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A country music cabaret concert held at the Canal Court Hotel in Newry has raised vital funds for the ongoing restoration of St Catherine's Dominican Church which celebrated its 150 anniversary in 2025.
The Dominican Restoration Committee organised the event, which took place on Thursday past 26 March. The night drew a capacity crowd and featured a strong line-up of performers, headlined by Gavin Gribben and his band. On the night Gribben presented BBC Radio Ulster presenter Hugo Duncan with a birthday cake to mark his 76th birthday, a gesture which was met with great applause from the audience.
Also performing on the night were local Newry favourites Kevin Kearney and Leon, along with the Ennis Brothers from Dublin and rising singer and actor Katy McParland, who is described as one of Ireland's fastest-growing talents.
Speaking after the event, Fr Patrick Desmond OP, Prior of St Catherine's Dominican Church, said: "On behalf of the Dominican Community, I wish to sincerely thank the Canal Court Hotel for their generosity in providing their superb facilities free of charge. I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the artists who gave their time and talent so willingly to support this special evening."
Fr Desmond added: "We are deeply thankful to the large audience who attended and contributed so generously, and to the Dominican Restoration Committee for their dedication and hard work in organising such a wonderful event. This level of community support is truly inspiring and gives us great encouragement as we continue the restoration of our historic church."
Eddy Curtis, Chairman of the Dominican Restoration Committee and organiser of the event, also paid tribute to those who made the evening possible. He said: "I would like to thank the local Dominican Community for their continued support and encouragement. Events like this show the strength of community spirit that exists in Newry.
We would encourage all local residents to continue supporting the restoration of St Catherine's Church and to get behind our future fundraising events as we work together to preserve this important part of our shared heritage for generations to come."
Funds raised from the concert will go directly towards the restoration programme at St Catherine's Dominican Church, with further fundraising events planned.
