World Irish Dance

World Irish Dance-Off

By Matthew Skwiat, Contributing Editor
June / July 2015

May 14, 2015 by Leave a Comment

Hairspray, fake wigs, and oodles of bling were on full display in front of 20,000 spectators for the 45th installment of the Irish World Dance Championships which took place in Montreal at the Palais des Congres in April. It marked the first time the event took place on Canadian soil and proved to be a massive crowd pleasing event that saw more than 5,000 competitors put their … [Read more...] about World Irish Dance-Off

Irish American of the Year: Michael Flatley

By Debbie McGoldrick, Contributor
April / May 2003

April 1, 2003 by Leave a Comment

For what he has done for the world of Irish dance, Irish America is proud to honor Michael Flatley as our Irish American of the Year. Flatley talked to Debbie McGoldrick about his extraordinary journey and what's next on the cards. It's hard to remember the days when Irish stepdancing wasn't in vogue, when it wasn't scintillating and sublime and sexy, when it wasn't a global … [Read more...] about Irish American of the Year: Michael Flatley

March 25, 1920

On this day in 1920, the first “Black and Tans,” or auxiliary policemen, officially arrived in Ireland. 1919 saw the first declaration of an independent Irish Republic, which in turn led to IRA guerilla attacks on the Royal Irish Constabulary. The Royal Constabulary in turn hired Temporary Constables from 1920-1921. The force was established as a means of suppressing revolution, its main target the Irish Republican Army. However, the Black and Tans became known for their attacks on Irish civilians. The nickname “Black and Tan” comes from the color combination of the force’s uniforms, which reminded one Irish reporter of Kerry Beagles.