Cnoc na Gaoithe Official Opening

Cnoc na Gaoithe - Tulla

From An Old Convent to A Cultural Hub

A state of the art performance space and auditorium at Cnoc na Gaoithe in Tulla was officially opened by Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys T.D. on Saturday 24th September 2022. Breda McNamara and her committee who were responsible for delivering the iconic facility for Tulla and Co. Clare were praised by the Minister. In her address she said that Cnoc na Gaoithe, the Comhaltas Centre had been transformed from an old convent and primary school into a cultural hub.

Welcoming Minister Humphreys to Tulla, Councillor Tony O’Brien, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, said he was delighted to showcase the wonderful project. “This current project is funded through the Department’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund together with match funding from Tomar Trust, which supported the construction of a state-of-the-art multifunctional auditorium in the former school building,” he said. “This is a fantastic performance venue for concerts, dramatic productions, musicals and more, with seating for 150 patrons.”

Chairperson of the Cnoc na Gaoithe Development Committee Breda McNamara said the facility will meet the demands of the local community. “We are so delighted and grateful to the Department of Rural and Community Development for their support,” she said. “The grant of €900,000, along with match funding from Tomar Trust, completed the restoration of all buildings and grounds of the former Convent of Mercy. “We could not have achieved this without the ongoing support of the Minister who has followed our progress every step of the way. Huge thanks to Clare County Council, Rural and Community Department, Rural Development Directorate staff who partnered with us on this application, we could not have achieved this outcome without your support. Míle buíochas.”

In his address Frank Whelan, representing Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann said, “I’m very proud to be here today to mark this great occasion, the official opening of this impressive auditorium. It is a significant development for Comhaltas in Co. Clare and beyond, and I have no doubt it will shine like a beacon to other Comhaltas branches and community groups around the country as an example of what can be achieved when a voluntary group with a vision come together. Breda McNamara is the driving force behind this project and what she has achieved with her committee is indeed outstanding. Her skills at fundraising have been nothing short of extraordinary, and this has been acknowledged by the presence here today of minister Heather Humphreys whose department has provided substantial funding for the project”.

A Céilí with Cnoc na Gaoithe Céilí Band and a high octane concert with Joannie Madden and Cherish The Ladies Out The Gap, Don Stiff and Kate Purcell got the weekend activities off to a flying start in the new auditorium. Here’s to a bright future for Cnoc na Gaoithe and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.