Earl in visit to Patrician centres in Downpatrick

Earl in visit to Patrician centres in Downpatrick

24 September 2014

DOWNPATRICK’S unique links with Ireland’s patron saint have been shown off to a Royal visitor. 

Prince Edward was whisked around three of the town’s top tourist attractions during a visit yesterday afternoon which showcased the St. Patrick Centre, Down Cathedral and Downpatrick and County Down Railway.

Arriving at the St. Patrick’s Centre in the early afternoon, a seemingly relaxed Earl of Wessex was welcomed on the steps by Lord Lieutenant Mr. David Lyndsay and a line-up of local dignitaries including Down Council chairman Mr. William Walker and South Down MP Margaret Ritchie.

Turning to wave at bystanders gathered in curiosity over the unexpected VIP arrival, the Earl was invited into the centre by director Dr. Tim Campbell, who took him around the exhibition dedicated to the patron saint, which he emphasised was the only permanent one of its kind in the world.

After chatting about the history of the Celtic cross and the legend of St. Patrick banishing snakes from Ireland, Dr. Campbell led the Earl upstairs to Daisy’s Cafe where many staff had turned up on their day off to cater for their Royal guest.

The Earl then sat down to lunch with tourist chiefs and business officials, including Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) chief executive and director Mr. David Thompson, NITB chairman Dr. Howard Hastings, Mr. John Carson, chairman of the St. Patrick Centre and Mr. Terry Ahern, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

After lunch, he chatted with local business people before walking to Down Cathedral where he was greeted by the Dean of Down, Reverend Henry Hull, and clergymen from across the district including the Bishop of Down and Dromore, Right Reverend Harold Miller, and Downpatrick church leaders.

After hearing a Fanfare by Jacques Lemmas played by the cathedral’s resident organist Mr. Michael McCracken, the group said a prayer at St. Patrick’s grave before the Earl was taken to the Downpatrick Railway where he unveiled a plaque to commemorate the official opening of the Carriage Viewing Gallery.

The busy Royal tour drew to an end on a vintage note when the Earl boarded a restored steam train to make the short journey to Inch Abbey.