150,000 Euro Grant Awarded To New York's Irish Repertory Theatre

The theatre has been in operation for almost twenty years and is the only year-round theatre in America devoted full-time to presenting classic and contemporary Irish and Irish-American plays and musical theatre.

Minister O'Donoghue said, "I am delighted to be in a position to offer funding for the refurbishment of this award winning theatre.

The theatre is an invaluable asset providing a unique context for understanding the Irish American experience.

The Irish Repertory Theatre provides an engaging perspective on the Irish and their singular contributions to the world of drama."

The Irish Repertory Theatre has achieved an international reputation for presenting Irish and Irish American drama and attracts an audience of over 32,000 every year.

The multi award winning theatre was recognised with the 2007 Jujamcyn Theatres Award, an award for 'Excellence in Presenting Distinguished Irish Drama' and has also been honoured with the Lucille Lortel Award for 'Outstanding Body of Work.'

The theatre has recently succeeded in purchasing the premises they have operated from for years.

"This allocation will enable the enhancement of facilities at the theatre, which I am sure will continue to fly the flag for Irish drama in New York for years to come", Minister O'Donoghue concluded.