CASTLEISLAND STEPS OUT FOR STRICTLY
FOR the 13 amazing couples who graced the floor during last Saturday night’s Strictly Come Dancing at the Castleisland Community Centre, it was ‘mission accomplished’ as the culmination of many hours of practice came right when it mattered most – on the dance floor.
A joint fundraiser between Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál Presentation and Castleisland Desmonds Ladies GAA Club, choreographer Mary Philpott said the couples were a pleasure to work with and were enthusiastic and fully committed to the task.
This view was certainly reciprocated by the positive reaction of the large crowd of over 600 people who made their appreciation known as each couple concluded their act. The dancing was of a high standard and Castleisland Desmonds’ PRO, Gerard Murphy, said the fact each of the couples danced to their own genre of music played to the strengths of each couple.
“This really suited the dancers as they represented different age levels and tastes of music. Every couple had their own music style and it suited them, which was very enjoyable to watch. I don’t know how the judges came to a decision to be honest as they were all fantastic in their own right,” explained Gerard.
In the end the panel of judges, which included MEP Sean Kelly, went for Aisling O’Connell and Thomas ‘Harry’ Callaghan, while the popular vote went to the all-girl team of Michelle Reidy and Emma Sweeney.
Gerard added: “It was very well attended considering it was a Bank Holiday weekend. This is our third year doing it and certainly it’s holding its own. Realistically, it’s the only source of income for the ladies’ side of the club, while the Presentation Convent school are also building an Autism Unit at the moment and some of the funds raised from the night will go towards that.”