Young Laois Irish dance world champion wins again
Stradbally dancer Bobby Kinsella takes All Ireland, Internatinal and Great Britain titles
A 12 year old world champion Laois Irish dancer has just won two more prestigious competitions.
Bobby Kinsella from Stradbally who has won the U11 World Championship twice, has danced his way to victory at both the All Ireland and International Championships, and at the Great Britain Championships this summer.
In June he won the Great Britain Championships, held in Scotland, dancing against both boys and girls in his age group.
Then in July he won again at the All Ireland and International championships held in Lisburn, dancing a reel, hornpipe and a traditional set dance.
“It’s a really tough age to be against, there’s a lot of dancers. I felt really excited and very happy to win,” he told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.
Bobby has dancing in his blood, following in the footsteps of his dance teacher mother Carmel, and grandmother Gabrielle Lynam.
“He has won all the majors there are to win in the world of Irish dance. We’re absolutely delighted for him,” Carmel said.
Bobby received the honour of a civic reception by Laois County Council in 2025 for his double world championship wins in 2024 and 2025.
He is preparing to start secondary school at St Mary’s CBS, Portlaoise this September after attending St Colman’s NS.
As well as training at the family’s dance school, he chooses to practice “night and day” in the home dance studio, and has a personal trainer for fitness sessions.
It’s not all dance though, as Carmel says.
“Straight after results at the world championships he was out playing soccer with the other dancers, he has made great friends. That’s a lovely side, it’s not just about competing. He plays soccer with TNS and Stradbally Parish Gaels. It’s important to have that balance, ahead of going into secondary school, to link in with other kids.”
His aim remains the same when he grows up, having met Irish dance legend Michael Flatley twice and been inspired by his words of encouragement.
“I want to dance in the Lord of the Dance show,” he said.
Bobby was one of 19 dancers from the Lynam School of Dancing to win at the All Ireland, held in Lisburn.
“He is very thankful for his friends in the dance school, they play a huge part in his dancing life.
“We were really lucky this year, all of them received medals over the four days, it’s a great achievement for every dancer. We are proud of all the work they put in,” Carmel said.
Seven of her dancers made the top five rankings. Laoise Delaney from The Rock came second overall in U16s, and first in a hornpipe round. Her sister Rioghan came fifth overall in U14. Amelia Greenhalf, Kildare came second overall in U13, Amy O’Neill also from The Rock came third overall in U15, Maisy Aylward was fifth overall in U15, and Rebecca Donegan was 4th overall in U21 ladies.