Kilkenny legend sheds half a stone to jive Dancing With The Stars off to a flying start

Kilkenny hurling legend Aidan Fogarty has admitted he hasn’t trained “as hard at this in 10 years” after he got the new series of the popular TV show Dancing With The Stars off to a flying start last night.

The five-times All-Ireland winner and his professional dancing partner Emily Barker get the show off to a high octane start as they kicked off proceedings with a spectacular jive to Tiger Feet by New Hope Club.

In the introductory video, Emily revealed she had her eye on the glitterball trophy, and it was clear she put her Kilkenny partner to the test with a fast and full-on dance.

Aidan revealed he’s already lost half a stone from his dance training, and it was clear from last night’s evidence that all his hard work has paid off as the duo’s routine was met with warm praise from the judging panel.

Loraine said: “Wow where do I start! You don’t need your hurley anymore. It was a full on jive.” She did says he was “too flat footed at times” but said it was “a sensational start”.

Julian enthused: “What a jumping jivelicious opening! You have dancing feet. You can see that you’re an athlete, you’re in it to win it. Emily threw the kitchen sink at you and you attacked it and gave it your everything. I know I can see that the passion and drive is in it. I think you’re one to watch.”

Brian criticised Aidan’s “flappy feet” which he said were “a little bit turned in”. However, he said with Aidan’s “power and the energy and the volume of content, I think you’re a cat that could be roaring for a few weeks yet.”

The Kilkenny man and his dance partner scored an impressive 18, the second highest points score of the night.

Last night was boys’ night on the show. Next week Kilkenny pro dancing star John Nolan, who won last year’s Glitterball with partner Mairead Ronan, will get his chance to shine in front of the judges when he performs his first routine with RTE presenter Mary Kennedy.