November 11th 2017
By Tom Aherne
SPECTACULAR SHOW: The ADRSC promoted Lip Sync Battles held in the Devon Inn Hotel Templeglantine were spectacular shows that had the eleven hundred plus audience, captivated by their movement and execution. The massive build up despite the wet misty windy weather did not stop people, who responded in true community spirit to support their family members and friends, displaying their unique talents for the good of the project. From the opening group dance it was riveting and edge of the seat entertainment, as each of the 15 acts conjured up their own version of the hit songs. The background scenery helped to create a real time atmosphere as the songs from Raining Men to YMCA, were Lip Synced to. The colourful costumes, and lighting created a stars in your eyes feeling and the buzz and atmosphere created had to be seen to be believed.
For a high number of the participants it was a new experience to take the stage, and they took to it similar to a duck to water. The judges comments were witty and amusing and greatly enhanced the entertainment factor, which MC Kenny Davey generated with his professional presentation. The audience also played a huge part in cheering on, banner waving, phone lightning, and hand clapping in support of all the acts. The voting cards of the judges, Fr. Tim Curtin, Kathleen Hayes, Paul O’Connor, Marie Hennessy, and Timmy (Cabs) O’Donoghue, were very high and voting for the individual acts was very brisk all through. The top four acts from both combined on Friday night were The Chalice Chicks, The Hairy Babies, The Bellas, and the Village People. The honours went to the eight girl member Bellas group Arianne Reidy, Katelyn Hayes, Geri Mai O’Kelly, Aishling Mc Enery, Kate Ambrose, Kate Downes, Cathy Ambrose, and Roisín Ambrose. The top five acts on Saturday night were The Chalice Chicks, The 4 Long Blondes, The Bellas, The Stunners, and the Village People. A crescendo of passionate and elated joy greeted the announcement that the Village People, whose members included Martin Geraghty, Seamus Ambrose, Jimmy Duggan, Leonard O’Connor, and Ger Duggan, had claimed victory. Chairman of ADRSC David Woulfe thanked everyone who were involved in the massive event since last February and presentations were made, and also to Derlene Cleary Choreographer, who won the hearts of all the 67 participants, who were the real stars of the show. The night/morning concluded with a lively Disco, as the performers let their hair, or wigs down. Thursday nights (practise time)will be a lot quiter around the locality from now on.
November 10th 2018
By Tom Aherne
SPECTACULAR LIP SYNC SHOW: The ADRSC (Ardagh District Recreational and Sporting Company) promoted Lip Sync Legends show held in the Devon Inn Hotel Templeglantine on Saturday November 10 was a spectacular event that had the seven hundred plus audience, captivated by their movement and execution. The massive build up and talk during the rehearsals stirred people, who responded in true community spirit to support their family members and friends, displaying their unique talents for the good of the Astro Turf project due to open shortly. From the opening 16 member group dance it was riveting and edge of the seat entertainment, as each of the 15 acts conjured up their own version of the hit songs. The background scenery helped to create a real time atmosphere as the songs from Rivers of Babylon to He Had it Coming were Lip Synced to. The colourful costumes, and lighting created a stars in your eyes feeling and the buzz and atmosphere present had to be seen to be believed.
For a high number of the participants it was a new experience to take to the stage, with forty new faces on view. The judge’s comments were witty and amusing and greatly enhanced the entertainment factor, which MC Keith generated with his professional presentation. The audience also played a huge part in cheering on, banner waving, phone lightning, and hand clapping in support of all the acts. The voting cards of the judges, Paul O’Connor, Breda Breen, and Timmy (Cabs) O’Donoghue, were very high and a few acts received perfect tens from the judges. The voting for the individual acts was very brisk all through giving a final result as follows. The top five acts in descending order on the night were The Backbog Boys, The Bellas, Chubby M, The Carrig Cowboys, and the Village People. A crescendo of passionate and elated joy greeted the announcement that the Village People, whose members included Ray Cahill, Seamus Ambrose, Jimmy Duggan, Noel Ahern, Darragh O’Connor and Robert Bradley, had claimed victory.
Chairman of ADRSC David Woulfe (on behalf of the committee John Aherne, Deirdre Ambrose, Sean Hayes, Donal Mc Enery, and Paddy Windle,) thanked everyone who was involved in the massive event over the past seven weeks. The families of the acts for their support, the individuals and businesses who put adverts in the programme, donated raffle prizes, raffle ticket sellers, voting staff, and William Sheehan and his staff at the Devon Inn. The judges Breda Breen, Paul O’Connor, and Timmy O’Donoghue, stagehands: Evan Donovan, Liam Kennedy, Stephen Lyons, and Michael Murphy, Social Media Promotion: Ian Mackessy, and Noel Madigan, and the Fundraising Event Group. Derlene Cleary who gave tremendous support and massive time to choreograph the 15 acts and opening act. A massive thank you to the participants, on what was an amazing journey of enjoyment and fun, mixed with phenomenal commitment and dedication, in what was a true act of volunteerism and community spirit.
Presentations were then made to the winners, to Deirdre Ambrose who did Trojan work in organising acts and stage props, with her crew and also to Derlene Cleary Choreographer, who won the hearts of all the 70 participants, who were the real stars of the show. Donal Mc Enery was thanked for his dedication support and attendance during all the rehearsal nights, and David Woulfe for overseeing the whole project. The night/morning concluded with a lively Disco, as the performers let their hair or wigs down. Roll on next year was the parting remarks as people made their way home after a wonderful community event and thanks to the ADRSC Committee for staging it, their families and the wider community for supporting it.
