to receive a shortlist. A massive well done to all of the nominees and we look forward to celebrating the station’s achievements at the overall awards night next month”

Speaking about the significance of the event, Chair of the IMRO Radio Awards committee, Tom McGuire said, “The IMRO Radio Awards is an important media milestone as it recognises the excellence of Irish radio; celebrates the contribution of broadcasters to the national conversation and for one night only brings together the nation's stations.”

The awards ceremony will take place in the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny on Friday, 4th October.

Donegal EUROSPAR leads way on new renewable energy partnership with Enerpower

Leading retail brand EUROSPAR has today announced the first installation of solar panels at a Donegal store as part of a partnership developed by BWG and Irish renewable energy efficiency company Enerpower.

The renewable energy partnership with Enerpower was developed by BWG Foods, owners and operators of the EUROSPAR brand, as part of its commitment to reducing the environmental impact of retail businesses on their communities and to encourage independent retailers to improve their green footprint.

The planned installations are due to be completed by the end of September after which it is expected that there will be further uptake of the initiative among EUROSPAR retailers.

EUROSPAR Gortahork, owned by Thomas McClafferty, is the first store to complete the solar panel installation which is expected to see a 15% reduction in the store’s carbon emissions and a significant annual cost saving on energy bills of up to 15%. Further installations are being rolled out to other EUROSPAR stores in Louth and Kilkenny over the coming weeks, as part of the partnership.

Requiring normal daylight to function, the advanced solar panels that will be deployed as part of the scheme are highly efficient and are designed to deliver significant energy cost savings.

Speaking about the renewable energy partnership, Dr John Carty, Projects Director of Enerpower, said: “We’re delighted to have worked with the team at EUROSPAR and with the McClafferty’s in Gortahork to see the first of what we hope will be many installations complete. While industry in Ireland has been slower than other European countries to install solar panels – the fact that a leading retail brand such as EUROSPAR has taken a lead in encouraging its retailers to consider solar panel installation gives encouragement that many more will follow.”

Speaking on behalf of EUROSPAR, Managing Director, Malachy Hanberry said: “We are delighted that EUROSPAR in Gortahork is the first store to connect as part of this exciting partnership. As a leading retail brand, EUROSPAR is committed to seeking out new opportunities and innovations that will help us and our retailers to reduce our carbon footprint. We look forward to other retailers benefiting from this collaboration as they seek to future-proof their businesses from an environmental impact perspective.”

EUROSPAR Gortahork Owner, Thomas McClafferty, said: “We are delighted with this addition to our EUROSPAR supermarket. That we will benefit from significant savings while also helping the environment is a great bonus and I am thrilled that we are the first EUROSPAR supermarket in the estate to have this innovation.”

Owen Power, Managing Director of Enerpower says “we are delighted to partner with BWG on this renewable energy project. The EUROSPAR team are highlighting their commitment to the environment with the reduction of carbon emissions and allowing a saving on energy costs across the company. The team are taking charge and leading the way with this partnership. As the demand for energy rises, the cost of energy is rising too, changing to a renewable energy source can ensure that businesses reduce or eliminate their exposure to rising prices”.

Enerpower are focussed on helping businesses to transition to renewable and sustainable energy sources. Enerpower have installed and maintain Solar Photovoltaic Panels, Biomass Boilers and Wind Turbines for some of Irelands largest and most recognisable brand names such as Flahavans, Ardkeen Quality Food Store, Tesco, Kepak and the HSE.

The Enerpower team has extensive industry experience with a proven track record in project management and bringing energy savings to businesses nationwide. Enerpower believe that by focusing on renewable energy resources businesses will save money on heating and energy and reduce its impact the environment. With such a long list of benefits, no business can afford not to consider the change over to solar and renewable energy technology.