Lip Sync proves to be great success
THE inaugural Lip Sync battle in Drogheda proved to be a rip-roaring success in every way.
The event took place at the O’Raghallaighs Centre where the crowds were queuing outside before the doors opened.
As well as supporting the fun-filled night, the attendance was also helping the Drogheda branch of the Alzheimer Society in its fund-raising efforts to build a new daycare centre.
And as battle lines were drawn among the 16 acts covering 41 contestants it was standing room only.
The performers put on a fantastic show, all demonstrating a level of professionalism which reflected the long hours of practice supervised by choreographers, Kim Keogh and Kelly McArdle.
The spectacular set, augmented by a fabulous combination of sound, staging and lighting plus a big screen -- all provided by Ronan Lynch -- made for an amazing backdrop to the event.
The judges paired the 16 contestants down to five finalists who battled it out for top honours.
When the final call was made by the judges, it was Magic Mike who came out on top with an amazing and innovative routine comprising a medley of top songs. The group included Seamus Walsh, Jamie O’Neill, Harry McCarthy, Luke Reilly and Joe Gibney.
Another group, The Pussycat Dolls, also made it to the final shake-up. Their all-girl was line-up consisted of Lauren Smith, Ciara Wallace, Linda King, Grania McCullough, AnneMarie Brannigan and Moira Murtagh.
The other three finalists were Melissa and Alana with their Daniel and Ivor act, Geraldine Conlon who mimicked Nicki Minage, and Gary Fagan who performed to ‘Ice,Ice Baby’ by Vanilla Ice. Gary was a busy man for the past couple of months for he was also the chief organiser of the event.
He said on the completion of the enthralling three and a half hour-show : ‘ The build-up to the night was very stressful and it was difficult to get everything together.
‘But it all went so well that it was a really rewarding experience in terms of the entertainment provided and the funds raised for the great cause that is the Alzheimer project, ‘ he added.
Alzheimer branch chairman, Noel Heeney, who himself took part in the event featuring as Tom Jones with ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’ , was loud in his praise of all who took part.
‘It was a memorable night and we cannot thank Gary and his wonderful crew for all they did. This has given us a terrific boost. It was a great community effort and we have made life-long friends through the event, ‘ he said.