Ruth Medjber’s life stories: ‘Morgan plays drums – arguably one of the most physical roles in a band. And he has cerebral palsy’
It’s the most physically exhausting job I’ve ever done, so I’m interested to know how Morgan coped. He plays drums, which is arguably one of the most physical roles in a band. And he has cerebral palsy. I shamefully know very little (or even nothing) about cerebral palsy, which doesn’t surprise Morgan. He explains the extent of his cerebral palsy and its physical restrictions to me in such a succinct and concise manner that it dawns on me that he’s been explaining this his whole life.
Source:Irish Independent
January 30, 2026 16:03 UTC
Face the Phoenix Final celebrates outstanding Student Enterprise
SJ Lights from Cólaiste Naomh Cormac, winners of the Face the Phoenix finalFace the Phoenix Final celebrates outstanding Student EnterpriseTullamore Credit Union once again hosted the Face the Phoenix Final 2026 on Wednesday, January 28, at the Esker Arts Centre, where Transition Year students from five local secondary schools pitched their mini companies to an expert judging panel. This year’s judges were Paul Shaw CEO, Caroline Collins Murphy Deputy CEO, Eileen Brophy Chairperson, and Matt Worgan, Risk Manager. The winning students with judges. The winning student with teacher and principal. If your school is within the credit union’s common bond and is interested in taking part in next year’s Face the Phoenix programme, they would be delighted to hear from you.
Source:Irish Independent
January 30, 2026 16:02 UTC
New Ferbane plan set to be launchedin coming weeks
New Ferbane plan set to be launched in coming weeksBy Rebekah O'ReillyThe Ferbane Town Centre First Plan will be officially launched at a public meeting on Monday, February 17, at 6pm in The Heritage Centre. The plan, developed by consultants Brady, Shipman & Martin in partnership with the Ferbane Town Team and Offaly County Council, is part of the national Town Centre First Initiative, which seeks to revitalise towns across Ireland by focusing on the needs of the local community. The draft plan was previously open for public input and sets out a multi-layered approach to Ferbane’s future, combining strategic objectives, proposals, and actions. It was shaped through consultation with local stakeholders, analysis of the town, and a vision for sustainable development. The plan aims to promote Ferbane as a vibrant and welcoming town centre, support social inclusion and wellbeing, enhance sustainability and connectivity, and encourage local economic growth.
Source:Irish Independent
January 30, 2026 16:01 UTC
Trump announces Fed pick to succeed Powell
President Donald Trump on Friday chose former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh to head the US central bank when Jerome Powell's leadership term ends in May. "I have known Kevin for a long period of time, and have no doubt that he will go down as one of the GREAT Fed Chairmen, maybe the best. Trump announced the nomination, which requires confirmation by the US Senate, in a post on social media. No public events have been listed on the president's schedule for Friday involving the Fed. The Fed has long been seen as a stabilising force in global financial markets due in no small part to its perceived independence from politics.
Source:Irish Examiner
January 30, 2026 15:58 UTC
’Thank you for moving the dial 12 and a half years ago and staying with us’ – Pat Kenny signs off from his weekday show on Newstalk
Memorable ad campaign: Pat Kenny in September 2013 after he made the switch from RTÉ Radio 1 to Newstalk. Photo: Jason ClarkeBroadcaster Pat Kenny said he was “overwhelmed” while reading through texts from listeners as he hosted his final weekday show on Newstalk today. Memorable ad campaign: Pat Kenny in September 2013 after he made the switch from RTÉ Radio 1 to Newstalk. Kenny started hosting The Pat Kenny Show every weekday on Newstalk in 2013, after moving from RTÉ, where he had worked for 41 years. You were great, great fun, and you’re a great, great gossip.
Source:Irish Independent
January 30, 2026 15:58 UTC
Junior IAMTA Maths success competition success for Athlone Community College
Pictured are students Darragh Lee, Srinidhi Karthik, Aditya Surendran and Abhinav Varma Bhyrraju, following their recent success in the IAMTA Maths competition held in Moate CS. Junior IAMTA Maths competition success for Athlone Community CollegeStudents from Athlone Community College achieved outstanding success at the Junior IAMTA Maths Competition, held in Moate Community School on Thursday, January 22. Staff at Moate Community School were warmly thanked for hosting a welcoming event. With their victory, Athlone Community College now progress to the national finals, which takes place on Saturday, April 18, where they will compete against the best-performing schools from across Ireland. Athlone Community College extends its congratulations to all sixteen participating students and looks forward to representing the region on the national stage in April.
Source:Irish Independent
January 30, 2026 15:57 UTC
Westmeath whiskey blogger on an ongoing tasting journey
Scottish native and Athlone resident Dave McKay, who runs the ‘Westmeath Whiskey World’ blog, enjoying a dram with his father, Andrew. Westmeath whiskey blogger on an ongoing tasting journeyLong-time Athlone resident Dave McKay, who runs the popular blog 'Westmeath Whiskey World', has described the last ten years since starting his regular online reviews as "a fascinating journey" in tasting flavours from across the globe. He posts on X (formerly Twitter) under the handle 'Whiskey Nut' and the overall number of views for his regularly-updated 'Westmeath Whiskey World' blog has now passed the half-a-million mark. "What I enjoy is discovering new tastes, and in terms of whiskey, both in Ireland and around the world, there's never-ending opportunities to taste new brands and different kinds of whiskey. "It's a fascinating subject and I love getting to know the history and background of different whiskeys,” Dave added.
Source:Irish Independent
January 30, 2026 15:57 UTC
Revealed: The massive HSE spend on weight-loss jabs like Ozempic – and which area is availing of the drugs most
Revealed: The massive HSE spend on weight-loss jabs like Ozempic – and which area is availing of the drugs mostOver €200m spent in less than three years at taxpayers’ expenseA woman taking an Ozempic injection. Photo: GettyDarragh Mc Donagh Today at 12:25The HSE has spent more than €200m on Ozempic and similar weight-loss jabs in less than three years, with 80,000 patients getting the medication on free drugs schemes last year.
Source:Irish Independent
January 30, 2026 15:56 UTC
Champions League draw: Newcastle face travelling 8,000 MILES for Qarabag clash and Real Madrid look for revenge against Benfica - as routes to the final become clearer for Arsenal, Liverpool and Co
Newcastle will have to bypass Qarabag for a spot in the Champions League final 16, after Eddie Howe's side were drawn against the Azerbaijan team ahead of their play-off tie next month. Qarabag may feel a sense of trepidation facing off with Premier League opposition for the second European match in a row, after being thumped 6-0 by Liverpool in their final game of the league phase. In drawing Qarabag, Newcastle avoided a tie far closer to home against Monaco, who will instead face the Magpies' Wednesday night opponents Paris Saint-Germain in a bid to make the last 16. Should they succeed in their play-off match, the Tyneside club will face either Barcelona or Chelsea in their round-of-16 clash. Of the eight teams to have qualified automatically, five were from the Premier League, with Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Sporting Lisbon rounding out the pack.
Source:Daily Mail
January 30, 2026 15:55 UTC
Public urged to keep Emergency Department for emergenices
Public urged to keep Emergency Department for emergenicesExtra pressure expected over holiday weekendHSE West and North West is advising people in Galway and Roscommon to be aware of their healthcare options this Bank Holiday weekend. January has been extremely busy across health services in the region, with continued high levels of attendance at Emergency Departments and sustained demand for inpatient care. “Emergency departments tend to be busier at holiday weekends than at other times of the year. This helps ensure that emergency departments can focus on those who are most unwell. Please dial 112 or 999 for emergency care if there is concern for serious illness or injury.
Source:The Herald
January 30, 2026 15:37 UTC
Reform UK? It’s the best party to get UK out of a mess
I’d say that’s a good reason to vote Reform UK. The traditional parties have got us into the current mess that we find ourselves in, and that is another good reason to vote Reform UK. There is no indication that anyone, except Reform UK, has the policies - and the will and determination - to stop illegal immigration. I am not a member of Reform UK, but as matters stand today, I would vote for them. The Reform UK leader knows how to get publicity, and he’s getting plenty just now.
Source:The Herald
January 30, 2026 15:34 UTC
Five-year delay to Rathfarnham flood scheme shows how local politics can delay big projects
Flooding is not a new phenomenon in the south Dublin suburb of Rathfarnham. The epicentre of the serious flooding incident in Rathfarnham this week was the Whitechurch Stream. A modest body of water, Whitechurch Stream was nonetheless identified as liable to flooding in a one in 100-year flood event. Flooding in the Loreto Row and Nutgrove Avenue area of south Dublin this week. Local politicians acknowledge there has been considerable delays in the flood relief scheme in the south Dublin area.
Source:The Irish Times
January 30, 2026 15:34 UTC
Five For Your Radar: Ballincollig music, Denise Chaila, Cork theatre...
Festival: Ballincollig Winter Music FestivalThe White Horse, Ballincollig, Until Monday, February 2Founded by Joe Carey, Ballincollig Winter Music Festival is in the midst of its 16th edition over the bank holiday weekend. Picture: Rich GilliganPerformance: Denise ChailaThe Coach House, Limerick, Friday, January 30All We Have Are Days festival takes place around Limerick over the weekend, including shows at the Theatre Royal - the first music at the venue in 30 years. Among the line-up is Denise Chaila, winner of the Choice Prize five years ago. Cork Singers Club takes place at An Spailpín Fánach on Sunday celebrating Women Who Sing. Cork Singers Club takes place at An Spailpín Fánach on Sunday, February 1InfinityCork Arts Theatre, Thursday, February 5 to Saturday, February 14Infinity marks CAT’s 50th anniversary and is the first production in the venue’s Re:Directing season.
Source:Irish Examiner
January 30, 2026 15:30 UTC
Exhausted 'old man' Novak Djokovic, 38, beats Jannik Sinner to reach the Australian Open final - after clutching his chest, vomiting, struggling for breath and stripping off on-court
Novak Djokovic is one match away from a 25th Grand Slam title and an 11th Australian Open after producing perhaps the greatest performance of his career to defeat Jannik Sinner. To put this victory into perspective, a few facts: Sinner had won this title in the last two years. With Djokovic serving at 4-3, Sinner sent a barrage of groundstrokes at him to bring up three break points at 0-40. Sweat pouring off him, flirting with the shot-clock before every serve, Djokovic ticked those break points off one by one and then held. Djokovic missed two match points, the second a sitter of a forehand on top of the net, but he was not to be denied.
Source:Daily Mail
January 30, 2026 15:21 UTC
Michael Flatley: Why the Lord of the Dance was in a Belfast court
Michael Flatley outside Belfast High Court where Switzer Consulting is taking a civil case against him for alleged breach of contract, relating to the Lord of the Dance stage show. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PAOn Thursday, a judge in a Belfast court lifted an injunction that would have prevented Michael Flatley’s involvement in the Lord of the Dance show, due to begin in Dublin next week before a multi-date international tour. It brought him fame and fortune and in 1996 he developed a global touring show called Lord of the Dance. With the 30-year anniversary of Lord of the Dance coming up, Flately who is based in Monaco, signed a contract with Newry firm Switzer Consulting to run the shows. During the civil case taken by Switzer, the court heard claims about Flatley’s lifestyle that will come as a surprise to his many fans.
Source:The Irish Times
January 30, 2026 15:18 UTC