Six dancers from the Hynes School of Irish Dancing, based in Saundersfoot, returned home with an enviable collection of medals, after attending the CRN Irish Open Championship Awards, held between May 28 and 31, in Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland.
Jennifer Hynes competed in the Under 17 years, and Sam Davies in the Under 15 years Ard Grad (fourth grade) Awards, which is the second highest grade achievable in CRN Irish Dance. Jennifer received a Highly Commended medal and qualified for the final round, which was no mean achievement as the standard of dancing in this group was breathtaking. Sam once again performed to a high standard, receiving first and fourth prizes in his individual dances and third place in his Championship Awards Class.
Thirteen-year-old Tessa Burke distinguished herself by achieving two first place medals in her second and third grade solo dances, and went on to be placed fourth in the Ullmhuchan (second grade) Under 15 years Championship Class. Siobhan O'Sullivan received a third placing in the Ullmhuchan solo dances and was fourth in the Under 14 years Bungrad Championship Class.
Molly Lewis, 10 years old, was placed seventh in the Under 12 years Bungrad (first grade) Championship, together with second and third medals in her solo classes, and Katie Harries was awarded a well deserved third place in her Mean Grad (third grade) individual dances.
The Irish Opens was attended by well over 1,000 children from all over Ireland, Wales and Holland, and in each class the dancers were up against between 40 and 80 other dancers.
The event was marred by a road traffic accident involving the coach transporting dancers from the Mitchell School of Dancing in Port Talbot, Wales to Athlone. These dancers were well known to the members of the Hynes School, and there was huge relief when it was learnt that all of the Mitchell Dancers would be well enough to compete in the championships.
Jenny, Sam, Tess, Siobhan, Molly and Katie put in a tremendous amount of work and practice to compete at this prestigious event. However, they are all agreed that their successes are a reflection of the knowledge and dedication of their excellent teacher, Julie Hynes.
Julie teaches children from four years to 16 years old on Saturdays and Sundays at the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot. Not only do her pupils prepare for competition, but also are well-known for their spectacular show dancing performances.