Giving it welly: Irish dancers kick off their pumps to raise funds for the RNLI

Claire Murphy ·

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Tara Brady, Doireann Ní Ryan, Allah Marsh, Ava Lawrence, Ella Kennedy and Ronan O’Brien dancing in RNLI yellow wellies on the Ha’penny Bridge in Dublin. Photo: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

There was rí rá agus ruaile buaile on the Ha'penny Bridge as the World Irish Dancing Championship contestants helped raise awareness for the RNLI's fundraising campaign.

The dancers gave it welly as they swapped their pumps and hard shoes for yellow rubber Wellington boots to show their support for the RNLI's Mayday 'Do your bit, fund our kit' campaign.

Dancers from more than 20 countries competed in solo and group categories in front of 25,000 spectators at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin.

Laura Thompson from Worcester in England is pictured putting the finishing touches to her look before taking to the stage for the championships, which drew to a close after eight days.

The RNLI charity's annual national fundraising campaign is calling out for people to help fund essential kit for their crew, such as the yellow wellies. Visit www.rnli.ie.

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Sinead Triggle from Bristol and Megan Arthur from North Carolina. Photo: Frank McGrath
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Tara Brady, Doireann Ní Ryan, Allah Marsh, Ava Lawrence, Ella Kennedy and Ronan O’Brien dancing in RNLI yellow wellies on the Ha’penny Bridge in Dublin. Photo: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland
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Sinead Triggle from Bristol and Megan Arthur from North Carolina. Photo: Frank McGrath
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Laura Thompson from Worcester prepares to take to the stage at the World Irish Dancing Championship. Photo: Frank McGrath