Mayo boy is Irish Dancing World Champion

John Cosgrove has done his county Mayo proud: After winning the All-Ireland a few weeks ago, the Crossmolina native won the CRN World Dancing Championship in the U-15 Boys category. The 14-year-old performed three dances, a reel, a traditional set dance called "Humours of Bandon" and "The Piper", a contemporary set dance. To round up a huge success, all five judges marked John number one. 

A memorable weekend in Killarney not just for John as he wasn't the only representative from Moffatt School of Irish Dancing Crossmolina who won a trophy last weekend. The school won 94 medals in total in solo and team competitions. 18-year-old Cian Lavelle brought home a gold medal increasing his personal tally to six world titles, adding to his collection of five All-Ireland titles and three All-Scotland championships.

"We have done very well down to the years, this year we decided to give it a bit more of a buzz as we won 14 world titles for the school", said Sheila Moffatt, founder and teacher of the Moffatt School of Irish Dancing.

Tuesday evening the school's parents group organised a homecoming for all the participants returning from Killarney: "A coach brought them home, a Garda car provided escort. A large crowd had gathered outside the library. All the children were introduced, there were speeches, Mary Moyles from the Ballina chamber, we went into the Dolphin and had a great party. They danced. A night to remember. I thank everybody who came. Especially the moment when we came over the hill and saw the people waiting for us was magical," said Moffatt. 

Sheila Moffatt (middle), with participants of Moffatt School of Irish Dancing at the World Championship in Killarney

The school had a great few days in Killarney: "It's massive. Well over 2,000 dancers competing from all over the world: USA, Germany, Canada, Australia, and not even everyone has Irish roots. Irish Dancing has become more popular. It is excellent seeing more exposure for Irish culture."

And it all came from small beginnings. "It started in 1990 when I was seventeen" explained Sheila: "when I started the school I didn't realise it was going to be a business. I started with thirteen children for a summer course. It got legs from then on and started to grow. Long story short, the school grew and grew and before I knew it, I was teaching five nights a week."

Moffatt School won their first World Championship in 2012. But Moffatt makes clear, that it isn't only about winning trophies and competing at the highest level: "Not all children will have competitive success, but I make sure that everyone is included. We take part in heritage festivals, we do the Fleadh as well. It is very important to me that its enjoyable for every child."