FM104 programme director Dave Kelly spoke with Metro Herald about how they would welcome Nicky Byrne to the Dublin radio station in wake of news that Westlife will be soon breaking up after a farewell tour. “Down through the years, we at FM104 have had a very amicable relationship with Westlife and especially Nicky, seeing as he is a local lad,” Kelly said. “It’s unfortunate that Nicky will soon be out of a job, and given his obvious popularity with Dubliners a move to work for us would be an ideal platform for him to pursue a new career.”

Westlife released a statement Wednesday confirming that they are splitting up after 14 years together. Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan have confirmed that the Irish boy band will break up following their ‘Greatest Hits’ tour and album release. ‘Greatest Hits’ is out November 21st on Sony Music.

A statement from the Irish boyband reads:

After 14 years, 26 top ten hits including 14 number one singles, 11 top 5 albums, 7 of which hit the top spot and have collectively sold over 44 million copies around the world, 10 sell out tours and countless memories that we will forever cherish, we today announce our plan to go our separate ways after a greatest hits collection this Christmas and a farewell tour next year.

The decision is entirely amicable and after spending all of our adult life together so far, we want to have a well-earned break and look at new ventures.

We see the greatest hits collection and the farewell tour as the perfect way to celebrate our incredible career along with our fans. We are really looking forward to getting out on the tour and seeing our fans one last time.

Over the years Westlife has become so much more to us than just a band. Westlife are a family. We would like to thank our fans who have been with us on this amazing journey and are part of our family too.

We never imagined when we started out in 1998 that 14 years later we would still be recording, touring and having hits together. It has been a dream come true for all of us.

Shane Filan updated fans on Westlife’s blog at MySpace (@westlife) on Thursday (January 28) with news on the latest addition to his family. The singer tells readers:

Hi guys

Gillian, Nicole, Patrick and I are delighted to welcome our new son Shane Peter Filan into the world. He was born 9.34pm last Friday night 22nd of Jan and he weighed 6’9.

Both mum and baby came home on Sunday evening and doing really well. We want say a massive thank you for all your support and well wishes on the website. I’ve been logging on every day and the messages have been great!

Me and the guys are back to work in a couple of weeks so I’ll see all of you soon. Can’t wait for the new single and of course the tour!

Thanks again guys and Shane Jnr says hi!!

Love always

Shane Snr

Westlife updated fans on their MySpace (@westlife) on Monday (January 25) with news that Shane Filan and wife Gillian are celebrating the birth of their third child. The message states:

We’re very pleased to announce that Shane and Gillian are the proud parents of a new baby boy!

Shane Peter Filan was born at 9.34pm on Friday 22nd January weighing 6 pounds 9oz. Mother and baby are doing very well and Shane is extremely happy and proud!

Mark Feehily of Westlife checked in with fans on the boy band’s blog at MySpace (@westlife) on Monday (November 30), discussing the release of their tenth studio album ‘Where We Are’. Mark writes:

Today is a MASSIVE day for us four boys… all the waiting, singing, preparing, promotion, commotion, revolve around one thing, our NEW ALBUM, WHERE WE ARE! The fact that it’s OUT NOW (AS IN TODAY!!!) is highly exciting! The single is one thing but the fact that the entire collection of 12 brand new ORIGINAL songs are out there being heard all at once is huge for us! Go get the album, give it a listen, who knows ya might even like it! Seriously though, thanks to anyone who’s got it or is going to get it, we appreciate your support more than ever!

Westlife star Nicky Byrne is lashing out at Thierry Henry on his Twitter (@nickybyrneoffic) after the French soccer star’s handball led to William Gallas’ overtime goal in a 1-1 tie against Ireland on Wednesday night in a World Cup qualifier match. The Irish pop singer writes:

Thierry Henry is a cheat !

Fu**ing cheat..! He should apologize to the Irish players and staff.. CHEAT!!!

Honestly he should retire after that! Dishonest cheating!!!!! I have no words for him

je deteste Thierry Henry.. I’m pouring my French wine down the sink!

I hope he has twitter and I hope he reads every tweet I make the fu**ing cheat!

can’t believe he can get away with this! I will can never forgive him ..CHEAT.. I urge everyone to email phone or write to Fifa to ban him!

@thierry_henry YOU CHEAT!

I’m disgusted goodnight all…. Thierry Henry is a cheat he was disgracefully dishonest… shame on him.. cheat cheat cheat cheat cheat cheat ..

My respect for Henry as a footballer is gone! you are a thief!

Thierry Henry is a lying cheat!

I’m so annoyed.. Henry you cheat..

[email protected] email Fifa demanding a replay for Ireland v France.. Thierry Henry cheated.. and Fifa are supposed to promote fair play?

I don’t blame the ref or linesman if they didn’t see it.. but Thierry Henry is a cheating dishonest sportsman playing at the highest level..

Fifa have lost all integrity and respect..

Thierry Henry should loose his contract with Gillette as hes not in the same league as a professional sportsman as T.Woods and R.Federer….

email [email protected] demanding a reply! Call on fifa, Thierry Henry and the French FA to do the right thing.. to a replay ! do it asap…

@thierry_henry Thierry you need to do the decent thing man.. you need to ask for a replay yourself otherwise your great talent is worthless..