Life as a conservation officer: Meet the Cork woman trying to preserve Waterford's heritage

In the fifth part of her series on council workers, Sarah Horgan meets Rose Ryall, Waterford City and County Council’s executive architectural conservation officer

A self-confessed tomboy in her youth, Rose Ryall now enjoys climbing scaffolding instead of trees. Picture: Dan Linehan

At an age when other children were playing hopscotch, Rose Ryall was busy gatecrashing tour groups in a bid to learn more about her city’s historic buildings.

While amused by her antics, nobody could have anticipated that this spirited 11-year-old would grow up to be Waterford City and County Council’s executive architectural conservation officer.  Born and bred in Cork City, Ms Ryall’s role now involves the protection, promotion and conservation of historic buildings across county Waterford.