By Lisa Ramsden
A TALENTED 10-year-old from Ballynahinch continues to excel in the world of Irish dance.
Corin Murray and his family are celebrating – for the second year running – his success at the Cumann Rince Dea Mheasa (CRDM) World Championships, the finals of which took place in Dublin.
Corin’s three dances at the world championship were reel, hornpipe and Drunken Gauger.
He received the perfect score, which meant every judge gave him 100.
Having been crowned the best of the best, Corin said he is thrilled with his latest win and thanked everyone for the support and praise he has received.
Reflecting on winning the worlds for the second time, he said: “I’m so happy all of my hard work leading up to the worlds has paid off.
“Thanks so much to my teachers and family for always believing in me and supporting me all the way.”
His rise in the world of competitive dance is meteoric.
Corin only began his journey three years ago, when he joined the Murray School of Irish Dance in his hometown, but his natural ability and flair quickly shone through.
And it’s in part down to his genes.
Corin’s grandmother, Catherine, founded the dance school.
It is under her expert eye, alongside her daughter, and Corin’s aunty, Aislinn McKee, as well as Orla O’Hare, who are all qualified teachers of the Festival Dance Teachers Association (FDTA), that Corin’s dancing skills have been finetuned.
Quickly, he began to rise through the ranks – and in these few short years has amassed a hoard of medals and trophies.
His parents Leona and Niall are thrilled, and at times surprised, at Corin’s level of dedication, as well as how he quickly flourished.
Leona said the family “are on cloud nine” as a result of their youngest son’s success.
“We are so chuffed for him,” she said, adding that as Corin was going into the competition as the current title holder, he “did give himself a bit of pressure.”
