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The Newry St. Patrick’s Day Festival entitled ‘Celebrating International Myths & Legends’ was launched at Marcus Square today.
Mayor John McArdle said "It is my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to you all here today in our new Cathedral Quarter Festival Space in Marcus Square for the official press launch of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations.
St. Patrick has a long association with our historic Town / City having trod its soils and given it its proud name. The man himself was a great unifier and that greatness unified what was noble and good in Ireland and today his message still embodies the entire race from the earliest settlers to the millions of Irish men and women here and throughout the world irrespective of their creed or conviction."
"This year’s St Patrick’s Day theme is celebrating “International Myths and Legends. We hope that this attract a wide range of community, voluntary, sporting and charity groups across the greater Newry & Mourne area to come along and join in our celebrations and create a fantastic display of colour and creative procession."
"As you can see from the poster, we have secured an extensive range of entertainment which will take place on two stages within the City centre. Headlining the main stage is Ireland’s newest sensation on the Irish Country music scene Derek Ryan followed by Newry’s very own Community Band, the ever so popular Raglan, and renowned local artists; The Nooks and Cold Porter. Compere for the afternoon is Paul Clarke – UTV. The traditional Irish Dancing and Céili will headline the second stage and we welcome performances by McCreedy Academy of Irish Dancing and Céili Time by Raymond Carroll Fear a’Ti. With an extensive range of children’s entertainment and welcomed return of Cullen’s Funfair at St. Christopher’s Park, you will agree that the event organisers have ensured that there is something for all age groups, as the emphasis of the day is focused on family fun."
"This year’s St. Patrick’s Day brochure will provide details of the many “Fringe” events, which are to take place during the week leading up to and on the day itself. The brochure details will be available on the Council’s website, tourism facebook page and twitter account. Copies of the brochure will be distributed throughout the greater Newry & Mourne area to as many outlets."
The mayor continued "A new welcomed concept this year will see Newry & Mourne iconic buildings i.e. Newry Town Hall, Sean Hollywood Arts Centre, The Cathedral of St. Patrick & St. Colman, St. Patrick’s High Church, Warrenpoint Water Castle Keep, Warrenpoint Town Hall and Ross Monument in Rostrevor Illuminated green to mark the occasion."
"At this point it would be remiss of me not to mention the significant private sector funding secured for our St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations. We are indebted to our event sponsors who are: Bank Bar & Bistro, Bellini’s, Canal Court Hotel, Cullen’s Funfair, Newry Credit Union, who by the way are celebrating 50 years serving the community and the Quays Shopping & Leisure Centre. Without their contribution to this community event the event would not be a major success and set to the standard at which it is today."
in conclusion the mayor added " I would like to take this opportunity to record my thanks to the event organisers, namely Newry City Centre Management and Newry & Mourne District Council for their trojan efforts in putting together a comprehensive programme of events. Personally I would to acknowledge Mrs Donna McConnell and colleague Mr Paddy Duffy who have put in tremendous time and effort to ensure that the day is a major success. Also I would like to thank all Council staff that will be involved working on the day. I believe that this year’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations will once again firmly put our City on the map for hosting one of Ireland’s most successful event. I look forward to seeing you all on the day"
Jack Murphy from Newry City Centre Management added "Newry City Centre Management is delighted to play an active role of what is undoubtedly one of the main events in the Council’s calendar year. A strong emphasis has been placed on involving the local community in our plans. We have worked extremely hard to ensure the programme of events is stronger than ever and that it appeals to all ages. We urge everyone across the greater Newry & Mourne area to avail of the extensive entertainment that is on offer."
Area Community Development/Events Officer Mr Paddy Duffy – Newry & Mourne District Council said "Newry & Mourne District Council in conjunction with Newry City Centre Management are once again delighted to host this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations and would urge all sectors of our community to become involved in what is now an inclusive celebration for all the people of the greater Newry & Mourne area.The organising committee urges all businesses, voluntary, sports, community and youth organisations in the greater Newry & Mourne area to participate in this community event."
You can take part by:
Entering a float
Walking in the parade representing your organisation
Walking in the parade in fancy dress
Arranging your own entertainment as part of the festival
Dressing shop windows and ensuring staff wear appropriate attire on the day
Excellent prizes will be awarded for best participants on the day.
Programme of Events:
The annual parade will kick start at 12:00noon departing from the Quays Shopping & Leisure Centre (Albert Basin) to Buttercrane Quay, Francis Street, Patrick Street, Monaghan Street, Merchants Quay, Sugar Island, Kildare Street, Hill Street (Vehicular floats disperse onto the Mall).
The parade promises to display a fantastic array of colourful and creative pageants, marching bands, floats, street entertainers, cultural celebrations and a terrific light hearted fusion of music, madness and magic!. Thousands of peopled thronged the streets last year and everyone will certainly not be disappointed with the range of entertainment booked for 2013.
Headlining the main stage is Ireland’s newest sensation on the Irish Country music scene Derek Ryan followed by Newry’s very own Community Band, the ever so popular Raglan, and renowned local artists; The Nooks and Cold Porter. Compere for the afternoon is Paul Clarke – UTV. The traditional Irish Dancing and Céili will be performed by McCreedy Academy of Irish Dancing and Céili Time by Raymond Carroll Fear a’Ti.
This year we welcome the famous Fun House who will be based on Hill Street, providing Ireland’s first mobile Laser Bug, Fun House party bouncer, exclusive Fun House games and face and nail painting. There will also be cartoon charters and balloon modelling.
The Sean Hollywood Arts Centre will be a hive of activity providing traditional music and children’s entertainment with food being served all day in Courtney’s Restaurant. The Newry & Mourne Museum, Bagenal’s Castle will be hosting a series of storytelling with Fra Gunn including face painting motifs.
The Bank Bar, The Quays Shopping & Leisure Centre, Bellini’s, Cullen’s Funfair, Canal Court Hotel and Newry Credit Union were all thanked for their continued support and generosity to this community event.
Fringe Week Events:
IRISH LANGUAGE EVENTS – A CELEBRATION OF LANGUAGE, DRAMA & CULTURE
TUESDAY 5TH MARCH 2013 AT 7:30PM
Gaeláras Mhic Ardghail, Chapel Street, Newry
Lecture By: Aodán Mac Póilín
‘Irish Language Literature in Co. Down’
FREE EVENT
THURSDAY 7TH MARCH 2013 AT 7:30PM
Slieve Gullion Courtyard, Dromintee Road, Meigh, Newry
Lecture By: Dermot Somers
Cúchulainn walked this way – Táin Bó Cuailgne in the landscape of today’
FREE EVENT
TUESDAY 12TH MARCH 2013 AT 7:30PM
Gaeláras Mhic Ardghail, Chapel Street, Newry
Drama: Aisling Ghéar Theatre Company
Here’s Robert – The search for Robert McAdam
A bilingual one man show, written and performed by Nollaig Mag Aoidh, on the life and times of Robert McAdam
FREE EVENT
THURSDAY 14TH MARCH 2013 AT 7:30PM
Gaeláras Mhic Ardghail, Chapel Street, Newry
Lecture By: Seán Mac Labhraí
Mo Bhealach Féin: Wanderlust and Seosamh Mac Grianna
FREE EVENT
For further information on all of the above events please contact:
The Irish Language Unit – T: 028 3031 3258
Cullen’s Funfair
Friday 8th March – Monday 18th March at St. Christopher’s Park, Newry. (See press for further details)
Interdenominational Ecumenical Service ‘Celebrating the Life of St. Patrick’
Friday 15th March at 11:00am - Cathedral of St. Patrick and St. Colman – Hill Street
Newry & Mourne District Council in association with the very Revered Cannon Francis Brown and Revered Kingsley Sutton extend an invitation to all the members of the greater Newry community to attend and take part in a special service to celebrate the life of St. Patrick. Local Post Primary Schools will be in attendance.
To find out more information Brochures and flyers will be available from Council offices, Newry City Centre Management Office, Newry Tourist Information Centre, Sean Hollywood Arts Centre, Newry Library, Canal Court Hotel, Bellini’s, Buttercrane Shopping Centre, The Quays Shopping & Leisure Centre, Newry Credit Union and a number of retail outlets across the greater Newry & Mourne area at the start of March.
