Maeve Donohoe
Maeve Donohoe began Irish dancing at the tender age of six under the renowned O’Shea Irish dancing school in Dublin. Maeve competed and holds prizes in Leinster, All- Ireland, North American and World Championships. Maeve auditioned for Riverdance at the age of 17 and was accepted. She performed worldwide with the Riverdance flying squad while in school and college. She also danced in Irish Thunder a show in Busch Gardens Virginia for three summer seasons.
After graduating as a dental hygienist from Trinity College, Maeve packed her bags and began touring full time with Riverdance. She saw many parts of the world while touring such as Japan, China, Taiwan, Russia, Europe, Egypt and Qatar. Maeve is now based in Dublin and working as a dental hygienist and a dancing teacher. She still performs with the Riverdance flying squad and has recently returned from China. She has also just completed her sixth year performing in the gaiety theatre and is looking forward to many future dancing adventures!
Neil Sullivan
Neil Sullivan is honoured to be associated with Damhsa Irish Dance Entertainment and working under the direction of Jim Murrihy and Denise Flynn. Originally from Essex, Neil is currently residing in Dublin, Ireland. Having danced with the London based Maguire O’Shea and Griffin O’Loughlin Schools of Irish Dance he has competed at numerous competitions including the All Ireland and World Championships in both solo and team competitions.
Neil has been a professional dancer for the past 12 years. He has danced with some of the greatest Irish Dance Shows in the world such as Gaelforce, Rhythm of the Dance, Lord of the Dance, Tara, Magic of the Dance and Flames of the Dance. During his 12 years on stage, Neil has had the great pleasure of performing the lead dance roles in Tara and Flames of the Dance. Having now finally settled back in Dublin, Neil is currently performing nationally and internationally with Damhsa. His television performances include BBC Record Breakers and Glasvegas Series 3 on TG4.
Neil has had the privilege of being the lead Damhsa dancer to perform with the world renowned band The Chieftains in various showcases throughout Ireland. These performances have included venues such as the National Concert Hall and a private performance at Áras an Uachtaráin for President Mary McAleese.
Zara Curtis
Zara Curtis began Irish dancing at the tender age of 6 with the Michelle Lee School of Irish Dancing, Dublin. In her competitive career she soon excelled and became a champion dancer ranking in the top five in all major competitions and winning the Dublin title. She began performing professionally at the age of 15, touring with various Irish Cabaret shows around the USA and festivals throughout Europe. She became a member of the Riverdance Flying Squad at 16 and has also has performed in the renowned Jury’s Irish Cabaret in Dublin.
In 2003 Zara put her Degree in English and History on hold to tour full-time with Riverdance. Within 6 months of touring she was chosen to be a Principal dancer, a role she was delighted to perform for 4 years. Zara has danced throughout Europe, Scandinavia, Mexico, Russia, the USA, Canada and Asia with Riverdance. Zara studied TV Production and Presentation with the Bill Keating Centre in 2007 and qualified as an Irish Dance Teacher (TCRG) in 2008. She still performs regularly with the Riverdance Flying Squad. Zara is also the featured soloist dancer in Celtic Thunder, a new chart topping show, released in March 2008 on DVD and on PBS in the United States and she will be touring the States and Canada with the production Oct-Dec 2008.
Highlights of her career so far include performing to packed audiences with Riverdance: in Tokyo, the Kremlin in Moscow, Hammersmith Apollo in London, the Pantages Theatre in LA and performing successful runs as Principal dancer the last 4 years in her home town in the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin. Media appearances include The Paul O’Grady Show, CBBC, and numerous TV and radio shows in Mexico, Japan, Taiwan, the USA and the UK.
Eoin Murray
Eoin Murray originally from Dublin, now residing in County Clare, started dancing at the age of six with the Aoibheann Maoiléidigh School and later with the famous Inis Ealga School of Irish Dancing in Dublin. During his competitive career, Eoin received numerous solo and figure dancing awards at both the All Ireland and World Championship level.
At the age of 12, Eoin started his stage career with Jurys Cabaret and also traveled internationally with the Dublin Folk Dance Group as their lead solo dancer in European Folk Festivals. In 1998, Eoin joined the cast of Lord of the Dance where he performed nightly in the Las Vegas casino New York New York Hotel. It was Eoin’s great pleasure to be associated with a great production and a cast from all over the world. Eoin was also one of the first cast members of Lord of the Dance flying squad which included performances for The Swiss National Lottery, The Donny and Marie show, Six Nations Rugby World Cup, G8 World Leaders Summit in St. Petersburg Russia and many others.
After several years with Lord of the Dance, Eoin went on to tour with the Irish Dance show GaelForce touring across Europe. After this he joined Irish Thunder with the O’Shea School of Dancing where they performed daily for the famous Anheuser Busch Gardens in Washington. Since his return to Ireland he has been dancing with Damhsa under the direction of fellow Lord of the Dance cast members Jim Murrihy and Denise Flynn. After several years with Damhsa it is now Eoin’s great honor to be managing the Damhsa west coast group.
Nikki Mac Loone
At 26, Nikki has built up her touring experience to date spending the last 5 years travelling the world with Lord of the Dance where she has performed the lead role of the Gypsy on numerous occasions. She has featured on TV shows such as Good Morning America and The Rose of Tralee and has also just completed the Feet of Flames tour with Michael Flatley in Taiwan.
Residing in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, Nikki predominantly features in the Damhsa troupe based in the west of Ireland but has also represented Damhsa on the Chieftains latest tour of Ireland with Neil Sullivan. Nikki is a fully qualified Irish Dance teacher (TCRG) with CLRG and is kept busy teaching over 80 students each week.
Mikey O'Meara
Mikey O’Meara has spent the last 5 years on tour travelling the world with Lord of the Dance. He has featured on TV shows such as Good Morning America and Dancing with the Stars and has also just completed the Feet of Flames tour in Taiwan with Michael Flatley.
Residing in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, Mikey performs in the Damhsa troupe based in the west of Ireland and throughout the country for numerous corporate events and weddings. Mikey is a fully qualified Irish Dance teacher (TCRG) with CLRG and teaches in his home town a couple of evenings per week.
Sarah Woods
Sarah Woods began Irish dancing at a very young age with Scoil Rince Mona Ni Rodaigh in Dundalk. She has competed in numerous competitions and to date has won 4 North American Championships, 2 Ulster Championships, 2 All Scotland, has been placed in the top 5 in the World Championships and won senior ceili championships 3 years in a row.
Sarah’s touring experience spans across Europe with Dance Masters in Germany and Switzerland and with GaelForce in China where she has performed the lead role. With Damhsa, Sarah featured in all our performances on Glas Vegas series 3 2009. She is now based in Dublin and in between her touring dates she performs for Damhsa at numerous events throughout Ireland!
James Greenan
James Greenan from Coothill in Co Cavan has danced his competitive career with Scoil Rince Mona Ni Rodaigh in Dundalk and has numerous titles under his belt to boast about. His touring experience to date has been with Dance Masters in Germany and Switzerland where he has performed the lead role along side Sarah Woods. He has also toured with GaelForce in China.
James has travelled to Italy with Damhsa in the summer of 2009 so is building up a repetoire of performances overseas! He featured in two of the Damhsa performances on Glas Vegas series 3 2009 and when he takes a break from touring performs at all of our corporate events and weddings.
Caroline Brennan
Caroline Brennan from Drogheda, Co Louth started dancing at the age of 5 with Scoil Rince Ni Chearra O’Baolain and then finally with Scoil Rince Mona Ni Rodaigh in Dundalk. She has competed and obtained solo and team titles and awards in the All Ireland, Great Britain, North American and World Irish Dancing Championships.
Caroline has been a member of Riverdance Flying Squad since the year 2000 where she has danced at numerous events in the UK, Germany, Belgium, Austria, France, the Czech Republic and Eqypt. During Caroline’s time with Riverdance and Damhsa she has performed at Special Olympics with Riverdance, BBC’s Children in Need, Guinness World Record Smashed and Glasvegas.
Alan Fox
Alan Fox, from Dundalk, Ireland has won some of the highest awards in Irish dancing. He has won 2 World, 2 All-Ireland, 8 Regionals and 5 British Nationals 1st Place awards. Alan danced with Scoil Rince Oirialla during his competitive career. After retiring from competition, Alan toured with Riverdance (Liffey) for an incredible three years. Alan still continues to perform with the show as a member of the Riverdance Flying Squad. After his time with Riverdance, Alan joined the cast of Irish Thunder/Emerald Beat at Busch Gardens in America where he performed the lead role.
Alan’s television performances during his professional career include French & Saunders, Strictly Come Dancing and Glasvegas to name but a few. Now back from touring, Alan is currently attending the University of Limerick where he is studying for his MA in Dance Performance. He is pleased to currently be performing with Damhsa in both their Dublin based group and their west coast group.
Aoife Kennedy
Aoife Kennedy from Co. Meath began dancing at the age of 5 for the Jackie O’Leary School and moved into championship level very quickly. She won numerous titles including the World Championships, the All-Ireland Championship, the American Nationals, and several Leinster Championships and numerous British Nationals titles. 2003 was a particularly special year when Aoife won the World, All-Ireland, British National and Leinster Championship all in the same year. At present, Aoife is dancing competitively for the Denise Flynn School of Irish Dancing and is studying physiotherapy in Trinity College.
Aoife joined Damhsa in 2008 and has performed at a variety of events nationally and internationally. She represented Damhsa taking part in the television series 3 Glas Vegas on TG4 and the group were delighted to finish runners-up in the final. Her highlights to date with Damhsa have been her performances with the Chieftains and her trip to take part in the Italian Festival during the summer of 2009. She has also performed for the President Mary McAleese and for the Special Olympics. With a great love of music she has played the piano accordion with an orchestra touring Ireland, America and Europe winning All-Ireland, European and American titles.
Cal Moran
Cal Moran, originally from Dundalk Co Louth, and now residing in Dublin is excited to have recently joined Damhsa in 2009. Having danced for the Scoil Rince Mona Ni Rodaigh in Dundalk he has competed in dance competitions all over the world. Having joined Riverdance flying squad at the age of 16 he has performed in some amazing locations such as Japan and Taiwan to name but a few. Cal during his professional career was the lead dancer for 5 seasons in Irish Thunder/Emerald Beat (located in Busch Gardens) and also with Celtic Legends.
Some of the his most memorable dance performances throughout his career include: performance with Riverdance at the opening of the Special Olympics Croke Park(2003); Chinese New Year Celebration Show in Beijing in 2009 which was broadcast to an audience of 1.6 billion, Match of the Day, The Late Late Show (2008), Guinness Book of World Records Show in London (2009), and the GAA All Stars Gala Show. Cal is also an instructor for a get-in-gear program in UCD where he is enjoying teaching beginners.
Yvonne McNelis
Yvonne McNelis from Ardara, Co.Donegal began competing at the age of 5 and went on to win 1st place in the Ulster, All-Ireland, Scottish and British National Championships before being placed 2nd in the World Championships in 1996. At 14 years old, Yvonne performed at the Milwaukee Irish Fest and in 2000 she lead a group of Irish dancers to perform at the Irish, U.K. and American Premiere’s of the film Dancing at Lughnasa.
Since the age of 17 Yvonne has danced with Riverdance travelling to countries throughout Europe, Scandinavia, America, the Middle East and Asia. Yvonne joined Damhsa in 2007 and has performed at many corporate events and travelled to Germany to perform. Yvonne currently works as a physiotherapist and teaches part-time at the Olive Hurley School of Irish Dancing. She also continues to enjoy performing with the Riverdance Flying Squad and with Damhsa!
Dave "Bunny" Johnston
Dave started dancing in 1997 at the age of 20. This would be considered to be a very late age to start Irish dancing but at the time it was only meant to be a hobby and to get into good shape. Within only a couple of months he entered his Regional qualifiers for the world championships and won and went on to be placed 9th in the world championships overall.
In September 1999 Dave joined the Irish folk ballet company and performed nightly on the Silja Cruise liners. In January 2000 he joined Michael Flatleys Feet of Flames and performed in a one off mega show in Budapest in front of a stadium of 100,000 people. Later that year Dave joined troupe 2 of Michael Flatleys Lord of the Dance touring all over the USA, Australia, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, and in 2002 he was awarded the lead role of Don Dorcha.
In 2004 after leaving Lord of the Dance and taking a short break he joined the highly acclaimed dance show Magic of the Dance and was awarded understudy to the show’s main lead dancer Michael Donnellan and eventually went on to perform the lead role on a regular basis and toured the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Holland, Norway, Switzerland & Taiwan. In December 2005 after taking a short break from dancing Dave joined Riverdance and toured France, Switzerland and Austria but residing now in Dublin he still dances on a regular basis for the Riverdance Flying Squad and Damhsa.
Sandra Cosgrave
Sandra Cosgrave from Annacotty, Co. Limerick, is a current member of Damhsa’s West Coast Group. While currently working in interior design in Limerick she also performs with the cast of Damhsa for weddings and corporate events. Sandra began her dancing career at an early age with the famous Nolan School in Limerick under the direction of Tony and Rose Nolan. Having competed at the highest levels in both solo and team dance competitions she couldn’t wait to start her professional career on the big stage.
For an incredible seven years Sandra toured with Michael Flatleys Lord of Dance to sold out arenas worldwide. During these amazing seven years she toured with both the European and American Troops. After a memorable professional dance career, Sandra is delighted to be settled back in Limerick and performing with the Damhsa west coast group where she has been reunited with many of her friends that she danced with in Lord of the Dance.
Brian McEnteggart
A native of Dundalk, Brian was taught in the renowned Scoil Rince Mona Ni Rodaigh. Brian competed at National, International and World championship levels achieving world medals in both solo and team competitions.
His professional dancing career began when he joined Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance in 1999 in Orlando, Florida’s Epcot Centre. He went on to become a member of the resident Las Vegas troupe for five years working in both the New York New York Hotel and The Venetian Hotel. In 2004, Brian was chosen to become part of Michael Flatley’s new project, Celtic Tiger which toured North America, Canada, Europe and Asia.
Brian’s television credits include, Good Morning America, The Tony Danza Show, The Late Late Show, The Jerry Lewis Telethon, and Dancing with the Stars. Having completed several years of touring, Brian is currently living in London where he is managing Damhsa’s new London based group. Brian is delighted to continue his love of dancing while performing and managing Damhsa UK.
Dearbhla Lennon
Celebrity Jigs N Reels star Dearbhla Lennon began dancing at the tender age of two under the expert tuition of her mother, Móna Ní Rodaigh. Having achieved multiple accolades at regional, national and World Championship level, she later went on to represented Ireland at many International Festivals throughout the world. Aged just 17, she was invited to join the original cast of Lord of the Dance, where she subsequently performed as principal dancer for over five years, touring in such places as North/South America, Europe, The Middle East, South Africa and Australia. Dearbhla debuted as principal female dancer with Riverdance in 2005 and has also traveled the world in this capacity, performing in theatres across the Far East, Europe and Egypt.
Dearbhla graduated with a first class honours degree in Journalism and Media Communications in 2004. Dearbhla worked with Riverdance director John McColgan in his highly acclaimed production of the play The Shaughraun for the Abbey Theatre Dublin. During her time at college, she worked as both a fashion model and dancing teacher, having obtained her TCRG exam in 2001. She continues to teach alongside her mother; their school being one of the world’s most successful.
Some of the highlights of Dearbhla’s dancing career include performing on The Academy Awards, performing for Prince Charles at The Royal Gala in The Royal Albert Hall, The opening of the 2003 Special Olympic Games (in front of an 80,000 strong audience),The BBC Proms in the Park (where she performed as a soloist) and of course winning 2007s Celebrity Jigs N’ Reels with her partner Gavin O’Fearraigh.
Aidan Garvey
Aidan Garvey originally from Tullydonnell, Silverbridge, began dancing at the age of 4 with Scoil Rince Mona Ni Rodaigh in Dundalk. Throughout his competitive years he traveled all over the world and has won every major dance title including the World Championships in both solo and team dancing. Aidan has performed at many major events such as Miss Ireland and an Irish Christmas with Phil Colter on RTE to name but a few.
His show career started in 2006 in Busch Gardens, Williamsburg VA where he performed daily shows to sold out crowds. After an extended run, Aidan left Busch Gardens and joined “Dance Masters Best of Irish Dance” as the lead dancer and has been touring Europe for the last few years. While on break from touring, Aidan is honored to be performing with Damhsa and its great cast of dancers.
Emma Warren
Emma Warren from County Dublin has danced her competitive career with the Elaine Kavannagh School of Irish Dance and has numerous titles under her belt to boast about. Emma is the current Dublin and Leinster Champion. Her highest placing is 3rd in the All Ireland and 6th in the World Irish Dance Championships.
Emma has toured Mexico with Rhythm of the Dance and also toured America with Dublin’s Traditional Irish Cabaret. Emma is currently studying music in D.I.T Rathmines. Having joined Damhsa at the end of 2009, Emma is looking forward to performing with us in the next few years in the Dublin based group.
Sean O’Brien
Sean O’Brien has been dancing since he was 4 with Scoil Rince O’She in Dublin. He is the reigning Leinster Champion, a title he has held for 6 years running now and has previously won the British National Championships. He was also runner up in the World Championships in 2005.
Sean has 3 years show experience being based in Busch Gardens, California performing in Emerald Beat for Summer runs and has performed on TG4 and RTE for the GAA Allstars events 2008/2009. Sean joined Damhsa torwards the end of 2009 and has performed with us so far in Ireland, Russia and Brussels.
Fiona Harold
Fiona Harold, from Dundalk, Ireland is a three times World and All-Ireland Champion. She danced with Scoil Rince Oirialla. Fiona has toured the U.K., U.S.A., Canada & Australia as an original cast member of Lord of the Dance. In 1997, she became lead dancer and dance captain for the U.S production of the show. Performances include the 1997 Academy Awards (Los Angeles, U.S.A.), The London Palladium & The Prince’s Trust Royal Gala Performance(Albert Hall, London).
In 1999, Fiona was awarded the first ever Riverdance/Fulbright Scholarship to study dance and theatre in Boston College. During her time in Boston, she performed with Riverdance – The Show in The Wang Theatre. She continued to perform with the show as a member of the Riverdance Flying Squad. In 2005, after graduating from Trinity College, Dublin with a B.Sc. (Hons.), she successfully completed An Coimisiun Le Rinci Gaelacha Teacher’s Exam (T.C.R.G.) and is currently teaching with Ard-Rialla School of Dancing in county Louth Ireland.
Terence Martin
Terrance Martin is from Dublin and started dancing at the age of 4 with Mary O’Connor and then the Peg McTeggart School of Irish Dance. He has won 5 All-Ireland and 5 Leinster titles throughout his career. Terrance was part of the Lord of the Dance cast from 1998 to 2005 and performed the lead role of Don Dorcha on numerous occasions.
Terence has made TV appearances on the Donny & Marie Osmond Show and the Jerry Lewis Telethon. He has been performing for Damhsa for a number of years now and performs at numerous corporate events and weddings throughout Ireland.
Bernie McCabe
Bernadette began dancing at the age of 4 for the Mary O’Connor School of Irish Dancing and then at 17 started her first tour with Rhythm of the Dance. In early 2004, Bernadette joined Lord of the Dance troupe 4 and travelled to numerous countries throughout Europe, North America, Canada and South Africa.
Richard Nichol
Dancing for the Coffey School of Irish Dancing since the age of six, Richard achieved numerous titles in his career including winning several Ulster championships and an All-Ireland championship and runner-up on several occasions in the World championships. Richard also danced with several groups in both Ireland and the US and toured North America with Comhaltas Ceolteori Eireann.
Richard was a member of Riverdance from 1997 to 2003 both as a part-time member of the Riverdance Flying Squad and as a full-time member of the Liffey Company touring Europe and Asia and was part of Riverdance – The Homecoming in Dublin in 2000. He has performed with Riverdance on numerous television shows and corporate events around the world including the 2002 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards held in the famous Hotel de Paris, Monte Carlo and the Armani Charity Fashion Show in Rome, Italy to name but a few.
In 2003 Richard was a member of the cast of Riverdance that performed at the Opening Cermony of the Special Olympics World Summer Games held in Corke Park Dublin. This performance featured the longest line of Irish Dancers ever seen (over 100) and was braodcast live around the world. Since leaving Riverdance, Richard has successfully taken the TCRG exams to become a qualified irish dance teacher with An Commisiun and has performed on numerous occasions with Damhsa.
Ellen Bonner
Ellen Bonner, from Ashbourne, started dancing at the young age of 5.Throughout her ongoing competitive career she has danced with Deirdre Caldwell, the Jackie O’Leary School and now currently with the Denise Flynn School of Irish Dancing. Ellen has competed and placed in some of the worlds greatest dance competitions such as the Leinster Qualifiers, All-Ireland and World Championships, British National, All-Scotland and Great Britain Championships. She has also been the runner-up in the Leinster Championships from 2003 to 2008.
While Ellen is currently studying for a degree in Accounting and Finance in DCU, she is member of DCU dance society who are competing in the All-Ireland Dance Experiment and The Intervarsities, 2010. She is also a member of Celtica Irish Dancing Group, Ashbourne Community School, which won various talent competitions in the Leinster area. In her career to date she has danced for President Mary McAleese and on numerous occasions she has danced for the Donegal Person of the Year Annual Dinner Dance. In between her studies, Ellen has been performing with Damhsa since 2008 at various corporate and wedding events throughout Ireland. With Damhsa Ellen competed in the TG4 talent competition Glas Vegas series 3 in 2009.
Laura Delargy
From her home in Chiswick, London and born to parents from Donegal and Antrim, Laura took to Irish music and dance very easily. Laura first began to dance at the age of four under the Kennedy School and soon progressed to the renowned Aaron Crosbie Academy where she reached world championship standard winning titles at the same level both nationally and internationally. Laura began her journey to professional dance in the Feet of Flames spectatuclar in Hyde park in 1998.
From this she continued as a member of the resident Las vegas Troupe where she performed as both an ensemble dancer and as a musician playing the fiddle in the production of Lord of the Dance. Laura joined the disney production of the show in 1999 at Florida’s Epcot Centre before returning to finish the run in vegas and transfer to the european touring troupe for the next three years. Laura Returned home in 2007 to concentrate on her teaching expertise and will be graduating as a qualified dance teacher this year at the World championships in Glasgow. Laura lives and works in London where she teaches Alongside Mr. Crosbie in his champion producing school and is delighted to be a part of Damhsa UK.
Mark Mulholland
Mark Mulholland from Belfast has danced since the age of 5 for the Armstrong School of Irish Dancing where he achieved high places at all championships locally and internationally. At 17 Mark joined Rhythm of the Celts and toured extensively throughout Europe.
After completing school he then traveled to Dublin to audition for Lord of the Dance and was offered a place in 1999. He has traveled significantly (to over 40 countries) with the Lord of the Dance show Troupe 1 for the past 9 years. He is currently undertaking a degree in Psychology whilst on the road and in his spare time performs with Damhsa.
