No further action to be taken on Irish dancing cheating allegations

The Irish Dancing Commission, or An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG), has said that it ​​"will not be pursuing further disciplinary action" against those who were accused of cheating back in 2022.

According to the CLRG, the oldest and the largest governing body of competitive Irish dancing in Ireland and globally, this decision comes from Coiste Faire, the board's ethics committee, whose role it is to ensure that all accusations and complaints are "handled with fairness and with confidentiality."

The allegations made to the CLRG in 2022 involved accusations that at least 12 Irish dancing teachers and adjudicators, in Ireland and abroad, had been fixing competitions.

In a statement, CLRG chairperson Sandra Connick stated that the organisation was "no longer in a position" to take disciplinary action against those accused of widespread cheating.

Connick acknowledged the anticipated negative reaction regarding this decision, explaining, "I fully acknowledge how disappointed CLRG teachers and members will be with today's news. However, I would encourage you to continue to place your faith in the organisation as we move forward to best represent the interests of Irish dancing across the globe."

In total, 44 people had allegations made against them. They were accused of manipulating marks so that certain students would score higher.

The adjudicators among those individuals were suspended from judging competitions at the time.

Mr Justice Michael Peart oversaw an independent investigation into the allegations. He recommended that all cases receive a full disciplinary hearing. The first 10 cases were set to be heard in March. According to the CLRG, the remaining cases were due to be covered by summer.

However, in the statement issued last night, the CLRG stated that no further action would be taken against those accused.

A spokesperson for the organisation said, "Ensuring fair competition and effective adjudication at CLRG competitions has always been a key priority."

Continuing, the spokesperson explained, "Enhanced competition and adjudication procedures were introduced in advance of the 2023 All Ireland Championships, that continue to be strictly adhered to and enforced at all CLRG competitions."

The spokesman also stated that the procedure implemented for selecting adjudicators has been strengthened through a system which provides for "all registered 2,300 CLRG teachers and members now having a vote in the process."

The CLRG says it is in the middle of "a modernisation and transformation process, guided by the recommendations of an independent strategic review." Additionally, the organisation has hired a new managing director whose mandate is to introduce strict measures, including a new disciplinary code of practice.

Irish dancing exploded to worldwide popularity when the first version of Riverdance was featured as the 'interval' act at the Eurovision Song Contest, held in Dublin, in 1994.

The full-scale Riverdance show, went on to become one of the most successful touring productions globally over the past thirty years, grossing in excess of $1 billion. It also launched the career of the original lead male dancer Michael Flatley, who went on to achieve extraordinary success with shows like Lord of the Dance, Feet of Flames and Celtic Tiger Live.