A Strictly-style dancing fundraiser in Letterkenny has raised an incredible €19,620 for the Cancer Care West Donegal Cancer Support Centre.
Dancing with your Local Stars, organised by Gabrielle’s Diary, took place in the Clanree Hotel on 1st March to a sold-out crowd of 500 in the Clanree Hotel.
The grand total raised was revealed last night and presented to Patricia Doherty, client services co-ordinator for Cancer Care West.
Patricia Doherty, client services co-ordinator for Cancer Care West, Gabrielle McMonagle (Gabrielle’s Diary) and dance instructor Marian Shiels. Photo: Kevin Dooher
“We are just over the moon to present this sum,” said Gabrielle McMonagle. “This would not have happened without your support, donations and sponsorship, and to all the fabulous nine couples who just proved that you can dance especially if you have our tutor Marian Sheils who was just simply the best.”
The participating couples, who had been practicing since September under the expert guidance of professional dancing tutor and choreographer Marian Shiels, delivered a spectacular show two weeks ago to raise funds and awareness for the vital work of Cancer Care West. The event was MC’d by charity patron Noel Cunningham.
The couples who took to the dance floor were: Fiona Gibbons and Liam Deeney, Catherine Doherty and Cllr. Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly, Rachel McLaughlin and Robert O’Connor, Bernie Frain and Brian McMonagle, Alice Diver and Joe Terry, Mairead McFadden and Donnan Harvey, Kelly McIntyre and Peter Socha, Aoife Toner and William Coyle, and Anna Soffe and Manus McFadden.
The judging panel, comprised of Carolynne Murray, GM & Director of the Shandon Hotel, Stephen Maguire, Director of Donegal Daily, and Kevin Dooher, the Wild Atlantic Traveller, faced the difficult task of selecting a winner. After much deliberation, the prize went to Anna Soffe and Manus McFadden for their fantastic line dance.
You can take a look back at the action here on our photo gallery: https://www.donegaldaily.com/2025/03/03/picture-special-dancing-with-your-local-stars-raises-the-roof-for-cancer-care-west/
Find out more about Cancer Care West at: www.cancercarewest.ie
