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News
You are viewing the archive of articles published to the section of the Westmeath Independent's website for January 2012.
To browse earlier or later news published to this section use the navigation links below. Alternatively, search for keywords using the Google box on the bottom of the page.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 17:05
Minister fails to clarify Custume Barracks' future
The continued status of Athlone's Custume Barracks as headquarters of the 4th Western Brigade remains in doubt this week, after Defence Minister Alan Shatter told the Dáil he would await a report on a planned shake-up of Army brigades before making a decision on the matter.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 17:05
Ballymahon GP received over €469k in medical card payments in 2010
A Ballymahon-based doctor received over €469,000 in payments from the State for treating medical card holders last year, the Westmeath Independent has learned.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 17:05
Man suffers severe facial injuries during fracas
A 21-year-old Galway man sustained severe facial injuries during a fracas between two groups during the early hours of Thursday last, January 19.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 17:05
Massive 17% cut in Portiuncula's funding
Portiuncula's budget for 2012 has been slashed by a whopping 17%, the Westmeath Independent can reveal this week.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 17:05
Work may start on Athlone health campus in March
The HSE and the agents for the developers of the proposed Primary Care centre in Clonbrusk have both maintained this week that the project is going ahead this year, amid growing uncertainty whether work would ever start on the health infrastructure.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 17:05
University town status for Athlone?
Athlone IT could be part of a new technological university which would become the largest educational institution in the State, catering for over 27,000 students.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 17:05
Garrycastle manager's son plays with St Brigid's!
It could be a case of divided loyalties in the Cunningham household come February 18, when St Brigid's take on Garrycastle in the eagerly anticipated All-Ireland Club SFC semi-final.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 17:05
First glimpse of proposed new Athlone development
This is the first glimpse of an ambitious retail and office development planned for the Golden Island area of Athlone.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 17:00
Emigration leading to 'brain drain' in region
Emigration is causing a 'brain drain' in the Midlands with many of the region's brightest and most talented young people leaving in search of work overseas, it was stated this week.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 17:00
Gardai investigate fatal accident in Roscommon
Gardai in Roscommon are investigating the circumstances of a single vehicle fatal road traffic collision on Monday night which claimed the life of a local man in his 20s.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 17:00
Veteran doctor forced to cut outpatient clinics at Portiuncula
Dr John Barton, a consultant at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe who has just entered his 21st year working at the hospital, has this week revealed that he has been forced to cut patient numbers at all of his outpatient clinics due to the increased number of patients being admitted at the hospital since the closure of Roscommon's emergency department last year.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 17:00
Marist marks big GAA showdown with mock match
AS anticipation begins to mount ahead of the eagerly-awaited All-Ireland Club SFC semi-final between near neighbours Garrycastle and St Brigid's on February 18, a novel way of preparing for the showdown was held at Marist College, Athlone this week.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 17:00
Helping to turn puppies into guide dogs
It's more than just puppy love that prompted locals Martin Finucane and Billy and Mary Gallagher to get involved in the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind puppy walking initiative.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 16:45
Independent People - A tourism ambassador
While there may be a global recession, the tourism industry locally is bringing one man home to his family, ending a daily commute that he has undertaken for the past five years.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 16:15
Major auto jumble and vintage show this weekend
Plans have been finalised for the eagerly anticipated 2012 annual South Roscommon Vintage Club Auto Jumble and Show this Sunday, January 29 commencing at 11am in Taughmaconnell Community Centre.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 16:15
St Brigid's to host monster fund-raising auction
St Brigids GAA club has unveiled details of a monster fund-raising auction to take place on Sunday, February 12.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 16:15
Community Care
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 16:15
Late Mr Kenneth (Ken) O'Neill
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 16:15
Early February finish date set for Coosan water project
Westmeath County Council has assured residents in the Coosan that the ongoing replacement work on the water main in the area will be concluded by February 3.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 16:15
Amenity park to be home to new Gráinne Og statue
The replacement Gráinne "g statue is to be erected in the proposed Midlands Amenity Park in Moate, Westmeath County Council has decided.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 16:15
Moate Dog Rescue remains under pressure
The work continues for those involved in Moate Dog Rescue as they try to combat the ill treatment meted out to the loveliest of animals.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 16:00
150 YEARS AGO
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 15:45
Local businesses hear of new funding opportunities
Over 50 business people gathered in the Sheraton Hotel Athlone for a seminar on new funding opportunities for businesses.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 15:45
Lack of State benefits for ex-self-employed
Longford/Westmeath Fine Gael TD Nicky McFadden has welcomed comments from the Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton regarding the need for social welfare benefits for self-employed people who find themselves out of work.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 15:45
Series of regional access to credit meetings planned
The Minister for Small Business John Perry has announced a series of 'access to credit' regional meetings to be held with key small business stakeholders.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 15:45
Local Chamber slates planning system delays
Athlone Chamber has claimed the lack of a modern planning system in Ireland is deterring foreign investment.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 15:00
Men are taking their hair regime much more seriously. Gone are the days when they would go to the barbers for a short back and side. They now want much more.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 15:00
Soothe your skin this winter with Aveeno
With the cold weather and cranked-up central heating, it's no wonder skin can suffer during the winter months. The Aveeno brand understands the importance of having soft, smooth skin to help you feel good, even when it's wrapped up in winter layers.
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Updated: 25 Jan 2012 15:00
Prepare for summer with Jezebelle
This is the season of friendship, of confidences, of get-togethers and rendezvous. Jezebelle has delicate knitwear, silent silks, crushed cotton, plus many more for that breakfast in the sun. The season unfolds with lace, printed cotton and structured linen.
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Updated: 18 Jan 2012 18:00
Potential jobs boost as major retail plans are unveiled
Hundreds of jobs could be created in two major retail developments proposed for Athlone, the Westmeath Independent can reveal.
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Updated: 18 Jan 2012 17:30
Fears mounting for 24-hour A&E in Ballinasloe
Fears are mounting this week for the future of the 24-hour emergency department at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe
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Updated: 18 Jan 2012 17:30
Local entries win awards at Young Scientist event
The new year got off to a high-profile start for three students from Athlone's Marist College when Ryan Tubridy interviewed them about their award-winning science project on RTE's Late Late Show last Friday.
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Updated: 18 Jan 2012 17:30
No change in rates as row erupts over Buckley-Byrne proposal
There was tension in the council chamber on Wednesday evening last after councillors had appeared to agree the budget for 2012.
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Updated: 18 Jan 2012 17:30
TDs' silence on Custume Barracks future criticised
Dáil deputies in Longford/Westmeath have yet to come out to reassure the public that Costume Barracks will remain open and that its status is secure, according to Cllr Kevin 'Boxer' Moran.
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Updated: 18 Jan 2012 17:30
Priest voices support for embattled Foster and Allen
A local priest who is currently on mission work in Ecuador has issued a strong defence of music duo Foster and Allen who recently failed in a court challenge against a Revenue bill of over €6m in taxes and penalties.
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Updated: 18 Jan 2012 17:30
'Cash for goods' outlets arrive in Athlone
"You'd better take your diamond ring and pawn it, babe," suggested Bob Dylan in one of his most famous songs, Like A Rolling Stone. Until recently, if you wanted to follow that advice in Athlone you would not have been able to find a suitable outlet.
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Updated: 18 Jan 2012 17:30
Fears over pub trade after closures
Fears have been expressed about the future of the Athlone pub trade this week after a number of recent high profile closures and widespread speculation that others are set to follow over the next few weeks.
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Updated: 18 Jan 2012 17:15
Winning Streak bonanza for Glasson native
A Glasson native has kicked off 2012 in style taking home a cash bonanza of €98,600 on a TV gameshow at the weekend.
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Updated: 18 Jan 2012 17:15
Tang Community Alert initiative is launched
Tang's Community Alert initiative was officially launched at the local community centre on Thursday evening last.
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Updated: 18 Jan 2012 17:15
End of an era as Kevin Duffy set to retire as Moate CS principal
It will be the end of an educational era in Moate at the end of February when Moate Community School principal Kevin Duffy retires.
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Updated: 18 Jan 2012 17:00
Kevin Sheerin is still enjoying a music career that spans the Eurovision and Daniel O'Donnell, as DAVID FLYNN discovered.
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Updated: 18 Jan 2012 09:30
Pamper me fabulous at Athlone Towncentre Shopping Centre
The January blues are kicking in, you're over stressed, underappreciated and in the need of a serious boost. If this sounds like you then don't miss out on 'Pamper me Fabulous' in Athlone Towncentre on Saturday January 28 from 2-5pm.
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Updated: 4 Jan 2012 18:01
Ballinahown man facing extradition on abuse charges
A Ballinahown native wanted for trial to answer sex abuse allegations could be back in this country next week after being deported from Brazil to England on St Stephen's Day.
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Updated: 4 Jan 2012 17:30
Three objections lodged to date against massive Chinatown plan
Three objections to the plans for the European China Trading Hub at Creggan, Athlone, have been lodged with An Bord Pleanála, with the closing date for submissions being Monday next, January 9.
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Updated: 4 Jan 2012 17:30
€300 reward for parrot's return
An Athlone resident has offered a €300 reward this week for the safe return of his beloved pet, an African Grey parrot who went missing before Christmas.
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Updated: 4 Jan 2012 17:30
Twelve local projects set for 2012 Young Scientist expo
Twelve projects from Westmeath, and a further twelve from Roscommon, have qualified for the upcoming BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.
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Updated: 4 Jan 2012 17:30
Christmas trading boost for local businesses
A big increase in footfall and a bigger spend than last year has been reported by many retailers in the Athlone area according to local chamber President John McGrath.
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Updated: 4 Jan 2012 17:30
Breda's on a Winning Streak with €38,100 win
Breda Bradley from St Mary's Place, Athlone, has won €38,100 including a holiday to Turkey on last Saturday's Winning Streak Game Show on RTE.
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Updated: 4 Jan 2012 17:15
House prices down 7% in last three months
The property website Daft.ie has confirmed that asking prices for houses in Westmeath have more than halved since the peak, and the slide is continuing.
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Updated: 4 Jan 2012 17:00
Pat McCrossan has had a varied career with the Defence Forces and despite having retired in 1996, his connection with the army in Athlone continues to this day, as DAVID FLYNN found out.
