A word from the President of An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha Táim ana bhródúil mar an chéad Bean Uachtarán ar an Choimisiún Le Rinci Gaelacha, chun Fáilte Uí Cheallaigh a chur rómhaibh uilig don I.N.E.C. i gCill Áirne, le h-aghaidh Oireachtas Rince Craobh Na h-Éireann 2009. Tá súil agam go mbainfidh sibh go léir taithneamh as.

As the firstWoman President of The Irish Dancing Commission, (elected in May 2008),
it is with pride and joy that I extend to you , a “CeadMile Failte”, “A Hundred Thousand Welcomes”, to Oireachtas Rince na hEireann, All Ireland Dancing Championships 2009 at the I.N.E.C. Killarney, one of our favourite venues.

An Coimisiún is aware of how much parents, teachers and pupils look forward to this event and have worked extremely hard to ensure its success. Simultaneously, An Coimisiún, in liaison with the Oireachtas Committee and our American colleagues, is diligently preparing for the World Championships being held in 2009 in Philadelphia, U.S.A. It is important to remember that An Coimisiún is a voluntary body, and these events are organised mainly on a voluntary basis. The organisation of these international
events involves trojan work, which is not often acknowledged or appreciated. I have every confidence from the work I have witnessed to date, that their commitment, dedication and hard work will lead to Oireachtas Rince Craobh Na h-Éireann 2009 and the World Championships 2009 being a phenomenal success. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank all who through their voluntary contribution promote Irish culture through supporting Irish dancing.

My sincere thanks also to our office staff and to our sponsors, advertisers and the management of I.N.E.C. Killarney for their support. Finally, I hope teachers, adjudicators, musicians, competitors, parents and visitors will enjoy participating in Oireachtas Rince Craobh Na h-Éireann 2009 and will go home with happy memories and increased commitment to Irish Dance.

Éilis Nic Shim Úi Dhálaigh
Uachtarán an Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha