Dancers celebrate Mona’s 50 years in style
SCOIL RINCE MONA NI SNODAIGH HAVE SO MUCH TO CELEBRATE AFTER OIREACHTAS RINCE NA HÉIREANN
DUNDALK’S own ‘Red Army’ marched on the Kingdom of Kerry recently as Scoil Rince Mona Ni Rodaigh danced their way to success at Oireachtas Rince na hÉireann in Killarney.
Led by the mighty Mona herself, the local school went on to take an incredible four All Ireland titles back to the town, an achievement unparalleled by any other Irish school.
But the week was made particularly special by more than just titles.
One of the many highlights of the weeklong event was Mona being honoured by An Coimisiun le Rincí Gaelacha (Irish dancing’s global governing body) in recognition of her 50 years of teaching Irish dancing.
‘It’s always difficult to know how competitions like this will go – we work incredibly hard down in St Nicholas’ hall day in, day out,’ says Mona. ‘It’s very special for me and my daughters, Ciara and Dearbhla, to see great results like this coming back to Dundalk.
‘ The wins make it worthwhile, but the camaraderie and solidarity demonstrated this year was second to none - we really do have an incredible team and that, to me, is more important than any titles.’
Speaking of Mona’s big year, Ciara says: ‘we want to celebrate all year - we’re hoping to have a bash in June and would love to see some of the old faces there. Keep an eye on our social media posts for party updates!’
It was a great weekend not just for the school, but for some of Mona’s family members.
Returning to the stage after a 31-year hiatus, Mona’s son Aidan was delighted to be a member of ‘ Na Fianna Rua’. This adult contingent of the Red Army fought off stiff competition from the USA to take first place in Céilí Club competition on the final day. Keeping it in the family, Aidan’s son Oisin took a solo fourth place cup back to Dundalk and daughter Katie a fantastic 13th place. Other winners were Gareth O’Connor, who took home his second All Ireland title in the u19 Men’s competition. Both the U19 Ladies and Senior Ladies also danced up a storm to be crowned All Ireland champions.
The U16 and Senior Mixed ceili teams were narrowly pipped at the post to take second place in their respective competitions and the u13 Girls and U13 mixed teams both took home third place medals.
Scoil Rince Mona Ni Rodaigh is open to both competitive and non-competitive dancers and they teach in Dundalk, Knockbridge, Crossmaglen and Drumconrath.