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Two events in Newry and Camlough on 23 and 24 October has raised £2,300 for Aida Youth Centre in Palestine.
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Local man Mike Mathers spoke about his trip to the West Bank on 23 October and the following day local woman Donna McCoy Sloan was celebrated with a memorial stone unveiled in her honour at Centenary Garden in Camlough.
Family, friends and members of the wider community attended the unveiling of the stone on what was an extremely wet day. The event was organised by the McCoy Sloan family and Councillor Declan Murphy in recognition of Palestinian Women’s Day.
Donna passed away on 17 January 2026. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend, as well as an advocate for the Palestinian people and those experiencing injustice. She was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2021. In August 2024 she joined family and community members in Camlough for the planting of a tree in solidarity with Palestine, marking 300 days of the war in Gaza. Donna could no longer speak at that stage, so her daughter Caoibhe delivered her message of solidarity.
The memorial stone bears the words “Resist my people, resist them”, the title of a poem by Palestinian poet and activist Dareen Tatour. For Donna’s husband Anthony, her children Caoibhe, Ciara, Conor and Clíodhna, and her grandchildren Donnacha, Oisín and Méabh, the stone is a lasting tribute to her.
The McCoy Sloan family and Cllr Murphy thanked everyone who supported the memorial. Particular thanks went to Martin Keenan of Monumental Works Newry for his support and contribution, and to all those who gave their time and assistance.
The weekend had begun on Friday 23 October with An Evening with Mike Mathers: Voices from Palestine. Mike spoke about a recent visit to the occupied West Bank, where he stayed in Bethlehem and travelled widely. Pat McGinn spoke with him about the people he met, the places he visited and everyday life for Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. Mike also shared photographs, videos, recordings and personal stories.
He spoke about the impact of military checkpoints, road closures, the separation wall and Israeli settlements on daily life. He described journeys of just 28 kilometres taking more than three hours, and the economic impact of the collapse of tourism in Bethlehem. He also spoke about visiting Aida refugee camp near Bethlehem, where families continue to live in extremely difficult circumstances.
Mike said he had met kindness, generosity and hospitality, particularly among the children and young people who welcomed visitors. He also highlighted the bonds between Palestine and Ireland, reflected in the Irish flags, murals and expressions of friendship he saw throughout his visit. He emphasised that Palestine is much more than the images of conflict and suffering seen on television, describing it as a country with a rich history and vibrant culture.
Reflecting on his visit and the responsibility he felt on returning home, Mike explained: “I am hosting this event not because I know more, but because they asked us not to forget them and to tell the world their story.”
The evening raised £2,300 for Aida Youth Centre, which supports young people in the refugee camp Mike visited. Thanks were extended to Mike, to Pat McGinn for guiding the conversation, to the IT team for technical support, and to Cllr Declan Murphy and Corrinshego GAA Club for their support in making the evening possible. Thanks were also given to everyone who attended and donated.
