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On 26 October your children can visit Newry and Mourne Museum to unleash their wild and wicked imaginations to create ghostly arts and crafts in celebration of the scariest time of the year.
There are two sessions 10.30am - 12.00pm and again from 1.30pm – 3.00pm. This activity is appropriate for children aged 5 - 11 years. Numbers for these workshops are limited so pre-booking of places is essential.
Also, on 31 October, join renowned storyteller Janice Witherspoon as she weaves tales of strange goings on, witches, ghosts, and all sorts of fairy folk, there may even be a few surprises too.
There will be two sessions, starting at 11.30am, 1.30pm, which will last 40 minutes approximately. This is appropriate for children aged 4 - 11 years. Numbers for these sessions are limited so pre-booking of places is essential.
All the activities will cost £2 per child If you wish to book or require more information email Declan.Carroll@nmandd.org
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The 2024 Michael J.Murphy Winter School takes place this weekend, 8/9 November 2024 at Tí Chulainn, Mullaghbane with talks, music, drama and film screenings based around the Hiring Fair tradition. All events are free and open to all.
Each year since 2013 Cuimhneamh, based in Tí Chulainn Cultural Activity Centre, Maphoner, Mullaghbane hosts a Winter School in memory of Michael J.Murphy, South Armagh’s distinguished writer, folklorist, broadcaster, photographer and socialist republican.
During the 1930s Michael J. campaigned against the hiring of the children of the rural poor at hiring fairs and therefore the committee of Cuimhneamh thought it fitting that the theme of this year’s event should be ‘The Hiring Fair’.
Proceedings begin tomorrow Friday, 8 November at 7pm in Tí Chulainn with a drama entitled ‘The Hiring Fair’. The material for this drama is largely taken from the interviews which Michael did with people, from all over Old Ulster from Rathlin to The Boyne and from the Ards Peninsula to County Sligo, who had experienced hiring. Some of the more local interviews have been taken and fashioned into a play by the renowned drama specialist, Pauline Lynch, and will be performed by the students of Dromintee Primary School (which Michael J. attended); Mullaghbane Primary School; St.Paul’s High School and the award winning Lislea Players.
After the drama, refreshments will be served and a Forum, chaired by well-known South Armagh Historian, Úna Walsh, will take place in the Tí Chulainn theatre. The panelists will speak for about five minutes about their parents and grandparents being hired and then the discussion will be open to the audience. So, if you have a story to tell about your family,do come along and take part in tribute to the lives of your ancestors.
During the drama and the forum, two of South Armagh’s most accomplished traditional singers, Blaithín Mhic Cana and Garet Doran, will sing songs,in both English and Irish.
A large number of people have already sent photographs of their family members who were hired and these will be placed on a loop in the foyer so that they can be viewed throughout the evening.
Organisers plan to continue the collection of photographs and accounts after the Winter School. If you have material please send a private message to the Cuimhneamh Facebook Page
On Saturday, November 9th at 3pm, the venue is Dromintee Old Primary School where Winifred Murphy, daughter of Michael J., will unveil a long overdue plaque on the building where he went to school from 1922 to 1927.
The weekend will conclude,immediately after the unveiling, in The Three Steps Pub, Dromintee, where Bronagh McAtasney of the NI Screen Digital Film Archive, will present films about Hiring Fairs and about Michael J’s life.Refreshments will be served.
All sessions are free, but a bucket will be placed at the entrance on both days so that anyone who wishes can make a donation to help to defray expenses.
Friday 8 November
7pm: Ti Chulainn - The Hiring Fair a drama by Pauline Lynch with children from Dromintee Primary School and members of the Lislea Players.
8pm: Ti Chulainn - Forum chaired by Una Walsh featuring speakers whose parents or grandparents were hired as children. the evening will feature songs of hiring sung by Blaithin Mhiccana and Garet Doran
Saturday 9 November
3pm: Dromintee Old School - Unveiling of a plaque commemorating Michael J. Murphy by his daughter Winifred. This will be followed by a reception at the Three Steps with a screening of films about Hiring Fairs and Michael J. Murphy introduced by Bronagh McAtasney of NI Screen digital film archive.
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Narrow Water Promotions upcoming gig next weekend will be a particularly special one, as they welcome some of the most celebrated names in Irish traditional music to the Newry stage for the first time.
The gig next Saturday 16 November sees Máirtín O'Connor, Cathal Hayden and Kevin Doherty take to the stage in Newry Town Hall with support from Niall Hanna and Piaras O'Lorcáin.
Accordionist Maírtin O'Connor has been a member of De Dannan, The Boys of the Lough and many other groups. The Galway man has produced 5 albums to date. Cathal Hayden from The Rock in Tyrone is a founder member of Four Men and a Dog and is well known for his fiddle and banjo repertoire. Donegal born Singer Songwriter Kevin Doherty also plays with Four Men and a Dog and makes up the trio.
Seamus Rafferty of Narrow Water Promotions said "We’re honoured to have Cathal Hayden, Martin O’Connor, Kevin Daugherty, Pierce O’Larkin, and Niall Hannah joining us—a group of incredible talents who bring their own unique artistry to the world of Irish music. This promises to be a magical evening, filled with the energy and soul of some of Ireland’s finest musicians.
"We’d love to see music lovers turn out to support this exceptional lineup. Your presence means everything to us, and with your support, we can continue to develop and run more events like this, bringing the best of traditional music to Newry and fostering a strong music community in our area."
The event is also supported by Iur Cinn Fleadh. Tickets are £25 and can be got at www.eventbrite.co.uk
Guru Indian Cuisine located beside the Town Hall is also doing a special promotion of £45.99 for a three course pre concert menu and ticket. For bookings, call them on 028 3005 3659 or email them at info@gurunewry.co.uk
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Following its sold-out debut in Belfast, Café Disco is bringing an unforgettable cocktail experience to Newry this month and next. Café Disco will run every Friday and Saturday from now to December 21 at Finegan & Son. This limited-edition pop-up promises to make Newry the place to be this holiday season, with an electrifying atmosphere, one-of-a-kind cocktails, and disco vibes perfect for the festive spirit.
A Cocktail Menu Like No Other
From the mind of award winning mixologist Ronan Collins teaming up with local drinks brand Two Stacks, the Café Disco menu is as creative and playful as it is refined. Highlights include the Coffee Kate - a masterfully crafted twist on an espresso martini—the eye catching Killowen Kiss and the Ronan Collins Cocktail, a drink bursting with tropical flair and flavour, boldly named after its creator.
Speaking on the event founder of Two Stacks Shane McCartney said “We’ve created a space where people can enjoy amazing drinks, banging tunes and good company in a cozy, stylish setting. At Two Stacks we are over the moon at this fantastic opportunity to highlight what makes Newry so special—the craft, the creativity, and the community.”
For those who want a holiday twist, there’s Ravin' Around the Christmas Tree, Ronan’s fiery take on a spicy margarita featuring Newry’s own Pure Irish Gold honey for a festive and flavourful punch. And let’s not forget the Newry Nyuck, a quirky local favourite featuring Two Stacks Irish Cream and Killowns’ Goria coffee liquor.
“The Best Cocktail Bar in Ireland” Ronan’s Mum
With its success in Belfast, Café Disco has already made waves. The pop-up is set in Finegan & Son coffee shop, bringing a bopping cocktail lounge experience to the heart of the city. Here, everyone is invited to enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, warm company, and an upbeat soundtrack that’s all about good times, local ingredients and great memories.
“As a proud Newry business, bringing together local ingredients—right down to using honey from a Newry beekeeper—and collaborating with talents like Ronan from Burren (though we won’t hold that against him!) in such an iconic Newry venue is exactly what we at Two Stacks are all about,” said Shane. “We warmly welcome everyone to come by and experience Café Disco for themselves. After our soft launch, I can honestly say it’s great craic, and I can’t wait for another night at the disco!”
Café Disco is open to all for a limited-time in the lead-up to Christmas, so don’t miss out on what could be the best cocktail experience in Ireland this year. Whether it’s for a festive night out with friends or just a chance to try some truly unique drinks, Cafe Disco welcomes everyone to come, dance, and discover.
The Dates
Every Friday and Saturday, 5 PM - 11 PM, from November 1st to December 21st
Location: Finegan & Son coffee shop, 9 Kildare Street, Newry
Café Disco is brought to you by Newry’s premium spirits bonder and blender Two Stacks with their award winning Irish Cream and Dram in a Can.
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Advertorial
Santa arrives at Buttercrane Shopping Centre tonight, 28 November. They'll have lots of entertainment and live music on mall from 6.30-8.30pm with Santa arriving around 7pm at the Francis Street entrance and making his way to a special meet and greet area at Costa Coffee.
Also on the night the young cast from @newry_bosco_drama fresh from their sold out Frozen Show will be there plus they have the amazing talent of the Abbey Grammar School Jazz Band to entertain from 6.30-7.30pm.
Don't miss out on photo opportunities with Anna, Elsa and Olaf and be sure to tag Buttercrane @buttercrane.centre
You can meet their mischievous elves Candy Plum and Giggles who will entertain you with their juggling and uni-cycling skills. There will also be two face painters and of course lots of treats for the little ones.
Santa will stay on mall up to 9pm to meet any child who is there, free of charge. The full Grotto experience is available through the booking link below and opens tomorrow Friday 29th November.
𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗞 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗧𝗢 https://buttercranesanta.setmore.com/
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A Newry Rapper is organising an upcoming event in Belfast to raise funds to help two children in Gaza.
Alex Boyle is organising 'Rage 4 Freedom: A Fundraiser for Rahaf and Yara' which takes place on Friday 13 December at the Oh Yeah Music Centre in Belfast.
Alex explains "This special performance aims to raise crucial funds for two children in Gaza, Yara and Rahaf, with all proceeds going directly toward helping them leave the conflict zone and find safety. Given the current humanitarian crisis, I believe this is an opportunity to highlight a cause that desperately needs attention and support."
He continues "Gaza is facing an invasion of extreme devastation, with children like Rahaf and Yara caught amid the destruction—children who deserve to grow up with memories of joy and fondness, not trauma and loss. Be part of something bigger than music; join us for a night that brings hope and support to those who need it most.
"All proceeds will go directly toward helping these children find safety and a life free from violence, a life we are privileged to expect. Your attendance can make a real difference and bring hope to children suffering in unimaginable circumstances."
The 18+ event includes Khalifa Dreads and Alex Boyle on the bill.
Get your Tickets at www.skiddle.com
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'Gaels Against Genocide' along with local GAA club members and the Camlough Community Association are organising a fundraising family walk in Derramor Woods this Sunday 26 January at 2pm.
The walk will raise monies for the UNICEF Children of Gaza Crisis Fund and one of the organisers Pat McGinn has said that a temporary suspension of hostilities is far from sufficient to address the destruction and suffering inflicted on the Palestinian people.
Pat McGinn said "Whilst the announcement of an agreement between Israel and Hamas to suspend hostilities in Gaza is welcome, it marks the beginning, not the end, of efforts to restore health, dignity and freedom to the Palestinian people.
"A temporary suspension of hostilities is far from sufficient to address the destruction and suffering inflicted on the Palestinian people.
"This pause also comes tragically too late for the tens of thousands of Palestinians killed, injured, and starved by Israeli forces."
Speaking about the fundraising event, Pat McGinn said: "All are welcome to walk with us in Derramor Woods. Members from our local GAA clubs came together and along with community groups from the area they have organised this event and the recent Christmas morning Camloch Mountain Climb at which £1500 was raised. All the monies raised will go to the UNICEF Children of Gaza Emergency Appeal".
All those attending the Forest Walk on Sunday 26th at 2pm are advised to follow the event stewards advice and park sensibly and safely. The Walk will commence at Derramore House in the woods.
Donation buckets will be available on the day, if you are unable to attend you can donate via the Go Fund Me link below. All support for this event is greatly appreciated. www.gofundme.com
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In the run up to St Patrick's Day, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is hosting Fireside stories at the Albert Basin in Newry on 14 March at 7.30pm.
The spectacular production will be performed by renowned circus company, Nikki & JD and Lost Dog in an outdoor show that combines acrobatics, dance, theatre and storytelling to re-enact the old English poem, Beowulf.
Traditional seanchaí (storyteller) Steve Lally, will open the show with the retelling of some of our epic Irish myths and legends accompanied by a fire-eater and bodhrán player. This will be followed by the main event, an exhilarating fire performance carefully choregraphed to take people on a dark and funny journey into the world of Beowulf.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrnes said, “We are delighted to be hosting Fireside Stories in three different outdoor locations across our district, celebrating our landscapes, places and spaces. The performers specialise in a unique blend of skills in circus and contemporary dance and the manipulation of fire to achieve strong storytelling that packs an emotional punch. This free event is designed to bring families out of their homes and into our towns and city at this time of year and should not be missed. We are pleased to have the event funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.”
Fireside Stories will also be in the Grove Car Park, opposite St Patrick’s Square, Downpatrick on Thursday 13 March and at Newcastle Event Space, behind the Leisure Centre on Friday 14 March. Each night will start at 7.30pm and further information can be found on www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/arts
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund which aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
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Newry and Mourne Museum are hosting an event tomorrow, Friday 21 February as part of the NI Museums Council annual Playful Museums Festival.
The museum are inviting children to take a short walk around the Museum galleries and then visit renowned storyteller, Karen Edwards who will delight everyone with a range of folk, international, traditional and participative tales.
Timings are as follows:
11:15am – 11.50am
11.45am – 12.20pm
12.45pm - 1.20pm
1.15pm - 1.50pm
1.45pm – 2.20pm
These unique sessions are free of charge. If you wish to book for any of the sessions or you require more information, please emailDeclan.Carroll@nmandd.org
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