Armagh Celebrates Saint Patrick

Armagh saw a significant change in the Saint Patrick's Day celebrations this year.  Hartford Community Development and Cultural Association decided that on the evening of St. Patrick's Day it would host an information evening to explore the myths, which have built up around Patrick.

The St. Patrick's Heritage Association provided two exhibitions depicting Patrick - The Man The Myth - and The Message; and also Celebrating Patrick.

The evening, in Armagh Orange Hall, consisted of poetry readings, three mini-lectures - presented by Gordon Lucy of the Ulster-Society and later Patrick being interviewed in a television studio-type situation.  Not only was Patrick's life in Ireland discussed, but also his Scottish roots were emphasised, tracing how his missionary endeavours progressed on his travels from Scotland an on through the un-evangelised province of Ulster.

To further enhance the Scottish links, the audience were entertained by two multi-talented musicians - Robert Watt, four times solo championship piper and Emma Culbert, former British accordion champion.

Robert played a wide selection of Irish and Scottish airs, on the Highland, Lowland and some would say quite remarkably for an Orange Hall, also on the Uilean pipes while Emma entertained on both the accordion and keyboards.