Inside this week's Westmeath Independent

Here's a look at some of the stories you'll find in this week's Westmeath Independent, which is out now:

* Athlone restaurateurs call for reinstatement of 9% VAT rate

* Athlone man's encounter with rock star Dave Grohl goes viral

* Sub Aqua club rescues missing dog from lake

* Athlone's Leah Egan to make short film in her home town

* Memorial Castle to Castle Swim this weekend aims to raise €40,000 for Pieta

* Moate native represents Ireland in Miss Middle East pageant

* Athlone singer Lucy Fitzgerald releases first solo single

* Heart of Ireland Burlesque Festival returns for second year

* From Offaly to North Roscommon - Fr Tom Cox is on the move!

* Grand Marshal named for first ever Roscommon Pride march

* Lack of facilities limiting local impact from Paris Olympics

* Accommodation shortage sparks Students Union to issue Athlone rooms plea

* Athlone Chamber hosts talk about pension reforms

* Welcome for plans to exclude active farmland from land tax

* Local plans to turn 55 business premises into new homes

And in sport:

*Double joy for Athlone Town: women go top of table as men stun Waterford in FAI Cup

*Reports on Roscommon SFC wins for Clann na nGael, St Brigid's and Padraig Pearses

*Dublin Horse Show success for Athlone's Derwin

*Photos from Southern Gaels Cúl Camp

*Brilliant Brigid's show depleted Clann ladies no mercy