Imos No 854

[supersuezy24]

2d: those with stakes in a particular activity, etc (6,9): ????e? ??t?r?s?s
10a: midlands county (9): ????r?a?h

[Lie-in King]

2d Vested interests
10a (It would mean the pattern you've shown is wrong, but...) - Northants (?)

[Lie-in King]

Apologies, I've just realised this is an Irish-based puzzle -

Westmeath (?)

[supersuezy24]

Thanks Lie in King :)
How are you?
I was indeed wrong, 10a was Westmeath.

I have one last clue that is catching me out..it's: staring stupidly, I don't know whether it's gawping or gawking..any ideas?

[Lie-in King]

Hi suezy - I'm well, thank you & I hope you are too :-)

I would go with 'gawPing' (Chambers def fits)

[supersuezy24]

sorry for delay replying lie in king, was looking up definitions here..thanks for your help