Two decades after a memorable visit to the midlands, Martin Claffey returns to the Hidden Heartlands.

A trip to Athlone, the geographical heart of Ireland, left Eoin Edwards able to indulge his passion for all things historical.

A WEEKEND away without any of our children was something we had spoken about in hushed tones for many years — never really daring to dream it would become a reality.

Post mortem examinations will be carried out today on the bodies of two brothers who drowned in the River Shannon.