Eurovision star Dana sings Happy Birthday to Mary

Eurovision star Dana sings Happy Birthday to Mary

27 September 2023

A DOWNPATRICK woman got an unexpected surprise when Irish singing star Dana knocked on her door with birthday greetings.

Mary Jamison, of Struell Road, was stunned when she answered the door on Saturday to Dana - who was in Downpatrick for the weekend to lead pilgrims on St Patrick’s Way and sing her new song Light the Fire at Down Cathedral.

“I just couldn’t believe it,” said Mrs Jamison. “I definitely won’t forget this birthday.”

As Dana was welcomed into the house, Mrs Jamison exclaimed: “I had seen you on television but I never thought you would be in my house.”

Mary’s husband Derek was also shocked and delighted as he had vivid memories of seeing Dana win Eurovision in 1970 with All Kinds of Everything.

Mrs Jamison joked that she had expected a quiet birthday when she heard her daughters Shauna, Denise and Anne were going out on a St Patrick’s Way  pilgrimage with Dana, organised by The Saint Patrick Centre.

When the girls returned from the walk late on Saturday afternoon, they did let on that the singer was on her way with pilgrim guides Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly.

Dana stayed for around half an hour, taking pictures and sharing Mary’s memories of Eurovision, and how Dana’s new song for St Patrick Light the Fire came about.

Mary had heard the song when it was launched on March 13 at The Saint Patrick Centre.

“It’s amazing and definitely very much for these times when we all need faith, hope and love,” she said.

Before leaving Mary Dana sang Happy Birthday to her.

Last Saturday, Dana helped lead 31 pilgrims in a walk to Inch Abbey built in 1177 and a visit to Saul Church, where St Patrick began his mission in 432AD.

At Saul, Dana shared how her new song was inspired by the events of 433AD when St Patrick lit the Easter fire at Slane. A recording of the song was also played in the old church at Saul for the pilgrims.

“The pilgrimage was a beautiful experience,” said Dana.

Among the pilgrims walking with Dana was a woman who had sang with the Eurovision star on stage when she was a child of eight. 

One of the pilgrims, Karen Mawhinney, said it was both inspiring and spiritual. “I’m so glad I was one of the 31,” she said.

St Patrick Centre director Dr Tim Campbell said it was a “memorable day.”

He continued: “It was one of our joyful days on St Patrick’s Way. It’s one of the last official walks of the season and we look forward to many more joining us on St Patrick’s Way in Downpatrick, Newcastle and Rostrevor in 2024.

“St Patrick’s Way is going from strength to strength as groups and individuals sign up for a passport to adventure in the footsteps of St Patrick.”

Pilgrim guide Mary said the pilgrimage was a “fantastic response by the walkers to the invitation to walk St Patrick’s Way with Dana.”

She continued: “The feedback from the walkers was amazing. They loved it. Dana is a humble lady and a pleasure to walk with. One of the highlights was hearing her speak about her new song and actually hear it played in the cradle of Christianity at Saul Church.”

Ms Purdy said Dana helped bring the story of Patrick to life because faith is so important to her. “When we walk St Patrick’s Way, we find that people really bond and there is a lot of laughter and we could not have asked for better weather to see some of the most beautiful parts of St Patrick’s country.”

Dana was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a gift from The Saint Patrick Centre gift shop by duty manager Chloe Stevenson.

As she thanked everyone, Dana insisted she didn’t need anything as the walk itself was a gift. 

“I’ve long wanted to do this,” she said.

Dana and husband Damien attended a group service on Sunday morning at Down Cathedral, comprising churches from within the Lecale Area Missionary Partnership.

She had been invited by Dean Henry Hull when he heard she was coming to Downpatrick on pilgrimage. 

Dana spoke to the congregation about how the song for St Patrick was years in the making, after a suggestion from her late brother-in-law Fr Kevin Scallon.

She said she recorded the song on February 1, St Brigid’s Day, after Dr Campbell invited her to launch it at The Saint Patrick Centre in time for St Patrick’s Day.

The Rev Adrian Dorrian provided the voice of St Patrick in the opening lines of the original recording and on Sunday, standing on the altar, repeated his lines, “I am Patrick, a sinner…” as Dana began to sing.

Dana was congratulated on her new song by guest speaker the Reverend Greg Downes, director of Kingfisher Ministers, and the Bishop of Down and Dromore, The Right Reverend David McClay.

Bishop McClay said that before he heard of the song, he was himself inspired to have a special initiative and light a fire in honour of the Christian faith at Down Cathedral next St Patrick’s Day.

“You, Dana,” he said, “may not yet realise just how important your song is.”