10th - 11 May 2025
O'Hehir Championships
Rainton Arena / Sunderland Live
Adjudicators
Gerard Carroll, Ulster
Brian Geraghty, Leinster
Fiona Robinson Morley, Doncaster
Brian Shinners, Munster
Aisling Keogh, Leinster
Martina Skehill, London
Musicians
Liam O’Sullivan, Newcastle
About
With over 400 entries anticipated, this landmark event will not only highlight the artistry and skill of Irish dance but also shine a spotlight on Durham as a premier destination for cultural celebration and competitive excellence.
Inspired by the success and excellence of the O’Hehir School of Irish Dance, this competition promises to be a showcase of talent, featuring performers of all ages and experience levels competing across a wide range of categories.
Event Details
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Open Championships (Under 10 - Senior) will be held on Saturday, 10th May.
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Grades, U5-U9 Open Championships, and Preliminary Championships will take place on Sunday, 11th May.
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All Open Championships will be judged by a panel of six adjudicators. Three adjudicators will judge the first two rounds of Open Championships. A separate panel of three adjudicators will judge the set round in Open Championships.
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Under 5-9 Championships and Prelims will be judged by a panel of three adjudicators.
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All Open and Prelim Championship dancers will have the opportunity to dance a set dance with 100% recall.
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The top five dancers in Open and Prelim Championships will receive sashes and trophies. All grade dances are ‘trophy competitions.’
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The top three dancers in grade competitions will receive trophies and sashes.
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A Tiny Tots Competition will be held for dancers under six who are not yet ready for grade competitions. Tiny Tots dancers will perform 16 bars of reel in a step-down-the-line format and teachers are allowed to assist Tiny Tots dancers on stage.
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All Tiny Tots participants will receive a special award for taking part.
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A Freestyle Competition will be introduced with entry fees donated to local cancer charity, Team Solan.
Sponsorship
We offer Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsorship packages. Sponsorship plays a vital role in enabling us to host the O’Hehir Championships 2025 and lay the foundation for its success in future years.From event branding, cup engraving and digital promotion, to visibility at the venue itself, we offer tailored sponsorship opportunities that deliver meaningful value for your business while making a lasting impact on the community.
🥉 Bronze Package – £250
✔ Sole sponsor of a specific age group or category, with your business name engraved on trophies.
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✔ Your business name featured on the venue’s LED screens on Day 1 for high-impact visibility.
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✔ Business listing in the official Feis programme.
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✔ Dedicated social media shoutout, showcasing your business as a key supporter.
🥈 Silver Package – £500
✔ Sole sponsor of a specific age group or category, with your business name engraved on trophies.
✔ Your logo featured prominently on venue LED screens throughout the event.
✔ Business logo included in the official Feis programme.
✔ Multiple dedicated social media shoutouts, connecting you with our audience.
✔ Featured listing and link on the O’Hehir Championships website.
🥇 Gold Package – £1000
✔ Sole sponsor of the most highly anticipated age groups, with your business name engraved on trophies.
✔ Premium sponsorship mention in our official event press release.
✔ Prime position on LED screens throughout the event for maximum exposure.
✔ Logo on the back cover + full business profile in the Feis programme.
✔ Exclusive collaborative social media posts for enhanced brand engagement.
✔ Full business profile and link on the O’Hehir Championships website.
FAQS
What time will doors open?
Saturday 7.30am
Sunday 7.00am
Free Feis Crèche
Sponsored by O'Hehir School of Irish Dance
Let us take care of the little ones while you enjoy the Feis! The Feis Crèche will be open from 9am-4pm both days and will be free to those attending the Feis.
0-4 years
A safe space where little ones can be checked in or parents can stay with them.
5+ years
A fun drop-in area with colouring and crafts, supervised by our staff.
Enter the O'Hehir Champs
Please visit https://www.instepfm.com/ to see the full O'Hehir Champs Syllabus and enter the competition.
Katrina O'Hehir ADCRG
