Mayo community LipSync Battle fundraiser a resounding success

The Claremorris community gathered in large numbers at the McWilliam Park Hotel recently to witness an entertaining LipSync Battle between the twelve acts participating, and to show their support for the common goal of all: to develop a new sports and recreational community centre for Claremorris and the surrounding areas.

The tagline for the campaign had been #inthistogether, and that certainly rang true for this inaugural fundraiser for the project. The event day began with a Matinee Show, designed to cater for kids, who will reap the benefit of this development during their youth.

Many of those attending were family members of those performing on stage, and it was a wonderfully positive and engaging start to an unforgettable occasion that established the fundraising foundation for this project that will serve generations to come.

For the evening main show, a full house enjoyed the huge variety of fun, excitement and talent shining through the 12 performances.

The show had a multicultural aspect with participants from Ukraine, South America and Eastern Europe, now residents in the town, taking part. There was representation from Youth Clubs, Sports Clubs, the Community Radio Station, businesses, and even the clergy got involved. For most of the performers, they had practically no prior stage appearance experience - but it did not show!

It was more than ‘alright on the night’ as the old theatre saying goes, as the many hours of dance practice and miming in the front of the mirrors at home assured a top class performance. Thanks to Laura Flemming for her choreography and support to each of the acts in preparing for the show.

Judging panel

Aside from the performances of the acts, the large crowd was kept entertained also by Kenny Davy, who compèred on the night as well as the feedback and engagement of the judging panel made up of: Ray Fean, Sharron Lynskey, and David Connor. They were very impressed with the high level of preparation and presentation on the night. In the words of renowned musician Ray Fean: “Claremorris has got Talent!”. Three acts scored the maximum ten points each from the adjudicators: Foróige Fever, There’s no Show like a (Joe Show), and The Rancheros. These points, along with audience votes and monies raised by each group, decided the overall winner and the tension was high among all the acts, as Foróige Fever emerged victorious. The other acts performing on the night were: Ukraine’s Got Talent, The Sound of our Town (CCR 94.6 FM), The Bleach Boys (Claremorris GAA), Rod the Mod (Claremorris AFC), The Wrinkle Warriors (LGFA Mothers and Others), Jedward (Claremorris Colts Rugby FC) The Condiments (Claremorris GAA & Hurling), The Highway Men (Fr. Peter Gannon and team), and the Spice Vets (DKD Veterinary).

Foróige Fever emerged victorious at the Claremorris LipSync Battle. 

One of the big highlights of the event was the warm reception and tribute paid on stage to the St Colman’s Senior GAA team that have qualified to compete for the Hogan Cup in the All-Ireland Post Primary Schools Senior A Final in Croke Park on St Patrick’s Day.

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From the collective fundraising efforts by all involved, and monies generated from the various prize draws and raffles, a significant sum has been raised to contribute towards the local funding required for this multimillion euro project to establish a multifunctional, fully-accessible indoor sports and recreational facility for all groups, organisations and sports clubs in the community. The committee will continue progressing the project with the engagement of key stakeholders from Mayo County Council, as well as local and national politicians, to ensure that the needed setup is in place to apply for and secure state grant funding to make this dream a reality.

On behalf of the organisers, Catriona Doherty, Co-Chair of the Claremorris Community Recreational Centre Committee, expressed her delight with the success of the event and thanked all involved: “What a night to remember, where the Claremorris community and beyond came together to participate in this most enjoyable and wonderful occasion and help to contribute significantly in our objective in creating this new Indoor Sports and Community Recreational Centre for the town and surrounding areas. It was great to see the community in action together for one cause, in a fun and entertaining way. The crowd was fantastic, especially as we welcomed the St Colman’s team on stage. We are so proud of their achievement and wish them good luck in the final. Our sincere thanks to our title sponsors Corrib Oil and to all of the businesses that supported us in sponsoring the acts, donating prizes and advertising in the booklet. Thanks also to those that came to the show and bought tickets for the raffles. We are truly grateful and look forward to continued engagement in the months ahead as we continue to progress with the project. Congratulations to the overall winners, the Foróige Leaders group, and compliments to all of the participants who excelled on the night for the one cause, Claremorris United Abú!”

Sponsors

Event title sponsor: Corrib Oil; Act Main Sponsors: Apache Pizza Claremorris, Hillside Service Station, Homecare Medical, OSENG, Phelan’s Motor Factors, Supermac’s, Supervalu, The Ranch, Townley Medical Practice.

Charity Partner: Sensational Kids. Sensational Kids is was the chosen charity partner. Sensational Kids operates out of Claremorris and serves the entire province of Connaught, providing affordable and accessible therapy to children and adolescents with additional needs. The charity was chosen because of its mission to give all young people an opportunity for a better future, to realise their full potential, and because of its location in the heart of Claremorris.

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For more information, email: claremorrisrecreationalcentre@gmail.com or visit www.claremorrisrecreationalcentre.ie.