Strictly fever hits Achill ahead of Easter festivals

IF THE SHOES FIT The participants who are taking part in Strictly Come Dancing Achill. Front, from left; Robert English, Anton McNulty, Brian McNeill, Raymond McGinty, Darren Molloy, John Sweeney, SeΡn Lyons, SeΡn Swift, Graham Callaghan, Enda McHugh, Stephen McNulty, Colm Cafferkey. Back, from left; Linda McGing, Elizabeth Quinn, Alice McGinty, Grace Ann Lynch, Sinéad Cooney, Maary McNamara, Laura Gallagher, Clodagh Toolis-Hanley, Lindsay Joyce, Denise Cafferkey, Elaine Connaghan, Maeve Calvey.

Anton McNulty

THE sold out signs are up and the 12 couples taking part in Strictly Come Dancing in Achill are pointing the final touches to one of the most eagerly awaited events to occur on the island for years.
The Big Red Barn arrived on the island yesterday and on Saturday close to 800 people will cram inside for what is sure to be an unforgettable night. The event officially sold out weeks ago but the scramble for tickets has reached All-Ireland final levels, with people making phone calls and calling in favours at the last minute.
The custom built Big Red Barn is currently being constructed adjacent to Ted’s Bar in Cashel and will be home to many first time events for the Achill Easter Festival. The main attraction will be Strictly Come Dancing Achill which is organised as a fundraiser for Naíonra agus Iarscoil Naomh Sheoisamh, an Irish speaking pre-school located in Bunacurry on Achill Island.
Since the New Year, 12 couples have been practising their dance moves in anticipation of the big night which is almost upon them. Monica Brogan of the Naíonra committee said they cannot believe the response to the event and are looking forward to putting on a great show.
“It is all very exciting and we are all looking forward to the night. We have been thrilled with the level of commitment put in by the contestants and we envisage a brilliant night. When we started out and came up with the idea we had a figure of 500 people but we have been absolutely blown away by the response.
“The event has been sold out weeks ago and we have a long waiting list and as soon as any tickets become available will be going through that list. The level of interest has been phenomenal and for the last few weeks it is all people of Achill are talking about. We never thought it would get this big,” she said.
The 12 couples have each been given individual dances to perform and have been practising their moves under the tutelage of Castlebar-based dance instructor Jason Guthrie. The dances include Rumba, the Cha Cha, the Jive, the Charleston as well as lots of other well-known ballroom dances along with two spectacular group performances.
A number of other events will take place in the Big Red Barn over the duration of the Achill Easter Festival which runs until April 2. These include Expo Achill 2016, which is an exhibition of products and services produced and available in the area; a Robot Battles Workshop for young children; a Mock Achill Wedding and Tommy Marren’s newest play, ‘Nobody’s Talking To Me’.
On Good Friday, the launch of all the events taking place in the Big Red Barn will take place at 4.45pm and will be followed by a free kids disco. All are welcome.