Fleet-footed of Ballyheigue thrill in Strictly night
WHAT a show! The latest parish to take on the Strictly Come Dancing extravaganza pulled it off to perfection as well over 500 made the way to the Ballyroe Heights Hotel to savour Ballyheigue GAA’s turn on the dancefloor on Saturday night.
Great things were expected given the news the 22 dancers taking part were working their socks off over the preceeding six weeks under the expert guidance of dance supremo and fellow Ballyheigue native Joe Burkett.
They did not disappoint as the 11 sashayed and twirled their way like the pros they now are through everything from the salsa and foxtrots to tangos, the Charleston and much, much more.
In short, it was an utter feast for dance fans and a great night out for the whole GAA club community.
There could be only one - no, make that two winners on the night with a prize in a public and judges’ vote.
“We were absolutely thrilled with the night, it was a huge success with well in excess of 500 in attendance and absolutely fantastic performances from all of our dancers,” Ballyheigue GAA PRO Risteárd Ó Fuaráin told The Kerryman.
“The dancers put in some amount of work over the past six weeks with Joe, and on their own time as well, and it really showed on the night. We can’t thank them enough for their efforts and everybody else who made the night possible and who turned out in such numbers,” Risteárd said.
“It was clear judges Sharon Phelan, Danny Leane, John Brassil and Mary O’Donnell would have a difficult task in selecting the winning couple. The first prize was based on the public vote and the winners in this category were Brendan Moriarty and Theresa Gaynor who wowed the audience with their waltz.
“The excitement was then palpable as MC Brian Hurley opened the second golden envelope to reveal Pa O’Regan and Elaine O’Donoghue as the judge’s winning couple. Pa and Elaine had performed ‘ The Charleston,’” Risteárd explained.