Caroline Spencer

Ireland

Journalist at Waterford News and Star

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Articles

Waterford woman banned from owning animals after serious case of neglecting dog

1 week ago | waterford-news.ie | Caroline Spencer

A Waterford woman has received a 10-year ban from owning any animals for causing "unnecessary suffering" to her dog.
'I know it was a mistake' - Waterford man jailed for sexual assault

1 week ago | waterford-news.ie | Caroline Spencer

A young man will serve a six-month prison sentence for sexually assaulting a family member. The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, appeared in Waterford Circuit Court for sentencing. He committed the act in 2022, against a young girl who trusted him as a close family member. A month after the assault, the girl told the perpetrator's mother. Eventually, the girl's mother learned about the assault and went to the Gardaí.
'It's about where we live' - Waterford kids create book about home, housing and community

1 week ago | waterford-news.ie | Caroline Spencer

Waterford children have created a a compelling book about home, community and housing. 'Up the hill, Down the hill' is a collection of children's stories, illustrations and artwork that detail their lives across different estates in Waterford. The book is the result of a collaboration between Respond and Kids' Own Publishing Partnership. Respond is an organisation that provides community-based supports for families experiencing housing insecurity.
'Deeply concerning' - Waterford children still without a school space

1 week ago | waterford-news.ie | Caroline Spencer

Parents in Waterford are expressing their disappointment over the recent news regarding the sanctioning of special classes. Over the past number of months, parents have been tirelessly campaigning and advocating to ensure their children's right to an education. They have met with widespread public support, both locally and nationally, and have met with Government Ministers to appeal on their children's behalf.
Waterford man jailed for fraudulently collecting social welfare payments after his brother died

1 week ago | waterford-news.ie | Caroline Spencer

A Ferrybank man will spend two years in prison for stealing almost €60,000 from the State. Paul O'Neill, of Belmont Heights, Ferrybank, appeared at Waterford Circuit Court before Judge Eugene O’Kelly for sentencing. The 52-year-old is understood to have fraudulently collected social welfare payments for up to two years following the death of his brother Darren. Darren had received a terminal diagnosis and passed away on January 19, 2020. Paul acted as carer for the last year of his brother’s life.
Two modular classes sanctioned for St John's Special School

1 week ago | waterford-news.ie | Caroline Spencer

On Friday, April 11, the Department of Education announced that 399 new special classes have been sanctioned for the 2025/2026 school year. The announcement comes as two modular classes have been sanctioned at St John’s Special School, in Dungarvan. Minister for Education Helen McEntee and Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Michael Moynihan made the announcement.
Young Ferrybank man jailed for phishing scam

1 week ago | waterford-news.ie | Caroline Spencer

A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison for money laundering involving up to €30,000. Derek Balogun, of The Lawns, Clover Meadows, Ferrybank, committed the crimes on both August 8, 2022 and May 26, 2023. The victim of the first offence discovered that €15,000 had been removed from their Ulster Bank account. The money was transferred into Balogun's Bank of Ireland account. He went on to spend €10,000 at retailer Harvey Norman.
'It's a one-off' - man subjected partner to horrifying assault

2 weeks ago | waterford-news.ie | Caroline Spencer

A man has been remanded in custody pending his sentencing for carrying out a terrifying assault on his partner. Anthony Mackessy, (41), with an address given as 2 Seanachaí, Dungarvan, appeared at Waterford Circuit Court before Judge Eugene O'Kelly. He had previously pleaded guilty to assault contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.
Waterford surgeon returns from Gaza

2 weeks ago | waterford-news.ie | Caroline Spencer

A University Hospital Waterford doctor has returned from Palestine after performing humanitarian medical work in the besieged region of Gaza. Dr Morgan McMonagle was on a six-week humanitarian mission at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. He was due to return back to Ireland earlier in March 2025, but with the ceasefire breaking between Israel and Palestine, he stayed on. The breaking of the ceasefire has seen a quick resumption in Israeli military action against Palestine.
'Let them in!'- Scores gather in city for protest

2 weeks ago | waterford-news.ie | Caroline Spencer

Hundreds of people gathered at the heart of Waterford City in protest against the ongoing failure of the State to provide adequate education for children with additional needs. The protest was held on Saturday afternoon, April 5, and comes after weeks and months of campaigning and awareness-raising by parents in Waterford and beyond. At the demonstration, parents spoke about the struggles they are facing to secure appropriate educational supports.