The Big Story

Making Your Dog A Social Media Star

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:31:19 +0000

A carpenter, from England, has quit his job after his dog went viral on social media and started to earn more than him. TJ the Frenchie has 700,000 followers on TikTok - with his videos racking up tens of millions of views, and has done sponsorship deals with P&O Ferries and DFS furniture. His owner, 33-year-old Duncan Tout, says he originally set up an Instagram account when his French Bulldog was a pup in 2021, as a place to collect photos and memories. Irene McCormick, Lecturer of SETU's Social Media Influencer Course has been speaking to Midlands 103's David Hollywood about what it takes to go viral: Photo credit: Facebook - TJ The Frenchie

Living With Parkinson's Disease

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:46:00 +0000

There are calls for better supports and services for people with Parkinson's Disease in the midlands. Stephanie Connor, Chair of the Offaly Branch of Parkinson's Ireland and a caller for her husband David says they have to travel outside of the county for appointments. The group is holding a "Walk in the Park", which is sponsored by Dovida, tomorrow in Lloyd Town Park,Tullamore, to raise funds for their local services. David first experienced symptoms after open heart surgery for a leaking valve in 2015, which led to an eventual diagnosis in 2017. They've both been speaking with Midlands 103's Caoimhe Killeen:

Midlands Man Faced Long Legal Battle Following Death Of His Young Wife

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:13:00 +0000

17 years ago a young mother of four from the midlands died from cervical cancer. Maria Fitzpatrick left behind her sons, 12-year-old Niall, Darren who was 10, eight-year-old Eric and Sean who was four. Her family later found out there was an missed opportunity to diagnose her earlier. Her husband Kevin and along with their sons have received an apology after a long legal battle. Kevin has been speaking with Will Faulkner and says his wife was a dedicated mother:

Midlands Country Music Star Wants The Tánaiste To Tackle Rising Fuel Costs

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:37:26 +0000

The Tánaiste is being urged to come and examine the impact of rising fuel prices in the Midlands. Convoys have been gathering this morning across the country enroute to Dublin. A significant demonstration is causing delays on the Tullamore Bypass on the N52. Country Music star Robert Mizzell from Mullingar is taking part in that protest and says Simon Harris needs to listen to people properly:

Laois Family Holding Fundraiser For The Jack & Jill Foundation

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:28:41 +0000

A Laois family is aiming to give back to a charity that's provided massive support to them. Gordan Gee's five-year-old daughter Maddie lives with a very rare brain disorder GNAO1, and was diagnosed before her first birthday. The family receives support from the Jack and Jill Foundation. A special open day and raffle draw is taking place in E.C Pratt and Co in Abbeyleix this Saturday from 2 o'clock. Mr Gee has been speaking with David Hollywood on Midlands 103 and says their daughter is the light in their lives:

Westmeath's Paddy Dunning Brings Taylor Swift To The National Wax Museum

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:45:00 +0000

A new 40-thousand euro Taylor Swift wax figure has been unveiled in Dublin. The National Wax Museum Plus spent nine months designing and creating the pop star's lookalike. It comes after a Sinéad O'Connor figure was removed to be updated to look more like the singer. Owner and Westmeath's Paddy Dunning has been speaking with Will Faulkner about ensuring that the figure was up to their standards: Photo credit: Facebook: The National Wax Museum plus

How To Make An Easter Egg

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 10:17:51 +0000

A midlands chocolatier says it takes three days to make an Easter Egg. Daniel Linehan from Bon Chocolatiers in Tullamore. says they normally come up with the flavours first and then plan out what they need to do to create it. He has been showing Midlands 103's Zoe Ryan how to make the perfect Easter egg:

MAMAMOVE Project Co-Created By New Mums

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:32:16 +0000

Clear cut guidelines on women slowly returning to exercise postpartum are being aided by a new study at a Midlands university. The SHE Research Centre at TUS Athlone and the Regional Hospital Mullingar are partnering up for MAMAMOVE, a practical focus group based project. It will aim to find out what prevents women from returning to exercising after giving birth. Dr Emma Cowley from TUS Athlone is the lead researcher of the project and says it aims to go beyond academia:

Kathleen Chada: "There Is Something Very Very Dark And Evil Hidden In Him"

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:26:57 +0000

A Carlow mum has gone before the patrol board to ensure the man who killed her children is not released from prison. Kathleen Chada's children Eoghan and Ruairi were killed by their father Sanjeev Chada in 2013. He is not seeking to released. She has been speaking with Will Faulkner about what she told the parole board:

Plans For Vineyards Could Boost Tourism In The Midlands

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:32:00 +0000

A midlands man is hoping that his plans for vineyards could boost tourism in the region. Stephen Whyte, founder of Irish Wine Estates, says there are over 1,000 vineyards in the UK so he thought why not do it in Ireland. He's been speaking with Will Faulkner on Midlands Today and says he also wants to do wine tours on the site in South Offaly.

Midlands Man Taking On 270KM Run In The Sahara Desert

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:18:23 +0000

A midlands man is preparing for the challenge of a lifetime this weekend, Laois' Tony McAllister is running the 270km Marathon de Sables in Morocco. The Mountmellick man will be running across the Sahara Desert for six days. He's been speaking with Will Faulkner on Midlands Today and says he has to carry all his supplies with him:

Pensioners Are Among The Happiest People

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:49:14 +0000

Those over the age of 65, along with homeowners and people who are retired, report the highest levels of happiness. Data from the CSO shows overall, just over a quarter of the population feel a high level of satisfaction with in their life. Women were more likely to report feeling depressed, however, men are more likely to feel lonely. Aoife McGrath, Psychotherapist with Inner Therapy, Portlaoise has been speaking with Will Faulkner, on Midlands Today, and says people over 65 tend to reflect more on their lives:

Midlands Musician Shares His Struggle With Addiction

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:17:04 +0000

An Offaly man has released his new song following his struggles with addiction. James McKelvey from Shinrone, overcame personal challenges and has come out the other end with a brand new song to show for it called 'See Me Now'. He began writing this song while getting treatment and during a relapse the song was put on the back burner - since then he has come out of it stronger than ever and has learned to 'take every day as it comes'. He spoke with Midlands 103's Courtney Callaghan about his upcoming live gigs and more music that is on the way:

Midlands Fire Services Rescue Bernese Mountain Dog From A Well

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:17:08 +0000

A Bernese Mountain Dog has been rescued from an abandoned well, close to Birr Castle in Offaly. Three year old 'Bru' was out for a walk with his owner when disaster struck, and he slipped into a 10-metre hole, covered with grass. A specially trained unit from Laois Fire and Rescue Service assisted their Offaly Fire and Rescue colleagues, in a three-hour operation to hoist him safely back out. Keith Lewis from the Laois confined space rescue team and Denis Canty, Assistant Chief Officer of Offaly Fire and Rescue Service have been speaking with Will Faulkner on Midlands 103 about the rescue.

Former Soldier Helps Gardai Find Teenagers Lost In Midlands Forest

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:11:07 +0000

A search party was organised to help locate four teenagers lost in a dense midlands woodland last Saturday. Former soldier Robert Wallace was called to assist Athlone Gardai, as he runs Westshore Survival and has helped in previous searches in Monkslands Forest. The four youngsters had been in the forest for five hours and were very cold. He has been speaking with Will Faulkner on Midlands Toady and says temperatures were dropping and darkness was setting in when he found the teenagers:

Dealing With A Cancer Diagnosis

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 16:06:00 +0000

One in two people will hear these words "you've got cancer". The Irish Cancer Society says around 44,000 Irish people will develop cancer this year. Today marks Daffodil Day, the biggest fundraising day of the year for the charity. Schools and workplaces across the midlands are holding events today and selling the trademark daffodil pin in order to raise money for research. Over 1,400 free lifts for patients to appointments and 850 free counselling sessions were provided last year across the counties, which is directly funded through public donations. Midlands 103's Caoimhe Killeen has been speaking with those who both avail of and contribute to these services. Photo: Caroline Overton from Emo

Fintan Costello Head Of Penneys Ireland Discusses Retail, Life And Growing Up In The Midlands

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 16:44:32 +0000

Offaly's Fintan Costello has working with Penneys for over 30 years. In 2023, he became Head of Penneys Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. He's been looking back on his career with Will Faulkner on the Midlands Today Show.

Midlands Students' Invent New Device To Help Farmers

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:57:55 +0000

A group of students in Our Lady's Bower in Athlone have come up with a simple idea that's solving a problem many farmers know well - what to do with all those large empty bags. Their invention, called Rebag, is designed to neatly store and reuse big sacks like feed bags, fertiliser bags and turf bags instead of throwing them away. The idea has already caught the attention of the farming community and helped the students win the Westmeath stage of the Student Enterprise Programme National Finals. They'll now go on to represent the county at the national finals in May. Joining me are the three students behind the project - Amy Reynolds, Hannah O'Connor and Ruby Duane from Green Yard have been speaking with Midlands 103's Sinéad Hubble.

Bressie: Love, Loss And Rejection

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 15:16:47 +0000

Bressie says he hopes sharing the story of pregnancy loss will help break the silence and support others facing similar heartbreak. Mullingar's Niall Breslin says it was the most devastating moment when doctors told him and his partner Louize they could not detect their baby’s heartbeat. The mental health advocate says only minutes earlier they had excitedly discussing the kind of parents they hoped to become. The author and singer says he decided to write about the experience from a male perspective, in his new book The Place That Has Never Been Wounded, because it's not just about grief it’s about utter love. He's been speaking with Will Faulkner on the Midlands Today Show:

91-Year-Old Athlone Man Waiting For Flight Out Of Dubai

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:58:00 +0000

A 91-year-old Athlone man is among those waiting for a flight out of Dubai. Terry Carmody, was on holidays with his family and was due to fly home on Monday but the flight was cancelled. Two Emirates flights between Dublin and Dubai are going ahead today, the first ones since hostilities broke out last weekend. Terry's grandson in law Aaron Bannon Whelan says they arranged a flight themselves for Friday but there's been no contact from the embassy:

Alopecia: "I Cried And Cried"

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:42:00 +0000

A Westmeath woman says she started noticing she had patches of hair loss at 15. Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh has Alopecia Areata and says she was so scared when she had to go for a wig. She has set up the Hair Loss Haven to help others suffering with the condition. The Mullingar woman has been speaking with Sinéad Hubble on Midlands 103 and says she had always taken really good care of her hair:

Middle East: The Children Are Asking Questions But We Don't Have Answers For Them

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:34:00 +0000

The Government is considering charter flights to evacuate Irish citizens stranded in the Middle East. It comes as the conflict intensifies and commercial air travel remains severely disrupted. The Department of Foreign Affairs says contingency plans are being examined. Citizens in affected areas are being urged to register with the department. Ballymore's Anthony Kearney, who is living in Doha with his family, says it’s impossible to predict what will happen next:

The Challenges And Rewards Of Fostering

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 11:00:12 +0000

A Westmeath couple who has been fostering for eighteen years says it's a special thing to open up your family home, on Focus on Foster Care Week 2026. Castlepollard's Alfie and Nicola Devine have fostered six or seven children over the years, including one girl who came to them at age two and is now 12. They, who also have a 29-year-old daughter, a 24-year-old son and one grandchild, believe the experience has proved both rewarding and challenging. Foster Care Week is taking place this week and Foster Care Ireland says there is a shortage of foster carers as there is an increasing number of children entering care. The Devines have been speaking with Will Faulkner and say its amazing to be able to set children up for life.

Midlands Teenager Seriously Injured In Collision Regaining Some Independence

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:11:24 +0000

A midlands teenager, who was seriously injured in a collision, is out of ICU. Miya Connolly Loonam was transferred to Crumlin Children's Hospital in Dublin after the crash earlier this month. Miya's family say the move from ICU feels like nothing short of a miracle and she's beginning to regain some independence, by using a wheelchair and learning to use crutches. Valerie Rooney, Chairperson of Clara Ladies GAA Club has been speaking to Will Faulkner and says the family are grateful for all the support they have received.

Former Westmeath Footballer Calls Out "Gremlin Comments" On Social Media

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:45:15 +0000

A former midlands footballer says people will always find some reason to attack you online. Gemma Leahy from Mullingar says she noticed she lost a lot of followers after she posted a photo of her and her wife. She has been speaking with David Hollywood on Midlands 103:

Winter Olympian Annabelle Zurbay Is "Very Driven"

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:21:00 +0000

An Irish Winter Olympian is being described as "very driven" by her Westmeath family. Annette Dalton, is a first cousin of the mother of Annabelle Zurbay, who is competing in the slalom and giant slalom at the Winter Olympics. Ms Dalton says Annabelle is dedicated to her craft:

Decision To Reduce Allocation For SNAs In Schools Makes No Sense

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 12:36:00 +0000

A Laois mum says her six-year-old son won't be able to attend school, if two SNA posts are terminated. Aisling Donoher is making the comments after a number of schools, including her child's school, Rath National School, were told last week they're allocation of special needs assistants will be cut in September She says Dan has a range of complex needs and needs one-on-one support. Junior Education Minister, Michael Moynihan, says schools can ask the National Council for Special Education to reconsider the outcome of reviews. Ms. Donoher says she's upset and concerned:

People Presumed We Were A Happy Couple But Behind Closed Doors It Was Anything But Happy

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:46:00 +0000

Kirsty Fitzpatrick, who was assaulted with a golf club, is warning domestic abuse victims to "get out before it's too late".

She was assaulted in her Athlone home by her former partner in February 2024.

39-year-old Mark Conway, Marine View, Athlone, received a six year jail sentence after pleading guilty to assault causing harm in July last year.

She has been speaking with Will Faulkner on "Midlands Today" and says she's still trying to move on with her life:

National Drugs Strategy Minister Says Arson Attack On Offaly Home Which Killed Two People Was "Absolutely Horrific"

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:10:28 +0000

The Minister of the National Drugs Strategy says the arson attack on a home in which two people lost their lives in Offaly was "absolutely horrific". Four-year-old Tadhg Farrell and his grand-aunt Mary Holt were killed when a suspected petrol bomb was thrown at a house in Edenderry on Saturday the 6th of December. Jennifer Murnane O'Connor made the comments while speaking with Will Faulkner on "Midlands Today". She says the draft National Drugs Strategy 2026-2029 sets out an equitable and evidence-based response to drug use, reflecting the Government's ongoing commitment to reducing harms through a health led approach:

Finding Love This Valentine's Day

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:17:57 +0000

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, new data suggests singles in the Midlands face longer odds when it comes to finding love. Offaly ranks among the bottom counties nationwide, with just a 1-in-56 chance of meeting a partner this Valentine’s. Laois also sits in the lower half of the table, with odds of around 1-in-36. Westmeath offers a stronger dating prospect with a 1-in-27 chance of finding love. The figures from Casino.org show how geography, nightlife options and dating-app activity can shape love luck across the region. Matchmaker Mairead Loughman from Love HQ in Mullingar has been offering advice on how to find love:

28-Year-Old Man Held In Seclusion For Last Five Years

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:10:00 +0000

A Roscrea mum says she's still searching answers on why her son has spent almost five years in an isolation unit. Stephen Loughnane suffered a serious brain injury after a car crash at 16, leading to an eventual diagnosis of psychosis and schizophrenia. After an episode in 2021, he was remanded to Limerick Prison and is now held in Central Mental Hospital, Portane, where he remains in seclusion. She has been speaking with Will Faulkner and says visiting is very difficult as she can't even hug him:

Alison Spittle: "Some People Hate Fat People"

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:35:00 +0000

A Westmeath comedian says losing weight has changed how people see her. Alison Spittle first attended Slimming World while still in primary school, which quickly led to her rejecting diet culture. After a serious diagnosis of cellulitis led to septicaemia, she began taking weight-loss jabs. Her stand-up show 'Big', tackles body politics, misogyny and illness and is going on a nationwide tour next month. She has been speaking with Will Faulkner on "Midlands Today" and says some people hate fat people:

Major Fundraiser Underway For Offaly Teenager Seriously Injured In Crash

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:39:00 +0000

Over €150,000 has been raised for a midlands teenager who suffered life-altering injuries in a crash last week.

A GoFundMe page set up for Miya Connolly Loonam by Clara Ladies Football Club last Friday.

Miya is currently receiving care in Crumlin Children's Hospital in Dublin.

The club's chair, Valerie Rooney has been speaking with Will Faulkner and says Miya's family are grateful for the support:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-miya-connolly-loonam-on-her-road-to-recovery

State Pathologist Says Bones Found In The Midlands Are Ancient

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 13:06:33 +0000

Experts are examining the ancient human remains found in the midlands. A man alerted Westmeath Gardaí after discovering to a skull on Carberry Island on Lough Ree. The skeletal remains were unearthed by a fallen tree. State Pathologist SallyAnne Collis has been speaking with Will Faulkner on Midlands 103 about the find:

Midlands Woman Appointed Executive Of The Foundation & Friends Of Sydney Botanic Garden

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:23:04 +0000

A midlands woman says she's really enjoying her new role as as executive director of the Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Garden in Sydney.

Westmeath's Ciara Timlin says her role is about driving revenue and support for the garden.

The Mullingar woman has been living down under for nearly 15 years.

She has been speaking with Will Faulkner on Midlands Today about her new job:

Laois Rose Loving Every Second Of Dancing With The Stars

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 11:20:00 +0000

The Rose of Tralee says she's loving every second of Dancing With the Stars. Katelyn Cummins, who was the 2025 Laois Rose, says she's giving it a 100%. Offaly singer songwriter Tolu Makay is also representing the midlands in this year's series. The Laois Rose has been speaking with Midlands 103's Sinead Hubble and says every dance is different and it's challenging:

Laois Mum "Angry & Frustrated" Over Red Tape Preventing Her Daughter Going To Local Special School

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 11:10:00 +0000

A Laois mum says she's angry that her daughter can't go to a local school because of red tape. Hanna's two-year-old spent the first 12 months of her life in hospital after being born with Charge Syndrome, which is a rare genetic disorder that affects several parts of the body. She has a package from the HSE that provides the family with a nurse for 18 hours a day Monday to Friday and 20 hours over the weekend. Hanna wants to send her child to Kolbe Special School but as they are not under the Early Childhood scheme, the HSE won't provide the nurse but they will however give the support if she goes to a school in Kilkenny or Roscrea. Hanna has been speaking to Midlands 103's Sinéad Hubble and says it doesn't make sense:

Mum Issues Warning After Teenage Daughter Suffered Anaphylaxis During Flight

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 14:24:58 +0000

A mum is warning airline passengers eating nuts on flights could be fatal to others. Lisa Nolan from Carlow Town was left terrified when her 16-year-old daughter suffered anaphylaxis on a flight after a passenger ignored warnings and ate nuts. Hallie started to feel unwell during their flight back to Ireland from Poland after the packet of nuts were opened. Lisa quickly administered an Anapen, similar to an EpiPen which delivers a single dose of adrenaline to treat anaphylaxis. Lisa has been speaking with David Hollywood on Midlands 103 and says it was a scary experience for her daughter:

Babies Are Helping Midlands Schoolchildren To Learn About Their Emotions

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 11:36:04 +0000

A children’s charity wants Government funding to expand its 'Roots of Empathy' programme. The Barnardos initiative brings babies into classrooms to help pupils understand emotions and runs in 110 schools across 21 counties. Every three weeks during the school year a baby and parent visit each class to improve kindness and inclusion, while reducing aggressive behaviour. Barnardos says demand has risen sharply, but it can no longer take on new schools without €100,000 a year in State funding. Holly Howell, Project Manager of the 'The Roots of Empathy' Programme, at Barnardos and Hannah Marriott, Principal of Taghmon National School in Westmeath have been speaking with Midlands 103's David Hollywood:

People In The West Bank Still Have Hope

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:42:10 +0000

A midlands woman, who spent two months volunteering in the West Bank, says there's still hope among Palestinians despite the war. Mieke Scholte is originally from the Netherlands but has been living in Tullamore for nearly four decades. She decided to volunteer at the Tent of Nations project on Daher's Vineyard, owned by the Nassar family since 1916. The farm is surrounded by all sides by illegal Israeli settlements. Ms Scholte has been speaking with Will Faulkner and says they've endured many attacks over the years:

Would You Like To Own Mel Gibson's Bed?

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:00:05 +0000

How would you like to hop into Mel Gibson's bed? The four poster bed where the Braveheart star slept during the filming of the movie in Trim in 1994 is going up for auction tomorrow. There are also 500 other items from the house going under the hammer. Mr Gibson returned last year to mark the film’s anniversary, meeting fans and revisiting the house he stayed in. Auctioneer and Oldcastle's Niall Mullen has been speaking with Will Faulkner on Midlands Today and says the pieces are going up for sale as the home owner is downsizing:

Midlands Songwriter Aiming To Have Second Song In The Eurovision

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 11:27:34 +0000

A Westmeath songwriter is hoping her song will make it to the Eurovision for a second year in a row. Larissa Tormey, who wrote ‘Laika Party’ for Ireland last year, has co written ‘Uninterrupted’, which will hopefully be Croatia's entry this year. She has been speaking with Midlands 103's Claire O Brien on Encore and has music has always been part of her life.

Divorce Mediator Sees Surge In Couples Splitting Up After Christmas

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 14:14:45 +0000

It's 30 years since the Divorce Act (1996) came into effect in Ireland. Michelle Browne, Divorce Mediator and family mediation specialist deals with hundreds of individuals and couples every year, and she is currently seeing a significant surge in couples splitting after Christmas, a trend she can speak about with real-life examples. She has been speaking with Will Faulkner on Midlands 103 and says the divorce process can be very difficult.

Young Designer Of The Year Plans To Make Her Own Communion Dress

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 14:07:00 +0000

An eight-year-old Offaly girl is planning to make her own Communion dress after being crowned Young Designer of the Year at the Project Fashion Irish Young Designer Awards.

Mucklagh’s Lillian Cully, created a self-made 'Neon Jungle' themed dress for the competition and modelled it herself on the day.

There was over 400 entries nationwide and the winning design will be displayed at Pavilions Shopping Centre, Dundrum Town Centre and on the Project Fashion website.

Lillian, along with her mum and dad Mandy and Bernard, have been speaking with David Hollywood on Midlands 103 and says the design process took a few months:

Is It Ever OK To Put A Kiss On A Work Email?

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 14:46:53 +0000

Is it ever ok for colleagues and clients to sign off emails with kisses? Can you use emojis in your professional correspondence? Jasmine Elkhershi, Marketing Manager, AllPro Recruitment has been speaking with David Hollywood on Midlands Today about the do's and don'ts when it comes to communicating electronically.

"We Watched Our Daughter Die In Front Of Us"

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 14:38:32 +0000

A midlands hospital has issued "sincere and unreserved apology" to the family of a young woman who died following failures in care given to her. Bryonny Sainsbury was admitted to the Regional Hospital Mullingar after she was crushed by a horse in August 2021. A 2024 inquest found that she could have been saved if she was transferred to Beaumont Hospital sooner. Her parents Alison and Chris Sainsbury and the family's solicitor Karen Clabby have been speaking with Will Faulkner on the Midlands Today Show.

Over 30m People Vote Yes To Elon Musk's Online Poll About Buying Ryanair

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:41:00 +0000

Over 30 million people have voted 'yes' in a poll launched by Elon Musk asking if he should buy Ryanair. The tech billionaire is involved in a public spat with Michael O'Leary, who last week called him a 'wealthy idiot'. He also ruled out offering Starlink wifi on Ryanair planes, as it would lead to bigger fuel costs and higher fares for passengers. Peter Campbell, Global Transport Correspondent, with the Financial Times has been speaking with David Hollywood on Midlands Today and says Mr. Musk has form as he previously joked about buying Twitter in 2022:

People Are Looking For A Normal Life In Iran

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 11:54:00 +0000

Iran's President has taken to social media to warn any aggression against the country's supreme leader would be tantamount to "all-out war". Masoud Pezeshkian's comment comes as an Iranian official claims at least five thousand people were killed in recent nationwide protests - including 500 security personnel. Initial economic grievances quickly turned political. Halo Ahmadi O'Sullivan, who is from Iran and working in Athlone, has been speaking with Will Faulkner and says people there don't even basic human rights.

How To Survive Blue Monday

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 11:38:06 +0000

It's 'Blue Monday' today - a day which is often described as the most challenging day of the year. It's the third Monday in January - with the restart of normal routines after the holidays, resolutions beginning to slip, waiting for longer days to return, and paying the bills from Christmas and the sales. Shirley McKay, Inner Therapy, Portlaoise and Naas has been speaking with Will Faulkner on Midlands Today and says moving, eating and sleeping can help boost your mood:

Tolü Makay Never Watched Dancing With The Stars Before Becoming A Contestant

michael@midlands103.com (Michael Cannon) — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:25:00 +0000

An Offaly musician says she turned down Dancing With The Stars twice. Tolü Makay, who topped leaderboard in week two of the competition, had never seen the show before she became a contestant on it. Last Sunday night, her performance with her professional partner earned 32 points for their American Smooth to Olivia Dean’s 'Man I Need', securing the first 9 of the season. Actor Michael Fry was the first celebrity to be voted off the show. Tolü has been speaking with Midlands 103's Will Faulkner and says she is thrilled with the support she is receiving: