Posted online: Dec 14th, 2011

By Grace McMonagle
reporter

A GROUP of local girls have beaten off thousands of dancers to make it through to the final of TG4’s ‘An Jig Gig’.
The group – made up of dancers from the Mc Nelis/Cunningham School of Irish dance – hail from Ardara, Donegal Town, Kilcar, Mullaghduff and Annagry and will compete on Sunday night to win the title.
Paula McNelis, one of the teachers at the school, praised the girls who are aged between 14-18.
“The standard that they are up against is amazing. They have all been dancing for a long time but they normally do competitive solo dancing so this is very exciting for them – it has the fun factor! They were good friends before the competition but now they are like sisters. It has brought such unity to the school.”
She also explained how it has been their hard work and dedication that got the girls to this commendable position.
“Our studio is in Donegal Town so it requires a lot of travelling and commitment from the dancers and their parents but they are so dedicated and very appreciative of this opportunity.
“Putting each routine together is very labour intensive and a lot of time goes into them. I am so proud of every single one of them; everyone has really pulled together. It has been phenomenal!”
The semi-final also saw another group from the dance school compete but unfortunately Aine McGill and Gerard Byrne left the competition then after a laudable performance.
”Aine and Gerard performed so beautifully and spoke so well – they did themselves and Donegal proud. You can’t walk into a shop in Ardara without someone commenting on how mannerly they were and how well they did and how graciously the accepted criticism,” Paula added.
When ‘An Jig Gig’ finishes up the hard-working troupe will begin rehearsing straight away for the World Championship which 14 talented dancers from the school will be taking part in. For now though all eyes are on TG4 for the final where they will perform their favourite routine from the series as well as another original routine.
“They are at the mercy of the judges now but I know they will do fantastic,” Paula concluded.
Tune in to An Jig Gig on TG4 this Sunday at 7.30pm to see if they are crowned winners.