New St Patrick Centre Exhibition launched in tandem with Dana’s debut of her new song, Light the Fire
A new exhibition dedicated to St Patrick has been launched at The Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, featuring the latest in high-tech design to re-imagine the story of Ireland’s patron saint.
Dr Tim Campbell, Director of The Saint Patrick Centre, the world’s only permanent exhibition to St Patrick, said he was delighted the new exhibition is now open in time for the annual celebrations.
Dr Campbell welcomed Eurovision winner Dana to the launch of the Centre whose exhibition now features a huge projection table telling the story of St Patrick as well as new panels, new lighting and a new IMAX film.
He said: “Millions of people will be celebrating St Patrick this week and what they are actually celebrating is your history and your heritage and it is our mission to encourage them to come to Downpatrick.”
Before singing Light the Fire, Dana recalled that St Patrick had lit a fire of love that was not just for Ireland but a love that went to the whole world.
Dana said: “We really need a new hymn to St Patrick for today because the message of St Patrick is not belonging to a past generation. And it’s not just for Ireland. It’s a message for today and for the whole world.”
Musicians such as drummers and pipers from Down High School and St Patrick’s Grammar School also provided some of the music while the Schola Cantorum from St Peter’s Belfast and the Rev Adrian Dorrian, vicar of Down Cathedral were among those in the chorus with Dana.
Michael Savage, chairman of Newry Mourne and Down Council, was among the invited guests who also included Sinn Fein MP Chris Savage, the Dean of Down, Very Rev Henry Hull and Canon John Murray, parish priest of Downpatrick.
Cllr Savage said the Centre was a great asset to the local area and that St Patrick can represent everyone. “Fortunately Downpatrick has one of the great products in the world to sell.
“It is instantly recognisable and it is wonderful that we have a purpose built building like this at The Saint Patrick Centre.”
The Centre is offering half-price admission on St Patrick’s Day and the weekend of March 18-19 to those living in the Newry Mourne and Down Council area. “This is our thank you to the community for more than 20 years of support,” said Emma Killen, Chairperson of The Saint Patrick Centre.
The new exhibition has been designed by Tandem in Holywood,and NoHo of Dublin. Tourism NI provided an offer of £200,000 from the Experience Development Programme 2020-21.
Politicians Applaude New St Patrick Centre Exhibition
There was all round support from the political establishment for the new exhibition at the St Patrick Centre.
Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason said: “It was great to attend the official opening of the new St Patrick’s Centre Exhibition which showcases the journey of St Patrick in a new and interactive way.
“Highlighting the historical importance of our county town and the local heritage that has spread right across the island and indeed the rest of the world – this will be a huge boost to the tourism offerings in Downpatrick and across South Down.
“As tourism spokesperson for Sinn Féin, I look forward to continuing to work with St Patrick Centre and other organisations to unlock Downpatrick’s full hospitality and tourism potential, helping to boost the local economy and create good quality jobs for future generations.”
Alliance MLA Patrick Brown said: “I want to congratulate Dr Tim Campbell and his team on the launch of the new exhibition at the St Patrick’s centre.
“This stunning new exhibition is a result of hard work by his team over many years and direct investment from Tourism NI.
“No doubt this will add to the already exceptional tourist product in Downpatrick and continue to put Downpatrick on the map for international visitors.”
Cllr Enright said: “It was fantastic to join so many people in celebrating the launch of the new exhibition, which was especially enjoyable given the live entertainment provided by Eurovision legend DANA who launched her new song, a tribute to St Patrick.
“I look forward to seeing the centre going from strength-to-strength with this new investment.”
SDLP Cllr Gareth Sharvin, said: “The new St Patrick Exhibition at the Saint Patrick Centre is truly world class. As the only permanent exhibition in the world to our Patron Saint, it is truly fitting that such an investment is made in the town of Downpatrick.
“The new exhibition further promotes Christianity and Patrick to the local tourism market but will have a greater reach to the world and promote our area with great benefit.
“I would like to congratulate Dr Tim Cambell and the team on delivering such an outstanding exhibition and to Dana on the new St Patrick hymn.
“I look forward to working with the centre in its continued growth and through support from Newry Mourne and Down District Council.”
