Couples To Light Up The Dancefloor At Stacks’ ‘Strictly Come Dancing’

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At the Austin Stacks GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Launch were, Amy Prendergast and Gary Murphy. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

THE annual dancing extravaganza that is ‘Strictly Come Dancing was  launched at the Austin Stacks GAA headquarters in Connolly Park on Saturday night.

The event has been an enormous success over the past few years and there’s every chance that will be repeated this years with 12 enthusiastic couples looking forward to competing in the Dome on August 23.

The proceeds of the event are going towards the purchase of ‘The Nuns Field’ by Austin Stacks GAA which is adjacent to the Connolly Park ground.

One of the dance partners on the night will be Dan Horan of Horan’s Fruit and Veg and Bridie Courtney of the Chernobyl Children’s Fund

“I do a bit of set dancing every now and again so I’m not too bad, but I’ve never done anything like this,” said Dan.

“We’re doing a country and western theme for our dance so I’m looking forward to it,” he said.

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“I love dancing myself, as I say you should never miss a chance to dance,” said dancing partner, Bridie. “I’m well used to dancing as well because I go dancing every Wednesday for a benefit we have with the Chernoybyl Children Fund. It’s just great to be asked to be a part of this event, it’s going to be great fun,” said Bridie.

Two of the youngest contestant taking part are Amy Prendergast and Gary Murphy who will be tackling the tango.

“We both have a bit of background in dance.  I’ve done a bit of music society stuff and Amy has done hip-hop, but we’ve done nothing as strenuous as this,” said Gary.

“The tango is very difficult, it feels like we’re having a fight, but it’s good fun and it should be good craic,” Gary said.

Susan O’Gara and John Tyler will be getting their toes tapping to the Charleston.

“We picked the Charleston because we like that style of music,” said Susan O’Gara.

“The lifts are the most difficult part,” said John Tyler.

“We haven’t got much practice in yet, but hopefully we will three times a week before the event. It’s exciting, we’re looking forward to it,” said Susan.

The couples will all be put through their paces over the coming weeks by choreographer, Jackie O’Mahony so expect to see some fleet-footed action in the Dome come August 23.

Scroll down for photos…

At the Austin Stacks GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Launch were, front row from left: Joanna O’Driscoll, Michelle Culloty, Amy Prendergast, Treasa Murphy, Bernie Slattery, Miriam Owens, Helen Enright, Claire McEvoy, Susan O’Gara and Mary O’Donnell. Back row from left: Neil O’Shea, Dan Horan, Owen Colgan, Gary Murphy, Aaron McLarnon, Damian Quigg, James Brennan, Leon Diggins, John Tyler and Richard Walsh. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

At the Austin Stacks GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Launch were, from left: Claire McEvoy, Joanna O’Driscoll, Amy Prendergast, Michelle Culloty, Susan O’Gara, Mary O’Donnell, Helen Enright, Treasa Murphy, Bernie Slattery, Miriam Owens and Bridie Courtney. Photo bv Gavin O’Connor.

Dance partners for the Austin Stacks GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event are, Helen Enright and Neil O’Shea. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

Dance partners for the Austin Stacks GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event are, Damian Quigg and Bernie Slattery. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

Dance partners for the Austin Stacks GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event are, James Brennan and Miriam Owens. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

At the Austin Stacks GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Launch were, Claire McEvoy and Leon Diggins. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

Dance partners for the Austin Stacks GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event are, Bridie Courtney and Dan Horan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

At the Austin Stacks GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Launch were, John Tyler and Susan O’Gara. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

Dance partners for the Austin Stacks GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event are, Owen Colgan and Michelle Culloty. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

Dance partners for the Austin Stacks GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event are, Aaron McLarnon and Treasa Murphy. Photo O’Connor.

Dance partners for the Austin Stacks GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event are, Mary O’Donnell and Richard Walsh. Photo O’Connor.