18/08/2026
Here's what's making headlines today, at home in Fingal and further afield.
🕊️ M9 crash — five boys named
The five teenage boys who died in the M9 collision in Kildare have been named locally as Joe Carthy, Alex McCarthy, Kamil Pustkowski, Jeremy O'Brien and Jack Kennedy. Four others were seriously injured. Gardaí are still investigating and are asking anyone with information, or dashcam footage from the area, to get in touch.
⚖️ Trial ordered in Blanchardstown case
Two teenage boys will stand trial for the murder of Alex Coughlan in Blanchardstown, following an alleged assault. The case now moves through the courts. Both are entitled to the presumption of innocence.
🍎 Teachers say the job needs to be worth staying in
The Teachers' Union of Ireland wants the Government to act on pay and conditions, saying holding on to teachers is now every bit as hard as finding new ones in the first place.
💻 Young Scientist is open for entries
Applications are open for the Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. Secondary school students can enter on their own or in teams, with projects across science, tech, engineering and maths. If there's a budding inventor in the house, this is the one.
🌍 Drone attacks near Moscow
Hundreds of drones were launched towards the Moscow region overnight. Russian officials say 620 were detected, with a number of people injured and damage reported in several areas.
📍 Swords — road works on North Street
Phase Two of the Swords Public Realm works has started on North Street and runs until December. There are temporary traffic restrictions and bus diversions in place, but every business on North Street is open as normal, so do call in.
🎉 BlanchFest this weekend
Something for the whole family — BlanchFest is on this Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August at Millennium Park, Blanchardstown. Free in, with music, food, entertainment and craft stalls, and plenty of local businesses and community groups taking part.
📻 That's your news for today. Stay local, stay tuned — Phoenix FM 92.5.
