Representing : Cavan
Occupation: Primary School Teacher
Age: 23
23-year-old Paula McPartland is from Ballyconnell which lies at the foot of the Slieve Russen Mountain. Her parents, Dallan and Catriona, are locals of the area. She current lives in Drumcondra, Dublin and works as a primary school teacher in St Michael’s National School, Ballyfermot.
Paula began Irish dancing at the age of three and is a competitive Irish dancer with the McCartin School of Irish Dancing in Leitrim. She has competed at many regional, national and international competitions. She says one of the highlights of her Irish dancing career to date was performing for President Michael D. Higgins in the Áras at the New Year celebrations for the international ambassadors in Ireland.
Paula runs a modern dance school in my local area where her dancers compete in Community Games. Just like Community Games, the dance school is child-centred and the focus is on participation rather than winning. Paula received a National Youth Award from Community Games for her work with the children in her area.
"I am proud to say I am Irish and I have a strong appreciation for Irish heritage and culture."
