Music star Dana is set for Saint Patrick Centre

19 February 2025

A MUSICAL evening featuring Eurovision Song Contest winner Dana will take place in The Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick next month.

Dana will sing and share stories of her life and career in the centre’s auditorium on Friday March 14, as part of a week of celebrations around St Patrick’s Day.

Dana will sing Light the Fire, inspired by St Patrick’s mission in Ireland, and a new song for St Brigid, as well as hits such as All Kinds of Everything and other favourites that have inspired her.

“I am delighted we are launching this evening in Downpatrick, which has been so important to me,” she said.

“It’s a beautiful and very special place which celebrates the message of hope and joy St Patrick brought to us.”

She continued: “This will be an intimate evening, a kind of musical journey through my life and songs, the important milestones in my life that mean a lot to me. It’ll be relaxed and fun.

“We are a people who have a great love of music and dance – of just sharing and fun. I think we all know that if you have laughter in your life, it will take you through the hardest of times, especially if you can see something that makes you smile.

“My brother, who is a wonderful musician, will be accompanying me. There’ll be songs that are faith-inspired, as well as that music which has taken me all over the world.”

Dana was dubbed The Original Derry Girl in a BBC television documentary about her life, which included her marriage to businessman Damien Scallon, their move to the United States with their children, her election to the European Parliament and her bids for the Irish presidency.

The singer-songwriter, whose real name is Rosemary Scallon, was catapulted to fame as a teenager, when she won Eurovision with All Kinds of Everything in 1970, beating out Julio Iglesias of Spain who went on to international fame, and the UK favourite Mary Hopkins.

Dr Tim Campbell, director of The Saint Patrick Centre, said he looked forward to welcoming Dana back to Downpatrick.

He remarked: “Memorably, she launched Light The Fire at The Saint Patrick Centre two years ago and we are delighted to have her back.”

“Dana is a beautiful singer with a warm and engaging personality.”

“We know there is great interest in her music and local people are very invested in her life as she brought a lot of joy when she won Eurovision and continues to grow as an artist.”

Tickets for the show, which begins at 7.30pm cost £20 and available from Eventbrite. More information available from The Saint Patrick Centre on 028 4461 9000, or the centre website and Facebook page.

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