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Reeling Round Rasharkin
5th December 2009
A Night to be remembered
In association with Kennedy's Pharmacy and Fullan's Eurospar Rasharkin
Saturday 5th December 2009 marked a special day for St.Mary's G.A.C. With this year being the 125th anniversary of the GAA proposals were put forward to acknowledge this great landmark. These included a GAA Quiz, School Concert, Book Launch, Pig Racing, Club Fun Day and National Schools Day. A proposal came forward to run our very own Jigs and Reels as the finale to our celebrations.
Research was carried out regarding feasibility and interest for such an event with a positive result. Nine individuals within the parish with Irish dancing experience were approached and suitable partner volunteers were agreed. Club chairman Brian O'Neill carried out the open draw to pair the lucky couples and from then Reeling Round Rasharkin was born.
Practices began in earnest as the competition started to gather momentum in mid October. Each couple had their own dance to choreograph to be performed on the night but all eighteen would practice as a team to perform a group dance.
No one would have imagined in their wildest dreams that the notion of Jigs and Reels back in January would have exploded into an extraordinary event. Reeling Round Rasharkin completely escalated into a phenomenon as it caught the whole community's interest as the 24 hour ticket sell out would prove.
As the doors opened on the night the crowds swarmed in to fill The Wild Duck to capacity and all relaxed to enjoy a night to be remembered.
The Allen School of Dancers opened proceedings with their wonderful display of skill and Irish dance.
Comperes Terry and Michael Hasson (Junior) were Rasharkin's Ant & Dec and done a brilliant job conducting the whole event with their humour and quick wit.
Judges for the event were Fearghal McGuiggan, Maura McGuiggan, Bernie Kelly and Owen "The Brown Man" Quinn. They all gave constructive feedback to all couples and deserve thanks.
This event would not have been the success it was without the support and expertise of Joe Dalrymple and Blazers entertainment.
The eighteen dancers were incredible and all deserve recognition for their entertainment and superb dance routines. This was captivated in the finale with the group dance bringing down the roof and receiving a standing ovation. Aislinn Millar is to be commended for her vital contribution.
Finally the organising committee of Thomas Doherty, Benny Hegarty, Elaine Donaghy, Natalie Hasson and Anne Marie Mc Gahon can all stand up and take a bow. They put so much time and effort into the smooth running of this flawless event with no stone left unturned.
The club are indebted to all involved as this event has generated an atmosphere around the parish and community of Rasharkin never to be surpassed.
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