New Year's Celebrations Changing, But Festivities Remain Important

More from Midlands News

• 2,400 Motorists Caught Speeding Over Bank Holiday Weekend

  There's now been 57 road deaths in Ireland so far this year.

• Gardaí Release Men Held Over Offaly Fire Bombing

  Three men and a teenage boy have all been released without charge.

• Man Dies In Laois Collision

  A cyclist has died after colliding with a railing in Mountmellick.

• €114m Westmeath Wastewater Upgrade Complete

  The project is expected to support future growth and improve the River Shannon's water quality.

• Mary O’Rourke Praised As “Hard Working” At Bridge Naming Ceremony

  Mary O'Rourke held ministerial roles throughout the 80s, 90s and 2000s.

• No Mini Budget Planned Despite Pressure Over Fuel And Energy Prices

  Calls have been made by opposition parties for immediate supports.

• Africa Day Celebrations Kick Off Across The Midlands

  Westmeath will begin their hosting events first.

• Tánaiste Hails ‘Proof’ Of Help to Buy Scheme Success Across The Midlands

  Laois leads the way across the midlands region.

• Westmeath Woman Recounts Israeli Interception

  Louise McCormack is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla sailing to Gaza.

• Man Charged In Connection With Fatal Offaly House Fire

  A man in his 20s is to appear before Tullamore District Court this evening.

• Mercosur Trade Deal Kicks Into Action Ahead Of European Court Ruling

  There has been widespread opposition to the deal from Irish farmers.

• Westmeath Woman "Deeply Ashamed" Of Spitting Incident

  60 year old Ann Creagh of Harbour Street in Ballynacargy was in Mullingar District Court this week.

• Taoiseach Pays Tribute To Mary O'Rourke At Bridge Dedication

  Micheál Martin will be in Athlone for the official opening of Athlone's new cycleway crossing.

• Midlands Walking Club Celebrates 30th Anniversary This Weekend

  Slieve Bloom Walking Club has a range of expeditions planned for the bank holiday weekend.

• OPW Minister Wants "Grown Ups" To Resolve Children's Science Museum Fallout

  The legal bill for the postponed project is estimated at €1m.

• Offaly TD Criticises VAT Disparity For Beauty And Nail Salons

  Hairdressing services will be subject to a 9% VAT rate come July 1st.

• Laois Council Launches Clinics For Vacant Home Grants

  The clinics run across the months of May and June.

• Former Children's TV Presenter Revisits Midlands Towns On Nostalgic Journey

  Timmy Mallett visited Athlone, Shannonbridge and Birr.

• €7m Shannon Callows Flood Plans Facing Key Hurdles

  The project aims to ease flooding by removing bottlenecks.

• Appeal Lodged Against New Lidl Development In Laois

  Approval for a new supermarket in Mountmellick was confirmed by Laois County Council last month.