Sciathan Bailey Allen Opens

The University threw a party on Saturday night to mark the official opening of the new €6 million Sciathán Bailey Allen in Aras na Mac Léinn.

Around 270 guests attended the dinner and entertainment was provided by Druid Theatre, Macnas, tenor David O’Leary and trad musician Frankie Gavin.

The new space can be used for a variety of events such as conferrings, society events, concerts, exhibitions, theatre and college balls.

Sciathán Bailey Allen is named after the late Frank J Bailey, who graduated from NUIG in 1962 with an Arts degree. He was a prominent member of Dram Soc, and went on to establish his own theatre company.

His mother, the late Angela Allen, gave a generous donation to the University which paid for the refurbishment, in addition to funding from Atlantic Philanthropies and the student levy.

Dorothy Pilkington, Angela’s niece, attended on Saturday night and told Sin: “I hope the hall will be a happy place for students. I am delighted with what has been done by the university.”

The University Foundation has raised €110 million in donations since 1998.