Celebrating the 1,111 year legacy of Port of Waterford
In the first episode of ‘Port of Waterford 1111’, Tom meets the crane-driving brothers Gavin and Derek O’Hanlon, along with Gavin’s son, Michael, the latest to join this remarkable family tradition.
The Port of Waterford is celebrating its 1,111 year legacy with a brand new podcast series exploring the Port’s rich and varied maritime heritage.
The new podcast series is hosted by a well-known voice in the maritime space, Tom MacSweeney, presenter of RTÉ’s Seascapes radio programme.
Tom says, “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.
“We’ll also take you behind the scenes to meet the people who keep the modern port running, the dedicated team members who play a vital role in Ireland’s trade and transport network today."
Speaking about the milestone and new series, CEO at Port of Waterford, David Sinnott, says, “Throughout its history, the Port of Waterford has seen the rise and fall of empires, changes in global trade, and the development of modern shipping practices.
“Today, it serves as a vital gateway for both domestic and international trade, supporting industries such as manufacturing, logistics, food, agri-business and tourism.
“Despite the passage of time, the port remains a central hub in the region, maintaining its deep connection to the city and county of Waterford and the Southeast region beyond.”
In the first episode of ‘Port of Waterford 1111’, Tom meets the crane-driving brothers Gavin and Derek O’Hanlon, along with Gavin’s son, Michael, the latest to join this remarkable family tradition.
Gavin’s journey began in 1978 with Bell Lines as a compound controller. By 1980, he was in the cab of a gantry crane, learning from his father at Ferrybank.
Over the years, Gavin has seen countless containers come and go, but he notes that the essentials of the job remain the same: concentration, calmness, and sharp eyesight.
“It’s like driving a car or a truck, you can’t take your eyes off it, not even for a second. You’re dealing with heavy weights and big machines. A small mistake can be very dangerous.”
Crane operators at Waterford work from dizzying heights, about 30 meters, over 90 feet, above the ground.
The challenge of manoeuvering colossal containers onto ships, trucks, and railcars requires more than technical skill, it demands a steady hand and nerves of steel.
The full podcast is available at portofwaterford.com
