Waterford City’s iconic venue ‘The Forum’ was sold last week.
Ciaran O’Neill, the owner of a legendary pillar of Waterford’s cultural and social landscape for four decades, made the announcement last Friday, 30 January.
In a move that preserves the venue's existing activities, the sale ensures the continued operation of its long running bingo nights and the current tenants; No 21 Off-licence, Golden Meal Chinese Restaurant, House Of Beauty by Maria, The Walls Project (Waterford Walls) and Forum Film Studios, will all remain in place.
Originally purchased by Mr. O’Neill’s company in 1985, the building underwent five years of extensive renovations to transform the former Regal Cinema into a modern entertainment venue.
Since its official opening in 1990 – featuring an inaugural concert by Waterford’s own international star, Val Doonican – The Forum has served as a premier destination for world-class talent.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the venue hosted a staggering array of international icons, including Johnny Cash (appearing with Kris Kristofferson), Van Morrison, Thin Lizzy, The Corrs, David Gray, Scissor Sisters, The Beautiful South, The Proclaimers, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, The Coronas, Paul Brady, Gilbert O’Sullivan, and Imelda May. Renowned artist Christy Moore was a regular performer, and a 2010 appearance by Calvin Harris became "the talk of the town".
The stage also welcomed comedy legends such as Billy Connolly, Tommy Tiernan, D’Unbelievables, Mario Rosenstock, Brendan Grace, Jack Dee, Lenny Henry, Dermot Morgan and Des Bishop.
In 2014, Hollywood actor Woody Harrelson famously visited with Waterford-born magician Keith Barry.
The venue was also a hub for local arts; Waterford Dramatic Society staged numerous shows there, as well as Red Kettle, who in 2010 presented the acclaimed ‘All in The Head,’ written by Liam Meagher and directed by Ben Hennessy.
Beyond live performances, The Forum operated as a pioneering late-night venue, hosting the region's first weekly gay club night, ‘Flytrap.’
Other successful late night clubs included ‘Musiklab’ and the popular Indie clubs ‘Shakedown’ and ‘Traffik.’
Spraoi held their renowned Festival Club at the venue every August bank holiday weekend, alongside spectacular, capacity-crowd New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Dance nights with DJ’s like Roger Sanchez, Dave Clarke & Green Velvet rocked the venue.
“The Forum has been my life’s work for over 40 years,” said Ciaran O’Neill.
“When I was approached to sell, a priority was ensuring that bingo and our tenants would not be displaced. I am pleased to confirm that the sale includes an agreement that bingo will continue to operate here exactly as it does now, every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday,” he said.
The transition of ownership of the premises coincides with Mr. O’Neill’s planned retirement later this year.
Taking the helm of the bingo operations will be Forum Bingo Manager Linda Byrne, a highly respected figure among staff and patrons.
“I am delighted that Linda Byrne will be taking over the reins,” continued Mr. O’Neill. “She has been with the Forum for over 28 years now and knows our customers and this operation better than anyone. I will be working closely with Linda over the coming months to ensure a seamless handover for everyone involved.”
While the sale price and the identity of the new owners have not been disclosed, Mr. O’Neill confirmed the buyer is a Dublin-based businessperson who recognises the significant potential of the premises.
Guy Palmer of Palmer Auctioneers, who handled the sale, stated: “Palmer Auctioneers were delighted to be involved in the sale of this historic and iconic landmark. We wish Ciaran well on his retirement after almost 50 years in the entertainment business in Waterford”.
Pictured: The Forum premises and Ciaran O'Neill.
