Birr homecoming event celebrates recent wins by Offaly dancers
The community of Birr united in Emmett Square on Monday to celebrate the Irish dancing achievements of world champion Lucie Pardy, Roisin McIntyre, Bonnie Kane, and the Birr GAA Figure Dancers.
The trio of Pardy, McIntyre and Kane were feted for their performances at the World Irish Dancing Championships in Schaumburg, Illinois, where Pardy claimed her fourth successive gold medal on a global stage in the girls age 15-16 category. McIntyre and Kane also performed to a high standard in the US competition.
The Birr GAA Figure Dancers also received adulation from the crowd for their achievement of winning a seventh consecutive Leinster Scór title at the provincial finals last month. Following this success, the dancers will now compete at the All-Ireland Scór final in The Royal Theatre, Castlebar, on April 25, where they will defend their national title.
Cllr Audrey Hennessy-Kennedy, one of the chief organisers of the homecoming event, said it was a "truly special occasion" to celebrate these "fantastic young ladies" and their "remarkable achievements on the national and world stage".
"Their success has brought immense pride to our town and it was wonderful to see such a community turnout to honour them.
"Unfortunately, Roisin McIntyre was unable to join us this evening as she enjoys a well-earned break. However, she was very much in our thoughts, and her outstanding achievement of placing sixth at the World Irish Dancing Championships was acknowledged and celebrated," Cllr Hennessy-Kennedy said.
Fine Gael TD John Clendennen said the homecoming event was a "real celebration of achievement, pride and community spirit".
"It was great to see such a fantastic turnout in Emmet Square to welcome home Lucie Pardy, Bonnie Kane and the Birr GAA Figure Dancers. It was wonderful to see supporters of all ages out in force to recognise their incredible success.
"Well done to everyone involved in organising such a memorable homecoming, and once again, huge congratulations to all the girls," Deputy Cendennen added.
The Cllr paid tribute to the local community who "came out in force" to support the returning dancers and extended her gratitude to all those who made the homecoming event possible.
The Flynn O'Kane Academy of Irish Dance, with whom the four time world champion Lucie Pardy dances, paid tribute to the St Brendan's Community School student's "belief and determination".
"We are incredibly proud of you Lucie. What an achievement, a four time world champion. You are a dream to work with. Forever proud," the dance academy said.