Soldiers dressed as Santa were on the 'frontline' of a Guinness World record for dancing the conga today.
The show-stopping sight of the Defence Force members danced their way around Dundalk town, with Santa suits over their regular issue uniforms and they turned heads for the entire of their 10km danceathon.
The soldiers, who are based at Aiken Barracks, Dundalk sang and cheered their way around the town, including visiting Oriel Park, home of Dundalk FC, the league champions, all to raise funds for charity.
The weather transformed them into soggy Santas by the end of it but it did not dampen their spirits, or their sharp moves.
Leading the way and helping them keep time twas Denis Molloy who said: "it is currently held by people in Manchester at 5.5km by 14 people and we should easily beat it with 20 odd lads from Aiken Barracks doing just over 10km."
Their record attempt was overseen by peace commissioner Pearse O'Hanrahan who said: "I am here to attest to the authenticity of the Santa record attempt. I will as sign the form to say that it did happen, that I witnessed it happening and that I witnessed the start and finish of it."
The previous record was set by Tesco staff in Manchester who travelled a distance of 5.46km including a visit to Old Trafford.
It is the first of two World record attempts in the town today - this evening thousands of people took part in the now annual Santa run.
The town holds the current World record set two years ago when 4,961 people, including many parents and children, did the 1km run, which can be walked as well.
It marked the beginning of the Frostival festival in Dundalk which includes an ice rink and family festivities.
The two Santa record attempts need to be verified by the Guinness World Record organisation before they become official and that should be in the New Year.
