Academy senior ‘steps’ her way into world championships in Ireland

WATCHUNG — Hannah Cunniffe, a senior at Mount Saint Mary Academy, placed second overall out of 100 participants at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Oireachtas for Irish dancing held in Philadelphia over the Thanksgiving weekend.
 

She is now qualified to participate in the World Irish Dancing Championships to be held in Belfast in April 2022.
 

The Mid-Atlantic Regionals have solo and team competitions. The region is composed of New Jersey, Delaware, New York and Pennsylvania.
 

“Since the pandemic, dance classes have been different with social distancing and there are limited local competitions to prepare,” said Hannah. “In November I was going to class five days a week to make sure I was in shape after a long hiatus from the rigorous competing schedule I am used to. I am very grateful to have placed so high as well as see all my friends who dance at other schools again.”
 

Junior Meghan Crowley competed in the same age and category.
 

“We don’t have any classes together and it was nice to catch up with her, too,” Cunniffe said.