(Photo caption: The All Ireland bronze-medal-winning Mixed Team Under 12 from the Sarah Clogher School of Dance.)
Dancers from the Sarah Clogher School of Dancing in Ballinasloe were celebrating All-Ireland success recently as one of their teams won a bronze medal at the Fleadh Cheoil in Belfast.
It was the culmination of a long journey for the dancers that began in January. They were formed into groups according to age, and prepared for team dancing, dedicating their weekly classes and extra workshop days to their teams. Additional practice was necessary to bring their Ceili teams to the level needed for the Fleadh competitions.
The first stage in the competitions was the Galway Fleadh, which took place in Claregalway. The school had great success, winning four Galway Fleadh Titles. Two teams also won silver medals, meaning six teams qualified for the Connacht Stage.
This Connacht Fleadh in Mohill was very competitive with only three teams qualifying from each round. The school were thrilled to come home with three Connacht Champions medals and two silver-winning teams, and five teams qualified for the All Ireland Fleadh.
Belfast was an amazing experience for all the dancers: making memories with their friends and confidently dancing and busking up and down the streets. To great excitement, the fantastic “Under 12 Mixed Four Hand Ceili team” achieved third place in their category, bringing four precious All-Ireland bronze medals home. It was a very proud moment for the school, the dancers, and for all the families and supporters who travelled up to Belfast. The memories will be cherished forever.
One of the medal-winning dancers, Leona Harney, said: “The Fleadh was very enjoyable, great venue, great atmosphere, lots of things to do and great people!” Another one of the dancers, James McHugh, actually flew from his holiday in France to be at the Fleadh. He said it was “brilliant and to win a medal was just the best.”
Congratulations to all the brilliant teams on their amazing journey this year at the Fleadh. Their commitment and dedication all year to their teams and fellow dancers is truly admirable and recognised with their fantastic results through all the stages.
With classes based in Ballinasloe, Taughmaconnell, Moore and Ballinahown, contact School Director Sarah at 353 85 708 1344 or at sarahclogher1@hotmail.com for enrollments and further details.
The 15-18 Girls who placed First and Second in the Connacht Fleadh.
All the dancers from the Sarah Clogher School of Dance pictured at the Connacht Fleadh
The 12 – 15 Girls team with their teacher, Sarah Clogher
