Orlagh wins dance crown

April 2004

THE All-Ireland trophy made its way to Wicklow as 11-year-old Orlagh Carty returned from Clare with the an Comhdhail All-Ireland Irish dancing championship tucked under her arm.

The competition in the West County Hotel, Ennis, for the under-12 crown may have been fierce but only one competitor was crowned overall champion.

Cheered on by her proud parents, Carole and Eamonn, Orlagh impressed the judging panel as she glided across the floor like a young Jean Butler. Her three brothers, Kevin (10), Shane (6) and Keith (2), couldn't make the journey to Clare but the trio were still back home rooting for their big sister.

Orlagh travels up to Shankill from Wicklow town twice a week to her dance school run by Jean Hunter, and represents the establishments first all Ireland honours. While twinkle-toes Orlagh was described as being in ‘shock' at her triumph, a glance through her track records shows just how formidable an opponent she is.

Despite her young years (she will be 12 on May 4), Orlagh has already amassed quite a few victories in her short career. She recently won the Great Britain Irish dancing championship, finished runner-up in the Dublin Championships and secured third spot in the All England championships.