April 13, 2026
religion
Father Edward Flanagan elevated to Venerable by Pope
Pope Francis has elevated Father Edward Flanagan, a priest from Roscommon who founded Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska, to the status of Venerable. This is a significant step toward canonization and recognizes his pioneering work with homeless and disadvantaged children. The Father Edward Flanagan Visitor Center in Ballaymoe celebrates his legacy and the news has been welcomed by local prayer groups and church leaders.
Father Edward Flanagan, Bishop Kevin Doran, Fidel MacRown
Father Flanagan Visitor Center located in Ballaymoe, open for three years, features garden and quotes on walls
"Local priest on path to sainthood - a major milestone for Irish Catholic heritage and a Roscommon native's global legacy"
business
Italian entrepreneur launches language services business in Leitrim
An Italian native who came to Ireland on an Erasmus exchange 16 years ago has launched a specialized language services business in Leitrim, offering translation, interpretation, training and cultural consultancy in English, Italian and Spanish. The entrepreneur relocated to Leitrim after 11 years in Galway and credits support from the ACORNS female entrepreneurship program with helping to establish the venture.
Not named in transcript, Paul of Simon
Business offers services in translation, interpretation, training, research and consultancy. Serves government agencies, embassies, and international companies. Network of freelance experts available across multiple languages and sectors.
"Inspiring story of immigrant entrepreneur building successful business in rural Ireland with local support"
business
Local zero-alcohol beverage company launches nationally with major retailer deals
A new Irish zero-alcohol gin and tonic alternative company, established in 2024, has launched products in Super Value stores across the west and northwest and is in talks with major national retailers ahead of the Christmas period and Dry January. The company produces four flavors with natural ingredients, low sugar, and low calories, capitalizing on the growing trend of reduced alcohol consumption in Ireland (down 34% over two decades).
Emma
Product available in Super Value (west and northwest Ireland); major national retailer stocking expected after Christmas 2025 in time for Dry January
"New Irish alcohol-free drinks brand launches with major retailer deals - perfect for Dry January shoppers"
business
Açai bowls become unexpected hit at Morning Glory Café in Carrick-on-Shannon
What started as a fad has become a runaway success: açai bowls are now sold in high volumes at Morning Glory Café. The owner sources them through a Galway-based supplier called Allen (contact: Jard Alexander). The bowls feature Brazilian açai berries mixed with various toppings like granola, blueberries, banana, peanut butter, and Nutella.
Jard Alexander
Sourced from Allen in Galway. Introduced approximately one year into café operations. Available with various toppings including granola, blueberries, banana, peanut butter, and Nutella.
"What the café owner initially dismissed as a fad has become their bestselling item"
death
GAA mourns death of legendary manager John O'Mahony
John O'Mahony, one of Gaelic football's greatest managers, has passed away after a battle with cancer. O'Mahony won eight Connacht titles (more than any other manager in the competition's history), two All-Ireland titles with Galway (1998, 2001), and managed multiple counties including Galway, Mayo, and Leitrim. A former player and colleague pays tribute to his mentorship, tactical brilliance, and father-figure leadership.
John O'Mahony, Declan Darcy, Tom Ganon
"Tributes to one of Gaelic football's greatest ever managers, whose legacy spans three counties and two All-Ireland titles."
business
Local drinks producer launches zero-alcohol GNT brand
A local business has launched a zero-alcohol GNT (gin and tonic style) drink available in four flavors: Lemon, Bluemond, Blood Orange, and Berry Pink. The product is made with natural ingredients, low in sugar (2.4%) and calories. Two flavors have reached the finals of a major competition this year.
Sulfur (first name not fully clear from transcript)
Product launched in 2024; currently stocked in Super Value locations across west and northwest Ireland including Galway and Leitrim; planning major national retailer placement after Christmas for Dry January
"Local Irish-made zero-alcohol drink tapping into the growing sober-curious trend, now stocked in major retailers"
business
Irish Emigrant Returns to Open Successful Café in Carrigallen
A proud Irishman who worked in Australian cafés returned home to Carrigallen and opened Morning Glory Café, inspired by the vibrant café culture he experienced abroad. Despite initial skepticism from locals, the café has thrived over two and a half years and won a Connacht Tourism Award for Best Newcomer in 2023, becoming a community hub for locals and visitors from surrounding counties.
Owner (name not provided), Jard Alexander
Morning Glory Café opened April 2023; won Best Newcomer award in 2023; nominated again in 2024 for Best Café. Located in Carrigallen.
"Inspiring story of an Irish emigrant who returned home and proved the doubters wrong by building a thriving business in a small rural town."
business
Açai Bowls Boom in Regional Cafés Following Australian Trend
Açai bowls have suddenly become ubiquitous across cafés in the Shannonside region, with Morning Glory Café in Carrigallen crediting their explosion in popularity to the introduction of the Brazilian berry-based dish about a year into operations. What the café owner initially dismissed as a fad has proven wildly popular with customers, selling thousands of bowls.
Morning Glory Café Owner, Jard Alexander
Açai bowls available at Morning Glory Café and multiple other cafés across the region. Topped with options including granola, blueberries, banana, peanut butter, and Nutella.
"Local café owner explains why açai bowls have taken over every café in the region—and how it went from suspected fad to thousands sold."
death
Tributes pour in for legendary GAA manager John O'Mahony
John O'Mahony, one of Ireland's greatest GAA managers, has passed away after a battle with cancer. The iconic football manager won eight Connacht titles—the most by any manager in competition history—and two All-Ireland championships with Galway (1998, 2001). Former players and colleagues are paying tribute to his mentorship, tactical brilliance, and paternal approach to team management.
John O'Mahony, Declan Darcy, Tom Gannon
"Emotional tributes to one of GAA's greatest managers—a father figure who revolutionised coaching in Ireland."
April 12, 2026
religion
Father Edward Flanagan elevated to Venerable by Pope
Father Edward Flanagan, a priest from the Roscommon/Galway border who founded Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska, has been elevated to Venerable by Pope Francis—a significant step toward canonization. The announcement was welcomed by the Father Edward Flanagan Visitor Centre in Ballinamore and church leaders including Bishop Kevin Doran. This recognition honours Flanagan's pioneering work with homeless and at-risk children.
Father Edward Flanagan, Bishop Kevin Doran, Fidel Macron
Father Edward Flanagan Visitor Centre located in Ballinamore, open to public; established three years ago
"Local priest on path to sainthood—proud moment for Irish heritage and the church's recognition of his pioneering child welfare work."
business
Australian-trained barista opens thriving cafe in Carrick-on-Shannon
An Irish emigrant who worked in Australian cafes has successfully opened Morning Glory Cafe in Carrick-on-Shannon, defying initial skepticism from locals. The cafe, which opened approximately two and a half years ago, has become a community hub and won the Best New Comer award. The owner credits Australian coffee culture and support from the local community, including GAA teams and schools, for the business success.
Owner (name not provided in transcript), Jared Alexander
Morning Glory Cafe, Carrick-on-Shannon. Cafe opened approximately April 2023. Winner of Best New Comer award (year before last mentioned in interview). Open early morning (from approximately 5:30-6:00 AM). Serves coffee, acai bowls, and other cafe fare.
"Local entrepreneur defies naysayers to build thriving cafe business — inspiring 'only in Ireland' comeback story"
business
Acai bowls surge in popularity across Shannonside FM region cafes
Acai bowls, a Brazilian berry-based breakfast dish, have rapidly become popular across cafes in the region. Morning Glory Cafe owner introduced them about a year into operation after connecting with supplier Jared Alexander in Galway. The trend has spread widely, with most cafes in the region now offering the product.
Jared Alexander
Acai bowls made with Brazilian acai berries, topped with granola, blueberries, strawberries, banana, peanut butter and other toppings. Now available at most cafes across the region.
"How a Brazilian superfood trend conquered Irish cafes in just a few years"
death
Tributes pour in for legendary GAA manager John O'Mahony
The GAA community is mourning the death of John O'Mahony, one of the most successful managers in Connacht GAA history. O'Mahony won eight Connacht titles (most by any manager), two All-Ireland championships with Galway (1998, 2001), and also managed Mayo and Leitrim. A former player who worked with him reflects on his leadership, mentorship, and the 1994 Connacht championship victory at Hyde Park against Mayo.
John O'Mahony, Martin, Declan Darcy
"Legendary GAA manager who won more Connacht titles than anyone else has passed away—fans and former players share emotional memories of his leadership."