SO You Think You Can Dance is coming to Limerick this month, with comedian Jon Kenny among those taking to the dancefloor in aid of charity.
The event, in aid of breast cancer services at the Mid-West Regional Hospital, will be held in the South Court hotel on Friday, May 28.
But the odds to win are not in favour of local politicians Jan O’Sullivan (Labour), Peter Power (Fianna Fail) and Maria Byrne (Fine Gael), with Paddy Power giving them odds ranging from 25/1 to 33/1.
Organiser Dave Dineen, whose wife Julie Ann has battled cancer, is credited with getting dozens of local people to put on their dancing shoes in the name of this charitable cause over the past year.
From Jigs & Reels to Strictly Come Dancing, Limerick Celebrity So You Think You Can Dance is expected to be their most successful event to date.
In the region of €80,000 has been raised to date for breast cancer services in the Mid-West, and it is hoped several thousand will be raised from the next event.
“It’s going to be absolutely terrific. Everyone has been training hard for the last few months,” said Mr Dineen.
Sixteen local personalities will be taking part with their dance partners, and some have been in training for the past four months to put their best foot forward on the night.
Jon Kenny will be dancing salsa, while Minister of State Peter Power will be dancing with Lavinia McNamara, a survivor of breast cancer, who always dreamed of dancing in front of a large crowd.Michelle McMahon of Spin SouthWest is keeping her routine a closely guarded secret until the night.
Ms McMahon, a columnist with our sister newspaper, the Limerick Chronicle, will be dancing with Paul Galvin, Limerick GAA football team, and the couple are currently the favourite with the bookmakers at 9/4.
Limerick Leader sales executive Darren Nash, who formerly triumphed on the dancefloor with Ms McMahon, will be dancing with Ann Power, Specsavers, on this occasion.
While a number of the participants have taken part in previous events, there are also be plenty of new faces supporting this worthy cause.
Nicola Bennett, the 23-year old hairdresser from Caherdavin and Miss Bronz’Express 2010, has signed up, along with Limerick Post reporter Rebecca Commane.
The judges on the night will be Limerick native Emma O’Driscoll and Marty Morrisey, both of RTE, 2FM dj Will Leahy, and Michael Donellan of River Dance.
The event is sponsored by Spin SouthWest, the Limerick Leader, Limerick Chronicle and Limerick Now magazine.Michelle McMahon, Spin SouthWest, with her dance partner John Galvin
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