Athlone lost one of its best-known and most popular citizens with the passing of Brendan McFadden on November 24 last at the age of 83. A former long-time member of Westmeath County Council and Athlone Urban Council, he also served as Athlone Mayor.

In his younger days, Brendan was a talented singer and sportsman. He achieved national honours in rowing and was a member of the first Athlone team to win the Westmeath MFC in 1949. But he is best remembered for his involvement in politics and the Fine Gael party, with his eldest daughter Nicky being a sitting TD for Longford and Westmeath.

Sadly Nicky passed away just before the Yearbook went to press.