Scoil Rince an Chroí dancers enjoy success

13 July 2022

DANCERS from the Crossgar-based Scoil Rince an Chroí Irish dance school achieved outstanding success at the Irish National Irish Dance Championship in Athlone recently.

Some 18 soloists and 12 teams took to the stage, many competing at this event for the first time.

The Irish Nationals are considered a major qualifying event in the Irish dance competitive calendar. It is one of three opportunities to qualify for a the CLRG World Championships which will be held in Montreal in Easter 2023.

Scoil Rince an Chroí have five dancers eligible to take to the world stage next year — two solo competitors and one team.

Ten year-old Sean Gordon, from Downpatrick, will compete in the U-10 boys category next year.

This was his first time competing at the Irish Nationals and after dancing, what his teachers would describe as “truly fantastic”, he went on to finish third in the U-10 boys championship against other boys from all around Ireland.

Sean began his competitive career in Irish dancing a mere year ago. He has worked his way from beginner level to third in the All Scotland Championships in 2021, fifth in the Ulster Championships in 2021 and now third in the Irish Nationals, notwithstanding placing top end in many championships in the lead-up to the event.

His teachers, Bríd McKinney, Bridget, Chris Owens and Maura Davidson, are delighted with Sean’s success within such a short period of time.

Maura commented: “For us, Sean’s success is a dream come true. Uptake in Irish dancing for boys in our area is not common and so we were very lucky when Sean found his forte with us in Irish dancing.

“His success to date is remarkable, and we can’t wait for him to fly the flag for County Down and quite literally take the world by storm next Easter.”

Qualifying for the Worlds 2023 for the second time, 11 year-old Anna McGlew, from Loughinisland, continues to make significant waves on the Irish dance scene.

Coined the “fairytale of the World Championships 2022”, Anna went on to achieve third place at the Irish Nationals U-12 Girls Championships against 110 other girls from around Ireland.

Anna’s teacher, Bríd McKinney, said: “We are thrilled for Anna. She is hard-working, determined and so humble.

“We were unsure if she would be able to compete after receiving professional treatment for an injury. Against all odds, she did and we are over the moon for her.”

Further success for Scoil Rince an Chroí was achieved by Anna O’Neill, Emer Savage, Katie McComiskey, Aoife McLernon and Aela Neeson.

Anna finished 24th out of 110 dancers and only narrowly missed out on a world qualifier spot.

Emer finished in the top 40 out of over 120 dancers in her competition, while Katie was 11th, Aoife 28th and Aela 31st.

Farrah McLaughlin, Jessica Wilson, Ruby Vaughan, Eadaoin Savage, Kyla McComiskey,

Nancy Looby, Eily Hanna, Aimee Hanna all placed in their

Primoh Chomortas, with 11 year-old Caoimhe Russell finishing in the top five in her competition.

Additionally, Scoil Rince an Chroí had great success in the team events.

The U-13 girls teams finished second in their four-hand and six-hand competitions, while the U-16 girls were sixth in their four-hand competition and fourth and ninth in two-hand competitions.

Teacher Chris Owens commented: “This was the first time dancing for many of these teams and so the results are remarkable.

“We are truly proud of each and every dancer who took part in a team. The team spirit was just fantastic.”

Altogether, Scoil Rince an Chroí dancers returned home with an astounding 61 Irish National medals.

Last week the school celebrated these successes with an end of term party with ice cream, treats and lots of celebrations had.

The school resumes next Monday, July 18, with a summer scheme for tots, beginners and advanced dancers which runs until August 15.

There are also plans for a class trip to Glasgow to compete at the end of August.

Contact 07443498510 for more information about the school’s summer scheme, or classes at the studio in Crossgar.

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