Radio reviewsIt was only after we’d changed our car about four years ago that I realised they weren’t putting CD players in them any more. I was poking around the dashboard where I thought the CD player should be, a disc of Al Green’s greatest hits at the ready to lighten my journey, slowly coming to the realisation that an era of in-car entertainment had ended. This is how the world works now, some Silicon Valley dude has a bright idea to take away something you like, the way that you like it, and replace it with something – such as Spotify – that he likes, the way that he likes it. And it’s all done and dusted ­before you can say, “democracy dies in darkness”.

Community 'hurt' by HSE ‘delay’ in payment to Offaly HospiceThe community in Offaly has been left 'hurt' by a ‘delay’ in a payment by the HSE to Offaly Hospice Foundation to meet architectural costs on a potential site for the Midlands Hospice, a council meeting has been told. "Offaly Hospice has expended €312,000 on that site, which the HSE have promised to repay," said Cllr McDonnell. I'm asking that we all support sending a letter to the HSE to make sure the HSE repay that amount." In a statement released by Offaly Hospice Foundation on Monday, December 1, the group said a site on the grounds of the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore was agreed between the HSE and Offaly Hospice in October 2020. “Despite high level contact at that time between the HSE and Offaly Hospice on the plans for designated site at the Hospital, the HSE opted not to inform Offaly Hospice about the Arden Lane site and its arrangements for almost six months.

Ukraine, Russia and the US are set to hold three-way talks in Abu Dhabi on Friday, marking the first time that the three countries have sat down together since Russia invaded in 2022. Mr Zelenskyy said the future status of land currently occupied by Russia in the east of the country was unresolved, but peace proposals were “nearly ready”. Mr Zelenskyy has refused to give up land that Ukraine has successfully defended since 2022 through grinding, costly attritional warfare. Mr Trump noted that both Mr Putin and Mr Zelenskyy wanted to reach a deal and that “everyone’s making concessions” to try to end the war. Mr Trump also said he and Mr Zelenskyy discussed how Ukrainians were surviving the cold winter without heat.

Liam Cahill has included 10 of his All-Ireland SHC winning starters for Saturday evening’s Division 1A opener against Galway in FBD Semple Stadium (7pm throw-in). Another All-Ireland final starter, Jason Forde, is named on the bench along with Darragh Stakelum who replaced his brother Conor last July. Subs: Barry Hogan, A. Daly, C. English, J. Forde, J. Keller, C. Martin, P. McCormack, P. McGarry, J. Ryan, D. Stakelum, S. Tobin. Subs: E. Rafferty, T. McCormack, J. Duffy, D. McCarthy, F. Downey, A. O’Neill, D. Magee, R. McDonald. Subs: R. McGrath, M. Barlow, K. Butler, M. Corcoran, M. Freaney, M. McFadden, E. Moloney, S. O’Brien, J. O’Neill, P. O’Keeffe, M. Russell.

That’s hardly the case – as the lads recently took to the stage of London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall to celebrate their 25th anniversary on the pop scene. Their latest and greatest rendition of the band’s 1999 UK #1, “I Had A Dream.”Except, this isn’t your usual boyband performance, by a long shot. To make their celebratory set even more legendary, Westlife teamed up with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, who transform the touching pop ballad into a cinematic masterpiece. Westlife lay pitch-perfect ad libs over the choir’s work, the orchestra revamping the band’s iconic melodies with their supernal sound. Westlife remain a force — their Royal Albert Hall show with The Royal Philharmonic elevates “I Had A Dream” to cinematic heights.

With career earnings approaching $200 million, Houston Rockets center Steven Adams could probably afford a suitable bed for his 6ft11 frame. 'This is my place,' Adams said in a video on @Funakistats, an X page dedicated to all things Steven Adams. At the onset of his stint with the Rockets in 2024, Adams shared a photo of an even smaller room with nothing but a single mattress on the floor. Adams is signed through the 2027-28 season after agreeing to a three-year, $39 million extension with the Rockets in June. He has $184 million in career earnings and will reach $209 million by the end of his current deal.

A guest on Antiques Roadshow was amazed as they learned the huge value of their rare box - as a show expert branded it the 'best he's ever seen'. Expert Gordon Foster met a guest who brought along a gold and quartz snuffbox dating back to 1815. In particular, one guest brought along a set of gold and silver jewellery pieces, among them a brooch and a bracelet. The guest replied: 'Oh never,' as her mouth dropped and she added: 'Sorry I nearly swore' before covering her mouth. Joanna went on: 'You've got this brooch here, that's going to be between £5,000 and £7,000,' as the guest replied: 'Never!'

A mother conspired with a drugs kingpin to murder her ex-husband in an acid attack because he 'deserved' to be hurt and she wanted to get rich, a court heard today. Paris Wilson, 35, helped plot the murder of her fitness instructor ex Danny Cahalane, 38, after the 'acrimonious' breakdown of their marriage, prosecutors said. Mr Cahalane was a drug dealer who was 'doused in acid' at his home in Plymouth, Devon, last year. Prosecutor Jo Martin KC told the court today: 'As you know, Paris Wilson was Danny Cahalane's ex-wife and they had a daughter together. Mr Cahalane was threatened on January 19, 2025 by men who tried to rip his car door open as he shut it.

The loved ones of a teenage tourist found dead on a remote Queensland beach have condemned heartless social-media commentary as police continue to investigate the circumstances of her death. Canadian backpacker Piper James, 19, was camping on Queensland's K'gari Island when she told friends she was heading out for an early-morning swim at about 5am. Police are still investigating whether Piper drowned or was attacked by wild animals, with her death sending shockwaves through both Australia and Canada. But as questions swirl around the tragedy, those closest to the teenager say public reaction online has crossed the line. 'Turning 19 in Australia was part of their dream and they worked tirelessly to make it come true.

The sliding doors moment that changed Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko’s careers foreverBenjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres could have been lining up on opposite sides when Manchester United head to Arsenal this weekend after a rollercoaster summer sagaView 3 Images Benjamin Sesko looked destined for Arsenal before signing for Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)In a parallel universe, Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko could - and maybe should - be on different sides at the Emirates on Sunday. ‌Manchester United striker Sesko was so close to joining Arsenal after a long and painstaking transfer pursuit. And maybe, just maybe, United could be getting more out of Gyokeres who has struggled to adapt since his £64m move to Arsenal. This marked a sharp turn for Arsenal who had previously been chasing Sesko, the young Slovenian striker at RB Leipzig. Back in August, Sesko and Gyokeres did not even share minutes on the pitch when Arsenal beat United 1-0.

Quotes of the Week“Some tourists might view the Midlands as drive-through country as they travel west from Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way, but we found just a fraction of what they are missing in the Hidden Heartlands,"Quote featured in an article by Ronan Fagan, discussing Hidden Heartlands getting a mention on a podcast in the US. The podcast is co-hosted by Martin Nutty, who left Ireland for the US at 19. “The demise of the street has been going on for many years, and it's simply not in the best interests of the town, be they businesses, residents, or shoppers, to have a derelict Church Street. It really needs to be addressed now before it becomes too late.”Quotes from the Director of Burgess of Athlone, Alastair Grey, discussing the decline of one of Athlone’s most prominent streets. “Over 300,000 households are now in arrears on electricity bills, while more than 180,000 are behind on gas payments.”Quotes from Louise Bayliss, Saint Vincent De Paul’s head of social policy, discussing the rise in requests for help with energy bills.

Michael Carrick says Casemiro is ‘desperate’ to finish his Manchester United career on a high after it was confirmed that the Brazil star will leave Old Trafford at the end of the season. ‘You know, it was kind of decided anyway before I arrived, so it's not just a knee-jerk decision. He's desperate to do well and finish well. It's good to see, so I've got no doubts about him at all.’Casemiro won’t be the only United playing leaving at the end of his contract in the summer. ‘It’s coming into that time of the season with contracts,’ added Carrick.

Contactless card payments now accepted on TFI Local Link services in OffalyThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has confirmed the rollout of contactless card payment technology across all TFI Local Link Laois Offaly services. From today, passengers using TFI Local Link Laois Offaly’s regular services can pay their fares using debit or credit cards, as well as mobile payment options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Contactless payments will be accepted for single-journey fares, while daily and weekly products will continue to be available via the Leap website and the TFI Leap Top‑up App. TFI Local Link Manager Edmund Betagh welcomed the development, saying: "Introducing contactless payments is a major step forward for public transport in Laois and Offaly. For more information on TFI Local Link Laois Offaly services, please visit https://locallinklaoisoffaly.ie/

Man Utd 'launch investigation' as Michael Carrick suffers same problem as Ruben AmorimManchester United are searching for a mole inside the club after problem under Ruben Amorim reared its head again in Michael Carrick's first match in chargeView 2 Images Manchester United have launched investigation after Michael Carrick's team was leaked (Image: )Manchester United have launched an internal investigation to try and find out how Michael Carrick's starting XI for the clash with Man City was revealed online before kick-off. Team leaks are not a new problem for United and have been ongoing for almost 10 years. Six players could miss Arsenal vs Man Utd as Michael Carrick confirms injury timeline READ MORE :OPINION Jeremy Cross Kobbie Mainoo had serious Man Utd concerns but Michael Carrick has changed everythingHarry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Amad and Mbeumo all returned to the starting XI, while Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha dropped to the bench. FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football.

ST BRIGID'S FESTIVAL EVENTSA number of events have been organised by Roscommon County Council for the St. Brigid’s Festival – January 30th to February 2nd. Workshops will include memory wire bracelet workshop, St Brigid's Cross making, Irish music and dancing, drawing and painting workshop. Requiem Mass took place on Tuesday, January 20th at 11.30 a.m. in St Brigid's Church, Ballisodare with funeral proceeding to St. Brigid’s Cemetery. This month's café takes place on Wednesday, January 21st 2 – 4 p.m. and will include music/song/ advice and a chat. ROSCOMMON DEMENTIA ALLIANCERoscommon Dementia Alliance hosts a monthly café meeting in Lough Key Forest Park to help support people affected by dementia, their families and carers.