KILDARE: Success for Irish dancing school at All Ireland Championships in Donegal

The Morrissey School of Irish Dancing, Monasterevin hit the road again early July, this time to the beautiful County of Donegal, writes Mary Ryan. 

Travelling with 28 dancers, they competed against the crème of the crop in the WIDA All Ireland Championships 2023. 

Schools travelled from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Isle of Man, Hong Kong, USA and Switzerland. 

The Morrissey School, run by Michelle Morrissey, Monasterevin, once again showed their amazing talent on stage, from the first timers to the dancers who have competed at All Ireland’s previously, nothing could stop the nerves setting in, but they outdone themselves once again. 

In the midst of the run up to this prestigious competition, the dancers also performed outside the Gaeity Theater in Dublin at the Riverdanceathon raising a fanstastic €2960 for the organisation AsIAm. 

During this busy time, they were also very lucky to be selected for the televised tv competition which will be aired later in the Autumn. 

After a busy few weeks these dancers still managed to come home from the All Ireland Championships with many first placings in solo competitions, podium finishes and best of all……All Ireland Champions. 

“There is nothing we can say that would do these kids justice, there’s no medal or trophy in the world could ever buy the comradeship and friendships within our own school and amongst other schools. 

We could not be more proud and to drive home with so many All-Ireland Champions was the icing on the cake” said Michelle MORRISSEY, their dance teacher. 

Heidi Meridith U7 Primary Champion 

Orlaith Cullen U25 Primary Champion 

Alessa Carthy U11 Intermediate Champion 

Rosie Kennedy U10 Open Champion 

Holly Melia U13 Open Champion 

Katie Byrne U14 Open Champion and U15 Modern Set Champion.