SPEAKING FOR THE ARTS IN OMAGH
Speaking up for the Arts in Omagh
Omagh born actor, Gerard McSorley was the guest speaker at the official Opening of the Omagh Plain Speaking Community Arts Project this week.
The opening took place at the 'Top of the Town' on Monday last and is designed to facilitate and promote the Arts in the town.
Gerard, who has appeared in several films including Braveheart, Michael Collins, Angela's Ashes and The Boxer, spoke with affection of his memories of Omagh as a child in the 1950s and 60s. He spoke of his own personal loss shortly after the Omagh bomb and recited a short poem by John Montague on the aftermath of the bomb.
Rosemary Quinn, secretary of the group said: "We would hope to build on the great tradition of theatre, music, art and creative writing that has distinguished the town of Omagh. We are happy to facilitate all individuals and groups at our premises as part of our endeavour to help enhance the cultural life of he town, this is all the more important since the demise of such venues as the Royal Arms Hotel and given the fact that the Town Hall, which closed three years ago to the day, will not be replaced for some years yet.
Kate Campbell, representing the Northern Ireland Voluntary Trust, the group's principal sponsor said that she had been impressed by the progress the group had made in the twelve months since its inception and added that the NIVT was happy to support enterprises that were creative, original and cross-community based. The treasurer of Plain Speaking, Eamonn Sharkey, thanked the NIVT for their support and encouragement.
Allan Rainey, Chairman of Omagh district Council agreed that the town had been starved of cultural events in recent times due to a lack of venues. He pledged however to do all in his power to have the new Arts Complex up and running as soon as possible.
He also stressed the councils commitment to supporting the Arts locally as they helped not only individuals but an entire society to express itself and to forge an identity.
The guests were entertained by Tom Sweeny, Ray Mooney and Shay Turbett and associates of Plain Speaking. The name 'Plain Speaking' not only represents a 'no frills' approach to the arts but also plays on the '-magh' component of the word Omagh, meaning 'a level ground or plain.
Omagh born actor, Gerard McSorley was the guest speaker at the official Opening of the Omagh Plain Speaking Community Arts Project this week.
The opening took place at the 'Top of the Town' on Monday last and is designed to facilitate and promote the Arts in the town.
Gerard, who has appeared in several films including Braveheart, Michael Collins, Angela's Ashes and The Boxer, spoke with affection of his memories of Omagh as a child in the 1950s and 60s. He spoke of his own personal loss shortly after the Omagh bomb and recited a short poem by John Montague on the aftermath of the bomb.
Rosemary Quinn, secretary of the group said: "We would hope to build on the great tradition of theatre, music, art and creative writing that has distinguished the town of Omagh. We are happy to facilitate all individuals and groups at our premises as part of our endeavour to help enhance the cultural life of he town, this is all the more important since the demise of such venues as the Royal Arms Hotel and given the fact that the Town Hall, which closed three years ago to the day, will not be replaced for some years yet.
Kate Campbell, representing the Northern Ireland Voluntary Trust, the group's principal sponsor said that she had been impressed by the progress the group had made in the twelve months since its inception and added that the NIVT was happy to support enterprises that were creative, original and cross-community based. The treasurer of Plain Speaking, Eamonn Sharkey, thanked the NIVT for their support and encouragement.
Allan Rainey, Chairman of Omagh district Council agreed that the town had been starved of cultural events in recent times due to a lack of venues. He pledged however to do all in his power to have the new Arts Complex up and running as soon as possible.
He also stressed the councils commitment to supporting the Arts locally as they helped not only individuals but an entire society to express itself and to forge an identity.
The guests were entertained by Tom Sweeny, Ray Mooney and Shay Turbett and associates of Plain Speaking. The name 'Plain Speaking' not only represents a 'no frills' approach to the arts but also plays on the '-magh' component of the word Omagh, meaning 'a level ground or plain.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1344
Published Date: 04-May-00
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