A “relentlessly enthusiastic” Fermanagh-born mother was the instigator behind a unique flashmob at her son's Belfast primary school which is becoming an internet sensation.

Caira Rodgers (née Gallagher), daughter of Bryan and Maeve Gallagher, decided to mark the departure of her eldest son from St. Ita's Primary School, Belfast with a flashmob to Bruno Mars' Uptown Funk.

Forty parents and teachers secretly took dance lessons with professional choreographer Tim Bell in the 10 weeks leading up to the primary seven leaver's assembly and, last Friday, they surprised the pupils with their funky dance moves.

“It was great craic,” comments Ciara, who owns MullanGallagher dental practice in Downpatrick. “I wanted to do something to mark the end of primary seven and love the idea of flashmobbing so I put the idea to the school principle Joanne Brown who was very much in favour. The end of primary school is a time of mixed emotions and I thought it would give both ourselves and the children something to smile about,” she explains.

The parents met secretly on Sundays in the parish church, telling their children a variety of cover stories. Ciara adds: “The rehearsals were brilliant fun, two of the dads turned up on the first day with eighties 'Fame' leg-warmers! Many of us work full time and rarely meet other parents so it was a great opportunity to get to know each other better. I uploaded videos of each move as we learned it and e-mailed them so everyone could practice at home.” While the children lined up for their special outdoor assembly last Friday, Ciara's son Finn was surprised to see his uncle Bryan Gallagher take to the stage with a microphone (he was MC for the special event). “At 2.20 the children came out, at 2.25 we squeezed into the crowd wearing hoodies and at 2.30 one of the teachers dropped to his knees and started playing the air guitar,” Ciara laughs. “We all joined in and the children just started screaming,” she adds. “The first time we did it we were primed and ready to go. I can't describe the wall of noise that hit us.” Even the principal performed a dance solo and Ciara recalls: “I never knew a feeling like it.” She recalls watching her 11-year-old son's face “flicker between surprise, delight, embarrassment and very well disguised pride!” With almost 8,000 views on You Tube, the flash mob “was a tremendous success,” according to Ciara.

The afternoon ended with the primary seven children spontaneously performing a routine from their recent show and doing the congo all round the playground. Ciara comments: “It was an experience none of us will ever forget.” Ciara has three children at the school: Finn, primary seven; Caoimhe, primary five and Niamh primary two. She explains that she has no background in theatre, adding: “I am relentlessly enthusiastic.” Watch the flashmob here: