Edinburgh memories from 1969

THIS should bring back some memories of times past for our local Irish dancing community.

In August 1969, the Pentony School of Irish Dancing, Drogheda retained the International Cup at the Edinburgh Festival.

Their visit was a most successful one as they also took the Guinness Trophy for the highest marks in Irish dancing in the International competition. They also got the highest marks of all the teams in the junior and senior competitions.

A total of 28 dancers travelled.

The pupils were from Drogheda, Laytown and Clogherhead and were accompanied by a number of parents.

Miss Vivienne Pentony of 75 Greenhills was the teacher in charge, having formed her dance school less than four years earlier.

Another Drogheda girl, Miss Ruth Pentony, (sister of Vivienne ) who dances for the Harry MoCaffrey School, took part in the Senior Section of the competition, entering and winning six dancing contests and the Senior Championship.

The Pentony school group pictured in Dominick’s Park. Below: The Pentony Irish dance team

Parents and friends of the group of dancers from the Pentony school of dance during their visit to Edinburgh in 1969.