Gifted dancer donates trophies for Haiti
AN eight year old Irish Dancer from Walsh Island is to make a donation with a difference to Haiti. Siobhan Phelan from Coolagarry will donate her hundreds of Irish Dancing trophies and medals to help raise funds for the devastated country.
Siobhan moved to Walsh Island with her mother Sinead, father Reagan and brothers Kieran and Comghan from her native Manchester two years ago.
Up until that point, Siobhan knew nothing of Irish dancing.
Now, two years later, she has countless national titles, both here and the UK under her belt and will travel to Malaga in April to compete in the European and World Fheis.
Although she is only eight years old, Siobhan is dancing in the 'Open' category, in which she will be competing with teenagers.
Her mother Sinead told the Offaly Express how the family made their big move.
"We put on our house on the market and it sold within a week, I sold our furniture on e-bay and I put a pin in the map and here we are. We bought the first house we viewed and my husband got a job in Dublin on the first interview he did. My mum is from Connamara and Reagan's family are from Kilkenny. It was as if our Irish roots were pulling us back," said Siobhan.
It was after the move was made that Siobhan began Irish dancing at her local school, Geashill National School. Sinead said it became clear very soon that she had a great talent.
She decided to send Siobhan to the Tara Dance Academy to train under Linda Dolan. "She has achieved so much for her age. She goes to Dublin three times a week," said Sinead.
This is not the first time Siobhan's dancing has benefited a charity. "Last year she donated to Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin," said Sinead. She added that she herself looked after a child from Chernobyl last year and Siobhan also decided to donate to that cause.
As well as having one child with an Irish talent, Sinead's son Kieran has also found a celtic skill. He plays for Offaly at the age of 12.
Sinead said the family are very happy with their decision to move. "It's been a really good journey," said Sinead.
She said Siobhan will dance in the Walsh Island colours in Malaga. "She is so passionate about it. She would cheer anyone up. You can feel her happiness from her," said Sinead.
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Thursday 17 May 2012
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