Mercedes and Teslas Rev it Up at Tullyglass

“YMCA” was the song of choice for one of the participating teams at Friday night’s Saints & Slimmers Finale event and it perfectly sums up the mood on the evening as the participants had “no need to be unhappy”.

8 teams came together to spend the evening celebrating with family and friends at the conclusion of another successful programme.

Held in the wonderful setting of Tullyglass House Hotel the 120 participants, arranged in teams named after car brands, rounded their 7 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 Lip Snyc and dancing skills to over 400 friends, supporters and club members.

With 8 routines in all from the Jackson Five’s “Blame It On The Boogie” through to Lionel Richie’s “Dancing on the ceiling” there was plenty to keep everyone entertained. And that’s just what they did. Each team put on show the final results of their 7 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 Biggest Male & Female Loser competition. Competitors waited with bated breath for the overall winners to be announced. Crowned 2024 female winner was Sinead Connolly while crowned male winner alongside her was Robert Patrick.

Next up it was time to name the King and Queen of Slimmers 2024. Sixteen candidates, nominated by their team leaders, faced an anxious wait as they paused to learn who the panel of judges had selected. The wait was short however as veteran Saints & Slimmers participant Kathleen Dowds was proclaimed Queen along with programme debutant Niall Scullion as her King. Worthy winners indeed!

Dance troop of Charlies Cheveolets.GB0941D24

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 McKillop’s Spar Mercedes dancing to Abba”s, “Gimmie, Gimmie”. 2nd place went to Connolly’s Cadillacs with the Village People’s “YMCA” with Charlie’s Chevrolets and their take on Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” placed in 3rd.

Celebrations had barely receded when we were introduced to the overall champions of the 7 week programme. A combination of points awarded for attendance, weight loss and team activitiy challenges had brought us to this point.

Deserving winners and Saints & Slimmers Champions 2024 were the Teamkit Teslas. Announced in 2nd place were Connolly’s Spar Cadillacs while in 3rd place were the Charlie’s Bar Chevrolets.

Saints & Slimmers has community at heart and this was very much in evidence during Friday night’s event when cheques were presented to local charity Bravehearts and NI Chest, Heart & Stroke. Mr. Eugene Reid, representative of CHS, received the donation on their behalf. Eugene was joined in the presentation by Michael & Maria Walsh. The Walsh family had selected the charity in memory of their son and former All Saints GAC player Aidan who sadly passed away in February 2023. Clare Caulfield received a cheque on behalf of Bravehearts, a charity established by her daughter Shaelyn to support young people suffering from congenital heart disease.

Clare Caulfield of Braveheartsni receives her charity donation from Jim Brady and Eamon McKillop of All Saints GAC ‘Saints and Slimmers’. GB0947D24

The money was raised as a result of a day long 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 over £4k was realised. A fitting way to pay tribute to the spirit of community which is at the heart of the All Saints club and bring this year’s programme to a conclusion.

Special thanks to all of our team and event sponsors:

Connolly’s Spar (Cadillacs)

Pizza Parlour (Porsches)

Flamingo (Fiats)

Bert’s Cafe (Beetles)

McKillops Spar (Mercedes)

Teamkit (Teslas)

ECO Flame (Fiats)

Knockdene Healthcare (Kias)

And our tutors:

Debbie & Regan (Dance)

Flamingo Fitness (Teresa & Andrew)