As Waterford and the Port of Waterford celebrate 1,111 years this year, and to mark the occasion, Ireland’s oldest Port has launched a brand new podcast series ‘Port of Waterford 1111’ which explores the Port’s rich and varied maritime heritage.

The new podcast series is hosted by the legendary voice of the maritime space, Tom MacSweeney. Tom describes the podcast series thus “In the podcast, we’ll journey through time to explore the rich and fascinating history of the Port and the city of Waterford — two stories deeply intertwined since the Vikings first set anchor in Waterford over a millennium ago.

This new podcast series shares some insights into the 1,111-year legacy, which is not just a testament to the resilience of the Port itself but also to the enduring spirit of Waterford and its people. The Port’s longevity is a source of pride for Waterford and a reminder of the historical significance of maritime trade in shaping the region’s growth and prosperity.

Standing with a personal hero of mine, legendary broadcaster Tom MacSweeney at Port of Waterford

Tides and Tales were featured as the second episode of the show.  The first featured the O’Hanlon family, for whom crane driving isn’t just a job—it’s a legacy. For four generations, they have been an integral part of the Port of Waterford’s daily operations, manoeuvring towering cranes with precision and skill high above the bustling docks.

Four generations of the O’Hanlon family at Port of Waterford

The third episode features key figures shaping the present and future of the port, including Shane Buckley (Coxswain of the pilot boat), Victor Whitty (Marine Pilot), Ian Moriarty (Deputy Harbourmaster), Albert Lennon (General Manager, South East Port Services), and Paul Keating (Suir Shipping). These voices offer a rare and engaging glimpse into the complex and vital work behind the scenes.

In August a further episode was launched to celebrate Heritage Week. The episode set out to “Explore the Rich Maritime History of Waterford with Historian Eamonn McEneaney” and can be listened to here

A fifth podcast on the social history associated with the quays was published to celebrate Culture Night in late September. The episode features the memories of three Waterford business figures: Tony Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald’s Menswear, June Darrer of Dooley’s Hotel, and Ann Cusack of the Granville Hotel (seen below) and can be heard here.  The sixth episode featured Lorraine Casey ahead of Ireland’s Port Safety Week, talking about the relevance of maintaining H&S at the Port. You can listen back here. 

The podcast series is available online and on podcast platforms.