pDyaTiJVl2
An Garda Síochána has received an award for its viral Jerusalema video which saw gardaí around the country taking part in a mass dance-off during the pandemic back in February.
The video, which has racked up almost 5.5 million views on Facebook was created following a “challenge” to the Garda from Swiss police and was an instant hit among release. The force was recognised at the Excellence in Public Relations awards, which were held in Dublin’s Mansion House this week, with the award for best use of digital PR.
Gardaí across Ireland took to roofs, beaches, and made sure to use Ireland’s iconic scenery to their advantage to record a video of them taking part in the ‘Jerusalema Challenge’ which was kicked off in Switzerland by the Zuger Polizei.
In January, Swiss police officers filmed themselves dancing the Master KG song in small groups, wearing their various uniforms and protective gear and gardaí posted their response on Twitter earlier today, saying, “Gardaí across Ireland answered the call to give the public we serve a lift in these challenging times.”
Gardaí also enlisted the help of the Garda Mounted Unit, and some four-legged friends, showing off the talents of two garda horses. They also extended the challenge to the public, asking them to share their attempts using #GardaJerusalema while staying at home and in their support bubbles, adhering to current restrictions.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Ray D’Arcy Show today, Garda Mary Gardiner, who organised the #GardaJerusalema dance video, said gardaí from across the country took part including in Kilkenny, Sligo, Kerry and the Garda College in Tipperary which so happened to include a garda who is a former Irish dancer with Riverdance.
A longer version of the video is due to be posted later this week, but for now, you can watch the brilliance of the video below: