Jiving duo from Killyclogher and Moy crowned Irish champions

TWO friends have danced their way into the history books after being crowned champions at the All-Ireland Over-50s Jiving Championships – despite only partnering up one week before the competition.

Ann Pearson, from Killyclogher, and John Hughes, from Moy, were all smiles as they took home the coveted title at the Shearwater Hotel in Ballinasloe, County Galway, becoming the first pair from the North to clinch the top prize in the category.

The dynamic dancing duo spoke to the Tyrone Herald this week and admitted they entered the competition on a whim, with little time to prepare and even less expectation of winning.

“We’re just delighted,” Ann beamed. “In reality, we barely even expected to get into the final after the first heat.”

Despite knowing each other for years through the country dancing scene, Ann and John had never jived as a pair before.

It was only after a nudge from mutual friends that they decided to give the competition a go.

“We always saw each other at different dances,” John said. “But it was thanks to two friends of ours who encouraged us to pair up that we thought, why not?”

From their first heat to the final showdown, the nerves were real – but so was the fun. And when their names were called as the champions, Ann’s excitement was briefly met with confusion.

“I couldn’t believe it,” she laughed. “But when I looked around, I couldn’t find John anywhere!”

As it turns out, John had slipped outside for a breather during the tense moments before the results were announced.

“There was about a thousand people inside, and the heat was fierce,” John explained. “I stepped out to cool off and was actually on the phone with my sister, who was watching the livestream at home. She told me, ‘You need to get back in there now – you’ve just won!’”

Their victory was met with cheers, hugs, and an outpouring of support from fellow dancers and friends.

“We had so much support, it was just class,” John said. “The country music and dance scene is like one big family – it means a lot.”

And there’s no slowing down for this sprightly pair. Hot off their win, they’re heading to the Jimmy Buckley weekend in Dundalk, one of many lively events they frequent across the country.

“When you’re working all week, it’s great to have something to look forward to,” John added. “Dancing keeps us going – it might be Donegal one weekend, Monaghan the next!”

For Ann, the win is just the cherry on top of an already joyful pastime.

“To be over 50 and still jiving is just brilliant,” she said. “The social side is fantastic. You get to see old friends, make new ones, and have a bit of craic. Age doesn’t matter – as long as you’re fit and up for it, you’re good to go.”