Transport & Rural Life: Local Link buses in Westmeath, Roscommon and Longford now take contactless payments, including debit/credit cards and Apple Pay/Google Pay, as the NTA expands a nationwide modernisation rollout for rural public transport. Community & Youth: Foróige’s Leadership for Life Youth Conference at Maynooth University brought more than 300 delegates together, with 12 young people from Westmeath taking part in leadership workshops and resilience-building sessions. Sports & Events: Athlone hosts the National Aquathlon Championships this Sunday, with 170+ athletes expected to race a 750m swim in the Shannon and a run finishing on the Mary O’Rourke bridge. Local Culture & Music: Ed Sheeran’s foundation is expanding into Ireland with North South Sounds 2026, a cross-border music project linking young people from Cork and Belfast through songwriting and performance. Public Services: Uisce Éireann says it is “well prepared” for its largest ever repair this weekend, tackling up to 15 leaks on a critical Dublin-area water main serving 1.7 million people. Health Awareness: Palliative Care Week returns across the island from September 6–12, aiming to clear up misconceptions and highlight support for people with life-limiting conditions and their families. Water Safety: Water Safety Ireland, the Coast Guard and RNLI are urging extra caution this Bank Holiday, warning against rip currents and the dangers of inflatable toys drifting out to sea. Local News (Dublin): Dublin City Council has opened a book of condolence for Glen Hansard, with tributes continuing after his death in a crash.