Saint Patrick’s Way Guides Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly meet fascinating people, hear about their lives and discuss Saint Patrick and his legacy. The former BBC political correspondent and barrister who became Adoration Sisters have found a new vocation ‘Rocking the Cradle of Christianity’. Well – right now they can’t walk, so they’ll have to talk!
Eamon Holmes
TV presenter, Eamonn Holmes discusses his life, his memories of Saint Patrick’s Day and reveals whom he would most like to interview.
Cellist Patrick Dexter joins Martina and Elaine from his County Mayo cottage where he has attracted an audience of millions during lockdown, playing everything from U2 to Ave Maria.
Patrick speaks of his spirituality, his connection to Patrick and his love of the Irish landscape.
Mary Kenny is widely regarded as the grand dame of Irish journalism – a writer, broadcaster, author and columnist who helped found the Irish Women’s Liberation Movement in Ireland. Now 77, and living in Kent she writes columns for the Irish Independent and the Irish Catholic and is a keen observer on life and faith.
Mary spoke to our pilgrim guides Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly about pilgrimage, feminism and St Patrick. (We apologise in advance for a few technical problems).
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern – who continues to work in peacebuilding – speaks to Saint Patrick Centre pilgrim guides Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly about the peace process, life in lockdown, St Patrick and the importance of his faith.
This was recorded before the First Minister and DUP Leader Arlene Foster resigned.
Downpatrick’s Gerry Kelly is one of Ireland’s most successful broadcasters. He has interviewed celebrities such as Graham Norton, James Bond star Roger Moore, footballing legend George Best and American country star Garth Brookes. He is a member of the Royal Television Society’s Hall of Fame.
The Kelly Show ran on UTV for 17 years, sometimes beating the viewing figures of Michael Parkinson, and Jonathan Ross. He currently lives in Ardglass and speaks to our pilgrim guides Martina Purdy about life post-lock-down, his links with Saint Patrick and faith.
Tim McGarry shares his experience of the Troubles, his life as a comedian and the benefits of laughter. He has made a career out of poking fun at politicians and paramilitaries and this year celebrated 25 years as a comedian, having spent eight years as a solicitor.
He also speaks about launching St Patrick’s Way by the Coast, a six-mile ancient pilgrimage route.
Elaine Pentland is about to be ordained a Deacon in the Church of Ireland. The Crossgar woman who is the daughter of former UUP minister Dermot Nesbitt tells Martina and Elaine about her love of St Patrick & her amazing call.
Archbishop Eamonn Martin is the leader of the Roman Catholic Faith in Ireland and the Archbishop of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh and talks to Pilgrim Guides Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly about faith, lockdown and Saint Patrick.
Poor Clare Sister Briege O’Hare says St Bridget was no goddess and deserves a national holiday. She speaks to St Patrick’s Podcast from a monastery she helped found at Faughart near St Bridget’s birthplace.
The latest St Patrick’s Podcast features an expert on Black Elk, a Native American medicine man who fought at the Battle of Little Big Horn and became a Christian. In fact, Black Elk’s case for canonization has been opened. Author and academic Dr Damian Costello talks to Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly about his fascination with Black Elk and how he relates to St Patrick.
Former Manchester United Premier League footballer, Philip Mulryne talks faith & football on St Patrick’s Podcast with pilgrim guides Elaine Kelly and Martina Purdy.
Joe Duffy in conversation with UTV’s Gerry Kelly in the Saint Patrick Centre on Thursday 21st October at 7.30 as part of our Autumn Lecture Series 2021.
Arlene Foster & Gerry Kelly
Arlene Foster in conversation with Gerry Kelly at the Saint Patrick Centre
Phil Coulter
Phil Coulter in conversation with Gerry Kelly at the Saint Patrick Centre
Find Us
The Saint Patrick Centre, Saint Patrick’s Square, Market Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6LZ