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Texas Irish American Leaders: Neill Reagan, TCRG, ADCRG

February 17, 2011

By Staff Reporter

Neill Reagan is the son of Irish-born Irene O’Conner and Irish-American Jerry Reagan. He began dancing at the age of five, when his parents wanted their five children to carry on their Irish heritage. After dancing for only one year, Reagan won the title of Eastern Regional Champion and accomplished that same title for the next fifteen consecutive years. At age 7, Reagan, his two older brothers and two younger sisters began to tour the states with the Paddy Noonan Showband as the Reagan Family Dancers.
In 1985, Reagan won the prestigious North American Senior Belt and was the youngest dancer ever to earn this distinction. Overseas, he won the triple crown Sligo County Championship against the best Europe had to offer, and the All Ireland Championship in Limerick, Ireland. In 1986, Reagan became one of only five Americans to earn the title of “World Champion,” along with the renowned Michael Flatley.
Reagan has continued to perform throughout the world with artists such as The Chieftains, The Wolf Tones, the Irish Rovers, Jury’s Cabaret, The Commitments, and many others. Famous stages on which he has appeared include Radio City Music Hall, Trump Plaza, and Resorts International.
Reagan now resides in San Antonio, Texas. He is the former proprietor of O’Neills Irish Pub and Restaurant, and owns O’Neills Catering facility in the Southbank area of downtown San Antonio. Reagan runs the Inishfree School of Irish Dancing to keep the tradition alive in Texas.

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