U.S. donation allows for temporary re-opening of Thoor Ballylee

Galway Bay fm newsroom – An American lawyer has given a massive boost to the campaign to re-open Thoor Ballylee near Gort as a heritage and tourism destination.
The 14th century tower is the former residence of poet William Butler Yeats.
Buffalo-native lawyer Joseph Hassett, who is a Yeats scholar has pledged 31 thousand euro to develop Yeats exhibition at the Tower.
Meanwhile, a unique rooftop auction will also take place next month at the tower.
Local auctioneer, Colm Farrell will act as Yeats during the auction on May 31st which hopes to raise funds to re-open the tower on an ongoing basis.
Items which have been donated to the auction include the complete works of J.M Synge – First Edition and a candlelit dinner for 4 on the Tower Rooftop.
It’s being organised by the Yeats Thoor Ballylee Society, which also plans to develop a cultural centre in the tower at a cost of a million euro.
Due to the latest donation from the Mr. Hassett, Thoor Ballylee will re-open on June 13th for a special celebration commemorating the 150th birthday of Yeats.
Chairperson of Yeats Thoor Ballylee Society, Senator Fidelma Healy-Eames says Thoor Ballylee is a national treasure and must be re-opened.