Esker Arts Centre

Pictured with Sean Walsh, Sharon Kennedy and John Cunningham within the exhibition space of Esker Arts Centre

I welcome the opening of the Esker Arts Centre. I am delighted that for the first time this renovated and fabulous building in the heart of Tullamore is open with a full programme of events for us to enjoy.

This Centre is a wonderful and important anchor for the Arts in Offaly and I send my best wishes to Sean Walsh, Artistic Director and team for the inaugural event this weekend.

'A colossal amount of work has gone in to getting the centre to this exciting point.'

Of course, a colossal amount of work has gone in to getting the centre to this exciting point. My thanks to Offaly County Council, Tullamore Community Arts Centre CLG and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media.

A special mention to Sharon Kennedy, Director of Services who has promoted this project right through to the final stage, where she can take a bow.

I want everyone to note the programme of events for the coming season; I for one look forward to attending many events over the coming years, starting this weekend.

It is really important that everyone gets out and enjoys the full programme, including some that are free to attend. I am delighted to see the number of events that are already booked out and am reminded of the saying ‘Build it and they will come’.