60th Anniversary

2022 marked the 60th anniversary of the Patrician Hall. The state-of-the-art Patrician Hall was officially opened for a variety concert on 25th February 1962 with a star studded variety concert. Many big stars have graced the venue since then, including Roy Orbison, Sandie Shaw, Seamus Heaney, Liam Neeson and Stephen Rea to name a few. 

To mark the milestone 60th birthday, a number of special events and activities were organised. 

Celebrations started on the 25th February 2022 with an Ecumenical blessing by Reverend Barr and Fr O’Neill.

In March and April, preparations were underway for the staging of a specially commisioned show – Carmen: The First 60 Years (written and produced by Declan Forde with the added and rich input of a few commitee members). The show ran for three nights bringing the audiences on a journey through six decades of memories, music and theatre. Legendary singer Philomena Begley appeared on stage on the final night to rapturous applause. Philomena performed in The Hall on many occasions as part of the  big showband era, so it was brilliant way to close the curtains. 

As part of the anniversary celebrations, folk singer Dan McCabe filled the hall in May, followed by a Ciaran Houlihan’s Elvis Spectacular at the beginning of October. ‘A Patrician Christmas’ was staged in December, with the big Johnny Cash & June Carter Wedding on 25th February 2023 bringing the year of celebrations to a close. 

We have had some journey – here’s to the next 60 years!