Latest news with #WestmeathCountyCouncil
Agriland
5 days ago
- Sport
- Agriland
Athlone gears up for inaugural bike festival
A dynamic group of volunteers has come together to organise the first ever bike festival in Athlone, which will take place this June Bank Holiday weekend, from Saturday, May 31 to Monday, June 2. John Henson, chairperson of the bike festival, said that the mayor of Athlone, Cllr Frankie Keena had long been an advocate of this type of active festival. According to Henson, 'The absence of any local festival or event on this Bank Holiday weekend has provided an opening to put it into Athlone's annual festival calendar',' he said.' 'The Athlone festival and events committee has laid a solid foundation over the years, offering templates for traffic management, insurance, health and safety and stewarding. 'Their shared equipment and volunteer support will ensure that the bike festival is executed to the highest standards,' he said. Bike festival John expressed gratitude to Westmeath County Council and the Athlone regional sports centre for their sponsorship and support. Festival committee member Morgan Fagg expressed hope that Athlone's first bike fest will inspire more people to cycle, highlighting the environmental, health, and efficiency benefits of cycling. Fagg said: 'It will be wonderful to involve like-minded individuals in growing this festival annually and making Athlone a central hub for cycling groups every June.' Mayor Frankie Keena, also a committee member, emphasised that the Athlone bike fest will offer something for everyone, 'whether they're into long distance cycling, taking part in the bike parade or just watching.' The Bike Fest will feature a fun slow bike race, bike treasure hunts, vintage bike displays, a bike parade, and stunt displays by the Savage Skills crew. There will be a charity spinathon benefiting Esker House Domestic Abuse Support Service on Saturday, May 31, with registration at 9:30am. Sporting organisations, corporates, and individuals are invited to form teams and see how far they can cycle in an hour. All proceeds will go to this worthy cause, and the winning team will receive a perpetual trophy. Also on Saturday, a family bike treasure trail will take place in the car park beside the bowling alley at 12 noon. Athlone Community Radio will do an outside broadcast at the Canopy, Church Street from 10:00a.m-5:00p.m. The Baysports Kayaking Experience will take place at Burgess Park from 11:00a.m-4:00p.m, and rounding off the day's events will be the Athlone GAA 24 hour spinathon at Athlone GAA club. On Sunday, June 1, there will a bike parade though Athlone, starting at Burgess Park at 2.30pm. A slow bike race will go through town, leaving the same venue at 3:45p.m. The Baysports Kayaking Experience is also based at Burgess Park on Sunday from 11:00a.m.-4:00p.m. On Monday 2, Savage Skills BMX Amazing Stunts will give three performances at Burgess Park, at 11:30a.m., 1:30p.m. and 3:00p.m. A children's cycling safety event hosted by Athlone Gardai will be held at Burgess Park from 10.30a.m. Artist Shane Turner will showcase his speed painting skills at Burgess Park from 11:00a.m.-2:00p.m. The Baysports Kayaking Experience will continue at Burgess Park from 11:00a.m.-4:00p.m, rounding off a fun-filled festival.
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Irish Independent
June bank holiday in Westmeath: Five eye-catching things to do in The Lake County
A county that is as famous for its lake lands as it is its lush green pastures, the midlands county has a world of leisure, cultural and more laid-back attractions to offer young and not so young alike. Here are just five of the most popular items of interest to pencil into your diary over the long weekend. Take in a visit to Athlone Castle Journey back to the 1200s at Athlone Castle, which began as a timber fort and evolved into the defensive castle that dominates the town today. Relive the great Siege of Athlone in a 360 degree experience of the 1691 battle, enjoy multi-sensory displays and interactive games that guide you through the castle's halls and history as you uncover the eight exhibition spaces that bring the castle's stories to life. Afterwards, continue your exploration of the past with a pint at Sean's Bar, Ireland's oldest pub which can trace its origins back to 900 AD. Get the bike out and take to Westmeath's Old Rail Trail Greenway The beauty about this scenic trail is that its not only an off-road routeway but its suitable for even beginner or young cyclists. Hop on your bike, or rent one locally and head out along the Old Rail Trail Greenway from Athlone to Mullingar. Whether you choose to tackle the full 42km route in one go, or choose one of three trail sections, you'll encounter traditional stone arched bridges, preserved station houses and bog lands on the way. History and adventure galore at Belvedere House and Gardens With more than 100,000 visitors each and every year, this stunning Georgian country house outside Mullingar offers historical excellence amid a backdrop of unspoilt nature and open rolling parklands. Discover the intriguing, if somewhat tragic story of the Rochfort family and the Jealous Wall folly which stands witness to past feelings of hatred and malice of the neighbouring brothers who once lived on its grounds. Now, owned and operated by Westmeath County Council visitors can enjoy a self-guided visit, with an optional audio tour, around this magnificent period house, or alternatively embark on lakeshore walks, woodlands trails and view its stunning Victorian Walled Garden. There's so much to see, do and experience for all ages. Opening hours are from 9:30am to 8pm. Pay a visit to Dún na Sí Heritage Park Make your way to Dún na Sí Heritage Park, a real must-visit in the county. Afterwards, stroll through planted parkland and the wetland reserve, and duck into 'the hide' to watch birds on the lake. Your little ones will love getting hands on at the petting farm. Saddle up at Mullingar Equestrian Centre This family run equestrian centre offering top class facilities in a central location and just one hour from Dublin city is certainly somewhere that's sure to rank highly on many people's to do list over the long weekend. The centre is open all year round for weekly riding lessons. It caters for adults and children and from beginners to advanced. Whether you're looking to try out a horse for the first time or seeking to improve your riding techniques or getting back in the saddle after a break, lessons are available for all levels of riders from the complete beginner to the competitive showjumper. The centre offers intensive three, five or six day riding breaks bringing together your basic skills, your rapport with your horse, and your confidence to take on a course of show jumps or to venture out in the open fields and pop some rustic fences.
Sunday World
17-05-2025
- General
- Sunday World
Single mum of four young kids fears they will end up ‘on the streets' if she doesn't get help
'I've done all I can...I've phoned everywhere but nowhere will take four kids' Shona Cox (28) and her children who are aged nine, eight, four and three-years-of-age, have effectively been homeless since before last December. They had been living in council accommodation in Mullingar but were forced to leave as Shona said it was a 'bad place' for a single mother and they ended up on a coach in her father's home. They were then staying in a B&B and when they had to leave there they went to the council offices in Mullingar at the end of March 'as a last resort'. "I sat in the council office from 9.30am to 5.30pm that day, but they would not do anything to help me,' she claimed. At the start of April Shona was given the use of a holiday home through the help of a care worker but has to vacate the property on Monday as it is booked. Shona says she took this picture of the children outside the council offices in Mullingar 'I've asked the council to help me in any way possible, but I'm getting nowhere,' she added. 'When I went to the office two weeks ago, I was in tears, but they wouldn't even speak to me. "I just think this really needs to be addressed.' Shona said her youngest child has a serious disability and is partially paralysed, meaning he doesn't have the use of the left side of his body and requires physiotherapy. 'My youngest fella, with the disability, his physio (treatment) was affected, sleeping on a couch. Read more 'His physio was saying it me, 'Shona, he's not moving; he's not doing a much as he should be'. So everything is affected by this. 'I've done all I can,' she added. 'I phoned everywhere but nowhere will take four kids. "We're living out of bags, it's ridiculous. 'I really feel the council should be doing something. I'm actually losing it now. My only resort is to go to the media and make it public because I don't know what more to do for my kids, I really don't.' Shona Cox with her four young children News in 90 Seconds - May 17th Shona also said she wanted to highlight her story for others who may find themselves in a similar situation. 'I want to bring awareness to this as I know there are others, other single mothers, that have literally been though the exact same thing. 'I think it should be highlighted as it's just not right. If it was just me I'd get a sleeping bag and find somewhere to go but I've four young kids, I can't just do that.' Westmeath County Council has been contacted for comment.
Sunday World
05-05-2025
- Sunday World
Down on his luck chef caught tampering with parking meter walks free from court
Thirty-four-year-old Ferencz Nagy, of Phibsborough, Dublin 7 pleaded guilty at a sitting of Mullingar District Court A down on his luck chef who was caught tampering with a local authority parking meter in a midlands town late at night has walked free from court. Thirty-four-year-old Ferencz Nagy, Peter McVerry Trust, New Cabra Road, Phibsborough, Dublin 7 pleaded guilty at a sitting of Mullingar District Court to causing criminal damage to a pay and display parking machine belonging to Westmeath County Council at Church Avenue, Mullingar, Westmeath on April 30, 2023. Nagy, the court heard, had been part of a three man gang who had been spotted 'interfering and damaging' the meter shortly after 11pm. Qualified chef Ferencz Nagy had "fallen on hard times" which culminated in his involvement in an incident that saw him and two other men attempt to interfere with a Westmeath County Council owned pay and display parking meter. Sgt Sheila Kenny, for the State, told of how Nagy together with his two accomplices were arrested a short time later after the trio had initially fled the scene. Judge Peter White was informed Nagy's involvement in the episode caused €200 worth of damage as a result. Andrea Callan BL, in defence, revealed her client was a qualified chef who had, up until recently, 'fallen on harder times'. She said those challenges had been aggravated by a 'very significant' alcohol addiction which had left him effectively penniless and homeless. In terms of his involvement in the criminal damage incident, Ms Callan insisted Nagy had played more of a bystander role than that of a 'participant participant' in the escapade. 'He was there and if the matter is being dealt with as a joint enterprise, he accepts what he did was wrong,' she said. Ferencz Nagy was handed down the Probation Act by Judge Peter White. Ms Callan added that while Nagy's work history was undeniable, his own personal circumstances had 'deteriorated significantly' in the last 12 months to such an extent that he had also picked up a bench warrant for failing to turn up in court on February 14 this year. She said that no-show had been fuelled by her client's lifestyle which had now 'degenerated into something chaotic' to such an extent he was no longer able to 'keep track of himself'. Ferencz Nagy outside Mullingar Courthouse. Judge White, in having listened to those remarks said the court was cognisant to how Nagy had 'fallen on hard times,' with the incident also coming at time when he had no previous convictions to his name. He subsequently applied section 1 (1) of the Probation Act and took the section 13 bench warrant 'into consideration'.
Irish Independent
22-04-2025
- Irish Independent
Child who died after being struck by car in Westmeath housing estate celebrated fourth birthday over Easter weekend
LATEST | Three people killed on Ireland's roads over Easter weekend Young child killed after being struck by a car in housing estate in Mullingar, Co Westmeath on Monday Man (20s) killed on Monday after his motorcycle collided with a car in Co Limerick Man (18) killed while riding a scrambler bike on Sunday in Dublin named as Jason Monks, his heartbroken family pay tribute Today at 01:00 A child, a teenager and a young man in his twenties were all killed on Ireland's roads over the Easter bank holiday weekend. A young boy died after being struck by a car in Mullingar, Co Westmeath. The incident occurred shortly after 6.30pm on Monday in Farranshock Estate, Mullingar. He was treated at the scene before being taken by ambulance to Mullingar Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The Irish Independent understands the young boy only celebrated his fourth birthday over the weekend. On Tuesday morning, garda forensic collision investigators towed away the car believed to have been involved in the road accident. . That move is just part of an extensive garda investigation which is now underway in a bid to establish both the cause and circumstances surrounding yesterday evening's tragedy. As those inquiries continue, locals have been expressing their shock and disbelief at the news. Westmeath County Council Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr Mick Dollard said neighbours and those living locally had been left 'traumatised' by the events of yesterday evening. 'I can tell you from emails I have received already this morning people are traumatised by it quite frankly,' he said. 'When something like this happens, people immediately think about their children and their grandchildren.' Those sentiments were endorsed by Fine Gael Cllr Andrew Duncan who said locals living on the estate were still attempting to come to terms with the news. 'It's just a very unfortunate and tragic situation for everybody involved,' he told the Irish Independent. In a separate incident, a motorcyclist, aged in his 20s, died in Co Limerick after a collision between a motorcycle and a car. The incident took place in Ardagh village at the intersection of the R521 and R523. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was removed to University Hospital Limerick where a postmortem will take place. The male driver of the car was brought to University Hospital Kerry for treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. The intersection where the incident occurred remained closed overnight ahead of a technical examination to be carried out by gardaí on Tuesday morning. While in Dublin, the mother of an 18-year-old who was killed in a motorbike crash in Dublin on Sunday evening says her 'heart is shattered into a million bits'. Jason Monks died when the scrambler motorbike he was riding collided with a car on Citywest Avenue in west Dublin. It happened at around 8pm, not far from his home. Family members have been paying tribute to the young father-of-one, and a GoFundMe page has been set up for his family. His grieving mother Donna wrote on Facebook: 'Oh Lord, please let this be a big bad dream. That big strong boy was my baby. There was nothing in this world he wouldn't do for his mammy. My heart is shattered into a million bits. I can't cope. Why my handsome young man? Why? 'My beautiful baby boy. How is my life ever going to be the same ever again? Eighteen years of loving you, the best 18 years of my life. I will love you always, my beautiful boy.' Mr Monks's partner Shannon shared a photograph of him holding their baby daughter and wrote: 'Wish this was all a bad dream.' Shannon's grandfather Mark posted pictures of Mr Monks and said: 'Our granddaughter Shannon lost her partner and our great granddaughter lost her Dad, Jason Monks, last night. We are heartbroken for them and Jason's family. 'A lovely young man with the biggest heart, and a smile and laugh that would cheer you up in the worst of days. A person who would do anything to help anyone who needed it. 'We are heartbroken but also smiling when we see the things people have up in Facebook and videos which will help in the coming time. We are all going to miss you. RIP our friend, our family. Keep an eye on us all from up there.' A friend wrote that Mr Monks was 'one of a kind and would do anything for anyone, from fixing bikes and lawnmowers, cutting grass or any jobs that needed to be done. He would help anyone.' Another friend, Maria, has opened a GoFundMe page to help with funeral costs. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward. 'At approximately 8pm gardaí and emergency services responded to a collision involving a car and a scrambler motorbike on Citywest Avenue, Dublin 24,' the force said in a statement. 'The driver of the scrambler, an adult male aged in his late teens, was taken to Tallaght Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.' A post-mortem examination will take place in due course, gardaí said. Garda Forensic Collision Investigators examined the scene and the road has since been reopened. 'Any road users who may have camera footage [including dash-cam] and were travelling in the area between 7.45pm and 8.15pm are asked to make this footage available,' gardaí said. 'Anyone with any information is asked to contact Tallaght garda station on (01) 6666000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.' A number of people were seriously injured on the roads over the weekend too. A man, aged in his 30s, suffered serious injuries following a collision involving a car and a motorcycle in Co Kilkenny on Sunday. The incident took place around 12.40pm on Sunday afternoon on the R448 at Knockwilliam. The motorcyclist involved in the collision, a man in his 30s, was taken to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, where he remains in serious condition. No injuries were reported as a result of the collision. Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward. Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí. Meanwhile, in Co Sligo, a nine-year-old boy, a three-year-old girl and two women were seriously injured in a crash on Monday. Gardaí were called to the scene of the collision in Co Sligo on Monday between two cars on the N59 in Ballysadare in Sligo around 2.30pm. Two women, one aged in her 40s and the other in her 20s, and the two children were brought to Sligo University Hospital with serious injuries. The driver and sole occupant of the second car, a woman in her 50s, was brought to the hospital for assessment. Local diversions are in place while gardaí carry out an examination of the scene.
