Laois celebs step up for charity
A group of people who attended the launch of the Jigs and Reels for Irish Wheelchair Association in Portlaoise which will be held in the Manor Hotel, Abbbeyleix on 14th of December 2012.
EIGHT well known personalities from Laois’ political, entertainment and business worlds are coming together for the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) Laois to perform in their Celebrity Jigs ‘n’ Reels fundraising event this December.
The eight novice dancers (or non-dancers) are about to embark on their few weeks of training behind closed doors, as they aim to master the art of Irish dancing in a matter of months.
The participants are all well known and are sure to attract a crowd on the night. Taking part are Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council Cllr Paul Mitchell; Laois Rose Niamh Bracken; owner of Bankz Hairdressers Barbara Aldritt; Singer Michael English; Cllr Mary Sweeney; Sean Fleming TD; IWA staff member Geraldine Phelan; and Noel Tuohy from Portlaoise Pantomime Society.
IWA’s Celebrity Jigs ‘n’ Reels will be taking to the stage at the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel on Friday December 14, and people who before now could barely do a hop one, two, three, will be attempting to outperform members of the Riverdance, as they partner up with a professional dancer in this fun Irish dancing competition.
Professional dance duo, Rebecca and Dean from Reel Style are going to provide the training and professional dance partners for the event, which will see the personalities perform two dance pieces - one jig and one reel.
Cllr Paul Mitchell told the Leinster Express that he was really looking forward to the event. “I love dancing and it is a great cause, you couldn’t get any better. I have always wanted to learn. I have jived before but never learned a jig”. Laois Rose Niamh Bracken was just as enthusiastic. “I danced as a child and I can’t wait to go back to it. It is a great cause and this is a great opportunity to help the IWA. Myself and paul are going to train together, he is the man to dance. This will keep me fit and be lots of fun”.
Every cent raised will be used to continue to maintain the services provided throughout Laois, including the four day resource and outreach centre in Portlaoise and the assisted living services. In the coming weeks tickets will be available for sale at various locations throughout Laois, tickets will be €15. On the night of Celebrity Jigs ‘n’ Reels, the audience will get a chance to vote for the acts they feel have progressed the most. For more, contact Carmel or Bernie at IWA Laois on 057 86 94030.
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