World Irish Dancing Champion 2011 Gerard Byrne From Donegal Town

The homecoming event for Gerard Byrne from Donegal town who won the U-12 Irish World Dancing Championships 2011 in Dublin. DONEGAL Town welcomed home its new World Irish Dancing Champion on Monday night after the very talented 11-year-old scooped the prestigious title.
Gerard Byrne from Altidoo in Killymard won the U12 Boys Category of the World Irish Dancing Championships (Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne) in the City West in Dublin on Sunday, just six years after he took up dance.
It's a huge achievement for the young star, a pupil of the McNelis-Cunningham School of Dancing under the tuition of Riverdance stars Isobel Cunningham, Claire and Paula McNeilis from Ardara. He has made huge strides forward since his first appearance at the competition last year in Glasgow when was placed 15th. This year he performed a hornpipe and reel to qualify followed by a set dance called 'The Blackthorn Stick' for the final, which clearly impressed the judges. As well as dancing, the youngster is also an avid footballer, playing for the Four Masters junior team.
He arrived home to Donegal Town, complete with the winner's trophy, to a huge reception on the Diamond. His return was delayed as he had to perform for President Mary McAleese on Monday morning as she officially opened Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne were 4500 dancers performed this week.
Gerard's mum Christine said yesterday (Tuesday) that the family had been overwhelmed by the support: "We weren't expecting such a huge crowd -- it was fantastic. Gerard's achievement is unbelievable. We are all so proud of him but still in shock by the last few days. To go from 15th place last year to first this year is incredible. He worked so hard and is dedicated to everything he does whether it's dancing or football."

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[rinceresource]

very good, your town is proud of you.