Manchester’s links with both Ireland and cycling have been plentiful over the years but next month an award-winning Mancunian dancer will help fuse all three together.
James Keegan, 27, is a three-time World Champion Irish dancer and will perform at the Titanic Irish Dance show in Belfast on May 10 to mark the city’s celebrations for the visit of the Giro d’Italia.
The show will not just mark the arrival of the world-famous race but commemorate the ‘ship of dreams’ – with the event taking place in the shipyard where the Titanic was built.
In that very shipyard now is the 10,000 capacity Odyssey Arena where the show will be staged and James cannot wait to perform there.
SHIP OF DREAMS BIRTHPLACE: Raymond Sweeney, Louise Hayden, James Keegan, Nikitta Cassidy at the Titanic sign
“This is something I have always wanted to do,” he said.
“I have spent the last eleven years touring with Lord of the Dance and I am really excited about helping to create a new show with other dancers from the show.”
The Giro is widely acknowledged as the most-famous cycling race in the world apart from the Tour de France and the appearance of James at the dance show as well is likely to increase excitement in Belfast even further.
James performed at the Manchester Irish Festival last month and a group from that event have teamed up with Tourism Ireland to help put the Titanic Irish Dance show together.
Many of James’ family members will be following him to Belfast to give him their backing- something he is delighted about.
“It’s great to have the support of the Manchester Irish Festival and my friends and family in Manchester and Ireland,” he added.
A spokesman from the Festival was equally excited about the festival and the prospect of James flying the flag for Manchester.
“A lot of people in Manchester are flying over to support James and the rest of the cast in this new ground breaking production.
“James and the other cast members have always supported the festival and events like the Manchester Mayo Gathering, as well as our recent concert in Dublin and the annual Irish Festival in Manchester, so it is time that we return that support in his new venture.
“It seems to be an ideal time to promote Anglo Irish links and there is a real buzz of excitement about the trip.”
