Fans of the Strictly Come Dancing television series will be familiar with the grace and precision of dancers such as Brendan Cole, Anton du Beke, Kristina Rihanoff and Aliona Vilani but, as Headford gears up for Strictly Come Dancing Kilcoona Style, rest assured…you ain’t seen nothing yet.
Nestled in the heart of north Galway, Kilcoona National School on the outskirts of Headford has long been recognised for its education prowess. Next month, it’ll be the dancing capabilities of its teachers, parents and other local celebrities in the spotlight as they take to the dancefloor in the Clayton Hotel in Galway for a night of glamour and glitz.
Support from local business in Headford has been overwhelming, realisation from everyone that this night is a truly special community event. Kilcoona N.S. are thrilled that Pat Joyce of Joyce’s Supermarket and his brother Jim Joyce of Joyce Hardware are the main sponsor of the event, with Pat Joyce joining the judging panel on the night!
Former Kilcoona principal Tom Cradock will be among the dancers on the night, while his son Éimhin – also a teacher – will also be showing off his moves. Professional fitness instructors Margaret Parker and Gary Scully will surely be ones to watch out for in the Clayton Hotel on Friday, February 12, while Gary Traynor of the Power Soccer School of Excellence has also been perfecting his technique on the dancefloor.
The teachers in Kilcoona have also been roped in, with Saoirse McDonnell, Tracey Langan and Éanna Glynn looking forward to rising to the challenge. Jazz sensation Matthew Berrill will surely impress with his rhythm, while local actor Gabriel Monaghan is no stranger to performance either. Ita Cunningham, secondary school music teacher in Presentation College Headford and daughter of Matt has also signed up for Kilcoona Strictly Come Dancing and with a host of other well-known faces taking part, it promises to be a night to remember.
The dancers are currently being put through their paces by choreographers from the acclaimed Take Two Productions Company and no stone is being left unturned to ensure a fantastic performance by all involved.
An impressive Judging Panel has been put in place for the night, comprising Ronan Lardner, Jay Molyneux and Siobhan Manson. A presenter on Galway Bay FM, Ronan is well known all across the region for his involvement with drama and musicals, both on and off the stage.
Jay Molyneux has been dancing since the age of seven and studied dance in the famous McBride School of Irish Dance in Galway. He appeared on BBC’s Strictly Dance Fever, hosted by Graham Norton, finishing in the top 15.
Siobhan Manson has been dancing since the age of four and appeared in Riverdance. She was also a winner on Sky TV’s Got to Dance and previously performed on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Upwards of 800 people are expected to turn out for the Strictly Come Dancing contest in the Clayton Hotel on Friday, February 12, with tickets already selling fast. The MC on the night will be Ollie Turner of Galway Bay FM and the event will be filmed and a DVD produced for limited edition distribution.
Strictly Come Dancing, Kilcoona Style, aims to raise funds to build a soft play area and an all-weather pitch behind the school to replace the muddy field and car park currently in use for outdoor activities.
Tickets, priced at €25, are available from The Angler’s Rest, Headford; Campbell’s Tavern, Cloughanover; Monaghan’s, Headford; Quinn’s Shop, Tuam; from the dancers and directly from the school. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
