Mighty oaks from little acorns grow

An atmosphere of excitement burst forth from the doors of Virginia Civic, Library and Cultural Centre last week as people gathered to witness the official opening of one of the most monumental investments in the town’s history.

The €6.3M centre opened to the public today (Tuesday) but was officially opened last Friday, October 13, by Minister for Rural Development, Heather Humphreys.

The refurbishment of the Ramor Theatre has been a transformative project, incorporating a state-of-the-art new library and civic space.

“I love this place. I have always loved this place. This place has been a huge part of my life since it opened in 1999.”

This was the sentiment shared by Padraic McIntyre who gleamed with pride as he addressed the crowd of Virginia natives, politicians and creators that occupied the Ramor Theatre’s signature red seats.

The venue manager captivated the audience as he explained how much the theatre means to the townspeople and beyond.

“Since it reopened recently in its current guise, I am reminded when I walk around the new building of a story I was read or told when I was very young,” regaled Mr McIntyre.

“It was the story of the Great Oak. The Great Oak lived at the edge of a village, near a river. This Great Oak was where the whole village would gather for different reasons, at different times. Some people came to relax, to lie under it and read, children came to climb in its vast branches, musicians played in its shadow for the community after a long day’s work, travelling players set up their stage beneath it.

“The Great Oak at the edge of the village, near the river, was a meeting place, a focal point, a place of celebration, a place of entertainment, of solace, of support, a place of community. It was a place the story said of creators and appreciators.”

Keeping with the theme of the Great Oak, Mr McIntyre articulated what, and who, have made the Ramor Theatre the success it is today.

He made reference to the company’s roots, its organic growth and its popularity with some of the country’s top artists and creators.

A special mention went out to the people who sowed the seeds for this success.

“Our Great Oak comes from the acorn planted when Brian Johnston bought the building from the Diocese, from the idea for transformation from a church to theatre. This Great Oak comes from the minding and nourishing of the sapling by Mary Hanley and her team for 20 odd years.”

He also referred to the efforts of former Councillor Paddy O’Reilly, librarians Tom Sullivan and Emma Clancy, architects Frank Cooney and Eamon Monaghan and Minister Heather Humphreys and her Department.

“All these things were instrumental in bringing us to what we have today.

“The new library building through literature, poetry, visual arts, workshops, technology gives us the opportunity to build on what Ramor Theatre offered already.”

Concluding his inspirational speech, Mr McIntyre said: “This building is our great oak, at the edge of the village, near the river and this great oak of 2023 is saying loud and clear that Cavan is a county of creators and appreciators.”

Also addressing the crowd at the opening, Minister Humphreys said: “With the support of €4.78 million under my Department’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, Cavan County Council has delivered a transformative civic resource for the people of Virginia and its hinterland.

“It will be a game changer for Virginia, breathing new life into the centre of the town, creating jobs and attracting visitors.”

Cathaoirleach Philip Brady also spoke during the opening, highlighting the projects as “one of the most significant investments of cultural infrastructure our county has ever seen”, stating the Ramor Theatre has been the “cultural heartbeat” of Cavan.

Following the speeches, Junior Infant students from St Mary’s National School in Virginia gathered in the children’s library on the ground floor of the centre.