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International, award winning jazz, swing vocalist Wayne Devlin BCAa, known for his smooth interpretations of the Great American Songbook, is setting aside his microphone, temporarily, to shine a light on the hidden stories of Newry’s past. Wayne is currently researching and writing a powerful new book titled A Newry Tale, blending family memoir with rich social history.
The Manchester-based performer, whose career has taken him across the UK and the US including a series of performances at the Flamingo and Golden Nugget Casinos in Las Vegas, is returning to his Irish roots to uncover the life of his grandfather, Joseph Devlin, later known as Patrick Joseph Devlin or Paddy Molloy, a man born in hardship, raised with resilience, and whose untold story reflects the spirit of an entire community.
“Joseph was born on 25 November 1910 in the Newry Workhouse to a single mother, Elizabeth Devlin,” said Wayne. “He trained as a shoe repairer at an Industrial School in Belfast, a skill that stayed with him for life.”
Joseph later moved to England, where he served as an Air Raid Warden during the early years of World War II before enlisting into the Royal Artillery, proudly serving his country during the war.
A Newry Tale is more than one man’s journey though, it’s a tapestry of memory, ancestry, and place. “This is not just my grandfather’s story,” Wayne explained. “It’s the story of Newry itself. Through his eyes, and mine, I want to tell the story of a community shaped by grit, kindness, hardship, and hope.”
The book will chronicle Joseph’s early years in Newry and the world he grew up in. Alongside this personal story, Wayne will illuminate the broader social history of Newry from Castle Street to Monaghan Street, from working-class families to wartime struggles. Surnames like Devlin, Molloy, Campbell, Hanratty, McGuigan, and McGovern appear in Wayne’s research as he pieces together the stories that helped shape the town’s soul.
Wayne is now calling on the people of Newry to help him complete this legacy project. He invites anyone with knowledge of Newry’s history or personal stories, letters, documents, and photographs that might relate to his family or era to reach out.
“Whether it’s a name in a parish record, a tale passed down through generations, or simply a neighbour’s memory, every piece matters. I want to bring this history to life and give voice to those who came before us.”
As a tribute to the city and his grandfather’s legacy, Wayne will also host a very special evening of live music in Newry this September. Wayne Devlin’s Great American Songbook: Live in Newry will feature timeless classics from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Matt Monro, and Perry Como. It promises to be an elegant, informal evening of song, storytelling, and community spirit.
“It’ll be a relaxed event—music, memories, and maybe even some new friendships,” Wayne added. “It’s my way of saying thank you to Newry, and of inviting the community to help me tell this story together. The event will be a charity fundraiser for local Newry charities and also involve local Newry talent with Kevin McAllister as compere. It will be an event not to be missed.”
Regular updates about the event and Wayne’s research will be published in Wayne's new weekly column in The Newry Democrat and of course here at Newry.ie in the weeks ahead.
Anyone wishing to contribute to Wayne’s research, whether with documents, family stories, or local knowledge is warmly encouraged to contact him by email at waynedevlin4109@gmail.com or speak with him when he is over in September.
