In Pictures: Music and dance at The Devil’s in the Dancehall comes to Dunkineely

An evening of lively, non-stop music and dance was enjoyed by all who attended The Devil’s in the Dancehall in Dunkineely, with many of those present adding to the nostalgic atmosphere, having embraced the 1930s dress code.

The event which took place on Saturday, November 29 was one of a series of five such evenings taking place in dancehalls across five counties.

Hailed as the’ the best trad / swing band in the country,’ The Gralton Big Band features Cathy Jordan, Ryan Molloy, Stephen Doherty, David Doocey, Matt Berril, Jim Higgins, Conor Caldwell, John Carty and Ben Castle provided the music.

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The Devil’s in the Dancehall is the brainchild of Edwina Guckian, who said: “Once vibrant hubs of music, community and freedom, these dance halls came under fierce attack in the 1930s from church and state, who labelled them dangerous, immoral and ‘the devil’s work.’

“The dance halls and their all night dances were causing the degeneration of Irish society.

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“Now, 90 years on, the dancers rebel again! There’ll be no dance hall licence obtained for these grand dance nights, where the devil himself will be sure to sweep you off your feet.”