Barn Dance Photo: © Michael Fisher

Most Lions Clubs have a ‘tail twister’, an officer and the ‘pep master’ of each Club. His duties (I think I should add the alternative ‘her’ as well) are “to instil enthusiasm and good fellowship in the meetings, and to keep harmony. (S)He is empowered to impose, as well as collect, fines from the members. There shall be no appeal from the tail twister’s decision in imposing a fine, and he (she) may not be fined except by the unanimous vote of the members present.

Meet the new ‘tail twister’ of Monaghan Lions Club…! Photo: © Michael Fisher

Well it looks like Monaghan Lions Club who have several female members just got themselves a new tail twister, judging by the fellow I saw standing beside the stage at their barn dance tonight (Saturday 26th October) in Tyholland Community Centre. I think he said his name was Wayne….

Burger and a hat all for €7: good value in a good cause! Photo: © Michael Fisher

Anyway he was one of the many all dressed up in cowboy/cowgirl attire. The appropriate dress for the night appeared to be jeans and checked shirts for the men and a variety of outfits for the ladies, most of whom brought along hats. The Club was also selling a variety of hats for €4 for those who wanted to enter into the spirit of the occasion.

The Outlaws Photo: © Michael Fisher

It was an enjoyable evening dancing to The Outlaws as Monaghan Lions Club revived their barn dance fundraiser in aid of Club charities. The Tyholland Centre doubled up as the barn and a marquee was erected alongside to serve as the ‘saloon’, serving drinks and burgers. Plenty of prizes in the raffle as well, including a number of pairs of tickets for forthcoming Ireland rugby international matches.

Aidan Clerkin at Monaghan Lions Club Barn Dance Photo: © Michael Fisher

On arrival, Aidan Clerkin was on stage, providing a variety of country and Irish music and doing his best to encourage them to dance, but it was a while before the crowd found their dancing shoes. The main act was The Outlaws from Castleblayney in County Monaghan. They comprise of Sean Hughes, JJ McCourt, Brian Walsh and brothers Craig and Adam Davis, who are both grand nephews of Irish country legend Big Tom McBride.

Michael Fisher, Belfast Lions Club supporting the Monaghan Lions event Photo: © Evelyn Fisher

Plus brilliant fiddle playing by Diane Traynor. who brings her own style and glamour to the band and her fiddle playing skills and sweet singing range enhance the band’s appeal. It’s just a pity that when they came to perform a ‘Siege of Ennis’ dance that there were only a few takers.

Monaghan Lions Club carry out projects throughout the year in service of the community. At Christmas, they hold an annual food appeal in conjunction with St Vincent de Paul. The Club meets on the first and third Monday of every month at 9pm at the Westenra Arms Hotel in The Diamond, Monaghan.

Monaghan Lions Club Poster