Western U.S. Region Irish Dance 250192 (2024)

The investigation into alleged widespread cheating in Irish dancing has been completely abandoned.
An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG) this evening made the shock announcement that it was “no longer in a position” to pursue disciplinary action against those accused of cheating.

More than 40 people had faced allegations of so-called ‘feis-fixing’ in the dramatic cheating controversy that engulfed the world of Irish dancing when it was first revealed in this newspaper in 2022.

But almost two years on, only a handful of those accused of cheating have faced independent disciplinary action. It is understood that more than 30 dance teachers and judges were still to face hearings over the alleged cheating.

In a letter to members last night, CLRG chairperson Sandra Connick said: “It is with great regret that I must now inform you that CLRG is no longer in a position to pursue further disciplinary action against those individuals accused of wrongdoing. This decision was taken by Coiste Faire [the body’s ethics committee] on behalf of CLRG, and these individuals are now being contacted by our legal team.

"I have no doubt many you will be extremely frustrated by this decision, as am I. Unfortunately, it is a necessary and unavoidable course of action at this time.”

Ms Connick said that CLRG had brought in stronger rules and procedures around judging of competitive high-profile competitions since the cheating scandal first broke – including on the selection of judges for major contests.

“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.”

CLRG, which recently ended its contract with a PR company brought in to assist with crisis communications, has been approached for comment.

Ms Connick did not give a reason to members for CLRG dropping its high-profile cheating investigation.

The Irish Independent reported earlier this week that the cheating scandal had cost CLRG more than €1 million since it first broke.

According to its most recent accounts for 2022, the year that the allegations emerged, CLRG had net assets of just over €1 million.

• -- They’re shameless, 21:58:30 05/22/24 Wed
• -- ., 06:58:22 05/23/24 Thu
• We all really need to move forward -- Don't cut off your nose to spite your face, 08:56:08 05/23/24 Thu
  • Years of the joy of dancing we’re all in vain. They’ve stolen from the innocent children, the passion, hard work, hopes. A whole lot (NT) -- money parents paid for what was actually corrupt.That’s Y, 20:57:40 05/23/24 Thu
    • Quite dramatic -- It's a choice, 08:31:48 05/24/24 Fri
      • Cheating occurs at local feis too. Not just majors -- No name, 09:11:55 05/24/24 Fri
        • Agreed! See it all the time in WR. (NT) -- No name, 16:53:27 05/24/24 Fri
      • You say yes the cheating sucked, BUT. There is the problem with you and your thought process, there should be no BUTS about cheating. Btw (NT) -- I don't discuss this with my child., 10:37:03 05/24/24 Fri
  • We need to take our power back. -- Boycott, 08:28:02 05/24/24 Fri
  • Letting it go means no accountability. That’s the problem with this approach. No accountability means it will happen again because people know there will be no repercussions. -- More, 08:03:44 05/28/24 Tue
  • OP completely agree (NT) -- Well said, 17:12:55 05/28/24 Tue
• WR school with named cheaters should be closed (NT) -- Fresh start, 11:37:09 05/24/24 Fri
  • Everyone always knew there was cheating and favors, which is why people ask for the list of judges prior to a feis. Our tc knows which ones will not favor our school. They're all a bunch of old cronies (NT) -- patting each other on the back, 16:15:26 05/24/24 Fri
    • Agree, AND, if anyone ever questioned anything you are accused of sour grapes (NT) -- !, 16:16:41 05/24/24 Fri
• As a veteran irish dance mom I can tell you (more inside) -- No name, 16:30:35 05/24/24 Fri
  • At least two have left the country. (NT) -- No name, 16:54:58 05/24/24 Fri
    • That validates all of it! OMG, how and why can anyone try to ignore and accept this? (NT) -- DO NOT PUT YOUR KID IN IRISH DANCE FOR COMPETITION, 17:14:47 05/24/24 Fri
  • CLRG Don’t Sweep it Under the Rug -- No name, 21:43:19 05/27/24 Mon
• So as the OP stated the org has over two million at the time of the reveal. (NT) -- Boycott any contribution to this corrupt org!, 17:17:24 05/24/24 Fri
  • Article quoted said in 2022 assets were 1 million and the scandal has cost 1 million (NT) -- Don’t see where they had/have 2 million, 10:31:29 05/25/24 Sat
• OMFG really? This is unacceptable and insane. Keep all ID has to offer outside of this corrupt org! (NT) -- unbelievable, unacceptable wokeness at expense of your kid!, 17:43:23 05/24/24 Fri
• Well, sadly, there will always be those who follow like sheep which is what all clrg and any tc's will bank on. The age of Riverdance popularity has retired. (NT) -- Do Your Research, 17:46:58 05/24/24 Fri
• So typical of the "woke". Do you even care about your kids and their passion? (NT) -- Accountability needs to be in place for society sanity!, 18:14:00 05/24/24 Fri
  • Woke? (NT) -- Did I miss something?, 04:44:20 05/25/24 Sat
    • Right?! There must be some other definition of woke (NT) -- ., 13:16:08 05/25/24 Sat
      • no punishment for crimes, deceit, lies, allowing boys to dance in girls comps, so typical of today's world, no one held accountable for such heinous behaviour (NT) -- kids are the victims here, stand up and say no more to clrg, 20:43:11 05/25/24 Sat
• What do you want them to do? I don’t think they have a choice. The accused have a right to due process. People shouldn’t lose their livelihoods without proof and I don’t think CLRG can afford forensics on the messages and pictures of texts -- Not saying it doesn’t happen - more, 00:53:12 05/26/24 Sun
• I think it’s possible there was cheating between tc’s and students doing favours. How will you all feel about this when that breaks one day? (NT) -- Kids get older & wont stay silent about the abuse, 07:21:30 05/26/24 Sun
  • Ooh, now that would be a scandal all it's own, would for sure take down clrg because they're silent on everything. (NT) -- don't fear change, 14:30:11 05/31/24 Fri

Found some info on reddit/trip advisor, but would love Locals' input on the following, please and thank y'all:

1. Unsafe areas to avoid in general

2. Any places you take out-of-town guests as a "Must See"

3. Where you go for a moderately-priced but tasty meal

4. Any scams/crime tactics you've heard about on local news/social media (there always seem to be new ones popping up...)

5. Any tips/tricks/hacks you'd like to share

Unfortunately, we aren't there long enough to venture out of the city for mountain hiking or Hoover Dam tour...

We appreciate and value our WR Irish Dance friends' input.

• Eataly is on lower level of Park MGM. Has some good casual options -- (Not local, but recent Vegas traveler), 13:48:58 04/07/24 Sun
  • Thank You ☺️ -- Vagabond (Excited), 07:43:52 04/08/24 Mon
• The Buffet between The Paris and Ballys is nice (NT) -- Good food, 10:50:02 04/17/24 Wed
  • tHaNkS! (NT) -- No name, 04:01:44 04/18/24 Thu
• The safety level is high there -- No name, 07:15:47 04/27/24 Sat

Reflect on the plight of many a young dancer, navigating their journey without guidance, their hearts ablaze with nothing but raw ambition and dreams. Amidst the shadows cast by recent scandals, it's paramount we remember not to tarnish these innocent souls with the same brush. Their only fault lies in a mere association with figures who may or may not have strayed from the path of integrity, not in any misdeed of their own.

Consider, if you will, the distinction between the individual achievements of our dancers and the failings of their schools or teachers. These young ones, their efforts marred by sweat and tears, deserve our applause, not the shadow of others' indiscretions. And for those dancers forging ahead without the backing of any institution or mentor, their determination and talent shine even brighter.

We find ourselves at a crossroads, the very essence of our beloved sport hanging in the balance, threatened by outdated norms and unfair practices. Speaking from the heart, as a parent whose introduction to Irish dance came through a child whose passion knows no bounds, I implore us to consider the future we're crafting. The path we're on, riddled with favoritism and unscrupulous actions, threatens the heart and soul of our tradition.

The time is ripe for change, for a new chapter where a dancer's talent and hard work are the sole yardsticks for recognition, fostering a fair and just environment for all. Such a transformation is not just possible but necessary to safeguard the vibrancy and integrity of Irish dance.

• Agree with everything you've stated, however, I believe a transformation has been needed for a long time (more inside) -- the old cronies will never change, 13:00:58 03/25/24 Mon