Success of Athlone Town Ladies was one of "standout achievements" of 2025: Vinny McCormack

We contacted a number of people from in and around the Athlone area to ask them about their highlight of 2025 and their hopes for the new year

Cllr Vinny McCormack is Mayor of Athlone Moate Municipal District

*My highlight for 2025 was..

As we reach the end of 2025, it is an appropriate time to pause and reflect on a year that has brought significant progress, achievement and optimism to the Athlone–Moate Municipal District. Being elected Mayor in June was a great honour for me, and I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me. Serving in this role has been a great privilege.

Athlone has experienced a particularly positive year, with many developments that highlight the town’s energy and potential. One of the standout achievements of 2025 has been the continued success of Athlone Town Ladies. Their accomplishments on the pitch have not only brought pride to the town but have also highlighted the importance of supporting women in sport and celebrating local talent and determination. They are outstanding ambassadors for Athlone and for the wider region.

Significant infrastructure improvements were also completed during the year, most notably the completion of works on Mardyke Street and Seán Costello Street. These projects have transformed key areas of the town centre, improving safety, accessibility and the overall streetscape for residents, businesses and visitors alike. Such investment is vital in supporting a thriving town centre and encouraging further economic and social activity.

Athlone Riverfest once again proved to be a major success, attracting visitors from across the region and beyond. The festival showcased Athlone at its best—vibrant, welcoming and community-focused—while delivering a valuable boost to local businesses and reinforcing the town’s status as a key tourism and cultural destination in the Midlands.

A particularly exciting milestone in 2025 was the inclusion of Athlone in the Living City Initiative. This, combined with the ambitious and forward-thinking plans outlined by the Ballymore Group, represents a major opportunity for regeneration and sustainable growth in the heart of the town. The Living City Initiative offers real potential to revitalise historic buildings, attract new residents, and support businesses, and it is clear that 2026 could be a pivotal year for Athlone town centre development.

On the international stage, the strengthening of Athlone’s town twinning relationship with Providence, Rhode Island has been another highlight of the year. Athlone was proud to host a delegation from Providence in September, and the visit was both successful and meaningful. It provided an opportunity to deepen cultural ties, share experiences and explore future collaboration. This growing relationship presents exciting possibilities for education, tourism, business and cultural exchange in the years ahead.

Turning to Moate, 2025 has been a year marked by tremendous community effort and collaboration. There has been huge work undertaken by a wide range of local groups, particularly the Moate Town Team and Moate Tidy Towns. Their commitment to improving the appearance, sustainability and sense of pride in the town is evident and deserves sincere recognition. These groups demonstrate the power of community-led action and the positive impact it can have on local life.

Looking ahead, Moate has much to be optimistic about. The awarding of €800,000 in funding to develop projects in 2026 is a significant vote of confidence in the town’s future. This investment will enable the delivery of projects that will have a lasting and transformative impact, enhancing amenities, supporting local enterprise and improving quality of life for residents.

Across the entire municipal district, road safety and quality of life will remain key priorities. There will be a strong and renewed focus on reducing speeds in our towns and villages, creating safer and more welcoming environments for pedestrians, cyclists and families. I look forward to seeing this important work begin at pace in early 2026 and to working closely with communities as these measures are rolled out.

I would like to sincerely thank all community groups, volunteers, council staff, local organisations and fellow elected members for their hard work, cooperation and commitment throughout the year. Progress is only possible through collaboration, and 2025 has shown what can be achieved when we work together with a shared vision.

As we look forward to 2026, there is a strong sense of optimism across Athlone and Moate. With continued investment, community engagement and ambition, the year ahead offers great opportunity for growth, development and renewal. I wish everyone a bright, healthy and prosperous 2026.