* Castlewellan Come Dancing returned last Saturday Night with a bang. A full house saw absolutely first class performances from all the couples in this first semi final. The heartbreak of it all was that three couples would exit the competition.  The huge crowd was thoroughly entertained where each couple performed two dances. It was quite clear that everyone worked hard in rehearsals and gave a lot of effort and their time. The night opened with an absolutely fabulous group dance executed very well by all the dancers. That settled the nerves for everyone. It is always toughest going first. Everyone would agree that Conor Cunningham and Caoimhe Toner set the place alight and set a high standard. Next up was smooth operator Collie Fla and the graceful Nina Cairns. Collie got flattering remarks from Judge Dredd Shorty Trainor. Collie is of course Shorty’s favourite – he never drops him! That said Nina was the one that shone! Everyone’s favourite Rory McAlinden and Michelle Dorans kept the standards up. Afterwards Michelle revealed that Rory was confident of getting through and for Michelle just to relax and enjoy. The confidence of a master! Aisling Murray and Chicker McDonald served up a hot number from the musical Grease that turned quite a few heads in the audience. They were the ones we wanted ooh, ooh, ooh. Sorry getting carried away. Magiggs is normally running the show but this time very much part of it. Magiggs and Orla Boyle performed to a Robin Thicke number. Thank god there was no twerking! Jason Croskery and Clare Cleland were last up. Clare was the steady partner in this. Jasey smiled his way through the number and Claire smiled and danced. Note Jasey you need to dance! In the end Rory & Michelle, Jason & Clare and Magiggs & Orla qualified for the final on the 7 December. This was a great night’s entertainment and we thank all the dancers particularly Conor & Caoimhe, Collie Fla & Nina and Aisling & Chicker who didn’t make it through but contributed to a wonderful night. Next week sees the second semi final which will feature Conall Corrigan & Megan Clarke, Paul McVeigh & Andrea McClean, Gerard Keown & Sarah McArdle, Niall Duffy & Chelsea McVeigh and Gavin Burns & Oónagh Rice. The pressure is on. Can you all deliver the same standard – of course you will! I will be voting for anyone who has the surname beginning with McC! There talk about abuse of my role! Again all the couples have been working very hard and deserve your support. Tickets are selling out fast for the second semi final. The show will start at 8.00pm sharp. Seating is not reserved and if you want your seat – get in early and avoid disappointment. Tickets are on sale in Walkers and are available from the club.

* The Annual Club mass for deceased members will take place this Friday 22 November 2013 at 7.30pm in St Malachy’s Church. Can we ask that as many people as possible attend and as far as possible wear your club colours to the Mass. We invite everyone back to the club afterwards for a cup of tea.

* The Annual General Meeting will take place on Thursday 28 November 2013 at 8.00pm in the club.

* There will be a Christmas floral demonstration in the club on Sunday 1st December 2013 from 2.00pm to 4.00pm in the Castlewellan club rooms. There will also be Christmas cake decorating. Tickets are £5 and are available from Cunningham Bros and also pay at door on the day. There will also be light refreshments available. All proceeds will go to the Bridgewater Suite Cancer Centre.

* The winter fun coaching programme for boys and girls will continue in the main gym in St Malachy’s HS Castlewellan on Wednesday and run for six consecutive Wednesday nights until Wednesday December 11^th. The session will be one hour long: P1 to P4 inclusive will take place from 6pm to 7pm. P5 to P7 inclusive plus 1^st years who are U12 will take place from 7pm to 8pm. In order to help speed up registration for the winter fun and coaching programme please bring this form to the registration night in the Sports Hall in St Malachy’s High School on Wednesday November 6^th at 5.45pm for P1 – P4. Registration for P5 – P6 plus 1^st years U12 will take place on November 6^th at 6.45pm.

* The weekly Castlewellan AC weekly runs continue every Tuesday and Thursday leaving the Club at 7.00pm.

* The numbers in this week’s lotto were 05 08, 10 & 22. There were no jackpot and five £20 winners this week; Audie McVeigh, Seamus Owens, Bridie McKee, J McCusker and surprise surprise Martin McClean Next week’s Jackpot is £5150.