In this week's Westmeath Independent

This week's Westmeath Independent is now on the shelves and features the best local news, sports, features and photography coverage. Our stories include:

* Progress expected on €500m international airport plan

* Warm tributes paid to late Ann Lenihan

* 'Heartbreaking' deportation of Ballinasloe woman's husband

* €1.3m settlement for Moate boy

* Secondary schools shut as teachers strike over pay inequality

* Athlone man threatened to 'bite off Garda's face'

* PHOTO SPECIALS: The wedding of Fiona Manning and Patrick Grimes, Spooky Storytelling in Athlone Castle, Ballinahown NS Scarecrow Garden.

* Local musicians back Tony Christie on BBC TV show

* Athlone Equestrian Centre celebrates 10 years in business

* Robbie Benson ruled out of Europa League fixture in Russia

* Local trio help Ireland's Under-17 women's soccer team clinch elite round spot

* Rosemount to give Leinster 'best possible shot' says Hickey

* 35 years of Garrycastle GAA success honoured with launch of new book

All this and more is included in this week's edition, which is in shops now and can also be accessed online, through the ePaper link at the top of this page.