The Rich History of Newry Town Hall - Part Two

In the last article, The Rich History of Newry Town Hall we reviewed the development of Newry Town Hall, from its initial construction over the Clanrye River, through to its central role as the seat of local government until 1973. In this article, we will look at some of the significant political and cultural events that have taken place over the last 132 years. We will also look at some of the new features we can expect when the new Theatre and Conference Centre opens.

The Town Hall was the venue for important political events. On 27 September 1907, a branch of the National Union of Dock Labourers was founded at a meeting held in Newry Town Hall, presided over by James Fearon and addressed by James Larkin. 

Eamon de Valera was scheduled to address a meeting at the Town Hall on 25 October 1924, despite being banned from entering the North. He was on his way to the stage when he was arrested, and police were forced to draw their guns to remove him from the hall and place him into an armoured car to take him to Canal Street barracks.

On 8 February 1927, Sir James Craig, Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, visited Newry and the Town Hall as part of a ten-day tour to various parts of Northern Ireland. The tour designed to encourage political accommodation and reconciliation at a time of tremendous political conflict in Northern Ireland after Partition. 

August 16 1971, at the height of the Civil Rights movement, a mass meeting was held at Newry Town Hall where speakers called for a civil disobedience plan to 'smash the state.' The People's Democracy (PD) outlined a campaign consisting of a boycott of public authorities and a rates strike. Some councillors were on the platform, and Pat McMahon, then Council Chairman, announced his "100 percent" support for the campaign, subsequently resigning.

Throughout the 20th century, the Town Hall was a hub for arts, drama, culture, and music in the area. It hosted lectures, concerts, plays, dances, and even boxing matches. Renowned acts like baritone Andrew Black (1903), violinist Tavidar Nachéz (1906), and even U2 (1980) made appearances.

During the Second World War, artists such as George Formby, Glenn Miller, and Larry Adler performed there in support of the American troops stationed in the area. Highly popular variety shows were held under the direction of Pat McKevitt, and the 1950s saw the emergence of showbands, which evolved from dance bands, played here.

The Town Hall is also synonymous with festivals and organisations that have significantly contributed to promoting drama and music throughout the district. These include the Newry Drama Festival, Newry Musical Feis, the Newry Musical Society, Newpoint Players, and, of course, the generations who took part in the annual pantomime.

New plans are underway to develop the Town Hall into a multi-functional theatre and conference facility, boosting cultural activity. The project includes renovating the Town Hall and constructing a new building at the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre site. A glazed atrium will connect the two, creating a single venue, a concept echoing Sterling's 1890 original design for the Town Hall, which would have incorporated the former Savings Bank.

This project will create a new theatre and conference facility featuring a 255-seat auditorium equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual systems. It will also offer high-quality, multi-use rooms for various events like music performances, conferences, and banquets, alongside planned public outdoor performance spaces.

The Town Hall has witnessed many political upheavals and social changes, yet it has continued to be a central focus of civic life for Newry. The new construction will provide opportunities for a wide range of performances and festivals set in a high-quality public venue for many more years ensuring that the Town Hall remains a unique venue on a truly unique site.

Newry and Mourne Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday 10.00 am – 4.30 pm. We currently offer free tours on Wednesdays at 2.00 pm. These must be booked in advance by calling 0330 137 4422 or email museums@nmandd.org for further information

Visit their website at www.visitmournemountains.co.uk