Pembrokeshire hosts its first major Irish dancing competition this weekend when more than 120 dancers are making steps to the county. International Irish dancing organisation Cumann Rince Naisiunta (CRN) has chosen Saundersfoot as the venue for the UK Overseas qualifier for its prestigious annual Open competition. The Hynes School of Irish Dancing, which has just celebrated its 10th anniversary, is to host the competition, which will attract dancers from throughout west and south Wales, as well as England. Two judges from Ireland will adjudicate tomorrow (Saturday's) contest in Saundersfoot's Regency Hall. Around 30 of the Hynes School's enthusiastic young dancers have already qualified for the CRN Irish Open competition, which takes place in Tallaght, Dublin, at the end of April. They secured 13 regional titles at the UK Overseas contest in Port Talbot, but this weekend's competition will enable them to consolidate this success, as well as providing those who did not attend with the chance to qualify to dance in the Irish Open. It will be an exciting, if nerve-wracking day, for 18- year-old Jenny Hynes, who took over the running of the dancing school after her mother Julie died last June. The huge support she has received from her dancers and parents has spurred Jenny on to carry on her mum's school to great success. "We're really looking forward to welcoming our Irish judges to Saundersfoot and our dancing friends from several other schools for a wonderful day of competition," she said. The contest begins at 10 am, and anyone interested is welcome to call in to the Regency Hall to enjoy watching the dancing. Admission is £2.

Members of the Hynes School of Irish Dancing, who are hosting Pembrokeshire’s first major Irish dancing competition in Saundersfoot tomorrow (Saturday). Pic. Gareth Davies Photography
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