The Big Story

Midlands 103
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MUSIC

Real People. Real Stories. There are stories that rarely get told — but need to be. Each episode features a candid interview with individuals navigating serious challenges — from health crises to personal turning points.

  1. 2D AGO

    Winter Olympian Annabelle Zurbay Is "Very Driven"

    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:

    5 min

  2. 3D AGO

    Decision To Reduce Allocation For SNAs In Schools Makes No Sense

    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:

    12 min

  3. 4D AGO

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

    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:

    15 min

  4. FEB 12

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

    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:

    11 min

  5. FEB 12

    Finding Love This Valentine's Day

    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:

    9 min

  6. FEB 12

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

    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:

    20 min

  7. FEB 11

    Alison Spittle: "Some People Hate Fat People"

    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:

    20 min

  8. FEB 10

    Major Fundraiser Underway For Offaly Teenager Seriously Injured In Crash

    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:

    8 min
See All (50)

About

Real People. Real Stories. There are stories that rarely get told — but need to be. Each episode features a candid interview with individuals navigating serious challenges — from health crises to personal turning points.

Information

  • Creator
    Midlands 103
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Tindle Radio
  • Show Website
    The Big Story