Students sweep to world record

Date Published: 25-Aug-2009

MORE than 300 young people with matching t-shirts and sweeping brushes received more than just cursory glances from passers by yesterday, as they created a new world record in one of GOAL’s more unusual charity fundraisers.

The 330 students from Coláiste Lurgan in Indreabhán were in Eyre Square at lunchtime in a bid to create history – to have the largest number of people performing the Irish brush dance, ‘Damhsa na Scuaibe’, at the same time.

“It is a traditional dance in a household situation using a broom, and is making a big comeback in Irish dancing circles,” said Mícheál Ó Fhoighil, Principal of Coláiste Lurgan.

The students, who are the last group to spend time in the college during the 14-week Summer season, all learned the dance during their two weeks in Indreabhan.

“They love a bit of a challenge, and they have a great attitude and co-operation – they’re really enjoying their day in Galway,” Michéal told the Sentinel.

“It has been a difficult Summer with health scares, so itwas a nice divergence from talking about health matters.”

The Coláiste, which has raised more than €360,000 for GOAL since 2001, also dedicated this latest event to the charity.

“We presented GOAL with a €36,000 cheque today, it isan ongoing thing and we are delighted with the feedback of how GOAL is using our funds.

“We knew Ronan Scully and his great work, and this is our eighth year fundraising so we’re trying to create a record – although, getting 330 brushes was a bit of a record – Brian McNeill from Musgrave’s in Galway organised to have them on loan for the day.”

The event was preceded by a practice run but…