Jen and Timmy walking on sunshine

IRISH CANCER SOCIETY THE BIG WINNER AS LOCAL DANCERS SET THE STAGE ALIGHT AT KILLARNEY’S INEC

IT was all about the 1980s at the INEC on Friday night as 13 sets of dancers rekindled the glorious era of big hair and bling. Contestants were seriously put through their paces over the past number of weeks with intensive (but fun) choreography lessons, courtesy of Debbie Driscoll. Practise makes perfect however, and each couple stole the show in their own way before a packed INEC crowd.

The old adage ‘hard work pays off’ certainly comes to mind as dancers put on a display worthy of the occasion all of which is for a good cause as it’s organised by Killarney South Kerry Branch of the Irish Cancer Society. Proceeds raised from this year’s show are still coming in but since Strictly first started three years ago it has manged to raise in excess of €100,000 for the cancer branch.

The star-studded contest was eventually won by dynamic duo, Timmy O’Connor (Beaufort) and Jennifer McCarthy (Glenflesk) for a foot perfect performance to the ‘80s classic ‘Walking on Sunshine’.

Eugene O’Sullivan is Chairman of Killarney and South Kerry Branch and he sang the praises of another wonderful event. “We’ve had great feedback and the atmosphere was just unreal on the night.” he said.

“I heard someone say on the radio Monday morning how the whole Strictly Come Dancing theme had run its course. You certainly wouldn’t have thought that at the INEC last Friday evening. Our event just seems to be going from strength to strength since first staged three years ago. It was brilliant,” he added.

Eugene explained how the monies raised from the show will now go towards paying for night nurses who do such brilliant work in caring for and helping to make the lives of cancer patients more comfortable during what is a difficult time.

“People don’t realise the work they do and this money will go towards acquiring their services. It’s hard work organising such an event this, but it’s all worth it when you see the crowds that support us,” concluded Eugene.

TOP (main photo): Timmy O’Connor and Jennifer McCarthy celebrate with fellow dancers after winning the the Strictly Come Dancing in the INEC, Killarney, on Friday.

ABOVE LEFT: ABOVE CENTRE: Trevor O’Sullivan, Conor Kerins, Kalum Buckley, Alan Kerins wishing contestants Sean and Norma the best at Strictly Come Dancing in the INEC, Killarney on Friday. Siabh Murphy, Roisin Kearney and Katie Cronin.

ABOVE: Kathleen Moloney wishing contestants Timmy and Jennifer the best with her colourful signage.

ALL PHOTOS BY MICHELLE COOPER GALVIN Peg Looney, Megan and Louise Sheahan

Siobhan Bennett, Fiona Collins and Maria Vaughan