Meet the Faces of Waterford: Rebels, Rockstars & Beyond

Thomas Francis Meagher

Best known for creating and presenting the Irish tricolour for the first time in Waterford in 1848, Meagher was a nationalist, soldier and orator. He fought for Irish freedom, was exiled to Tasmania, and later became a Union General in the American Civil War. He went on to serve as acting governor of Montana and sadly died in an accidental drowning just a month shy of his 44th birthday. A statue of Meagher stands proudly on the Mall, keeping watch over his native city.

Fr. Luke Wadding

A 17th-century Franciscan friar, Luke Wadding was a renowned theologian and historian. He founded the Irish College in Rome and was so highly respected that he was nominated for the papacy – the only Irishman to ever receive such recognition. Never forgetting his roots, we can also thank him for ensuring St Patrick’s Day was included on the Catholic calendar.

Br. Edmund Rice

Originally from Callan, Kilkenny, Edmund Rice spent much of his adult life in Waterford, where he founded the Christian Brothers. His legacy in education continues to influence generations across Ireland and beyond.

Teresa Deevy

A pioneering playwright from Waterford, Deevy became a leading voice in Irish theatre during the early 20th century, despite losing her hearing in early adulthood. Her works often focused on the inner lives of women and remain influential in feminist literary circles.

Val Doonican

The velvet-voiced singer and TV entertainer was born in Waterford in 1927 and became a household name in Britain during the 1960s and 70s. Known for his easy-going charm, jumpers, and storytelling songs, Doonican never forgot his Waterford roots.

Gilbert O’Sullivan

Although he left Waterford at a young age, singer-songwriter Gilbert O’Sullivan retained a strong connection to the city. Known for hits like “Alone Again (Naturally)”, he was awarded the Freedom of Waterford in recognition of his artistic contributions.

John O’Shea

One of Ireland’s most celebrated footballers, John O’Shea was born in Ferrybank, Waterford. He enjoyed a stellar career at Manchester United and represented Ireland internationally with distinction, earning over 100 caps.

Carrie Crowley

An actor and broadcaster, Carrie Crowley has appeared in many Irish-language and English-language productions, including the Oscar-nominated film An Cailín Ciúirn. She began her career as a television presenter and has remained a proud Waterford voice in Irish arts.

John Roberts

Roberts was the 18th-century architect responsible for many of Waterford’s finest buildings, including both Christ Church Cathedral (Protestant) and the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity (Catholic) – making Waterford the only city in Europe with both cathedrals designed by the same architect.

Brendan Bowyer

The king of showband Ireland, Bowyer was best known for the infectious hit “The Hucklebuck.” A trailblazer of rock’n’roll in Ireland, he brought American-style stage presence to Irish audiences and influenced a generation.

William Vincent Wallace

A composer and virtuoso born in Waterford in 1812, Wallace achieved international fame with his opera Maritana. He performed in the US and Australia, and his musical legacy remains embedded in Waterford’s cultural identity.

Thomas Barr

An Olympic hurdler from Dunmore East, Barr made headlines with his fourth-place finish in the 400m hurdles at Rio 2016. His energy, charisma and sportsmanship made him a national favourite.

Robert Doyle

A pioneering molecular biologist and geneticist from Waterford, Professor Robert Doyle has contributed significantly to the understanding of gene regulation and epigenetics. His work has helped shape modern approaches to personalised medicine.

Dervla Murphy

A native of of Lismore, travel writer Dervla Murphy is inseparable from the soul of Waterford. Her fearless solo journeys on bicycle through Ethiopia, India and beyond made her one of Ireland’s most beloved literary explorers.

Whether you’re walking through the Viking Triangle or exploring the streets of Dunmore, you might just be following in the footsteps of giants. These figures helped to shape Waterford and are forever connected to the city’s soul.