BREAKING: A woman in her 40s has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the 2009 killing of Steven O’Meara. This urgent development comes as authorities continue their investigation into the brutal crime that left the community shaken for over a decade.

Steven O’Meara, a 26-year-old father of three, was last seen alive on August 6, 2009, in the Rosehill estate of Wicklow town. His body was discovered on Christmas Eve five months later, buried in a shallow grave in isolated woods at Ballydonnell, Redcross. The identification was made through dental records and fingerprints, with the Deputy State Pathologist, Dr. Khalid Jabber, confirming that the cause of death was due to gunshot wounds resulting in internal bleeding.

According to reports, Steven was believed to have been lured to the woods to meet a man regarding a drug debt, where he was ambushed and shot. The latest arrest was made this afternoon, and the suspect is currently being held under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007 at a Garda station in County Wexford.

This case has seen previous convictions; Michael Dickenson was sentenced to life in prison for the murder in 2012, while Clement Byrne was convicted of manslaughter in January 2013 and received an eight-year sentence. He has since been released.

As the investigation continues under the leadership of a Senior Investigating Officer in Wexford Garda Station, the community is left to grapple with the implications of this new arrest. The emotional toll of Steven’s murder continues to affect his family and friends, who have awaited justice for many years.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.

UPDATE: A major breakthrough for housing and care in Athenry as plans for 55 social homes and a new care facility progress rapidly. The developments at Cullairbaun and Gort Mhaoilir are set to address urgent community needs, providing vital support for families and individuals with special requirements.

The ambitious project includes a 12-unit social home development alongside a 5-bed care home facility, as well as a larger 43-unit housing project equipped with 57 parking spaces. Local officials have voiced their support, with some amendments expected to enhance the projects further.

Fine Gael Councillor Peter Feeney addressed concerns regarding the developments in a recent interview, emphasizing their importance for the community. “These homes will provide crucial support to families and individuals in need, ensuring they have access to safe and affordable housing,” Feeney stated.

Both housing projects are projected for completion by the end of 2026. This timeline is critical as Athenry faces increasing pressure for social housing solutions. The urgency of these developments cannot be overstated, as the community rallies for improved living conditions.

As this story unfolds, residents and stakeholders will be watching closely. The upcoming changes promise to reshape the landscape of Athenry, fostering a more inclusive environment for all its residents.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. The impact of these new homes and facilities will be felt across the community, making it an essential topic for discussion. Share this news to keep others informed about the positive changes coming to Athenry!

UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, beloved character Nigel Bates has officially quit Walford in an emotional farewell airing tonight on July 15, 2025. The heart-wrenching scenes show Nigel leaving in a taxi, leaving his close friend Phil Mitchell devastated.

Nigel’s departure follows a tumultuous storyline where he battles early onset dementia, relying heavily on Phil’s support over recent months. Meanwhile, Phil’s friend Jay Brown grows increasingly concerned about the toll this situation is taking on him. In a desperate attempt to reunite Nigel with his wife Julie, who had reported him missing, Jay reaches out to her.

Upon Julie’s return to Albert Square, tensions flare as she confronts Phil for not informing her about Nigel’s whereabouts. Initially, Nigel had misled Phil into believing he had separated from Julie to protect her from his deteriorating health. However, with both determined to care for Nigel, they ultimately clash over his future.

As the emotional scenes unfold, viewers witness Nigel’s poignant decision to return to Scotland with Julie, leaving Phil alone to reflect on their friendship. In a powerful moment, Phil, unable to say goodbye, reminisces over a photo of a younger Nigel and his daughter Clare.

Actress Karen Henthorn, who reprises her role as Julie after a 27-year hiatus, shared her thoughts ahead of the episode, stating, “Julie loves Nigel more than anyone else, and she’ll go above and beyond to help him.” Henthorn emphasized that while Julie understands Phil’s good intentions, she is frustrated with his secrecy regarding Nigel’s condition.

The emotional weight of Nigel’s exit resonates deeply with fans, who have followed his journey since his return to the show last year after a 26-year absence. The captivating storyline has sparked discussions among viewers, making this episode a trending topic on social media.

As fans tune in to witness these heart-wrenching moments, the impact of Nigel’s departure from Walford is sure to leave a lasting impression on the show’s audience. Stay tuned for more updates as the story develops.

BREAKING: Molly Rainford, star of the BBC soap EastEnders, has confirmed she will be leaving the show later this year. This announcement comes amid a “sad” revelation about her role as Anna Knight, which she described as her first “grown-up acting job” since debuting in 2023.

In a recent interview with Heat magazine, Rainford expressed her desire to become a “classic character,” yet acknowledged the uncertainty of her future on the show. “You just never know,” she stated, highlighting the unpredictable nature of soap operas. Rainford’s character has navigated significant challenges, including a harrowing storyline involving drink spiking at Peggy’s bar, which aired in 2024.

The BBC partnered with organizations like Stamp Out Spiking and WithYou to create a five-episode mini-series addressing the alarming rise of drink spiking, a topic that resonates deeply, especially among younger audiences. Rainford noted the positive response, particularly on platforms like TikTok, emphasizing the importance of awareness among her peers. “I haven’t, personally, dealt with spiking, which – in a sad way – makes me feel lucky,” she shared.

Amidst troubling statistics from Drinkaware, which reported around 1.2 million adults in the UK experienced drink spiking in 2022, Chris Clenshaw, the producer of EastEnders, voiced concerns over rising incidents. “With incidents of spiking rising at alarming rates across the UK, we chose to explore this issue with Anna Knight,” he stated, emphasizing the necessity of delivering this sensitive storyline authentically.

Last month, the BBC confirmed to the Mirror that Rainford’s final episode will air later this year, although the exact date remains undisclosed. A spokesperson for the network stated, “We can confirm that Molly Rainford will be leaving EastEnders later this year, and we wish her all the best for the future.” Sources indicate that the decision was mutual, with Rainford exploring new opportunities beyond Albert Square.

A source close to the production revealed, “Molly came into the show two years ago, and in that time has been trusted with some great storylines.” It appears that discussions regarding Anna Knight’s future coincided with Rainford’s career considerations, leading to the agreement that it was time for her character to exit.

As fans await further details on Rainford’s departure, the news has ignited conversations online, with supporters expressing both sadness and appreciation for her impactful role in EastEnders. Stay tuned for updates on Rainford’s final scenes and her future endeavors as this story develops.