FOUR talented Kirknarra Highland dancers are celebrating success after making the journey from Kilkeel to take part in the recent Highland Dance Ulster Championships in Londonderry.
It was a fantastic day for the Schomberg Society’s Kirknarra School of Dance team, with all four dancers who competed being placed in the winning championship lineups.
Bethany Shields was the 1st overall Ulster champion winner, competing in the Premier 17 and Under 19 Years category.
“This is not the first, but the second time that Bethany has won the title of Ulster champion,” added a spokesperson for the Schomberg Society.
“It is a terrific achievement for Bethany, for the Kingdom of Mourne and for Ulster-Scots!”
The Schomberg Society offered its sincere congratulations to Bethany and to her fellow Highland dancers Mya Campbell, Lucie Annett and Rachel Wilson, and expressed its delight at their success in the Ulster Championships.
Mya won 1st overall Pre-Champion, followed by 4th overall Ulster Champion, competing in the 14-16 years category.
Lucie won 4th overall Ulster Champion, competing in the Adult category.
Rachel won 5th overall Ulster Champion, competing in the 16 years category.
“This is a tremendous result for all four dancers, their hard work, commitment and determination has paid off,” the Schomberg Society added.
The Schomberg Society and Kirknarra School of Dance would like to thank tutor Kathryn Stewart-McGowan for all her efforts, in both tutoring and supporting the dancers.
“The Schomberg Society’s Kirknarra School of Dance is one of the first Scottish Highland Dance schools to have been established in Northern Ireland, and it is fantastic to see Kilkeel being put on the map for Highland dancing, with its own home-grown Highland Dance Ulster champions.”
Kirknarra School of Dance is looking forward to Scottish Highland Dance classes recommencing in September.
Classes will take place on Mondays from 3.30pm in Reivers House, Kilkeel and on Wednesdays from 3.30pm in Mullartown House, Annalong.
“Classes from 3.30pm are for new beginners from P1+, and everyone is more than welcome to come along.
“For further information, or to book a place on the classes, please get in contact with the Schomberg Society: 07753222553 or email: schombergsociety@gmail.com
“Thanks to the Ulster-Scots Agency for supporting these tuition classes.”
