Irish dancing is not all about little girls in wigs, tiaras and sequinned dresses – and one adult male dancer said he finds those preconceptions “annoying” and people should realise it is a “competitive sport”.

Irish dancing is not all about little girls in wigs, tiaras and sequinned dresses – and one adult male dancer said he finds those preconceptions “annoying” and that people should realise it is a “competitive sport”.

The “Olympics” of Irish dancing is set to attract thousands of elite dancers and supporters from around the world this week.