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Following on from last week’s article, which looked at how Royal Jubilees were celebrated in Newry, this week we explore how various long-established local organisations have marked their own jubilees over the years.
One of the longest-running and successful organisations in Newry is Newry Musical Feis, which was set up in 1927 with the first competitions being held in the following year. In 1978, the Feis celebrated its Golden Jubilee with a dinner and a special souvenir programme.
Newry Drama Festival celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2002. The Newry Drama Festival owes its existence to Newry Musical Feis. In 1949 the Drama Section had become so large that a separate committee and festival was formed under the chairmanship of Mrs. J.H. Collins. Dedicated and long serving committee members have been an important feature of the Festival. Former Chairpersons include; Mrs. J.H Collins, succeeded by Mr. Petty, Dr. E.L. Wilson, Owen Mooney, Sean Hollywood and Gerald McNulty.
Founded in 1945 with a production of ‘The Mikado’ in Newry Town Hall, Newry Musical Society went on to be a successful competitor at the Waterford Festival of Light Opera. It gained many awards including the International Premier Award on two occasions, in 1976 for its production of ‘The Desert Song’ and for ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ in 1979. It celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1995.
Established nine years after the founding of the Society, the John Mitchel Branch of the Irish National Foresters grew rapidly in the decades to follow, moving into their premises in Mitchel Memorial Hall in 1907. By the year of their Golden Jubilee in 1935, the branch included St Bridget’s Ladies’ Branch and a Boys’ Brigade for younger members.
In 2006 Lislea Drama Festival celebrated their Silver Jubilee. The Festival was launched by Eugene Hanaway and the Lislea Dramatic Players, who can trace their origin back to 1904, on Friday 29th January 1982. The first Festival, which had six groups drawn from Armagh and Down, exceeded all expectations and 40 years on, it continues to weave its magic spell.
Another cultural organization to celebrate its Silver Jubilee was the local branch of Comhaltas Uladh which did so in 1951. Éamon de Valera spoke at an event in Newry to mark the occasion.
Churches, church organisations and schools have also been keen to celebrate the anniversaries and jubilees of their foundation. Mourne Grange School, near Kilkeel, had a special weekend in May 1950 to celebrate its Golden Jubilee. Coke Memorial Methodist Church in Warrenpoint marked the Golden Jubilee of its foundation in 1935 and, in 1974, the Mothers’ Union at St. Patrick’s Parish Church in Newry achieved their Silver Jubilee.
The Museum is currently offering free tours of the exhibition galleries on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2.00 pm. These must be booked in advance by calling our Education Officer at 0330 137 4422.
Newry and Mourne Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday 10.00 am – 4.30 pm. Please call 0330 137 4422 or email museum@nmandd.org for further information.
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