Offaly dancers compete at World Irish Dance Championships in Belgium

Offaly dancers Emma Pierce from Walsh Island and Aoife Quinn from Croghan were competed at the Finals at the World Irish Dance Championships (WIDA) in Liege, Belgium recently.

In the U13 World Championship, Aoife took 8th place, and Emma took 6th place in the U30 category as the Offaly duo moved up the World Rankings at the WIDA World Championships.

The competition took place over four days, and saw the Offaly duo compete as part of Rochfortbridge dance academy, Emerald Lakes.

The next world title up for grabs was the coveted World Show Dance Championship, which features a costumed theatrical performance to the stage. The school had won the award five times previously.

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This year Kevin brought Westmeath Mythology and history to the stage with a piece called "Clann Lir" - Children of Lir. The 20 strong team ensured a dramatic opening, with Walsh Island's Emma Pierce as the Wicked Stepmother and Rhode's Aoife Quinn as the Spirit of the Lake. The performance took home 2nd place.

The Midlands based school was established in 2009 by Kevin Lyster, who runs the show with the help of his team dedicated team of Elaine Long, Marilyn Loran, and Ciara Doyle.

WIDA is the only Irish Dance Organisation to give every dancer an equal opportunity to perform for not only their school but for their county and country at any age.