MEMBERS OF An Garda Síochána have answered a viral dance challenge with an undeniably impressive effort.
Last month, police in Switzerland challenged their colleagues in Ireland to a dance-off as part of the viral #Jerusalema Dance Challenge which has gone viral on social media.
The Swiss police's video showed dozens of officers across the country performing a choreographed dance, with police dogs and some of Switzerland's incredible scenery also making an appearance.
You can check that video out below:
The Swiss police then dared An Garda Síochána to 'step up' and perform a dance of their own-- and it's safe to say Ireland's police service have risen to the challenge.
In a video posted to social media yesterday, dozens of uniformed Gardaí across Ireland danced along to the popular song without putting a foot out of step, dancing on beaches, rooftops, roads and under the shadows of mountains.
Where the Swiss police video featured trained dogs, the Gardaí enlisted the help of gorgeous Garda horses-- and the result is phenomenal.
We have stepped up to the Swiss police @fedpolCH #JerusalemaChallenge. Gardaí across Ireland answered the call to give the public we serve a lift in these challenging times. #StayTogether #homeStaySafe pic.twitter.com/sbLdkk54hB
— Garda Info (@gardainfo) February 2, 2021
The video immediately went viral, having been watched on Twitter and Facebook more than one million times and garnering thousands of messages of support.
"Gardaí across Ireland answered the call to give the public we serve a lift in these challenging times," a Garda spokesperson said upon the release of the video-- and it seems to have had the desired effect.
Many thanked the officers involved for lifting spirits with the light-hearted video at a time when many are struggling through the third national lockdown in cold, dark wintry weather.
Gardaí involved have now asked the public to showcase their own dancing skills, challenging the citizens of Ireland rather than a new police force.
To get involved, create your own dance video-- while staying at home and in your household or bubbles-- and upload the video to social media using the hashtag #GardaJerusalema.
