Clontibret
Now We Know They CAN Dance
What a night, what a show. From the delicate opening steps of the Clontibret Camogie Troupe to the heart warming, feet stomping Riverdance finale led by Rodney and John this was a night to remember. Those who were privileged to be there will never forget it and those who weren’t will always regret it. That a group of local amateurs could put together such a slick, professional and talented performance in just six weeks is a massive tribute to all involved. Choreographer Fiona Keenan O’Brien is to be congratulated on her innovative production and attention to detail while stage manager Karen Hughes kept the whole show running like clockwork. In addition a veritable army of willing helpers kept things moving both backstage and front of house while Adrian Logan was as ever the consummate MC.
In the Competing Dancers section, Thomas Greenan and Eleanor McQuaid unanimously took the prizes with their intimate contemporary interpretation of ‘Our Version of Events’ but never was the old adage more apt, ‘they were all winners’. From the opening strains of New York New York where Phyllis Brennan, Dean O’Neill and Gerry McMahon set the competitive bar at the highest level the audience was treated to a spectacle of fun, song, humour and of course quality dance moves. Michael Duffy and Patricia Ward dazzled us with their ‘Ups and Downs’ waltz while Kevin Gormley, Gerry Reilly, Aiden Leonard, Eithna McQuaid, Amanda McArdle Keenan and Laura Hughes were ‘All Mixed Up’ in a spectacular jazz number. Bernie O’Neill and Liam Swift then brought us into the ‘Roaring Charlies’ with a stunning interpretation of the Charleston. Aileen Mone and Liam Ward took the audience into country mode with a lively ‘Jiving Jitters’, while Susan Savage and Gerry Gorman’s ‘Contemporary Rough Diamonds’ added a flavour of Rihanna to the night, while the ‘Demented’ Hip-Hop arrangement from Marie Greenan, John Paul Mone, Fergal McGuigan and Tara McElvaney brought the house down for the interval.
There was more to come after the interval as the Clontibret Ceili dancers of Ann Mohan, Martin Mohan, Marie Hughes, Breda Hughes, Peadar Greenan and Dympna Kerr showed us their well-trained steps. This was followed by the most hilarious part of the night where first we were treated to the spectacle of local versions of the Spice Girls, Lady Gaga, Dolly Parton, Shakira, Britney Spears Christina Aguilera, the Cheeky Girls and Whitney Houston, followed by Stavros (Big John) Flatley and his son Rodney, who soon literally had the place in stitches and brought about a spontaneous standing ovation. This led in to the grand finale with all dancers on stage to finish what was a wonderful night.
The Clontibret Camogie Troupe included Chloe McGuigan, Mary Duffy, Melinda McCague, Emily Madden, Rioghnach Duffy, Niamh Hughes, Hannah McSkeane and Jennifer Duffy, while Bernie Boyle and John Greene joined the twenty-four competitors for the impressive opening Group Dance which gave of the audience a flavour of what was in store for them as the night unfolded.
The judging panel of Fr. Paddy McGinn, Geraldine Clarke and Thomas McSkeane joined in the atmosphere of the night with some telling and insightful contributions wrapped up in witty remarks. It is notable that the judges’ decision for the best group dance coincided with the audience’s choice of Eleanor and Thomas.
In the raffle Gary McQuaid bagged two All Ireland Football tickets, Collette Connolly, Aghabog got the Hurling tickets, Francie Evans won a voucher for the Kilmore Hotel while vouchers for Olivia Keenan Beauty were won by Caramel McAdam and Sean McSkeane. The raffle in the juvenile section was won by Sinead Mohan.
Many many thanks is due to all who contributed in so many different ways to making this the remarkable occasion that it was. The organising committee, those who produced the very impressive programme spearheaded by Stephen McGuigan, ticket sellers, ticket collectors, those who collected sponsorship and of course the sponsors themselves for their generosity. Thanks to the more than 1,000 patrons who took the trouble to turn out on the night and participate in such a meaningful way which helped create the atmosphere for such memorable night. Thanks also to those who helped with hair, make-up and costumes, to the footballers who acted as ushers and envelope collectors, and to the Hillgrove for the use of their fine facility.
Dance DVD Premiere Night
Keep free Saturday night, 6th April for the launch of The So You Think You Can Dance DVD in the clubrooms. The DVD will be shown for all who would like to relive the unforgettable event, and it’s also an opportunity for those who missed out on the night to see the show. Copies of the DVD will be on sale afterwards with all proceeds going to our new field development.
Senior League
We open the league next Saturday, 30th March with an away game to Scotstown at 5pm.
Reserve League Division 1
We play Magheracloone away on Wednesday at 7pm and this is followed by a home game to Latton next Saturday, 6th April at 7pm.
Reserve League Division 3
We are due to play Emyvale on Sunday, 14th April.
U21
Clontibret 4-14, Latton 1-9. A great display from the boys in the opening game of the u21 league saw us come away with a comprehensive victory. Next up for this team is an away game to ‘Blayney on Wednesday, 10th April.
Minor
We have our first game of the league on Tuesday at home to Seans at 7pm.
U16
We play Toome next Thursday, 4th April in Toome at 6.15pm. Training as usual.
U14
Our game with Cremartin was postponed on Saturday due to the weather. Players take note that training will take place every Monday and Wednesday at 6.30pm. Next match is away to Eire Og on Tuesday at 6.15pm and is followed by an away game against Latton on Saturday, 6th April at 12 noon.
U12
We play Corduff at home this Saturday at 12pm.
Nursery
Training tomorrow, Friday from 6pm-7pm for u6 and from 7pm-8pm for u10 boys only.
Juvenile Membership
A reminder for each family to get your membership of €20 paid to your child’s coach ASAP.
Coaching Workshops
There are coaching workshops for juvenile coaching from nursery right up to u16 with Monaghan County Board. Please check the Monaghan website or ring Marty Corey 0851085895 for more details.
Registration
The final date for registration is 31st March so get your €20 to Tommy Greeenan immediately to register for the year ahead.
Gaeltacht Scholarships
Interviews for Gaeltacht Scholarships to Coláiste Bhríde, Rann Na Feirste will be held in GAA Administration Office Cloghan on Saturday 20th April 2013. Interviews for students who are pre Junior Cert will start at 10am, while interviews for post Junior Cert and Leaving Cert students will begin at 11.30am. No pre booking is required.
Contact Malachy Trainor 0868970117 for more information.
Hurling
Senior training continues Mon night 7.45pm sharp. Underage training continues in the community centre Wed u12s 6pm – 7pm and beginners Thurs 5pm – 6pm.
By michael Tue 26th Mar