Eurovision winner Dana to sing with local musician Martin in Downpatrick

Eurovision winner Dana to sing with local musician Martin in Downpatrick

1 November 2023

A DOWNPATRICK musician will accompany Eurovision’s Dana on guitar when she returns to the town to sing her new song for St Patrick.

Martin Campbell, from a well-known musical family, will play Light the Fire as Dana sings the song at St Patrick’s Church in Downpatrick next Monday, November 6, to mark the feast of All Irish Saints.

Dana launched the song in March at the Saint Patrick Centre, Downpatrick, and said she looked forward to sharing it in St Patrick’s Church and singing with Martin.

“Light the Fire has been many years in the making and I believe is very much of the Holy Spirit,” she continued.

“We all need to rekindle the flame of faith, hope and love that St Patrick lit on this island. And how wonderful to return to Downpatrick, so close to where St Patrick began his mission at Saul.”

Mr Campbell said he has been practising a lot for the event, when Dana will also share her faith story.

“I am a bit anxious to be honest as it is not something I would normally do, but excited and honoured as well,” he said.

Martin’s wife, Bernie, has already been singing Light The Fire in the parish for some weeks now.

She said: “I think everyone will know it quite well by the time Dana gets there. It’s a lovely air. Dana’s melody is gorgeous.”

Canon John Murray said he was delighted that Dana had agreed to come and share the new song and her faith story on the feast of all saints, as part of the parish’s weekly evening of Mercy.

“We often take for granted the fact that St Patrick was here and brought an amazing message of love and forgiveness to the Irish people, even those who took him captive,” he said.

“Jesus won Patrick’s heart and Patrick won not only his physical freedom from slavery but a great gift of personal freedom in God. That’s a gift we all want. And I know Dana has a great gift for music and faith and everyone, of all faiths and none, is welcome to come and hear her story and share the joy of this new song — the joy of Christ that comes from faith and hope and love.”

Dana was in Downpatrick in September to lead a pilgrimage on St Patrick’s Way and to sing at Down Cathedral. She sang Light the Fire in St Patrick’s Cathedral New York in May, and has been invited to return there for St Patrick’s Day 2024.

She said: “My husband Damien was inspired at St Patrick’s New York to bring the song to Slane where Patrick lit the first Easter 

fire in 433AD. We were so thrilled when 4,000 people joined us there and we hope that many fires of faith, hope and love will be lit across the island. 

“The world is getting darker with war and so much suffering and it is the light of Christ that will see us through. This is a flame that will never die out because it burns in the hearts of the people. We just need to fan the flames.”

Dana’s brother-in-law, the late Fr Kevin Scallon CM, was instrumental in bringing the song about.