Fiona Ducke explains that : the building at 9 Northgate St had been renovated with help from public funding, local sponsors and the donations of local people.. Joe Ducke raised 10,000 euro by cycling around Athlone asking past pupils for donations.

The lease had been in Joe's name and that of anbother person no longer actively involved with the theatre. After Joe's sudden death in January, this person was approached by a local businessman and asked to put in writing that he was no longe involved. The lease was terminated as a result.

The first I heard of this was on Easter Sunday when one of the signatories on the lease entered the Theatre and asked for my keys. I was told that the lease was gone and that I had no legal right to be on the premises. The locks were then changed.

I was forced to cancel upcoming events for April, May, June and July, other than the Special Olympics Benefit Night and the John Spillane gig, both of which could go ahead with the last-minute support of local businessmen Paddy McCaul and Timmy Donovan.

I was extremely upset at what had happened, it has been stressful and even embarrassing having to cancel so many events. I am personally extremely shocked and can't believe that we can't continue our good work at 9 Northgate Street. Joe's dream was not supposed to last just a year.

Questions Asked

Is it true that the rent had not been paid?

No, this is not true. The rent had been paid on time, every month by direct debit.

It mentioned in The Westmeath Independent that there was issues over excessive noise coming from the theatre during live performances. Were any com plaints made?

We received no complaints regarding noise levels in the theatre.

How much public money has been invested in the theatre, and is there any clawback on this money if we cannot resolve this situation?

€40,000 of public money has been invested in the theatre. We are not sure of the possibility of this money being retrieved in the event the theatre not being reopened.

Whose name was the lease in?

There were two names on the lease: Joe Ducke and one more individual. This other person was not a director of Passionfruit Theatre. Previously, that individual removed his name from the lease and subsequent to the death of Joe Ducke that meant that there was then no name remaining on the lease.

Was the building leased to Joe Ducke as an individual or as a director of Passionfruit Theatre?

This is a legal issue we are looking into at present.

Is the theatre listed as a public or private company?

The theatre is listed as a public limited company.

Were there any other disagreements regarding the use of the building?

There is an area at the back of the building that is sometimes used for parking. We sometimes used this space for actors or musicians before events. We were asked by the landlord to stop using this area for this purpose and we agreed.

Did you get legal advice about the above?

No, we wanted to resolve it amicably so we agreed.

Is the building owned by the landlord or is it leased to them and subleased to Passionfruit?

The building is owned and leased to Passionfruit by Brian Burford

What has happened to events that had been scheduled?

All upcoming events have had to be cancelled, apart from the John Spillane gig, which now takes place in The Palace Bar Loft, thanks to Paddy McCaul. Timmy Donovan of Sean's Bar also facilitated the Special Olympics fundraiser of last month.

Comments Made

Anne Marie Hynes suggested that it would be a good idea to sign a petition to demonstrate the great support the Passionfruit Theatre has within the town of Athlone and how much it means to people.

Brian O'Neill said that this whole business has been very regrettable, as it has damaged a very important cultural centre of Athlone town and also has served to sully the good name of Joe Ducke.

Another gentleman said that the theatre was a testament to the kindness of Joe Ducke, and if the town of Athlone lost the theatre it would be losing something very special.

Mary O'Rourke stated that it was a fantastic moment when she was able to announce to Joe Ducke the funding that the theatre had received from public funds, a sum of €40,000. At that time Minister Eamonn O'Cuív remarked that the Passionfruit was a wonderful name for a theatre. Mary O'Rourke was also of the opinion that it would be a great shame to lose a very important part of Athlone.

Micheál Ó Faoleáin also made reference to the large sums of private funding the theatre received. It was in the interests of these private individuals to see the theatre go from strength to strength, and these people are very saddened by current events. Mr. Ó Faoleáin also remarked that the Passionfruit had become a sort of cultural centre of the town, as demonstrated by the large following of people from the arts that had attended the meeting.