The Dunphy Allen School of Irish Dancing started on the 26th August 1995 in Mountshannon hall under the guidance of Anthony Nolan ADCRG of Limerick, with only 4 dancers: Caoimhe McNamara, Sinead and Elaine Perrill and Sharon Bugler.

It may have started humbly, but it has grown from strength to strength with 4 classes a week, one in Mountshannon hall on Tuesdays, Boher on Mondays, Feakle on Wednesdays and Ballina/Killaloe on Thursday. Twice a year a class feis is held, one at Christmas and the other at the end of May. All dancers compete against one another and win trophies and medals. There is also a prize for the best attendance during the year.

1999 saw the start of the school of dancing competing in their very first competition. It was in Manchester with a total of 34 travelling to the International Dancing Festival representing Feakle, Mountshannon and East Clare. They came home with two seconds and one third.

The teacher, Joanne Dunphy Allen, originally hails from Wexford which is a county like Clare, steeped in Irish music and dancing tradition. Joanne’s primary aim is to ensure that the Irish dancing tradition is encouraged and carried on to the next generation. Competition is secondary to this. Irish dancing is a social and enjoyable pastime where children meet and make friends while at the same time learning the steps of reels, jigs and hornpipes.

Joanne can be contacted on 061 921687 or 086 8177649 for any queries.