Developer Sean Mulryan, Athlone Town investor and chairman Nick Giannotti, and Ballinasloe councillor Evelyn Parsons. 2025: The Year In QuotesA look back at some of the stories of 2025, through quotes which appeared in the Westmeath Independent. - Kilbeggan songer-songwriter Larissa Tormey after the song she co-wrote, Laika Party, was chosen as Ireland's 2025 Eurovision entry. HOUSING CRISIS"Calls, emails, texts, messages, it's all housing, housing, housing. I can't help but feel it's a broken system," - Athlone councillor Aengus O'Rourke speaking last June about Ireland's housing crisis.

Source: Irish Independent January 16, 2026 18:00 UTC