Last Sunday, the 16th of March, saw one of the biggest single fundraising events in the history of Raheens GAA Club. We held our long-awaited "Strictly Raheens" dancing competition in Killashee House Hotel, Naas. A thousand people attended the glitzy event. A mixture of Club members, friends of members, friends of supporters and dancers. The night had a real "red carpet event" feel to it! The evening was expertly hosted by Ian Kelly. The judging panel comprised of Mary Dunne, Patsy Power and our celebrity judge Gillian Quinn. Deserving winners on the night were Jani Niskanen Hoganden, living in Caragh but originally from Finland, and Clane woman Barbara Connolly, a beauty therapist at Hair Angels, Caragh. A special mention must go to the organising committee of Niamh Dunlea, Brian Dunne, Rose Dunne, Ian Kelly, Brian Kielty, Clare Kielty, Andrew Lloyd, Shane Malone and Kathy McGovern for the months of hard work it took to produce such a successful night. Needless to say, the night would've been nothing without the 17 couples who took to the floor. The long nights of training in Caragh National School gym really did pay off! Huge thanks must go to show director, Alicia Grills-Grant and choreographer, Rosie Watson for their expertise. Folks are already talking about who's going to dance next year! Thanks to the management and staff of Killashee House Hotel for really looking after Raheens GAA on our big night out. - Tom Lawler. |