Andrew has his sights set on the Worlds

AFTER having been crowned All-Ireland, All-Scotland and British National Champion for his age group, 11-year-old Irish dancer, Andrew Nelson has his sights set on his first ever World Championships in Dublin this month.

The East Kilbride youngster (about)—who trains at the Osborne Academy in his home town, under the expert eyes of teachers Jodie and Jordan—was inspired to take up Irish dancing having watched his older sister Katie practise and compete.

His love of dancing may be in his blood too as both of his grandmothers Irish danced, and his great-aunt, Sister Ann Josephine, was a champion dancer in the 1960s before joining the Little Sisters of the Poor, now based in France. Andrew discovered that his name and his Aunty Ann’s are engraved on the same Feis Ghlaschu Trophy.

“Andrew’s dedication to Irish dance is unmatched,” his teacher, Jodie Gillespie (née Osborne) said. “Every day he pushes himself to new limits and this competitive season he has gone from strength to strength. His respect for his competitors is evident. At such a young age he recognises that true greatness comes not from just winning but from respecting and overcoming the challenge of his fellow competitor.”

Andrew balances his passion for Irish dancing with football and also his faith. He is an altar server at his parish, Our Lady of Lourdes, East Kilbride. His waistcoat has an embroidered Miraculous Medal, the Dove of the Holy Spirit and the words, ‘God is my strength’ in Irish. He has also visited many Marian shrines with his family.

Andrew’s success has not gone unnoticed in his hometown, with local company Enviro-Clean, recently stepping in to sponsor him. We wish him all the best!