Sean-nós dancing family set for All-Ireland stage

The Dully household in Clonbonny is always a busy one this time of the year and 2023 is no different, as they prepare for the upcoming Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

Rían and Aoibh Dully, members of the Moate branch of Comhaltas, are busy practicing for their competitions next weekend.Rian will be competing in the O18 sean-nós dancing after claiming a gold medal in the Leinster Fleadh. What’s more impressive is that it’s his first year making the big leap to the senior category. Aoibh also qualified, placing second in the 15-18 category at the provincial final.

Aoibh, a fifth year student at Our Lady's Bower, Athlone, and Rían, who is currently studying engineering in University of Galway, are excited to be competing in Mullingar this year. “It’s fantastic to be on home ground representing County Westmeath,” they said.

The pair are no strangers to the All-Ireland stage, with Rían placing third on two occasions previously in the sean-nós dancing, and Aoibh has also danced at fleadhanna in recent years.

They also have performed on live television before with Rían appearing on the TG4 show ‘An Ríl Deal’ and Aoibh dancing at the Oireachtas na Samhna in 2019, which was also broadcast on the Irish language station.

They started dancing at the age of four and six when they attended lessons with Sharleen Doyle. Their sisters Éirinn and Clíona also dance and have enjoyed success over the years too, in both the fleadh and Oireachtas.

“Ever since we can remember, when we were younger we’d be at every fleadh competing and trying our best to win,” said Rían.

They have a busy week ahead with Rían also dancing for Ballynacargy set dancers in the O18 full and half set mixed competitions, and Aoibh will also be helping out as a fáiltóirí at events throughout the week.