by Tommy Curran

CONGRATULATIONS and well done to Ballaghadreen, Co. Roscommon native Rónán Kelly, who has taken up the role of lead dancer for Riverdance’s 30th anniversary tour. Principal dancer of Riverdance has been Rónán’s biggest dream since stepping into his dancing shoes when he was aged only five years.

Rónán who is a son of Bríd and John Kelly has strong connections with Ghaoth Dobhair. His mother Bríd (née McGarvey) is originally from Middletown, Derrybeg and is a daughter of Pat Bán and the late Nóra McGarvey. Rónán has made his debut as Lead Dancer with Riverdance in the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin in August which finished on September 7.

He initially joined Lord of the Dance before moving to Riverdance. To date, he has travelled the world with the group including trips to Canada, United States, Mexico, China, Taiwan, Japan, Africa and other locations.

He is now taking a well earned break and will be joining a British Tour with Riverdance in the coming months. In 2026 he will be travelling with the group on a tour of United States and they will spend six months there.

Rónán has won all major Irish dancing titles, including five World titles, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2016. He also won four All-Ireland titles, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2016. He is a former student of St. Nathy’s College and he graduated as a physiotherapist in 2021 from the University of Limerick. The people of Gaoth Dobhair are justly proud of his outstanding achievements to date.