Virgin Media News
Israel Bulldozes UN Agency For Palestinian Refugees HQ In Jerusalem
- Title
- Israel Bulldozes UN Agency For Palestinian Refugees HQ In Jerusalem
- Runtime
- 1:30
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Israeli crews have begun bulldozing the Jerusalem headquarters of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.
Israel has accused the organisation of collaborating with Hamas, a charge UNRWA denies.
The agency delivers vital humanitarian services to millions across the region, providing education, healthcare, and social support to Palestinian communities.
#VMNews
- Title
- Seventy-Nine-Year-Old Jailed For Historic Abuse Of Daughter
- Runtime
- 1:36
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- A 79-year-old man has been jailed for seven years after abusing his seven-year-old daughter.
The judge described the case as involving “highly specific grooming and manipulation”. The victim waived her right to anonymity so Gordon McKenna could be named following today’s sentencing.
#VMNews
- Title
- Deepfake Victim Appeals For Tougher Laws After Grok Scandal
- Runtime
- 2:32
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- 🗣️ "I know what happened doesn't define me...but it has affected me long term."
A woman whose images were deepfake edited and uploaded to pornographic websites without her consent has appealed to the Government to use every power available to stop predators ruining young people’s lives.
Sonia Milbourne has spoken exclusively to Virgin Media News about how her photos were manipulated and shared alongside her personal details, leading to years of panic attacks and unwanted messages, as she speaks out after the Grok scandal to support other victims.
#VMNews
- Title
- Ireland’s 11 Billionaires Wealthier Than Majority Of Adults, Study Finds
- Runtime
- 1:47
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- A new study by charity Oxfam has found that Ireland’s 11 billionaires are wealthier than almost 90% of adults in the country.
The report also reveals that the gap between the richest and poorest is continuing to grow, highlighting rising inequality in Ireland.
#VMNews
- Title
- Government Asylum Reform Sparks Discussion On Housing And Health Services
- Runtime
- 1:12
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- 🗣️ "All we are asking for is make it sustainable,"
🗣️ "See how sustainable the health service would become if people weren’t coming to work here,"
#TonightVMTV panel discussed infrastructure pressures amid Government plans for asylum reform.
📺 https://youtu.be/BgQpXyM87zg
- Title
- Prince Harry Back In Court As Legal Battle With Daily Mail Enters Final Phase
- Runtime
- 1:32
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Britain's Prince Harry is back in a London court as his legal battle with the publisher of the Daily Mail enters its final phase.
He is one of seven high-profile figures, including Elton John and Liz Hurley, accusing the publisher of serious privacy breaches.
#VMNews
- Title
- Spain Train Crash Kills At Least 39 As Transport Minister Warns Death Toll Not Final
- Runtime
- 1:53
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- At least 39 people are confirmed dead after a high-speed train collision near Adamuz in southern Spain.
Efforts to recover bodies are ongoing, and the country’s transport minister has warned the death toll is “not final.”
#VMNews
- Title
- TDs Divided On Taoiseach’s US Visit Amid Trump Dispute
- Runtime
- 2:14
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- There is a growing mood among the opposition for Europe to face down Donald Trump and adopt a tougher approach as tensions continue to rise.
At home, TDs are questioning whether the Taoiseach should travel to Washington for the annual St Patrick’s Day engagements.
#VMNews
- Title
- Trade Tensions Escalate As Trump Threatens Tariffs Over Greenland
- Runtime
- 1:56
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- International trade tensions are escalating after Donald Trump threatened new tariffs on key European allies in a dispute linked to Greenland.
The U.S. president says eight European countries could face 10% tariffs from February, rising to 25% later this year if no agreement is reached.
The Taoiseach has warned of “dire consequences” if a trade war between Europe and the United States goes ahead, as EU ministers prepare to discuss the growing crisis.
#VMNews
- Title
- Enoch Burke Arrested At School And Brought Before High Court
- Runtime
- 1:47
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Enoch Burke is on his way back to prison this lunchtime after breaching a court order directing him to stay away from Wilson’s Hospital School in Co Westmeath.
Mr Burke arrived at the school again this morning but was arrested at the scene and taken straight to the Four Courts.
#VMNews
- Title
- Judge Orders Arrest Of Enoch Burke Over Alleged Breach Of Court Order
- Runtime
- 2:00
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- A judge has ordered that Enoch Burke be arrested and brought before the High Court on Monday, where a decision will be made on whether he should be reimprisoned.
The teacher was released from Mountjoy Prison on Wednesday but has attended Wilson’s Hospital School over the past two days, in breach of a court order directing him not to return to the school grounds.
#VMNews
- Title
- AI Minister Meets X Executives As Government Maintains Concerns Over Grok
- Runtime
- 1:58
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- The Government says concerns remain following a meeting between the AI Minister and executives at X to discuss the ongoing Grok deepfake scandal.
The Taoiseach says there must be “absolute enforcement” in relation to intimate images involving children, and that the company should be pursued on the issue.
#VMNews
- Title
- Detective Garda Given Suspended Sentence For Assault On Former Wife
- Runtime
- 2:47
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- A 48-year-old Detective Garda has been given a three-month suspended sentence for assaulting his former wife more than a decade ago.
The court heard Trevor Bolger attacked Margaret Loftus, who was also a garda, at her childhood home in County Mayo following a family party in October 2012.
#VMNews
- Title
- Big Questions For 2026: Is Simon Harris’s Leadership Under Pressure?
- Runtime
- 2:42
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- The Group Chat discussed the political questions that could shape 2026, examining whether pressure could emerge for Simon Harris in his roles as Tánaiste and leader of Fine Gael.
📺 Watch the full segment on the @virginmedianewsireland YouTube Channel.
- Title
- The Big Questions That Will Define 2026 | The Group Chat
- Runtime
- 16:43
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- The Group Chat examined the political questions that may shape 2026, as leadership roles across the main parties come under renewed scrutiny.
After Micheál Martin’s position as Fianna Fáil leader was questioned in the aftermath of the Jim Gavin Áras controversy, the panel discussed whether similar pressure could emerge for Simon Harris in his roles as Tánaiste and leader of Fine Gael, as Ireland looks ahead to the next political cycle.
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The Group Chat | 10pm Thursdays | Virgin Media One & Play
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#TheGroupChat
- Title
- Trump ‘Presented’ With Nobel Peace Prize By Venezuelan Opposition Leader
- Runtime
- 1:29
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Donald Trump has been “presented” with a Nobel Peace Prize by a Venezuelan opposition leader during a meeting at the White House.
The Nobel Committee has since said that a Nobel Peace Prize cannot be shared, transferred or passed on to another individual.
#VMNews
- Title
- Dublin Airport Passenger Numbers Hit Record High, Exceeding Cap By 4.5 Million
- Runtime
- 2:00
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Passenger numbers through Dublin Airport reached a record high last year, exceeding the controversial passenger cap by almost four and a half million.
The cap, which sets an upper limit of 32 million passengers, is currently suspended due to a legal challenge.
#VMNews
- Title
- TikTok To Roll Out New Age-Detection Technology Across Europe
- Runtime
- 1:34
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- TikTok will roll out new age-detection technology across Europe in the coming weeks, according to a report from Reuters.
The move comes as Australia revealed that 4.7 million underage social media accounts have been removed since it introduced the world’s first social media ban for under-16s, increasing international focus on how platforms verify users’ ages.
#VMNews
- Title
- Questioning The Taoiseach On Education Promises
- Runtime
- 2:04
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- 🗣️“My question was are these classes going to become a reality?”
#TheGroupChat spoke to Emily McPhillips Sheridan, a member of The Assembly, a group of neurodivergent reporters who interview public figures.
Emily spoke about her experience of interviewing the Taoiseach, getting a straight answer from him, and holding him to account on promises of suitable school places for children and young people.
📺 Catch up on Virgin Media Play
🎧 Listen where you get your podcasts
#TheAssemblyIreland | Starts January 19th on Virgin Media Play & Virgin Media One
- Title
- Why Next Year’s White House Visit Could Be ‘Massive’ For Ireland
- Runtime
- 2:27
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- 🗣️ "The guy on the other side of the table has a massive power imbalance and he’s coming looking for stuff.”
The Group Chat looks ahead to 2026, discussing the Taoiseach’s annual visit to the White House, why this year is considered “massive” compared with last year, and the EU’s approach to its relationship with Donald Trump.
📺 Tonight at 10PM | Virgin Media Play & Virgin Media One
- Title
- Anger in the Dáil Over Ministerial Salary Overpayments
- Runtime
- 1:45
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Angry scenes in the Dáil after it emerged that ten serving ministers have yet to return over-payments in their salaries. Sinn Féin says it’s unacceptable as workers struggle with the cost of living.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- Conor Murray Joins Virgin Media Six Nations Panel
- Runtime
- 1:33
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Virgin Media Television has confirmed that Conor Murray will join its expert rugby panel as an analyst for the upcoming Guinness Six Nations Championship. The Six Nations begins on Thursday February 5th, with Ireland starting their campaign away to defending champions France.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- Wilson’s Hospital School Seeks Prison Return for Enoch Burke
- Runtime
- 2:10
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Wilson’s Hospital School is seeking to have teacher Enoch Burke sent back to prison after he returned to the premises less than 24 hours after his release from Mountjoy Prison.
More on #VMNews.
- Title
- Elon Musk to Block Grok Image Generation of Real People Where Illegal
- Runtime
- 2:51
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Billionaire Elon Musk says his AI chatbot Grok will be blocked from generating images of real people where it is illegal. The move follows Garda investigations and global backlash, with governments threatening bans on X.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- xplainer: Government outlines major overhaul of Ireland’s asylum system
- Runtime
- 1:43
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- 🗣️ “The Government are calling this the most radical change to the asylum system in the history of the State.”
The Tonight Show panel explains the proposed asylum reforms to Ireland’s immigration laws put forward by Minister Jim O’Callaghan.
📺 ➡️ https://youtu.be/BgQpXyM87zg
- Title
- Musk announces Grok image restrictions amid Garda investigation
- Runtime
- 2:43
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Elon Musk says his AI tool Grok will be restricted from editing or generating images of real people in places where it is illegal, but users are reporting that the mechanism remains in place.
It comes after Gardaí confirmed yesterday that investigations into the Grok scandal are underway, as regulators and governments around the world continue to threaten potential bans.
#VMNews
- Title
- Enoch Burke arrives at Wilson’s School after release from prison
- Runtime
- 0:13
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Enoch Burke has arrived outside Wilson’s School in Co Westmeath, where he is attempting to gain access to the school grounds.
He was released from Mountjoy Prison yesterday following an order from the High Court, having been jailed since late November for breaching a court order not to trespass at the school.
#VMNews
- Title
- Proposed Irish Asylum Reforms: Fair or Unfair?
- Runtime
- 22:17
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Are the proposed asylum reforms to Ireland’s immigration laws fair or not?
Joining guest presenter John Lee on The Tonight Show to debate the question:
-Fine Gael TD Joe Neville
-Aontú TD Peadar Tóibín
-Louise Burne, Political Correspondent, Irish Examiner
They discuss the implications of the proposed changes, whether they are fair to asylum seekers, and what the reforms could mean for Ireland’s immigration system.
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The Tonight Show | Tuesday & Wednesday at 10 PM | Virgin Media One & Virgin Media Play
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#TheTonightShow #JohnLee #AsylumReforms #ImmigrationIreland #JoeNeville #PeadarToibin #LouiseBurne #IrishPolitics #VMNews #Ireland
- Title
- Gardaí Investigating Grok Deepfake Images After 200 Files Examined
- Runtime
- 1:51
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Gardaí say investigations are underway following the Grok scandal, with around 200 images currently being examined.
Members of the National Cyber Crime Bureau told the Oireachtas Media Committee that deepfake abuse imagery on Elon Musk’s X and Grok is being treated with the “utmost seriousness”, as the investigation continues.
#VMNews
- Title
- Denmark And Greenland Meet US Leaders As Trump Pushes For Control Of Arctic Island
- Runtime
- 1:00
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Senior figures from Denmark and Greenland are meeting US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio today, as President Donald Trump continues to press for American control of Greenland.
The idea of a US takeover of the semi-autonomous Arctic territory was first raised by Mr Trump in 2019.
#VMNews
- Title
- Government Accused of ‘Selling Out’ Farmers Over Mercosur Deal
- Runtime
- 25:44
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- With the Dáil back in session, the EU has approved the controversial Mercosur trade deal, sparking criticism that the government has “sold out” Irish farmers. Taoiseach Micheál Martin voted against it at the last minute, but the question remains: did the government do enough to prevent it?
Joining guest presenter John Lee on The Tonight Show to debate the fallout:
-Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae
-Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney
-Mary Regan, Political Editor, Irish Independent
They discuss the implications of the deal for Irish farmers and whether the government acted decisively.
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The Tonight Show | Tuesday & Wednesday at 10 PM | Virgin Media One & Virgin Media Play
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#TheTonightShow #JohnLee #Mercosur #IrishPolitics #IrishFarmers #MichaelHealyRae #SineadGibney #MaryRegan #TradeDeal #Dáil
- Title
- After multiple adjournments, the inquest into the death of George Nkencho has begun hearing evidence
- Runtime
- 2:17
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- After multiple adjournments, the inquest into the death of George Nkencho has begun hearing evidence today.
The 27-year-old, who had been suffering with mental health problems, was shot dead by gardaí outside his home in Dublin 15 on 30 December 2020.
#VMNews
- Title
- Family And Locals In Killarney Celebrate Jessie Buckley’s Golden Globe Win
- Runtime
- 2:17
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- 🗣️ “Amazing that she goes from Jessie your cousin to Golden Globe winner just like that.”
Jessie Buckley’s family and locals in her home town of Killarney have been reacting to her latest award success after the Kerry-born star won Best Actress at the Golden Globes for her role in the historical drama Hamnet.
#VMNews
- Title
- Mother Of Murdered Four-Year-Old Says Son Was Taken By ‘Pure Evil’
- Runtime
- 2:38
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- The mother of a four-year-old boy murdered by his father’s partner told the court her son had been taken from her at the hands of “pure evil”.
The defendant, a woman in her thirties, is due to face the mandatory life sentence later this week.
#VMNews
- Title
- Memorial Walk In Offaly Marks Fourth Anniversary Of Ashling Murphy’s Murder
- Runtime
- 0:35
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- A memorial walk has taken place along the banks of the Grand Canal outside Tullamore in Co Offaly to mark the fourth anniversary of the murder of Ashling Murphy.
Her family and friends were joined by members of the local community to remember the popular 23-year-old schoolteacher and musician, who was attacked while out for a run along the canal on this date in 2022.
Jozef Puška is serving a life sentence for her murder.
#VMNews
- Title
- Home Town Pride As Jessie Buckley Wins Best Actress At Golden Globes
- Runtime
- 0:40
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- 🗣️ “You put a light on for Killarney… a great ambassador for the town.”
People in Jessie Buckley’s home town of Killarney have been reacting to her latest award success after the Kerry-born star won Best Actress at the Golden Globes for her role in the historical drama Hamnet.
The win has further strengthened momentum behind Buckley ahead of the Oscars.
#VMNews
- Title
- Are Natural Resources Shaping Trump’s Foreign Policy?
- Runtime
- 0:57
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- 🗣️ "This is how he sees the world. It's all about take, take, take,"
Following the US operation in Venezuela, The Group Chat examines the recurring pattern behind Trump’s international interventions - natural resources.
📺 Catch up on Virgin Media Play
🎧 Listen on Spotify
- Title
- Why Haven’t Governments Drawn A Red Line On Grok’s Deepfake Abuse?
- Runtime
- 2:07
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- 🗣️ “If the Irish government won’t get tough with Elon Musk now… when will they?”
The Group Chat discuss the scale of Grok’s sexualised deepfake problem - and why content involving child abuse imagery still hasn’t become a political red line for governments.
📺 Watch the full segment ▶️ https://f.mtr.cool/rdxhgqbzqz
- Title
- The Grok Deepfake Scandal: How Big Is The Problem And What Can Ireland Do? | The Group Chat
- Runtime
- 14:38
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- The Group Chat takes a hard look at the scale of the Grok sexualised deepfake problem - from the alarming numbers being reported, to the growing pressure on the Irish Government to respond, with X’s European headquarters based in Dublin.
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The Group Chat | 10pm Thursdays | Virgin Media One & Play
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#TheGroupChat #Deepfakes #AI #OnlineSafety #Grok #DigitalAbuse #Ireland #TechRegulation #VirginMediaNews
- Title
- Post-Mortems Due After Father And Son Found Dead In West Dublin
- Runtime
- 2:03
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Post-mortem examinations are due after the bodies of 12-year-old Oisín O’Reilly and his father Wayne were found at separate addresses in west Dublin yesterday.
Gardaí are investigating the deaths as a suspected murder-suicide.
#VMNews
- Title
- Why Is China Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Ireland?
- Runtime
- 1:30
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- 🗣️ “If Ireland becomes its way in to trying to thaw things with the EU, then for China, that is not a bad thing at all.”
The Group Chat unpacks the red-carpet treatment for Micheál Martin in Beijing and why China may see Ireland’s upcoming EU presidency as a strategic opening in its strained relationship with Europe.
📺 Catch up on Virgin Media Play
🎧 Listen where you get your podcasts
- Title
- The Grok Deepfake Scandal: How Big Is The Problem And What Can Ireland Do?
- Runtime
- 2:04
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- 🗣️ “6,700 images were being generated in this way every single hour.”
The Group Chat looks at the scale of the Grok sexualised deepfake problem, from the alarming numbers being reported, to the growing pressure on the Irish Government to respond.
📺 Tonight at 10PM | Virgin Media Play & Virgin Media One
- Title
- Protests Erupt Across US After Fatal ICE Shooting
- Runtime
- 2:03
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Protests have spread across US cities after a young mother was shot dead at point-blank range by an ICE immigration agent in Minneapolis. Federal officials say she tried to hit agents with her car, a claim rejected by the city’s mayor.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- Ireland To Vote Against Mercosur Trade Deal
- Runtime
- 1:46
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Ireland is set to vote against the controversial Mercosur trade deal ahead of an EU-level vote tomorrow. If approved, it would create the world’s largest free trade zone. Farmers here have raised concerns about competition from cheaper South American beef.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- Gardaí Investigate Discovery of Man and Young Boy in West Dublin
- Runtime
- 1:21
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- A Garda investigation is underway after the bodies of a man and a young boy were found at separate homes in West Dublin. The discoveries were made at houses in Ballyfermot and Clondalkin.
More on #VMNews
- Title
- Record Homelessness in Ireland: Migration a ‘Significant Factor’ Says Taoiseach
- Runtime
- 22:06
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Homelessness in Ireland has reached a record high, according to the latest figures from the Department of Housing. Controversy surrounds Tánaiste Simon Harris, who sparked criticism by claiming a ‘significant number’ in emergency accommodation ‘don’t have a housing right’ in Ireland.
Joining guest presenter John Lee on The Tonight Show to debate the crisis:
Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe
Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy
Homeless Campaigner Alice Leahy
They discuss the causes of the rising homelessness figures, the government’s response, and what needs to be done to address Ireland’s growing housing emergency.
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The Tonight Show | Tuesday & Wednesday at 10 PM | Virgin Media One & Virgin Media Play
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#VMNews #Ireland #tonightvmtv #TheTonightShow #JohnLee #IrishPolitics #HomelessnessIreland #SimonHarris #PaulMcAuliffe #MattCarthy #AliceLeahy #HousingCrisis #Ireland
- Title
- Motorist Clocked At 237km/h As Gardaí Release Christmas Road Figures
- Runtime
- 1:51
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- A senior roads policing garda has warned motorists that drinking coffee behind the wheel can be as distracting as eating or using a phone, as gardaí released details of their Christmas Road Safety Campaign.
Over the festive period, 765 motorists were arrested for drink or drug driving, while 26,500 were detected for speeding - including one driver clocked at 237km/h in a 100km/h zone.
#VMNews
- Title
- AI Minister Seeks Urgent Meeting With X Over Deepfake Images
- Runtime
- 1:51
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- The AI Minister Niamh Smyth is seeking an urgent meeting with senior figures at the social media platform X over its Grok artificial intelligence feature, which can generate sexualised deepfake images of women and children.
Smyth says the function is “disturbing and deeply worrying”.
#VMNews
- Title
- Can Ireland Play A Role As Trump’s Greenland Plans Alarm Europe?
- Runtime
- 1:13
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- 🗣️ “When the rules of the game are broken… it’s incumbent on Ireland as part of the EU to try to get some of those rules back into play.”
Following Donald Trump’s comments about “acquiring” Greenland, including the White House saying military force is an option, the #TonightVMTV panel discussed the pushback from EU and NATO leaders — and what role, if any, Ireland can play in responding.
📺 Watch the full discussion ➡️ https://youtu.be/941Xibri-eE
- Title
- Snow And Ice Warnings Issued As Severe Weather Hits Europe
- Runtime
- 1:29
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Severe winter weather is causing disruption across Europe, with parts of the UK warned to expect up to 10 centimetres of snow tomorrow.
Met Éireann has also issued a snow and ice warning for the south and south east of Ireland, while freezing conditions have forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights in several European countries.
#VMNews
