Four Irish dancers received a heroes’ welcome in Donegal Town last night after achieving major success at the WIDA World Championships this Easter.
Crowds lined the streets to celebrate the triumphs of Scoil Rince Tir Chonaill dancers Katie Gillespie, Ailis O Gara, Ruth Gillespie and Aoife Doherty. The team proudly brought two world champion titles and 10 world medals home to Donegal from Sunday’s WIDA World Irish Dance Competition in Eindhoven.
Aoife Doherty, Katie Gillespie, Ruth Gillespie and Ailis O Gara at the WIDA World Irish Dance Competition in Eindhoven, 21st April 2019
Katie Gillespie, was crowned U20 World Champion while Ailis O Gara won the U25 World title.
Ruth Gillespie (Katie’s sister) defended her second place title to win an impressive Silver in the U23 category. Aoife Doherty also brought home a world medal from her first World competition.
Ailis O Gara, Katie and Ruth Gillespie at the WIDA World Irish Dance Competition in Eindhoven, 21st April 2019
Aoife Doherty at the WIDA World Irish Dance Competition in Eindhoven, 21st April 2019
The four young women were welcomed home to Donegal Town on Thursday with a special parade and party in their beloved Reel Inn.
Ruth, Ailis, Aoife and Katie in The Reel Inn. Photo: Scoil Rince Tir Chonaill
Their teacher Sarah Gillespie, who is Ruth and Katie’s sister, said the World Globe titles will be a great source of pride for many years to come in Donegal.
Sarah told Donegal Daily: “The event took place over four days and was attended by competitors from all over the world. WIDA, the organisation which held the event, is one of numerous Irish Dance federations that held World Championships this Easter. WIDA, which is a relatively new organisation founded only in 2004, prides itself on its friendly and welcoming culture where competition stays on the stage. Off the stage every dancer and parent are part of the WIDA family and we’re delighted to be welcoming World Champions back to Donegal Town!”
Katie, Sarah and Ruth Gillespie
