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22nd November 2024
04:28pm GMT
The historic Phoenix Cinema, located in the heart of Dingle town in Kerry, has been purchased by Cillian Murphy and his wife Yvonne McGuinness.
The venue, which has been around for decades, in 2021 was named one of the top 50 cinemas in Britain and Ireland by Time Out.
That said, its owners - the O'Sullivan family - made the "difficult decision" to close the cinema's doors permanently later that year.
News of the closure caused dismay throughout west Kerry and led to a campaign to save the Phoenix.
On Friday (22 November 2024), however, estate agent Anthony Fitzgerald confirmed that the Irish Oscar-winner - along with his artist wife - had purchased the venue.
In a statement to JOE, Fitzgerald said:
"Anthony Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald Estate Agent / westkerryproperties.ie is delighted to confirm on behalf of the O’Sullivan family, Francis, Kathleen & Sean that the historic Phoenix Cinema in the heart of Dingle town has now been sold.
"We would like to wish the new owners, the distinguished and Oscar award winning Actor Mr. Cillian Murphy & Esteemed Artist, Yvonne McGuinness every luck and success with their new venture."
According to various outlets, Murphy and McGuinness have said in a statement that their plan is to refurbish and reopen the Phoenix as a cinema, while also expanding the creative potential of the venue.
The couple have also stated that the theatre's position as Ireland's only cinema in a Gaeltacht area will be reflected in what it programmes going forward.
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