A delegation of Irish dancers from Singapore entertained thousands of passers-by on Dominick Street last Wednesday (9 August).
With almost 100 students, Irish Inspirational Dance, Singapore is comprised of students from around the world, from countries including Ireland, the United Kingdom, USA, Australia, South Africa, Russia, Singapore, Cuba and South Korea.
The performance in Mullingar by Irish Inspirational Dance was one of a number of events organised by Mullingar native, Marie Gray, who has been busy over the part number of months organising the visit of the Singapore delegation.
“We’re so blessed with the weather!” said Marie in Mullingar last Wednesday. “The girls are having an amazing time. They’re really enjoying it and immersing themselves into the Irish culture. They’re loving the food, dance people. It’s excellent.”
Also at last Wednesday’s performance on Dominick Street was Joy Flanagan, President of the St Patrick’s Society, Singapore. Established in 1925, the society supports the Irish diaspora in the city state in everything from St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to GAA fixtures.
“There was a lot involved to try and get sponsorship to get the team here,” said Joy.
“It was a big undertaking. I hadn’t a clue what to expect, but it’s much livelier than I thought. My experience as a child would have been going to céilís, but his is very different!”
On hand to welcome the dancers to Mullingar last Wednesday was outgoing Rose of Tralee, Rachel Duffy, who was in town the Fleadh in what was her last major event as Rose of Tralee.
“The Rose of Tralee is starting this Friday [11 August] in Wexford. I’ll be going down there to meet the Roses for the gala and from then on, all roads lead to Tralee, which is bittersweet, but at least I’m ending on a high note here at the Fleadh. I’ll probably get roped into singing a few songs. This time last year, I would have gotten a little bit nervous singing in front of people but now I’m so used to it that I don’t mind.”
During her performance in Tralee last year, Rachel sang the traditional song ‘Teddy O’Neill’ – a song she has performed many times since her win. “That song will follow me to the grave! I’ll be looking forward to retiring it after this year. I’ve a few other songs that I know, but I don’t think people are as interested in hearing me singing those as ‘Teddy O’Neill’.”
A delegation of Irish dancers from Singapore entertained thousands of passers-by on Dominick Street last Wednesday (9 August).
With almost 100 students, Irish Inspirational Dance, Singapore is comprised of students from around the world, from countries including Ireland, the United Kingdom, USA, Australia, South Africa, Russia, Singapore, Cuba and South Korea.
The performance in Mullingar by Irish Inspirational Dance was one of a number of events organised by Mullingar native, Marie Gray, who has been busy over the part number of months organising the visit of the Singapore delegation.
“We’re so blessed with the weather!” said Marie in Mullingar last Wednesday. “The girls are having an amazing time. They’re really enjoying it and immersing themselves into the Irish culture. They’re loving the food, dance people. It’s excellent.”
Also at last Wednesday’s performance on Dominick Street was Joy Flanagan, President of the St Patrick’s Society, Singapore. Established in 1925, the society supports the Irish diaspora in the city state in everything from St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to GAA fixtures.
“There was a lot involved to try and get sponsorship to get the team here,” said Joy.
“It was a big undertaking. I hadn’t a clue what to expect, but it’s much livelier than I thought. My experience as a child would have been going to céilís, but his is very different!”
On hand to welcome the dancers to Mullingar last Wednesday was outgoing Rose of Tralee, Rachel Duffy, who was in town the Fleadh in what was her last major event as Rose of Tralee.
“The Rose of Tralee is starting this Friday [11 August] in Wexford. I’ll be going down there to meet the Roses for the gala and from then on, all roads lead to Tralee, which is bittersweet, but at least I’m ending on a high note here at the Fleadh. I’ll probably get roped into singing a few songs. This time last year, I would have gotten a little bit nervous singing in front of people but now I’m so used to it that I don’t mind.”
During her performance in Tralee last year, Rachel sang the traditional song ‘Teddy O’Neill’ – a song she has performed many times since her win. “That song will follow me to the grave! I’ll be looking forward to retiring it after this year. I’ve a few other songs that I know, but I don’t think people are as interested in hearing me singing those as ‘Teddy O’Neill’.”
