Donegal woman Ciara Doherty had great success as she fulfilled a long-awaited dream at Battle of the Stars 2018.

The TV3 Ireland AM presenter wowed the crowds on Saturday as she played Sandy from Grease in a winning lip-sync performance in the Breast Cancer Ireland fundraiser. Ciara starred in a fun-filled retro routine alongside presenter Kamal Ibrahim and an energetic cast.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner ahead of the event, Ciara admitted that she had always wanted to play Sandy since missing out in a Letterkenny musical production. She finally got the opportunity to ‘put that to bed’ this weekend, with a fantastic result.

The contest was glamorous and inspiring affair hosted by 2FM star, Eoghan McDermott as celebrities, breast cancer survivors and supporters battled it out in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road on Saturday night. Battle of the Stars is proudly supported by Joe Duffy Group to raise funds to support Breast Cancer Ireland’s ongoing research and awareness efforts.

Spin’s Georgie Crawford took the top prize in the dance competition with her partner Darragh Stokes for their technically brilliant and emotionally charged Cha Cha.

RTE’s Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh and Dancing with the Stars backstage reporter James Patrice opened proceedings with a sultry salsa in front of a packed house of almost 500 guests. Holly Carpenter, BBC host and author Diana Bunici, FM104 Strawberry Alarm Clock’s Crossy, model Kerri Nicole Blanc and fashion presenter and blogger Rob Kenny danced and lip-synced their socks off along with survivors of breast cancer.

Ciara Doherty pictured at Breast Cancer Ireland’s Battle of the Stars event proudly supported by Joe Duffy Group at The Clayton Hotel in Burlington Road,Dublin. Pic Brian McEvoy

The event also included employees from event sponsors, Joe Duffy Group and associate sponsors Cornmarket Financial and supporters of the charity.

Head judge on the night was Dancing with the Stars Julian Benson who expertly commentated on the participants and their performances was supported by an on-form Gerald Kean who entertained the audience alongside BCI Ambassador and TV3 presenter Elaine Crowley and presenter Lisa Cannon.

Aisling Hurley, CEO of Breast Cancer Ireland commented “It was an amazing evening and I am so appreciative of the huge support of everyone who helped us, from our sponsors to our loyal supporters but most importantly I would like to thank our brave breast cancer survivors who inspire us to continue our work in funding pioneering research and in increasing awareness of good breast health”