Popular music venue in Offaly to receive €15,000 under Support Scheme

John Lee's Bar in Tullamore will receive funding as part of the Grassroots Music Venues Support Scheme to support emerging local musicians, Fine Gael TD, John Clendennen has revealed.

Deputy Clendennen said this funding aims to assist small, established grassroots music venues to showcase the talent of emerging musicians from Offaly and across the country.

“This is a great opportunity for musicians who are starting out in Offaly in their playing careers to get the exposure and experience of performing in their local venue.

“My colleague Minister Patrick O’Donovan has today announced the recipients of the Grassroots Music Venues Support Scheme, which provides €500,000 in funding across the country. Giving people a start in their music career and supporting local businesses are hand in glove priorities for Fine Gael, and I look forward to continuing my work with Minister O’Donovan to expand and grow supports like these for the local area.

“In particular, it’s great to see so many venues in rural towns and villages are being supported, with funding awarded to 16 venues outside of our major cities.

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“Following the announcement of the Scheme in March 2025, there was a high level of interest in this pilot scheme, with nearly 100 applications submitted before the scheme was closed.

“I will be asking Minister O’Donovan to run this scheme again, and indeed, to consider what more we can do to assist venues and musicians across Offaly in the times ahead”, said Deputy Clendennen.

“I would like to congratulate John Lees Bar on receiving the maximum award available and look forward to future showcases” concluded Deputy Clendennen.

Minister O’Donovan said: “Our grassroots music venues play a vital role in nurturing emerging musicians and providing them with an opportunity to hone their talent, and it is very important that we recognise their contribution to the music industry, particularly given the challenges these venues face.

“I look forward to seeing the diversity of genres and talent that will reach new audiences as a result of this funding over the months ahead. I’d also encourage music lovers from across the country to embrace the resource of their local venue and support artists in the early stages of their careers.”

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