Chomhdháil World Irish Dance Championships

An Chomhdháil World Irish Dance Championships Kicked off in Killarney this week

Over 5000 Dancers to take part

The 2019 An Chomhdháil World Irish Dance Championships kicked off at the INEC Killarney on Saturday, April 13.

Competitors from America, Scotland, England, Europe and all over Ireland are competing for a world title in the championships which run from April 13 to 19. Over forty competitions take place across the seven-day championships and winners are announced every day after each competition. The competitions are held in the INEC andThe Gleneagle Ballroom. The youngest dancer in the competition is nine years old and the oldest is twenty-one. Over 5000 dancers will take to the stage over the course of the seven days.

The 5000 competitors are accompanied by an entourage of organisers, teachers, adjudicators, musicians, families, friends, supporters and spectators. This is Killarney’s fourth time hosting these particular championships.

Carol Carberry, Chairperson of An Chomhdháil, said “We are delighted to return to Killarney. Our competitors and their families always really enjoy their stay here and the economic benefits of these championships will be felt right across Killarney’s hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, shops and other businesses.”

“The An Chomhdháil World Irish Dance Championships is the premier event for our organisation. The competitors here have been preparing for many months to showcase their exceptional talent. Our World Championships enjoy a very high standard year on year and we are very proud that we have a record number of entries both in solo and figure dancing this year.”

“We look forward to returning to Killarney again next year for our world championships, 2020 is a very special year for us as we will be celebrating our golden jubilee.”

An Chomhdháil, the organisation who run the World Irish Dance Championships have an extensive branch network worldwide and is one of the most progressive Irish Dance organisations, being the first Irish dance organisation to bring in the no makeup rule for girls under thirteen years of age in 2007. Both male and female world champions will be crowned across a range of age categories from under ten through to adult while approximately 400 teams will take part.

“We are honoured to welcome the 2019 An Chomhdháil World Irish Dance Championships.” said Patrick O’ Donoghue, CEO of The Gleneagle Group. “ We wish all the competitors the very best of luck and we hope everyone enjoys their stay in Killarney.”