A mesmerizing display of dance, reminiscent of the closest thing to magic, unfolded before a packed audience of 900 at the Charleville Park Hotel. This enchanting event was none other than Castlemagner Strictly Come Dancing, a fundraising spectacle aimed at bolstering the development of a much-anticipated Astroturf training facility and further improvements to the GAA club’s grounds.
The event was impeccably hosted by Charleville native and ‘The Voice of Ireland’ winner, Keith Hanley, whose charismatic presence set the stage for an unforgettable night.
Castlemagner GAA club Chairman, Thomas Lenihan, warmly welcomed all attendees and extended heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the club to the dedicated dancers, the brilliant choreographer Miriam Ball, the generous sponsors, and the tireless members of the organizing committee. He also emphasized the importance of community involvement in the ongoing efforts to enhance Castlemagner.
A distinguished panel of judges, including Mags O’Riordan, Mags Nugent, Aideen McAuliffe, Noeleen Moylan, and Thomas Tobin, was astounded by the remarkable talent displayed by the 12 dancing couples. Months of rigorous training and dedicated rehearsals under the guidance of choreographer Miriam Ball had clearly paid off, resulting in stellar performances on the grand stage.
The culmination of the event saw two couples awarded for their exceptional contributions. Tracey Fitzgerald and Conor Murphy, recipients of the Public Vote, received resounding applause from the crowd. Tracey, a child care professional at Cairdeas Childcare, and Conor, a home energy advisor at Ashgrove Renewables, were overwhelmed by the support they garnered.
Caroline Cott and Ger Harrington, chosen by the judges, won the Judges’ Vote. Caroline, a national school teacher in nearby Churchtown, and Ger, a construction professional based in Cork, were acknowledged for their outstanding performance.
Chairman Thomas Lenihan expressed his satisfaction with the evening’s success, giving thanks to all the participants for their unwavering commitment to the fundraising event. He also extended his appreciation to the public and sponsors whose generous contributions made the event possible.
The organizing committee’s chairperson, Siobhan O’Connell, concluded the formalities by expressing her gratitude to everyone involved, making the night a resounding success.
We have a great community here in Castlemagner with great people. The club and community have big ambitions and we received fantastic support from so many people who donated to the cause. It was a massive thrill to be a part of such a fantastic show and I can’t thank Miriam Ball and the organising committee enough
Overall winners Tracey Fitzgerald and Conor Murphy paid tribute to the hard work put in by all the dancers and their choreographer, Miriam Ball. They spoke of the friendships forged and the fantastic support they received from their families, friends, and the Cairdeas Childcare community.
Conor Murphy described the experience as “fantastic from start to finish” and expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support from the Castlemagner community.
Ger Harrington and Caroline Cott, the judges’ favorites, shared their appreciation for the unforgettable experience. Ger highlighted the camaraderie among all the participants, while Caroline emphasized the importance of enjoying every moment of the journey.
In summary, Castlemagner Strictly Come Dancing was not only a night of enchanting performances but also a testament to the power of community, dedication, and the magic of dance. The event successfully raised funds for the GAA club’s Astroturf training facility and further ground improvements, leaving a lasting legacy for the Castlemagner community to cherish.
