10/04/2006
World Irish Dancing Championships hit Belfast
Over 4,000 Irish dancers have descended on Belfast to take part in the 36th Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne, or World Irish Dancing Championships in the Waterfront Hall.
The event was last staged in Belfast in 2004 and began yesterday and will last until Sunday April 16.
Around 2,000 solo competitors and 2,000 team dancers will take part in this eight-day programme, made up of 35 competitions across age groups from under 11s to 21 years and over.
Over half the competitors at this year’s event will be from outside Ireland and in total, there will be 314 schools of dance and 11 different countries represented during the competition.
Speaking recently, Belfast City Council Events Manager, Gerry Copeland welcomed, once again the cream of the world’s Irish dancers to Belfast.
He said: “When the Championships last came to the City, two years ago, it was the biggest event in Oireachtas history: we are looking forward to repeating that success, by hosting a competition that is bigger and better than ever before - and especially to our own dancers not only competing with the best in the world but once again keeping many titles at home.”
On a recent visit to Belfast to announce details of the 2006 Competition, Seamus ó Sé, one of the events organisers, said that the World Irish Dancing Championships are very much the highlight of the year for all Irish dancing enthusiasts across the globe.
He said: “On the two previous occasions on which the Oireachtas has been held in Belfast - in 2000 and again in 2004 – they were truly memorable experiences: Belfast provided us with both a magnificent venue and an unforgettable welcome."
He added that they were looking forward not only to repeating that experience but also in surpassing it.
The Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne was first held in 1970 and this years Championships is expected to be the biggest yet, with competitors from as far afield as North America, Australasia and all parts of the British Isles.
(EF)
The event was last staged in Belfast in 2004 and began yesterday and will last until Sunday April 16.
Around 2,000 solo competitors and 2,000 team dancers will take part in this eight-day programme, made up of 35 competitions across age groups from under 11s to 21 years and over.
Over half the competitors at this year’s event will be from outside Ireland and in total, there will be 314 schools of dance and 11 different countries represented during the competition.
Speaking recently, Belfast City Council Events Manager, Gerry Copeland welcomed, once again the cream of the world’s Irish dancers to Belfast.
He said: “When the Championships last came to the City, two years ago, it was the biggest event in Oireachtas history: we are looking forward to repeating that success, by hosting a competition that is bigger and better than ever before - and especially to our own dancers not only competing with the best in the world but once again keeping many titles at home.”
On a recent visit to Belfast to announce details of the 2006 Competition, Seamus ó Sé, one of the events organisers, said that the World Irish Dancing Championships are very much the highlight of the year for all Irish dancing enthusiasts across the globe.
He said: “On the two previous occasions on which the Oireachtas has been held in Belfast - in 2000 and again in 2004 – they were truly memorable experiences: Belfast provided us with both a magnificent venue and an unforgettable welcome."
He added that they were looking forward not only to repeating that experience but also in surpassing it.
The Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne was first held in 1970 and this years Championships is expected to be the biggest yet, with competitors from as far afield as North America, Australasia and all parts of the British Isles.
(EF)
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02 March 2004
Belfast to host World Irish Dancing Championships
Belfast is set to host the 34th World Irish Dancing Championships - Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne - in April. The event, which is being staged at the Waterfront Hall and was last staged in the city in 2000, is expected to attract more than 4,000 dancers to compete in 35 competitions over eight days, from April 4-11.
Belfast to host World Irish Dancing Championships
Belfast is set to host the 34th World Irish Dancing Championships - Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne - in April. The event, which is being staged at the Waterfront Hall and was last staged in the city in 2000, is expected to attract more than 4,000 dancers to compete in 35 competitions over eight days, from April 4-11.
26 January 2005
Belfast once again to become Irish dancing capital
In just over ten days’ time, Belfast will become the Irish dancing capital of Ireland when its hosts the annual 2005 Oireachtas Rince na hEireann, or All-Ireland Irish Dancing Championships.
Belfast once again to become Irish dancing capital
In just over ten days’ time, Belfast will become the Irish dancing capital of Ireland when its hosts the annual 2005 Oireachtas Rince na hEireann, or All-Ireland Irish Dancing Championships.
05 April 2004
World Irish Dancing Championship commences in Belfast
Around 12,000 people are set to diverge on Belfast this week as the World Irish Dancing Championship takes place in the city. The eight-day event, which began at the Waterfront Hall on Sunday, will see almost 4,000 competitors from across the world compete in different age groups.
World Irish Dancing Championship commences in Belfast
Around 12,000 people are set to diverge on Belfast this week as the World Irish Dancing Championship takes place in the city. The eight-day event, which began at the Waterfront Hall on Sunday, will see almost 4,000 competitors from across the world compete in different age groups.
26 February 2008
Riverdance For World Oireachtas Championships
They'll be dancing to a different beat this coming week as Belfast Waterfront Hall hosts the 38th World Irish Dancing Championships. Running from Sunday 23 through Sunday 30 March, the event is bigger than ever as the popularity of Irish dance grows and grows - now on a world scale.
Riverdance For World Oireachtas Championships
They'll be dancing to a different beat this coming week as Belfast Waterfront Hall hosts the 38th World Irish Dancing Championships. Running from Sunday 23 through Sunday 30 March, the event is bigger than ever as the popularity of Irish dance grows and grows - now on a world scale.
10 August 2009
Gloria Takes Over 'One' Hot Seat
One of NI's best known veteran presenters is to be on the couch next week on BBC TV's prime time TV slot.
Gloria Takes Over 'One' Hot Seat
One of NI's best known veteran presenters is to be on the couch next week on BBC TV's prime time TV slot.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.