Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

Organised crime and drug intimidation laid bare — Following the Edenderry arson attack that killed four-year-old Tadhg Farrell and Mary Holt, Drive National Co-ordinator Siobhán Maher outlines how drug-related intimidation and violence is gripping communities across the Midlands, with families living in fear and organised gangs exerting ruthless control.

171225

Politics, protests and animal welfare debates — A Dáil vote looms on banning fox hunting as animal welfare groups push for change, while Midlands MEP Ciaran Mullooly breaks down growing opposition to the Mercosur trade deal amid fears it could undercut Irish farmers and flood Europe with cheap beef.

171225

Spending, services and local pride — Ibec predicts a bumper Christmas with household spending up €1,600 on average; concerns grow over the continued closure of Athlone’s Barna Waste facility; Geashill’s new astro pitch is locked over insurance issues; and Mullingar photographer Noel McIntyre earns global recognition at the World Sports Photography Awards.

Organised crime and drug intimidation laid bare — Following the Edenderry arson attack that killed four-year-old Tadhg Farrell and Mary Holt, Drive National Co-ordinator Siobhán Maher outlines how drug-related intimidation and violence is gripping communities across the Midlands, with families living in fear and organised gangs exerting ruthless control.

171225

Politics, protests and animal welfare debates — A Dáil vote looms on banning fox hunting as animal welfare groups push for change, while Midlands MEP Ciaran Mullooly breaks down growing opposition to the Mercosur trade deal amid fears it could undercut Irish farmers and flood Europe with cheap beef.

171225

Spending, services and local pride — Ibec predicts a bumper Christmas with household spending up €1,600 on average; concerns grow over the continued closure of Athlone’s Barna Waste facility; Geashill’s new astro pitch is locked over insurance issues; and Mullingar photographer Noel McIntyre earns global recognition at the World Sports Photography Awards.

Road safety alarm as drug-driving cases soar — new figures show a record surge in drug-driving prosecutions, with Mullingar seeing one of the sharpest increases nationwide. Driving instructor Joe Wynne and road safety advocates warn Christmas traffic could prove deadly without stronger enforcement and tougher deterrents.

161225

A major milestone for Midlands healthcare — Offaly County Council unanimously clears the way for the long-awaited Midlands Regional Hospice in Tullamore, hailed as a historic breakthrough after years of campaigning by families, volunteers and community groups.

161225

Crime, farming and community resilience — Gardaí investigate a suspected brothel operation in Athlone; IFA President Francie Gorman travels to Brussels by tractor with his son to protest future CAP funding cuts; Turn2Me announces free Christmas Day mental-health support; and local communities showcase the power of rural cooperation and pride.

Water, infrastructure and the Midlands’ future — Uisce Éireann prepares to lodge the biggest water project in Irish history, a €4.5–€6bn plan to secure drinking water for the Eastern and Midlands region, unlock housing supply and create a national water “spine” running through Tipperary, Offaly and Westmeath.

151225

Justice, grief and unresolved questions — a date is set for Jozef Puska’s appeal against his conviction for the murder of Ashling Murphy, as Edenderry lays to rest Mary Holt following the fatal arson attack that also claimed the life of four-year-old Tadhg Farrell, remembered for decades of care and kindness in her community.

151225

Politics, accountability and public health pressure — Fianna Fáil faces mounting internal anger over its presidential election review, Éist condemns the Vatican wedding of Conor McGregor as an insult to survivors of violence, and HSE leaders warn flu cases are rising fast with hospitals bracing for severe winter pressures.

Midlands Today LIVE from O'Connor Square for Christmas in Tullamore

Ageing, housing and new ways to live well — Residents and developers of Killenard’s new Heritage Village explain why Ireland’s first large-scale age-friendly community is drawing interest from home and abroad, as experts warn that the country has failed to build enough suitable housing for older people.

111225

Grief, vigilance and a community in shock — Gardaí release CCTV of the Edenderry arson attack that killed 4-year-old Tadhg Farrell and his grand-aunt Mary Holt, while hundreds gather at a candlelit vigil. Addiction counsellor Michael Guerin links rising intimidation and violence to escalating cocaine use, warning that drug-driven feuds now touch every corner of society.

111225

Cars, costs and financial choices — Motor industry experts discuss apprenticeship funding, chip shortages and soaring car prices; Sinn Féin highlights new €50 monthly charges for blister packs that could endanger vulnerable patients; Portlaoise’s new diaspora-themed jersey becomes a global hit; and financial adviser Gerry Farrell explains why keeping too much cash in low-interest savings is quietly costing Irish households thousands.

Wins, warnings and infrastructure urgency — Westmeath’s newest millionaire reflects on a €6.24m Lotto win after playing just three times this year; weather experts call for vigilance as Storm Bram continues to disrupt the country; and IDA chair Feargal O’Rourke outlines how Ireland must overhaul planning, regulation and public engagement to speed up delivery of critical infrastructure.

101225

Community safety, courts and construction — Offaly TD Tony McCormack demands 24/7 policing for Edenderry after Saturday’s fatal arson attack; the High Court rejects Enoch Burke’s bid to amend “baleful and malign” descriptions used in a contempt ruling; and Midland Steel’s Tony Woods says the Government’s new acceleration plan will bring clarity and certainty to the sector — though benefits will take time to show.

101225

Housing, farming and local resilience — the Living City Initiative expands to Athlone to tackle dereliction and revive town centres; IFA livestock chair Declan Hanrahan weighs in as Brussels debates whether plant-based “burgers” and “sausages” should be banned from using meat labels; and two gardaí recover after being assaulted during an arrest in Athlone.

Crime, courts and community shock — Ruth Lawrence is handed two life sentences for the 2014 Lough Sheelin murders; Taoiseach Micheál Martin condemns the “savage, callous” petrol-bomb attack that killed Mary Holt and 4-year-old Tadhg Farrell in Edenderry; and Gardaí investigate assaults on two officers during an arrest in Athlone.

Weather emergency, health pressures and homelessness support — Storm Bram brings 160km/h winds and nationwide disruption; influenza cases rise sharply with ICU admissions and deaths prompting renewed vaccination pleas; and Midlands Simon shares a powerful testimonial as the region aims to raise €20,000 to support those facing homelessness this Christmas.

Security concerns, care challenges and youth advocacy — Former naval commander John Leech details how rogue drones came within 500m of an Irish Navy vessel during President Zelenskiy’s visit; nursing home operators warn rising costs could force closures; and Laois Comhairle na nÓg pushes for safer teen spaces and better mental-health supports.

Wildlife, winnings and a warning — Offaly biodiversity officer Ricky Whelan responds to new research showing young people are wary of reintroducing wolves and lynx to Ireland; and excitement builds in Mullingar after a €6.2m Lotto jackpot ticket is confirmed sold in Eason’s on Pearse Street, with the winner already making contact.

Beauty risks, Eurovision politics and remembrance — Abbeyleix make-up artist James MacInerney explains why expired cosmetics can cause rashes and infections; author Mick Lynch reacts to RTÉ’s decision to boycott Eurovision 2026 over Israel’s participation; and Tullamore prepares for the Ashling Murphy Memorial Day with music, fundraising and the launch of a new Gaeltacht Scholarship.

Education pressures, festive trends and Friday debate — the TUI warns flexible working elsewhere is drawing teachers abroad; professional Christmas decorating surges in popularity as families prioritise time and wellbeing; and the Friday Panel tackles rising fuel costs, prison overcrowding, AI in healthcare, gender pay gaps and Google’s top searches of 2025.

Windfalls, courtrooms and community need — the National Lottery confirms a €6.2m Christmas jackpot win, while the High Court rules Enoch Burke will remain in prison over the holidays unless he purges his contempt. In Athlone, Lisa Malone appeals for volunteers to help establish the town’s first community-led food bank as more families struggle.

Migration, ageing and mental wellbeing — Peadar Tóibín raises alarms after almost 200 adults were mistakenly placed in Tusla accommodation for minors over three years; new research suggests the body’s ability to recover dramatically declines after age 75; and psychotherapist Rory Hafford tackles loneliness and teen emotional burnout in Headaches & Heartaches.

Education, youth voice and environmental protection — Educate Together urges parents to take part in the nationwide patronage survey; Laois Comhairle na nÓg highlights the need for teen-friendly outdoor spaces and better mental-health supports; and Offaly and Westmeath officials outline a new national authority to tackle unauthorised peat extraction and quarrying.