Dancing weekend to take place in Longford Arms Hotel in aid of Alzheimer's

A Dancing Weekend supporting The Alzheimer’s Society Ireland will be taking place in the Longford Arms Hotel from Friday, September 5.

This eagerly anticipated two day fundraising event is the brainchild of professional musician Paul Gurney and Orla Reynolds, Longford Arms Hotel.

It promises to be a jam-packed weekend with something for everyone to enjoy.

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Paul Gurney explained, “My mother suffered with Alzheimer’s when she died back in 2019,” explained Paul, “and then Orla's mother, died with it as well.

“Since that, we said we should do something to thank the staff who work with the disease and people who have it.

“That’s basically where the idea came from and what we can do to raise a few pounds. We put our heads together, myself, Orla and Laura McGuinness.

“We’ve run a few concerts together. We came up with a country music dancing weekend in the Longford Arms as a means of raising the money.”

The Friday night sees Jimmy Buckley perform with the support act being Andy Feery. Doors open at 8:30pm and the admission is €20.

On Saturday 6, there will be a jiving gym experience from 1pm until 3pm, and 'Glór Tíre' winner Lauren McCrory will perform from 3- 5pm. Admission for this is €10.

Later on Saturday night, Patrick Feeney will be the main attraction, with support act Conor O'Donnell, and this concert gets underway at 8.30pm and admission is €20.

Paul outlined, “There are two fabulous nights’ entertainment and you can book them as a package and stay in the Longford Arms Hotel. There are two acts both nights. €20 admission each night.”

He said the weekend is for anyone, as country music attracts various demographics. “He explained, “From performing with Patrick Feeney's band, I've noticed how he is attracting a lot of younger people. JivinGym has been hosting many classes every week.”

The weekend package, which includes two nights of B&B as well as all the entertainment, only costs €195.
Paul said getting involved in the event in any way possible will have a meaningful impact.

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“The only thing that we’re saying to people is that even if they’re not into country music or think that’s not their thing, what we ask them to do is to support Alzheimer’s and the Alzheimer’s Society.

“That is the bottom line. That’s what this is all about. So, for people to come along anyway or donate using the iDonate page, or just support it anyway they can.

“They may not like anyone who’s on, but they may have a relative, friend or somebody who has Alzheimer’s who has it or will have it in the future.”