Saints & Slimmers sign off In style

“Oh, What a Night” might well be the Four Seasons biggest hit from the 1960’s but it’s equally the most appropriate song to describe the recent 80’s themed All Saints GAC Saints & Slimmers Finale Night. Held in the wonderful setting of Tullyglass House Hotel the 170 participants rounded their 8 week challenge off in some style.

Having spent the past 2 months exercising every muscle they have it was time to hit the dance floor and show off their 80’s dances to over 500 friends, supporters and club members.

12 routines in all from Tina Turner’s Proud Mary to Kenny Logins Footloose and Run DMC’s It’s Tricky to Madness’ Baggy Trousers there was plenty to keep everyone entertained. And that’s just what they did. Each team put on show the final results of their 8 week dance preparation to rapturous applause from those attending. But of course there were also points on offer and champions to be crowned.

First up on the night was the double title of King & Queen of The Biggest Loser competition. 12 competitors, 1 from each team, waited with bated breath for the overall winners to be announced. Crowned 2019 Queen was Catherine O’Melvena while crowned King alongside her was Ben McDonald.

Then it was on to the Dance winners. The judges had an unenviable task in choosing their winners but choose they did and announced in 1st place was the Fitzsimons Opticians French Hens led by team captain, and club Camogie coach, Leanne McGarry. 2nd place went to the Steele Physio Partridges with the Old Bank Surgery Maids placed in 3rd.

Celebrations had barely receded when we were introduced to the overall champions of the 8 week programme. A combination of points awarded for attendance, weight loss and team activity challenges had brought us to this point.

Deserving winners and Saints & Slimmers Champions 2019 were the Steele Physio Partridges led by team captain, club stalwart and former Antrim camog, Bernie Daly. Announced in 2nd place were the Prime Pipers who were marshalled over the 8 weeks by another of the club’s Camogie coaches, Noleen Spurgeon. The 3rd placed team were the Old Bank Surgery Maids and they were led to the podium by their team leader, juvenile parent, Pamela Hudson.

Saints & Slimmers has community at heart and this was very much in evidence during last night’s event. Late last Summer the All Saints Club lost a much loved friend and juvenile coach, Orlaith O’Kane. In consultation with Orlaith’s husband Micky and family members it was agreed that this year’s Saints & Slimmers charitable efforts should be directed towards a charity of their choice.

McMillan Cancer Support Unit at Antrim Hospital were the nominated group and on Saturday 2nd February team members undertook a 9 hour Spin Cycle Spinathon at the Ballymena Harmony Hub in the centre of town. Thanks to the generosity of the participants, their families and the Ballymena public a grand total of £5240 was revealed last night. A fitting way to pay tribute to Orlaith’s legacy and bring this year’s programme to a conclusion.