Funding secured for Tipperary cinema

Tipperary Commissioner for Oaths, John O’Heney, has expressed his delight at being able to secure funding of €3,000 towards the re-opening of the cinema at the Excel Heritage Centre in Tipperary Town.

John has spent several weeks over the summer canvassing the board of Kingsbridge Hospital in Belfast for a donation and has been successful in securing the sum of €2,500.

Adding to that John is donating another €500 from his business O’Heney Safety, bringing the sum up to €3,000.

Announcing the news of the funding John has expressed his thanks to Kingsbridge Hospital.

“For several months we have had no working cinema in Tipperary Town, due to the high costs of upgrading the cinema equipment. This was in no way the fault of the board or staff of the Excel, who all do a terrific job already in keeping the centre open in the town. I have worked closely this year with Kingsbridge Private Hospital sending patients from Tipperary who are on long waiting lists to Belfast, to obtain life-changing surgery, and I am delighted that the hospital has supported our town in it's time of need,” said John O’Heney.

He thanked the board of Kingsbridge for their donation.

“They went above and beyond what was expected. There is still a significant shortfall in funds needed to reopen the cinemas, but I am going to work closely behind the scenes with Excel Chairperson Ms Elaine Fitzpatrick and with Excel manager Ms Mary Leahy in the coming weeks, to see if we can secure the extra funds needed. Today however is definitely a great start to the campaign. Please contact the centre or myself if you feel you can be of any benefit to our #ReopeningTheCinema Campaign,” concluded John.