For the Garvey family from Silverbridge, South Armagh, Irish Dancing is just something that’s in the blood.
They’ve competed in so many competitions through the years and this week has been no different, as a number of the young family members have been competing in Glasgow at the World Irish Dance Championships.
The week-long contest kicked off on Sunday March 24 and ran right up to Sunday March 31, with a wide range of categories involved such as; ladies, girls, men, boys and mixed Ceili.
Leanne Garvey has spoken of her pride after her two nephews, Conor (11) and Brian (12), came third place in the solo under 11 boys’ category and 1st place in the mixed Ceili teams respectively.
Their sisters Lucy (13) and Hollie (6) are also keenly involved, with Lucy’s girls’ Ceili team coming in fifth in the world!
“It’s a massive achievement,” said Leanne. “These children dance four nights a week and are so dedicated to it. Their uncle Aidan danced with Riverdance for years so it’s in their blood! All the cousins dance too so it’s very much a family thing.
“Conor has been dancing from he was seven-years-old and they never miss it. The dedication these children show and the dancing is unrivalled. It’s amazing.
“It’s just something they really really love and are really dedicated to.”
Also competing in the Irish Dancing world are their cousins Jack Garvey (15) and Ellen Garvey(18), with Jack’s mixed Ceili team coming first.
“They’re very much following in the footsteps of their uncle,” Leanne added.
“Irish Dancing doesn’t have a lot of boys in it so whenever you see the boys coming home with these titles it’s just amazing. The skill is second to none. It’s just a brilliant sport and it’s brilliant to be able to represent Ireland and South Armagh in these competitions.
“It’s just brilliant to have that in the Garvey family. We’re really proud of that because it’s a lot of work and a lot of money. They have missed family occasions for their dance classes and for competitions. Conor made his confirmation on a Saturday and it was literally leaving the chapel to go to the airport!”
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