‘STRICKEEN COME DANCING’ REACHES INTO THE SKIES

MOUNTAIN SET WAS IN AID OF KILLARNEY WATER RESCUE

IN scenes more reminiscent of Brian Friel’s ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’, hordes of happy walkers suddenly turned into happy dancers at the summit of Strickeen where a lively polka broke out thanks to the Kilgobnet Biddies.

Resplendent in their white outfits and wrenboy head-dress, the dancers trampled on the new season’s mountain heather oblivious to the world around them. It was a summer’s evening borrowed from a time long since vanished but very much alive in some latent context.

The chain of climbers ascending the mountain were also pleasantly ‘stricken on Strickeen’ at the sight of dancers merrily stepping it out as all around them the mist fell softly adding its own sense of enchantment to the occasion – and what better way to react than to roll up the sleeves and simply join in the dance. Before long, the summit turned into the first unofficial open air concert of the summer.

The set dance was all part of Killarney Walking Festival’s charity fundraiser in which Killarney Water Rescue – who carried out Trojan work during the recent floods – are worthy recipients of the funds raised.

And if you thought the dancing ceased on the summit, then you’d be mistaken as the crowd assembled once again at Kate Kearney’s Cottage for a few drinks and to see out the hooley on the hills in perfect style.

“It was great fun and while people love to do something for charity, they much prefer to do something that gets them involved. A big Strickeen thank you to the Kilgobnet Biddies, and all the walkers who trekked Strickeen for Killarney Water Rescue. It was a great night and in good time honoured tradition, the sun didn’t oblige,” co-organiser of the dance, Valerie O’Sullivan said.

Pic: Valerie O’Sullivan Down to Kate Kearney’s to complete the set after walkers trekked up Strickeen to perform a set dance with members of Kilgobnet Biddies, in aid of Killarney Water Rescue as part of Killarney Walking Festival’s Charity night.

Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan Round the House and mind the mountain.. Walkers trekked up Strickeen to perform a set dance with members of Kilgobnet Biddies, in aid of Killarney Water Rescue at the weekend as part of Killarney Walking Festival’s Charity night.

Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan Just the mountain was dampened by the rain.. but the spirits were lifted as walkers trekked up Strickeen to perform a set dance with members of Kilgobnet Biddies.

All photos by Valerie O’Sullivan Winners alright...Rita McCarthy, Castleisland and Eddie Whelan, who were voted best set dancers and won themselves a pair of Columbia walking shoes, courtesy of O’Sullivans Outdoor Store, Killarney. Walkers trekked up Strickeen to perform a set dance...

Norma Jean Leane, with her little pooch,