Shove on the stetsons, and dance like nobody’s watching!

OVER 70 people attended a barn dance in Fettercairn on Saturday evening, where attendees were treated to a lively atmosphere and live music performances, reports Aideen O’Flaherty.

The event was organised by the Vine Group, which is made up of parishioners from the Church of the Incarnation in Fettercairn, St Thomas the Apostle in Jobstown and St Mary’s Priory in Tallaght Village.

Joe Geoghegan from the Vine Group told The Echo: “We decided to have a barn dance as we are a parish group in a cluster of parishes in Jobstown, Brookfield, Fettercairn, Springfield and Belgard.

“This was a way for us all to come together and get to know each other in a fun atmosphere, with plenty of music and dancing and food.

“Also, it might inspire other parishes to arrange similar events to celebrate their parishioners.”

A particular highlight during the evening was a rendition of ‘County Roads’ by Fr Pat O’Rourke, with Joe praising the cleric’s engaging performance.

Marian Kavanagh, Fr Bill O’Shaughnessy, Ann Doyle, Phylis Gaule and Veronica Bryan

“He just brought the fun and craic to the performance, and really interacted with the audience and musicians,” he said.

“The atmosphere was wonderful.

Everyone had a real party, there was plenty of banter, singing and dancing, and chats galore.

Don Harper, Pat Craig, Jean Tracey and Martin Byrne

“Everyone who went said how great the barn dance was and how, hopefully, it will happen again.

“This is hopefully the first of many barn dances to come, and hopefully other parishes will join the fun of bringing parishioners together.”

Phillis Dargle, Rita Keogh and Michael Finglas

Joe added that he wanted to thank Fr Bill O’Shaughnessy, the Parish Council, Jimmy for providing the farm hall, Don Harper, Martin Byrne, the Vine team, and the attendees.