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Extra.ie
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Reeling in the years -- The jig certainly isn't up as Riverdance celebrates three legendary decades
From a stunning interval act during Eurovision to a global phenomenon… Riverdance is celebrating a remarkable 30 years on the road tonight. As soon as the short–but–thrilling first-ever performance finished in the Point Depot in 1994, thousands in the audience jumped to their feet and erupted into ecstatic applause. The original producer, John McColgan, has recalled that he was in tears at the reception the seven-minute 'interlude' received and knew he had to give Riverdance its own Broadway-style show. Director of Riverdance John McColgan. Pic: SAM BOAL/Collins Photos. Just a year later, Riverdance was on the road and has been ever since, entertaining millions around the globe and bringing them a taste and flavour of the rich Irish culture that spawned it. In its 30 years on the road, the show has seen many romances blossom among cast members, producing 70 marriages and 130 babies. Riverdance 30 – The New Generation has kicked off a three-month stint at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin, running until September 7. Original Riverdance. Pic: File A sign of its longevity is the fact that the entire cast is now younger than the show itself. Daragh Roddy, the son of a former Riverdance lead, Pat Roddy, is dancing in the show's Dublin debut. The show made careers of its original leads: US-born dancers Michael Flatley, 66, and Jean Butler, 54, both went on to individual global stardom. Overseeing rehearsals for the new show was McColgan, now 80, who produced the original performance with his wife, Moya Doherty, 68. Current Lead Riverdance dancers Amy Mae Dolan and Fergus Fitzpatrick on stage with Director of Riverdance John McColgan and (L) Former dancer Susan Ginnety and (R) Breandán De Gallaí. Pic: SAM BOAL/Collins Photos. He recalled: 'The Point Theatre: when Riverdance finished, 4,000 people jumped to their feet in unison, but I was in tears, I knew something special had happened.' A year later, McColgan had turned the interval act into a two-hour stage show, which opened in Dublin on February 9, 1995. Talking about the transformation, he said: 'I was a big fan of the Broadway musical, and I wanted to take Irish dance and the very strait-laced way it had been performed. We change it and polish it all the time. Former Riverdance dancer Pat with his son Darragh (20). Pic: SAM BOAL/Collins Photos. 'The fundamental show is the same, but you get new energy every time there is a new cast. They're like young athletes now, and they take it very, very seriously.' Anna Mai Fitzpatrick, who dances in the show with her brother Fergus, grew up in Meath thinking she wanted to be in Riverdance. She said: 'We absolutely feel the responsibility and we take that challenge completely positively and we see it more as an honour rather than a heavy weight. Riverdance was here before either of us were born.' Fergus described leading Riverdance along with his sister as a 'dream come true', adding: 'It's even more special to be able to have family on the road with you when you're traveling, getting to do what you love, getting to see these amazing places while taking care of the iconic show.' While Sheena McMorrow is too young at 17 to join the full cast, she took part in last night's special performance at the Gaiety, following in the dance steps of her parents, Fran and Jonathan McMorrow, both former Riverdance members. 'My parents met in Riverdance, and that just made it so clear Irish dancing was going to be a big part of my life,' she said. Dad Jonathan said: 'It's fabulous for her to be able to do this. She's looked forward to this day for a very, very long time.' Tickets for the Gaiety shows are priced from €36.55 to €61.10.
Irish Examiner
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Probe after graffiti sprayed on Department of Foreign Affairs building
Gardaí are investigating after graffiti was sprayed on the front of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin. Red paint was splattered on the facade of the building, along with messages against facilitating the US military to use Shannon Airport in the south-west of Ireland and a pro-Palestinian solidarity slogan. The writing included: 'US military out of Shannon' and 'search the planes'. A spokesman for the Department said it was aware of a 'security incident' outside the Iveagh House building early on Friday morning. He said gardáí are 'actively following up on the matter'. A spokesman for the gardaí confirmed an investigation had been launched. 'The alarm was raised shortly after 4am following paint damage to the building's front facade. 'The scene has undergone forensic examination, and inquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Pearse Street Garda Station at 01 666 9000 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.' The Department of Foreign Affairs on St Stephens Green being cleaned after red paint was thrown at the building . Picture: SAM BOAL/Collins Photos US flights stopping off at Shannon Airport to refuel have long been an issue of contention in Ireland, as politicians and activists raise concerns that it makes Ireland complicit in US military actions. Protests have been held at the airport over the Iraq War, Western intervention in Syria, and more recently over US support for Israel during its military operation in Gaza. In recent months, there have been reports that flights carrying munitions to weapons manufacturers and contractors in Israel have travelled through Irish airspace. Permission is needed from the Transport Minister to carry munitions over Ireland. Earlier this year, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said landing facilities have been made available to the US and other foreign militaries for decades. He said: 'Arrangements for foreign military aircraft to land in Irish airports are governed by strict conditions, including stipulations that the aircraft is unarmed; that it carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it does not engage in intelligence gathering; and that the flight in question does not form part of a military exercise or operation.' Mr Martin, who made the comments while he was deputy premier and minister for foreign affairs, added: 'Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality is fully consistent with foreign military and state aircrafts being allowed to enter Irish sovereign territory under certain circumstances. ' Ireland is also examining a report that a flight carrying deportees from the US to Africa stopped at Shannon Airport. Read More At least 40 killed by Israeli strikes in northern Gaza Strip, officials say
Irish Examiner
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
European foreign ministers condemn Israeli plans for Gaza escalation
Tánaiste Simon Harris has issued a joint statement along with five other European counterparts condemning Israel's plans to "cross yet another line" in relation to Gaza. The Foreign Ministers of Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain have expressed "grave concern" about the reported Israeli plans to expand its military operations in Gaza and to establish a prolonged Israeli presence in the Strip. "A further military escalation in Gaza will only exacerbate an already catastrophic situation for the civilian Palestinian population and threaten the lives of the hostages that remain in captivity," the joint statement reads. "This would mean crossing yet another line, marking a dangerous new escalation and jeopardizing any prospects of a viable two-state solution. "We firmly reject any demographic or territorial change in Gaza, including any scheme that would force or facilitate the permanent displacement of its population, which would be in violation of international law. We also strongly oppose a system that does not ensure that the entire population gets access to humanitarian aid. Gaza is an integral part of the State of Palestine, which belongs to the Palestinian people." The statement adds that for more than two months, Israeli authorities have blocked all humanitarian aid and commercial supplies from reaching the civilian Palestinian population in Gaza. Tánaiste Simon Harris has issued a joint statement along with five other European counterparts. Picture: SAM BOAL/Collins Photos Despite repeated calls on Israel to lift these measures and to facilitate relief, Israel has instead further tightened, rather than eased, the measures. "We call on Israel to immediately lift the blockade. It is essential to facilitate relief for all civilians in need, without discrimination, and to follow the other humanitarian principles of impartiality, independence and neutrality. "Together, we call on the Israeli authorities to show restraint. We further call on Israel to take all necessary and effective measures to ensure, without delay, in full cooperation with the United Nations and humanitarian organizations, the unhindered provision at scale of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance. "What is needed more urgently than ever is a resumption of a ceasefire, and the unconditional release of all hostages. We reaffirm our unwavering support for the two-state solution — Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security." The statement has been signed by: Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland Simon Harris, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Luxembourg Espen Barth Eide, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Norway Tanja Fajon, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia José Manuel Albares Bueno, Minister for Foreign Affairs, EU and Cooperation of Spain
