Friends of Glenariffe Present Strictly Come Dancing at St. Killian’s College

Saturday 5th May2018

Strictly fever gripped the Glens on Saturday night as the culmination of twelve weeks of dance lessons (First Dance NI) and countless hours of practice for twenty dancers exploded on stage at St Killian’s College Assembly Hall. The local Strictly Committee along with Island Events and Conor McAfee, transformed the hall of St. Killian’s into the Blackpool Tower Ballroom providing the perfect setting for this much anticipated sold-out show. Compere Padraig McIlwaine kicked off the dancing with his energetic ‘footloose’ moves followed by his renowned quick-witted banter throughout the night. Judges Orla O’Neill, John McIntosh and Mark Sidebottom were introduced and the stage was set for the dancing to commence. The first couple due to dance were Maggie and Brian. Sadly, Maggie’s mother passed away on Saturday morning and Committee member Pauline stepped in to take her place. Brian and Pauline’s graceful rendition of the American Smooth was a fitting tribute. The pace picked up with Johnny and Mary’s Cha Cha, the eagerly awaited lime green dress, which had made its way from China, adding plenty of zest to this performance. Anne and Niall’s elegant Viennese Waltz wowed the audience, followed by the feisty rock ‘n’ roll display of Julie and Paul. Christine and Eamon finished off the first half with a fast-paced quickstep.

 Sinead and Liam took top prize with the jive

In the second half of the show Mickey and Barbara’s clever, comic Charleston delighted the audience, swiftly followed by Seana and Emmet’s sizzling salsa. Marianne and Aaron brought a sultry Argentine Tango whilst the youngest couple, Laura and Shane, created a carnival with their Samba. The final couple were due to be Paddy and Sinead, however with Paddy out of action just two weeks before show time with an injury, Liam gallantly stepped in to take his place. Instead of being barman he found himself on stage with Sinead and together they stole the show with their Jive. Throughout the night there were many deservedly high scores, however only one couple succeeded in receiving a unanimous perfect 10 from all three judges. Audience members could vote for their favourite using their strictly tickets and they agreed with the judges’ choice ensuring that Sinead and Liam won Strictly Come Dancing with their Jive. As the purpose of Strictly was to fundraise for the new Glenariffe Community and Recreation Centre there was a second winner for the most money raised in buckets on the night. This prize befittingly went to Brian and Pauline for their American Smooth. The night was a fantastic success not only in terms of money raised but also in showcasing the fabulous community spirit which makes the Glens a wonderful place to be. Until next time…keep dancing

Pauline and Brian were top of the money list with their American Smooth

Attending the Friends of Glenariffe Stricly Come Dancing gala at St Killian’s College