Music fans in Co Tyrone will have a new venue to call their own after last weekend saw the much-awaited opening of Hennessy’s in Omagh.
With ongoing Covid 19 restrictions having a significant impact on the live music industry, the new venue at the Main Street complex in the town was on pause for six months since its initially scheduled open date.
However, with the latest easing of restrictions, Hennessy’s was finally able to open its doors last Friday for the first time.
More than 200 people crossed its doors to a different but really enjoyable experience said the music manager behind the venue, Matt McGlinn.
Matt is also the owner and proprietor of local musical shop The Guitar Studio.
“We opened the doors to Hennessy’s there on Friday night there and it was great to see people back enjoying live music again,” he told MyTyrone.
“The atmosphere was electric from the first note, there were some last minute nerves about how ready we would feel but thankfully it all came together.”
“This was six months in the making, but we’re all very happy with how it opened. It felt like an eternity coming around but we got into the groove really quickly.”
Friday night saw performances from local musicians Anthony Toner and Grainne Duffy, while on Saturday it was the turn of Dublin-based 1980s party band Spring Break.
Matt added that attendees on both nights were wholly cooperative with the remaining restrictions in place, including social distancing and no dancing.
“There is a willingness there from people to try and do the right thing - they feel like they are holding on to live music with their fingertips.”
“It could all be taken away again very quickly and people realise that, and nobody wanted to jeopardise it at all.”
“We are trying to manage our bookings to have a nice mix of local acts and bringing in other acts from afar.”
“Ultimately we just want everyone to have a good night and ensure that it exceeds their expectations.”
The venue’s owners are hoping that the new venue can attract a new style of artist to the music scene in Omagh.
“Take for example Simon McBride who we have coming up on Friday night. This guy is right up there with some of the best guitarists in the world, but he’s not necessarily one to play in an arts centre or just in the corner of a pub.”
“It’s really exciting to have a venue here now that can attract those sorts of acts.”
