Write a commentSDLP council candidate for the new Slieve Gullion area Kate Loughran has hailed the victory of Whitecross girl Áine Malone at the World Irish Dancing Championships in Killarney.
Aíne was the World Under 15 Girls Champion and represented the Rooney O'Malley Maguire School of Dancing, Newry.
Congratulating Áine, Mrs Loughran said "'This is a great achievement for Áine personally, for her family, and for her teachers in the Rooney O'Malley Maguire School whose U16 teams have also had great success at the Worlds. Áine has brought a great sense of pride to everyone associated with her and to the Newry and South Armagh area."
'I heartily congratulate her and all concerned. Irish dancing is an important part of our culture and it is delightful to see such success coming to our own. I congratulate, Aine, a pupil of my old school, St. Paul's, and all others who were successful at the Worlds. I wish them continued success with their dancing in the future."
'The victory is a great tribute to Áine's great grandmother, the late Mrs Sadie Reavey, who was one of the pioneers of Irish dancing in Whitecross.
The tradition of Irish dancing is alive and well in the Reavey family and in Whitecross and long may it continue.
Kate also acknowledged the success of three GAA Clubs in the area which have representatives in the All Ireland Scor Finals on 26 April in Castlebar - Carrickcruppen (Donal Morgan - recitation) Killeavey (Set dancing) and Cullyhanna (novelty act). Ádh mór orthu go léir.
