GLASGOW WELCOMES YOU TO  

          

OIREACHTAS RINCE NA CRUINNE 2007

                    1ST APRIL - 8TH APRIL

                     ROYAL CONCERT HALL

                             GLASGOW

Picture of the 'The Royal Concert Hall' Glasgow

   THE EVENT 

The 37th Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne or The World Championships in Irish Dancing will be held in the Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow between the 1st and   8th April 2007.  This is only the second time that the Championships have been held outside of Ireland, the first time being in 2002 when the event was held in the Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow.

The World Championships celebrates the beauty and athleticism of Irish Dance and the commom Celtic Heritage that binds the peoples of Europe, the Americas, Africa and Australasia together.  Most importantly, it is a gathering of an extended family of dancers, teachers, parents, officials, families and fans.  The gathering promotes the means of continuing and elevating to new standards the skills and artistry that are the heartbeat of Irish Dance.  The Championships are truly a colourful festival, indeed an extravaganza, presenting all that is best in Irish Dancing through its International family.

Cllr. Mossan (Chairman of Leisure and Tourism, Glasgow City Council) with World Champions 'Suzanne Coyle' & 'Ronan McCutcheon - Launching The Worlds 2007 in Glasgow

It is estimated that in excess of 4,000 competitors will be in attendance accompanied by up to 12,000 family members, teachers, friends and supporters. They will represent over 330 Schools, each having won the right to compete by qualifying at Regional Championships.  It is estimated that the event will gernerate at least £8 - £9 million to the local economy with hotels, restaurants, taxi companies and local retail outlets all enjoying the benefits that this prestigious event generates.

The first competition in 1970 was able to take place in a small auditorium with only 300 seats lasting 2 days.  Modern day events require huge auditoria that will set up to 1,500 people.  It now requires a full 8 days of competition to complete the programme of events.  Recent venues have included the Waterfront Hall, Belfast and the Irish National Exhibition Centre in Killarney. Scotland and Ireland share a close cultural heritage and this has been recognised by the organising committee in selecting Glasgow once again for the 2007 event.  In fully supporting the Championships, the City of Glasgow has once again proven that it can successfully attract and host such a prestigious event.

The Championship will commence at 8.00am on Sunday 1st April, with solo competitions for the youngest category of boys and girls aged 10.  Competitions will continue for all age groups throuhout the week culminating with the senior category on Sunday 8th April.  Solo, Ceili, Figure and Dance Drama Championships will all be hotly contested.  Tickets are available at the door on the day of competition and everyone will be warmly welcomed.

Information regarding Accommodation and Events will be posted here shortly - Meanwhile if anyone has any questions, please do not hesitate contacting me on info@maureenonesti.co.uk