Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

• Week 50 - Friday

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

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• Week 50 - Thursday

  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.

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• Week 50 - Wednesday

  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.

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• Week 50 - Tuesday

  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.

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• Week 49 - Friday

  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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