Cork gears up for world jig record bid
Deirdre Clune invited people from the “four corners of Ireland” to take part in the outdoor Céilí Mór on September 10.
And between the jigs and the reels, it is hoped they will dance their way into the Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s largest Irish dance.
The current record is held by 6,791 people who Irish-danced for five minutes in Dublin, Ohio, in 1998 during an Irish festival.
Céilí Mór event organiser Andy Hudson said he was hoping the Cork 2005 event would shatter the existing record.
“We hope there will be at least 11,500 people from all over Ireland dancing in Cork,” he said.
Seven dance zones will be set up along the city’s South Mall and Grand Parade from early morning.
Stages will be set up in each zone for céilí bands like the Kilfenora Céilí Band and musicians from Limerick University’s World Music Centre.
A number of bands from the North are also expected to attend.
Siege of Ennis steps will be explained by dancers from schools like the Attridge School of Dance.
Rehearsals will get under way from noon. The record attempt will take place before 2pm.
Everyone will have to Irish dance continuously for six minutes to break the record, Mr Hudson said.
Guinness Book of Record officials and US TV channel Fox News will be keeping a close eye on proceedings.
Family entertainment will then continue for the rest of the day.
Ms Clune encouraged families, clubs, organisations and businesses to register to take part in the event in one of four ways, starting from this morning:
Online at www.triskelart.com
Email: corkceilimore@triskelartscentre.com
Phone: 021-4272022
Or in person at the Triskel Arts Centre off Grand Parade or at the Cork 2005 Information Office on St Patrick’s St.
The €150,000 event is being sponsored entirely by Kieran Coughlan and Claire Riordan, directors of property company Lyonshall.
South Mall, Grand Parade and Parnell Place will be closed to traffic from 7am to 6.30pm on the day of the event.
