NUI, Galway will begin the New Year by opening a major new cultural centre when the Bailey Allen Wing & Cultural Centre is opened in Árus na Mac Léinn on Saturday January 9 at 7.30pm.
The hall is named after the late Galway actor Frank Bailey and his mother Angela Allen. According to NUIG: “Through a generous bequest from the Bailey Allen family, the spirit of Frank Bailey will be memorialised at NUI, Galway, while continuing to foster and support the artistic development of Galway city.”
Frank J Bailey was born in Galway in 1938, the son of Desmond and Angela (later Allen ), both well known city-centre hotel proprietors.
Mr Bailey attended UCG in the late 1950s and early 1960s, becoming involved in Drama Soc, encouraging it to explore experimental and innovative theatre. He graduated in 1962 with a BA degree.
Later he worked with Radio Éireann as an actor and producer and established his own theatre company, producing dramas for the Olympia, Gaiety, The Abbey, and Celtic Art theatres. However he died suddenly in 1971. His last production, Synge’s Riders To The Sea, was staged in Galway that year.
Angela Allen is remembered for her involvement in the business, sport, and artistic life of Galway city.
