Knuzden Irish dancer given lifetime award for preserving and promoting

A dancer has been given an award for a lifetime of diligently safeguarding and preserving Irish Dancing. During her early years Philomena Keigher, formerly Murphy, who lives in Knuzden, joined dance class after emigrating from Ireland with her parents.

Following over 60 years as a dancer, teacher, and administrator, Phil, as she is fondly known, has been recognised by the World Irish Dancing Organisation with a special award to acknowledge and appreciate her contribution.

In the programme notes from the World Irish Dancing Championships which were held in Glasgow, Phil wrote: “I always believed Irish Dancing was for everyone to enjoy and my aim was with the class to form a strong Community ethos and provide financial support where it was needed.

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“I always went with the philosophy that everyone couldn’t be a champion dancer so the young people who wanted to compete were able to do so with great success and the others who wanted to concentrate on displays were also a major part of the class. I co-ordinated the Blackburn Feis (Festival) for many years and with the help of the parents we had one of the longest running and most successful in the North West Region.

“The dancing class survived for over 62 years until Covid and falling numbers contributed to its closure. I am truly grateful and humble to receive such a prestigious award and I dedicate it to everyone who has been associated, in any way, to the Blackburn School of Irish Dancing.”

Phil received her award in Glasgow from the Chairperson of An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha - World Irish Dancing Commission based in Dublin. The dancing class, which was based at The West End Youth Centre in Blackburn, provided a portal where a positive vision of Ireland was made visible to so many second and third generation young Irish people when Ireland was often portrayed in a negative light.

The school of dancing was an integral part of the story of the Irish in Lancashire and will be remembered fondly by all those fortunate to have witnessed the talent that was fostered over the years.