Larne grammar pupil is two times Irish Dancing World Champion

Year 10 pupil Rhiannon Joel reeled her way to the top at the CRDM World Irish Dancing Championships in Drogheda’s TLT Theatre.

Despite facing top-quality opposition, Rhiannon went into the event with confidence having already won major events at both British and Irish earlier in the year.

She stated: “On the actual day of my World Championship my nerves were kicking in big time as this year I had the added pressure of trying and desperately wanting to retain my World Championship title.”

However, as Rhiannon took to the floor, her nerves disappeared.

“As I danced my first round I felt super confident as I knew I had done everything I supposed to as instructed by my teachers,” she revealed.

“My mum also said I danced fab so that made me happy for my next round.”

In the next round, which was the hornpipe section, the champion dancer was determined to give her all.

She recalled: “I took to the stage and gave it 100 per cent, so much so that I needed to take my inhaler before I could sit down!” Rhiannon explained.

As a result of her efforts, Rhiannon was crowned World Champion for the second year in a row.

Larne Grammar School teacher Mark Lambe commented: “Prior to competing in the World Championships Rhiannon performed one of her 2014 routines at the Spring Concert.

“We look forward to welcoming her back to the Larne Grammar stage soon, this time as a two-time World Champion.”