People say you'll always leave Newry's Gateway Club in good form - now it's marking its 50th anniversary.
BBC News NI south-east reporterNestled in the corner of a carpark on Kilmorey Street, the sprawling centre has offered people with Down's Syndrome and learning difficulties a social outlet for half a century.They are the fruits of a campaign fronted by Newry icon Pat Jennings urging people to buy a brick.
"Some of our members would be standing from four o'clock waiting for their lift because they know it's gateway night and it's been that way for years and years," he said. "The club was founded in 1973 by a good friend of mine Willie McGivern. Willie had a disabled son, Declan, and Willie was looking for proper rights for Declan in terms of proper schooling and recreation.
Now in his 70s, Paddy will this year retire from his role at the gateway but there is still plenty of young blood keeping the centre pumping.Olivia enjoys the drama she takes part in"My mum was a volunteer since I was a baby so I was brought into it through my family.
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