The festivities are being organised by the Midlands Polish Community.

County planners approved the application with five conditions attached.

A well-publicised NTA report last year found there was no State obligation to replace an Aircoach sevice between Athlone and Ballinasloe.

Plans include a limestone statue of the football legend and new access paths to it in the centre of Knockcroghery.

A large crowd attended a farewell party for Fr Hickey in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel in Athlone last night after hopes of a last-minute reprieve faded.

A status yellow rain warning starts at 10pm tonight and runs until 4am tomorrow, and affects Longford, Roscommon and Westmeath.

A Roscommon councillor says some villages are currently 'unsustainable' due to a lack of investment.

OPW Minister Kieran O'Donnell visited the area last week as all options are now being explored to save nearby homes and farms.