Local man regrets offensive Army comments

The administrator of a popular facebook page about Athlone said he regrets his controversial online comments about Army personnel in the aftermath of last week's news that the 4th Western Brigade would be disbanded. Local resident Tom Foley made disparaging statements about Defence Forces members on the Athlone Live! twitter and facebook pages, which he administrates. One of the comments read: "Athlone about to become knacker free. Barracks to be downgraded." Another said: "That knackery place, known as Athlone Barracks is being downgraded. No harm." The facebook page has over 1,200 followers, several of whom expressed outrage at the remarks. Mr Foley has since deleted the comments in question, saying they were posted in an "ill-judged" attempt to drive traffic to the Athlone Live! pages. "That was completely in error - a lapse of reason and judgement," he told the Westmeath Independent on Tuesday afternoon. He said his intention was to increase the number of visitors to Athlone Live! but "unfortunately it was done at others' expense." Mr Foley stated that he'd received threats after posting the comments. "I never thought it'd be taken as seriously as it was. I'm sorry it ever occurred," he said.