Athlone businesses urged to display Westmeath pride with flags and bunting

Businesses across Athlone are being encouraged to show their support for Westmeath GAA by displaying county colours ahead of the team’s upcoming championship fixtures.

Members of the Festival and Events Committee joined volunteers on this week to erect Westmeath flags and bunting throughout the town following the county’s recent success as Leinster Champions.

Chairman of the committee, John Henson, said he was delighted to work alongside committee members Frankie Keena, Pat Fitzpatrick and Des Ruane, as well as Garrycastle GAA Chairman Pádraig Cosgrove, to help bring colour and excitement to Athlone ahead of the next two games.

He also thanked Westmeath County Council for assisting with the initiative.

“There is still lots of space left if local businesses would like to add to the colour and hype in the county as we await the next two games as Leinster Champions,” he said.

Committee member Cllr Frankie Keena praised the small number of Athlone businesses that have already decorated their premises in maroon and white but said more support was needed, particularly in the town centre.

“Fair play to the small number of businesses in Athlone who have decorated their premises with maroon and white,” he said.

“It is disappointing to witness the absence of flags and bunting. Hopefully, the work carried out this evening by five volunteers will encourage businesses and property owners to erect the Westmeath colours before Saturday’s match.”

Volunteers said additional areas of the town are still due to be decorated in the coming days as anticipation continues to build ahead of Westmeath’s clash with Cavan GAA.