This sister duo from Donegal Town have set their sight on success in the World Irish Dance Championships.

Sisters Ruth (20) and Katie (19) Gillespie will be taking to the World Stage next Sunday April 8th in Maastricht, Holland to compete in the WIDA World and European Championships.

The girls, who dance for Scoil Rince Tir Chonaill in Donegal Town, will be representing their hometown and county at the prestigious event in the Netherlands.

Making it to the World Championships is the ultimate goal for every competitive dancer and it is even more special that these two sisters get to achieve it together.

To add another dimension of sisterly love to the story, the girls are trained by their older sister Sarah, who is the teacher of Scoil Rince Tir Chonaill here in Donegal Town. “I couldn’t be prouder of the two girls. Nobody really understands the hours of work that go into preparing for a competition of this standard and the commitment the two girls have shown has really blown me away,” Sarah said.

“They are the most positive influences I could have asked for my younger dancers to have, and of course it helps a little that they are my baby sisters!”

There are numerous dance organisations in operation today but Scoil Rince Tir Chonaill is registered with The World Irish Dance Association (WIDA). It is a non-profit organisation devoted to promoting Irish dance around the world. Since its founding in 2004, WIDA has developed a global presence and currently includes over 140 schools in 21 countries – and continues to grow at a fast pace.

A defining characteristic of WIDA is its friendly and welcoming culture which can be experienced at any WIDA event. Competition is limited to the dance floor, while off the stage every dancer, parent and teacher becomes part of one big WIDA family with a shared love for Irish dance.

Sarah had these kind words of support for Donegal’s dancing duo: “We wish Ruth and Katie every success on their journey to Maastricht and every parent and dancer from Scoil Rince Tir Chonaill is rooting for you.”