Inside this week's Westmeath Independent

Here's a look at some of the stories you'll find in this week's Westmeath Independent, which is out now:

* Friary church is deconsecrated

* Athlone's food ambassador in China!

* FREE: Midlands Farm Focus supplement

* Two major capital projects at completion stage in Athlone

* Athlone city plan "needs more flesh on the bone" - Taoiseach

* Human remains on island being forensically examined

* Two key Athlone festivals receive further council funding this year

* Curraghboy pupils launch their own school magazine

* Westmeath's Winter Olympian!

* Resident lodges appeal over 11-home development in Athlone

* New maternity outpatient facility opens at Portiuncula hospital

* TRADITIONAL TRADERS: Still developing: Midland Photo Shop’s 47 years of local service tradition

AND IN SPORT:

* Ryan believes this season is ‘a new dawn’ for Athlone Town

*Marist College denied in Leinster final - four pages of coverage

*Buccaneers sink Skerries for second successive win

* Roscommon ladies still unbeaten after another draw

* Westmeath hurlers edge out Meath to claim vital win