Megan Mahon – My Irish dancing journey

I started Irish dancing at the age of three and worked my way from a beginner to an Open Champion. Competing has been a huge part of my life, from local Feiseanna to the Leinster Championships, All Ireland Championships and the World Championships.

Irish dancing runs in my family – my mum was a dancer herself and is now a qualified teacher and adjudicator with An Comhdháil na Múinteoirí le Rincí Gaelacha (The Congress of Irish Dance Teachers). My younger brother is also a competitive dancer, currently ranked fourth in the World and heading to Killarney this Easter to compete in the World Championships again this year.

Countless weekends of dedication and discipline

Most weekends were spent at competitions and many hours of work during the week went into practicing and improving. Competitive Irish dancing requires constant intense training and it is a huge commitment. Those competing at a world championship level need to commit to hours of practice and classes each week to prepare. Most dancers train outside of dancing practice to build strength, stamina, flexibility and a strong mindset. On top of that, musicality and rhythm are just as important as athleticism.

Irish dancing has taught me so much beyond the steps – discipline, time management, hard work and patience. My proudest achievements include placing second at the Leinster Championships last year and finishing in the Top 15 in Ireland and the World. Alongside solo dancing, I also competed in figure and team dancing, which was a massive part of my journey.

Performing around the world

Although I retired from competitive dancing last year, I continue to perform professionally at events. I regularly dance with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) and have had the incredible opportunity to perform in France, Disneyland Paris, Croatia and Scotland.

This Saint Patrick’s Day, I’ll be traveling to Brussels with CCÉ to perform for Ambassador Kevin Conmy at Embassy events and for the Irish Military. Over the years, I’ve also performed at weddings, corporate events, cultural celebrations and even the World Meeting of Families in 2018.

The people who inspired her

My mum has been my biggest influence, teaching me for over 15 years and supporting me through all the highs and lows of competition. Due to her busy schedule, she had to step back from teaching and I now train with Orlagh Carty TCRG (Teagascóir Coimisiún Le Rinci Gaelacha – the ‘teacher’ qualification), a former Riverdance performer, who has been a major influence in my final competitive years.

Both have played an important role in my journey to becoming a qualified Irish dance teacher. Last year, I passed Part 1 of my TCRG exam and in February, I completed the final stage, which included solo and figure teaching, a music exam, a written exam and an Irish oral exam. If all goes well, I’ll graduate this August and hope to teach and inspire the next generation of dancers.

Getting involved in Irish dancing

For anyone interested in Irish dancing, there are plenty of ways to get involved beyond competition. Across the country, you’ll find céilís, dance classes and trad sessions – a great way to experience Irish culture through dance and music. No matter your level, there’s always an opportunity to join in and enjoy the magic of Irish dancing!

Besides professionally dancing around the world and with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann this St Patrick’s Day in Brussels, Megan is giving a special demonstration for our diverse teams in Forvis Mazars at a special St Patrick’s Day event on 12 March 2025.