Dully siblings dance into Fleadh history

Clonbonny siblings, Aoibh and Rian Dully, created recent history at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Belfast on Friday with first and second placings in the senior Sean Nós dancing competition.

Representing Moate Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ), Aoibh and Rian are long-time competitors at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil, Aoibh's success being the maiden national title for either sibling in the Sean Nós competition.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent on Monday following their return from Belfast, the siblings reflected on a weekend which they said "will live long in the memory".

Aoibh (19) has been competing at Fleadh Cheoil competitions from the age of four and this is the first time she has claimed a national title at the annual festival celebrating traditional Irish music, song, dance, and culture.

Aoibh, who studies music and dance at the University of Limerick, paid tribute to the support she has received on the way to All-Ireland success.

"I started on this journey at the age of four with my teacher Sharleen Doyle. She has helped me become the Sean Nós dancer I am today and I am forever grateful to her," Aoibh said.

Aoibh recalled her mother Jackie bringing her and her three siblings, Rian, Éirinn and Clíona, to Dún na Sí Heritage Centre at a tender age and there she, along with her brother, has remained to this day, under the teaching guidance of Sharleen.

Aoibh is immersed in traditional Irish music and song. As she continued to hone her Sean Nós dancing talent, she took inspiration from her Irish dancing and singing role model Nada Ní Chuirrín.

"I look to and support all women in Irish traditional dance and song. Nada would be a particular role model to me as is my teacher Sharleen. They both have been a positive influence in my dancing career to date," Aoibh said.

Aoibh said she was drawn to the Sean Nós style as it upholds the "old traditional values" of Irish dancing. She continually strives to be at her best when dancing in competition and in performances, the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil allowing her the opportunity to "watch and observe the best Sean Nós talent in the world".

"The dancing style really appeals. All dances are low to the ground and allow for free style and free movement," Aoibh added.

Aoibh was particularly delighted that the Devane brothers chose her to be the All-Ireland champions in the senior Sean Nós category. Aoibh said they are renowned for their Sean Nós style, their dancing being of the "highest quality".

Aoibh has also brought her dancing talents to Atlanta Georgia where she danced with The Phoenix School of Music and Dance. She plays the concertina and hopes to start Sean Nós dancing lessons in Dún na Sí Heritage Centre from September.

She is "extremely proud" of Rian's All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil achievement.

"We support each other to the fullest and are very happy with our achievements," Aoibh said.

Aoibh also speaks of the "great support" she has received from her parents, Jackie and Dessy, both of whom have enabled her to have a rewarding Sean Nós journey to date.

"Marie Hoey and Brendan Doyle of Moate CCÉ have also been hugely supportive," Aoibh added.

While competition was a paramount focus during her time in Belfast, Aoibh also had the opportunity to dance and dine with the President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly and Comhaltas President, Attracta Brady.

"You could say this was the best Fleadh I have attended!," Aoibh said.

Similar to his sister, Rian has been developing his Sean Nós dancing craft from an early age. Prior to his second place achievement in Belfast he had placed in the U12, U15 and U18 Sean Nós categories at previous All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil competitions.

He has been competing at national level since 2013 and this was his first time to place in the senior category at an All-Ireland Fleadh.

The 22-year-old described the final competition as "strong" with 14 competitors vying for the national title in Belfast, so a second place finish was a "great achievement".

His fondness for the style of dance continues to grow having first tasted Sean Nós competition success at the age of eight at Fleadh Nua in County Clare.

"It was then that I realised I wasn't to bad at Sean Nós dancing and I decided to pursue it as an outlet," Rian said.

Although his primary focus was on Sean Nós, Rian featured with the Republic of Ireland underage football squad, adding that the dancing technique helped him to "develop quick feet".

While football remains on the sideline for the moment, Rian hopes to add to his medal haul at future Fleadh Cheoil competitions.

"Aoibh and I certainly drive each other on. Her win in Belfast has fuelled my desire to become All-Ireland champion next year," Rian said.

Rian also enjoys the non-competitive aspect to Sean Nós dancing. He has performed in Canada and also teaches classes to students which he said has allowed him to further "understand the dance style". He, like Aoibh, is extremely grateful to his parents for the support they have given him since he put a determined focus on developing his Sean Nós dancing talent.

"It can be exacting on the legs dancing at full tilt for two and a half minutes, but with commitment comes reward and thankfully my sister and I were recognised on a national level in Belfast," Rian concluded.

Further Fleadh Success

There was further All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil success for Moate CCÉ when the group’s marching band claimed third place in the U18 category of the competition.

A Rosemount native, Daniel Boland, was recognised at the national competition in Belfast. The fiddle player is a member of the Lissadell Céilí Band, representing Paddy Killoran CCÉ, Sligo, who were crowned the All-Ireland Senior Céilí Band champions.

In reflection of their success, the ten piece band had the privilege of closing out the week long Irish music, song and dance festival in Belfast on Sunday night.

Meanwhile, Knockcroghery’s Vincent Pierce also claimed a gold medal in the storytelling competition at the All-Ireland Fleadh.

A member of the St Dominic’s GAA Club, Vincent was congratulated by Roscommon CCÉ for his national success.