Derry’s Mia is World Irish Dancing Champion

Derry has another world champion.

Creggan girl Mia Carlin (10) has been crowned World Irish Dancing Champion in Montreal in Canada and she is arriving home later on Thursday afternoon.

Mia who is from Creggan was at the Championships with her mammy and daddy,  Aisling and Stewart and won the amazing accolade on Sunday.

World Champion Mia Carlin with her beautiful trophy.

Speaking to Derry News, Aisling said no-one in Derry had slept for two nights waiting to hear how Mia was getting on in the prestigious competition.

She smiled: “No-one was sleeping in Derry the last two nights because we were five hours behind and it was very late on Sunday night by the time Mia got her result. 

“They were all up, waiting for word. Everyone is delighted for her, especially her grannies and grandas, Breidge and Jimmy and Oonagh and Stewart.”

Mia, who was the youngest dancer in her age group, is a pupil of Matthew Ferry of the Ferry Academy of Irish Dance. She is also a Primary 6 pupil of St John’s Primary School in Creggan. 

Aisling said: “Mia was up against about 120 dancers and she had two two rounds. 

“She danced a heavy round, which would have been a hornpipe, and then she danced her reel, which would have been in her pumps. There were seven judges for each round, different judges each time. Then they did a recall. Only half of the dancers were called back to dance their set dances. 

“When Mia got a recall, we were delighted because about three weeks ago she had been very, very sick and we ended up in hospital with her. She was dehydrated and had a bad bug. 

“We actually thought we were just coming to Montreal to watch because she had no energy. She only got back to herself last week. 

“So she got up then and did her set dance and she danced lovely. She was amazing. Mia herself came to the World's hoping for a place in the top ten. We sort of knew she was potentially in the top 10 because she was Great Britain Champion, Ulster Champion and All Scotland Champion this year. When she got down to top 10 we were just delighted. Then we didn’t care where she came,” said Aisling.

Aisling said Mia was “over the moon” at her success.

“I don’t think it has sunk in with her yet. She is delighted. She’s finished all her competitions now but the older girls have two days of dancing. 

“She is putting her sash on now and is going down to support the rest of the dancers. She is entered to dance in Derry Feis next week.”

Mia qualified for the World’s in June 2022, when she competed in the Irish nationals. 

Aisling explained that each region held their own qualifiers, the US, Canada, Scotland and England. 

“Mia had to qualify for the World’s which meant she was up against all of the best dancers. She qualified in June and then she qualified again in Ulster. 

“The Top 15 dancers in her age group have now qualified for 2024 World’s, which I think is taking place in Scotland.”

Mia’s “delighted” granny, Breidge, who was in the middle of organising a ‘Welcome Home’ party for Mia for 3.30pm today, said Mia always worked very hard at her dancing.

“We are putting up bunting and a banner for her coming and our neighbours and friends and relatives will all be here to give her a cheer.

“I can’t believe it. I am delighted for Mia. She deserves it. She is really dedicated to her dancing. 

“I can’t wait to see her. I haven’t really got a chance to get talking to her. I phoned the other morning but they were sleeping. A wee while later Mia sent me a photo with her half sleeping and the trophy in her arms. I can’t believe it. 

“She did really well this year. She won the Great Britain’s and the Ulster’s and she won Scotland, so it was great to finish it off with the World’s.”