Speech

Speech for Dr. Martin Mansergh TD

Minister of State with special responsibility for the Arts

at the 40^th All Ireland and International Dance Championships

On Monday 29^th March 2010 in Citywest Hotel, Dublin

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. I am very pleased to be here today at the opening of the 40^th All Ireland and International Irish Dance Championships organised by An Comhdháil na Muinteoirí le Rincí Gaelacha. The aim of this organisation is to promote and foster Irish dance and culture at home and abroad. I would like in particular, to welcome the founder members, the adjudicators, teachers, musicians, dancers and parents and all families and friends to what will no doubt prove to be an exciting competition.

The competition this year, held here in Citywest, has attracted the largest number of entries to date. I hear there are nearly 3,000 competitors between the solo and team dance competitions. That is an outstanding number, and is a testament to the work of the executive committee who have worked tirelessly, and may I add, voluntarily organising the championships. With its 24 branches in all parts of Ireland, England, and Scotland and its branches in the Channel Islands, Slovakia, Israel, America and as far away as Australia the Comhdháil has indeed a wide and wonderful range of talent from which to draw.

People become involved in Irish dancing for many reasons; for some it is to enjoy music, for others, they crave the physical exertion or are fascinated by the beauty of the movement. Performers show style, grace and poise. Some enjoy the social side, making lasting friendships with those that share common interests, whether they are class mates, fellow performers, competitors or spectators. Many just enjoy the excitement of competitions.

The validation of winning and knowing your talent has been recognised by experts will prove to be an ego boost and a confidence builder at any age and is due accreditation for the commitment to excellence needed to participate in a contest such as this. Winning the All Ireland and International Irish Dance Championships is a milestone and is a step in fulfilling that innate need of acceptance in us all. This is firmly established as a major highlight in the musical calendar and is reflected in the growing number of participants every year.

Whatever the dancer's personal reasons for taking up Irish dancing, its global effects are indeed sensational. In the last few years, with the phenomenal achievements of Irish dancing shows worldwide, dancers like you have given an international dimension to this artform. You are promoting Irish culture abroad, and giving new life to old traditions. Indeed, the Government has recently appointed the actor, Gabriel Byrne, as cultural ambassador who will, inter alia, enhance the cultural image of Ireland abroad. However, I have always believed that all Irish artists performing abroad are de facto Ambassadors for our Irish culture.

The Government while applauding your efforts and commitment is itself dedicated to the preservation, promotion and advancement of the arts in this country. The Arts Council, the State Agency with responsibility for the arts has a funding allocation of some €68.7m for 2010. These monies, while somewhat reduced this year, have nevertheless effectively transformed the arts, by facilitating increased access to and participation in the full spectrum of art forms throughout the country. In addition, the Government's sustained support, in capital infrastructure through the ACCESS Schemes, and in current funding allocations to the Arts Council has resulted in a firm foundation to the arts sector that will assist it in facing future challenges and hopefully minimizing the effects of the new economic situation.

I would like to extend my thanks to the Chairperson and main organiser of the event of the Comhdháil, Ms. Paula Breslin, to Mayor of Dublin South County Council, Cllr Mick Duff and to the public relations officer Ms. Ursula Purcell for inviting me to speak here today. I know all the officers have worked diligently for many months to ensure that this premier event remains a tribute to the founder members. A special mention must be afforded to the six musicians supplying the excellent, live music.

The unenviable task of choosing winners is laid at the feet of the fourteen adjudicators officiating for the entire week, and I know each competitor will ensure they face a huge challenge.

Lastly, I extend a warm welcome to all the overseas competitors and supporters along with our domestic visitors who have travelled to participate and provide support during this exciting week. Charles Baudelaire once said "The dance can reveal everything mysterious that is hidden in music, and it has the additional merit of being human and palpable. Dancing is poetry with arms and legs." every competitor here is an artist, may you all succeed in your art.

Thank you

Ends.