DANCE: A troupe of dancers from Nicola Kennedy's School of Dance, Belfast competing in the An Chomhdh‡il World Irish Dancing Championships in Killarney. Photo: Eclipse Photos

Over 5000 dancersfrom all over Ireland,America, Scotland, England and Europe, descended on the INEC  to take part in the 2019 An Chomhdháil World Irish Dance Championships – in what was a massive economic boost for the town.

From Saturday last week to Friday, dancers competed for a world title with 40 competitions held over the seven-day championships.

The competitions are held in the INEC and The Gleneagle Ballroom with the youngest dancer in the competition aged nine-years-old and the oldest aged 21. Winners are announced every day after each competition.

It is a great boost to the local economy as it’s Killarney’s fourth time hosting these championships which brings the 5000 competitors accompanied by an entourage of organisers, teachers, adjudicators, musicians, families, friends, supporters and spectators.

“We are delighted to return to Killarney,” Carol Carberry, Chairperson of An Chomhdháil, said.

“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, she added.

“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 make-up rule for girls under 13 years of age in 2007. Both male and female world champions will be crowned across a range of age categories from under 10 through to adult, while approximately 400 teams will take part.

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