Locals urged to address "lack of Westmeath flags" in Athlone town

After recognising "a noticeable absence of Westmeath flags and bunting on display around the core of Athlone," a group of local volunteers set out to do something about it in advance of the county's clash with Cavan this Saturday.

Five volunteers this week undertook the job of erecting some flags "to provide a bit of colour" for the town as the Westmeath team continues its All Ireland football championship journey.

The chairman of the Athlone Festival and Events group, John Henson, was joined by committee members Cllr Frankie Keena, Paddy Fitzpatrick and Des Ruane, and also by Garrycastle GAA chairman Padraig Cosgrove, in putting up flags and bunting bearing the colours of the 2026 Leinster champions.

The group said there are still lots of spaces that need to be decorated in maroon and white, so they are urging local businesses to help drape the town in the county colours.

Cllr Keena thanked the limited number of businesses in Athlone that have already decorated their premises with flags and bunting. "Fingers-crossed the other businesses and property owners in the core of the town will now do likewise," he said.

"We purchased fifty flags and some bunting, so we still have some more to put up, but we need the property owners in the town to get involved also.

"Hopefully, this work that we have now initiated will encourage businesses to do likewise. It is really disappointing to witness the absence of Westmeath flags and bunting in Athlone," he added.

John thanked the Athlone Municipal District for its support, and the group of volunteers passed on their best wishes to Westmeath for this Saturday's All Ireland championship game against Cavan in TEG Cusack Park (throw-in 5pm).