Kilkenny has a great new venue for shows, gigs and plays

A new exquisite, theatrical venue has been unveiled in Thomastown.
The Concert Hall on Marshes Street has been reinstated to its former glory and the final product is stunning.
Complete with balcony, it was full for The Year Of The Hiker by John B Keane on Friday night and quite apart from the marvellous performances on stage, the patrons were very taken with the surroundings.
It comfortably seats 200 people and could well become a major venue for plays, concerts and musicals in the coming months, offering an alternative venue outside of Kilkenny city
The facilities are exceptional. As an added touch, there were with candles in the four, old lanterns at both sides of the hall for Friday night’s show by the Fionn MacCumhaill Players
And with good catering facilities and ample carparking nearby, it looks like being a huge success.
Friday night, marked something of a milestone for Seamus Quigley and the hard working committee behind the refurbishment of what was a derelict shell when they got their hands on it.
The play was wonderful and Eugene O’Meara as the wayward Hiker Lacey was impeccable and it was the performances of the other actors in the ensemble that allowed him the freedom to express himself in the title role which is so difficult to get right.
The entire production was superb .
It was the first event in the fully reinstated space and everyone marvelled at the quality of the workmanship. and the quality of the finish.