PRESS RELEASE

Mayor welcomes the Ulster Irish Dancing Championships to the City (Oireachtas Rince Uladh 2003)

Wednesday, 12 November 2003

The Ulster Irish Dance Championships (Oireachtas Rince Uladh 2003), under the auspices of the Irish dance commission, will be officially welcomed to the city at a reception hosted by Mayor Councilor Shaun Gallagher at the Guildhall this evening (Wednesday 12th November 2003). The competition begins in earnest tomorrow (Thursday 13th November) and runs until Sunday 16th November taking place in the Millennium Forum and St Columb’s Hall.

Funded by Derry City Council, the Northern Ireland Events Company and Northern Ireland Tourist Board with additional sponsorship from the Derry Donegal Teachers Association and numerous local businesses, this prestigious competition is one of the highlights in the Ulster Irish Dancing calendar.

Welcoming the competition to the city Mayor Councilor Shaun Gallagher said,

“ On behalf of the city I am delighted to welcome all competitors, teachers and families and friends of those competing in the 74th Ulster Irish Dancing Championships to the city which is returning for the first time since 1967. I would also like to pay tribute to the dancing teachers from Derry and Donegal who campaigned tirelessly to have this event staged in the city, giving them the opportunity to showcase their talent in their own region.”

This competitive event attracts approximately 1,000 competitors (ranging from under 6 – 20 years of age) together with 100 dance teachers, staging approximately 60 competitions over the 4-day championship, and will see the city play host to some of the finest Irish Dancers.

Thanking those involved in bringing this event to the city Eamon DeBhál, Chairman of the Ulster Irish Dancing Championship said:

“I would like to acknowledge and thank everyone who was involved locally in bringing the Ulster Irish Dancing Championships back to the city in particular Derry City Council, the Northern Ireland Events Company, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the Derry Donegal Teachers Association and the local business community without whose support this event could not have taken place. I look forward to seeing some familiar faces and welcoming new competitors to the event and I anticipate a great four days of competition ahead”.

The first Ulster Irish Dancing Championships took place in 1929 and have been held every year since, with the exception of the war years from 1940 – 44. The Championships will celebrate their 75th anniversary next year.

Speaking behalf of sponsors Northern Ireland Events Company, Janice McAlesse said:

“The Northern Ireland Events Company is delighted to support these championships for the first time. This event is a tremendous boost to the local area and Irish Dancing Community. The committee must be congratulated for their hard work, dedication and commitment in its organisation. I extend a warm welcome to all competitors and their supporters and look forward to an entertaining event.”

For weekend competition timetable information please contact the Millennium Forum on (028) 71 264455 or St Columbs Hall on (028) 71262880.

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