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Newry legend Pat Jennings was the winner of the 2025 Fiddlers Green Festival Music of Healing Creative Arts Award, and he received the award from NI Secretary of State, Hilary Benn at the Rostrevor festival last month.
The fact that one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time comes from our area is certainly something to be celebrated. The Newry born sportsman has already been honoured with a sculpture in his honour in his hometown but while Pat is known for his footballing career around the world , festival organisers emphasised that the award was in the main a celebration of his quiet, consistent work for peace, reconciliation, and community off the field!
NI Secretary of State Hilary Benn got a chance to meet Pat, one of his heroes for the first time at the festival and presented the award to him. Speaking just after the presentation Mr Benn said "It was an honour to present the Creative Arts Award to the legendary Pat Jennings at the Fiddler’s Green Festival in Rostrevor last night in recognition of his sporting greatness and his work promoting reconciliation. Let’s celebrate sport’s ability to bring people together."
