In this week's Westmeath Independent

This week's 40-page edition of the Westmeath Independent is now on the shelves and is packed with the best in local news, sport and photography. Featured stories include:

*Official figures show Midlands is worst hit by recession

*Ray Lynam talks about his life and times ahead of a Hillbillies concert in Moate

*Rossies delight as minors reach semi-final. Match report and reaction.

*But despair for Westmeath minors as they lose out in quarter finals

*Bidding farewell to Moate native Colm Murray 

* 20 new jobs as new Skoda dealer named 

* Full details of the upcoming Luan Fest

* From John B. Keane to Robert Zimmerman: We have the final part of an A-Z feature on famous people and their local connections. 

*Graham Whittaker tells how he survived a 24-hour race with a special diary

* Picture specials: Athlone GAA Family Fun Day and Irish Sheepdog Trials in Brideswell

*We preview Athlone Town's crucial clash with Longford Town and preview the new soccer season locally