Westmeath Independent

2 days ago | westmeathindependent.ie | Andy Hampson

By Andy Hampson, PA Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has been confirmed as the next head coach of the Brazil national football team. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has announced the Italian, one of the most successful managers in the history of European club football, will take up the position from May 26th. The 65-year-old, whose appointment had been widely anticipated, will become the first foreigner to lead the Selecao.

6 days ago | westmeathindependent.ie | David Flynn

By David Flynn This year is the 50th anniversary of the start of the Tops of the Towns journey for staff at the Athlone Apparel factory. Athlone actor, singer and raconteur Ray Collins recalls the excitement of the heyday of the Tidy Towns competition.

1 week ago | westmeathindependent.ie | David Flynn

By David Flynn Roscommon County Council will examine the merit of providing age-friendly parking spaces at strategic town locations on a pilot basis. The Council executive were responding to a motion raised by Cathaoirleach Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice at the April meeting of the local authority, at which he called for the introduction of a self-regulated car parking pilot scheme to assist those with limited mobility issues access spaces close to essential day-to-day services.

2 weeks ago | westmeathindependent.ie | Rosie Shead

By Rosie Shead, PA Thousands of runners have crossed the finishing line of the 45th TCS London Marathon as temperatures hit 22.2C in the English capital. More than 56,000 participants were expected on the 26.2-mile course, including celebrities, MPs and the fathers of two girls killed in the Southport attack. Crowds of supporters, many holding banners, have lined the streets of the city to cheer on the runners and wave to their loved ones.

2 weeks ago | westmeathindependent.ie | Reuben Rosso-Powell

By Reuben Rosso-Powell, PA Chris Eubank Jr declared he had “upheld the family name” after defeating bitter rival Conor Benn in front of his once-estranged father, Chris Eubank Sr, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. In a fight simmering with family history, coming three decades after their fathers’ fierce rivalry first captured British boxing, Eubank Jr edged Benn by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the contest 116-112.