31/08/2026
My good, kind, thoughful girls commissioned a stunning painting of our dance drama journey over the last 3 years 💝
Debra and Stephanie wrote this beautiful piece to read at our World party on Saturday. Cried (alot 🤣🥲)
So very grateful for my gorgeous girl gang ❤️
Maeve’s Vision
Quietly she had a dream, of mermaids calling to the men at sea,
Remember, kiss her twice and you're no longer free,
A haunting tale, as I'm sure you'd agree.
From scribbles on pages, Maeve's vision grew and grew,
Wooden waves, a ship, and a masterful stage crew.
A group of girls, some familiar, some new,
United as the underdogs, a battle only we knew.
For every rehearsal, each late-night plan,
For every costume stitched by your hand,
For props and choreography, countless hours too,
You gave all you had to help us push through.
In Glasgow we left our hearts on the stage,
The audience speechless,
A masterpiece they praised.
Silver for a tale that would make you shiver,
Back to the drawing board for this creative achiever.
The vision grew bigger,
Such passion and vigour,
Clíodhna, Queen of the Banshees,
And the men of the Fianna.
And never a complaint, never "I've done enough,"
Even when the journey became long and tough.
All while your own family needed you there,
You somehow found time, you somehow could care.
You gave us your evenings, your weekends, your days,
So we could keep chasing the dream in our own ways.
A stage set to rival a Broadway production,
Fourth place in Dublin... there's going to be ructions!
Our hearts so heavy, yet filled with great pride,
Of a story so thrilling, ex*****on in every stride.
Up late until the small hours and even a horse that could glide,
Creating a sisterhood that cannot be denied.
And then came Chicago, the dream we once shared,
A dream that without Maeve we may never have dared.
Determined not to be broken,
An unwavering vision was woken.
A quaint little village and an enchanting well,
With fairies and a rescue, so no need to dwell.
With every last detail and construction perfected,
Steps drilled, dissected and soon corrected.
You bring stories to life, make each moment shine,
With every small detail, every movement and line.
A flight filled with hope, dreams and her vision,
From Ireland to Chicago, an immense decision.
Tell no one of the pressure building inside us,
We were going for gold and they couldn't possibly deny us.
We've travelled together, we've laughed and we've cried,
We've stood on the stage with our team by our side.
We've trained through the nerves, the pressure and pain,
Then gone back the next week and done it again.
The scoreboard projected,
Hand in hand we connected.
Not a breath to be heard as we waited and counted,
The numbers before us mounted and mounted.
Team 103, victory at last,
Our screams filled the air, tears flowing thick and fast.
A monumental achievement, a lifelong dream,
From a vision to a scribble to a score on a screen.
Maeve, tonight we wanted to thank you here,
For believing in us through every doubt and fear.
Forever in our hearts, this day will hold a place;
Maeve, it is an honour to share your vision as World Champions in first place.
To stand as World Champions, our dream now made real,
Is something we'll carry with us, something we'll always feel.
But the trophy alone isn't what made us succeed,
It was the team that you built, the bond that we need.
A family together, united and strong,
A bond like no other, where we all belong.
And then there's Kat, who deserves a mention tonight,
For always supporting and helping things feel right.
Another important part of the team that we know,
Who helps us behind the scenes and watches us grow.
To become World Champions, to stand there as one,
Was the reward for the journey, the hard work we'd done.
But when we look back, what makes us most proud,
Is not just the trophy or cheering crowd.
It's the people beside us, the friendships we've made,
The memories that time will never quite fade.
And one thing we know, wherever we go,
You wouldn't find a team like this anywhere, we know.
And some dancers even came back once more,
Returning from retirement, stepping back through the door.
They came back for one reason, to play their part,
Because becoming World Champions was a dream from the heart.
And if there's one thing we want you to know,
It's that wherever each of us eventually goes,
A part of this team will always remain,
And a part of your influence will travel the same.
So raise your glasses, let's celebrate tonight,
The team, the journey, the memories and the light.
To Kat, for all that you do,
And especially Maeve, this one's for you.
