19 September 2025
Podcast Episode 5: Voices of the Quay – Waterford’s Living Maritime History
As we continue to celebrate our extraordinary 1,111 years of maritime legacy, this new episode of the Port of Waterford 1111 podcast shines a spotlight on the personal stories that bring that history to life. In this episode, hosted by veteran maritime broadcaster Tom MacSweeney and released in advance of National Culture Night 2025, listeners are invited to walk the quayside through the memories of three iconic Waterford figures: Ann Cusack of the Granville Hotel, June Darrer of Dooley’s Hotel and Tony Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald’s Menswear. These conversations offer a rich tapestry of experiences that span generations; from cattle being driven through the streets and dockside flooding, to family-run hotels, meat factories, and the rise and fall of industrial landmarks.
The episode paints a vivid picture of a city in transformation. It touches on everything from smuggling nylons and chasing loose cattle, to rebuilding after floods and reimagining the riverfront. Each guest shares deeply personal reflections on how the port shaped Waterford’s economy, character, and community spirit. Whether it’s stories of dockers splicing rope, emigrants arriving on the Great Western, or spontaneous acts of civic beautification on a derelict quay, the episode is a love letter to the enduring vitality of the river and the people who made it central to their lives.
As Waterford continues to evolve into a modern destination city, the podcast reminds listeners of the resilience and adaptability that have always defined it. With the addition of new infrastructure like bridges and green spaces, the river remains not only a historic artery but a living part of the city’s future.
Port of Waterford 1111 is available on all major podcast platforms and via the Port’s website at www.portofwaterford.com/port-1111.
Visitors to the city can also scan the QR code at the Harbour Master’s Office along the quay to listen while walking the waterfront.
