Manx Trinity Academy of Irish Dance have enjoyed a weekend to remember, after bagging an astounding 17 podium finishes at the OPIDF World Championships.
The three-day campaign was headlined by the academy’s remarkable clean sweep of the team events, where Manx Dancers took home four world championship titles in a single day of competition.
Amy Carr and Katherine Ash, directors of Manx Trinity Academy, said: “We couldn’t be prouder of every single dancer who represented our school.
“To see so much hard work, dedication and determination rewarded on such a big stage is incredibly special. Every dancer has played their part in what has been an unforgettable championship and the support, teamwork and encouragement shown throughout the weekend made us immensely proud.”
How it Happened
Proceedings got off to a fantastic start on day one, with the schools Preliminary dancers delivering some excellent performances.
In the U10 Preliminary Championship, Lily Manson secured an impressive third place, Jenny Manson finished fourth and Darcie Rice placed tenth. In the U14 section, Clodagh Briercliffe claimed an outstanding second place, with Alexa Ash finishing seventh.
Day Two brought further success across the Intermediate and Open grades, with dancers achieving numerous top-ten placings and podium finishes.
Highlights included Lily Manson backing up her day one exploits with second place in the U9 Intermediate Championship, Jasmine Fields finishing second in the U11 Intermediate Premier Light and Alexa Ash bagging a third place in the U14 Intermediate Premier Light.
A standout moment of the championships came in the U13 World Championship, where Emily Watson delivered an exceptional showing to become the 2026 World Champion, taking home the gold medal. She was joined on the podium by teammate Aalish Kilgallon also achieved an incredible third place, while Clodagh Briercliffe was in action once more, finishing eighth in the U14 category.
The group continued its success into the third and final day, where the dancers made history with an incredible clean sweep of the team events, becoming World Champions in all four of the following categories:
- 2-Hand World Champions
- 4-Hand World Champions
- 8-Hand World Champions
- Siamsa Beirte World Champions
A special highlight was seeing the dancers take to the stage alongside their very own parents in the Siamsa Beirte, creating a truly special moment for everyone involved.
There were also fantastic results across the Beginner and Primary sections.
In the Beginner Championships, Jess Kiely claimed first place in the U10 category, while Kitty Kilgallon secured a first place in the U8 Beginner Treble Reel. Kitty Corcoran achieved third place in the Beginner Premier Light.
Further success followed in the Primary grades, with Jasmine Fields becoming U10 Primary Champion. Darcie Rice also secured a fantastic third place in the U9 Primary Treble Reel.