Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

Communities take a stand — Éist launches the Zero Tolerance Midlands Campaign, calling on businesses, schools and clubs to unite against violence toward women, girls and LGBTQ+ people, and to visibly pledge zero tolerance across the region. Music, youth and opportunity — Tullamore students from St. Philomena’s and Scoil Eoin Phóil II Naofa release a festive single with Music Generation, as the national programme celebrates giving one in 12 young people access to music tuition and creative expression. Health, housing and inclusion — Minister Norma Foley promotes early-years supports through the Community Families Programme, See Her Elected launches a guide for women seeking political roles, Laois Sports Partnership unveils Ireland’s first VIP sports hub, and Meath homebuyers plea for justice amid a stalled development.

Big business battles & local heritage — journalist Amy Molloy outlines the high-stakes controversy surrounding US investor Joe Elias as Meath homebuyers fight for completed houses, while Offaly’s John Feehan and Amanda Pedlow celebrate the launch of The Silver River of Slieve Bloom. Money, water & everyday rights — financial adviser Gerry Farrell explains the Government’s emergency move to protect the My Future Fund pension scheme from employer loopholes; Irish Water details major upgrades to Westmeath’s supply; and Citizens Advice tackles property splits, dodgy builders, employment rights and more. Health, housing and ageing well — distressed Meath buyers plead for justice as liquidation threatens their homes; Active Retirement Ireland calls for a national shingles vaccine programme and better supports for older people; and communities across the Midlands prepare for winter wellbeing.

Leadership and safeguarding — newly elected SIPTU Honorary President Alan Lindley outlines priorities on housing, cost-of-living and worker stability, while CyberSafeKids warns parents that smart devices “aren’t toys” as Christmas buying ramps up. Courts, community and rural change — Enoch Burke is ordered back to prison for a fourth time in a damning High Court ruling, Offaly’s Mount Briscoe Estate unveils plans for a glamping expansion, and Tullamore hosts an International Men’s Day “Breakfast & Banter” celebrating men and boys. Health, safety and local voices — stronger flu vaccines deemed too costly for over-65s despite fears of a severe season, an Athlone dad urges men to get PSA tests after his own prostate cancer diagnosis, farmers raise flood-risk objections to a proposed windfarm, and Turn2Me promotes a booze-free Christmas for better mental wellbeing.

Immigration and emergency calls — Offaly TD Carol Nolan demands the Government declare a state of emergency on immigration following major UK asylum reforms, warning of “collapse” in Ireland’s system unless radical action is taken. Resilience, recovery and responsibility — the Conway family share uplifting news as young Joey celebrates his final post-op visit in Chicago; learner drivers face stricter rules from 2026; and the CCPC reveals how influencers and mistrust shape Black Friday spending. Health, nature and community voice — GPs warn enhanced flu vaccines for over-65s are too costly to roll out despite a surge in cases; prostate-cancer survivor John Tiernan urges men to get checked; Offaly farmers raise new flood-risk concerns over a proposed windfarm; and Turn2Me encourages an alcohol-free Christmas for better wellbeing.

Farmers fight back in Europe — Midlands-North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly takes on Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels, demanding real funding for rural Ireland and warning against EU “pigs in a poke.” Justice and security — a young mother tells a Mullingar court she fears her violent husband will “come back and kill her,” and Gardaí probe Sinn Féin links in a far-right terror investigation. Sport and spirit — Ireland stuns Portugal with Troy Parrott’s double, Mountmellick prepares for flood defences, and the Friday Panel debates AI scams, housing, and the year’s happiest sights.

Justice and awareness in focus — Ruth Lawrence found guilty of a double murder on Lough Sheelin, while Laois woman Samantha Vaughan shares her powerful story in Ireland’s first White Ribbon lung cancer campaign. Farmers, flares and fairness — Westmeath’s Sean McNamara leads a protest against the Mercosur trade deal, and the Midlands Astronomy Club explains how solar storms are lighting Irish skies with the Northern Lights. Community and connection — a new Laois support network empowers neurodivergent families, Offaly’s Teen Dating Violence seminar tackles youth safety, and local leaders push for progress across the region.

Laois voices and lung cancer awareness — Samantha Vaughan shares her story at Leinster House as Ireland launches its first White Ribbon campaign to widen understanding of lung cancer beyond smoking stigma. Rents, remembrance and resilience — economist Ronan Lyons breaks down the Daft.ie report showing rent costs up a third since the pandemic, while tributes pour in for Portarlington Garda hero Jim Cannon. Community and culture — Tony Lyons brings Mullingar memories to life in Cabbage Street, Laois approves a record €132 million budget for 2026, and I’m A Celeb reveals its jungle lineup.

Farewell to Michael D Higgins — historian Ida Milne reflects on the activism, achievements and controversies of Ireland’s ninth president as his 14-year tenure comes to an end. Politics, protection and prevention — Joe Flaherty on Fianna Fáil’s review turmoil, IT expert Cian Prendergast warns of AI scam tactics targeting retirees, and Westmeath’s Luke Loughlin shares his recovery story with powerful honesty. Creativity and community — Moate filmmaker Adam Mura unveils his dark comedy Midlands Mayhem, the region’s hospitality stars are honoured, and Laois celebrates wellbeing with Anna May McHugh.

Street brawl shocker in Athlone — three neighbours face violent disorder charges after a fight involving a sledgehammer, hurley and steel bar erupts in a housing estate. Money matters and rising loans — Tullamore Credit Union CEO Paul Shaw on record-high personal lending for cars, home improvements and green upgrades, plus Dermot Goode warns consumers to review costly health insurance plans. Justice, science and community — Athlone councillor Paul Hogan hails a landmark IPAS court ruling, Midlands Science preps for Discovery Day, and local franchise owners demand fairness in the Fastway fallout.

Justice long delayed — a Westmeath family finally secures a hospital apology 16 years after a missed cervical cancer diagnosis, while Mountrath’s Sarah Drennan reacts to an increased sentence for her brother Joe’s killer. Health, safety, and change — new RSA rules target serial learner-permit holders, the Irish Cancer Society calls for dignity and better facilities for men facing incontinence, and Turn2Me offers stress-busting advice for National Stress Awareness Week. Friday reflection and debate — Carol Nolan calls for tougher e-scooter laws, Lough Boora’s Santa Dash gets festive runners moving, and the Friday Panel tackles everything from worker rights to the politics of politeness.

EPA report under fire — Longford–Westmeath Senator Joe Flaherty says the Environmental Protection Agency’s new peat extraction report is “riddled with errors” and damaging local confidence. Faith, housing and community care — Fr Paddy Byrne on the struggle to support Ireland’s ageing priests, while Cllrs Caroline Dwane Stanley and Mick Dollard call for better housing options and motorhome facilities for the Midlands. Tax, therapy and refunds — IFAC’s James Farrell explains why over 300,000 PAYE workers could be due tax back before Christmas, and psychotherapist Rory Hafford talks heartaches, headaches and healing.

Christmas crunch coming — Offaly budgeting blogger Caz Mooney breaks down why this could be Ireland’s most expensive Christmas yet, with festive costs climbing over 16% since last year. Fitness, fossils and finds — personal trainers from Clara’s Unit Gym discuss the growing benefits of strength training at any age, while Gas Networks Ireland reveals medieval discoveries during pipeline works in Westmeath. Community focus — from local leadership with Offaly Cathaoirleach John Leahy to this week’s latest in-home fixes with Mr. Fix It, the Midlands spirit stays strong.

DJ Carey jailed for cancer fraud — the former Kilkenny hurler is sentenced to five and a half years for deceiving friends and supporters out of nearly €400,000 in one of Ireland’s most shocking scams. Tax and transparency troubles — revelations that taxpayers will cover millions in underpaid taxes for ministers and civil servants spark anger, as John McCann of MCM Accounting breaks it down. Housing, travel and insurance headlines — Kinnegad’s major housing project faces appeal delays, Eoghan Corry tackles the rise of “seat squatting” on flights, and homeowners are urged to check rebuild costs amid rising construction prices.

Peadar Tóibín challenges London and Dublin — The Aontú leader calls for equal treatment in the Troubles legacy process and slams government spending on overseas recruitment with “no results.” Laois voices lead the way — from Elaine Mullally’s “Spoil the Vote” movement to the Leaves Festival’s celebration of Irish storytelling, music and local creativity in full swing this week. Education and agriculture under pressure — INTO warns of a national substitution crisis in classrooms, while TD Brian Stanley says Laois tillage farmers deserve fairer supports and recognition.

The Midlands Today Show with Aidan Barry

Midlands Today - October 30th

Psoriasis awareness takes centre stage — Offaly broadcaster and advocate Zoe Ryan calls for a national rethink on care for psoriasis patients, stressing the wider health risks beyond the skin. Jobs blow for Portarlington — workers at Fastway Couriers’ customer care centre face sudden layoffs after the firm goes into receivership, with hundreds of Midlands jobs in jeopardy. Global outlook, local impact — from Hector’s Down Under adventures to Barry Cowen’s trade talks in India and Croí’s heart-health partnership with Medtronic, it’s a mix of travel, trade, and community care.

Midlands Today with Aidan Barry

Ambulance delays spark outrage — Laois TD Brian Stanley slams “dynamic deployment” as patients face life-threatening waits, while Taoiseach Micheál Martin defends reforms but pledges review. Strikes, floods, and resilience — Tullamore’s Carroll’s Cuisine workers vote for industrial action, while Shannon Callows residents brace for 2009-level floods and call for better coordination. Stories of support and change — Turn2Me triples free counselling in the wake of Dublin riots, Offaly artefacts star in the National Museum’s new “Changing Ireland” galleries, and women remain sidelined in farm succession.

Midlands Today with Will Faulkner