Downpatrick Chapter

Mission | Goals | Chapter History & Details | Officers | Honorary | Members | News
Young Ambassadors | Photos


Mission
To build positive and on-going relationships between Saint Patrick’s Country and the rest of the World. To promote the cultures of Northern Ireland and the reconciliation work which is going on through the Saint Patrick Centre and other organisations. Through education, action and celebration, Friends of St. Patrick – Downpatrick will take forward and nurture Patrick’s legacy both in Ireland and beyond the island.

Goals
- Support the Saint Patrick Centre and charitable organizations within our community, through volunteer and fundraising efforts.

- Learn actively about the different cultures and history of Northern Ireland through visits, talks and demonstration. This should be delivered through personal updates from the Director, speakers representing the traditions and cultures of the northern part of Ireland and, when called upon, Young Ambassadors.

- Offer support for continuing links between the Saint Patrick Centre and its Chapters through initiatives like the Friends of Saint Patrick Young Ambassadors Program which will annually send young people to Saint Patrick’s Country in Northern Ireland to experience the cultures and traditions of the region and the reconciliation work of the Saint Patrick Centre and other organizations.

- Promote the Friends of Saint Patrick at Festivals and other suitable events.

- Aim to have meetings at least quarterly and provide a forum for speakers and musical performance.

- Partner with other local organizations working for a positive future in Northern Ireland.

- Support the cross community education programs conducted in Northern Ireland by the Saint Patrick Centre.

Chapter History/Details
The Friends of Saint Patrick organisation was founded in 2006 by Dr Tim Campbell, Board Members of the Saint Patrick Centre and members of the local community in Mid Down who supported the work of the Centre. The group originally met to organise concerts and help develop the Friends Magazine. Their role has grown to become a fully fledged and incorporated body with a growing volunteer base which has raised over £12,000 over the last year for local charities which continue the spirit of Saint Patrick and his message of reconciliation abroad. Members look forward to meeting Friends from other Chapters and from around the World and making them feel welcome and involved in Saint Patrick’s Country.

Honorary
Eddie McGrady MP, Sir Patrick Cormack MP.

Charter Members