In Leitrim they are hailing it as an investment in romance – and tourism.
Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan has confirmed that a grant of almost €500,000 has been sanctioned for the original “Ballroom of Romance” in Glenfarne, Co Leitrim, where a major refurbishment is scheduled to begin early in 2013.
Immortalised in the William Trevor story of the same name, and later in the television adaptation starring Cyril Cusack and Brenda Fricker, the venue is to get a new lease of life as a museum dedicated to the showband era and as a community centre.
Visitors from around the world have visited the Rainbow Ballroom of Romance in the Border village but according to local councillor Seán McDermott most of them stay barely long enough to take a photograph.
“Most people just pass through, but if we have something for them to see they might take the time to visit other attractions in the area,” said Mr McDermott. He pointed out that the birthplace of 1916 leader Seán Mac Diarmada was just a few miles from the Rainbow and as the centenary approached it would be a focal point for commemorations.
Opened in 1934 by returned US emigrant John McGivern, the ballroom is now in the ownership of the Glenfarne Community Development Trust, which has revived old-time dancing there.
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