For my first time as Chairperson of An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha, I extend a very warm welcome to all of you to what is always a very special occassion, Oireachtas Rince na hÉireann. Welcome back to Killarney, and more especially, to the INEC, which has always been a popular venue with all our dancers, parents and teachers.

Oireachtas Rince na hÉireann is a very historic occassion, tracing its origins back to the early 20th century, when it was organised under the auspices of Conradh na Gaeilge. Even then, and later, when it was simply called Oireachtas na Rince, it was a very prestigious event and was always beloved of generations of Irish dancers. Today, the competitons are organised by An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaeilge, and dancers come from schools throughout Ireland, from across the Irish Sea, from across the Atlantic and even from further afield.

Once again in 2009, it promises to be a spectacular occasion where competitors will aspire to achieve the highest honours. To all our patrons, teachers, dancers and parents, may I wish you a wonderfully enjoyable and successful week in Killarney and hope that you take happy memories back home with you.

Táim lán-chinnte go mbeidh Oireachtas den scoth againn anseo gCill Airne agus go
mbainfidh sibh go léir sult is ard-aoibhneas as. Guím rath oraibh go léir, idir damhsóirí, ceoltóirí, lucht tacaíochta agus eagraíochta agus ar ndóigh, lucht féachanna.

Sean MacDonnchahda
Cathaoirleach an Choimisiún le Rinci Gaelacha