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THE SAINT PATRICK CENTRE CELEBRATES SILVER JUBILEE
STORMONT Health Minister and former unionist leader Mike Nesbitt will share his story in Downpatrick as part of a wide-ranging programme to mark the 25th anniversary of The Saint Patrick Centre.
Mr Nesbitt will be interviewed by award-winning journalist Martin O’Brien who has also lined up the new Bishop of Down and Connor Alan McGuckian.
Mr Nesbitt will talk about his experiences as a UTV presenter during the Troubles and the peace process as well as the challenges he has faced as a politician.
He is a two-time leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, having served from 2012 to 2017, and again briefly between 2024 and 2026 before stepping down in January. The member for Strangford continues to lead the health portfolio.
The Centre will also premier a new docudrama, St Patrick, The Hidden Years, by Newcastle filmmaker, Campbell Miller, made for the American-based broadcaster EWTN, the world’s largest Catholic television network. The docudrama will be screened on Sunday March 15 at 3pm in the centre’s auditorium.
"We are delighted to be hosting so many events to mark our jubilee,” said Director, Tim Campbell. “It’s hard to believe it is a quarter of a century since we first opened our doors. It’s been an amazing journey through many trials and triumphs - just like St Patrick himself.”
“We opened when the foot and mouth disease was in full swing and then we had to postpone the celebrations for the 20th anniversary because of Covid. But through it all we have become more and more rooted in the community of Downpatrick, and we have welcomed tens of thousands of people from all around the world who are interested in learning more about St Patrick.”
Mr Campbell said one of the exciting ventures in recent years has been the development of St Patrick's Way and there will be a guided walk on March 14 with a 25% discount. "The walk will be led by our pilgrims guides Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly who will lead pilgrims on a six mile trek to the places in the town associated with St Patrick who of course landed on our shores in 432AD. The walk will include our new IMAX film on St Patrick and take in Inch Abbey and Saul Church and finish at the grave.”
"The walk is a great opportunity to learn about St Patrick and to imbibe the beauty of the area," said Elaine Kelly. "We have been doing these walks for more than five years and we never get tired of showing pilgrims the true Patrick - the slave how he won his freedom - and shared that freedom in this beautiful mission territory.”
Tickets for the conversations hosted by Martin O'Brien, an award-winning journalist and author, are £10 and tickets are available from The Saint Patrick Centre.
Call to book +44 (0)28 4461 9000
Guide Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Adult | £10.00 per ticket |
Please contact the organiser for any further information that's required.
