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By Michelle Crean

The uniform will be swapped for the glitter and glam of the dance floor this March as a local garda takes to the INEC stage for the ever popular Strictly Come Dancing Killarney.

Garda Emmet Flanagan, who is based at Killarney Garda Station, is gearing up to make his Strictly Come Dancing debut on Friday, March 8.

However, before the big night he’s planning a fundraiser in town to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society.

Emmet, who is originally from Ennis, Co Clare, is organising a fundraising coffee morning in the Towers Hotel in conjunction with Daffodil Day, on Friday next, March 1, taking place from 10.30am to 12.30pm. And all are welcome.

On March 8, 12 couples will be taking to the dance floor to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society. The local SCD fundraiser has raised over €200,000 since it began and locals are once again hoping to build on that amount this year.

Emmet, who is dancing with Ciara O’Donoghue from Milltown wouldn’t reveal his dance this week – but said it will definitely be a little bit different.

“It’s not a tap dance, it’s a little bit different – a surprise. We’re practicing several times a week and looking forward to it,” he told the Killarney Advertiser.

And Emmet said there’s further pressure on him this year as his colleague Mike Milner previously won it.

“I’m under a little bit of pressure because he won it - but I’m not in it to win it, I’m in it for the cause.”

Kathrina Breen from the Killarney/South Kerry branch of Irish Cancer Society said they’re delighted to team up with Emmet for the coffee morning on March 1.

“All are welcome to come along, the more the merrier. The food and beverages are sponsored by Towers. This is our 30^thDaffodil Day and we’ll also have merchandise for sale on the day including tea towels, travel mugs, teddy bears, notepads as well as daffodils and pins. All donations are welcome and there’ll also be a raffle with many prizes to be won which are being sponsored by local businesses.”