Out Standing In Their Field

Double sister act Ava, Sadie, Clodagh & Nicole MON30OCT23

t was a Bank Holiday weekend to remember for local Irish dance school Scoil Rince Fáinne as they reeled and romped home to victory at the South Leinster Regional Championships 2023.

With proud teachers Louise Roe, Anita Nolan and Ciara O’Sullivan cheering them on, Ira, Alex and double sister squad Ava and Clodagh plus Sadie and Nicole brought home the gold.

Which this school has a habit of doing.

Over to Louise for the lowdown…

Over the Bank holiday weekend in October, we headed to the very fancy Lyrath Hotel for the South Leinster Regional Championships 2023.

This is one of our biggest events of the year where dancers can qualify for the Irish Open Championships 2024.

We had 17 dancers compete, and walked away with two regional champions, two award winners and many more regional championship placings.

Miss Alex O’Brien from Delgany [above left] won the Under 19 Ard Ghrad award and became South Leinster Champion.

Said Alex, “It’s always been one of my biggest goals in Irish dancing to become a champion and I can’t believe it finally happened – all thanks to my amazing family, teachers and dancing school. When they called out my name I was so thrilled, but what made the moment even more special was how all of my dancing friends were so delighted for me, jumping around beside me. Getting to hold my cup on top of the podium is something I’ll never forget! Truly the best weekend spent with my dancing family.”

It was a great weekend for Ava Sands [above right] from Kilmacanogue too, winning the Under 13 Ard Ghrad award and becoming South Leinster Champion under 13. “Getting first place was brilliant,” says Ava, “and to get a 100 from a judge was truly amazing. Hearing your name being called in first place for the CRN South Leinster Regional U13 Ard Ghrad award felt unbelievable and being on top of the podium with a cup was just magical.”

Having to give a special shout-out to Clodagh Sands [right], Ava’s little sister, who won the Bunghrad Award Under 10 at the South Leinster Regional Championships 2023.

It was an extra-special weekend for Ira Kaitanovska [left]. Ira won the Bunghrad Award Under 12 for the South Leinster Regional Championships 2023. This is a very special win. Ira joined us last year when she moved to Ireland from Ukraine and had a small bit of English, signing up for our classes for something to do while in Ireland. Ira is now is obsessed with Irish dancing and is and unbelievable superstar.

Well done to all the dancers taking part, and to their three very happy coaches, Louise, Anita and Ciara.

With classes on Tuesdays and Fridays, ou can find also out more about Scoil Rince Fáinne here, follow on Instagram here and Facebook here, or get in touch directly with Louise and Anita on email here. Their latest classes are here.