A substantial fire broke out overnight at the Barna Recycling facility in Cartrontroy, Athlone.
Units of both Athlone and Ferbane Fire Service were at the scene for a number of hours this morning.
The fire broke out in one of the waste bays in the main facility. Fire Service personnel attended the scene sometime after 4am and remain in attendance currently. However, the fire is now under control.
A staff member of Barna Recycling assisted in the operation during the fire which sent large plumes of smoke across the early morning sky in Athlone.
Gardaí have launched an investigation after a fire broke out overnight at the Barna Recycling facility in Athlone, Co. Westmeath.
Emergency services responded at around 3:30am, with fire crews working for several hours to bring the blaze under control.
Thick plumes of smoke were visible across the area.
Enquiries into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
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 A fire has broken out at a waste facility in Athlone. Pic: Athlone Area Traffic Watch
The substantial fire broke out overnight at the Barna Recycling facility at Cartrontroy, Athlone.
It is understood that the fire broke out in one of the waste bays in the main facility. 
Units of the fire service from Athlone and Ferbane are at the scene and the fire is now under control.
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A LARGE FIRE blazed at Barna Recycling facility in Athlone in the early hours of the morning
The facility is just outside the centre of the town
Plumes of smoke could be seen over the town in the early morning as the fire continued
No injures were reported as a result of the fire
Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to the fire and attended the scene early this morning
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Dundalk were held to their first goalless draw of the season on Friday night against a plucky Athlone Town side.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s now three draws in four games for Ciar&aacute;n Kilduff&rsquo;s men
who failed to create too much in the way of clear-cut opportunities on a frustrating night in the midlands.&nbsp;
The visitors went close when Keith Ward&rsquo;s excellent improvised free-kick forced Matthew Connor into a fine save after 18 minutes
The returning Athlone net-minder was again called into action just before half-time to keep out Se&aacute;n Keogh.&nbsp;
The hosts - who have only managed six goals all season - did improve in the second period
with the lively Gideon Tetteh rounding Peter Cherrie
only for Mayowa Animasahun to scramble clear from his goal line.&nbsp;
The visitors huffed and puffed for the remainder of the game
Cobh&rsquo;s late winner over Bray means Dundalk&rsquo;s lead at the summit has been extended to four points despite the latest stalemate
Second-place Bray visit Oriel Park next Friday night
After last night&rsquo;s action had concluded
Dundalk boss Ciarán Kilduff admits his side need to up their quality in the final third after firing their first blank of the season in Friday’s 0-0 draw away to Athlone Town
The draw at Lissywoolen was the Lilywhites’ third in four matches and while they managed to extend their advantage at the top of the table by a point
their struggles in front of goal in recent weeks has become a concern
SoccerDrogheda Town Dragons on fire as they celebrate U12 title in North Dublin LeagueDROGHEDA Town U12 Dragons celebrated their league success on Sunday morning as they were crowned North Dublin Schoolboy League ‘C’ champions for the 2024/25 season
DEFENDING CHAMPIONS ATHLONE Town put three goals past Galway United this evening to continue their unbeaten start to the season in the women’s Premier Division
Athlone Town are now back at the summit of the table after Shelbourne temporarily went top after defeating Treaty United
Galway’s unbeaten run is over but they still remain in third place with a game in hand
Madison Gibson and Shauna Brennan were all on target as Athlone Town came away from their trip to Eamonn Deacy Park with all three points
Ryan grabbed the lead after just five minutes
getting on the end of a cross from Katie Sullivan at the back post and finishing from close range
Gibson doubled their lead in the 19th minute before Brennan wrapped up the win with just 38 minutes on the clock
Her effort from outside the box initially came back off the crossbar and the referee ruled that the ball had crossed the line after taking a touch off Galway goalkeeper Jayne Merren
Well… did this Shauna Brennan strike cross the line? 😳The referee thinks so, and <a href="https://twitter.com/AthloneTownAFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AthloneTownAFC</a> are 3-0 up in Galway! <a href="https://t.co/aE4YUaOFrd">pic.twitter.com/aE4YUaOFrd</a>
Sligo Rovers stunned Peamount United with a hard-earned and well-deserved 1-0 win at the Showgrounds
Anna McDaniel’s 19th-minute goal was the difference as the Bit O’Red enjoyed a memorable victory over the 2023 champions
Shelbourne stormed to a 3-1 win over Treaty United at Markets Field
a quick-fire double from the in-form Mackenzie Anthony seeing them home
Rebecca Cooke broke the deadlock for Shels in the 40th minute
before Ciara Breslin levelled matters early in the second-half
But goals from American forward Anthony in the 76th and 79th minutes secured the win for the North Dublin outfit
as Republic of Ireland assistant head coach Alan Mahon was an interested spectator
Shamrock Rovers made it two wins over DLR Waves in weeks after a 4-1 victory at the UCD Bowl
The Hoops won last weekend’s All-Island Cup opener 6-0
while Scarlett Herron and Joy Ralph were also on the scoresheet for Rovers
Aisling Meehan scored for the hosts to make it 2-1 just before the hour-mark
but Ralph responded immediately and Corbet wrapped up another three points
goals from Della Doherty and Millie Daly secured victory for Wexford in their home tie against Waterford
Goals in either half from Roisin McGovern and Lisa Murphy did the damage for Bohs
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We’re excited to share that Thai Garden will be Match Partners for our Senior Women&#8217;s game against Athlone Town
Thai Garden&#8217;s style of food is based on central Thailand where the emphasis is on moderate flavours balancing sour &amp; sweet with spices
It is also referred to as Royal Cuisine as their dishes are elaborately prepared
They have an extensive list of dishes for vegetarians
There is also a children&#8217;s menu for the little ones to enjoy some tasty Thai treats so everyone goes away happy
To achieve this they use fusions of fresh herbs &amp; spices
They also make all our own sauces in-house and use only the freshest locally sourced products from reputable local suppliers
The Thai Garden is located on Spanish Arch
They Combine genuine Thai hospitality with delicious authentic cuisine
the Thai Garden Restaurant provides a relaxed and intimate setting to enjoy a taste of south-east Asia
First Division club Athlone Town have agreed takeover terms
The takeover of First Division side Athlone Town has been completed as the new owners
strongly linked to English side Plymouth Argyle but also with ties to clubs in Italy and Belgium
will be unveiled in the midlands town later this week
Athlone had in recent years been backed financially through their partnership with the US-based Valeo Futbol Partnership
which led to a steady stream of imports – for the men’s and women’s teams – while the senior men’s side was managed by Portugal native Dario Castelo until last month
Predeceased by his beloved father Johnny. Sadly missed by his loving mother Moira, his devoted partner Anita, his daughters Anna and Louise and their mother Linda, his adoring granddaughter's Kaiya and Ella, brother Dessie and John, sisters Lorraine, Fiona, Nicola. Karen, Hazel and Leeann, aunts, uncles, in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends.
Reposing at Flynn's Funeral Home, The Strand, Athlone on Friday evening from 6pm until 8pm.
Requiem Mass on Saturday at 10:30am in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Coosan followed by burial afterwards in Coosan Cemetery.
Anyone wishing to offer their sympathies to the family can leave a message by clicking on the “Condolences” tab below. The family greatly appreciates your sympathy and support at this very difficult time.
You can view the Funeral Mass via live stream by clicking the "Webstream" tab below.
Funeral Service.css-h76uj{display:inherit;margin-right:-4px;margin-left:8px;}</a>Date Published:
Condolences</a><a href="/donate">Donate to Charity</a>Would you like to mark a birthday, memorial mass or anniversary for a Loved One?You can now create a family notice on RIP.ie to remember your loved one.
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Aodh Dervin of Dundalk. Photo by Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile
Dundalk FC extended their advantage at the summit of the SSE Airtricity League First Division to four points, though they were left to rue a missed opportunity after a frustrating 0-0 stalemate against Athlone Town at Lissywollen.
With second-placed Bray Wanderers slipping to a 2-1 defeat at the resurgent Cobh Ramblers that same evening, the stage had been set for unbeaten Dundalk to tighten their grip on top spot. 
Yet, despite extending their lead, The Lilywhites will no doubt view the result as a squandered chance to further consolidate their commanding position in the promotion race.
Dundalk emerged the stronger side in what proved to be a scrappy first half in Westmeath, although it was Athlone who fashioned the game’s earliest opportunity — Ben Feeney glancing a header wide from a John Ross Wilson cross. 
From there, Dundalk assumed control for the remainder of the opening 45 minutes. Sean Keogh’s well-delivered free-kick inside the box found the unmarked Vinnie Leonard, whose header sailed just over the bar.
Keith Ward was bundled to the ground inside the penalty area under the challenge of Wilson, moments before Daryl Horgan fired a shot wide. 
Keogh continued to probe, delivering a teasing cross into the area that Conor O’Keeffe headed off target.
Ward, one of two changes made by manager Ciaran Kilduff, came close with a superbly struck free-kick from 30 yards, only to be denied by a fine save from Athlone goalkeeper Matthew Connor. 
The other new face, Andy Paraschiv, miscued a shot wide following a clever cut-back from Dean Ebbe. Not long after, the 18-year-old Paraschiv displayed sharp footwork on the left flank, but his low drive flashed across the face of goal.
On the stroke of half-time, Keogh twice tested Connor at his near post, bringing the half to a close with Dundalk firmly in the ascendancy.
The Lilywhites found it difficult to sustain their attacking momentum in the second half, as Athlone reorganised impressively to stifle Dundalk’s rhythm and limit their creativity.
Indeed, it was Athlone who came closest to breaking the deadlock just before the hour mark. A long kick from goalkeeper Connor set Gideon Tetteh free, the forward outpacing O’Keeffe before drawing a sharp save from Peter Cherrie, with Mayowa Animasahun on hand to sweep away the rebound.
From that point, frustration mounted for Kilduff’s side, as they struggled to carve out a single clear-cut opportunity in the closing stages. Ultimately, the match drifted to a goalless conclusion, with Dundalk left to rue a second half bereft of attacking invention.
Athlone Town: Matthew Connor; John Ross Wilson, German Fuentes, Dylan Hand, Kyle O’Connor; Kailin Barlow (Noe Baba HT), Daniel McKenna (Billy Gilmore 70); Adam Lennon (Kyle Robinson HT), Aaron Connolly, Gideon Tetteh; Ben Feeney (Brian Torre 70)
Subs not used: Lee Axworthy (gk), Cole Omorehiomwan 90, Adam Wixted, Bastien Hery, Matthew Leal
Dundalk FC: Peter Cherrie; Conor O’Keeffe, Mayowa Animasahun, Vinnie Leonard, Sean Keogh; Andy Paraschiv (Eoin Kenny 63), Harry Groome (Aodh Dervin 31); Leo Gaxha, Keith Ward (Sean McHale 76), Daryl Horgan; Dean Ebbe
Subs not used: Samuel Safaei (gk), Luke Mulligan, Sean Spaight, Muhammad Haris, TJ Molloy, Shane Tracey
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Ronan Brennan with his wife Siobhan and son Kai at Breathe Sauna in Magheroarty, Co Donegal
A day in the life of a children&rsquo;s residential care worker at Ashdale Care
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Arthur's Sporting Archives | Take a trip down memory lane. Pictures by Arthur Kinahan
GALLERY: Louth advance to Leinster MFC semi-final with victory over Westmeath. Pictures by Arthur Kinahan
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Damien Kelly, Crannaghmore, Athlone is deeply regretted by his heartbroken wife and best friend Deirdre, sons Andrew and Charlie, parents Brendan J. and Anne, brother Conor, sister Tracey, parents in law Mike and Betty (Shine), sisters in law, brothers in law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives, work colleagues, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
Tributes and messages of condolences have poured in from many people and local organisations since the passing of Mr Kelly, who was company director of Athlone based Planalife, a leading financial broker in the midlands.
Local Fianna Fáil councillor John Keogh said his passing will “leave a void that will be impossible to fill”.
“I knew Damien for almost 35 years, having first met him when we started secondary school together in St Aloysius College.
 “I will always remember Damien as being humble and friendly, a trait that he carried with him throughout life. He was an able sportsman in school and played with St Brigid’s GAA in his younger years. Damien was well known and liked in Kiltoom, Cornafulla, Taughmaconnell and much further afield.
“He was an absolute and thorough gentleman all his life. He was a great community activist down throughout the years, from his involvement with Monksland United FC, St Joseph’s FC, Clann na nGael GAA and many other organisations locally. He was charitable with his time and generous in his business, sponsoring many local organisations over the years,” said Cllr Keogh.
Clann na nGael GAA club said it was was deeply saddened to hear of his untimely passing. "Damien was a longtime sponsor of teams in our club as well as being a past member of our club executive. Ar dheis Dé go raibh an anam dílis," it said.
Hodson Bay Celtic soccer club in Ballybay, Kiltoom said he was "a proud native of Hodson Bay, a passionate sportsman, and a huge supporter of local football.
"His dedication shone through in his coaching at both St. Joseph’s Football Club and Monksland United where he made a lasting impact," said the club.
Local soccer club Monksland United said it was "deeply saddened and heartbroken" about the passing of manager, colleague and dear friend, Damien Kelly.
"Damien wasn't just a manager within our club but was a true pillar of Monksland United. He was a dedicated, hardworking, enthusiastic coach both on and off the pitch and was always on hand to give his support to the club.
"He was a man who always loved to be a part of Monksland United and was a dedicated servant to our club where he managed four teams within the club and also served on the club committee during his time with the club."
The club said it had "lost a lifelong friend and somebody who left an impression on us all".
Mr Kelly will be laid to rest in Drum cemetery on Friday after Funeral Mass in Ss. Peter &amp; Paul’s Church, Athlone.
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Deeply regretted by his heartbroken wife and best friend Deirdre
Reposing at his residence on Thursday from 4pm  to 8pm
Peter &amp; Paul’s church on Friday at 11 o’clock
Damo’s Funeral Mass may be streamed live on <a target='_blank' href="https://churchservices.tv/athlone" style="color:blue;text-decoration:underline">https://churchservices.tv/athlone</a>
Those who wish to leave messages of condolence may do so on the tab below. Damo’s family express their gratitude to everyone for your support at this difficult time.
Condolences</a><a href="/donate">Donate to Charity</a>Would you like to mark a birthday
memorial mass or anniversary for a Loved One?You can now create a family notice on RIP.ie to remember your loved one
The inaugural Bike Fest will take place in Athlone over the course of the June Bank Holiday weekend
the Bike Fest will feature a schedule of "active friendly" events suitable for cyclists of all abilities
Chairperson of Bike Fest John Henson has long advocated for an active festival in Athlone
and hopes that the event will become a regular occurrence on the town's festival calendar
"We are lucky in Athlone to have very experienced
knowledgeable and committed people willing to help with all festivals when required
the work carried out by the Athlone Festival and Events committee over the last number of years by providing templates for traffic management
will ensure that the Bike Fest will be ran to the highest standards," John said
Committee member Cllr Frankie Keena is encouraging all those with a love of cycling to come to Athlone this June Bank Holiday weekend and partake in the Bike Fest schedule of events
"Whether you are into long distance cycling
taking part in the bike parade or just watching
the Athlone Bike Fest will be a fun location to come and get involved this June Bank holiday weekend
This inaugural Bike Fest will have an event to suit all cycling abilities
a bike parade and some incredible stunt displays from the amazing savage skills crew
"There will be a charity Spinathon in aid of Esker House Domestic Abuse Support Service
corporates and individuals are invited to enter a team to see how far they can go in an hour
All proceeds will go to this worthy charity and the winning team will receive a perpetual trophy
Fellow committee member Morgan Fagg hopes that the inaugural Bike Fest will ensure Athlone is recognised as a central hub for attracting cycling groups to the town each June going forward
With further Bike Fest information to be circulated over the coming weeks
those who wish to get in touch with the committee can do so by emailing athlonebikefest@gmail.com
The funeral of a popular local businessman will take place in south Roscommon later this morning
who lived in the Crannagh More area of Athlone
Mr Kelly was a company director of the family run Athlone business Planalife and was well-known in sporting circles
Paying tribute to Mr Kelly on social media
Roscommon councillor John Keogh described him as 'absolute and thorough gentleman'
Cllr Keogh added that he was a great community activist
charitable with his time and generous in his business
His funeral mass will take place at 11 o'clock today in Saints Pater and Paul's Church
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The Vikings have taken over Athlone as they prepare for the Athlone River Festival taking place on the August Bank Holiday weekend
In conjunction with the Leinster School of Music and the Boyne Valley Vikings
Athlone River Festival hosted a day of engagements with the people of Athlone on Saturday
The Leinster School of Dance from Moate performed in Golden Island Shopping Centre
putting on some fantastic displays of ballet
The Vikings took over many businesses on the east and west side of the town
The Boyne Valley Vikings worked on productions such as Valhalla
This summer they are coming back to Athlone to take part in street theatre by the Athlone Family Resource Centre on Friday
they will have their Viking village under the white railway bridge just beyond Athlone Boat Club
Chairman Padraig Hegarty stated that the festival committee was very happy with the community engagement and thanked both the Leinster School of Dance and the Boyne Valley Vikings for their time
adding that the response from local people has been “massive”
"As a group of volunteers that put in so much time and energy into this festival we are delighted with this support
It helps us to put Athlone on the map once again
and this year as we believe Athlone to be the best festival destination for the August Bank Holiday weekend.”
The Athlone River Festival have set up a GoFundMe page in order to raise funds for the festival
They are also hosting a Viking cruise with Viking Tours Ireland on July 4
with all proceeds going towards the festival
The Athlone River Festival committee would like to thank Viking Mike for this continued support and his main sponsorship support for the event again this year
A full schedule of events will be announced to the public this coming May
to get involved please contact: Riverfestivalathlone@gmail.com
Tributes have been paid to prominent Athlone businessman Damien Kelly who died suddenly this week
A Company Director of the long-established family-run business Planalife on Bastion Street
Damien's passing has united the community in grief and sadness
Damien was a highly regarded member of Monksland United who said it was "deeply saddened and heartbroken" about the passing of "a manager
"Damien wasn't just a manager within our club but was a true pillar of Monksland United
enthusiastic coach both on and off the pitch and was always on hand to give his support to the club
"He was a man that always loved to be a part of Monksland United and was a dedicated servant to our club where he managed all four teams within the club and also served on the club committee during his time with the club."
his parents Brendan and Anne and all extended family members
the club said "it didn't just lose a manager
we lost a life long friend and somebody who left an impression on us all."
St Joseph's FC also paid tribute to their "former coach
dedicated volunteer and long-time main sponsor."
we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Kelly and Shine families on the sudden passing of Damien Kelly
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time."
Describing Damien as "an absolute gentleman"
CCFL club St Peter's extended their sympathies to the family and friends of their former player
coaches and players of St Peter’s FC wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Damo Kelly on his untimely passing
a former player and for many years through Planalife was the main sponsor to our football club
advice and support was constant and was particularly evident in our 2016 FAI Junior cup run
"We would like to also extend our condolences  to our friends in Monksland United where Damo was a hugely popular and very well liked manager."
Damien is deeply regretted by his heartbroken wife and best friend Deirdre
Damien will repose at his residence at Crannaghmore
Mass of the resurrection  will take place in Ss
Athlone Town AFC has appointed an interim management team for the men's team
Declan Holohan and Robbie Rock will take temporary charge of the team
a spokesperson for Athlone Town has confirmed to the Westmeath Independent
The trio will remain in charge while the recruitment process to appoint a new manager continues
Laois native Byrne was part of the management of the Athlone Town U-17 team which won the Mark Farren Cup in 2022
with Kevin Sweeney scoring the winning goal direct from a corner in the final against Cork City
Holohan is well known locally for his involvement with Willow Park teams
while Rock was previously involved with Longford Town in addition to working with Athlone underage teams
Athlone Town have two homes games over the Easter weekend as they host Wexford tomorrow night (Good Friday)
followed by a clash against midlands rivals Longford Town on Monday (5pm)
Castelo departed his role as first team manager by “mutual consent” in the wake of last Friday night's 3-0 defeat to Kerry FC in Tralee
The defeat leaves Athlone bottom of the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division table
level on points with Kerry but with an inferior goal difference
Yet with just a quarter of the league campaign elapsed
Athlone will still be hopeful of being in contention for a place in the play-offs
with a fifth-placed finish sufficient to do so
The Government is continuing to explore potential solutions to the planning issues at the new accommodation centre for asylum seekers in Athlone
The statement comes amid an ongoing hearing in the legal challenge taken by Athlone councillors against the State's development of a new centre for 1,000 male asylum seekers in Lissywollen
A hearing took place in the High Court on Monday and has been adjourned to May 12
Mayor of Athlone Moate Municipal District Cllr Frankie Keena said the new date had been set by Ms Justice Emily Farrell to allow the State submit an affidavit “on new information”
and to facilitate submissions in response from the councillors' legal team
The legal proceedings were initially announced last November
when the local councillors stated that they would be seeking to bring a judicial review of the Section 181 order issued by the then-Minister Roderic O'Gorman in order to commence works for the development in Lissywollen last October
the State indicated it was conceding the legal challenge
which was being brought on environmental grounds
and the court was told that the Lissywollen development would be regarded as unauthorised
a final decision on the future of the site is still being awaited
and the High Court was previously told that the Minister is seeking a six-month stay on any order made by the court
Some 180 residents moved into the temporary accommodation centre in December
The case is being taken by Cllr Paul Hogan
supported by Mayor Keena and Cllrs John Dolan and Aengus O’Rourke
 said the State Senior Counsel told the court the Government is preparing to draft legislation to enable developments under Section 181 of the Planning & Development Act 2000 to seek substitute consent
The Ministerial order directing work on the temporary accommodation in Athlone relied on Section 181 of the Planning and Development Act
Substitute consent is a mechanism to regularise development that was carried out without the necessary planning permission
Mayor Keena said the court was also told that Ministerial changes in relation to responsibility for integration issues would be finalised this week
Justice Farrell then invited the State solicitor to send in an affidavit on this new information and requested submissions from our legal team on this affidavit
and she set a new date of May 12 to hear this case for the stay application.”
a spokesperson for the Department of Children
Integration & Youth noted the ongoing legal proceeings in relation to the planning process
"The matter has been adjourned by the High Court until 12 May 2025 to enable the Departments of Justice and of Housing
Local Government and Heritage to continue to explore potential solutions to the planning issues at this site
"IPAS will continue to provide accommodation for approximately 150 people seeking international protection at the Midlands Accommodation Centre while legal matters are in progress
"There are currently over 3,100 international protection applicants that have not been offered accommodation since 2024
"Sites such as this centre in Athlone are part of a Government strategy to find solutions for the need for accommodation
with an emphasis on State-owned accommodation options and an ongoing move away from commercial emergency accommodation."
Zaidi Fusion Catering on The Balcony in Ganly's Athlone has been awarded Best Cafe in Leinster at the Yes Chef Awards
The event took place on Tuesday (April 29) in the Radisson Hotel in Sligo
and we're thrilled to have won Best Cafe in Leinster," said Badia Zaidi
The local cafe was awarded the Best Breakfast award at the The Irish Takeaway Awards at the Tullamore Court Hotel in March of this year
with all of the regional finalists continuing to compete at the prestigious Yes Chef Awards
there were over 54 businesses nominated in five categories
including five in the Best Cafe in Leinster category
because you can see the hard work has paid off," Badia said
"There was a Michelin Star chef at my table
He was joined by his brother-in-law Shane Guinan
Owner of the Motte and Bailey restaurant in Mount Temple
to offer him support during the award ceremony
Badia extended his sincere thanks to his dedicated staff for their hard work
a hugely popular retired businessman from Athlone
died tragically yesterday (Tuesday) after getting into difficulty while swimming during a holiday in Malta
The death of the 78-year-old has been met with widespread shock and great sadness in Athlone
where he ran the Noel Ryan clothes shop on Mardyke Street for close to 50 years until his retirement in 2014
A friendly figure with a lively sense of humour
he was a prominent personality in the retail life of the town
He took over the running of the Mardyke Street shop after the sudden death of his father
His tragic passing yesterday occurred in an area called Xatt is-Sajjieda
Maltese police said they received a call for assistance in that area at 12.40pm local time yesterday
"The police immediately went to the scene where they noticed the person at sea and requested the assistance of members of the Civil Protection and the Armed Forces of Malta
"The man was brought ashore soon after and was assisted by a medical team
"Unfortunately he was certified dead shortly afterwards," said the police statement
which added that an investigation into the incident was underway
The Department of Foreign Affairs told the Westmeath Independent it was "aware of the case" and that its staff were providing consular assistance
who is part of a well-known Athlone family
is understood to have been on holiday in Malta with his wife
His passing comes just over four months after the death of his twin brother Brendan
Funeral details for Noel Ryan are not yet known at this stage
Reposing at the Strand Funeral Home on Friday evening from 6pm, with removal at 7.45pm to Ss Peter &amp; Paul’s Church, arriving at 8pm.  Mass of the resurrection on Saturday at 1pm followed by burial in Coosan Cemetery.
Franks’s Funeral Mass may be streamed live via the link below.
Those who wish to leave messages of condolence may do so on the tab below. Frank's family express their gratitude to everyone for your support during this difficult time.
A woman who dodged prison over a €67,000 drugs haul after claiming she was under threat from gangland criminals can be seen here posing with a firearm while sticking her fingers up at the camera
Amy O’Connor (40), of Auburn Heights, Athlone, Co. Roscommon, was given a suspended sentence this month after she said a criminal, who she knew through her ex-boyfriend Leigh O’Neill, <a href="https://www.sundayworld.com/crime/courts/mum-claims-dangerous-criminal-held-gun-to-her-head-and-forced-her-to-store-drugs/a39951372.html">held a gun to her head and forced her to store the drugs</a>
Leigh O’Neill and his brother Dermot famously walked out of a Venezuelan prison in 2013 after serving less than two years of an 11-year sentence for drug smuggling
<a href="https://www.sundayworld.com/crime/irish-crime/athlone-mum-spared-jail-over-drugs-haul-partied-with-boyfriend-after-notorious-prison-escape/a453076427.html">O’Connor had been going out with Leigh at the time of his arrest</a> in Venezuela but the pair broke up more than a decade ago
she referenced Leigh and Dermot in her recent sentence hearing
claiming a gangster associate of her ex had forced her to store the drugs at gunpoint
has spoken for the first time and said his family were greatly upset that O’Connor brought up his dead siblings during her sentencing
O’Connor is ‘not a victim’ and ‘glamorised’ criminality.His brothers were left traumatised after witnessing extreme violence in prison in Venezuela.They escaped jail after their dad ‘paid a lot of money’ to get them out.“Leigh and Amy finished 10 or 11 years ago
There was no reason to bring up Leigh or Dermot in the court case – Amy does this
She loves to be a gangster’s moll and think she’s in with criminals,” Wayne told the Sunday World
He said Amy sent him the picture of herself posing with the firearm in a hotel room shortly before her home was raided by gardaí in 2019 and cannabis worth more than €67,000 uncovered
She thinks she’s Carmela Soprano or the Athlone Queen of the South
“The only logic to bringing up [Leigh and Dermot] was so she could get off
Let the judge see this picture A gun to her head and knife to jugular
Wayne told our reporter that he has received abusive messages from O’Connor over the years
Wayne also told how the arrest of his brothers in Venezuela ruined their lives and that of their family
They were arrested in 2012 after Sligo man Martin ‘Butch’ Beirne
died in a hotel room in the Venezuelan capital Caracas after a balloon full of cocaine he had ingested accidentally burst in his stomach
Leigh was with Beirne when he fell ill and alerted authorities
He admitted to investigators he had also ingested cocaine to smuggle and was arrested
Dermot had not ingested any cocaine but was also arrested as he was travelling with Leigh
and the two brothers were sentenced to 11 years in prison
Wayne said the experience in prison and the aftermath ruined their lives
He said while Leigh’s motive for travelling to Venezuela was to smuggle drugs
Dermot was not involved but was still jailed
Dermot just went over on a holiday with his brother
He wasn’t part of the drugs thing and wasn’t even in the same room – but was jailed because of the legal system there
He couldn’t get it together when he got back
He couldn’t get a room in a house or get his life together
“My brothers’ lives were ruined and our family was ruined.”
tried to glamorise the situation but the reality was far from glamorous and he hopes anyone reading this today will be dissuaded from getting involved in the drugs trade
He said the brothers went through hell in the notorious San Juan prison
It was a hole in the ground to go to the toilet...there were loads of drugs.”
Wayne said the pair witnessed extreme violence during their incarceration
and their stint behind bars had a profound effect
“The things the boys had seen had a massive impact on them
people were getting killed right in front of them.”
He said his bothers also suffered serious health issues and contracted horrific bacterial skin infections while in prison
“Dermot used to be 19 stone – he went down to 12 stone
Amy glamorises it but it was the opposite.”
He said the family also had to send money over constantly
my brother and sister and dad were giving everything we had That’s what kept them safe.”
The brothers walked out of the prison in 2013 in what was reported at the time as a prison escape
Wayne said his brothers became known as the “Venezuelan Two” and the pair struggled with life on returning to Ireland.​
Dermot died by suicide in Athlone on his 27th birthday
“He was absolutely terrorised when he came back
It absolutely destroyed him – [His suicide] is absolutely linked to Venezuela
Leigh also struggled after his return to Ireland
Wayne said no one would give him a chance due to the notoriety of the case and he fell into addiction
Wayne said Leigh was expecting a baby with his new partner last year when she was involved in a car accident
“She was three weeks on life support and died
The night she passed away Leigh went missing and we couldn’t find him.”
and family members then found his body in their late father’s house in Athlone
which had been derelict after a previous arson incident
“My brothers went to Venezuela and ruined their lives
Leigh made the biggest mistake of his life [going to smuggle drugs]
I would like to dissuade other people from doing that or even thinking about it
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Athlone Town are seeking a new manager for their men's team after Dário Castelo departed the role by "mutual consent"
The news comes following last Friday night's 3-0 defeat to Kerry FC which leaves Athlone bottom of the SSE Airtricity Men's First Division table
"Athlone Town AFC can confirm that Dário Castelo has departed from his role as first team manager by mutual consent," said a club statement yesterday (Saturday)
led Athlone Town to the playoffs in each of the past two seasons — an achievement that reflects his dedication and passion for the role
He leaves with the respect and gratitude of everyone at the club."
"The recruitment process for a new manager will begin in the coming days," the Athlone Town statement added
Castelo said: “I would like to thank everyone for all the support
respect and friendship I received throughout my time in this role.”
Athlone are level on points with second from bottom Kerry but have an inferior goal difference
goals have been very scarce for Athlone so far this season with only four goals scored from nine games
Athlone have failed to score in their last four league matches
Athlone still harbour hopes of making the play-offs
The rather bizarre promotion format means that a fifth-placed finish is enough to secure a place in the play-offs
Athlone are just five points behind fifth-placed UCD and there is only a quarter of the season gone
Castelo's departure comes after recent reports in the national media claimed that Canadian businessman Eric Perez is a key member of a consortium looking to take charge of Athlone Town
Perez is the executive chairman of English non-league club Truro City and consortium is believed to also include a key figure at an English Championship club
Athlone Town's previous arrangement with Massachusetts-based company Valeo – which brought about an influx of overseas players – came to an end some months ago
Confirmation of a plan to introduce a new local link bus service from Athlone to Loughrea
has been welcomed by the local community in Moore
TFI Local Link Galway has confirmed that the new bus service would commence in "the next seven weeks" following a contract tender process
Travelling from the direction of Ballinasloe towards Athlone
the bus service will stop at Millar's bar and restaurant (Moore)
Iona Park and Barrack Street before terminating at the town's bus and rail station
Joe Greally said that the contract process was going out to tender this week with the hope that the service would start towards the end of May
"We would hope to have the service operational within seven weeks
operating seven days per week," Mr Greally said
Moore Community Office expressed thanks to all those who played a role in ensuring a local link bus service from Athlone to Loughrea via Ballinasloe would soon serve the community
"A huge thanks to those who lobbied and campaigned for this service
and especially to Moore Community Council (MCC) and to campaigner Sean O'Rourke who led out on this for MCC," said the group
"It is much-needed good news for the area and should support people to link up with local health
and entertainment services," the Facebook post added
A local community group campaigning for the introduction of a local bus service between Athlone and Ballinasloe was established in Moore last year
and a community survey was also carried out on the issue
campaigner Sean O'Rourke said that the area did have an excellent bus service in the nineties and early noughties
"We want more of a local service to get to key areas in the key towns
We're not expecting a bus to bring us to Dublin or Galway
we just want a link to the local health centres
stated that the introduction of the new bus service
would also have benefits from an environmental perspective
"We have been campaigning for the introduction of such a bus service for a number of years and as recently as last summer submitted a survey to TFI with feedback from the community in this regard
"As well as easing the demands on parents who have been regularly driving their children to Athlone and Ballinasloe
the introduction of this bus service will have a positive impact on the environment with fewer cars on the road
"Hopefully the older generation in particular will use the bus service for appointments in Portiuncula Hospital or to go shopping in Athlone
This route has been a black spot in terms of town linkages in the wider Midlands region so I am sure it will prove to be a popular service when it becomes operational," Cllr Duffy said
Athlone's annual five-day festival in honour of St Patrick – Croí na hÉireann – was the recipient of the largest individual sum in the first round of festival and grants funding announced by the Athlone Moate Municipal District last week
A total of €55,250 was awarded to 18 local festivals and events which fulfilled the eligibility criteria for funding under the grants scheme
with the Croi na hÉireann festival receiving €13,000
This was an increase of €1,000 on the 2024 allocation
although the group had sought a grant of €15,200 towards the cost of running this year's festival
Funding under round one of the festival and event grants scheme was awarded at the April meeting of the local municipal district
with the second biggest allocation of funding - €10,000 – going to the RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival
Funding of €8,000 was awarded to the Athlone River Festival for their three-day event which includes art and culture
fishing competitions and a range of other activities on land and water
The festival committee had applied for €20,000 in funding
Athlone Agricultural Show received €5,000 of the €6,000 they sought towards the cost of their annual one-day show
This was the same figure they had received last year
€3,500 was awarded to Kilbeggan Races for the Belvedere House and Gardens sponsored races at Kilbeggan Racecourse
while Moate Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann received €3,000 towards the cost of staging a three-day event in Moate
A grant of €2,500 was awarded to the Athlone Bike Fest Group for the staging of Athlone Bike Fest which was described as “harnessing the attributes of Athlone; its central location and great infrastructure” and including a wide range of activities over a three-day run
Another three-day event which includes a World Cup
the Lough Ree International Pike Festival and World Cup
is due to take place from April 30 to May 2 next
and will see 100 boats and over 210 anglers travelling from all over Ireland
Moate St Patrick's Day Parade received €1,500 last year and had sought an allocation of €5,000 this year
they were only awarded a modest increase of €250 on the sum they were allocated in 2024
Four grants of €1,000 each went to Athlone Sub Aqua Club for their search and rescue training exercise; the Irish Draught Horse Breeders Association Westmeath/Offaly Branch for their branch show; Connaught Street Traders and Environs Community Group for the on-street staging of a play by historian
Gearóid O'Brien called 'The Best Street in Town' in Dooley's Carpark and the Goldsmith Festival Committee towards the staging of their 41st annual Goldsmith Festival
The latter group had sought a grant of €4,000 for this year
but there was no change in their allocation from last year
A further five groups in the region received allocations of €500 each
among them being the Blackberry Lane Development group for the staging of a Traveller Pride event which was described as “a celebration of Travellers
capturing the colourful and unique culture and helping to build relationships between Travellers and settled people.”
The other four groups to receive €500 were Moate Town Team for the Moate Trad Fest; Loughnavalley Tidy Towns for the staging of their St
Patrick's Day Parade; Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park for their annual Egg Hunt and Family Day and Féile Ceoil na Scoileanna
Áth Luain for a children's festival of music
Last week's meeting heard that four groups which had applied for funding were deemed to be ineligible
Among them was the Ballinahown Big Breakfast
which is organised on an annual basis by the Parents Association of Ballinahown National School
who also chairs the grants scheme evaluation committee
told last week's meeting that the Ballinahown event was deemed ineligible due to the fact that it is “a local fundraiser”
Also turned down for funding was a community open day organised to raise funds for Garrycastle GAA Club
The reason for refusing grant aid was the fact that it is deemed to be a “local celebratory event.”
Members of the South Westmeath Ukrainian Representatives Group had sought funding of €3,000 from Westmeath County Council's festival and events grant scheme to host an Easter Festival
the application was subsequently withdrawn with the group now hoping to stage the event in 2026
A letter circulated to members of the Athlone Moate Municipal District said the purpose of the festival and event grant scheme is to “encourage and promote” local festivals and event that “generate increased economic and community activity
involve significant voluntary input and add to the Westmeath calendar of events each year
The municipal district gives out grants for festivals and events in two separate tranches each year
It was a bright and uncharacteristically warm Spring afternoon on Thursday last as Athlone Community College staff and students celebrated the 50th anniversary of the school being situated at its Retreat Road location
Taking place next to the school's memorial garden
the day saw all 1,200 students gather for a sentimental ceremony which welcomed back former Athlone Community College principals Val O'Connor and Eileen Donohoe
Mayor of Athlone and chairperson of the school's Board of Management Cllr Frankie Keena
The school also welcomed back a number of former staff and teachers who have retired in recent years
The current principal of Athlone Community College
said the celebration marked "a remarkable milestone" in the school's history
"Today we are celebrating fifty years in this Retreat Road location
and ten years in our magnificent new building
this site became the home of a school dedicated to excellence in education
"This is a moment of great significance not only for us here today
but for all of us who have passed through these doors over the decades," she said
A central part of the celebration saw staff and students planting a memorial tree
and a time capsule containing a 2025 prospectus
The time capsule is set to be re-opened in 25 years time
at which point the school plans to invite back the first year class of 2025
"Just as this tree will take roots and flourish
as it continues to grow with each generation of students
messages and reflections of what it means to be part of this school community today
"Today is not just a celebration of our past
but our reaffirmation of our commitment to the future
Together we look forward to a future filled with promise and possibility."
The ceremony was accompanied by the sound of the school's Trad Band
The beautiful tunes filled the entire yard
with the sound being amplified by the walls of the school building
Ms O'Kennedy extended her sincere gratitude to Serena McDermott for organising the momentous occasion
as well as the staff and students for making the celebration such a special event
"I want to commend new principal Lisa O'Kennedy
It's a huge legacy that Athlone Community College has provided over the past 50 years," said Cllr Frankie Keena
"It's been an important foundation for education in Athlone
and it keeps going from strength to strength."
Amy O’Connor with Leigh O’Neill after his escape
A woman who avoided jail this week is pictured here with her ex-boyfriend Leigh O’Neill days after he escaped from a Venezuelan prison where he was serving a drug smuggling sentence
Athlone was given a suspended sentence this week after she said a dangerous criminal
held a gun to her head and forced her to store almost €67,000 worth of cannabis in her home
who also had links to the Irwin mob in Sligo
was under duress and there was no evidence that she was involved in drug trafficking
He gave her a seven-year suspended sentence on condition she did not re-offend for 10 years and addressed mental health and addiction issues
the court heard how O’Connor had once travelled to Venezuela to visit her former partner Leigh O’Neill and his brother Dermot
The Athlone men had been jailed in South America for drug offences
the pair broke out of prison and returned to Ireland in 2013 but have since died
Our pictures show O’Connor happily posing with O’Neill after his high-profile prison escape
in August 2013 after literally walking out of the high-security prison
Leigh continued to update his Facebook page and sent posted messages for family and friends
but in gods hands so i pray it wil all work out.”
He also described how he witnessed a shooting inside the walls of the infamous San Juan prison
“Its funny ya no when someone gets shot in foot rite beside me
another day in prison tel ya people at home no idea
the O’Neill brothers had been travelling with Irishman Martin ‘Butch’ Beirne in Venezuela when Beirne died in a Caracas hotel after a cocaine-filled condom burst in his stomach
Police later arrested the O’Neill brothers at the offices of the Irish consulate in nearby Avenida de Mexico
they discovered he had “foreign objects” in his body
He later passed 92 balloons filled with 725 grams of cocaine worth €50,000
But an X-ray of younger brother Dermot showed he had not swallowed any drugs
Prosecutors later ruled that Dermot was indirectly linked to the crime and the two men should receive “the highest penalty”
The brothers had links to the Sligo-based Irwin drugs gang
O’Connor was a close pal of Tommy Irwin who was involved in the drug trade and died following a cocaine binge in 2019
He was a brother of Sligo mobster Hughie Irwin
Our picture shows O’Connor partying with Tommy Irwin a number of years ago
O’Connor travelled to Venezuela to visit O’Neill in prison and celebrated with him back in Athlone after his release
She told a court this week that she broke it off with O’Neill about a decade ago
Dermot O’Neill died suddenly in September 2015 while Leigh O’Neill died in March last year
O’Connor came into contact with a person she previously knew through Leigh
The mother of three maintained this man made her drive to another location in Westmeath
“You will do what your fucking told you whore
She told the court that the man “stuck a gun to my head” and kept it pointed at her during the drive while threatening to kill her
O’Connor told the court they met another man to collect the cannabis
and they “joked about putting me in the boot”
she said the man left a knife outside her home
the same man had “blown up” a car at her house
The prosecution challenged her account and put it to her that the drugs had been in her house for four months
After being caught with drugs O’Connor said that they belonged to the man she knew through Leigh O’Neill
she did not give gardai the PIN to her phone
which they could not unlock and in court O’Connor said she could not remember it due to a brain injury she suffered last year
Athlone Town have moved to quash a number of rumours circulating around the club in recent weeks
Stories have emerged about a deal to sell the club being complete
about three separate managers lined up to take over the senior men&#39;s squad
there was even a phantom press conference called by someone outside the club on behalf of the club
A senior source from within the club says they&#39;re frustrated at the level of inaccurate reporting around the team at the moment
They confirmed there is likely a change coming at board level after the departure of the Valeo Football Group
but the ownership of the club won&#39;t change
being close to a deal are wide of the mark
however investors involved with Plymouth Argyle are said to be the leading candidates
and Ian Ryan have been talked to regarding the manager&#39;s position
It appears Higgins is out of the running with former Bray boss Ryan the most likely candidate as things stand
a number of soccer writers were contacted about a press conference in the club this morning
The press release states &quot;significant changes to the club will be officially announced&quot;
The club insist they never called the event
and had to turn journalists away this morning
Athlone take on Dundalk in the&nbsp;League of Ireland First Division tomorrow at 7.45 at the Athlone Town Stadium
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Several national records and juvenile indoor championship records tumbled across the opening two days of action at the 123.ie National Juvenile Indoor Championships which were held in Athlone last weekend (March 29th and 30th)
It was a memorable weekend for Freya Renton (Westport AC) who broke two championship records in the U15 Girls 800m and 1500m respectively
who just the week before had won the Intermediate Girls race at the Schools International Cross Country in Scotland
clocked a time of 2:11.55 to claim 800m gold and 4:26.87 to win the 1500m title
The U15 Boys 800m championship record also fell
with Darragh Whelan (Limerick AC) breaking the two-minute barrier
Whelan ran a time of 1:59.96 to knock four seconds off Shane Fitzsimons previous championship best which had stood since 2009
Freya Bateman (Belgooly AC) delivered a masterclass in 800m running
to break the longstanding championship record in the Girls U17 event
The Cork athlete front-ran to victory in a time of 2:11.08
eclipsing the previous record which had stood for 22 years
Freya’s younger sister Nellie won the Girls U15 800m in 2:15.96
Gemma Galvin (Ennis Track AC) enjoyed success on the double in the Girls U19 800m and 1500m
Her winning 1500m time of 4:30.39 took nearly six seconds off the previous championship record
Caolan McFadden (Cranford AC) replicated that double in the Boys U19 events
before taking victory in the 1500m in 3:54.45
just outside the previous championship record
In the 200m finals which took place on the opening day (Saturday)
Theo De Bonis (Ratoath AC) broke the championship record in the Boys U16 event
The Meath athlete dipped under the old 22.85 record twice
before running 22.60 in the final for gold
Erin Friel (Letterkenny AC) won the Girls U18 200m final in 24.24 seconds
just 0.15 off Rhasidat Adeleke’s 2018 championship best
while European U18 bronze medallist Joe Burke (Templemore AC) ran 21.64 seconds to win gold in the Boys U18 final
Ethan Dewhirst (Tír Chonaill AC) won the Boys U19 200m title in 22.00 seconds
while Alisha Maher (Tullamore Harriers) was crowned the Girls U19 200m champion
clocking 24.82 seconds on her way to one-lap victory
The standout performance of the weekend in the 60m Hurdles came from Cameron McCracken (North Down AC)
McCracken produced a top-class display of hurdling to clock a national U18 record and championship record of 7.88 seconds to take gold
Just behind him was Conor Penney (Craughwell AC)
who’s 7.91 time was also under the previous national record which had been held by Garbhan McKenna since 2013
Lucy Hounkponou (Galway City Harriers) won the Girls U18 60m Hurdles
with Amy Timoney (Finn Valley AC) winning the Girls U19 event
Des O’Neill (Raheny Shamrock AC) was just outside the championship record in winning the Boys U19 60m Hurdles in 8.10 seconds
400m finals dominated the morning proceedings on Day Two (Sunday)
One of the performances of the day came in the Girls U18 final as Erin Friel (Letterkenny AC) added 400m gold to her 200m title
This takes 0.3 of a second off her previous national record which was set only three weeks earlier at the National U20 Indoor Championships
The previous championship record of 55.54 was held by Davica Patterson since 2017
A championship record was also set in the Boys U18 event as Jason Murray (Ratoath AC) claimed the title in 49.54 seconds
Ethan Dewhirst (Tír Chonaill AC) won his second title of the weekend in the Boys U19 final
while Sarah Kiernan (Naas AC) won the Girls U19 decider
In the Boys U17 final Daniel Downey (Portlaoise AC) added to his silver medal over 800m by winning gold in the 400m
crossing the line in a championship best of 50.07 seconds
There was just the one championship record in the 60m
Joseph Magbagbeola (Navan AC) delivered a huge performance in the Boys U16 event to take gold in 7.04 seconds
Alicja Doyle (Clongriffin AC) impressed in the Girls U17 60m
Doyle’s heat winning time of 7.49 seconds was just 0.06 off Rhasidat Adeleke’s 2018 championship record
Philip Offorjama (Athlone IT AC) is no stranger to the TUS track and had the luxury of being able to celebrate in the final 10 metres of the Boys U18 final
Angela Cielecka (West Coast AC) won U18 Girls gold
while Elena O’Sullivan (Leevale AC) took the Girls U19 title
Boys U19 victory went the way of Ciaran O’Farrell (Donore Harriers)
In the walks two bright talents Seamus Clarke (Moy Valley AC) and Matthew Newell (Tuam AC) obliterated championship records
who won silver at last year’s European U18 Championships
was a convincing winner of the Boys U19 1500m Race Walk in 5:40.06
The previous record (5:46.26) had been held by Olympian Colin Griffin since 2000
who was raced alongside Clarke for most of the race
is Boys U18 1500m Race Walk champion for 2025
The Galway athlete crossed the line in 5:44.91 to knock nearly thirty seconds off the previous championship record which had stood since 2017
Robin Og Murphy (Longford AC) won the Girls U18 title
while Girls U19 honours in the event went to Ciara Gilmore (Tuam AC)
Michael Kent (DMP AC) won the Boys U19 Pole Vault and Long Jump titles
The Wexford athlete cleared 4.40 metres in the Pole Vault
His Long Jump gold was won with a best leap of 6.60 metres
Katie Deverell (Tullamore Harriers) won the Girls U19 Long Jump
while Chloe Lynch (Gowran AC) won the Girls U19 Pole Vault
Meabh Corkery (Midleton AC) soared over the bar at 3.46 metres to win gold in a new championship record in the Girls U18 Pole Vault
The championship record was also broken in the Boys U18 Pole Vault as Jamie Hyland (St
Darragh Fahy (Loughrea AC) won the Boys U19 title
while the championship record was broken in the Girls U16 event as Milana Sharhayeu (Ratoath AC) leaped to victory in 10.87 metres
The domestic indoor season concludes next Saturday (April 5th) with the final day of the 123.ie National Juvenile Indoor Championships at TUS Athlone
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her godson Martín Golden and her nephew baby Martin Moroney
Coosan | N37 F5W4) on Saturday and Sunday from 4pm until 7pm
Removal on Sunday evening at 7pm to Our Lady Queen of Peace Church
Mass of the Resurrection on Monday at 12 noon followed by burial afterwards in Coosan Cemetery
No flowers please, donations if desired in lieu to <a target='_blank' href="https://donors.cancer.ie/page/FUNMTNWKDWV">The Irish Cancer Society</a>.
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The future stars of Irish athletics return to action this weekend in TUS Athlone for the opening days of the 123.ie National Juvenile Indoor Championships (March 29th and 30th)
Over 2000 young athletes will represent their clubs from all four corners of the country across an exciting two days of competition with the action being live streamed on the Athletics Ireland YouTube channel from 10am each day
The first finals on Saturday will get underway in the field events with the Long Jump
Shot Put and Triple Jump competitions set for a 10am start
Michael Kent (DMP A.C.) will be looking to add another national juvenile title to his collection when he competes in the Boys U19 Long Jump final
The Wexford athlete represented Ireland in the event at the 2023 European Youth Olympic Festival
In the Boys U19 Triple Jump Darragh Fahy (Loughrea A.C.) looks to be the favourite having jumped 13.54 metres this season which was good enough for a fourth-place finish at February’s 123.ie National Senior Indoor Championships
The Girls U17-U19 Pole Vault competitions take place from 1:30pm
National senior indoor champion Meabh Corkery (Midleton A.C.) has cleared 3.40 metres this year and will be in strong contention to win the Girls U18 title
Chloe Lynch (Gowran AC) and Kara Morrissey (St
Laurence O’Toole A.C.) rounded out the podium at the National Senior Championships and will go head-to-head again for Girls U19 honours
200m heats get the track action underway before the finals of the 600m and 800m events are raced on times
Freya Bateman (Belgooly A.C.) and Faye Mannion (Ennis Track A.C.) look set to dice it out for glory in the Girls U17 800m event
15-year-old Bateman has clocked 2:10.82 this year
Emer Brennan (Clonmel A.C.) and Ava Diver (Beechmount Harriers A.C.) are amongst the leading entries in the Girls U18 800m
while Gemma Galvin (Ennis Track A.C.) will look to continue her glittering indoor season in the Girls U19 event
The Boys U18 800m will see Liam Morris (Donore Harriers) and Odhran McBrearty (Finn Valley A.C.) in contention
McBrearty won the Intermediate Boys race at the recent 123.ie All-Ireland Schools Cross Country Championships
so is significantly stepping down in distance
The Boys U19 race appears to be a wide-open affair with Caolan McFadden (Cranford A.C.) one of the standout names entered
Kate Maher (Kilkenny City Harriers) and Destiny Lawal (Dooneen A.C.) will hope to make the final of the Girls U17 200m and contend for medals
as it includes names such as Erin Friel (Letterkenny A.C.)
Angela Cielecka (West Coast A.C.) and Lauren Kilduff (Craughwell A.C.)
Alisha Maher (Tullamore Harriers) and Sophie Mulcahy (Leevale AC) will all be in the mix in the Girls U19 final should they navigate the heats
There will be several interesting contests in the Boys 200m races also
Chief amongst them could be a showdown between Sean O’Donnell (Tallaght A.C.) and 2024 European U18 medallist Joe Burke (Templemore A.C.)
The 60m Hurdles will round out a busy day of action on the track in Athlone
Conor Penney (Craughwell A.C.) clocked 8.16 seconds in January in Dublin and will will have his eyes on claiming the Boys U18 title
Cameron McCracken (North Down A.C.) will be hoping to drive him close
Caoimhe Daly (Leevale AC) is one to watch in the Girls U18 60m Hurdles
meanwhile Abigail Farrell (Donore Harriers)
Orlaith Mannion (South Galway A.C.) and Tara O’Connor (Dundalk St
Gerald’s A.C.) will contend for medals in the Girls U19 event
O’Connor is entered in multiple events this weekend
The penultimate day of the Irish indoor season gets underway at 10am with multiple field event finals down for decision
Tiffany Nwaedozie (Belgooly A.C.) looks the athlete to beat in the Girls U17 Long Jump with a best jump of 5.74m this year
while in the Girls U19 Triple Jump Patience Chinda (St
Michael’s A.C.) leads the entries with a best of 11.68m this year
National senior indoor champion Michael Kent (DMP A.C.) will look to continue his fine run of recent form in the Boys U19 Pole Vault
In the Boys U18 competition Jamie Hyland (St
Laurence O’Toole A.C.) could prove tough to beat
Sunday’s track action begins with the 400m heats
before a step up in distance to the 1500m finals
Emily Bolton (Clonliffe Harriers) has the fastest time this year of those listed for the Girls U18 1500m
Emer McKee (Willowfield Harriers) and Ava Diver (Beechmount Harriers) will also fancy their chances of making the podium places
Lorraine O’Connor (Clonliffe Harriers) ran an excellent time of 4:22.73 in Cardiff back in January and if she can replicate this form she should win the Girls U19 1500m
The field is loaded with quality however so O’Connor certainly won’t have it all her own way
The 400m finals will follow the 1500m races and with coveted spots on Irish relay teams for championships later this year available
Erin Friel (Letterkenny AC) is the standout entry in the Girls U18 400m
having clocked a national U18 indoor record of 54.75 seconds to win gold at the recent National U20 Indoor Championships
Maria Zakharenko (Kilcoole AC) will be one of the favourites for the Girls U19 event but interestingly also holds an entry for Saturday’s 800m
400m hurdles specialist Ethan Dewhirst (Tír Chonaill A.C.) will look to continue his fine-tuning for a busy outdoor season with a strong performance in the Boys U19 400m
The 60m heats and finals follow the two-lap action
The U17 Girls event looks to be a fiercely competitive affair with the likes of Tiffany Nwaedozie (Belgooly A.C.)
Destiny Lawal (Doneen A.C.) and Alicja Doyle (Clongriffin A.C.) will battle it out for podium positions
Angela Cielecka (West Coast A.C.) and Caoimhe Daly (Leevale A.C.) look among the lead entries for the Girls U18 competition
Alisha Maher (Tullamore Harriers) and Sophie Mulcahy (Leevale A.C.) will be strong contenders in the Girls U19 event
Christopher Olatunde (Ratoath A.C.) is one to watch in the Boys U17 event
whilst Sean O’Donnell (Tallaght A.C.) could challenge for an impressive double in the Boys U18 competition
The walks will then round out the day’s action
The O’Callaghan sisters Taillte (U17) and Savanagh (U18) could bring two national medals back to Tuam if they make podiums in their respective races
Robin Óg Murphy (Longford A.C.) is another athlete to keep a close eye on in the U18 Girls race
16-year-old Matthew Newell (Tuam A.C.) recently won the Irish U20 3000m indoor walk title and has qualified for this summer’s European Youth Olympic Festival already
He is the strong favourite for the Boys U18 title on Sunday
European U18 silver medallist Seamus Clarke (Moy Valley A.C.) leads the entries for the Boys U19 walk
Athletics Ireland wishes all those competing the very best of luck
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The retail landscape of Connaught Street on the west side of Athlone has suffered another major blow with the news that Dunning's butcher shop is to close its doors for the final time at the end of this month.
The hugely-popular family business, which has been trading from its original premises for over half a century, is one of the few remaining retail outlets on the street.
Its closure is a further setback for business life on the west side of the town, following on from the closure of another stalwart family business at the end of last year, Grenham Travel, which had been operating for more than a century.
Bernie Dunning, who started working in the family butcher shop three months after it was established by his brothers, Tommy and the late Sean, in June 1971, says “a whole lot of reasons” have contributed to his decision to close.
“Old age is one thing,” he admits, “but the death of Sean last December probably copper-fastened the decision to call it a day.”
Bernie, aged 71, who has been working behind the counter in Dunning’s six days a week for over 50 years, says continuing the family businwess was “too much to take on” after Sean died, and he added that the 50% increase in the price of cattle and sheep over the past year meant the business was “unsustainable” in the long term.
“We kill all our own animals, which very few butcher shops do anymore, so our customers always knew there was full traceability for everything we sold, and they appreciated that,” he says.
The customer profile at Dunning's has “changed dramatically” since the business opened in 1971 with Bernie Dunning admitting that “younger people don’t buy from the butchers” and opt instead for buying their meat from supermarkets.
“Our customers would mainly be the older generation and they are devastated to see us close, but we have been open with them and they understand the reasons,” he says. “It’s the same story all over the country, young people don’t see the value of having a local butcher in the community.”
The impending closure of Dunning’s is the third butcher shop closure in the wider region over the past number of months after the closure of the award-winning Horan’s Pork Shop which had been a staple of The Bawn area of Athlone since 1949, and the closure of Shane Maher Ltd in Moate which had been trading at the Peter Gillivan & Son premises on Moate’s Upper Main Street since 2012.
Both businesses cited the changing retail landscape, and the changing habits of shoppers for their business model no longer being viable.
Bernie Dunning admits that retirement will be “a huge change” but says he will “keep busy” although he will miss the daily interaction with his customers, many of whom have also become great friends over the years.
His two colleagues, Paul Cleary, his nephew, and Castlerea native, Martin Smith, have worked alongside Bernie in the butcher shop for over 25 years, and says he will also miss “the daily chats” with them very much.
</a>An official review of the emergency helicopter ambulance service operated by the <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/air-corps/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" title="https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/air-corps/">Air Corps</a> found no agreement on a long-term location could be reached between different parties involved in the project
The review suggests that defence personnel wanted to look at alternatives to Custume Barracks in Athlone where the service
which provides rapid medical intervention for people in rural and isolated communities
states that defence stakeholders argued that continued operation from Custume Barracks could “only be facilitated as a short-term
fallback position during the interim development phase of a permanent base elsewhere”
However, “conversely, <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/department-of-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" title="https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/department-of-health/">Department of Health</a> stakeholders maintain that this represents the preferred location for a single base
The <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/department-of-defence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" title="https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/department-of-defence/">Department of Defence</a> told The Irish Times that a €1.5 million upgrade of hangar facilities at Custume Barracks had addressed immediate operational and maintenance issues at the Athlone base and “secures the continued operation of the EAS [emergency aeromedical support] service”
It said the service had resumed operations from Athlone on March 18th following the investment
The department said the upgrade provided “essential space and facilities crucial for Air Corps technicians to conduct comprehensive daily aircraft inspections”
[&nbsp;<a aria-label="Open related story" class="c-link" href="https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/03/31/after-hours-air-ambulance-service-contract-dispute-settled-court-told/" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">After-hours air ambulance service contract dispute settled, court toldOpens in new window</a>&nbsp;]
An operational report drawn up as part of the review found that the aircraft shelter then in place in Athlone could not be heated at night, was unstable in high winds and was out of warranty. 
A separate report on comparative operations in other countries found that in all cases examined, aircraft were based overnight in heated or air-conditioned buildings and operated out of purpose-built facilities.
“There were no significant corrosion issues experienced with other operators’ helicopters, compared to the AW 139 aircraft operated by the Air Corps,” it stated.
The HSE emergency aeromedical support service commenced in June 2012, initially on a pilot basis.
In 2015 the Government established the service on a permanent basis “subject to ongoing review in the context of ensuring a sustainable, long term service arrangement”. Under the Government’s subsequent White Paper on Defence, a civil/military project team was established to look at the issue.
This group produced “a disagreed report” which was released in a heavily redacted form by the Department of Defense.
The report concludes that after extensive consultation and review it was not possible for the project team to reach consensus on a permanent and sustainable location for the ongoing provision of the EAS service.
It states that one of the primary challenges encountered was “the divergence in perspectives among participating stakeholder groups”.
“While some emphasised accessibility and proximity to vulnerable communities, others prioritised cost effectiveness and infrastructure availability. Balancing these varied priorities proved to be exceptionally complex.”
The report states that the identification of suitable sites posed another significant hurdle.
“However, each potential site presented its own set of limitations, making it challenging to identify a universally acceptable option among the legitimately already restrictive range of cost nugatory and immediately available sites.” 
Among locations examined were the Air Corps base at Baldonnel, Nenagh Barracks in Co Tipperary, lands at St Peter’s, Castlepollard and St Loman’s, Mullingar, both in Co Westmeath, and military sites at Cushla, Athlone and Oranmore, as well as some private airfields and airports including Shannon and Knock.
The review states that the Department of Defence “recommends that as the stakeholder group with ultimate client responsibility, HSE, National Ambulance Service and Department of Health should take the lead role in determining a new viable base of service operations, with technical consultation to be provided as needed by the Irish Air Corps”. 
“This recommendation was not agreed by all stakeholders and forms the basis for the divergence of stakeholders, resulting in this disagreed report.”
The review also recommends that the Air Corps should review its personnel and helicopter resource capability and that a direct entry scheme for military pilots into the Air Corps should be introduced. 
The Department of Health said that along with the HSE National Ambulance Service, it remained “engaged with the Department of Defence and the Irish Air Corps on supporting the continued collaborative delivery of the EAS service”.
Martin Wall is the Public Policy Correspondent of The Irish Times. 
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A 192-bedroom hotel on Athlone's Ballymahon Road
has been granted final planning approval by An Bord Pleanála
A decision by Westmeath County Council planners to grant permission for the ambitious project last November was subsequently appealed to An Bord Pleanála on two grounds; increased traffic and the height of the development
finding that the development planned by Avenir Assets Management DAC would "not adversely impact" on the residential amenity of neighbouring properties by reasons of overlooking or overbearing
and that it would be acceptable "in terms of traffic and pedestrian safety"
one of the 17 conditions attached to the the order made by An Bord Pleanála requires the developer to submit detailed designs for all required infrastructural works at the junction of Brawney Road and the Ballymahon Road/N55 roundabout
Designs for infrastructural works along the extent of the subject site of Brawney Road were also required to be submitted
The agreed infrastructural works must be "fully completed" prior to occupation of the proposed hotel development
The planning board has also stipulated that the three-storey car park must be "solely used" in conjunction with the associated hotel accommodation
and not for commercial purposes unless authorised by a further planning application
The appeal to An Bord Pleanála was lodged last December by Declan and Brigid Lough
They cited an observation on the project by Transport Infrastructure Ireland
"would create an adverse impact on the national road and associated junction."
Declan and Brigid Lough also objected to the height of the proposed hotel
stating that it would lead to "a loss of privacy" to their front-facing bedrooms and would not be "in keeping" with the height of other buildings in the vicinity
Longford-based Avenir Assets Management DAC successfully applied for a change of use at the site..
having previously being granted planning permission in 2022 for a large office block development at the same location
and close to the Athlone Regional Sports Centre and the Brawny residential area
The proposed development will consist of 192 bedrooms in a part 10-storey and part 8-storey building that will include a bar
gym/spa as well as conference and meeting room facilities
A three-storey car park also forms part of the project
In relation to overlooking the nearest adjoining residential dwellings
the An Bord Pleanála Inspector's report acknowledged that the proposed development would be visible from the nearest residential sites to the west
which are situated "across the Ballymahon road" but pointed out that the nearest residential dwellings are "some 60.7 metres" from the appeal site
"There is also significant existing boundary planting to the Ballymahon Road side with additional planting proposed within the development site," the inspector's report stated
before concluding that the the development would not give rise to overlooking of the nearest residential dwellings
Kerry FC return to Mounthawk Park for the final game of the opening 9 clashes of the 2025 season before repeat pairings start next week
Athlone Town are the visitors to Mounthawk Park with kick-off at the regular time of 7:45pm
Kerry has a point to prove and will be looking for all 3 points before the spin to Donegal next weekend
A 3-point deduction has demoted the Kingdom to the bottom of the table after a promising start to the campaign and the Mounthawk side will be giving everything to right the wrongs
Difficult defeats to UCD and Treaty United on the field over the last two weeks
the morale could do with a timely boost in the Kingdom
the same amount as rightfully earned by the Kingdom before the deduction
Athlone managed to score all 7 points in 3 consecutive games
A draw in the Midlands Derby against Longford Town was backed up with an away win in Wexford before a home win against UCD
But 3 straight defeats away to Cobh Ramblers and 2 at home to Finn Harps and Bray Wanderers means the Midlanders will be eager to get back on track in the Kingdom
It is a game that is known to produce goals
Matchday 9Kerry FC v Athlone Town AFC – Friday
April 11th – 19:45 Kick Off – Mounthawk Park
Previous Meetings – All CompetitionsKerry FC Wins 2 Draws 2 Athlone Town Wins 4
Did You Know?Both Carl Mujaguzi and Lee Axworthy have featured for both sides as they line up against each other tomorrow night
Cian Brosnan scored the Kerry FC Goal of the Season against Athlone Town on the final day of the 2024 season as the Kingdom secured the victory to finish the season on a high
A win will lift Kerry off the bottom of the table and ahead of Athlone Town on goal difference as the first set of 9 matches comes to a close
Injury UpdateWith Abel Alabi returning from his 3-match suspension
the Kingdom will have everyone available from a suspension point of view
Ryan Kelliher made his return against Treaty United last time out as he played 30 minutes off the bench
Nathan Gleeson remains on the long-term injury list while Chris McQueen &amp; Luke Palmer are being assessed after receiving knocks last week
Our supporters deserve a performance and result
especially after the numbers that travelled to Limerick
I know their results have been up and down a bit but if they are on it they are going to be as good as anyone in the league and they will be targeting this game to kick on and 3 points will fire them up the table
We are hoping to be at our very best on Friday to get something out of the game.”
Kerry FC, Mounthawk, Tralee, Co Kerry<a href="mailto:media@kerryfc.com">media@kerryfc.com</a>
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The Athlone Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is set to host the Fleadh Cheoil Ros Comáin this Easter Bank Holiday weekend
It will mark the first time the Fleadh has returned to Athlone in more 40 years
The branch will be hosting many events over the Easter weekend and during the week leading up to the Fleadh
Athlone Comhaltas will host the Magical Music Box Puppet Show on Wednesday
there will be a Ceilí Mór with the amazing 'Rise the Dust' at 8pm in Ballybay Hall
followed by singing and dancing workshops on Saturday
A number of sessions for adult musicians will take place in McNeill's
including a slow session in Monaghan's on Wednesday
Fleadh dancing competitions will take place on Easter Sunday
with all other Fleadh competitions on Easter Monday
All competitions will be held at Coláiste Chiaráin in Summerhill
The closing events will then take place in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel on Easter Monday
"It should be a really good week," said Ellen Glennon
"It's the first time the Roscommon Fleadh has been in Athlone since the '80s
and the local community have been extremely supportive since Athlone Comhaltas was re-launched in 2024
and we had a total of 52 entries from the local area for the Fleadh this year."
The Fleadh Cheoil Ros Comáin 2025 was launched on Sunday
launched the Fleadh after a very well-attended junior seisiún
"It was a pleasure to have the Uachtarán of Comhaltas at the launch of the Fleadh for our first year back," Ellen said
Gradams (awards) were presented to former chair
acting director of services with Roscommon County Council
as did Cllr Aengus O'Rourke of the Athlone Moate Municipal District
Also in attendance were Mary Smith of the Roscommon County Council Arts Office
and Claire Mulvihill of St Jarlath's Credit Union (formerly Athlone and Castlerea Credit Union)
Ellen added: "We want to extend our thanks to Roscommon County Council
and Alan and Paddy McCaul from the Shamrock Lodge Hotel for all of their support."
The postponed first round of the AAI National Indoor League takes place at the TUS International Arena in Athlone this Saturday (Feb 8th)
with this year’s indoor league titles on the line
this year’s titles will be based on the combined scores from round 1 (Feb 8th)
and the already completed round 2 (Jan 19th)
Dundrum South Dublin and Clonliffe Harriers will look to defend their respective indoor titles with both clubs well positioned following the opening round results back on January 19th
Clonliffe currently lead the way in the men’s competition
with DSD and Ratoath biting at their heels
Ratoath will look to go one better than last year’s second place
while Craughwell AC are another not to be discounted
Dundrum South Dublin sit in second place in the women’s competition following the opening round
and Tullamore Harriers will fancy their chances of getting into the shakeup for a podium finish
There will also be a quality session 2 in the afternoon with a host of top-class entries among the guests including Rachel McCann
and Matthew Callinan Keenan to name but a few
Session 2 is currently scheduled for a 2pm start
The national athletics schedule returned to the TUS International Arena in Athlone today for the 123.ie National Masters Indoor Championships (March 8th)
There were a host of impressive performances with several new names on the national honours lists
Isaiah Adeaknmbi M35 (Riverstick/Kinsale AC) was the fastest of the sprinters on the day
Snezana Bechtina W40 (Clonliffe Harriers AC) lived up to favouritism in the women’s race
Brian Boyce M45 (An Ríocht AC) was hugely impressive over 400m
The 800s were a compelling watch with Dean Ryan M35 (Newbridge AC) 2:03.11 and Annette Quaid W45 (Leevale AC) 2:18.48 looking particularly sharp on their way to their respective titles
Lynsey Brown W40 (Lagan Valley AC) 11.21 and Aidan Gillespie M50 (Rosses AC) 9.44 took gold over the hurdles
while in the 1500m it was Martin Cox M40 (Unattached) who posted the fasted time of the day with 4:21.72
Plant Based AC had a day to remember with Rachel Murphy W40 (10:18.21) and Lea Fulcher M50 (9:15.19) both walking away as 3000m champions in their respective races
The 3000m Walk saw Brian O’Domhnaill M45 (Kilybegs AC) post 14:32.48 on his way to gold
Alison Beck W45 (Dundrum South Dublin AC) made the trip to Athlone all the more worthwhile by taking gold in the high jump (1.35m) and pole vault (2.20m)
Alan Delaney M40 (Killarney Valley AC) was best of the men over the vertical jump thanks to his1.75 clearance
Jennifer Doyle W40 (Roscommon AC) and Niall Counihan M35 (Bilboa AC) collected gold of their own in the long jump competition
while leading favourite Olga Nedvede W40 (Dooneen AC0 secured yet another national title thanks to her best throw of 11.89m in the women’s shot
Mark Nestor Property Services is pleased to bring to the market this striking three-bedroom mid-terrace home in the modern estate of Slí an Choiste
107 Slí an Choiste is strategically situated on the main routes between Dublin (1.5 hours) and Galway (1 hour)
with easy access to the M6 motorway and the Dublin to Galway railway line
There are frequent public bus routes serving the Monksland area to and from Athlone town centre
Having been meticulously updated by the current owners
this home has a fresh sense from the moment you walk through the door
New herringbone flooring has been laid in the entrance hallway and living room
and the house has recently been painted throughout
There is an enhanced under-stair storage unit for improved organisation
Just off the hallway are doors leading to the kitchen/dining area and living areas
The kitchen has been fully renovated with new cabinets and tiling
integrated appliances which include a fridge
and a Belfast sink with water softener system
The next Old Athlone Society talk will take place tomorrow evening
The talk - 'Patrick McCartan: An Irish Envoy to the United States and Russia
1917-1921' will be delivered by Dr Michael Doorley
a lecturer in modern history at the Dublin Business School
The talk will examine the work of Dr Patrick McCartan (1878-1963) who was born in Carrickmore
and who was to serve as Sinn Féin envoy to America and Bolshevik Russia during the Irish Revolution
For more information, see: <a href="https://athlonehistory.ie/" id="link-886b445f09b6c12876249296af42f4bd" target="_blank">athlonehistory.ie</a>
A new exhibition of black and white photography by Alastair Gray
director of Athlone's Burgess Department Store
will go on display this Friday evening (April 11)
The Awakenings exhibition is being displayed in Athlone Art Gallery
Awakenings is a sample of photographs taken as Alastair enters his 7th decade
Taking photographs awakens him to what is around him
"I am looking at landscape and the shapes we humans create on it
I gain a lot of enjoyment taking the photographs and am in constant search of the killer image!" he said
On a couple of occasions each year he spends time in London on business
and enjoys visiting galleries in his spare time there
"I am constantly drawn to how we behave around art," he said
"I currently work in black and white because at present that is what works for me."
All are welcome to attend the launch of Awakenings in Athlone Art Gallery at 6pm on Friday
The Bus Éireann depot and the former St Mel's Terrace site have been identified in a report by the Land Development Agency (LDA) as publicly-owned sites in Athlone which could potentially be used for the development of up to 360 new affordable homes
The LDA recently published its second report on 'relevant public land'
which was designed to pinpoint sites that are in State ownership and could possibly be developed to help ease the current pressure on Ireland's housing supply
the report singles out the site of the former St Mel's Terrace
as the two public sites which could theoretically be used for housing development
The 1.8 hectare former St Mel's Terrace site
has the potential for between 90 and 130 homes
which is owned by Westmeath County Council
was also included in the agency's only previous report on 'relevant public land'
which is the least constrained category for housing development - meaning that it has the potential to accommodate new housing in the near-term
The report estimated the cost of housing construction and provision of infrastructure for the former St Mel's Terrace site at between €33.75m and €44.65m
The Bus Éireann depot site was a new inclusion in the 2025 LDA report
owned by Córas Iompair Éireann and the council
could yield between 160 and 230 town-centre homes
"The site is in current use for bus depot and utility activity
A rezoning of the site would be required," stated the agency
It added that "adjacent relevant public land is proposed for other development and is not incorporated."
The report labelled the bus depot as a 'class two' site
meaning it is "moderately constrained" and therefore could take a longer period of time if it was to be developed for housing purposes
The cost of development and infrastructure at the bus depot site is estimated by the LDA as being in the €49.95m to €67.9m range
the LDA said noted that the local planning and development policy "prioritises opportunities in the urban area of the town" and that "a number of zoned and serviced lands are located in the existing built-up area to facilitate projected population growth
the LDA report outlined public land that could theoretically yield up to 70,830 homes across the 102 parcels of public land over the medium to long term
less than 20% had low levels of constraints
More than 80% of the sites listed in the report were "either moderately or significantly constrained" with many "in active operation for non-housing uses by their current owners."
The LDA noted that securing the more constrained sites for housing use would require significant public investment and would "often involve enabling infrastructure and relocating existing services or businesses."
the costs of unlocking the land may not make economic sense," the agency noted
Gardai have uncovered what they described as 'sophisticated' growhouse operations at residential properties in Athlone and Ballinasloe
The discoveries came as part of what Gardai described as an ongoing investigation targeting the sale and supply of drugs in the region
Gardaí in Co Galway conducted a planned search of a residential property in Ballinasloe
the Divisional Drugs Unit discovered a sophisticated growhouse operation within the premises and seized 160 suspected cannabis plants worth approximately €128,000 (pending further analysis)
A man aged in his 30s was arrested and detained at a station in the Garda North Western Region under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996
Gardaí in Westmeath searched a residential property in Athlone and discovered another sophisticated growhouse
which contained a total of 381 cannabis plants
with an estimated value of €304,800 (subject to analysis)
The man was subsequently charged to appear before a special sitting of Galway District Court today
A man is due in court in Mullingar this morning in connection with daytime assaults on four women in the centre of Athlone over the space of two hours yesterday (Wednesday)
The assaults are alleged to have taken place in the Golden Island area
The incidents are being treated by Gardai as completely random attacks in which the man is alleged to have punched or kicked the women to the face or body
The fourth alleged assault - in the Abbey Road road area at approximately 12.10pm - involved a woman who had to be taken to hospital with injuries to her face after being punched
Another woman reported to the Gardai that she was assaulted by being kicked in the waist area on Northgate Street
Two other women who were chatting to each other in the Golden Island area are understood to have been punched to the face and body area
and attended their GP practice for treatment
The man is understood to be in his early 50s
He was arrested at Athlone train station yesterday
and was subsequently charged by Gardai after being interviewed during the day and night yesterday
A Garda spokesperson said he was brought in custody to appear before Mullingar District Court this morning
* UPDATE: See report of court appearance <a href="https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2025/04/03/man-appears-in-court-charged-with-four-assaults-on-women-in-athlone/" id="link-16c3ad608c61930c78dd2934d3c76260" target="_blank">here</a>
Planning permission is being sought to change commercial units in Athlone into a new restaurant and apartments
The application was submitted to Westmeath County Council by DA Property Development Contractors Ltd for the work on Sean Costello Street in the Town
Internal and external alterations are planned to the existing building to include new shopfront
The plans include the refurbishment of a 2 bed apartment and the construction of a further 8 units in a new five storey block
The other apartments will consist of four one bed apartments and four 2 bed apartments
Bin and bicycle storage along with parking and landscaping is planned for the development
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