This article is from page 24 of the 2007-07-03 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 24 JPG
that the former Church of Ireland building will eventually be promoted as one of the area’s many tourist attractions.
“Because it looks such a fantastic building and due to its association SLAC MM A SCoM A BOLO CoLUDMmBECDOODURVam- DELO MMU STe associated history it will probably become a tourist attraction. We hope to do something about the history
and put it in the building so visitors can see it when they walk around. The tea rooms are there for people to relax afterwards,’ he said.
The outside of the building has retained its authentic look while an estimated €1 million has brought it back to its former glory.
A stage has also been built, with a seating capacity of 130.
The building had been unoccupied for decades and gone into ruin, be- fore a Kilrush Development group – KCDL took it over from the Church of Ireland.
The group had visions for a com- munity but ran out of money after the roof and stonework was completed.
The group approached Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, and with the
blessing of the Church of Ireland the promoter of Irish music and dance took it over and developed it as one of its teach cheoil.
There were just fragments of the original three stained glass windows in place one year ago, but they have now been restored to their original glory with one having pride of place okoaVb NCO M Wa Cow SLAC: IXen
Mr Whelan described the acoustics of the building as “spot on”.
“It is ideal for concerts and seisiun. Musicians will love to use it,’ he Sr HLG
Teach Cheoil Chill Rois will serve as an outreach centre from Cois na hAbhna, the Comhaltas Regional Resource Centre in Ennis.
Classes will begin there in Septem-
ber with “Seisiun” tomorrow evening (Wednesday).
“The primary focus of the teach cheoil will be to promote Comhaltas and related activities. We also hope to encourage the communities to use the facility and resources,’ said Mr We ated een ee
Comhaltas plans to have the build- ing open for inquiries on a daily ba- sis, and eventually have daily activi- ties at the centre.
The grounds of the teach cheoil have been separated from the grave- yard by a railing and a separate en- trance put in place.