Irish dancing results fixing investigation dropped

Irish dancing teachers and judges accused of rigging competitions will face no further action after proceedings were dropped by the sport's biggest and oldest governing body.

In 2022, an investigation into 44 people across the UK, Ireland and further afield was announced.

It followed allegations of competition fixing.

An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG) has confirmed to BBC News NI it has ended that process.

The CLRG is one of the major bodies responsible for competitive Irish dance

The CLRG has said it cannot share how many of those who were under investigation are based in Northern Ireland.

Allegations put to the commission included screenshots of text messages that appeared to show dancing instructors trying to secure high scores for their students at competitions.

The CLRG previously said the evidence "identifies individuals allegedly offering various inducements to promote dancers to a higher than deserved placing at particular competitions".

While a process had begun to investigate about a dozen of the 44, proceedings have been halted.

BBC News NI understands there is an issue with a suitable witness for the process.

In a letter to members on Wednesday night, seen by BBC News NI, CLRG chairperson Sandra Connick said: “It is with great regret that I must now inform you that CLRG is no longer in a position to pursue further disciplinary action against those individuals accused of wrongdoing.

"This decision was taken by Coiste Faire [the body’s ethics committee] on behalf of CLRG, and these individuals are now being contacted by our legal team.

"I have no doubt many you will be extremely frustrated by this decision, as am I. Unfortunately, it is a necessary and unavoidable course of action at this time.”

Ms Conick goes on to say that actions have been taken to strengthen the "processes and procedures around adjudication" and encouraged members to continue to place “faith in the organisation as we move forward to best represent the interests of Irish dancing across the globe".

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A CLGR spokesperson said "enhanced procedures" were introduced in 2023, which "continue to be strictly adhered to and enforced" at all competitions.

"The organisation is undergoing a modernisation and transformation process, guided by the recommendations of an independent strategic review that took place last year," the added.

In December 2022, when the allegations emerged, the BBC ended production of a documentary on Irish dancing.

The five-part series called Point Perfect was pulled by the broadcaster during early production, it said.

A BBC spokesperson said: "Given this wider context the BBC is unable to proceed with the series as planned."