From international stages to performing on home turf – stars come out in force

By ELEANOR McGILLIE

A HOST of musical talent and stage artists will be travelling home in February to entertain a gala audience at ‘An Evening of Celebration’ which is being hosted by St Patrick’s Academy Dungannon at the Armagh City Hotel.

Acts such as Broadway actor Fra Fee, composer and musician Ryan Molloy, winner of The Voice UK Andrea Begley, soprano Gemma Prince, baritone Karl McGuckin, singer/songwriter Mairéad Duffy and the band, 3’s A Crowd, will perform on stage to help with the fundraising gala celebration.

The night, which aims to help maintain the school’s standards and heritage, will also see the launch of the new Academy Alumni Association (AAA).

The £27M school will officially open in February 2018, and, in order to allow the school further room for growth, the management team will use this night to celebrate the school’s achievements to date while protecting the school’s rich provision for the future.

Speaking ahead of the event on February 3, 2018, which will also be hosted by two of our favourite broadcasters, Lynette Fay and Malachi Cush,  Principal Fintan Donnelly said: “Since we launched ‘An Evening of Celebration’ last month it’s unbelievable to have received the amount of correspondence we have from past pupils and friends of the school who want to come along on the night.

“We have heard stories of people booking flights from different corners of the globe and we are hearing stories of friends reconnecting for the first time in years. This is brilliant to hear.

“Tables are being booked up fast by past pupils and their families, gold and corporate sponsors and, of course with such an array of musical talent set to perform on the evening, this will be such a fantastic evening to kick start 2018.

“We don’t want people to miss out on this fantastic opportunity to reconnect with old friends, enjoy a night of musical entertainment and to play a role in protecting our school’s heritage.

“‘An Evening of Celebration’ is going to be very special so it’s important to get tables booked to secure your places.”

Mairead Duffy, who has headed up the music department for 20 years, has been instrumental in working with past pupils who are making their mark on stages here in Ireland, across the UK as well as on international stages, to bring them back for this special night.

Mairead, who herself has performed on stage in Carnegie Hall in New York with The Chieftains, will be joining the creative programme of performers on the evening.

She said: “This school has produced so many people who have made such an impact on stages around the world. ‘An Evening of Celebration’ will be such a unique event where we can all enjoy the talent nurtured right here in this school. These performers are all top class and they are all excited to be coming back to entertain us.

“So if you haven’t booked your table already we would encourage you to do so because everyone is in for a fantastic evening.”

As well as a five course meal and musical entertainment, the audience will enjoy very inspirational talks by two key guest speakers, bidding on an auction and a raffle with some great prizes up for grabs.

All proceeds from this evening will go towards the running costs of the school and will ensure  the school’s management team, teaching staff and pupils can continue to focus on achieving excellence together.

This is a ticketed only event. To secure a table or book individual tickets contact theacademygala@gmail.com. The school is also welcoming expressions of interest from past pupils who have an interest in joining St Patrick’s Academy Alumni Association.

ENDS:

Notes To Editor:

• St Patrick’s Academy was established in 1891 and is a voluntary grammar school based in Dungannon, Co Tyrone. The new £27million school will be opened in February 2018 after An Evening of Celebration and the launch of the Academy Alumni Association (AAA).
• For further information contact Eleanor McGillie of MGMPR Ltd on 028 3756 9569 | 07709805379 | mgmpr.co.uk | Retail PR | Public Relations Northern Ireland | Public Relations UK | Brand Journalism Northern Ireland | Brand Journalism UK | Brand Journalism Experts