Taking a trip down memory lane, Sunday night’s Dancing with the Stars saw the celebrities and their pro dancers perform to tracks that hold a special place in their hearts.
Whether it represented a career-high or evoked memories of someone they’ve lost, each and every star shared very personal moments.
Brian Dowling and his partner Laura Nolan performed a cha-cha-cha to We Are Family. Surrounded by his sisters, Brian paid tribute to his late mum, Rosie.
“It will be two years very soon and it’s just so tough because she’s not here and she’s my best friend. If she was here, she would be in her element,” he said.
The pair scored 17 points for their efforts, as Lorraine Barry said, “I am very excited that you get to share this memory with your sisters.
“What you need for the cha-cha-cha is a lot of attitude and fun and you have that. It could have been a bit better in the feet, but despite all that, you made a new memory tonight with your sisters.”
Mary Kennedy took to the dance floor with John Nolan, performing a waltz to Nocturne. In 1995, she presented the Eurovision in Dublin, and Fionnuala Sherry, who sang at it the Eurovison, was in the audience to support Mary.
The presenter scored 16 points, and judge Julian Benson said, “It was a beautiful, haunting waltz. First of all, you looked elegant and stunning.
“From a technical perceptive, I’d like to see a little bit more power through the routine on the floor, but Mary you are just going one way and that’s up.”
Performing a fun cha-cha, Sinead O’Carroll and her partner Ryan McShane danced to her hit B*Witched song, C’est la Vie.
Judge Julian Benson was a huge fan, and said, “This was a cool, Celtic cha cha, the song came out in 1998 which brought me right back to my childhood.
“What I loved was the Celtic twist, I thought that was very clever. I agree with Loraine, I would like a little bit more attack and drive into the steps.”
They scored 19 points for their efforts.
Twelve years ago, Fair City star Ryan Andrews was diagnosed with scoliosis, and over the weekend, chose to perform a rumba to Coldplay’s Fix You.
He said, “At 14 I didn’t know what I was, but to get up and do what I’m doing now…it means a lot to me.
“I haven’t talked about it, it’s still raw. To be part of the show was something I’ve always wanted to do but never thought I would get the chance. I have that mentality of ‘get up, get out and go for it’.”
Judge Brian Redmond told him, “When I heard that story about you having scoliosis and how you were treated, I was shocked, because your posture is perfect. You are an absolute role model to young people across the country.”
Julian Benson added, “You brought out the essence of the dance tonight, you moved me on the floor.
“The sparks came off the two of you, for a guy who was told he would never dance, I empathise with you my friend, I was there. Tonight, you proved to the nation that anything is possible.”
The pair scored 26 points.
Taking to the dance floor with Kylee Vincent, Fr Ray Kelly performed a Viennese Waltz to his own cover of Hallelujah, which went viral in 2014.
“I never danced to myself singing before in my life. It was very emotional,” he said.
They scored 10 points from the judges, and Lorraine Barry said, “I think you are in your comfort zone tonight, I thought there was a tremendous effort here.
“You didn’t have the full swing, but it was there. I see a good change tonight, well done.”
Nine years ago, Lottie Ryan landed her dream on RTE’s 2FM, so chose to perform a tango to Beyonce’s song, Radio.
Lottie and Pasquale scored 22 points from the judges, with Julian telling them, “My radio was definitely turned on after that performance.
“A fast, powerful tango, great commitment and I loved the contemporary twist. You have it all going on, girl. Overall a great performance, solid.”
Looking back on her modelling career, Grainne Gallanagh and her partner Kai Widdrington performed a contemporary ballroom routine to Sia’s song Unstoppable.
Topping the leaderboard, the pair scored 27 points.
Judge Julian Benson told her, “It was a fierce contemporary ballroom piece, you are going from strength to strength in this competition.
“I’m seeing a progression from you constantly. That lift in the centre was box-office gold. If you keep going this way, you will be unstoppable.”
Celebrating his 2006 All-Ireland success, Kilkenny hurler Aidan Fogarty and Emily Barker performed a Charleston to Bingo Bango by Basement Jaxx.
Scoring 21 points, Brian Redmond said, “This certainly had the energy and the speed that we are looking for from a Charleston.
“It probably could have done with a little more swivel in the feet. Maybe a bit too cool for school for a Charleston.”
Finally, Michael Carruth recalled the moment he won Ireland’s first gold medal in boxing, during the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.
“Listen, I won an Olympic gold medal, but I didn’t win it on my own,” he said. “I won it with my family, the boxing club and the people of Ireland.”
Dancing to Spandau Ballet’s Gold with Karen Byrne, they secured 13 points.
Judge Lorraine Barry told them, “It wasn’t quite the gold… in those positions, I do see improvement. I think that’s good for you.”
Michael and Karen sadly became the third celebs to the eliminated from the show.
Gracious in defeat, the pro-boxer said, “A massive thank you to everyone who has voted and showed their support for me over the past few weeks.”
“I have had an amazing time and enjoyed every minute of it. I gave my all and am so honoured to have been a part of this wonderful show.”
He continued, “Lastly thank you to my amazing partner Karen thank you for being so patient with me every week I couldn’t have done it without you!
“Best of luck to the rest of the contestants I will be cheering you all on every week.”