In this week's Westmeath Independent (Christmas edition)

A special Christmas edition of the Westmeath Independent is out today (Monday) and is packed with news, photos and special features for the festive season.

Our stories include:

* €180k boost for charities thanks to solicitor's fundraising triumph

* A special 4-page feature on local people who will be spending Christmas in Australia, South Africa and America

* Boost for Athlone businesses as rates to be cut by 2%

* Shock at tragic passing of Ballymore's Aisling Maguire

* See Moate baker Tanya Ross's amazing cake version of Croke Park!

* We publish Christmas cards from children at St Paul's NS, Athlone 

* Support for Flanagan's 'dirty' water challenge to Minister

* Newcomers to Athlone tell us about the Christmas traditions in their native country

* Tackle the Westmeath Independent 'Quiz of the Year'

* Athlone Town to start 2014 season with a Rovers double bill

* We look back on 13 sporting highlights from 2013