0:00:02 > 0:00:05In rural Ireland, country music has never been so popular.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10A host of new country stars have tempted a generation
0:00:10 > 0:00:12to turn their back on the nightclub,
0:00:12 > 0:00:14don their Stetsons and jive the night away,
0:00:14 > 0:00:16from Ballymena to Ballydehob.
0:00:21 > 0:00:23This week, it's strictly jiving.
0:00:23 > 0:00:27Young people are dancing like it's the 1950s all over again.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30You want someone who loves dancing as much as I love dancing
0:00:30 > 0:00:32and just wants to do it all night.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36Dance classes across the country are jam-packed...
0:00:37 > 0:00:41as couples try to outdo each other on the dance floor.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46Like, we are, no matter what we say, we're really competitive.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49And unless you know your triple chassis from your splice with spice,
0:00:49 > 0:00:52and your windmills from your gorillas,
0:00:52 > 0:00:56you don't stand a chance in this ultracompetitive world.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59- Just don't mess up, all right? - Right, OK.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03We're following some of the best movers in the country as they
0:01:03 > 0:01:07attempt to dance their way to glory at the Monaghan Jiving Competition.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09OK, it's time for the jiving competition.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12But only one couple can claim the ultimate prize.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15And the winner is...
0:01:15 > 0:01:19Welcome to the competitive world of Irish country music.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38Ulster is the heartland of the jiving scene.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40And on a Sunday night, the dance floor
0:01:40 > 0:01:43at the Four Seasons in Monaghan is never empty.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47I've met a lot of people through the dances.
0:01:47 > 0:01:48It's a great way to meet people.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50Really, really great way to meet people.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55It's called the scissors, where you put your arm behind your back
0:01:55 > 0:01:57and he swings you around then from one side to the other
0:01:57 > 0:01:59and I enjoy doing that there whenever a fella knows
0:01:59 > 0:02:01more than just the basic jive.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06Two of the best jivers on the scene are close friends
0:02:06 > 0:02:10Armagh man Anthony Murchan and Donal McGuigan from Monaghan town.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13They live for dancing at the weekends.
0:02:14 > 0:02:16A bit of banter, see if there's any good birds about
0:02:16 > 0:02:18for a bit of jiving.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26Although the boys have regular jiving partners,
0:02:26 > 0:02:29they're always on the lookout for new talent.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31Maybe meet the woman of my dreams.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34- Some hope of that! - Plenty of money, loads of ground.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36The only thing that would love you, son, is your mother.
0:02:38 > 0:02:43# Horse swing swinging on a rusty chain
0:02:43 > 0:02:47# Midnight kisses, summer and rain. #
0:02:47 > 0:02:49The boys are amongst the favourites
0:02:49 > 0:02:51at this year's Monaghan Jiving Competition.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57And their dancing skills mean that they're always in demand
0:02:57 > 0:03:00from the hundreds of women who regularly pack out the dance hall.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07But being on your feet for every tune is hot and sweaty work
0:03:07 > 0:03:09and these boys have a couple of tricks
0:03:09 > 0:03:12up their sleeves to keep themselves looking fresh.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17Wear the white one in there, she might not recognise you again.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21One night's dancing could see skilled jivers use up to
0:03:21 > 0:03:22four fresh shirts.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24Give me that.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29Because no woman wants to dance with a sweaty man.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34Anthony likes to keep his breath fresh, too, just in case.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37If anybody seen us here tonight... It's a good thing it's dark.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40- Round two, boy!- Round two!
0:03:43 > 0:03:47# Towing, liftin', sowing, baling, drawing, hauling, and buck raking
0:03:47 > 0:03:50# Backin', stackin' Plowin', crashing
0:03:50 > 0:03:52# Tippin', rappin' Tail doors flappin'
0:03:52 > 0:03:54# Sucking diesel Cuttin', trucking... #
0:03:54 > 0:03:56In Greysteel, 27-year-old Kevin O'Kane
0:03:56 > 0:03:59has a passion for farming.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01Farming all my life and I like it.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03I could do 120 or 130 hours a week at times
0:04:03 > 0:04:05and I don't get fed up with it.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07If you're working somewhere else and not happy,
0:04:07 > 0:04:09sure, it's a nightmare.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11This here's not work, this is fun.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15# They thought that we were quittin' when the sun went down
0:04:15 > 0:04:18# With the flame from the pipe we drove all night,
0:04:18 > 0:04:19# Till the fuel it ran out.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22But Kevin has an even bigger love than wrapping silage,
0:04:22 > 0:04:26jiving every weekend at dances across the country.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28There's the basic jiving, then there's two hands
0:04:28 > 0:04:30and then there's spin yourself away
0:04:30 > 0:04:32and spin her away and double spins and put your arm up your back.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34I call that spaghetti arms,
0:04:34 > 0:04:36then there's the helicopter and the windmill,
0:04:36 > 0:04:37and there's a whole heap of them.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40It's a good craic and if you meet a woman that knows all this,
0:04:40 > 0:04:42or that's a good dancer and you can teach her them all,
0:04:42 > 0:04:44you'd have a brilliant night's dancing.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47You'll never get me in a nightclub again, I don't think.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52Kevin's parents were champion dancers in their day, but his
0:04:52 > 0:04:56busy work schedule mean he hasn't yet found the ideal jiving partner.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02So when he wants to practise a few moves,
0:05:02 > 0:05:04he's stuck with his big mate Stephen.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09# I joke about how I've always loved you since the age of three
0:05:09 > 0:05:11# You stop and stare and look at me. #
0:05:11 > 0:05:14He has hopes to enter the Monaghan Jiving Competition.
0:05:14 > 0:05:15Go on down. Couple name.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17He's not keen on Stephen as a partner
0:05:17 > 0:05:19so he'll need to find himself a woman.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21You'll have to get a woman first.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23Get a woman and go and do your jiving competition.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26Go and look for yourself to get a good partner.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28I'm going to look at the best dance halls in Ireland
0:05:28 > 0:05:29to see who the best...
0:05:29 > 0:05:31And where would that be?
0:05:31 > 0:05:34Here, the Four Seasons in Monaghan. Super dancers go there.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46Today's jiving aces are carrying on family traditions that
0:05:46 > 0:05:48stretch back generations.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54But this time it's not rock and roll,
0:05:54 > 0:05:58the new stars of country music like Johnny Brady, Jimmy Buckley
0:05:58 > 0:06:02and Lisa McHugh are tapping the beat to this jiving revival.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04# Johnny got married in his one good suit
0:06:04 > 0:06:06# But the ride from church he bore strange fruit. #
0:06:06 > 0:06:09So integral is the dance form to the country music scene,
0:06:09 > 0:06:12those that can't dance find themselves at a severe
0:06:12 > 0:06:17disadvantage, especially if you're hoping to impress the opposite sex.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21# Who's going to dance with Sally? #
0:06:23 > 0:06:26No wonder, then, that dance classes like Niall Doorhy's in West Meath
0:06:26 > 0:06:30can attract up to 70 people of all ages on a midsummer's night.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36As well as a sought-after dance teacher,
0:06:36 > 0:06:40Niall is the main judge in this year's Monaghan Jiving Competition.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44One, two, turn the lady and back to home.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46And one, two, turn the lady twice.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48Niall is very clear about what he is looking for
0:06:48 > 0:06:50when judging the competitors.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53There's different styles in the country and on the jive and that
0:06:53 > 0:06:56and so I have to keep an open mind, as well, in this competition.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59When I look at dancers, I like to watch timing and if the timing
0:06:59 > 0:07:02is good, you know, they get a lot of points from me in my head anyway.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04I don't care about the style, everybody has a style,
0:07:04 > 0:07:06but the timing has to be there.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08Hip, her hip is down here, lads.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12One, two, turn, three, four, five
0:07:12 > 0:07:14six, seven, eight.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17There is no-one here tonight who would make any
0:07:17 > 0:07:20kind of impression on Niall's judging card.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23# Take a gamble and say I do
0:07:23 > 0:07:25# Hey, baby, let's go to Vegas. #
0:07:25 > 0:07:28But one man who might is Kevin,
0:07:28 > 0:07:30but only if he is able to find a partner.
0:07:32 > 0:07:37He's come all the way to a dance in Monaghan town
0:07:37 > 0:07:40and he knows exactly what he's looking for.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43She has to be a good dancer, a good lively, bouncy dancer.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46A good fit, cuddy, like. Someone that's going to dance and keep at it
0:07:46 > 0:07:47and knows all the moves,
0:07:47 > 0:07:49and is not going to want to sit down after two dances.
0:07:49 > 0:07:50That's no use.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53You want someone who loves dancing as much as I love dancing
0:07:53 > 0:07:55and wants to do it all night.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57# And put him in the truck
0:07:57 > 0:08:01# Hey, baby, let's go to Vegas Kiss the single life goodbye. #
0:08:01 > 0:08:05Luckily, there are no shortage of fit cuddies for him to dance with
0:08:05 > 0:08:08and Kevin wastes no time in hitting the floor.
0:08:11 > 0:08:12He come over and asked me for a dance
0:08:12 > 0:08:15and he was actually a really good dancer and...
0:08:15 > 0:08:17Good dancer, Kevin. Keep it up.
0:08:19 > 0:08:24# Viva Las Vegas sparkling lights. #
0:08:24 > 0:08:26Kevin was a great dancer, tonight.
0:08:26 > 0:08:27He's got great rhythm on his feet.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30He even showed that he was able to jive two girls at the same
0:08:30 > 0:08:33time which takes a lot of skill involved to do that there.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35# You're my lady luck
0:08:35 > 0:08:38# Pack a few things and a little money
0:08:38 > 0:08:39# And put 'em in the truck. #
0:08:39 > 0:08:42Kevin's footwork has impressed the Monaghan regulars,
0:08:42 > 0:08:44but another dancer has caught his eye.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48# Hey, baby, let's go to Vegas
0:08:48 > 0:08:57- # Bet on love and let it ride.- #
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- I'm going to go to the Monaghan dancing competition.- Oh, yeah?
0:09:00 > 0:09:03- Did you hear about it before? - Yeah, I've never done one before.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06Neither did I but I'm going to ask you will be go with me
0:09:06 > 0:09:08- and dance on it?- I think we need a bit of practice, do we?
0:09:08 > 0:09:10Aye, well, practice makes perfect.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12Um...we'll get a wee bit of practice in the Abbey,
0:09:12 > 0:09:14maybe next weekend. Is that OK?
0:09:14 > 0:09:15- Abbey Donegal Hotel?- Yeah.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18- And I say yes.- Right. - A wee bit of practice.
0:09:18 > 0:09:19We'll go there and practice, see how we get on.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- OK, I'll see you there. - Good enough. Good luck. Bye-bye.
0:09:26 > 0:09:32# Don't tell me you love me, when you know it ain't true. #
0:09:32 > 0:09:35Two men already with dance partners are Anthony and Donal.
0:09:37 > 0:09:38They've found two people
0:09:38 > 0:09:40with the same passion for jiving that they have.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45# Just pack your bags and hit the road
0:09:45 > 0:09:48# Don't even say goodbye. #
0:09:48 > 0:09:51I could go down to Donal's house at any night of the week at any time
0:09:51 > 0:09:54and his mam would welcome me like I was hers, do you know?
0:09:54 > 0:09:56And that's only plainly because I met Donal at a dance.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58And the same with Anthony and the same with Aoife.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00Like if we we're ever going anywhere, it's like,
0:10:00 > 0:10:03"Don't worry, you have somewhere to lie or we'll all go together."
0:10:03 > 0:10:05It is really, like, one major big family.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07It's absolutely class, like.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11# So you'll spend your lifetime Lifetime without me... #
0:10:11 > 0:10:14My daddy is a good dancer, but when you dance with the likes of Dad
0:10:14 > 0:10:17and you dance with the likes of him, it's two complete...
0:10:17 > 0:10:20Even though you're doing the one dance, it's completely different.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23# ..I'm tired of the cheatin' And the things that you do... #
0:10:23 > 0:10:26Both couples are entering the competition in Monaghan.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28Aoife and Stacey take it so seriously
0:10:28 > 0:10:31that they have travelled from Roscommon and Donegal
0:10:31 > 0:10:33for an afternoon of practice.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37What are we from Monaghan? Two hours and ten minutes.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40It still wouldn't stop us. We went up to Monaghan one Saturday night,
0:10:40 > 0:10:43came home the Sunday morning, had the dinner at home, back into the car
0:10:43 > 0:10:46and two hours back up the road again and home that night.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49But far better men up round the north, so there is.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- That's what you travel for. - Yeah, yeah, yeah.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56These are new boots I bought this morning coming out of mass.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59I was walking past the shop and I seen them in the window,
0:10:59 > 0:11:02so I thought I'd give these a run for their money,
0:11:02 > 0:11:03see what they're like.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07So...I'm going to break them in now for the dance later.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09They're nice and comfortable, you know, they are light
0:11:09 > 0:11:11and they don't sweat your feet.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14# We're from the country and we like it that way... #
0:11:14 > 0:11:16Like any scene,
0:11:16 > 0:11:20there is a particular dress code that goes with the music.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23# ..We're back up in the country Back in the hills
0:11:23 > 0:11:25# Down in the valleys... #
0:11:25 > 0:11:27You wouldn't be laughing in a pair of skinny jeans
0:11:27 > 0:11:29and a pair of plastic slippers!
0:11:29 > 0:11:34- No, you have to have brown shoes... - Brown shoes and the brown belt on.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36Sure, it's got the stage now...
0:11:36 > 0:11:38It's got to the stage now you have to ring the boys and say,
0:11:38 > 0:11:41"If you're wearing that green shirt today, I'm not wearing it tomorrow."
0:11:41 > 0:11:45UPBEAT COUNTRY MUSIC PLAYS
0:11:51 > 0:11:54Although best of friends, when it comes to dancing,
0:11:54 > 0:11:57Anthony and Donal are fierce rivals.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02It will be more competition among ourselves more than anything,
0:12:02 > 0:12:05just be more of a slagging match there to the winner,
0:12:05 > 0:12:06"Ha-ha, I beat you," or...
0:12:10 > 0:12:12You're going to sit here and say it's in it for the craic,
0:12:12 > 0:12:16but nobody enters a competition for the sake of it.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18We are, no matter what we say, we are really competitive, like.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20Start off this hand, though,
0:12:20 > 0:12:24then you drop your hand, but drop it behind your back.
0:12:29 > 0:12:30Well done!
0:12:30 > 0:12:32Dancing in close proximity to your main rivals
0:12:32 > 0:12:34can be a great learning experience,
0:12:34 > 0:12:37but you don't want to give away too much.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39We'll have to produce the wow factor on the day,
0:12:39 > 0:12:42- we can't show all our cards at once. - We'll show you one.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44We'll show you one now if you want.
0:12:44 > 0:12:45No, we won't!
0:12:45 > 0:12:47It's all competition, so it is.
0:12:47 > 0:12:48John Travolta here!
0:12:48 > 0:12:51What? I was going for the George Clooney look!
0:12:51 > 0:12:52LAUGHTER
0:12:52 > 0:12:57# Take me back where the grass grows the greenest... #
0:12:57 > 0:13:01The Monaghan Country Music Festival at the end of July
0:13:01 > 0:13:04is marked in every good dancer's calendar.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07# ..Where the girls are the prettiest in the world... #
0:13:07 > 0:13:10The jiving competition attracts hopeful couples
0:13:10 > 0:13:14from all over Ireland and the main event is only days away.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17# Oh, the pain of loving you! #
0:13:17 > 0:13:22Local man PJ McDermott has one of the most important jobs of all.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26A comfortable surface for the dancers to dance on.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32And, I mean, the energy that is expended by these people dancing,
0:13:32 > 0:13:36can you imagine what vibrations go on on the floor?
0:13:36 > 0:13:40And that's where the wooden floor allows the vibration to happen.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45The last time jiving was at its peak,
0:13:45 > 0:13:48competitions were commonplace up and down the country.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54In the '60s and '70s, there would be a competition.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56It wouldn't be very structured or organised
0:13:56 > 0:13:58because there'd be so many out on the floor,
0:13:58 > 0:14:00it would be the MC standing on the stage
0:14:00 > 0:14:02with the band playing in the background,
0:14:02 > 0:14:07looking down, observing, "Oh, yeah, that's a good jiver over there."
0:14:09 > 0:14:11We didn't drink, we didn't go to pubs,
0:14:11 > 0:14:14so where would you be on your nightly recreation
0:14:14 > 0:14:16and where you might meet pretty girls?
0:14:16 > 0:14:18It'd be at a dance.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23With the final touches being applied,
0:14:23 > 0:14:25PJ's floor is ready for its first jive.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29That's it, give it some welly!
0:14:31 > 0:14:33Very good, 100%, yeah.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36I like the way, this year, the sheets are all running this way,
0:14:36 > 0:14:39it's a lot better. More firmer, good spring.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42Once you have the right partner, you can do anything.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44It's all about the partner!
0:14:47 > 0:14:51In Donegal, Kevin is sure he's found the perfect partner
0:14:51 > 0:14:54in Pamela, a girl he met a week ago in Monaghan.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01I'm delighted that she said she'd dance with me. She's a super dancer.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03A nice girl, lovely-looking girl and everything,
0:15:03 > 0:15:06so well pleased that she is coming today to dance with me.
0:15:06 > 0:15:07Hopefully she turns up!
0:15:10 > 0:15:13Today's afternoon dance is the last chance
0:15:13 > 0:15:16for the couple to work out a winning routine,
0:15:16 > 0:15:18but Pamela is running an hour late.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- Sorry I'm late.- Are you all right? - How are you?- Not so bad.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26It appears Pamela's choice of dance shoe was the cause of the delay.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29I kept him a wee bit late because I had to do the preparation,
0:15:29 > 0:15:32there's a lot of prep with the plasters and bits and bobs
0:15:32 > 0:15:35because I dance in heels and you get a few blisters and stuff.
0:15:35 > 0:15:36I can't dance in flats.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39I did keep him waiting a wee bit, but he'll get over that.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41He'll have to!
0:15:44 > 0:15:46The couple's footwork will have to be impressive
0:15:46 > 0:15:47if it's to measure up to
0:15:47 > 0:15:50the likes of Anthony and Stacey and Donal and Aoife
0:15:50 > 0:15:54who are also using the afternoon dance as a final practice.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01Given the calibre of dancers entering,
0:16:01 > 0:16:05Kevin is convinced a complicated routine will impress the judges.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12But his elaborate dance moves are proving difficult to master.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14With a competition of this quality,
0:16:14 > 0:16:16you have to be good and use all the moves. You know,
0:16:16 > 0:16:18there's no point in doing the basic jive
0:16:18 > 0:16:21because everybody can do the basic jive in this competition,
0:16:21 > 0:16:22so you want to try and do everything
0:16:22 > 0:16:24and if you've one that nobody else has,
0:16:24 > 0:16:27that might be the one you need to win it.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36'When he asked me to the competition,
0:16:36 > 0:16:38'I hadn't done anything like that before,
0:16:38 > 0:16:40'so I was a wee bit sceptical about it,
0:16:40 > 0:16:42'thought about it and he is so competitive.'
0:16:48 > 0:16:51New moves! 'He just wants to win.'
0:16:51 > 0:16:54I don't know if we're going to win, but he just makes me want to do it,
0:16:54 > 0:16:55so it's his fault!
0:16:55 > 0:16:57That's what I'm saying!
0:16:57 > 0:17:01# Well, you get down the fiddle and you get down the bow
0:17:01 > 0:17:04# Kick off your shoes and you throw them on the floor
0:17:04 > 0:17:06# Dance in the kitchen till morning light
0:17:06 > 0:17:08# Louisiana Saturday night... #
0:17:09 > 0:17:11It's the big day and hopeful jivers
0:17:11 > 0:17:14are arriving into Monaghan town centre,
0:17:14 > 0:17:17which has been closed off especially for the event.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21You've all age groups, everybody's coming, they're all doing it,
0:17:21 > 0:17:24they are all going to jiving classes all over the country,
0:17:24 > 0:17:26just for this competition.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28# ..Dance in the kitchen till the morning light
0:17:28 > 0:17:30# Louisiana Saturday night... #
0:17:30 > 0:17:33As the couples register and collect their numbers,
0:17:33 > 0:17:36Donal looks like he may be dancing solo.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40I got a phone call yesterday evening there. Aoife...
0:17:40 > 0:17:45She's done some damage to her ankle. Long story short, she can't dance.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49She can't dance today, so I'm going to go in here and see
0:17:49 > 0:17:52can I find someone here to give this competition a bit of a go.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55I can't be letting Anthony away, and Stacey away with it, you know.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58# ..Kick off your shoes and you throw them on the floor
0:17:58 > 0:18:01# Dance in the kitchen till the morning light... #
0:18:01 > 0:18:05And like any good friends, Anthony and Stacey are full of sympathy.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08It's a sad day when he has to go traipsing Monaghan's streets,
0:18:08 > 0:18:11asking every second woman to dance with him in a competition!
0:18:11 > 0:18:12Yeah, he had no luck.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15It was devastating for him, an awful thing to happen,
0:18:15 > 0:18:19especially so close to the competition, but he hasn't a hope.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22- Wouldn't beat us two. - Wouldn't beat us two,
0:18:22 > 0:18:23definitely, definitely not.
0:18:23 > 0:18:28The competition judge Niall Doorhy has also arrived in the town...
0:18:28 > 0:18:31Have a look at the floor now, see what it's like.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35..although his reason for being here is a closely guarded secret.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37Nice little crowd building up here.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40I recognise a lot of couples going in here today
0:18:40 > 0:18:43and if they don't know I'm the judge and I don't know who is competing,
0:18:43 > 0:18:45it's better that way, it makes me do my job well.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48It's like knowing the referee, don't want any brown envelopes!
0:18:52 > 0:18:53With couples using the streets of Monaghan
0:18:53 > 0:18:55as impromptu practice floors,
0:18:55 > 0:18:58Niall is able to assess the jiving talent.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00A bit of a sneaky practice going on here!
0:19:00 > 0:19:02I think they must be competing.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05They've the whole floor for themselves anyway, that's for sure!
0:19:05 > 0:19:07- What?- They have the whole floor for themselves anyway!
0:19:07 > 0:19:08Yeah, you've got that right.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12Kevin and Pamela are using every last second to practise.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14The couple only met two weeks ago...
0:19:14 > 0:19:16and it shows.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19Are you all right?
0:19:19 > 0:19:21THEY LAUGH
0:19:21 > 0:19:23- Are you all right?- Oh, my God!
0:19:23 > 0:19:27Their moves may not be perfect, but at least they have each other.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29It's not easy, eh?
0:19:29 > 0:19:33# I called on my brother to ask for a loan
0:19:33 > 0:19:35# Cos I was busted
0:19:37 > 0:19:41# And I hate to beg like a dog for a bone
0:19:41 > 0:19:43# But I'm busted... #
0:19:43 > 0:19:46Donal is still searching for a partner
0:19:46 > 0:19:48and time is running out.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52See the time? You have half an hour, you have a half an hour.
0:19:52 > 0:19:53Half an hour!
0:19:53 > 0:19:56And you just look out there, my friend.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58All the women, I'm telling you.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00They'll just take one look at me and they'll say,
0:20:00 > 0:20:02"Aye, we'll have some of that, sir."
0:20:08 > 0:20:12As Donal scours the streets of Monaghan, in Roscommon,
0:20:12 > 0:20:15his regular partner, Aoife, if is nursing a damaged ankle
0:20:15 > 0:20:17from a trampoline accident.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20Last weekend, you know, dancing with Donal and Anthony and Stacey
0:20:20 > 0:20:22and all in Donegal, the whole hype was there
0:20:22 > 0:20:24and everyone was getting ready for the competition,
0:20:24 > 0:20:26EVERYONE was going and all the different couples
0:20:26 > 0:20:28and it was all like, "See you next week,"
0:20:28 > 0:20:30and all this and it was so exciting
0:20:30 > 0:20:32and now it's just all come crashing down,
0:20:32 > 0:20:35like it's not going to go ahead, but sure.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39Having danced with Donal for years,
0:20:39 > 0:20:42Aoife knows just how much this competition means to him.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45Just because I'm not there, like, Donal will still get in it,
0:20:45 > 0:20:47he will still find a partner, like,
0:20:47 > 0:20:49he really, really is a good dancer
0:20:49 > 0:20:51and all the practice that he's put into it
0:20:51 > 0:20:55and nothing would make him happy until he gets one over on Anthony,
0:20:55 > 0:20:57and he's up there, he's looking for someone
0:20:57 > 0:20:58and he will find someone to do it with him.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00He won't sit it out, not at all.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02He'll have no problem finding someone to fill in.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04They'd have to reach his standards, like,
0:21:04 > 0:21:06to beat Anthony Murchan, I don't know.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09He'll get someone and hopefully they'll get somewhere,
0:21:09 > 0:21:12but I'm just... I wish I was up there doing it.
0:21:12 > 0:21:13I know.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24On the jiving scene, all the best dancers know each other
0:21:24 > 0:21:27and, in a last-ditch attempt to find a partner...
0:21:27 > 0:21:28Hello, what's happening?
0:21:28 > 0:21:30..Donal is approaching some old contacts.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32I'm sort of looking for a partner here.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34Would you do it?
0:21:34 > 0:21:35I might.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39- I can't promise you... The pay is not...- No, that's OK, I'll do it.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41Will you? Not so bad, not so bad.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45His determination has paid off.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47Are you happy to be 13, or do you want me to...?
0:21:47 > 0:21:49No, I don't want to be 13.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51- You want to be 14? - I'll be 14, yeah.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53But at this late stage,
0:21:53 > 0:21:57will Laura be able to step into the shoes of Aoife?
0:21:57 > 0:21:59Donal is very competitive.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01Well, I've heard it anyway!
0:22:01 > 0:22:03- No, I'm not!- Donal, you are!
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- Just don't mess up, all right?! - Oh, right, OK!
0:22:08 > 0:22:10- ANTHONY:- Vote 31! 31 to win!
0:22:10 > 0:22:12Where am I going to put my number?
0:22:12 > 0:22:13I know where to put it.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15STACEY LAUGHS
0:22:20 > 0:22:22- Best of luck. - May the best man win.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24I intend to.
0:22:24 > 0:22:25THEY LAUGH
0:22:29 > 0:22:31The secret to all good jiving couples
0:22:31 > 0:22:33is knowing where your partner is at all times.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38Failure to do so could end in disaster.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46It's nearly time for the jiving competition,
0:22:46 > 0:22:49so could we clear the floor, please?
0:22:49 > 0:22:52We want contestants inclusive of numbers 1 to 16
0:22:52 > 0:22:54on the floor first of all.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58Over 40 couples have entered from across the country
0:22:58 > 0:23:01and the first round is a series of heats.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04Now, we would ask the jivers to give plenty of space between each other.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08Will Anthony and Stacey's months of practice pay off?
0:23:08 > 0:23:12Can Kevin and Pamela execute their complicated moves?
0:23:12 > 0:23:14And will Donal's last-minute partner, Laura,
0:23:14 > 0:23:16make an impression on judge Niall
0:23:16 > 0:23:19as he takes his place overlooking the dance floor?
0:23:19 > 0:23:22I've got nice view here of the contestants,
0:23:22 > 0:23:24so I should be able to see pretty well,
0:23:24 > 0:23:26if they keep a nice distance apart.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33As the heats get underway, Kevin and Pamela are already out of step.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37It's a mistake not missed by eagle-eyed judge Niall.
0:23:43 > 0:23:44And on the other side of the floor,
0:23:44 > 0:23:48Donal and Laura are dancing like they'd been together for years.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57In their heat, Anthony and Stacey are tearing up the floor.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00Only ten couples will make it to the semifinals
0:24:00 > 0:24:02and this year's standard is very high.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08OK, the standard is so high in this year's competition
0:24:08 > 0:24:12that the judges have decided to increase the number of semifinalists
0:24:12 > 0:24:14from 10 to 13 couples.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16So, could everybody clear the floor, please
0:24:16 > 0:24:19and we will call them all in no particular order.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21Couple number 16.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25Only those who make the semifinal will hear their numbers called.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27Those who don't are out.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29Number 14.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32CHEERING
0:24:32 > 0:24:34Donal and new partner Laura are through,
0:24:34 > 0:24:36leaving Anthony and Stacey to sweat.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40The next couple to contest the semifinal
0:24:40 > 0:24:41is couple number 31.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48Anthony and Donal will dance head-to-head in the semifinal.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51- And finally... - But for Kevin and Pamela...
0:24:51 > 0:24:53..couple number 32, please join us...
0:24:53 > 0:24:55..their dancing is done.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58- Oh, well.- You can't win them all!
0:24:58 > 0:25:01- No, you can't, definitely not.- It's not too bad.- We tried, we tried!
0:25:01 > 0:25:04- Only met you a fortnight ago, three weeks ago.- Exactly, yeah, exactly.
0:25:04 > 0:25:05- Not too bad.- Oh, well.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07There's always next year.
0:25:07 > 0:25:08Yeah, right(!)
0:25:15 > 0:25:19# The girl I love now lives in Birmingham
0:25:20 > 0:25:23# She promised me I'd be her loving man
0:25:25 > 0:25:27# She left me for another
0:25:27 > 0:25:29# But God knows I still love her... #
0:25:29 > 0:25:34The best 13 jiving couples in the country are all on the floor
0:25:34 > 0:25:36and Niall's job is to pick six of them for the final.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38# ..When I was just a boy of 17
0:25:39 > 0:25:42# She came into my life just like a dream
0:25:42 > 0:25:45# I told her... #
0:25:45 > 0:25:47The judges couldn't get it down to six,
0:25:47 > 0:25:51so it's seven couples to contest the final here this evening.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53The standard is very, very high.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56In no particular order, please take to the floor...
0:25:56 > 0:25:58couple number 10!
0:25:58 > 0:26:00CHEERING
0:26:00 > 0:26:02Couple number 42.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06This is where you try and avoid eye contact
0:26:06 > 0:26:08with the people who haven't got through!
0:26:08 > 0:26:09Also making it to the final
0:26:09 > 0:26:11are couple number 31.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16As Anthony and Stacey make the final...
0:26:16 > 0:26:18Two to go.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22..Donal is waiting for the announcer to call lucky 14.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25And finally...
0:26:25 > 0:26:27couple number 11.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32Donal has failed to make the last six...
0:26:32 > 0:26:35Big smile on his face over there!
0:26:35 > 0:26:37..and Anthony does well to hide his delight.
0:26:40 > 0:26:41I'm not allowed to curse, am I?
0:26:44 > 0:26:47With only one dance left in the final of the competition,
0:26:47 > 0:26:49Anthony and Stacey are up against
0:26:49 > 0:26:53some of the best movers in Ireland for jiving glory.
0:27:23 > 0:27:24Thank you very much indeed!
0:27:24 > 0:27:26Good luck to all the jivers here!
0:27:26 > 0:27:28We'll hand you over to our MC again.
0:27:28 > 0:27:32- Oh, my God!- Everyone was dancing very similar styles.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35There's more twists, there's more turns from last year.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38It's only when you're sitting down here watching the final
0:27:38 > 0:27:41that you realise what high standard you have there.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43OK, here is the finalists.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45Here we go.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48Third-place, couple number...
0:27:49 > 0:27:51..31!
0:27:51 > 0:27:53CHEERING
0:27:53 > 0:27:56In second place, couple number...
0:27:56 > 0:27:5732!
0:27:57 > 0:27:59CHEERING
0:27:59 > 0:28:03The winner, couple number 10! Let's hear it for them!
0:28:03 > 0:28:07Anthony and Stacey have danced their way to an impressive third place
0:28:07 > 0:28:09in the 2015 Monaghan Jiving Competition.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14More importantly, they've secured bragging rights over Donal.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16Not a hope, not a hope will I hear the end.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19Look at him up there, look at him!
0:28:19 > 0:28:21LAURA LAUGHS
0:28:21 > 0:28:24He'll just be hard to listen to now for another while, but...
0:28:24 > 0:28:28Fair play, fair play. I'll give it to you, fair play, you deserve it.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30Sure, we are both winners, aren't we?
0:28:30 > 0:28:34No, you are the winner. You just wanted to hear that said to you!
0:28:34 > 0:28:36I'm the winner, you're not!
0:28:36 > 0:28:38# From Cork right up to Donegal
0:28:38 > 0:28:41# From Dublin to Mayo
0:28:41 > 0:28:44# Yeah, me and my band gonna cross the land
0:28:44 > 0:28:46# We're putting on a show
0:28:46 > 0:28:49# People say it's here to stay
0:28:49 > 0:28:52# Ireland's turning country. #