Dancer Iona competing in her third world championships

Iona Darby from Turin is heading off to Montreal tomorrow (Friday) to compete in the 2023 World Irish Dancing Championships.

Fourteen year old Iona, who qualified for the worlds at the Leinster final held in the Mullingar Park in November, first started dancing with the O'Reilly-Bransfield School of Dance when she was five.

Over the years she has competed all over ireland and has been lucky enough to travel to the likes of England, Scotland and America for competitions and has previously competed at world championships in Belfast and North Carolina.

In order to compete against the best dancers in the world, Iona juggles her school work with practice, attending up to five dance classes a week, as well as going to the gym twice a week.

Industrious Iona, who takes to the stage at the worlds on Monday, also gives back to her community, helping out at the beginners class in Rathowen and by all accounts is a role model for the younger dancers.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, her proud mother Catherine said Iona's love of Irish dancing could really seen during the pandemic when her classes had to go online.

“Dancing at the worlds is a privilege. Her fellow dancers, family and friends are all so proud of her. We wish her the best of luck and most importantly want her to enjoy every minute of it.”