The best of Irish dancing at national titles

BENDIGO became the national capital of Irish dancing when the city hosted the Australian Irish Dancing Championships earlier this month.

A total of 1200 competitors from around the country showed their dancing skills in 62 categories at Red Energy Arena from 1 to 5 October.

Organisers estimated that more than 1000 families were represented at the event, which – including competitors – attracted about 4000 people.

Australian Irish Dancing Association Victorian president Mark Adams said every Australian state was represented in the competition entries and the Bendigo event was one of the best so far. “It was a wonderful success; one of the best ever,” Mr Adams said. “The venue was fantastic and the accommodation and friendliness of the people of Bendigo was outstanding.”

Mr Adams said the championships were the national body’s biggest event of the year, and had never been held in Bendigo before.

“Everyone thought it was wonderful,” he said of the host city. “The venue moves to Brisbane in 2025 and Adelaide in 2026.”

Dancers competed in individual and team categories.

Women’s champion was Dara McAleer from WA, while the men’s champion title was a tie between Liam Fitzgerald from NSW and Isaac Loxley from Queensland.

The music was supplied by musicians from Australia and Canada, while judges included representatives from Australia, Ireland, Scotland and the United States.