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Irish Independent
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Four Wexford dancers crowned World Champions in Irish dancing competition
Emily Slevin, a member of the Wexford Academy of Irish dancing in Bree, was awarded the world title in her Ladies U18 category. The fifth year student at FCJ Secondary School in Bunclody has been dancing since she was young and has won numerous awards and titles over the years. Speaking on her accomplishment, teacher Justin Kelly said that she was well known in the school for her dancing skills and had spent time dancing for residents in local day care centres as part of the school troupe. "Emily is well known for her huge talent in dancing, whether it's a slip jig, reel or even the brush dance, Emily is in a class of her own. Well done and we wish you continued success in the future!' Joining Emily from the academy was Aaron O Shea who took his very first World title winning the Gents Under 13 Championship. Cian Fortune followed suit winning the Gents Championship Under 17 making it his fifth World title and Ciara Byrne took her eighth World Open title winning the Ladies Championship Under 19. The school also took home seven more globes with a second place win for Erin Fortune and third place wins going to Hazel Breen, Emma Farioli, Jack Fortune, Casey Cullen, Katie Murphy and Lisa Murphy. Several other dancers from the school claimed individual bests and high placings in the Gents and Ladies championships from under 9 to Over 23. The school also took an amazing six team World titles winning the Ceilí Mixed Competitions Under 19 and Over 19. The also took home three very coveted invention team titles winning the Under 10, Under 13 and Under 16 Foirne Championships. Dance teacher Kay Keeley said the atmosphere was fantastic on the day. "They ended off an amazing Worlds when they brought the house down with their outstanding Freestyle piece 'Puttin on The Ritz.' This performance had received rave reviews at the Irish Open Championships in May, and it was to a packed auditorium that the sixteen senior dancers were announced World Champions,' she said. 'There will be no rest for the school as twenty-two Ceili and Set dancing teams now prepare for the Leinster Fleadh which will be held in Drogheda on July 11, 12, and 13. They will also be preparing for their many performances throughout the All-Ireland Fleadh week in Wexford representing Enniscorthy CCE and Celtic Roots,' she added.
Irish Independent
01-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Current and former students join together to celebrate Wexford school's milestone jubilee
The school was officially opened on September 25 in 1975 by the then Tánaiste Brendan Corish. This was a significant event as it marked the amalgamation of female and male students for the first time. Many members of the community attended to celebrate the occasion, including Bishop Ger Nash, Cllr Barbara- Anne Murphy, and FCJ Secondary School principal Brendan Daly. Two former as well as the current principal, gave speeches as they reflected over how far the school has come over the years. Michael Dee spoke about how surprisingly seamless the entire process had been when opening the school, while James Roberts took great pride in leading the school to become more involved in the Rackard League and getting more funding for class equipment. Current principal Tomás Moriarty, who has been at the helm since 2019, spoke about how special working in the school has been, despite the obstacles created by Covid-19 soon after he took on the role. "From my first visit, to meet James Roberts and the children, it was clear that OLOL NS was a special place. Walking in through the gates, I remember that the school grounds were sparkling in the early Summer sun and from the first meeting with the children and staff I was made feel welcome,' he said. A special mass also took place on the day, as well as refreshments, with music proudly provided by students on their instruments.
