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Co Armagh Irish dancing sisters invited to special reception to celebrate world titles

Two Co Armagh Irish dancers, who became the first pair of sisters to have been crowned world champions in the same year since 1980, were invited to a special reception at the Palace in Armagh.

Cullyhanna sisters Olivia Murray, 22, and Caitlin Murray, 12, returned victorious in the Ladies 21-23 and Girls Under 12 categories from the World Irish Dancing Championship in Greensboro, North Carolina, in the US earlier this summer.

The pair train out of McConomy Bradley Doherty Academy in Derry up to four times per week.

Speaking to the Derry Journal at the time, Olivia, said: “I still can’t believe I’m a World Champion! It’s the first time a pair of sisters were both crowned at the World Irish Dance Championships since 1980, so it was really special.

“Me and my three sisters competed in North Carolina and my sister was crowned Under 12s World Champion.

“It definitely helps that we all dance. We might not always want to hear what the other is saying but…!

Lord Mayor of Armagh Mealla Campbell welcomes World Champion Irish Dancers, sisters Olivia and Caitlin Murray to a reception at The Palace Armagh Co.Armagh

Lord Mayor of Armagh Mealla Campbell welcomes World Champion Irish Dancers, sisters Olivia and Caitlin Murray to a reception at The Palace Armagh Co.Armagh

Olivia has decided to take a year out to go touring with Riverdance, having recently completed a Maths degree at Queens University in Belfast.

She added: ““I went straight from school to do my Maths degree and then my PGCE so I am going to take a year.

“My summer job is dancing with Riverdance so I would love to do the 25th anniversary tour for a year and then settle down and find a teaching job.”

Lord Mayor of Armagh Mealla Campbell welcomes World Champion Irish Dancers, sisters Olivia and Caitlin Murray to a reception at The Palace Armagh Co.Armagh

Lord Mayor of Armagh Mealla Campbell welcomes World Champion Irish Dancers, sisters Olivia and Caitlin Murray to a reception at The Palace Armagh Co.Armagh

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