Ronkonkoma School Boasts Big Winners In Irish Dance Competition

Nine-year-old North American Irish Dance Champion Bridget Abraldes has returned home with sash in tow and three other members of the Sachem family had a successful run at the dance competition in Chicago. All of the dancers are enrolled in the Mulvihill-Lynch Dance School, based in Ronkonkoma.

Last week took first place in the Under 10 category, a contest that included dancers from all over North America.

Sachem North High School's Heather Monaghan placed 4th out of 152 dancers in her category, and qualified for her 7th consecutive World Championship appearance. Monaghan has taken the title twice, and is a six-time World Championship medal holder.

Lia Kroll, a fifth grader at Hiawatha Elementary School, and Erin Schaefer, a fifth grader at Merrimac Elementary School, both placed in the top 25% for their age group.

"Overall, we had a phenomenally successful trip!" Debbie Lynch-Webber stated in an email. "These Long Island kids really know how to dance their hearts out and make us proud!"

In addition, Caleigh Ruais, from Ronkonkoma, placed 10th out of 154 dancers in the Under 15 group, and has qualified to participate in the World Irish Dance Championships being held in Boston in 2013.