Murphy Irish Arts 40th anniversary celebration
American Croatian Lodge July 21, 2018
In 1978 Sheila Murphy made a trip to Ireland to take the teacher and adjudicator tests in order to open an Irish dance school with full recognition from An'Comisiun in Ireland. She passed both tests and started the Murphy Irish Arts Center in September of 1978.
The Murphy Irish Arts Center 40th anniversary dinner dance was held July 21, 2018.
Sheila Murphy Crawford and Bob Crawford
In this video, Sheila Murphy Crawford welcomed the crowd to the 40th anniversary event and introduced the first Irish dance performance - their Championship Solo Reel.
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Murphy Irish Dancers at Murphy Irish Arts 40th anniversary
Sheila told how some things have changed and others have remained the same in these 40 years.
Sheila Murphy Crawford
Murphy Irish Arts costumes
1978 Murphy Irish Arts costumes
1994 Murphy Irish Arts costumes
2018 Murphy Irish Arts costumes
In this performance the dancers performed to the Rocky Road to Dublin. Founder Sheila Murphy Crawford said she first choreographed that dance about 35 years ago.
In her presentation, Sheila thanked Gerry Quinn for all his support of the Irish community. She then thanked ClevelandPeople.com and Dan Hanson and Debbie Hanson for their support of the Irish and all ethnic communities.
Sheila Murphy Crawford with Dr. Wael and Mrs. Khoury
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A highlight of the evening was when founder Sheila Murphy Crawford called up current dancers and alumni for this dance that has begun their shows for 40 years.
Murphy Irish dancers alumni
Maureen Cavanaugh and Sheila Murphy Crawford
Murphy Irish Arts 40th anniversary group
Murphy Irish Arts 40th anniversary group
Enjoy these other images from the Murphy Irish Arts 40th anniversary event.
Sheila Murphy Crawford and Bob Crawford
Murphy Irish Arts 40th anniversary banner
2018 St Patrick's Day Parade Awards
Murphy Irish Arts 40th anniversary display
Dancing at the Murphy Irish Arts 40th anniversary party
Murphy Irish dancers at the Murphy Irish Arts 40th anniversary party
Congratulations Sheila and Bob
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