Dad dancing...
Dancing With The Stars semi-f inalist Aidan O’Mahony is jiving for joy over the birth of his f irst child, baby Lucia
GAA star Aidan O’Mahony may have reached tonight’s Dancing With The Stars semi-final, but his biggest prize was the birth of his first child 10 days ago.
The footballer is dancing with delight after his wife Denise Healy gave birth to their daughter Lucia.
‘Last week was a very joyous week for us, and doing the dance last Sunday was more relaxed for me, because obviously when you have an eventful week like we had, my baby and my wife came first,’ the Kerryman said.
‘This week I am looking forward to the semi-final because when you have a baby, you have a very positive mindset.’
Aidan admits that he didn’t expect his dancing exploits to continue for as long as they have: ‘I thought I’d be home long before this, to be there to mind the baby. My wife has been very supportive and last weekend was very hard for me, coming away from the baby. But my wife said “Look, you’ve started it, you might as well finish it and give it 110%” – that’s the way I’ve always been in sport and work.’
Aidan, who claimed five AllIreland titles during his career with Kerry, has been a favourite since the show began: ‘I know I have great support in Kerry. I look at myself as a retired GAA player who took a chance and entered DWTS and I’m delighted I did, but I know I’m in bonus territory at the moment.’
And his sporting successes mean he sets himself high standards: ‘I’d love to make the final. From my background in Kerry, you’re not judged on semifinals, you’re judged on finals.’
He laughs when asked if he has had any slagging over the dancing. ‘I got a bit of a ribbing over the tight pants alright, but I think the people jeering were the ones watching every Sunday.’
Aidan and dance partner Valeria will be jiving to Drive It Like You Stole It tonight. But win or lose, he is looking forward to getting back to changing nappies: ‘We gave Lucia her first bath on Wednesday and it was an amazing experience. It’s a gift, she’s just perfect.’