New Galway nightclub caters for dance fans over 30

A widespread perception among her friends that there was nowhere in Galway to dance for people of a certain age has prompted a music enthusiast to set up a monthly club night for the “over 30s” in the city.

Emer Hennelly hopes that those aged over 30, or even over 50 or 60, will feel comfortable dancing at the Last Friday Club which takes place at the Backstage Bar at Monroe’s Live on Dominick Street.

“People kept telling me that there was nowhere for people of my age and older to go and enjoy a dance, so they told me they would just stick to the pubs,” says Emer.

“They did not feel comfortable going to night clubs where the focus was on drinking. Friends kept telling me they wanted a bit of light relief and to go to a place where they could hear uplifting music from the 1970s and ‘80s.”

Her club has found a permanent home at Monroe’s, where it continues on Friday, May 30. Jon Richards of Galway Bay FM is the resident DJ and he has embraced the spirit of the monthly night out.

“Jon has really embraced the spirit of it and he’s even decided to feature a ‘slow set’ next week,” says Emer. “Both Jon and myself have a passion for pop. We hope that people can come along and celebrate pop culture, free from irony and cynicism.

“It gave me great joy to see a guy in his 60s, dressed in a suit, dancing with such enthusiasm at our last club night. That’s what the spirit of the club is all about and we’ve decided to put it on once a month.”

Held on the last Friday of every month in Monroe’s Live, the Last Friday Club features music from the 1970s to the present, with an emphasis on having fun.

The next Last Friday Club takes place at Monroe’s on Friday, May 30. Admission is €10 or half price for anyone who wears 1960s, ‘70s or ‘80s fancy dress.

See full details in this week’s Galway City Tribune.