Irish Set Dancing in Canberra

Testimonials, stories and photos

Feedback on the 2018 weekend:

This was a wonderful weekend. The best!

I had a very enjoyable time in Canberra. The people were friendly, it was well organized and I'm glad I went.

Wonderful weekend! Thank you to all concerned.

What a weekend. : ) Having Maureen Culleton as the teacher was such a treat.

A big thank you all for a smashing weekend! The food, friendship and atmosphere were first class - thanks to all for the hard work you put in!


This article was prepared for the Monaro Folk Society's newsletter Musings and other publications.

These photographs were taken by our official photographer Adam Purcell | MelbourneCeiliCamera. Browse the full set of photographs here. Please note Adam's photo usage policy.



  

R - Teacher Maureen Culleton with a young dancer.

The Jimmy Mullarkey Ceili Band

Feedback on the 2017 weekend:

We all enjoyed the weekend thoroughly. It is lovely having three live music ceilis and the Jimmy Mullarkey Ceili Band is a great band.

Everyone is so pleasant and friendly so there is a great atmosphere all weekend. Loved it!!!


This article for the Monaro Folk Society's newsletter Musings describes the event in 2017.

The 2017 weekend was officially opened by His Excellency the Ambassador of Ireland to Australia, Breandán Ó Caollaí, who attended the Saturday night ceili with his wife, Carmel. Breandán and Carmel are standing just behind a kneeling Lyn Ansell (green top and blue skirt).



Dancers participating in a workshop run by James and Sally Garner.


Feedback on the 2016 weekend:

You have a great formula. Please do the same again next year.

A great weekend of dancing, music and craic, what more do you need for a set dance weekend.

Thank you for another memorable, well organised and happy dance weekend!

Thank you for a most enjoyable weekend! The hard word work that was put in was very apparent! Great venue, food, band and workshops! 


This article was prepared for the Monaro Folk Society's newsletter Musings and other publications.

A small group of Canberra dancers worked hard before the 2016 weekend to get the floor in a bettter state so we didn't have to deploy the hammers and gaffer tape quite as frequently!



The 2016 weekend was officially opened by the Second Secretary of the Irish Embassy, Graham Hartnett, who attended the Saturday night ceili with his family. Graham is at centre with his charming daughter in pink. His wife helpfully took the photograph.



Live music for the weekend was provided by local band Hoddle (L to R: Peter Woodley, Jacqueline Bradley, Kevin Bradley, Mick Thompson, Matt Nightingale). Arthur Kingsland at far right is calling a dance.


Some lovely feedback about the 2015 weekend:

On the way home and tonight at the Quiet Man [in Melbourne] we were still exchanging stories and views about our great weekend in Canberra. We all enjoyed every minute of it. Congratulations on an excellent weekend which appeared to be, as usual, flawlessly organised.

A very enjoyable dance program and convivial atmosphere.

It was a fantastic weekend and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.

Friday night was a great start and it carried on from there.

Loved it. Will be back again next year.

Thank you for a wonderful weekend - this is the dance weekend that I really look forward to every year.

The 2015 weekend was officially opened at the Saturday night ceili by the Second Secretary of the Irish Embassy, Graham Hartnett. Below Graham (centre) with Paul Wayper, Kate Armstrong, Taden Kelliher and Christine Briton. The weekend was held for the first time at the charming Hall Pavilion in a fabulous country setting.




Some lovely feedback about the 2014 weekend which was also our 10th Birthday!

Congratulations to the organisers, the caterers, and the volunteers who
worked so hard. Thank you for a wonderful weekend.

Best Irish weekend ever.

It was all just fantastic.

Good variety. Good range of teachers & styles.

The music was excellent this year - I didn't want it to stop it was so good.


This article was prepared for the Monaro Folk Society's newsletter Musings and other publications. Below are some photographs taken by Allen Bills, Margaret Winnett and Jacqueline Jenkins during the weekend.









Some lovely feedback about the 2013 weekend:

Fantastic weekend, great music, great food.

Really enjoyed class by Ina today. Very clear and enjoyable. Thanks.

Ceili Saturday night is very good. Thank you!

Good classes, good music, good catering, good venue.


This article was prepared for the Monaro Folk Society's newsletter Monaro Musings and other publications.

Below are some photographs taken by Allen Bills during the 2013 weekend.

Some lovely feedback about the 2012 weekend:

Just like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, each one is always better than the last.

We thought it was great and should do it all again - immediately!
Fantastically well organised, setting a great international standard.

It was definitely a 'mini Ireland' for the weekend and obvious that
people enjoyed themselves tremendously. Perfect recipe!

The callers, teachers and band were great. As well as the dancing and music,
we really appreciate the chance to catch up with everyone
from the various dance groups. Please pass on our thanks to all your volunteers.

Wonderful weekend. Learnt a lot.

Great weekend as always - thanks.

Below are some photographs taken by Allen Bills during the 2012 weekend.