‘Rising to the challenge’ theme of St Patrick’s Day Celebrations 2017
Bishop Harold Miller has invited two leading local sports men to speak at the annual St Patrick’s Day Celebrations in Down Cathedral on Friday 17 March.
This year’s two keynote speakers are Mickey Harte, of the Gaelic Athletic Association, and Shane Logan, CEO of Ulster Rugby. They will be speaking on the theme of ‘Rising to the Challenge’.
Ballgawley born Mickey Harte has been manager of Tyrone GAA senior team since 2003 and has led the team to three All Ireland titles and five Ulster titles.
Shane Logan has been the chief executive officer of Ulster rugby since 2010 previously working as General Manager of Harland and Wolff shipbuilders, Head of Coca Cola for Central Russia and Chief Executive of the Royal National Institute of the Blind.
The annual St Patrick’s Day event, gathers hundreds of visitors, from Ireland and abroad. It begins with a service of Holy Communion at Saul Church, followed by a pilgrimage to Down Cathedral. The pilgrims will be greeted by a bagpiper at the bottom of the Mall, and accompanied by Mickey and Shane, will lead the pilgrims to the Festival Service. After the service, a wreath will be laid at St Patrick’s grave by local ministers of all denominations before lunch is served to invited guests in the Cathedral grounds.