Happy feet in Berrings as they revive tradition

HAVE shoes will dance. That is the simple mantra in Berrings who won second place in the Best Maintained category at the recent Muintir na Tire Pride in Our Community awards.

Berrings Community Council aimed to revive an old tradition of dancing at the cross-roads while at the same time creating an opportunity for neighbours to meet and socialise together. With this in mind, the tradition of dancing at Berrings Cross took off every Saturday night in June, July and August six years ago.

The initiative has gone from strength to strength and now a marque has been set up in the car park beside a closed pub at Berrings Cross roads.

The area which could have been allowed to become derelict has instead been painted and flowers planted to bring as much colour as possible to the cross.

The old dances are brought alive each week such as the Sliabh Luachra, Ballyvourney jig and the ‘Berrings Slosh.’ What is equally fantastic is that young local musicians are encouraged to play along with the professional bands.

The dances don’t just bring about people who want to go down memory lane but many young set dancers have taken to the floor with gusto.

Up to 150 people meet on Saturday night and it is never cancelled as the school hall which is just metres away swings opens its doors to allow the toe-tappers and dancers enjoy their night. In short, it has been a phenomenal success.

Mayor of Cork County Cllr Seamus McGrath (FF) congratulated them and said it was great to see their effort which has brought the community together.