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Only two months to go to Iúr Cinn Fleadh and this year sees the Busk n’ Beat on the Street taking place on Saturday 12 September, 2-4pm
The Fleadh folk are inviting all aspiring and those more accomplished musicians to come play their heart out on Hill Street and earn a buck or two. It’s your chance to be talent-spotted, so better start rehearsing over the summertime!
Shoppers and visitors, think Grafton Street, Dublin…This is a first for Newry and not to be missed. Hill Street will be alive and kicking!
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Newry, Mourne and Down Council have unveiled a programme of events leading up to the Annual Famine Commemoration on Saturday the 26th of September.
The events have been put together to explore further the social, cultural, linguistic, economic and political legacy of the famine. A media launch on Saturday was attended by Councillor Naomi Bailie, Chairperson Newry, Mourne and Down District Council , Heather Humphreys, TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, and by Mr Dennis Mc Mahon, Permanent Secretary, to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.
Speaking at the launch Councillor Bailie said “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is honoured to host the Annual Famine Commemoration 2015. The remembrance of those who died or had to leave these shores is an important element in fostering an appreciation of the impact the famine has had and continues to have in modern Ireland today. The Council is delighted that Newry City has been chosen as the location for the first time that the Annual Famine Commemoration has been held north of the border. The Council has formed partnerships with cultural, community, and educational agencies and groups in order to ensure as wide an audience as possible attends the events and gains a greater understanding of the impact the Great Famine had in this region.”
The highlight of the Councils Famine Commemoration Programme will be the Annual Commemoration which will take place at the Albert Basin, Newry on Saturday 26 September 2015. The official ceremony will feature musical performances, poetry readings, and an unveiling of an historical plaque as well as contributions from local school children, community representatives, and senior government representatives. The Annual Commemoration will culminate in a wreath laying ceremony and a minute silence in remembrance of those who were lost through death and emigration.
Heather Humphreys, TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht added "My Department is delighted to be working with our partners in Newry, Mourne & Down District Council to pay tribute to those who suffered, perished or emigrated during this tragic period in Irish history. I believe that this varied and comprehensive programme of events will generate an important dialogue about the famine, its impact on the whole island and on the effects of hunger still endured in the world today. I congratulate the Council and the local community for their work in putting together what promises to be a fascinating series of events which will deliver a unique perspective to this year's commemoration. I also very much look forward to participating in the main commemoration ceremony on September 26th at Albert Basin here in Newry, when Government representatives both North and South and representatives of the international community will join with the people of Newry in remembering all those who suffered throughout the Island during the Famine."
Events will run in Newry from Monday the 21st of September until Thursday the 1st of October.
DCAL Permanent Secretary Denis McMahon, who represented Minister Ni Chuilin at the launch, said “The cross-party support for the hosting of the famine commemoration in Newry this year provides us with an important opportunity to increase understanding and raise awareness of a key period in our shared history and to promote inclusive approaches to remembering our past. The famine affected people from right across the island of Ireland. Its impact was felt for many years to come and looking back on it now some 170 years since its outbreak, it is still difficult to comprehend the sheer scale of hardship.
“It was a time that should never be forgotten; it is a time that we need to be reminded of and that is why this annual commemorative event is an important template to help us understand this terrible time and ensure that this can never happen again.
The Event Guide can be downloaded below!
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If you need a great worthwhile excuse to get out on that rusty old bike before the cobwebs claim it (Give it a bit of oil first) or even that modern triathlon one now is your chance with the ‘Ride On’ For Raff Memorial Cycle taking place on Sunday the 25th of October from Lissummon.
Friends and family have come together to organise a memorial cycle to celebrate and remember Lissummon man Adrian Rafferty – aka Raff.
Adrian was born and lived all his life in Lissummon, a small close knit community just outside Poyntzpass. Raff was well known to many, especially fellow cyclists from across Ireland and staff and customers of Haldane Fisher where he worked since leaving St Colmans College Newry.
The day before Adrian’s 45th birthday 22nd July 2013, Adrian was told he had a rare form of leukaemia. Adrian never gave up hope but sadly lost his battle on 21st September 2014.
If you are over 16 years old, you are kindly invited to jump on your bike on Sunday 25th October and come along to Lissummon Community Centre-Lesh Road BT35 6NF to take part in either a 20 mile OR 55 mile cycle. Cycle commences at 10am with registration from 9am.
There is also a 3 mile Family Walk for those who want to come and be part of the day. This commences at 10.30 with registration from 10am.
Refreshments will be available afterwards.
Entry fee – Cycle £15 Walk £5(Families £10).
All monies raised will go towards Adrian’s two chosen charities Friends of the Cancer Centre Belfast & Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research NI
Another date for your dairy is ‘Run For Raff’ on Dec 27th in Poyntzpass
You can keep up to date on both events on www.facebook.com/rideonforraff and you can also donate on the Just Giving page
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Newry & District Trade Union Council has organised a showing of ‘The Lab’ –‘A Film and Talk in Solidarity with the People of Palestine at the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre on Thursday 22nd October. This Trades Council event starts at 7.30 pm. Following the showing of the film a Talk and discussion will follow with Elaine Bradley, an activist for the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights with contributions from Trade Union Friends of Palestine.
The Chairperson of Newry TUC Cara Murchan explained the importance of the event “The showing of the film is taking place to encourage further solidarity with Palestine. Last year hundreds of people throughout Newry supported rallies and sent humanitarian aid to Gaza following the horrendous attacks carried by the Israeli military which killed thousands of innocent victims. The Palestinian people continue to suffer daily military and economic attacks. The international media including the BBC are censoring brutal attacks including independent film footage showing women and children being shot dead by Israeli soldiers, this is why the showing of the ‘Lab’ is so important.”
Newry Trades Council Event Organiser Kevin Daly who is also an active member of Trade Union Friends of Palestine has appealed to local people to support the local event. Mr Daly said “The event in Newry Arts Centre will not only highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by the Palestinian people, but it is part of worldwide renewed call for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against Israeli Apartheid. People in Newry can add their voices to the many thousands of calls for real international action to put an end to the suffering experienced by the Palestinians.”
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The premiere of a short, spoof movie Fifty Shades of Black Bond will take place on Friday 13th November 9pm at the Treasury Suite (upstairs) at the Bank Bar in Newry. With the rumour out that Daniel Craig has just done his last James Bond 007 film - Spectre, a local pet by the name of ‘Bond’ is poised to steal the limelight.
The pet’s owner Judith Murphy explains: “I have made a short spoof film with my dog Bond (a King Charles Spaniel) titled ‘50 Shades of Black Bond’. I love the whole James Bond series, and of course I love my dog so much I named him Bond too. He will become the first ever black Bond. The film is just a bit of fun, and will be posted to YouTube following the premiere. I would love if the general public could come along on Friday night, it will only take 30 minutes of your weekend. It’s a FREE event though a voluntary donation can be made to my chosen charity PIPS Newry and Mourne”
Shot in the Buttercrane Shopping Centre in Newry Co.Down , the film features Black Bond being kidnapped by the notorious Gothic Vet (Tony ‘Riser’ Smyth) while ‘Q’ (Killian Foy) calls in the help of 008 (Donal O’Hanlon) to find Bond. He is helped by the beautiful DD40 (Cara Fearon). International flavour comes to the screen with the baddie female character ‘Nathasha’ played by Anna Grajnert.
Micky Dodds is Director, Camera, Editor, while Tracey Dodds is Chief Grip. All gave their time for free.
Everyone is welcome to the Bank Bar on Friday evening to see the main attraction ‘Black Bond’ and the cast on the red carpet for this unique event for a great cause. Please be seated by 8.50pm.
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Staff members at Southern Area Hospice Services will be replacing the work uniforms with something altogether a bit more sparkly next week, when many of them take to the stage for a one night only talent fest on Friday the 20th of November!
‘Hospice has Talent’ will raise funds in aid of Hospice care and takes place at 8pm on Friday 20th in the Canal Court Hotel. The event is generously supported by ML Quinn Construction.
Staff from across departments at Southern Area Hospice, ranging from Doctors, Nurses, Social Workers, Chaplains, Admin staff, Maintenance, Housekeeping, Catering and Fundraising will be taking to the stage to showcase their ‘talents’ as part of the 25 year celebrations of Hospice Care.
This unique fundraiser is one which has never been done before by Hospice, whereby staff from all disciplines are coming together and are taking on the challenge first hand. BBC’s Lynette Fay will be the host for the evening, and the winner of the night will be determined through audience votes. The show will be followed by music provided by Disco Generation.
The evening is being led by hospice nurses, Rosaleen Quinn & Jackie O’Rourke. Speaking about the night ahead Rosaleen Quinn said ‘We are really looking forward to the event. Staff have put in a lot of time and effort over the last number of weeks to pull the show together, and we are asking local people to come out on the 20th November, to support us in what is sure to be a great night of entertainment.’
Jackie O’Rourke continued ‘All funds raised through ‘Hospice has Talent’ will help Southern Area Hospice Services to continue our work in the local area, caring for people who are living with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. We’re sure this event will be a fantastic way of raising much needed funds to maintain the level of care which we currently provide.’
We’re hoping this event will big a huge success to end out 25 year celebrations, and we encourage as many people as possible to save the date and get your tickets now for £10, which are available from staff members at Southern Area Hospice, from the main reception, and Fern House reception or by contacting Leanne on 028 3025 1333. If you or your business can support the event by offering an ad to our programme, or even by donating a prize and supporting our raffle please get in touch with our fundraising department or email redmondl@southernareahospiceservices.org
Doors open 7.30pm with show at 8 sharp!
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A novel "Empowering Confidence and Being Me" Evening in December at Bellinis Newry, hopes to raise funds for the proposed Dominican Lecto Divina Centre.
The seminar which takes place on Thursday the 3rd of December will be facilitated by Bessbrook Life & Skills Coach Teresa Boyle who through her own experience, strength & hope will give lá sound and practical insight into the topic of "Being Me". The night’s proceedings begin at 8pm and admission is £5.
Lecto Divina is a term that many are hearing more often these days. Lectio Davina translates from two latin words as “Sacred Reading”. It is an ancient method of reading the bible and goes back to the first thousand years of Christianity as the principal way of forming communities centred on the sacred Word of God.
In St Catherine’s Newry there are seven Lectio Divina communities who meet for twenty weeks of the Church year, Advent, Pentecost, and Michaelmas (September). They meet in the Lectio Centre which is at 35 Dominic Street. This was the address of the old Dominican Priory. Fr. Joseph Ralph O.P. formed the first Lectio Divina community over four years ago and continues to form and develop a growing number of Lectio communities each year.
Fr. Joseph offers an introduction to Lectio Divina each Thursday evening in the Lectio Centre for those who are interested and wish to learn more about this method of praying and reading the Bible.
The Lectio Divina Centre is being rebuilt interiorly at a cost of over £200,000 to accommodate ongoing demand. The development initiative will offer the opportunity for all to experience and extend the availability of these Gatherings to everyone who is interested.
The fund raising evening is open to all.
Tickets can be obtained from Sr. Kathleen Mc Veigh C/O the Dominican Priory, or just pay at the door on the night.
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This Thursday 26th November sees the start of Newry's official countdown to Christmas with the turning on of the City’s Christmas Lights as well as hundreds of Santa's taking to the street for the Charity Santa Fun Run.
It's all happening at The Events Space, Hill Street and the festivities run from 5:00pm – 7:00pm with Lights Switch On at 6:15pm
Serenading the crowds at this year’s Christmas Lights Switch On with a selection of Christmas favourites is The Marty Fay Band rocking it out in their festive jumpers. Accompanied on stage will be compere ‘BIG O’ and performances from the Academy Dance Studio and Accolade Choir. Chairperson, special guest and Santa will make a special appearance to switch the lights on at 6:15pm. There is a range of Children’s free on-street entertainment including; face painting, cartoon characters, balloon modelling, kiddies amusements, arts and crafts, why not pop over and write your Santa letter to be posted in the big red post box and ship of to the North Pole.
Annual Charity Santa Fun Run
Dress up as Santa and run down Hill Street, it’s that simple and It’s not too late to sign up!
Raise a minimum of £100 to advertise your Business / Club / School or raise a minimum to run in support of the nominated charities.
For further information please contact: Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade – T: 028 3025 0303 or Emma Donnelly – T: 028 3025 4560
Follow on Facebook/Santa Run
As part of the evenings celebrations – Newry Soroptimist’s Christmas Fayre will take place in Newry Town Hall at 5:30pm.
All welcome to come along to any of the events, wrap up warm and enjoy the festive fun.
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Cuan Mhuire Newry is hosting its annual Christmas Craft Fayre & Bazaar on Saturday 28th November and Sr Consilio, together with residents, management and staff, extend an invitation to all to come along and enjoy the day.
Cuan Mhuire was founded by Sr Consilio Fitzgerald and is currently Ireland’s largest voluntary provider of support and rehabilitation treatment for individuals suffering from addiction and other related issues.
Gerry Mc Elroy from Cuan Mhuire speaking at the launch of this year’s Christmas event told those present, “We couldn’t continue our work without the wonderful generosity of families, community and individuals. We really appreciate their support.
“On behalf of the Cuan Mhuire family I extend an invitation to all to feel free and call into our Christmas Craft Fayre & at our Newry Centre on the Old Dublin Road between 12 noon and 4pm. There will be plenty of fun and festivities for young and not so young, Santas Cottage, craft stalls, wheel of fortune, face painting, festive food stalls, cake sale, and much more.
Anyone wishing further information about the Christmas Events or Cuan Mhuire Services can contact the Newry Centre at 3084 9010
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