Loughgiel Folk Dancers - Profile

from Northern Ireland

How did you travel to Llangollen?

Overseas; flying (liverpool airport)

How many members are in your group?

40 +

What is the age range of your group?

6 to 60

When and why was your group formed?

Our group was formed in 1978 in the small village of Loughgiel. There was no local Irish Dance class so our group leader, Colette O'Mullan, was approached by the local parishioners and so her dance class began and here we are 32 years on and she is still the proud leader of the group.

How often and where do you rehearse?

Loughgiel Millennium Centre

How many times does your group perform every year?

30 - 39

Have you performed in any other festivals and competitions in your own country?

We have performed in many local competitions and in the Ulster Championships and have been very successful in both solo and team competitions.

Have you performed in any other festivals and competitions in countries other than your own?

Due to the recession we decided to travel to the Eisteddfod only in 2010

What is the name of your conductor/leader?

Colette O'Mullan, Leisa Gillan and Denise Dobb

Give us a short biography of your conductor/leader

Two of our group leaders are sisters - Leisa Gillan and Denise Dobbin nee McIntyre

Do you have any interesting stories you wish to share?

While we take our participation the competitions very seriously we have many pranksters in our group. We also have our very own ghost storyteller in Mr Seamus O'Kane (you will see him on stage playing the bodhran/drum)

What do you hope to achieve at Llangollen?

We hope to have a lot of interaction with other groups and we have formed great friendships with the locals. We can't wait to see the reactions of our new group members (some as young as 6 years old) when they see the beautiful, colourful costumes of the various other countries.

What are the group's future plans and ambitions?

As a group we strive to protect and nurture the traditional aspects of our dance and we will continue this quest indefinitely. We hope to travel to the Eisteddfod for many more years and possibly participate further afield in 2011.

What is your website's address?

In progress