Council Chairman Hosts a Reception to Celebrate 40 Years of Warrenpoint Feis

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin hosted a Civic Reception for Warrenpoint Feis Committee on Thursday 11 April to celebrate the tremendous contribution the Feis has made to the district over the past 40 years.

The first five-day festival of music, speech and drama and Irish dancing was established in November 1978 by its current President, Raymond Turley. With the help of committee members, some who have been there from the beginning and others joining along the way, the Feis has gone from strength to strength and now runs over a four-week period.

Speaking at the reception Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin said, “I would like to thank Raymond for his dedication to the Feis over the last 40 years. What he and his committee has achieved bringing it from a five day to a four-week festival, is an incredible accomplishment.

“Music and drama in their many forms have always played an important role in the community life of Newry, Mourne and Down. There is no doubt that generations of young people from this district, and indeed further afield, are indebted to Warrenpoint Feis for developing their talent and building confidence, providing enduring life skills that last long beyond their competition days.”

He continued and said, “All section secretaries, committee members and associate members are a crucial part of the team and the Feis could not operate without them. Therefore, I want to pay special mention to the current Chairperson, Geraldine Gaw, Vice Chairperson Catherine Kinkaid, General Secretaries Louise Carr and Caroline Sweeney and Treasurer Brigdhe Reilly and Anna O’Hagan, who is the longest serving committee member, serving in various roles over the years. It is this type of dedication and leadership, which has ensured that Warrenpoint Feis is so highly acclaimed and professionally respected today. I wish Warrenpoint Feis many more years of success.”