In this week's Westmeath Independent

This week's Westmeath Independent is now on the shelves and features 88 pages of the best local news, sports, features and photography coverage. Our stories include:

* Region stunned by untimely deaths of Moate's Eoin Hanevy and Glasson's Eileen Walker

* Athlone jobs boost expected from two international firms   

* Goodison day to remember for two local Everton fans

* Plans for Athlone town centre craft brewery revealed

* Moate farmer's African gift that keeps on giving! 

* Local man Martin Reidy ordained as deacon in Kiltoom

* SPECIAL CHRISTMAS FEATURES: 'Christmas Far From Home', 'Christmas traditions from abroad', and Christmas Greetings from Defence Forces personnel serving overseas.  

* Christmas cards from St Mary's National School in Athlone

* PHOTOS: Dun na Sí Christmas Experience, Athlone Christmas Market, and rehearsals for Kiltoom Drama Group's panto

* Dundalk FC 'keeper Gary Rogers takes up Westmeath GAA coaching role

* All the news from the Westmeath County Board convention

* Ros' boss Kevin McStay sets out his stall for 2018

* Athlone basketball team's thrilling overtime win against Carrick Cougars

* Next month's annual Westmeath Independent Sports Awards are launched

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.