Featured photo by Paul O’Sullivan, Donegal Online
Donegal Town is celebrating the success of the local Scoil Rince Tír Chonaill, which returned home with an impressive twelve titles from the World Irish Dance Association (WIDA) World Championships held in Liège, Belgium, last weekend.
A highlight of their success was the coveted Under-18 World Championship title, claimed by the school’s dedicated dancer, Jane Quinn.
Jane received a hero’s welcome on Monday as locals gathered at Studio S in Drumrooske to congratulate her on achieving the highest accolade in Irish Dance.
Jane Quinn -2025 WORLD CHAMPION Photo: Scoil Rince Tir Chonaill
Scoil Rince Tír Chonaill secured a remarkable twelve Top 5 world titles at the prestigious event in Belgium.
The individual achievements include:
- Jane Quinn: 2025 World Champion (U18)
- Helena Kennedy: 5th Place, U40 World Championships
- Hazel Gillespie: 3rd Place, U30 World Championships
- Courtney Ferguson: 3rd Place, U27 World Championships
- Kelly Lindsay: 4th Place, U17 World Championship
- Katie Gillespie: 2nd Place, Traditional Set World Championships
- Mackayla Byrne: 3rd Place, U13 World Championships
- Caitlin Meehan: 2nd Place, U12 World Championships
- Aoibheann Murray: 3rd Place, U12 World Championships
- Michaela Curley: 2nd Place, U8 International Championships
The school’s talented teams also secured impressive results:
- 10th Place, U30 4-Hand Team
- 4th Place, U17 4-Hand
Founded in 2016 by Sarah Gillespie, Scoil Rince Tír Chonaill is a progressive Irish dance school registered with WIDA. Sisters Sarah and Ruth, who grew up dancing together, now teach side by side. Their mother Susan also plays a key role in assisting classes, making it a true family affair.
Over the years, their dancers have achieved significant success at major championships, including the All Ireland Championships, British Opens, Scottish Opens, International Championships, and even the World Championships.
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