Our teaching team

Our newly elected Uachtarán (President) of An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha, Marie Duffy Pask, began her dance career at the age of six with dance teacher Maitiu O'Maoileidigh at the world-famous Inis Ealga Academy in Dublin. Having passed the TCRG exam, she continued as a director at Inis Ealga, during which time the school enjoyed success at all the majors, including the All Ireland and World Championships, winning many titles. In 1998 she set up the Marie Duffy Irish Dance School in Dublin, which went on to enjoy 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, 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 Albert's Red Cross Ball in Monaco and, more recently, for HRH Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace. Her television work includes Dancing with the Stars and Superstars of Dance in the USA, and Tonight's 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 she has served on CLRG continuously since 1969. In 2011 Marie was the first recipient of CLRG's Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award, and she has also received a Gradam Award.

In 2011, with her husband, she set up the Marie Duffy Foundation to help aspiring dancers and composers reach their full potential in the world of Irish dance. In March 2015 Marie retired from Lord of the Dance, returned to her first love, teaching Irish dancing, and joined Hilary and the team at Scoil Rince Céim Óir.

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 her parents and her teacher for their unwavering support and dedication, which gave her a highly successful competitive career in both solos and céilí.

Always hoping to become a teacher, Kerry achieved her TCRG qualification in 2010 and joined Scoil Rince Céim Óir as a teacher. In 2016 she furthered her professional credentials by passing her ADCRG exam at the 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 end 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 teaching, Kerry works full-time in Development Finance in the City of London.

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 win 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 great success with Céim Óir, earning her first World medal within a year of joining. She was also a member of the senior céilí teams that went on to win both the 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 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 success at the highest levels.

Over the years Karen has travelled internationally with Céim Óir dancers, seeing first-hand the school's ethos of "One Team, One Heart". She values the lasting bonds the school creates, and how many dancers stay connected to it long after they retire from competition.

Karen is deeply grateful to Hilary for the chance to assist in classes, where she continues to learn and grow while making sure the care and well-being of the dancers stay the top priority. She comes 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 dancing, Karen works full-time with Marks & Spencer.

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 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 turned her focus to solo dancing. Her dedication and talent made her a solo champion, and she went on to tour internationally with Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance.

After her competitive career Erin gained her teaching qualification and went on to teach successfully, with highlights including 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 thrilled to be part of the teaching team at Scoil Rince Céim Óir and looks forward to bringing her passion, experience and energy to the school's future successes.