Our Beauty Columnist, Mary O’Donnell, is taking part in this year’s Austin Stacks Strictly Come Dancing, which takes place in the Dome on August 23. Here she keeps us informed on her progress…

I CANNOT believe that when I write the next column, Strictly Come Dancing will be over and I will be talking about the night itself.

Recently, it came to me I did not think this whole thing through. At the start it seemed like a great idea – great exercise, a bit of fun and raise some money in the process.

But for some unknown reason I did not think of the night itself. Big mistake. I have not slept in nights and when I do, I wake up in a cold sweat, wondering do I go left or right.

I am not alone. Everybody is feeling the pressure but I think we all have  great admiration for each other to even attempt this.

Personally, I have never ever danced before and I am so out of my comfort zone that I am meeting myself on the way back.

Coming out of this zone is good for the soul. I have learned so much from this experience and envy the 2015 contestants.

Continued below…

We were asked to take part in the Rose of Tralee Festival parade and I think it was a highlight for all of us.

We got to drive in the parade in an open top car. Eddie Barrett was our driver and treated us like royalty – he provided us with blankets and great music.

I got to sit in the front seat and it was my Bridget Jones moment (with Eddie as Hugh Grant) as we jaunted along in the open top car. Talk about a small world, as it turned out my grandfather, John O’Donnell, was Eddie’s godfather.

Other contestants, Helen, Bridie and Miriam sat very gracefully on the back on the car, while Richard and John walked along beside the car.

The craic was mighty as little kids came to the car and were doing double takes as we all had our sponsors sashes on.

When we got to Denny Street, I had a pain in my side from laughing and will never ever forget the night. A night of fun and madness and a connection we will always share.

So the practice went to full throttle and we learned a new move called ‘the crocodile’.

Guess what? I could do it and as a result wanted to do it over and over again. The problem with this step is that is very hard on your back.

So while practising, Richard slipped and fell to the floor.

Now go back two weeks when I fell and as I lay on the ground, shocked and in pain I heard him say ‘get up girl and dance’.

So as he lay there in shock and in pain I said – get up boy and dance – payback.

What I didn’t realise was he was really hurt and was out of action to have physio and only got the go ahead to dance yesterday.

Dress rehearsal is Friday night and Karyn Moriarty as done an amazing job and can’t wait for dress rehearsal to see will it come together.

I asked Richard what was his favourite part of the dance and he said the part where he is dancing on his own. Nice.

So even if I am stone useless, I have had a great time trying to learn to dance in six weeks.

I am definitely fitter and have the nothing but admiration for the other dancers who are super talented and have put hours into this performance.

So if you are around Saturday night please come and I guarantee a great night, while raising money for our charities.

Best of luck to all the dancers and go have a ball and enjoy your three minutes in the spotlight.

Thank you everyone who has read my story from novice to…well, we’ll let the crowd decide that. All I can say is, I am looking forward to what people say is a wonderful night.