THE wind howled and the rain pelted down outside, as the launch of a ‘Strictly’ with a difference took place last night.
But it’ll be the contestants that’ll be brewing up a storm on the dance floor of the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday, February 8, at a special Mr & Mrs Strictly Come Dancing organised by Tralee Musical Society.
Married couples from all over town and beyond will take part in what promises to be a fantastic night of entertainment and the first event of its kind in Kerry, as there’ll also be a ‘Mr & Mrs’ quiz element to the night.
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The couples will be put through their paces by four choreographers — Oliver Hurley, Honor Hurley, Jackie O’Mahoney and Tara Dore.
The event is being held to help fund Tralee Musical Society’s next production of ‘Ghost – The Musical’, adapted from the hit 1990 romantic fantasy thriller film, in April 2020.
The couples confirmed to take part in the ‘Strictly’ night so far are Sam and Annie Locke, Paul and Aileen Riordan, JJ and Jill Coffey, Declan and Ann Smith, Maureen and Derry Fleming, Ken and Emer Tobin, Martin and Melissa Nix, Eugene and Susan Farrelly and Claire and Christopher McDonald.
Doors open at 7pm with the show at 8pm. The evening will be followed by a DJ till late. Tickets at €20 and can be purchased from all participating couples, from Emma Quirke’s Hair Salon, Maine Street, or just contact the Tralee Musical Society’s facebook page by clicking here. Scroll down for photos…
WITH around 600 in Ballyroe Heights Hotel last night, it’s safe to say Causeway GAA’s Strictly Come Dancing was an unqualified success.
As we told you earlier(click here for previous coverage), Lorraine Fitzgerald and Gearoid Quilter were chosen by the judges as winners, while the public vote went to Melissa Kiely and Joe McElligott.
There was plenty style off the dance floor too as our photos show…
CAUSEWAY pretty much emptied out on Friday night as the GAA club held their Strictly Come Dancing in Ballyroe Heights Hotel.
Around 600 people packed into the venue to watch 12 couples battle it out on the dance floor for the crown of Strictly champions.
Chairman of Causeway GAA, Noel O’Connor, was delighted with the success of the night.
“A lot of work has gone into organising this since just after Christmas. Like I say to everybody, ‘there’s no I in team’, so there’s a great group involved and it’s turned into a great night for the parish,” said Noel.
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Choreographers Cassie Leen and Ciara Powell have been working with the dancers for the past six weeks and they certainly impressed on the dance floor. The audience was also entertained by dancers from Cassie Leen School of Dance at the interval.
The four judges — Kerry footballer Paul Geaney, Cllr Toireasa Ferris, actor Tim Landers and businesswoman Caroline McEnery — were spellbound by the action, but when it came to picking a winner they plumped for Lorraine Fitzgerald and Gearóid Quilter. The public differed however and the most votes were cast for Melissa Kiely and Joe McElligott.
The contestants taking part were; Aisling Leen and Sean Sheehan; Diana Murray and David Magee; Laura Long and Jason Diggins; Aoife O’Connor and Adam Guerin; Lorraine O’Connor and Sean Hegarty; Lorraine Fitzgerald and Gearoid Quilter; Norma Quilter and Barney Quilter; CynthiaBarett and Jordan Brick; Erika Diggins and Gavin Slattery; Joanne Lawlor and Joe Diggins; Melissa Kiely and Joe McElligott and Zoe O’Carroll and Ryan Duggan. Scroll down for photos…
If Tralee Musical Society were worried that the Kerry v Dublin encounter might scupper their success on Saturday night, those fears proved to be unfounded as around 500 people showed up last night.
The second ‘Strictly Young Dancing’ was a spectacular occasion in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel and was enjoyed by all who attended.
There was a fantastic line up of participants from Cassie Leen’s School of Dance, the Oliver Hurley School of Musical Theatre, Cantarina Music and Dance School and Revolution Dance School, who all brought their own style of dance to the floor, from hip hop to musical theatre.
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“We’re delighted with the turnout tonight,” said Ciara O’Callaghan of the organising committee. “It’s a vital fundraiser for the Society and it’s great to see such a crowd here, especially with the Kerry match in town tonight. It’s great for the kids as well to showcase their talents in front of a large audience.”
Judges Joanne Barry, Carmel Russell and Daniel Flanagan certainly had their work cut out for them and had to — with the help of the public vote — choose two winners.
The junior winners were Aine Fitzmaurice and Rian Duffy from the Cassie Leen Dance Company and the senior winners were Michael Everett and Ruby Ryan also of the Cassie Leen Dance Company. Scroll down for photos…
SO hundreds enjoyed the Tralee Rugby Club ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ last night, with Simon Behan and Amy Kelly proving worthy winners of the judges vote and Andrea O’Donoghue and Declan Smith impressing the public (click here for previous story).
Besides the great outfits on the dance floor, the style was pretty amazing off it too as evinced by our photos below…
A SWELTERING night outside was matched by red-hot dancing inside as Tralee Rugby Club hosted its first ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel.
Eleven couples took to the floor for a fantastic night of fun and entertainment for the over 500 people present. After a haka to kick the evening off, the opening dance saw contestants don Munster and Tralee RFC gear for an exhilarating start.
As the night progressed, each couple showed how far they had progressed under the tutelage of choreographer Jackie O’Mahoney.
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The four judges tasked with choosing a winner on the night are Siobhan Fleming (Munster Captain), Ciara Griffin (Irish Captain), Mike Keane (Incoming Munster Branch President) and local celebrity and strictly fanatic Kevin Finn.
MCs Brendan Kennelly and Orlagh Winters proved a dynamic duo interviewing the contestants and teasing out the judges opinions.
In the end they went for Simon Behan and Amy Kelly who won €200 for their chosen charity Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus, while the public vote went to Andrea O’Donoghue and Declan Smith who won €200 for the Kerry Hospice.
The 11 couples taking part were; Maura Collins and Joe Quilter, Sharon Hayes and George Philip, Grace O’Donnell and David Fitzgerald, Imelda Roche and Mark Moloney, Marguerite Moloney and Michael Maher, Gina Durran and Simon Coffey, Amy Kelly and Simon Behan, Ríona Kennedy and Eoin Sayers, Nuala O’Connor and Gavin Lyons, Aoife O’Carroll and Pa O’Regan and Andrea O’Donoghue and Declan Smith.
The event was held to raise funds for the redevelopment of their pitches and to support their rapidly expanding juvenile section which has seen big increases year on year. Scroll down for photos (we’ll have more later)…
AS we reported earlier(click here), Ballyroe Heights Hotel was the place to be for a great night of entertainment at the second St Brendan’s Hurling Club ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The 11 couples had great support from the big crowd of over 400 present and Orlaith Hussey and Bobby O’Regan proved popular winners with the public vote while Jerry O’Neill and Katie O’Riordan got the nod from the judges.
We were there to capture the atmosphere and the super style off the dance floor. Scroll down for photos…
A MEMORABLE night of dancing and fun was had at the second annual St Brendan’s Hurling Club’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday.
Over 400 people attended the event with the crowds arriving from early evening, waiting to get a good seat to view the entertainment.
The 11 couples had been practising hard under tutors from the Cassie Leen School of Dance and it showed in their opening performance which was introduced by MC for the evening, Stephen Wallace.
The couples then had a chance to dazzle the judges — Mike O’Halloran, Toireasa Ferris, Danny Leane and Vicky O’Sullivan — with their individual dances.
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In the end there were two winners with Orlaith Hussey and Bobby O’Regan taking the public vote, while Jerry O’Neill and Katie O’Riordan impressed the judges the most to be the outright winners.
The 11 couples taking part were Killian Wolff and Noreen Lovett; Bobby O’Regan and Orlaith Hussey; Eoin Porter and Morna O’Halloran; Jack McCarthy and Lynn Moriarty; David Fitzgerald and Lynn Moriarty; Eamon Kirby and Kathleen Finnegan; James Allman and Sarah Casey; David O’Mahony and Linda Hickey; Noel Lenihan and Michelle Lyne; Seamus Skinner and Joanne Lawlor and Jerry O’Neill and Katie O’Riordan.
A fantastic night then and loads of funds raised for the future development of hurling at the club. Scroll down for photos (we’ll have photos from the audience later)...
Photos of the style OFF the dance floor can be seen by clicking here…
IT’S all systems go for the second annual St Brendan’s Hurling Club’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
Many of the 22 contestants gathered at Curby’s Bar in Ardfert village for the launch of the event, which takes place in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday, December 2. It’s clear they can’t wait to take to the dancefoor, such was the enthusiasm in evidence at Curby’s.
The judges will be revealed on the night but the MC has already been confirmed and it’s none other than Offaly senior football manager and local man, Stephen Wallace.
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Tickets are available from club officers and are pretty scarce at the moment so you better get them soon if you want to go. It sold out the last time and the expectation is it will do so again.
IT’S just three weeks away now and all that practice looks like it is paying off for the dancers in the Ballyheigue GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
They gathered on Wednesday night at their clubrooms for a photoshoot and the sense of fun and camaraderie was evident among all contestants as they went through some routines.
The event will take place on Saturday, November 4, at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel and choreographer Joe Burkett will have them in tip-top shape by that time.
The proceeds from the evening will go towards the further development of the juvenile teams in both hurling and football and also their senior hurling team to ensure the club’s growth in the future.
Tickets for the event are €20 and are available from committee members. For more details visit the event’s Facebook page.Scroll down for photos of the contestants…
IT may be seven weeks away, but excitement is already building in the village of Ballyheigue as the club prepares to hold its first ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ night.
A launch night was held at the club grounds on Thursday evening where many of the contestants gathered for photos and chat about the event which will take place on Saturday, November 4, at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel.
The organisers are being tight-lipped about the judges and the couples have yet to be paired off, but with seven weeks to go, choreographer Joe Burkett will have them gliding gracefully across the dance floor by the time he’s finished with them.
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The contestants named so far are, in no particular order, Liam O’Sullivan, Brendan Moriarty, Willie Joe Leen, Stephen Flaherty, Tommy Connor, Mark Mulvihill, Cathal O’Regan, Pa O’Regan, Cormac Slattery, Danny Casey, Aaron James, Joan Keating, Teresa Gaynor, Fiona Casey, Joanne O’Grady, Emer O’Mahony, Angel Hussey, Susan Lacey, Michelle O’Brien, Elaine O’Donoghue, Sarah O’Sullivan.
The proceeds from the evening will go towards the further development of the juvenile teams in both hurling and football and also their senior hurling team to ensure the club’s growth in the future.
Tickets for the event are €20 and more details about the night will be released in due course, so save the date.
The Austin Stacks club has revealed the dancers who will take to the boards of the Dome in over two weeks time for their annual Strictly Come Dancing fundraiser.
It’s a huge night for the Rockies with hundreds of people attending every year and this time a record number of couples are taking part.
As this year Austin Stacks are celebrating the centenary of the club, the theme of the night, “Dancing through the decades” will reflect this.
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The audience are in for lots of surprises, as the event will showcase dance styles and music from the last 100 years.
Last night, the 14 couples were officially revealed at Austin Stacks clubhouse in Connolly Park.
They are currently busy rehearsing with choreographer, Jackie O’Mahoney, who has already noted that the standard is incredibly high this year.
Each dancer has been sponsored by a local business and the club are extremely thankful to them for their support.
All of the funds raised on the night will go towards the Nun’s Field development at Connolly Park. The dancers have each chosen a charity, and the winning couple will receive a cash donation of €500 for their chosen charity.
Tickets for the night are available from Garveys, Supervalu, Rock Street. Ticket price includes entry to the Locals Night at The Dome which takes place after the event.
There will be a prize for the best dressed male and female on the night, so put on your best attire and be in the Dome on August 26 for a night to remember.
This year’s dancers are pictured below (missing are Sean Dukes and Sarah Hobbert)…
THE inaugural Churchill GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ was a resounding success with over 550 people attending.
As we told you yesterday (click here for previous story), Ivan Parker and Katie McCarthy were deemed the winners but the judges, while the popular vote belonged to Garry Dillon and Eileen Moran.
We were snapping away and here we bring the second part of our photo coverage…
THERE mustn’t have been a soul left in Churchill last night, such was the huge crowd in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel for the GAA club’s inaugural ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event.
Around 500 people were treated to a fantastic night of entertainment as the 11 couples danced the night away with Alison Nulty proving a great MC.
Jackie O’Mahoney had been putting the dancers through their paces for the past few months and all those rehearsals paid off with some stunning performances.
There has to be a winner though and Ivan Parker and Katie McCarthy were deemed the best by judges Martin Ferris, Sharon Phelan, Darragh Ó Sé and John Scroope. The winners of the popular vote were Eileen Moran and Gary Dillon.
The 11 couples taking part were; Sheila Fitzgerald and Fr Eamonn Mulvihill; Rachel Brassil and Jeremy Walsh; Joanne Crowley and Brendan Kelly; Katie McCarthy and James Allman; Sinead Cotter and Johnny Clifford; Niall Ó Loingsigh and Juliette Rolls; Catherine Walsh and Michael O’Brien; Katie McCarthy and Ivan Parker; Veronica Kelly and JJ Prior; Eileen Moran and Gary Dillon; Susan Farrelly and John Carmody. Scroll down for loads of photos from the event (we’ll have many more tomorrow)…
YESTERDAY we brought you all the fun from Ardfert NS ‘Strictly Come Dancing in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Saturday night (click here for previous story).
A sellout success, it saw 500 people pack the venue to see the 12 couples vie for the crown. Catherine Leen and Gavin Lacey were deemed the judges winners after a dance-off, while Eileen Kirwan and Terry Higgins won the public vote, but the real winner was Ardfert NS which will benefit from the night.
We took loads of photos of the audience and participants, as you can see below…
FOR the second Easter Saturday in a row, the Ballyroe Heights Hotel was packed out for a night of amazing ‘Strictly’ entertainment and it took a dance off to decide the winners.
‘Strictly Come Dancing’ organised by Ardfert National School Parents Association, saw 12 couples dance in front of hundreds of people and it was hugely entertaining with Brian Hurley expertly handling MC duties.
The months of rehearsals under creative director, Joe Burkett, paid off as the public was treated to 12 different styles of dance as each couple took on a dance routine. Styles included the Waltz, Salsa, American Smooth and Jive.
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In the end there had to be a winner and in the end, the judges – Toireasa Ferris, Aidan O’Connor, Danny Leane and Joanne O’Connor – couldn’t separate couples JT Deenihan and Helena Clifford and Catherine Leen and Gavin Lacey. A dance-off was held and Catherine and Gavin were then deemed the winners.
There was also a public vote and the 500 people present chose Eileen Kirwan and Terry Higgins. It was a super night of entertainment so well done to all. Scroll down for photos (we’ll have many more tomorrow)…
WINNERS of the Kerins O’Rahilly’s Strictly Come Dancing, Rosie McGrath and Dominic Rollo-Walker, were at Inspired, Friary Lane, on Tuesday where they donated their winnings from the contest.
The pair out-danced some stiff competition on Satuday night to win the Judges Vote and chose to donate their €500 prize to the group.
Inspired is a community project, started up in 2014 to empower adults with learning disabilities and give them chances to integrate with the community, find employment, and extend their educational development.
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Rosie said; “I met Marie in town collecting one day for the charity, and I was very curious to what she was doing and who she was collecting for. She took matters into her own hands when services were failing her and her daughter, in terms of further education for her teenage daughter.”
She continued; “I called down and offered to volunteer because I’m a montessori teacher myself, and when I saw the work that they do here, and the subjects that they teach, I was just so impressed and overwhelmed. It’s just amazing. They were the first people we thought of [when deciding on a charity]. ”
Classes such as literacy classes, yoga classes, cookery, drama, gardening are held at Inspired. Marie O’Connor said; “The participants tell us what they would like to do. And we find the tutors and run the classes for them.”
The public vote winners at the Kerins O’Rahillys Strictly Come Dancing event, Ogie Moran and Eileen O’Shea, will also receive €500 to donate to charities of their choice.
THE Oyster Tavern was the place to be for Churchill GAA faithful on Friday night, as their first ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event was officially launched.
The dancers were introduced to those present, who had a chance to purchase tickets – which will soon be like gold dust – for the event which will be held in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday, April 30 at 8pm.
The 11 couples have been rehearsing diligently under the expert eye of choreographer Jackie O’Mahoney and will no doubt be in tip-top shape by showtime.
The winners on the night will be determined by public vote and judges marks, with the top couple winning €500 for the charity of their choice.
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The 11 couple taking part are; Sheila Fitzgerald and Fr Eamonn Mulvihill; Rachel Brassil and Jeremy Walsh; Joanne Crowley and Brendan Kelly; Katie McCarthy and James Allman; Sinead Cotter and Johnny Clifford; Niall Ó Loingsigh and Juliette Rolls; Catherine Walsh and Michael O’Brien; Katie McCarthy and Ivan Parker; Veronica Kelly and JJ Prior; Eileen Moran and Gary Dillon; Susan Farrelly and John Carmody.
Funds raised from the event will be targeted at the second phase of development of the clubhouse, parking and facilities at the new grounds at Churchill and also for equipment for the juveniles.
STRICTLY Come Dancing Ardfert in association with Ardfert National School Parents Association is hot-stepping its way to the Ballyroe Heights Hotel ballroom on Easter Saturday, April 15.
Following from the hugely successful Strictly Come Dancing Ardfert event last Easter, we will again see 12 couple dances, two show-stopping group dances from the dancers as well as a professional dance from Joe Burkett, creative director with a surprise guest.
This fundraising event is the brainchild of Joe Burkett and Anne Marie Russell who, along with Adelina Baxter, member of the Ardfert National School Parents Association, have been busy at work ensuring a great night’s entertainment is guaranteed.
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On the night, the public will be treated to 12 different styles of dance as each couple take on a dance routine. Dance styles include the Waltz, Salsa, American Smooth and Jive.
“The response to this event has just been overwhelming. We are absolutely thrilled with the support we’ve received so far. It’s a fantastic fundraiser and now that the dancers are all on board, we just can’t wait to get started,” enthused Joe Burkett at the launch of Strictly Come Dancing Ardfert on Monday night at Ballyroe Heights Hotel.
“We’ve got 24 brilliant dancers again this year who are all eager to get started with their training. I’m sure we can expect great things on the night from this gang.” added Anne Marie Russell, Secretary of the Ardfert National School Parents Association and organiser of the event, “We as a committee would like to thank all 24 dancers for taking part in this fundraising event for us. We understand that they are giving up their time and we would like them to know that we appreciate it. We are very grateful for their help and support”.
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Taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Ardfert are Marie Connell, JT Dennihan, Grainne Healy, Terry Higgins, Kathleen O’Connor, John Francis, Marie Burke, Brian O’Connor, Marcella O’Flaherty, Marcus O’Sullivan, Anita Bodeham, Stephen White, Diane Jeffers, John Hickey, Eileen Kirwan, Tom Guerin, Gemma O’Mahoney, Gavin Lacey, Catherine Leen, Tommy Long, Helena Clifford, Kieran Lyons, Marion Long and John O’Mahoney.
Rehearsals have started in earnest and presently all couples are doing fantastically well. They are pushing themselves really hard to ensure that the show is as a good as it can possibly be.
Tickets are priced at €20 and are available from the school, the parents association and the dancers. A great night of dance and entertainment is promised, so make sure you get your ticket early to avoid disappointment. Scroll down to meet some off the couples…
The blue side of town is set to converge on the hotel next month, as 12 couples will take to the floor for the inaugural Kerins O’Rahillys GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event.
Past players, Kerry GAA legends and entrepreneurs are among the contestants hoping to impress the judges at the event which takes place on Saturday, March 25 at 8pm.
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The contestants were introduced at the launch on Friday night at the clubhouse by Chairman of Kerins O’Rahillys, Haulie Kerins, who revealed details of the event, which has Ballyseedy Garden Centre as its main sponsors.
The couples taking part (and their sponsors) are;
• Ogie Moran (Casey Stephenson Accountants) and Eileen O’Shea (Charlie’s Bar and Restaurant)
• Ger O’Brien (Shore Acre Caravan Park) and Teresa O’Brien (Kelliher’s Electrical)
• Dominic Rollo Walker (Masters Swimming Club/Tralee RFC) and Rosie McGrath (Benin Casa Montessori/Market Street Veterinary Clinic Eugene McGrath)
• John Fitzgerald (The Brandon Hotel)and Sharon Walsh (Ronan Blocklayers)
• Jessica and Mike Lynch (Cliffords Gala)
• Claire Molloy (Quirke Security) and Paul Ryan (Expeditors Ireland Ltd)
• Catriona Kennedy (Bounce Sport and Fitness) and Rob O’Connor (FBD Group)
• Kevin Finn (24/7 Cabs) and Marcella Daly (Kingdom Crash Repairs)
• Martin Nix (Foley’s Spar) and Catriona O’Sullivan (Claire’s Slimming World Tralee)
• John Tigger O’Dowd (Benners Hotel) and Shannon McInerney (ProPlan Property Management)
• John T O’Sullivan (BioAtlantis) and Christina Curtin (Quirke’s Gala).
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The judges for the event come from the world of politics, business and journalism, with writer Billy Keane, Radio Kerry’s Deirdre Walsh, Deputy Michael Healy Rae and Caroline McEnery of The HR Suite casting an eye over the dancers’ moves. Margaret Kissane of Connect Publications and Brian Hurley will be the MCs for the night.
Of course the public will get a chance to vote for their favourites at the event and a charity, chosen by the winners, will benefit to the tune of €500.
Garvey’s Supervalu have also sponsored a great door prize of a luxury one night break for two people, including dinner and bed and breakfast, in the Dingle Skellig Hotel.
This being the first ‘Strictly’ event the club has organised, it’s advisable to get your tickets early.
They cost €20 (€10 for under 15s) and are on sale from Foley’s Spar on the Castlemaine Road, Moran’s Shop on Strand Road, Dowlings Shoes/Sports Shop on Bridge Street and Charlie’s Bar in the Kerins O’Rahillys Clubhouse. Scroll down for photos of the contestants…
THE Down Syndrome Kerry ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ fundraising event took place last Friday in the INEC and it was a fantastic night of entertainment from start to finish, raising €20,000.
The 24 dancers included six adult members with Down Syndrome – Amy Taaffe, Cathal Griffin, Conor Griffin, Jessica Power, Mary Claire McCarthy and Paul Scanlon.
The remaining dancers were Aidan O’Mahony, Aidan O’Connor, Angie Smith, Brendan Fuller, Cathal Flaherty, Ciara Griffin, Claire Molloy, Danielle O’Sullivan, Dermot Moriarty, Eve O’Donoghue, Grainne Healy, Irene Kavanagh, Kevin Griffin, Mary Lawlor, Paudie Power, Sean Taaffe, Susanna Holden and Tom Lucey.
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The judges for the night were Michael O Muircheartaigh, Toireasa Ferris, Elaine Canning (Soprano and also Vocal Coach on the Voice of Ireland), DJ Gavin O’Leary. The two finalists were voted by the audience.
The winning couple was to be selected by the judges but choosing a winning couple from the two proved impossible so the joint winners on the night were Cathal Griffin and Mary Claire McCarthy and Paudie and Jessica Power.
“We are overwhelmed with the response to this event and we want thank everyone for their continued support, it means so much to our members,” read a press release from Down Syndrome Kerry. “We are extremely grateful to the Bon Secours Hospital Tralee Community Initiative Programme for their financial assistance and support for this event. We would like to thank our 24 dancers who put in a huge amount of time and effort in preparation for the night and also our choreographer Joe Burkett whose talent and enthusiasm ensured that the show was enjoyed by all.
Down Syndrome Kerry Branch is a vibrant voluntary organisation which provides support to over 260 members and their families throughout the county of Kerry. DSK is financed completely through fundraising. Scroll down for photos...
OVER 200 people enjoyed great entertainment at the Ashe Hotel last night, as nine couples took to the floor for ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ in aid of Pieta House.
The idea for the event came from Tralee students Katie O’Donoghue and Akeem Molloy who wanted to do something to help the organisation, as they said suicide has touched the lives of so many people in town and they have lost friends over the past number of years.
The couples taking part were mainly IT Tralee students and friends and family of Katie and Akeem and after rehearsals under Shannon Monaghan, Katelyn Griffin and Siobhan O’Connor, they had a lot of fun on the night.
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The contestants were Katie Donoghue and Akeem Molloy; Catherine Donoghue and Geraldine Moriarty; Patricia Molloy and Margaret Molloy; Dean Sinnott and Sinead Hoctor; Cathal Kearney and Kelley Burke; Kevin Cullian and Sarah Godfrey; Lisa Curran and Ali Martinez; Wiktoria Wolkanowska and Keith Ó hAnnáin; Jack O’Grady and Sinead O’Hagan.
The Judges for the event were Ciaran McCabe, Cassie Leen, Shane O’Rourke and Alice Chambers and they had their work cut out for them to pick a winner. Eventually they deemed the fleet-footed skills of Jack O’Grady and Sinead O’Hagan to be the best, while the public vote went to Cathal Kearney and Kelley Burke.
There were loads of spot prizes too and Cassie Leen’s U Crew entertained the audience during the interval, before many went on to the after party in Fabrik nightclub later last night. Scroll down for photos…
YESTERDAY we brought you a video and photos from a great night out in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel at St Brendan’s GAA Club ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ (click here for previous coverage).
Well, a sell-out crowd witnessed a super Saturday night of entertainment from the 12 couples with the eventual winners – Stephanie Lyne and Kevin Orpen – only emerging triumphant after a dance off. We were there to capture the atmosphere in our second batch of photos below…
IT was too close to call in Ballyroe last night for the St Brendan’s Hurling Club ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event.
There were dancers from Ardfert, Crotta, Kilmoyley, Fenit, Cork and the general catchment area, taking part and a sellout crowd watched an amazing night’s entertainment in the hotel venue, expertly MC’d by Murt Murphy.
Well known sportsman, Stephen Wallace, Radio Kerry/TraleeToday.ie hurling reporter, Mike O’Halloran, beauty expert Mary O’Donnell and Radio Kerry’s Tim Moynihan were the judges, who couldn’t decide on a winner between Stephanie Lyne/Kevin Orpen and Joanna O’Driscoll/Chris Sheehan.
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So it went to a dance off and eventually, Stephanie and Kevin were declared the winners. In the public vote the silky moves of Maurice McElligott and Mary Fitzgerald impressed the most. A fantastic night then with the club benefitting from the proceeds.
The couples taking part (and their sponsors) were:
Joanne O’Driscoll & Chris Sheehan – Gruaig.
Joanne Coffey & Donal Flaherty – Fexco.
Fionan MacKessy & Laura Lenihan – Curby’s.
Sheila Kelly & Liam O’Sullivan – Lane Bros Homestore.
Siobhan McCrohan & Danny Neenan – Keltic Heating.
Geraldine Parker & David Wallace – The Abbey Tavern.
Tim Hannafin & Carol Dineen – St. Brendan’s Hurling Club.
Kieran Fitzgerald & Linda O’Sullivan – Ardfert Potatoes.
Livia Fitzgibbon & Daniel Finnegan – Orpen Roofing & Carpentry.
Mary Fitzgerald & Maurice McElligott – Always Hygiene\Mac’s Bar.
Ruth Wallace & Eoghan Courtney – Atlantic Oils.
Stephanie Lyne & Kevin Orpen – Childsplay Creche.
Scroll down for a video of part of the opening dance plus loads of photos below(we’ll have many more tomorrow)…
THERE’S a great night planned for the Ashe Hotel in a couple of weeks time as nine couples take to the dance floor for a charity event.
Students Katie O’Donoghue and Akeem Mollow have organised a ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ in aid of Pieta House and tickets are going fast for the event on Thursday, November 24.
Katie and Akeem are no strangers to big fundraisers having organises a ‘Fight Night’ for the Miscarriage Association of Ireland – a charitable and completely voluntary body set up to support women and men who have been through miscarriages – this time last year, raising €3,000.
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This time, it’s another cause close to their heart. Nineteen-year-old Akeem, a third year Health and Leisure student at IT Tralee, explained that he and Katie have seen five friends die by suicide over the years and they wanted to do something for Pieta House, which provides such an invaluable service to young people needing someone to talk to.
The couples taking part are mainly IT Tralee students and friends and family of Katie and Akeem and are rehearsing under Shannon Monaghan, Katelyn Griffin and Siobhan O’Connor.
The contestants are Katie Donoghue and Akeem Molloy; Catherine Donoghue and Geraldine Moriarty; Patricia Molloy and Margaret Molloy; Dean Sinnott and Sinead Hoctor; Cathal Kearney and Jenny Burke; Kevin Cullian and Sarah Godfrey; Lisa Curran and Ali Martinez; Wiktoria Wolkanowska and Keith Ó hAnnáin; Jack O’Grady and Sinead O’Hagan.
Tickets at €10 for the event can be bought at the Students Union Offices in the North and South Campuses or by contacting Katie on her Facebook page (click here) or Akeem (click here). Tickets also get you into Fabrik nightclub later that night. There are only a limited amount so act fast.
Doors will open at 7pm with the first dance at 8pm. There will be great spot prizes and a performance from Cassie Leen’s U Crew also on the night.
THE dancers in the upcoming St Brendan’s Hurling Club ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event were officially revealed on Friday night (see the pairings photos below).
Murt Murphy, who will be MC on the night, introduced the lads and ladies to a good turnout of locals in The Abbey Tavern in Ardfert and if the craic on Friday is anything to go by, the main event on November 19 at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel is not to be missed.
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“It’s a much needed fundraiser for the club,” said Geraldine Delaney, Secretary of St Brendan’s. “We’ve dancers from Ardfert, Crotta, Kilmoyley, Fenit, Cork and the general catchment area. It should be a great night and hopefully people will come out and support it.”
Radio Kerry/TraleeToday.ie hurling reporter, Mike O’Halloran, beauty expert Mary O’Donnell and Radio Kerry’s Tim Moynihan are among the judges. Tickets are €20 and there’ll be Best Dressed Man And Lady prizes on the night also.
The couples taking part (and their sponsors) are;
Joanne O’Driscoll & Chris Sheehan – Gruaig.
Joanne Coffey & Donal Flaherty – Fexco.
Fionan MacKessy & Laura Lenihan – Curby’s.
Sheila Kelly & Liam O’Sullivan – Lane Bros Homestore.
Siobhan McCrohan & Danny Neenan – Keltic Heating.
Geraldine Parker & David Wallace – The Abbey Tavern.
Tim Hannafin & Carol Dineen – St. Brendan’s Hurling Club.
Kieran Fitzgerald & Linda O’Sullivan – Ardfert Potatoes.
Livia Fitzgibbon & Daniel Finnegan – Orpen Roofing & Carpentry.
Mary Fitzgerald & Maurice McElligott – Always Hygiene\Mac’s Bar.
Ruth Wallace & Eoghan Courtney – Atlantic Oils.
Stephanie Lyne & Kevin Orpen – Childsplay Creche.
ANOTHER year, another amazing Austin Stacks Strictly Come Dancing in the Dome.
Crowds turned out in their hundreds to cheer on the contestants in what has become one of the social highlights of the year for the Rock club.
People paid €20-a-head to watch the 12 couples perform and perform they did, choreographed brilliantly by Jackie O’Mahoney. The dancers wowed the audience and judges – Toireasa Ferris, Tim Landers, Aidan O’Carroll and Kay Lewis of Audiology Medical Services – with their routines, but in the end there could only be one winner.
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It was Jacinta Hobbert and Pat Reidy who were declared this year’s champions. The dancers had each chosen a charity, and the winning couple received a cash donation of €500 which, in Jacinta and Pat’s case, was donated to Kerry Cork Health Link Bus.
Each dancer had also been sponsored by a local business and all of the funds raised on the night will go towards the Nun’s Field development at Connolly Park.
The couples taking part were; Amy Crean & Ciaran McCaughley; Emma Quirke & Jeremiah Naughton; Janna Foley & Daniel Sterc; Jacinta Hobbert & Pat Reidy; Vicky O’Sullivan & Jesse O Sullivan; Kathleen Raymond & John Clifford; Katie Dodson & Ryan Higgins; Lesley O’Callaghan & Tommy Leahy; Amy Smith & Aaron O’Reilly; Shannon Hannifan & John Kelly; Sharon Costello & Mike Ryle and Zoe O’Riordan and Robert Byrne.
The main sponsors on the night were Audiology Medical Services.
Afterwards, the chairs were cleared away and the Locals Night At The Dome drew a huge crowd into the early hours. Scroll down for photos (we’ll have many more later)…
JOHN Mitchels GAA Club will hold their own ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ fundraiser this year, it has been announced.
It will be held in Ballygarry House Hotel on Sunday, October 30 and the 12 couples have been carefully selected and are currently in training under the experienced eye of Ms Laura Flaherty, choreographer.
The dancers will be revealed publicly at a later date, but the judges are Ms. Anne Gibson, Ms Jackie O’Mahony, Mr Tim Landers and Michael Healy-Rae TD, while Brian Hurley of Irish TV will be MC for the night.
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The money raised from Strictly will be used for the development of the Club at Juvenile and Senior level and also prize-money will be donated to a Charity chosen by the winning Dancers.
The ‘Strictly’ format has proved a huge success for Austin Stacks, St Pats and Ballymacelligott clubs over the past few years, so a huge crowd can be expected at the event.
The club are launching the event in their Ballyseedy Complex on Saturday, September 3 when the dancers will be present. Further information will be issued shortly on the sale of tickets for the event.
IT’S one of the highlights of the year off the playing fields for Austin Stacks and this year’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event is promising to live up to past successes.
The 12 couples who are taking part at the Dome on Saturday, August 27 were unveiled at the launch night at Connolly Park on Thursday night.
The couples are currently busy rehearsing with choreographer, Jackie O’Mahoney, who has already noted that the standard is incredibly high this year.
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Jackie’s creativity and innovative ideas ensure that each year the night becomes bigger and better, and this year is no exception. The dancers are enjoying the experience immensely so far, and apart from the inevitable nerves, they are very much enthusiastic and determined to give it their best shot.
This year, Austin Stacks are delighted to welcome Audiology Medical Services on board, as main sponsors of the event.
Based in the Bon Secours Hospital Tralee, AMS are a family-run premier independent gearing healthcare practice, who offer professional advice for patients and their referring specialists. Charles Lewis, Director of AMS, will be one of the judges on the night.
Each dancer has been sponsored by a local business and all of the funds raised on the night will go towards the Nun’s Field development at Connolly Park. The dancers have each chosen a charity, and the winning couple will receive a cash donation of €500 for their chosen charity.
Tickets for the night will be available shortly from Garveys, Supervalu and Kevin Barry’s Newsagents, Rock Street. Ticket price includes entry to the Locals Night at The Dome which takes place after the event. Scroll down for the contestants…
This year’s dancers are pictured below; (missing are couples Amy Crean (Classic Hair Studio) & Ciaran McCaughley (Paraffin), Kathleen Raymond (Esther’s Abbeyfeale) & John Clifford (Kellihers Mills), Vicky O’Sullivan (Barbereile) & Jesse O’Sullivan)