Ten couples lined up for a sudden death ‘Strictly’ dance off in a mega-fundraiser for Helping Hands For Romania. The function suite in Downpatrick race course was packed with over 700 fans rooting for their favourites  and the atmosphere was electric.
[caption id="attachment_55372" align="alignleft" width="390"]
Pure elegance: John Beattie with Sharon Magennis.[/caption]
John Beattie, Helping Hands for Romania chairman, said: “Last night was an unbelievable experience. The crowd were just going mad as each act came up on to the dance floor. It was incredible. It was such a fun night.
“It is hard to believe that this initiative began in the back of the old Impact Romania group.
“The Helping Hands For Romania group emerged and it has been going from strength to strength and we have raised many thousands of pounds for the needy in Romania
[caption id="attachment_55373" align="alignright" width="380"]
The judges, Richard Lyttle, manager of Downpatrick Racecourse, James Wallace, Bernie Lenaghan and Councilllor Gareth Sharvin.[/caption]
“Myself, Cyril McKinney and Kevin O’Shea set it up and we have received the help from many marvellous people along the way. I would like to thank especially Theresea McCartan, Aimee and Ciara Tumelty and Siobhan Burke for their brilliant work in getting this show ready.
“There are so many people to thank such as dance teacher Shane Berger who spent countless hours honing the routines of the dancers.
“Each year we have a group of around 35 people who go out to Romania and help with projects. This year we will be building a playpark and helping with some other project.
“Our fundraising will still run on this year and we have a Golf Day in Ardglass Golf  Club in May and a Night at the Races. We have a great team of dedicated fundraisers.”
The overall winners on the night were Bronagh Beattie and Matthew McKinney who raised the most money and had the best scores with four tens, also matched by another three  sets of dancers.
[caption id="attachment_55374" align="aligncenter" width="540"]
All winners: The dancers in Strictly for Romania at Downpatrick Race Course.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_55379" align="aligncenter" width="540"]
Matthew McKinney and Orla Beattie were the winners of the Strictly for Romania contest.[/caption]
]]>
