This group of set dancers were photographed at Áras an Mhuilinn, Mullingar on Monday June 26 at their last class before their summer break, with tutor Martin Coyle (standing on right, second row).

Set dancing great for fitness, says class tutor

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Dance tutor Martin Coyle says the social and fitness benefits of set dancing are second to none. Pointing out that members of his class at Áras an Mhuilinn are in their 80s, he says there’s no age limit "as long as you’re up for it".

The classes run on Monday evenings at Áras an Mhuilinn: "It’s dance in a relaxed, non-pressured way, it’s non-competitive," said Martin. "It’s brilliant for fitness, it’s good for the body and soul – body and mind. It gets people thinking, gets the talking, making friends – best of friends come out of it, I actually met my wife through set dancing.

"But the exercise is about the best you can get anywhere."

Participants are mostly local to Mullingar, said Martin and some travel from nearby towns such as Delvin, Ballymahon and Moyvalley.

If you like the sound of that, classes resume at Áras an Mhuilinn on the second Monday in September, (the 11th) from 8pm to 9.30pm. If you would like to find out more about the set dancing classes, contact Martin Coyle on 085 7127268.

This group of set dancers were photographed at Áras an Mhuilinn, Mullingar on Monday June 26 at their last class before their summer break, with tutor Martin Coyle (standing on right, second row).
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