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You are viewing the archive of articles published to the section of the Westmeath Examiner's website for March 2009.
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Updated: 31 Mar 2009 14:00
A Rochfortbridge man was lucky to escape with his life, when he awoke in the early hours of Monday morning to find his house was on fire.
Updated: 31 Mar 2009 14:00
Cinema refused plans to extend
A submission by Bennett Developments featured prominently in an An Bord Pleanala Inspector"s report into the refusal of the development of a two screen extension to the six screen IMC Cinema at Lakepoint.
Last updated: 31 Mar 2009 16:02
Money squeeze likely to hit N4 upgrade plans
Financial constraints may lead to delays in the N4 Mullingar to Roosky dual carriageway as the National Roads Authority (NRA) have been instructed to prioritise projects by the Department of Finance.
Updated: 31 Mar 2009 14:00
Mullingar man gets life for wife"s murder
The Mullingar man David Bourke, convicted at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin by a majority verdict, of the murder of his wife, has been sentenced to life imprisonment.
Last updated: 31 Mar 2009 14:39
Pat Shortt new live show in Mullingar
Star of Killinaskully and famous for his hit song 'The Jumbo Breakfast Roll', Pat Shortt returns to the Mullingar Arts Centre with his hilarious new live show ' The Hall' on Saturday, April 11.
Last updated: 31 Mar 2009 14:39
Sharon Shannon to play in The Stables
Meteor award winner Sharon Shannon brings her stripped-back acoustic band to Mullingar to play an intimate gig in The Stables on Thursday, April 2, with special guests The Shy Talks.
Updated: 31 Mar 2009 12:05
Ever27 geared up for Danny"s launch
When new Mullingar band Ever27 visited the Westmeath Examiner offices to talk about the launch of their debut single 'The Ground Where You"ll be Livin"' - taking place in Danny Byrne"s on Friday, April 17 - the energy in the air was palpable!
Last updated: 31 Mar 2009 14:40
Mullingar shop part of record store day
The e2 music store on Castle Street, Mullingar will be one of just seven stores across Ireland to take part in Record Store Day on Saturday, April 18, which celebrates independent record stores around the world.
Updated: 31 Mar 2009 12:00
Mullingar Student Players present Fame! the musical
The Mullingar Student players are taking to the stage with the popular musical Fame! from Wednesday, April 15 to Saturday, April 18 in the Mullingar Arts Centre.
Updated: 31 Mar 2009 12:00
Loughcrew Garden Opera presents La Bohème
Loughcrew Garden Opera presents La Bohéme by Giacomo Puccini on May 30 and 31 making this June Bank Holiday weekend the ideal way to welcome in the summer.
Updated: 31 Mar 2009 12:00
Rail Theatre play in aid of Special Olympics
Rail Theatre return with the hilarious Neil Simon farce "The Last of The Red Hot Lovers" to the Mullingar Arts Centre on Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4, with the proceeds from the Friday night going to the Special Olympics fund.
Updated: 31 Mar 2009 12:00
Paul Brady returns to Mullingar Arts Centre
One of Ireland"s greatest living performers, Paul Brady will make his second visit to Mullingar Arts Centre on Wednesday, April 22.
Updated: 31 Mar 2009 12:00
The wrong people are living in fear of a hatchet budget
Schools and free third level education. Transport, capital projects and social welfare. Wages, child benefit and childcare.
Last updated: 31 Mar 2009 16:41
Family carers tell TDs of budget fears
Family carers from the Longford/Westmeath constituency met with Peter Kelly T.D. and Mary O"Rourke T.D. in the Longford Arms Hotel earlier this week. The purpose of the meeting, which was organised by the local branch...
Updated: 31 Mar 2009 12:00
St Patrick"s parade entries honoured
Mullingar St Patrick"s Day Committee stalwart Frances Guckian received an award for her Outstanding Contribution to the patron saint"s day at the annual post-parade awards ceremony, held at the Greville Arms Hotel on Friday night.
Updated: 31 Mar 2009 12:00
Olympic athlete leading Saplings team
Saplings Midlands are calling on the public to join Olympian Pauline Curley who leads the Saplings mini marathon team for her third successive year in order to raise much needed funds for children with autism.
Last updated: 31 Mar 2009 16:40
Hordes turn out to hear 'green' house measures explained
While there is currently a range of Government grant schemes in place to assist homeowners meet the cost of upping the insulation - and in consequence, the energy rating - of their homes, there"s no guarantee...
Updated: 31 Mar 2009 12:00
Mullingar creches dress down for
Last Friday (March 27) creches and play groups in and around Mullingar and across the country went bananas for pyjamas and spent the day in the comfort of their cosiest nightwear.
Updated: 31 Mar 2009 12:00
Claims that Inny is a "dead" river
A claim that a six mile stretch of the River Inny is, effectively 'dead' has been made by the Westmeath Environmental Group - and they say that Lough Derravaragh is now under threat as well.
Last updated: 31 Mar 2009 16:37
Credit crunchers: Mullingar web company making waves
The novel approach of a Mullingar-based web development company in helping companies tackle the credit crunch has recently brought them to the attention to TV3"s Ireland AM.
Last updated: 31 Mar 2009 16:42
Lisa silences Dragons with brave decision
Award-winning Mullingar businesswoman Lisa O"Connell waded into one of the most testing atmospheres of her business career when she signed up for RTÉ"s Dragon"s Den, and in the episode, aired last week, she made a surprising decision.
Last updated: 31 Mar 2009 16:16
Hang onto your hats! That"s right! The Active Friends group that meet every Wednesday afternoon in Rochfortbridge Parish Hall are doing something novel to celebrate Easter by running an Easter Bonnet Competition.
Updated: 31 Mar 2009 11:00
Church matters: The reader at the 8p.m. Vigil Mass on Saturday, in Boherquill is Brian Nerney. Readers for the Passion will be notified.
Updated: 31 Mar 2009 11:00
Blood donor clinic: The Irish Blood Transfusion Service are holding a Donor Clinic in Castlepollard GAA Centre, Pakenhamhall Road, Castlepollard, on Thursday next, April 2nd, between 4.30 and 8.30pm.
Updated: 31 Mar 2009 11:00
Kilbeggan defeated in semi-final
Cumann Na mBunscoil/ Semi-Final : The game took place in Miltown. The weather was fine on the day. Kilbeggan took an early lead at the start of the match. It looked liked it was to be Kilbeggan"s day but unfortunately it was not to be Gainstown fought back valiantly to try to get back into the game and so they did.
Last updated: 31 Mar 2009 16:49
Councillor looks forward to end of "Civil War thinking"
Dear Editor, At the Labour Party conference last weekend Eamon Gilmore gave a wonderous speech. The amount of people in attendance was amazing.
Last updated: 31 Mar 2009 16:54
Dear Editor, when did you last see a member of the European Parliament (MEP) in our area? Almost five years ago we elected in Leinster 3 MEP"s (can you name them?) to represent us in Europe...
Updated: 31 Mar 2009 10:00
Advanced Hypnotherapist Gerard Kelly, has moved his practice Beginnings Change Centre from Lucan to Kinnegad. Over the last five years the Lucan clinic has become popular all over Ireland especially with people taking advantage of a unique stop smoking treatment involving Hypnosis and Bioresonance.
Updated: 31 Mar 2009 10:00
Ninety year old Boher nun recalls post-war Britain
Sister Catherine Mary Fox of the Little Sisters of the Assumption, a native of Killeenbrack, Streamstown celebrated her 90th birthday on Sunday 22nd March 2009.
Updated: 31 Mar 2009 10:00
Junior Chamber to set up in Mullingar: JCI (Junior Chamber International) is a worldwide community of young active citizens ages 18-40 who share the belief that in order to create positive change, we must take collective action to improve ourselves and the world around us.
Last updated: 31 Mar 2009 16:00
Win an LCD TV at Londis Kilbeggan launch
Mick and Shirley Donegan are officially launching Londis Kilbeggan this week and in the space of just a year the supermarket has already gone from strength to strength.
Updated: 31 Mar 2009 09:00
We will "start again with a suck-calf"
The tiger is dead - long live the tiger. Yes folks, the party is over and we are searching for a cure for the hangover which usually follows a session of over-indulgence.
Updated: 24 Mar 2009 14:00
Mullingar woman on new "Apprentice" show
When Sir Alan Sugar meets the fifteen candidates vying for a job in his company in the hugely popular t.v. show 'The Apprentice', among them will be a Mullingar woman, Lorraine Tighe.
Last updated: 24 Mar 2009 16:33
Kids present as father stabbed mum
The trial of the Mullingar man accused of murdering his wife in Dublin in August 2007 has heard that he stabbed her in front of their three children.
Updated: 24 Mar 2009 13:40
Developer wants bankers jailed and TDs" salaries cut
The Government cannot be taken seriously unless they lock up corrupt bankers and take salary cuts to the tune of 30 per cent, according to Developer Johnny Owens.
Updated: 24 Mar 2009 13:30
Day of Action expected to wreak havoc
Widespread disruptions are expected throughout Mullingar with strikes affecting transport, hospitals, council buildings and schools this Monday, March 30.
Updated: 24 Mar 2009 12:00
Wayne Brennan returns to The Stables
The critically acclaimed singer songwriter Wayne Brennan will make a welcome return to The Stables, Mullingar on Friday, March 27, with support on the night from new band Whatever Jones.
Updated: 24 Mar 2009 12:00
Shawbrookians to showcase their style in Mullingar!
Just 15 miles outside Mullingar, the LD Dance Trust is making the name Shawbrook synonymous with vibrant, experimental and innovative dance.
Last updated: 24 Mar 2009 15:43
Tullamore becomes the Centre of the Universe
This coming weekend, the Midlands Astronomy Club is holding its biggest annual event, the Cosmos 2009 Star Party, expected to attract amateur astronomers and enthusiasts from all over Ireland to Annaharvey Farm on the Portarlington Road out of Tullamore.
Last updated: 24 Mar 2009 15:40
The launch of an exhibition by the well known artist Kenneth Webb of the Irish School of Landscape Painting will take place in the Market House Gallery in the Market Square, Mullingar on Wednesday, March 25.
Last updated: 24 Mar 2009 17:11
Rochfortbridge singer songwriter launches album
A songwriter and a talented singer with some American-style country music classics, Rochfortbridge"s Laura Mulligan takes the next step in her career on Friday, April 3 when she launches her new album, 'Soft Place to Fall'.
Last updated: 24 Mar 2009 17:08
Kathryn and Darren claim Sports Stars
One of the finest hurlers of the current era in Westmeath and a young lady who has graced the stage of All-Ireland Scór na nÓg on two successive occasions have been selected as the inaugural monthly winners of the Mullingar Park Hotel Westmeath Sports Stars of the Month for 2009.
Last updated: 24 Mar 2009 15:41
Mullingar band The Blizzards walked away smiling from the biggest event in the Irish music calendar, the Meteor Ireland Music Awards which took place on St. Patrick"s Day, after winning an award for the Best Irish Live Act for their performance on the Oxegen mainstage last year.
Updated: 24 Mar 2009 12:00
Axing the Senate won"t end the crisis
As the state engages in a frantic bid to find ways of taking in more money, and reducing expenditure, the public has been doing its bit too, and coming up with its own suggestions.
Updated: 24 Mar 2009 12:00
Donnelly to run for IFA regional role
IFA County PRO Paddy Donnelly has announced his intention to run for the position of Vice President of Irish Farmers Association in the Ulster North Leinster Region.
Updated: 24 Mar 2009 11:55
Robinstown Plan "will go ahead" - Manager
Westmeath"s County Manager, Danny McLoughlin, is adamant that the Local Area Plan for Robinstown - designed to create a new 'sector' for Mullingar - will go ahead, despite a worsening recession.
Updated: 24 Mar 2009 11:45
Councillors know their sport after Packie visit
On the agenda for the meeting of Westmeath County Council, it read that Football Association of Ireland development officer, Dave Connell, was due to make a presentation about the progress of soccer.
Updated: 24 Mar 2009 11:35
Dominican clinic may give Eirin a normal life
Three-year-old Eirin O"Connor-Nolan may have a chance at a normal life despite being diagnosed with a condition never before recorded anywhere in the world, her mother Lydia told the Westmeath Examiner.
Updated: 24 Mar 2009 11:30
Students step out in Columba College
Students in Columba College were availing of the fine weather when they took part in a cycle-walk around Killucan as part of the Green School"s programme on Friday, March 20.
Updated: 24 Mar 2009 11:25
Mullingar photographer collects top prize
Mullingar photographer, Colin Watters - one of the Westmeath Examiner"s regular snappers - was winner of a top award at the RTE Weather Photo Competition 2008 awards.
Updated: 24 Mar 2009 11:10
Committee revealing parade winners on Friday
Prizes for this years Mullingar St Patrick"s Day Parade with be presented at an award cermony in the Greville Arms Hotel this Friday 27th March at 8pm.
Updated: 24 Mar 2009 11:00
Dear Editor, This week many homes around Ireland will be taking part in Earth Hour and it is hoped that many homes in Westmeath might take part as well.
Updated: 24 Mar 2009 11:00
Snooker legend Steve Davis along with the "Jester from Leicester" Mark Selby appeared in the annual Snooker Exhibition in aid of the Mullingar Carers Association.
Updated: 24 Mar 2009 10:55
Ballymore was represented in the Leinster finals held in Ballymore Community Centre Sunday 22nd March. Congratulations to Padraig Keena, who was the winner of the Solo Singing and goes on to the All-Ireland final.
Updated: 24 Mar 2009 10:55
Support sought for Kinnegad benefit night
Good causes are continuing to count on the generosity of the people of Kinnegad and surrounding districts, and on March 28, that generosity is being called on once again.
Last updated: 25 Mar 2009 14:22
Gael Linn prize for Delvin pupils
Pupils from St. Ernan"s National School, Delvin were recipients of two special merit awards at Coirm Gael Linn festival, at Mullingar Arts Centre.
Updated: 24 Mar 2009 10:45
Multyfarnham hosted Westmeath County Council officials at the opening of the Village Enhancement Project. The Chairman of the County Council, Pat McLoughlin cut the ribbon with Danny McLaughlin present.
Updated: 24 Mar 2009 10:00
Disco fans looking to relive the glory days of early Disco are in for a treat as Christy Maye and Tom Duffy have organised a night to remember in the Greville Arms on March 27.
Last updated: 25 Mar 2009 14:23
Security, farm efficiency priorities for local electrician
Ballinalack"s Howard Whelan has done it all in his career as an electrician, and recently, his electrical services business received a timely boost, when he was awarded a licence by the Private Security Authority.
Last updated: 24 Mar 2009 17:05
'A sheep"s worst enemy is another sheep…'
If you, dear reader, decided that you were going to circumnavigate the globe; go on a trip around the world like, what do you think would be the greatest danger you might encounter on your travels?
Updated: 24 Mar 2009 09:00
You have to hand it to Donie: Single-handedly, almost, he batted for 'The Senators' on the mesmerising Late Late Show debate against journalist Ian O"Doherty.
Last updated: 19 Mar 2009 10:31
It was a glorious St. Patrick"s Day!
The sun shone, the streets were thronged, the crowds were in great form, and for one glorious day, the troubles that have dominated the news for the past several months, were completely forgotten.
Last updated: 19 Mar 2009 10:32
Cigarette box collection found after 82 years
No-one is sure whether it was bored staff or bored Councillors - but 82 years on, a number of empty cigarette boxes and a match box shoved under floorboards in the County Council chambers have been rediscovered.
Last updated: 19 Mar 2009 10:27
Irish Rail to automate manual rail crossings
Manual level crossings on railways at a number of locations in Westmeath will become a thing of the past by the end of 2009, with Iarnród Éireann confirming that it is set to roll out the latest series of automated gate systems on the Dublin-Sligo line.
Last updated: 19 Mar 2009 10:33
Black Friday as Dunbia announce 80 redundancies
The community of Kilbeggan was devastated last week when the meat-processing plant, Dunbia, announced that 80 jobs were to be lost on Friday, March 13.
Last updated: 18 Mar 2009 14:16
Banker "salary caps" an empty gesture to recession victims
Do you know of anyone earning €500,000 per annum, plus bonuses, in these increasingly austere times? More than likely, you don"t - if you are among the greater part of society, making a comfortable but modest wage in a job which is by no means secure.
Last updated: 19 Mar 2009 10:53
Walking for arthritis at Phoenix Park
Castletown Geoghegan man Niall Clarke will be stepping out in Phoenix Park this May with thousands of others from across Ireland who suffer from arthritis.
Last updated: 19 Mar 2009 10:52
Mullingar to become a centre of "wine tourism"?
It"s a town famous for Joe Dolan, James Joyce and its beautiful lakes, but if local wine guru Paddy Keogh has his way, Mullingar could also become a centre for 'wine tourism' in Ireland.
Last updated: 19 Mar 2009 10:51
Nine offices, 200 staff - all moving to one location
The move to the new premises in May - won"t come a day too soon, as far as Council officials are concerned. 'We"ve 200 staff, in nine different offices around town,' says Roibeard O Ceallaigh, Senior Executive Officer.
Last updated: 19 Mar 2009 10:50
Celebration of St. Paul in the Arts Centre
This year commemorates the 2000th anniversary of St Paul"s birth, and to celebrate, one of the main parish events for the year takes place with a dramatic celebration in the Mullingar Arts Centre on March 22.
Last updated: 18 Mar 2009 14:13
Essie Clarke, Katie Reynolds, Ryan Norris and Alannah Norris, all from Lakepoint, were definitely all up for 'the wearing of the green'!
Last updated: 19 Mar 2009 10:46
Man warns of internet "love" scam
Internet dating? 'Don"t touch it!' That"s the warning from a 49 year old Westmeath resident, who was scammed for €45,000 after getting involved in what he believed was a genuine online romance.
Last updated: 18 Mar 2009 14:10
'Life Fragments' opens in Market House
A new exhibition called "Life Fragments" by award winning Irish artist, John Keating, opened recently at the Market House Gallery in the Market Square, Mullingar and runs until Saturday, March 21.
Last updated: 19 Mar 2009 10:55
Red Hot Lovers to re-run for the Special Olympics
Neil Simon"s comic play "Last of the Red Hot Lovers", performed in the Mullingar Arts Centre by the local based Rail Theatre Company, is to run again on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 3 and 4, to raise funds for the Special Olympics.
Last updated: 18 Mar 2009 14:08
Livin Dred present "The Good Father"
The Livin Dred theatre company make a triumphant return to the Mullingar Arts centre with a new play "The Good Father". The Good Father is a love story of how two people starting at the end try to reach a new beginning.
Last updated: 19 Mar 2009 10:24
Award-winning chef, Neven Maguire, will host a cookery demonstration to raise funds for the renovation of the school oratory in the Mercy Secondary School, Ballymahon, County Longford.
Last updated: 18 Mar 2009 14:08
Mick Flannery to play Belvedere House
Meteor award nominee Mick Flannery will play at Belvedere House, Mullingar on Saturday, March 21.
Last updated: 19 Mar 2009 10:18
Pat Shortt returns to Mullingar
Following the success of You Won"t Get Away With That Here, Pat Shortt returns to the Mullingar Arts Centre this April with his hilarious new live show, 'The Hall' on April 10 and 11.
Last updated: 19 Mar 2009 10:50
MEPs show their support for Killucan train station
European Parliament members Marian Harkin and Jim Higgins came to their Hilamar Hotel in Kinnegad on Thursday night last, to offer their support and advice to locals campaigning to have the train station at Killucan re-opened.
Last updated: 19 Mar 2009 10:53
Dear Editor, I have been researching my family history and as my parents died when I was young, I would appreciate any assistance your readers may be able to give on my ancestors who came from West Meath.
Last updated: 18 Mar 2009 14:17
Westmeath remembered in Argentine town
Dear Editor, I would like to let you know that on Sat 21st March 09, O"Brien, a town in the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina will celebrate its centenary.
Last updated: 18 Mar 2009 14:12
Ballymore GAA: Next match: Division 5 v Athlone in Pairc Ciaran, Athlone this coming Thursday March 19th at 8pm. There has been a huge amount of work carried out at the Park and the players and management of Ballymore GAA would urge all residents to take a little time to visit the ground to see the effort that has been put in.
Last updated: 18 Mar 2009 14:12
Occupational First Aid Course: This is a four-day Occupational First Aid course, delivered in two training modules, which meets the requirements of the Health and Safety Regulations.
Last updated: 18 Mar 2009 14:11
Well done to Aine O"Brien and Joanne Beattie from St. Joseph"s Rochfortbridge, who won a third level scholarship from the Minister for Education and Science, Batt O"Keeffe, T.D for achieving top marks in their Leaving Certificate
Last updated: 19 Mar 2009 10:26
Gardaí in Kinnegad and Mullingar are urging residents and business people to be vigilant after a shop on Main Street, Kinnegad was subject to a break-in on Tuesday, March 10.
Last updated: 18 Mar 2009 14:04
Westmeath let All-Ireland Champions off the hook
A last-gasp goal from Colm Cavanagh earned All-Ireland champions, Tyrone a scarcely-deserved brace of National Football League points in Cusack Park last Sunday afternoon, leaving a vastly-improved Westmeath team frustratedly rooted to the bottom of the Division One table, after an enthralling encounter.
Last updated: 19 Mar 2009 10:25
Galwayman Joe Potter is the chief executive of Westmeath Community Development, the county leader in promoting social inclusion and stronger rural communities.
Updated: 17 Mar 2009 09:00
There is a timeless beauty about meadows in full flower, and few things can match the pallet of colours spread across such vast areas, flowing and moving in the wind - a great example of nature doing its own thing showing us that the need for rules and regulations need not apply.
Last updated: 19 Mar 2009 10:48
Has it dawned on you yet, dear readers? If not, you are free to take this as an official announcement that all rules are being done away with.
Last updated: 19 Mar 2009 10:12
Make Mother's Day really special!
How is it possible to show your mother - on just one day of the year - how special she is to you? With great foresight and forethought is the answer!
Updated: 10 Mar 2009 14:00
Gang sought after armed raid on pub
Armed gunmen tied up the owner and customers at a pub outside Mullingar in the early hours of Tuesday morning, March 10 - just days after break-ins at The Downs Roadhouse in Mullingar.
Updated: 10 Mar 2009 13:55
Disaster hits Curraghmore NS plans
Moves to secure a new building for Curraghmore N.S., were plunged into crisis, when An Bord Pleanála refused Mullingar hurling club, St. Oliver Plunkett"s permission to proceed with the development of their new grounds.
Last updated: 10 Mar 2009 16:20
Concerns over future of decentralisation project
As the Government plans cutbacks ahead of next months 'mini-Budget', speculation is mounting that the Department of Education and Science"s proposed move to Mullingar may be axed.
Updated: 10 Mar 2009 13:45
President McAleese will be making an official visit to Grange on April 21 and plans to address people from the estate from within a marquee which will be erected outside the community centre.
Updated: 10 Mar 2009 12:00
So they HAD never gone away, you know
'They haven"t gone away you know,' was the phrase Northern Irish people always used about the IRA - and indeed, the loyalist paramilitaries.
Updated: 10 Mar 2009 12:00
Mullingar entrepreneur in the Dragon"s Den
Mullingar Crystal"s Bernard Flynn will be at the mercy of the Dragons when he walks into their Den on Thursday, March 12. Bernard who is from Irishtown, Mullingar.
Updated: 10 Mar 2009 12:00
Christy back spinning the disks!
Christy Maye is set to dust off his old records for a very special charity event when he plans to recreate the glory of the early disco era in Mullingar"s Greville Arms on March 27.
Updated: 10 Mar 2009 11:55
Students buck the recession threat!
There may be businesses closing - but students in Westmeath who started up their own firms as part of the Student Enterprise competition - managed to stay solvent, and indeed, record small profits!
Updated: 10 Mar 2009 11:35
Local musician selected for Health programme
Mullingar musician, Finn McGinty has been selected along with three others from across Ireland to partake in a pilot project called the European Music in Health Training Programme.
Updated: 10 Mar 2009 11:35
Seven hospital beds created by Mullingar fundraising
The Oncology/Haematology Unit of the Midland Regional Hospital at Tullamore was presented with seven Electric Profiling Beds and Mattresses at a special ceremony in the hospital.
Updated: 10 Mar 2009 11:30
Getting ready for fashion frenzy!
Members of the Rotary Club and of Mullingar"s boutiques are ready for their Fashion Show, taking place at the Mullingar Park Hotel on March 19, in aid of LARCC and the local Childline service.
Updated: 10 Mar 2009 11:25
Garda to advise Chamber members on security
Mullingar Chamber of Commerce has asked a Crime Prevention Unit garda to advise its members on retail security, in the wake of the recent spate of 'tiger kidnappings', Martha Clancy, has revealed.
Updated: 10 Mar 2009 11:00
Jim Langan has been running for 53 years and has no intention of hanging up his trainers. While the Tullamore Harrier admits that he likes to come as close to the front of the pack as he can when competing.
Updated: 10 Mar 2009 10:55
Delvin graced by hurling legends
Dozens of kids from the Delvin area braved the elements, for a special training session with a difference, and a chance to meet two of their hurling heroes.
Updated: 10 Mar 2009 10:50
Former Labour leader launches Leonard campaign
With Labour leader, Eamon Gilmore stricken by a bug, his predecessor - Dublin TD Pat Rabbitte - came to Kinnegad"s Hilamar Hotel to officially launch Denis Leonard"s election campaign.
Updated: 10 Mar 2009 10:45
Numbers drawn on Tuesday March 3rd were 3,5,12,28 and there was no winner. There were twelve "match three" winners. The next draw will be held on March 10th with a jackpot of €1,820.
Updated: 10 Mar 2009 10:00
JP Donleavy has been living in Mullingar for over 50 years but as an intensely private person most people in town are aware only of his status as a renowned author and know little of the man himself.
Updated: 10 Mar 2009 09:10
Mullingar parade will see an explosion of colour
St. Patrick"s Day revellers will paint the town green on Tuesday next, March 17, when thousands of people line the streets of Mullingar to celebrate the 2009 St. Patrick"s Day Parade.
Last updated: 10 Mar 2009 16:47
The Blizzards get London ready for St. Patricks Day
People heading into central London on Sunday, March 15 for this year"s St Patrick"s Day celebrations will be treated to some contemporary Irish music from Mullingar band The Blizzards.
Updated: 10 Mar 2009 09:00
'Spitting Image' may be funny, but image of spitting is disgusting
I"m afraid that You Can"t Be Serious will make for a disgusting piece of reading but if you can brace yourself and read on, I promise to make it up to you again. On the other hand if you are easily upset please look away now.
Last updated: 10 Mar 2009 16:20
The Leicester Jester and the Ginger Magician
March 21 promises to be a dazzling night for snooker in Mullingar when Steve 'Ginger Magician' Davis and Mark 'Jester from Leicester' Selby will entertain fans of the sport.
Updated: 10 Mar 2009 08:30
A few weeks ago I advised you to spread sulphate of iron on your lawns. Now your lawn should have turned dark and if you look closely the moss should be black colour.
Last updated: 10 Mar 2009 16:45
Johnny McEvoy has always been highly acclaimed for his excellent concert shows and his return visit to the Mullingar Arts Centre on Saturday, March 21, is eagerly awaited by his legion of fans.
Last updated: 13 Mar 2009 09:06
Cúnla bring their amazing show to The Stables on St. Patrick"s Day, March 17.
Last updated: 3 Mar 2009 16:19
'Closure Plan' for St. Loman"s
A plan is to be prepared for the closure of St. Loman"s Hospital, the Westmeath Examiner has learned - and an announcement on the fate of the 160 year old institution is to be made before June.
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 13:55
People living in Westmeath have one of the lowest levels of income per person in the country according to figures just released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
Last updated: 5 Mar 2009 16:47
More breathing space for Mullingar rail users
Between parking charges and increases in ticket fares, it hasn"t been a great few months for Irish Rail customers, but they can breathe a sigh of relief - as Iarnród Éireann announced that it will increase the number of carriages on trains travelling from Dublin"s commuter belt.
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 13:50
Four beds - now cheaper to buy than rent!
It"s not news that will have landlords jumping for joy - but the fact is, it"s now possible to buy a house in Mullingar for less money than it costs to rent, according to a local auctioneering firm.
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 12:00
The news that the rumours surrounding the impending closure of St. Loman"s Hospital now have some basis in fact, is a serious blow to Mullingar.
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 12:00
Win tickets to the 2009 Meteor Awards
The Meteor Store in Mullingar has teamed up with the Westmeath Examiner to offer one lucky winner two tickets to the hottest event of 2009...
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 11:55
Magician Keith Barry to reappear!
After two sell-out shows in Mullingar last year, the ever popular Keith Barry brings his amazing magic show to the Arts Centre once again on March 13.
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 11:50
On Saturday, March 7, local man and slam poet Marty Mulligan, along with Galway bands, Mugger Dave and Voodoo Fire in Haiti will take to The Stables stage.
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 11:50
The classic rock band, Medusa will play Danny Byrne"s this Friday, March 6 at 10pm. Medusa pride themselves on playing a unique set, with tracks from Thin Lizzy, AC/DC, Black Sabbath and Pink Floyd.
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 11:00
Economic Crisis or an Opportunity for Equality
Dear Editor, As one of the over 100,000 who marched in Dublin last weekend I feel we are in danger of heading not just into a recession but also into a period of long term inequality.
Last updated: 3 Mar 2009 16:20
Dear Editor, I have been reading letters to the Editor published in the Irish Independent. I have noticed that the letters are mostly about bankers illicit dealings, bungling politicians and state agencies bosses junkets, which all of the aforementioned group have been getting away with at the expense of the taxpayer.
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 11:00
Christy gets the red book treatment!
Well- known business man, Christy Maye was given a truly well deserved tribute on 27th February when RTE Sports Commentator Colm Murray surprised him with the famous "Red Book".
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 11:00
Memorable day out for successful Honda run
The weather behaved itself on Sunday afternoon last, March 1, as crowds turned out in Delvin and other areas of Meath and Westmeath for a motorbike extravaganza with a difference.
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 10:45
Fagan to face athletics legend Tergat
Mullingar distance runner Martin Fagan faces an awesome task against Paul Tergat in his bid to become the first home winner of the men"s title Great Ireland Run in Dublin on Sunday, April 5.
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 10:40
An 18-year-old Mullingar student couldn"t believe his luck last week when the bank manager rang him to say that he had won €5,000 towards his rent for the year.
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 10:40
"Young at Heart" in Ballynacargy filmed by RTE
There was great excitement Ballynacargy as RTE came to film the Young at Heart Group. The group were meeting back for the first time since Christmas so a large turnout was there on the day.
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 10:40
Public servants voice discontent
Members of the Civil Public and Services Union (CPSU) working in Mullingar took industrial action, going on strike for one day in protest over Government attempts to impose a public sector pension levy.
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 10:40
Mullingar artist featured in Hugh Lane exhibition
A Mullingar-born artist is currently featuring in an exhibition entitled "Frequency" at one of Ireland"s foremost art galleries: the Hugh Lane Gallery at Parnell Square North, Dublin.
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 10:30
Westmeath Niall Mellon volunteers get organised
The inaugural meeting of the Westmeath Volunteer Club of the Niall Mellon Township Trust was held on Tuesday, 24 February in the Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar.
Last updated: 3 Mar 2009 16:25
Chernobyl children return to Kilbeggan
The Charity Caring for Children has confirmed that it will be able to bring kids from Belarus to Westmeath this summer after successful negotiations between the Irish Government and the former Soviet Republic.
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 10:20
Labour leader"s Kinnegad bound
According to the polls he"s the most popular political leader in the country, and on Saturday next, Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore will set foot in Kinnegad to win hearts and minds locally.
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 10:15
There has been a huge amount of work carried out at the Park and the players and management of Ballymore GAA would urge all residents to take a little time to visit the ground.
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 10:15
Table Quiz finalists go forward to All Ireland final
Aoibheann Gorman, Eadaoinn Coyle, Emily Bollard and Charity Musasa from the Convent Primary School, Rochfortbridge, have secured a place in the All Ireland Credit Union Table Quiz on April 5.
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 10:10
Adrian Oughton has slowly revived the once ailing Wilson"s Hospital school, from a crumbling buildings to a modern school with 400 students currently on the books of the private school.
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 10:05
Sarah Foster takes Do I Dare challenge
Eighteen-year-old Sarah Foster from Walshestown, Mullingar had always dreamed of becoming a model, but at a height of just 5ft 2inches, Sarah thought her dream would never come true.
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 10:00
RTE Presenter Aidan Power pictured with nurse Sarah Gibbons from Mullingar, celebrating their graduation from the Graduate Diploma in Cancer Nursing Course at University College Dublin (UCD).
Last updated: 3 Mar 2009 16:50
Castlepollard venue to host Westmeath ploughing finals
Farmers and ploughmasters will be hoping for a sunny day on Sunday next, March 8, when the 2008 Westmeath County Ploughing Championships take place on the green fields of north Westmeath.
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 10:00
Homecoming marks the debut of the renowned psychological horror series on next-generation consoles. Building upon the series" trademark foundations of atmosphere, adventure and storytelling.
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 09:00
Now why didn"t I think of that mistake…!
To my knowledge there have been only two men born on this earth who never admitted making a mistake. One was raised in the town of Nazareth, while the other was reared in Drumceee and happened to be my father.
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 09:00
The red squirrel returns Or did it ever leave?
Readers may remember that in October 2007, a report by the National Council for Forest Research and Development (COFORD) concluded that the red squirrel was extinct in Westmeath.
Updated: 3 Mar 2009 08:55
Spring is in swing, so pay attention to your garden
Spring, as they say, has well and truly sprung, so if you haven"t tended to your garden by now, a spot of spring gardening might be the idea to banish those recession blues.
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