“In my family anyway, we were all brought up to perform from we were very small. It didn’t matter what we did; sing, dance, act, do a play, make up a pantomime, get dressed up. It didn’t matter what we did. We were encouraged to do it and we were expected to do our party piece. So if there was a concert or funds to be made or a Guest Tea or some priest getting ordained, somebody’s wedding, we had to get up and do the dance. My parents were very community orientated and we were expected to do our bit.”  

“I did this Irish Sea Sessions in the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool. I had been asked to go and dance at these three shows but the interesting thing was it was to be like a session. So we only met for a Tuesday. This group of musicians and me, the one dancer, and we had to put the show together for the Friday night. I danced in the Philharmonic Hall on the Friday night and then the Ulster Hall on the Saturday night and then in Derry on the Sunday night.”

 “I think, just have a go and enjoy it. Do something you are enjoying, something that connects you to people as well. I can honestly say that dancing has been fundamental to my wellbeing, to my energy, to my zest for life and it has inspired me in my own way. I feel truly alive.” 

“I’m proudest of having so many good relationships at this stage, of making connections with so many people in all the different spheres of my life. And I’m also very proud of the fact that my family are still great fun and great craic and that we are still alive and well.”

“I would say follow your heart and trust your intuition and bring people into your life if you don’t already have that. People who will support you, encourage you and be there when the times are tough, a shoulder to cry on when necessary and don’t be scared to ask for help.”