Hilary Joyce-Owens BG / ADCRG / TCRG
Hilary began her Irish dancing journey at the renowned Hession School in Galway under the tutelage of Celine Hession. She enjoyed great competitive success across Ireland and England, achieving a top-five placement in World Solo Dancing and earning the title of World Champion as part of a Céilí team.
In 1990, Hilary moved to London, where she danced with Tony Tyrrell for several years. She went on to qualify as a teacher in 1992, an adjudicator in 2002, and a grade examiner in 2010.
Motivated by her passion for Irish dance and a commitment to teaching, Hilary founded Scoil Rince Céim Óir in 1992. Guided by the ethos “One Team, One Heart,” the school quickly flourished and now operates across multiple teaching venues. A milestone in its growth came with the opening of Céim Óir’s very own studio in Brentford in June 2022, followed by a new school opening in Bratislava in June 2024.
Her dedication has brought her many opportunities internationally. In 2018, she was invited to Prague to deliver a masterclass and seminar in solo and team dancing for the professional development of Irish dance teachers in Europe. Since 2010, she has also conducted workshops at the O’Shea Chaplin School in Boston, USA, and in May 2024 delivered a workshop in New Zealand with the Gregan School. Under her leadership, Scoil Rince Céim Óir expanded further by welcoming the Ceilidh School in Russia (2019), with all dancers now proudly competing under its name.
Hilary’s choreography has been featured on television programs including Blue Peter, The Michael McIntyre Christmas Show, and ITV’s This Morning. She has also created works for international cultural events, such as the Irish Cultural Week in Karachi, productions for the Irish Embassy in London, the Irish Peace Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, the St. Patrick’s Day Ball, as well as performances and workshops at Leicester Square and the celebrated Fleadh in Finsbury Park.
Alongside her teaching and choreography, Hilary has contributed to the wider Irish dance community in leadership roles. She is the former Chairperson of the Southern England Teachers’ Association, former Vice-Chair of the Southern England Regional Council, and is currently a board member of the Marie Duffy Foundation—an honour she holds in high regard.
As an adjudicator, Hilary travels extensively across the globe and has officiated at major championships, including the World, All Ireland, and the American National Championships.
Marie Duffy Pask - London SDCRG/ BG/ ACDRG/ TCRG
Our newly elected Uachtarán (President) of An Coimisiún Le Rinci Gaelacha, Marie Duffy Pask, began her dance career at the age of six with dance teacher Maitiu O'Maoileidigh at the world famous Inis Eagle Academy in Dublin. Having successfully passed the TCRG exam she continued as a director at Inis Ealga, during which time the school enjoyed success at all majors including All Ireland and World Championships, winning many titles. In 1998, she set up the Marie Duffy Irish Dance School in Dublin, which enjoyed continuing success at the major championships
Marie's dance show career began in 1996 when she was invited by Michael Flatley to work on Lord of the Dance which was followed by Feet of Flames, Celtic Tiger, The Return of Michael Flatley and most recently Dangerous Games. She has worked at many prestigious events including The Prince's Trust and the Ryder Cup in the UK, the Oscars in Los Angeles, Prince Alberts Red Cross Ball in Monaco and recently for HRH Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace. Her television work includes Dancing with the Stars and Superstars of Dance in the USA and Tonights the Night, Britain's Got Talent and Strictly Come Dancing in the UK.
As an Examiner for CLRG she has worked all over the world and has served on CLRG continuously since 1969. In 2011, Marie was the first recipient from CLRG of the Honoree Lifetime Achievement Award and had also received a Gradam Award.
In 2011, in conjunction with her husband, she set up the Marie Duffy Foundation to help aspiring dancers and Composers achiever their full potential in the world of Irish dance. In March 2015, Marie retired from Lord of the Dance and returned to her first love, teaching Irish dancing and joined Hilary and the team at Scoil Rince Ceim Oir team
Kerry Cooney - London ADCRG / TCRG
Kerry began her Irish dancing journey at the age of four under the tuition of Seamus Kennedy, before joining Hilary at Scoil Rince Céim Óir at the age of eleven. It was under Hilary’s guidance that her love and passion for Irish dance truly flourished. She credits both her parents and her teacher for their unwavering support and dedication, which enabled her to enjoy a highly successful competitive career in both solos and Céilí.
Always aspiring to become a teacher, Kerry achieved her TCRG qualification in 2010, joining Scoil Rince Céim Óir as a teacher. In 2016, she furthered her professional credentials by successfully passing her ADCRG exam on her first attempt.
Kerry is proud to be part of the Céim Óir family, and finds the greatest joy in watching dancers grow—from their first class as beginners to the culmination of their competitive careers. She is constantly inspired by the dedication and resilience of the dancers, whose hard work and achievements continue to amaze her.
Outside of teaching, Kerry works full-time in Development Finance in the City of London.
Lucy English - London TCRG
Born in Norwich, Lucy began Irish dancing at the age of four. In 2002, she and her family emigrated to New Zealand, where she continued to dance competitively and went on to achieve six National Titles. Determined to further her competitive career, Lucy returned to the UK and, in 2010, joined Scoil Rince Céim Óir.
Over the next six years, Lucy enjoyed significant success with Céim Óir, earning her first World medal within just a year of joining. She was also a member of the senior Céilí teams that went on to win both World and All Ireland Championships.
In 2015, Lucy achieved her TCRG qualification and proudly joined the Céim Óir teaching team, where she continues to pass on her experience, passion, and dedication to the next generation of dancers.
Karen Nutley, Assistant Teacher - London
Karen has been a dedicated teaching assistant with Scoil Rince Céim Óir for over 20 years. She describes it as a privilege to be part of the Céim Óir family and takes great pride in supporting dancers on their journey—from their very first steps as beginners to achieving success at the highest levels.
Over the years, Karen has travelled internationally with Céim Óir dancers, witnessing firsthand the school’s ethos of “One Team, One Heart.” She values the lasting bonds created within the community, noting how many dancers remain connected to the school even after retiring from competition.
Karen is deeply grateful to Hilary for the opportunity to assist in classes, where she continues to learn and grow while ensuring that the care and well-being of the dancers remain a top priority. Coming from a strong family tradition of Irish dance, Karen and her mother both danced, and the legacy has continued with her daughter, nieces, and nephews—all of whom have danced for Céim Óir at the highest level, with her niece and nephew proudly part of the school’s World Champion teams.
Outside of dancing, Karen works full-time with Marks & Spencer.
Erin Peachey TCRG
Erin began her Irish dancing career at the age of four with the Linda Fryday School of Irish Dancing, where she had the privilege of performing at numerous festivals and theatres across the UK and Europe. A natural performer and competitor, she won her first World Championship gold medal in the much-loved Dance Drama section.
She later joined the Lynch School of Irish Dance, where she shifted her focus to solo dancing. Her dedication and talent led to success as a solo champion, and she went on to tour internationally with Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance.
Following her competitive career, Erin achieved her teaching qualification and went on to teach successfully, with highlights including winning the World Title in the Senior Ladies Figure Dance competition, alongside All Ireland and Great Britain Championship titles.
When she is not teaching, Erin works part-time with Formula 1 as a Project Coordinator. She is now thrilled to be part of the teaching team at Scoil Rince Céim Óir and looks forward to contributing her passion, experience, and energy to the school’s future successes.
Hilary Joyce-Owens BG / ADCRG / TCRG
Hilary began her Irish dancing journey at the renowned Hession School in Galway under the tutelage of Celine Hession. She enjoyed great competitive success across Ireland and England, achieving a top-five placement in World Solo Dancing and earning the title of World Champion as part of a Céilí team.
In 1990, Hilary moved to London, where she danced with Tony Tyrrell for several years. She went on to qualify as a teacher in 1992, an adjudicator in 2002, and a grade examiner in 2010.
Motivated by her passion for Irish dance and a commitment to teaching, Hilary founded Scoil Rince Céim Óir in 1992. Guided by the ethos “One Team, One Heart,” the school quickly flourished and now operates across multiple teaching venues. A milestone in its growth came with the opening of Céim Óir’s very own studio in Brentford in June 2022, followed by a new school opening in Bratislava in June 2024.
Her dedication has brought her many opportunities internationally. In 2018, she was invited to Prague to deliver a masterclass and seminar in solo and team dancing for the professional development of Irish dance teachers in Europe. Since 2010, she has also conducted workshops at the O’Shea Chaplin School in Boston, USA, and in May 2024 delivered a workshop in New Zealand with the Gregan School. Under her leadership, Scoil Rince Céim Óir expanded further by welcoming the Ceilidh School in Russia (2019), with all dancers now proudly competing under its name.
Hilary’s choreography has been featured on television programs including Blue Peter, The Michael McIntyre Christmas Show, and ITV’s This Morning. She has also created works for international cultural events, such as the Irish Cultural Week in Karachi, productions for the Irish Embassy in London, the Irish Peace Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, the St. Patrick’s Day Ball, as well as performances and workshops at Leicester Square and the celebrated Fleadh in Finsbury Park.
Alongside her teaching and choreography, Hilary has contributed to the wider Irish dance community in leadership roles. She is the former Chairperson of the Southern England Teachers’ Association, former Vice-Chair of the Southern England Regional Council, and is currently a board member of the Marie Duffy Foundation—an honour she holds in high regard.
As an adjudicator, Hilary travels extensively across the globe and has officiated at major championships, including the World, All Ireland, and the American National Championships.
Marie Duffy Pask - London SDCRG/ BG/ ACDRG/ TCRG
Our newly elected Uachtarán (President) of An Coimisiún Le Rinci Gaelacha, Marie Duffy Pask, began her dance career at the age of six with dance teacher Maitiu O'Maoileidigh at the world famous Inis Eagle Academy in Dublin. Having successfully passed the TCRG exam she continued as a director at Inis Ealga, during which time the school enjoyed success at all majors including All Ireland and World Championships, winning many titles. In 1998, she set up the Marie Duffy Irish Dance School in Dublin, which enjoyed continuing success at the major championships
Marie's dance show career began in 1996 when she was invited by Michael Flatley to work on Lord of the Dance which was followed by Feet of Flames, Celtic Tiger, The Return of Michael Flatley and most recently Dangerous Games. She has worked at many prestigious events including The Prince's Trust and the Ryder Cup in the UK, the Oscars in Los Angeles, Prince Alberts Red Cross Ball in Monaco and recently for HRH Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace. Her television work includes Dancing with the Stars and Superstars of Dance in the USA and Tonights the Night, Britain's Got Talent and Strictly Come Dancing in the UK.
As an Examiner for CLRG she has worked all over the world and has served on CLRG continuously since 1969. In 2011, Marie was the first recipient from CLRG of the Honoree Lifetime Achievement Award and had also received a Gradam Award.
In 2011, in conjunction with her husband, she set up the Marie Duffy Foundation to help aspiring dancers and Composers achiever their full potential in the world of Irish dance. In March 2015, Marie retired from Lord of the Dance and returned to her first love, teaching Irish dancing and joined Hilary and the team at Scoil Rince Ceim Oir team
Kerry Cooney - London ADCRG / TCRG
Kerry began her Irish dancing journey at the age of four under the tuition of Seamus Kennedy, before joining Hilary at Scoil Rince Céim Óir at the age of eleven. It was under Hilary’s guidance that her love and passion for Irish dance truly flourished. She credits both her parents and her teacher for their unwavering support and dedication, which enabled her to enjoy a highly successful competitive career in both solos and Céilí.
Always aspiring to become a teacher, Kerry achieved her TCRG qualification in 2010, joining Scoil Rince Céim Óir as a teacher. In 2016, she furthered her professional credentials by successfully passing her ADCRG exam on her first attempt.
Kerry is proud to be part of the Céim Óir family, and finds the greatest joy in watching dancers grow—from their first class as beginners to the culmination of their competitive careers. She is constantly inspired by the dedication and resilience of the dancers, whose hard work and achievements continue to amaze her.
Outside of teaching, Kerry works full-time in Development Finance in the City of London.
Lucy English - London TCRG
Born in Norwich, Lucy began Irish dancing at the age of four. In 2002, she and her family emigrated to New Zealand, where she continued to dance competitively and went on to achieve six National Titles. Determined to further her competitive career, Lucy returned to the UK and, in 2010, joined Scoil Rince Céim Óir.
Over the next six years, Lucy enjoyed significant success with Céim Óir, earning her first World medal within just a year of joining. She was also a member of the senior Céilí teams that went on to win both World and All Ireland Championships.
In 2015, Lucy achieved her TCRG qualification and proudly joined the Céim Óir teaching team, where she continues to pass on her experience, passion, and dedication to the next generation of dancers.
Karen Nutley, Assistant Teacher - London
Karen has been a dedicated teaching assistant with Scoil Rince Céim Óir for over 20 years. She describes it as a privilege to be part of the Céim Óir family and takes great pride in supporting dancers on their journey—from their very first steps as beginners to achieving success at the highest levels.
Over the years, Karen has travelled internationally with Céim Óir dancers, witnessing firsthand the school’s ethos of “One Team, One Heart.” She values the lasting bonds created within the community, noting how many dancers remain connected to the school even after retiring from competition.
Karen is deeply grateful to Hilary for the opportunity to assist in classes, where she continues to learn and grow while ensuring that the care and well-being of the dancers remain a top priority. Coming from a strong family tradition of Irish dance, Karen and her mother both danced, and the legacy has continued with her daughter, nieces, and nephews—all of whom have danced for Céim Óir at the highest level, with her niece and nephew proudly part of the school’s World Champion teams.
Outside of dancing, Karen works full-time with Marks & Spencer.
Erin Peachey TCRG
Erin began her Irish dancing career at the age of four with the Linda Fryday School of Irish Dancing, where she had the privilege of performing at numerous festivals and theatres across the UK and Europe. A natural performer and competitor, she won her first World Championship gold medal in the much-loved Dance Drama section.
She later joined the Lynch School of Irish Dance, where she shifted her focus to solo dancing. Her dedication and talent led to success as a solo champion, and she went on to tour internationally with Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance.
Following her competitive career, Erin achieved her teaching qualification and went on to teach successfully, with highlights including winning the World Title in the Senior Ladies Figure Dance competition, alongside All Ireland and Great Britain Championship titles.
When she is not teaching, Erin works part-time with Formula 1 as a Project Coordinator. She is now thrilled to be part of the teaching team at Scoil Rince Céim Óir and looks forward to contributing her passion, experience, and energy to the school’s future successes.