Triple Congratulations! Three world champions from same Donegal Irish dance school

A big homecoming is planned in Donegal Town for three Irish dancers from who were crowned World Irish Dance Association (WIDA) champions.

The championships were hotly contested between the best dancers in the world, with the competition taking place at the Palais de Congrès, Liège, Belgium between Wednesday, April 8 and Saturday, April 11.

Makayla Byrne is the U14 World Champion. Last year's U18 winner, Jane Quinn is now the U19 World Champion, and Hazel Gillespie is U32 World Champion. All three dancers attend Scoil Rince Tir Chonaill, and their teachers are immensely proud of their achievements. 

Dance school owner Sarah Gillespie is asking people to join the homecoming celebrations as the dancers arrive back to their dance school.

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She said: “We will be landing back into Donegal Town at around 4pm today (Sunday) and we would love to see you all at StudioS to celebrate our champions and give them a true Donegal welcome home.

“Never before has Donegal Town had three world titles in one year so this is momentous.”

StudioS is located in the Drumrooske Business Park on the Lough Eske Road, Donegal Town.”

Sarah and the team are thrilled with the performances of all their dancers who took part in the world championships. 

Further notable results include:

Michaela Curley - 2nd place U9

Lily-May Spencer - 2nd place U13

Kelly Lindsay - 3rd place U18 

Katie Gillespie - 4th place U27

Aoibheann Murray - 5th place U13

Helena Kennedy - 7th place U45

Emily Kennedy - 7th place U10 

Caitlin Meehan - 8th place U13

Katie Friel-Gallagher - 8th place U15