Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

Care, culture and serious safeguarding concerns — HIQA raises “significant” child-welfare and food-safety issues at Cedar Lodge, a disability centre in Offaly, including expired food, hygiene lapses and weak governance, prompting urgent scrutiny of care standards and oversight. Midlands in the spotlight — from dance floors to diplomacy — Laois Rose Katelyn Cummins talks life on Dancing with the Stars, while Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee outlines a new France–Ireland strategic framework and confirms a €25m Irish contribution to support Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Weather warnings, closures and local legacy — Laois County Council issues fresh flood alerts as rivers reach capacity; Abbeyleix bids farewell to Eamonn Brackens Menswear after more than 40 years; historians revisit the life and legacy of St Brigid ahead of her feast day; and communities reflect on change, resilience and tradition across the region.

Jobs anxiety and education pressure — Ericsson confirms up to 29 voluntary redundancies at its Athlone base as part of a global cost-cutting drive, while Offaly TD Carol Nolan warns parents are facing an unprecedented crisis securing secondary school places, including for children with additional needs. Farming fears and second chances — China suspends imports of Irish beef following confirmed cases of bluetongue virus, as Portlaoise boxer Michael O’Reilly opens up about his return to the ring after an Olympic drugs scandal ended his career nearly a decade ago. Health, justice and human stories — a Laois mum says red tape is blocking her medically vulnerable child from attending a local school; a Carlow mother issues a stark warning after her daughter suffers anaphylaxis on a flight when nuts were eaten onboard; Emma Fogarty and Colin Farrell prepare for the premiere of The Slightest Touch; and a much-loved Abbeyleix hardware store announces its closure after 43 years.

Healthcare access under strain — Laois councillor Marie Tuohy raises serious patient-safety concerns around out-of-hours GP services after struggling to secure an appointment herself, as calls grow for clearer HSE protocols while Midlands hospitals urge patients to avoid emergency departments for non-urgent care. Crime, drugs and devastating consequences — the father of four-year-old Tadhg Farrell is jailed for heroin dealing, with the judge linking his criminal activity to the wider culture of drugs and violence that has torn families and communities apart in Offaly. Empathy, safety and the future of our cities — Barnardos renews its call to fund the Roots of Empathy programme in schools; a Carlow mother issues a stark warning after her daughter suffers anaphylaxis on a flight when nuts were eaten onboard; and Athlone’s ambitious Green City 2040 vision is unveiled, promising thousands of homes, jobs and a sustainable future.

Witnessing life under occupation — Tullamore-based retired teacher Mieke Scholte shares her powerful first-hand account of spending two months at the Tent of Nations in the West Bank, describing daily life surrounded by settlements, destroyed farmland and movement restrictions — and the non-violent philosophy of “We Refuse to Be Enemies.” Crime, courts and community impact — the death in custody of convicted murderer Robert Corbet brings renewed reflection on the killing of Aoife Phelan; Storm Chandra batters the Midlands with dangerous winds; and a machete-wielding burglar who terrorised Athlone students is jailed for a violent raid. Health, empathy and protecting the next generation — Barnardos calls for funding to expand the Roots of Empathy programme in primary schools; researchers warn children who gamble are far more likely to become problem gamblers as adults; and women are urged to take part in the CanWork study supporting a return to work after breast cancer.

Education inequality and absenteeism laid bare — new ESRI research shows more than a third of pupils in the most disadvantaged primary schools are missing 20+ days a year, with INTO’s Niamh Campion warning the post-Covid gap between DEIS and non-DEIS schools is deepening and risks long-term inequality. Crime, courts and community fear — a machete-wielding burglar who led a terrifying raid on an Athlone student house is jailed, while concerns grow over violent crime, anti-social behaviour and public safety across the region. Culture, costs and rural pressure points — Braveheart memorabilia used by Mel Gibson heads to auction in Meath; flight fares are tipped to rise despite fuel savings; farmers protest outside Bord Bia over Brazilian beef concerns; retail workers speak out during Kindness Week; and the Midlands prepares to host the International Pan Celtic Festival.

The Midlands Today Show with Will Faulkner & David Hollywood

Domestic violence exposed in harrowing court case — a Midlands man shows “zero remorse” after years of brutal abuse, coercive control and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, in what a judge described as the worst domestic violence case he has ever seen. Families under pressure and public safety fears — calls grow to widen and strengthen the proposed domestic violence register; Graiguecullen residents are left shaken after an alleged knife-armed burglary attempt; and commuters lose hours on the M50 as politicians renew calls for flexible working rights. Mental health, creativity and rural life — Sinn Féin highlights a national crisis in eating-disorder services; Birr filmmaker Nicky Larkin earns an IFTA nomination; eight-year-old Lillian Cully wins Young Designer of the Year; and farmers express cautious optimism amid rising costs and uncertainty.

Domestic violence law under scrutiny — Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service and the family of murder victim Jennifer Poole call for a far stronger domestic violence register, warning current proposals are too narrow, time-limited and fail to reflect the real patterns of coercive and repeat abuse seen every day. Medical accountability and a family’s fight for justice — Regional Hospital Mullingar issues an unreserved apology over the death of 25-year-old Bryonny Sainsbury after a “catalogue of failures” in her care, as her parents speak out about pleading for help, missed chances to save her life, and their determination to drive real change. Science, wellbeing and the natural world — researchers trial a finger-prick blood test that could revolutionise early Alzheimer’s diagnosis; women speak candidly about ADHD being missed in girls; Red Squirrels make a surprise comeback thanks to pine martens; and everyday advice ranges from home fixes to workplace etiquette.

Ancient history revealed by storm and chance — radiocarbon dating confirms human burials more than 1,300 years old at the sacred Lemanaghan monastic site in Offaly, exposed by Storm Eowyn on St Manchán’s feast day in what locals and archaeologists are calling an extraordinary and deeply moving discovery. Carers hit with unexpected tax shock — thousands of family carers receive alarming letters from Revenue warning they may owe years of back tax on Carer’s Allowance and Benefit payments, sparking outrage, anxiety and political calls for compassion and reform. Global tensions, tech feuds and everyday life — Elon Musk’s public spat with Ryanair escalates as he floats buying the airline; EU–US trade tensions rise over Greenland; Oxfam calls for a wealth tax on the super-rich; rare Northern Lights light up Irish skies; and local heritage is celebrated with the return of a historic Abbeyleix cross.

Digital danger and child protection fears — Mullingar tech expert Joan Mulvihill urges schools and public bodies to leave X, warning AI “nudification” tools and so-called AI girlfriend sites are fuelling a new wave of non-consensual sexual exploitation, with Ireland under pressure as the EU regulator. Global unrest, local voices — Midlands residents with family ties to Iran share harrowing accounts as protests intensify, internet blackouts deepen fear, and international calls grow for stronger action against the regime. Growth, wellbeing and the local environment — Bevcraft opens a major new production facility creating jobs in the Midlands; Blue Monday myths are unpacked with practical mental-health advice; EU–US trade tensions over Greenland escalate; and Offaly expands its Hare’s Corner biodiversity scheme.

Courtroom shock and drug-crime fallout — a Birr primary school teacher admits faking two births to fraudulently claim maternity leave and benefit, while the father of murdered four-year-old Tadhg Farrell awaits sentencing in a major heroin case that exposes the deep roots of drugs and organised crime in the Midlands. Safety, systems and public trust — experts warn faded road markings are causing learners to fail driving tests; the Government faces renewed scrutiny over unpaid Revenue liabilities by ministers; and housing starts plunge to their lowest level since 2016, reigniting fears over delivery and affordability. Health, childhood pressure and modern risks — Sonya Quinn weighs in on “duvet days” and children’s mental health; surgeons warn nearly half of e-scooter crash victims end up in ICU; AI-generated explicit images spark urgent political action; and the Friday Panel tackles everything from rising pint prices to climate anxiety and digital habits.

Courts, controversy and free speech limits — Enoch Burke is released from Mountjoy Prison despite not purging his contempt, in a dramatic High Court ruling that sparks fresh legal wrangling, courtroom clashes and renewed focus on the long-running Wilson’s Hospital School case. Health, healing and human resilience — Portlaoise man Mark Condon shares his powerful 5½-stone weight-loss journey after Covid pressures, while psychotherapist Rory Hafford tackles jealousy, loneliness and emotional overload in Headaches and Heartaches. Global tension and local life — security analyst Declan Power explains why Denmark has boosted its military presence in Greenland amid escalating US pressure; Tolü Makay tops the Dancing with the Stars leaderboard; Guinness drinkers brace for higher prices; and communities rally around youth awards, dental-care warnings and the return of the Portlaoise Jazz Festival.

Health, legacy and community determination — retired Portlaoise Hospital consultant Peter Naughton reflects on the hard-fought creation of Laois’ pioneering cancer support services in a new book, as the region edges closer to long-promised hospice care. Crime, grief and justice in focus — the father of murdered four-year-old Tadhg Farrell asks to be sentenced in a major drugs case as Gardaí continue investigating the deadly Edenderry petrol-bomb attack, keeping organised crime firmly in the spotlight. Community action, hope and connection — Tullamore Tidy Towns vows to name and shame litter offenders; Killeshin GAA’s Paul Brennan and Miriam O’Callaghan promote a Pieta fundraiser built on resilience and support; and grassroots groups from Edenderry to Offaly U3A showcase the power of local connection.

Local democracy, pay and pressure — Offaly councillors defend significant salary increases following the Moorhead Report, as the AILG highlights rising workloads, online abuse and the need to strengthen local democracy through reform. Mental health, money and life planning — Clareen-based Off the Pitch expands its anonymous counselling service across GAA clubs nationwide; new research shows many workers expect to work until 70 due to retirement affordability concerns; and listeners seek clarity on health, medication and wellbeing in Health Matters. Young brilliance and rural realities — Midlands students shine at the Stripe Young Scientist Exhibition with major national awards, while farmers debate falling factory prices, Mercosur fears and the future of Irish beef amid tight cattle supplies.

Manufacturing boost for the Midlands — Westmeath-based Irish Manufacturing Research secures €5.7 million in EU and Enterprise Ireland funding for FactoryXChange 2.0, aimed at protecting and future-proofing manufacturing jobs through digital, green and human-centric innovation. People, purpose and creative resilience — award-winning Moate photographer Ken Byrne reflects on international recognition, survival and storytelling after a life-saving kidney transplant, while Offaly Libraries launch a new wellbeing-focused programme encouraging creativity, mindfulness and connection. Trade pressure, culture and public life — attention turns to the Mercosur protest in Athlone, Séamus Boland discusses poverty, AI and migration following a Vatican meeting with Pope Leo XIV, and Laois-shot thriller The Stones of Dunamase Castle prepares for international film festival screenings.

Justice, safety and accountability — a Midlands transport company and its director are sent forward for trial over a fatal workplace accident, while a man is also set to face trial for dangerous driving causing death following a collision near Finea. Crime prevention, youth voice and education — Senator PJ Murphy pushes for tougher laws on tool theft after a €6,000 robbery in Laois; Portlaoise College students step up to raise €100,000 for a new school bus; and Midlands teenagers bring vital research on social media, screen time and beauty influencers to the Young Scientist Exhibition. Health, housing and how we live — planning permission is confirmed for the long-awaited Midlands Hospice; experts warn weight can return quickly after stopping injections like Ozempic; January dating trends surge; and the Friday Panel debates emissions targets, Mercosur, AI risks, flu pressures and the cost of living.

Jobs blow for Offaly as abattoir plan collapses — a Chinese-backed consortium abandons plans to expand the Banagher abattoir, scrapping up to 110 permanent jobs and a major construction boost after years of planning battles and legal challenges. Safety fears, farming anger and Mercosur pressure — concern grows ahead of the release of convicted rapist Patrick “The Tinder Rapist” Nevin; farmers mobilise for a 10,000-strong protest in Athlone as evidence emerges that Brazilian beef treated with banned hormones entered the Irish food chain; and EU momentum builds to push the Mercosur deal through. Property pressure and Midlands life — MyHome.ie figures show house prices continue to climb across Laois, Offaly and Westmeath; Carlow prepares to host Ireland’s latest canicross and bikejoring event; and Tullamore Tradfest returns with dozens of events celebrating traditional music.

Domestic abuse refuge setback sparks outrage — Laois councillors and TDs react with fury after Government funding is refused for a long-promised refuge for women and children, leaving Laois without a shelter nearly four years after it was listed as a priority. Community safety, care and responsibility — concerns rise over anti-social behaviour on a Westmeath bus route involving children as young as 11; an Offaly man is honoured for his 500th platelet donation; and local authorities face criticism over vandalism to Portlaoise’s e-bike scheme. Climate reality and looking to the skies — Ireland admits it will miss its 2030 emissions targets as extreme weather becomes more pronounced, while Midlands astronomy experts look ahead to a landmark year for lunar exploration and 13 full moons in 2026.

Energy costs and inequality under fire — Laois TD Brian Stanley highlights the case of a pensioner and cancer patient denied grant aid to replace a broken gas boiler, as he accuses Government policy and carbon taxes of disproportionately hurting low-income and rural households struggling with soaring energy bills. 060126 Venezuela crisis through local eyes — a Venezuelan living in Portlaoise reacts to the dramatic US arrest of Nicolás Maduro, as international tensions escalate and questions mount over sovereignty, oil interests and global security implications. 060126 Community services, safety and everyday disruption — concerns grow over Athlone’s litter ranking, the sudden loss of An Post services at Blueball Spar leaves elderly residents stranded, road safety figures remain stark after a deadly 2025, and animal welfare groups condemn the handling of a horse carcass left for days on an Athlone roadside.

Farmers mobilise as Mercosur showdown looms — Midlands MEP Ciaran Mullooly outlines plans for a major national protest in Athlone against the EU–Mercosur trade deal, warning it poses an existential threat to Irish beef farming as political pressure mounts on the Government to honour its opposition pledge. 050126 Global tensions and local analysis — security expert Declan Power unpacks the dramatic arrest of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, escalating threats from US president Donald Trump, and the wider implications for global security, oil markets and international law. 050126 Road deaths, litter and community safety — new RSA figures show 2025 was the deadliest year on Irish roads in almost a decade, with fatalities rising across Laois, Offaly and Westmeath; Athlone loses its clean status in the latest IBAL survey while Tullamore climbs to fifth nationally; and Gardaí urge renewed vigilance as winter conditions set in.