Eagles Special Olympics Club turn back the clock for amazing 80s night

THE Eagles Special Olympics Club had an absolute ball on Friday night last when they turned back the clock to the 1980s.

The costumes were straight out of the top drawer, with 80s icons Prince, George Michael, Freddie Mercury and Slash from Guns N’ Roses, along with a selection of Michael Jacksons from different videos. There was also a Maverick from Top Gun, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters and Hulk Hogan, not to mention Bananas in Pyjamas and an array of shellsuits, ra-ra skirts, ‘Frankie Says”’shirts, luminous headbands, fingerless gloves and a large selection of mullets, wigs and sunglasses. Everyone really entered into the spirit, and it was a fantastic night of fun.

The Eagles enjoyed some refreshments and light food before packing the dancefloor for an evening of nostalgia. The volunteers, coaches and families enjoyed the night every bit as much as the athletes. There were a few singalongs as everyone was transported back to a different time.

The saying goes, “You haven’t been to a party until you’ve been to an Eagles party”, and this was certainly something different that might be revived again in the future.

There were a few games and some spot prizes before the best dancers and best costumes were awarded. Smooth Criminal Michael Jackson won the dancers’ prize, and awards also went to Indiana Jones, Maverick and the two Hulk Hogans.

The best-dressed categories were kind of split, with Bananas in Pyjamas collecting an 80s sweets hamper, while the other hamper went to Freddie Mercury and Slash.

The club will be back to its normal schedule this week, with Bocce training on Monday in Galbally and the football and athletics club on Thursday night at Fianna 4G in Coalisland.

Thank you to all the Eagles team and their families for coming out in support of the 80s night. Thanks also to Gervins Hall for the facilities and food, to Paula and Stevie Neill for the hampers, and to Joanne Sweeney for sourcing the prizes.