TCAC presents Offaly County Council with fundraising cheque – Front row L-R: Cllr Sean O’Brien, Chairperson TCAC Des Doyle, Leas Cathaoirleach, Cllr Danny Owens, Offaly County Council Chief Executive Anna Marie Delaney, Cllr Declan Harvey and Colin Hughes.Back Row LR – Dominic Doheny, John Flanagan, Sean Walsh, Esker Arts, Sharon Kennedy Director of Services, Offaly County Council, Conor Brady, Tom Farrell, Niall Sweeney and Cllr Tony McCormack.

Major funding boost for Esker Arts Centre

Tullamore Community Arts Centre (TCAC) was delighted to recently present Offaly County Council with a substantial donation of €325,000, thanks to recent fundraising efforts and as part of their commitment to the establishment of Esker Arts as a major resource and catalyst for artistic, community and economic development and participation in the arts.

TCAC previously provided a commitment to fundraise €500,000 locally towards the capital cost of the recently opened Esker Arts and have significantly met that commitment. They are continuing to fundraise locally.

Chairperson of the TCAC, Des Doyle acknowledged the “important work undertaken by the TCAC and thanked all board members for their dedication and tireless support over the years.”

Mr Doyle paid tribute to the late Paddy Fenning’s fundraising activities adding “this achievement would not have been possible without the support of the local community and corporate sponsors” and that it was a “privilege being part of the TCAC board and applauded the support of Offaly County Council elected members and executive for their ongoing support.”

Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr Danny Owens along with Anna Marie Delaney, Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, graciously accepted the donation and thanked TCAC for all their support.

Ms Delaney confirmed “the TCAC Board played a key role in their determination over the years in making this ambitious project a reality. Throughout each step of the process, huge support from the local community helped to make our combined artistic vision a reality.”

Tullamore Gramophone Society (TGS) also presented Esker Arts with a cheque for €2,500 from their fundraiser 'Enchanted Evening at Charleville Castle' in May 2012.

The group acknowledged the support it received during difficult financial times. Since its inception in 1959, the group has contributed considerably to the musical life of Tullamore and host regular events to ensure musical appreciation is to the fore in Offaly. Full details of their activities can be found on https://www.facebook.com/TullamoreGramophoneSociety

Tullamore Gramophone Society presents Offaly County Council with fundraising cheque – Front Row L-R Gretta Flynn, Deirdre Horan, Offaly County Council Chief Executive Anna Marie Delaney, Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr Danny Owens, Catherine Loughman, Eleanor Geraghty, Geraldine Byrne Back Row LR – Niall Sweeney, Sean Walsh Director, Esker Arts, Sharon Kennedy Director of Services, Offaly County Council, Jo Rogers, Cllr Declan Harvey and Des Doyle.

Offaly County Council extended gratitude to everyone who has contributed and supported fundraising efforts.