Tommy takes a bow as the stars line out
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Musician Steve Miline, Tommy Leddy and singer Mary Duff at Tommy’s Gala Retirement Concert a the TLT Concert Hall Photos: Jimmy WeldonImage 2 of 5
Tommy Leddy is interviewed by Marty Morrissey of RTE.Image 3 of 5
Athboy country singer Matt Leavy performing.Image 4 of 5
Nathan Carter performing.Image 5 of 5
Sharon Shannon joined Tommy on stage.PAUL MURPHY
The TLT Theatre in Drogheda was packed to capacity last Wednesday for a gala concert held to mark the retirement from business of its founder, musician, impresario and entrepreneur Tommy Leddy.
For many years, Tommy and business partner Sean McEvoy ran the Sound Shop at Mayoralty House in Drogheda. It was a venue well known to musicians all over the country and they flocked there to buy musical instruments and sometimes to shoot the breeze with owners and a loyal staff.
The Sound Shop eventually moved to a business park on the south side of town. In the early 2000s, the St Peter’s Parochial Centre at Peter Street, a venue for many community events, was sold by the parish and the own was left with no theatre. Tommy, along with his family and business partner decided that they would ensure the town had a theatre and the 900-seater TLT Theatre was officially opened in 2009.
RTE personality Marty Morrissey was master of ceremonies, and in an onstage interview with Marty, Tommy recalled how he had started his working life at 11. His mother was from Clonkilty in Co Cork and his father from Carnaross in Co Meath. Tommy also paid tribute to his late wife Marie who passed away in 2018, and to his family who helped him in his business and family life.
The stars who performed at the retirement concert included The Conquerors Showband, Sharon Shannon and Alan Connor, Matt Leavy, Ceol (making their debut), Linda Martin, Drogheda Male Voice Choir, Mary Duff, and Rebecca Storm.