Hailing from Belfast I have been teaching Irish Dancing to children of all ages for the past 15 years. My personal achievement is successfully bringing dancers from grades to world dancing standard at both individualand team competition level – having done so myself in my own dancing career. As an accomplished adjudicator I have judged local, regional and international competitions across Ireland, England, Scotland, America and Canada.

I guess I owe my great skill and passion for dancing firstly to my late mum, Mary, who introduced me to the
Irish dancing arena and secondly to my teachers Maura Bennett and Kevin Armstrong. Maura, a great champion herself, inspired me to enter the world of teaching along with my sister Rosaleen.

We currently have classes in Belfast, Antrim and Fermanagh. I also represent teachers on An Comhairle Uladh where I have been secretary for the past few years, and this role has helped me to contribute to the Ulster Championships. I am also actively involved with the Ulster Irish Dance Teachers Association.

I am truly honoured to be judging at Oireachtas Rince Na Cruinne 2009, and I wish An Coimisiun, teachers and all the dancers every success.