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.
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Week 49 - Thursday
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.
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Week 49 - Wednesday
Sport, identity and teen stories on screen — Olympian Jordan Conroy joins the show to share the message behind United FC, RTÉ’s new teen docuseries where 15 young players from diverse backgrounds come together through football to explore belonging, resilience and growing up in modern Ireland.
Local voices on work, cost-of-living and community — Mullingar businessman Mark Brady discusses building skilled teams post-Covid; Offaly shoppers warn energy costs are biting harder as new FOI documents reveal officials urged Government to restore energy credits; and PATH highlights bogus collectors falsely using the homelessness charity’s name.
Support, opportunity and standout moments — Tullamore pension experts explain major changes to topping up UK state pensions; the Offaly Volunteer Centre launches its Professional Exchange Bank; young Cormac Brady prepares for his big moment on the Late Late Toy Show; and Camross celebrates the Poet’s Cottage Café revitalising village life
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Week 49 - Monday
David Hollywood brings the latest happenings from around the Midlands and further afield
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Week 48 - Friday
STEM, creativity and community pride — Will Faulkner and Peter Dunne broadcast live from Tyrellspass and Rochfortbridge as students showcase their renewable-energy inventions for the Bright Sparks competition. Lumcloon Energy and Midlands Science celebrate hands-on learning, innovation and the engineers of tomorrow.
Crime, farming and rural life — Four men plead guilty to a violent Athlone street attack; IFA President Francie Gorman urges workable conditions in Ireland’s new nitrates derogation; and Camross Heritage marks the opening of the Poet’s Cottage Café — a community hub transforming social life in the village.
Consumer rights and seasonal pressures — Proposed telecom reforms could let customers escape CPI-linked contract hikes; Turn2Me warns of the emotional toll behind Black Friday spending; and the Friday Panel tackles everything from heating-oil costs to parent-teacher gripes, ‘stylish’ tobacco warnings and minors using delivery-app loopholes.
“When people in the midlands want to talk, they talk to Will Faulkner.” Enjoy a blend of local, national and international stories and features. Show sponsored by O'Briens Motor Group & Bus Éireann.
Ireland