“This is an article in the Mayo News on the 2nd June 2004.”
[Gala opening of Westport Cinema]
The gala opening of the new Westport cinema took place on Thursday night last, 27th May 2004,when an invited audience viewed a film in the complex before enjoying a buffet in he Westport Wyatt Hotel.
The official opening was performed by Cllr. Margaret Adams, Cathaoirleach of Westport Town Council.
Guests were welcomed by Mr. Haulie Hoban, whose family are responsible for the new complex. The manager of the complex is Ms Claire Cusack of Glenhest, Newport.
Mr. Hoban thanked all who had played a part in bringing the cinema to completion and gave particular thanks to Westport Town Manager, Mr. Peter Hynes and his predecessors in that position, Mr. Padraig Hughes and Mr. Tim Mullen.
Cllr Margaret Adams said the Cineplex was a very important piece of social infrastructure in a major tourist town like Westport. The Council management and membership were delighted to work in partnership with the Hoban family in helping it to become a reality.
“I warmly thank the Hobans for their investment, their initiative and their commitment to their native place” she said. Town Manager, Mr. Peter Hynes, said Westport was a very important tourist destination in the West and, up to now, visitors had difficulty in understanding how such a popular destination did not have a cinema.
“That need has now been responded to by the Hoban family and we on the Council were delighted to work with them in making it happen” he said.
Music at the Wyatt was provided by the Westport Jazz Group.
It was a co-incidence that the manager on the 27th May 2004, rang me to inform me not to bother to call to the cinema as she had arranged a date for me to meet with the engineers.
Enclosed is the result of a meeting and a follow up letter to the manager.