Council pledges to help Briery Gap management
COUNCIL OFFICIALS HEAP DELUGE OF PRAISE ON BRIERY GAP WHICH HAS BEEN AT THE HEART OF THE TOWN
IT is hoped that a new library will be opened “as soon as possible” for the people of Macroom as a result of the devastating fire which ripped through the community led Briery Gap theatre last month.
At the Blarney-Macroom municipal district meeting, Susan Murphy, municipal district officer said the town hall would help the management of the Briery Gap in “any way they could” by helping them with storage.
She said Anne Dunne has been in contact with her and said it is their firm hope to continue on with the Briery Gap’s programme of events.
Chairing the meeting, Cllr Michael Creed (FG) said he felt huge sympathy for not just the management but equally so the many users of the magnificent Briery Gap.
“This fire is just terrible but they are a great bunch of people at the Briery Gap and they are insured which is of huge benefit to them. I truly wish them all the very best,” he said.
He heaped a deluge of praise upon Anne Dunne who he said has done a magnificent job. “It was equally such a tragedy that all of this happened on the very day her husband was buried. I equally want to praise Noel O’Driscoll who has done so much work,” he said.
Cllr Gobnait Moynihan (FF) said now is the time for people to get behind and support the Briery Gap. She praised the Castle Hotel in Macroom which has provided a room for cinema use.
Cllr Ted Lucey (FG) said: “It was a sad day that the Briery Gap was burnt. It’s at the heart of the town. The Castle Hotel has been great to support them so that they can continue to hold their cinema nights. It was also very tragic that the day the fire happened, Anne Dunne, the manager had to bury her husband.”
Cllr Kevin Condon (Ind) said the insurance cover would be a major help to them. “It’s a marvellous theatre for the town.”
Susan Murphy said in addition to the Castle Hotel the local GAA are also helping out. It was her view that that Briery Gap would be back up in running in about 12-18 months.
“Anne Dunne is a ferocious worker and has played such a major part in the theatre. She is just fantastic to get so many young children involved in the arts and theatre,” she said.