30 Aug 2016
Strictly Scrum Success!
On Friday night last, Spollanstown was transformed from a clubhouse in the middle of the town, to a mini Tower Ballroom.
As club president, Ray Quinn and MC for the night, rugby pundit George Hook, took to the stage just after 8pm to welcome guests, no one could have anticipated what was to unfold. The scene and standard for what was to come was well and truly set from the moment the first of the dancers entered the marquee to “Cheerleader” and “Mind Set on You”, both of which got the crowd clapping along to the beat.
Over the course of the night, this performance was followed by twelve couple dances, with styles ranging from the tango, to jiving, bollywood, contemporary and everything in between.
While forwards would stereotypically be less agile and quick on their feet, as noted by one of the judges for the evening, Paul “Nippy” Norton of Tullamore AMS, every single one of our dancing couples were intune with the music and seamless with their partner. The choice of music and essentric costumes also went down a treat with Paul’s fellow judge, Mary Cowen.
Fresh from her Rose of Tralee duties, Offaly Rose Emma Kirwan even took to the stage with her dance partner, full back, Karl Dunne. While some might have predicted an unpolished performance due to the lack of practice time over the past few weeks, the pair captivated the judges and scored themselves a clean sweep of 30/30 – being one of several couples to do so on the night. When later asked by dance instructor Lorraine Wynne about her Rose of Tralee experience, Emma mentioned that breakfast with Daithi was one of her favourite memories. This was met by some amusement from the crowd, with Emma quick to clarify that it was “just breakfast”.
With just three or four votes separating all twelve couples at the end of the night, no one could have predicted which one would eventually be crowned the 2016 winners.
After announcing the top three couples of Ciara Farrell & Stephen McQuade, Cathy Anne Bell & Mark Kennedy, and Emer Phelan & Ciaran Lynch, the atmosphere in the marquee could be descriped as tense – it was anyone’s game as sports commentator Jim Smyth would say.
After what felt like minutes rather than seconds, the winning couple was finally revealed – the quickstep dancing duo of Cathy Anne Bell and Mark Kennedy!
The dancers, event organisers, committee and club members are all exremely appreciative of the local support received over the past few weeks – a sincere thank you is extended to all who attended, bought tickets, sponsorship and contributed in any way possible.
We look forward to welcoming you back for Strictly Scrum Dancing 2017!
The Dancing Couples on the night were..
Katie Murray & Mark Whelan – ShowDance
Emer Phelan & Ciaran Lynch – Charleston
Rose Dunne & Odhran McIntyre - Tango
Alma Egan & John Burns – Country Rock
Veronica Smyth & Jerome Scully – Jazz
Ciara Farrell & Stephen McQuade – Bollywood
Cathy Anne Bell & Mark Kennedy – QuickStep
Jill Draper & Niall Budgie Kane – Rumba
Marian O’Connell & Eoghan O’Donoghue – Bossanova
Roisin Feighery & Bernard Westman – Salsa
Shannon Touhey & Ivor Scully – Jive
Emma Kirwan & Karl Dunne - Contemporary
