Mayo dancers return to centre stage in grand final of An Ríl Deal

The finale of the latest series of An Ríl Deal is set to air this weekend as eight acts return to the stage to battle it out and wow the judges in their bid to be crowned champion.

Two acts from Mayo have reached the final: Ela Kohen Murray from Westport and Atlantic Waves from the Crossmolina-based Moffatt School of Irish Dance.

Over the past seven weeks, incredible performers of all styles of traditional dance have dazzled with their dancing and entertained viewers. There have been no age restrictions on the dancers; young and old and everything in between have displayed their moves as TG4 and Adare Productions went searched for the next big thing in the world of Irish dancing.

The final episode is set to air this Sunday (April 28) at 8.30 p.m., and each act in the final has rightfully earned their place having impressed esteemed judges Labhras Sonaí Choilm Learraí, Ronan O’Connell and Úna Ní Fhlatharta, along with guest judge Sibéal Davitt in previous episodes.

As well as Atlantic Waves and Ela Kohen Murray, the finalists are: Limerick star Anna Leonard (Fedamore), Newry dance group JigJazz (Down/Armagh), Dublin dancers Damhsoirí Elbadri McAuley Baird (Emily, Erin and Lana, Swords), Caitlin Clarke (Donnybrook, originally from San Francisco), and Kildare dance group Fusion 9 (Newbridge).

This is the ultimate free-for-all Irish dance competition and a celebration of all the Irish dancing traditions.

An Ríl Deal is presented by Síomha Ní Ruairc and has aired over eight weeks since March 10 last. Catch up on episodes one to seven on the TG4 Player.