Which girls will end up on top of the Worlds at Irish dancing’s biggest competition? Tallulah Speed looks at today’s potential winners in the girls’ categories, based on past competition performance.
15-16 Girls
As with Brogan, serial reigning Champion Scoil Rince McConomy Bradley’s Cyra Taylor is bound by judging conflicts, meaning this five-time Worlds winner will be stepping aside for 2014. A likely choice for the top spot is current British National Champion Melanie Valdes from Doherty Petri, who tied for first place with Cyra at the 2012 Worlds with a score of 700.
However, Melanie's by no means clinched it – fierce competition comes in the form of England’s Jessica Everitt from Sean Eireann McMahon, whose pattern of results point to a win for 2014. Across the last three years Jessica's Worlds rankings have steadily risen from ninth (2011) to sixth (2012) to second last year, and in addition she took second place at October's 2013 All Irelands.
Another likelihood is Rohan Bole from the Caroline Greene School in Scotland, who has taken every top-five placement bar the number one spot over the past four years, and scooped third at the 2013 All Irelands.
16-17 Girls
For the U17 Girls many are expecting a fourth consecutive Worlds win from Ireland’s Shannon Bradley from Doherty Petri, especially after her winning All Irelands performance in 2013. However, the competition biting at her heels will mean it's no cakewalk, particularly from 2010 Worlds winner Amy-Mae Dolan from the Carson-Kennedy Academy, Ireland. Due two tearing two ligaments Amy-Mae wasn't on the top box in 2012 (taking fourth place), but for 2013 she came in second and is a definite contender for 2014.
Also likely to be seen somewhere on the podium is Shannon Umhafer from the Hagen-Kavanagh School. Shannon has diligently worked her way to the top over the years, training six days a week in the lead up to majors, and came in third at the 2013 Worlds.
