Officially, there were two couples in the winners’ enclosure after the votes were counted at the second Strictly Come Dancing Extravaganza at Castleisland Community Centre last night.
Broadly speaking and, by all accounts, community spirit was the big and real winner on the occasion – which is just winding down this morning after a ten to twelve week build up period.
When the popular vote was counted, Sandra Hartnett-O’Connor and Michael ‘Trod’ Broderick were declared the winners. The judges came down in favour of Siobhán Daly and Lezek Brozozka on their overall performance aspects on the night.
The event proved an outstanding success for community effort and for both Muire Gan Smál National School and Castleisland Desmonds Ladies GAA Club.
“It was a wonderful night overall and everyone pulled together to make it the success it was. Barmen and women from several pubs in town came down and served here at the centre. It was a credit to all our dancers who gave their time and great effort over the last couple of months – it was a credit to the whole community,” said a delighted Aileen Lynch of Desmonds ladies club this morning.
…and Credit where it’s Due…..
The full line-up of contestants was as follows: Norma Nolan-Moran and Denis Mahony; Sandra Hartnett-O’Connor and Michael Broderick; Siobhán Daly and Lezek Brozozka; Gladys Glennon and Eamon O’Connor; Betty O’Connell and Ciaran O’Callaghan; Juliette Fleming and Seán O’Connell; Eileen Greaney and Kevin Moran; Ellen Barrett and Eddie Farmer; Shirley Higgins and Tom McCarthy; Mags Murphy-Lynch and Denis O’Donovan; Maura Healy Rae and Jason McCarthy; Willie Cotter and Sheila Costello, Claire Hally and Niall Mitchell. Dance directors and co-ordinators were: Mary Philpott with assistant, Fiona Nelligan-McGuire.
