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In San Antonio, Irish dancers thrive

February 17, 2011

By Staff Reporter

Macken, originally from Mullingar in County Meath, Ireland, served as secretary for the ICSSA for many years and, during this time, also published the society’s newsletter.
Over three decades later however, and with a colorful history to look back on, Macken felt it was time to tell the story of how Irish dancing grew and prospered in the Lone Star State.
“I am very familiar with the Irish dancing scene in Texas and have some beautiful pictures,” explained Macken, speaking to the Irish Echo recently.
“As a matter of fact, I have started writing the history of Irish dancing in San Antonio since the 1970s.”
And what a history it is.
Titled, “A Brief History of the San Antonio Irish Dancers,” Macken’s work illuminates the efforts of the many people who made significant contributions to keeping Irish traditions alive in the United States.
Hoping to have the history published, Macken explained how he used the group’s scrapbook, which dates back to 1975 and of which he was keeper, along with his own memories to begin constructing the detailed history.
Among other important events, Macken records the birth of the San Antonio Irish Dancers (SAID) from their humble beginnings in the mid-1970s — through many challenges and changes — to their current run of success under a new name and new leadership.
But the SAID president also pays close attention to the finer details of the group’s history in his account.
Recalling the names of hundreds of dancers and teachers, the exact number of medals won at numerous feisanna and ceilis over the years, the color combinations and details of the dancers’ dresses and the many events and shows where they performed, it’s fair to say that Macken’s knowledge of the Irish dance scene in Texas is historically very important.
Paying tribute to the efforts of many cultural stalwarts in his history, including Dr. Sean Burke, chairperson of the Philosophy department at Incarnate Word College; Sister Teresa Carter; and World Champion dancer, Eimer Ni Maoileidigh, Macken also explains how the school’s first full-time dance teacher, Dennis Dennehy, played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the Irish dancing across the world.
“Dennis Dennehy had served as an adjudicator at championships in Ireland, and for 15 years, had won the Midwest Choreography Championship,” writes Macken.
“He was also the teacher of the first American to win a World Championship in Ireland — Michael Flatley — who would later earn fame as the principal dancer in Riverdance.”
Passionate about the art form, and the formative years of Irish culture in the United States, Macken, whose involvement has spanned four decades, is determined to see the Irish community in Texas grow and prosper.
“People are surprised that there is Irish dancing in Texas,” said Macken. “We competed in the All-Ireland Club Ceili Competition in Ballina, in May 1990, and surprised everyone by getting a second place award, [especially because] the All-Ireland Club Ceili competition is considered to be the world championship of adult ceili competition,” he added.

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