Ciaran De Bhal of Boyne Walk
Music and dance is not just part of Ireland’s history, it is alive and well, the very foundation of Irish culture. The reason Ireland has retained its traditions whilst other nations mourn the loss of theirs is simple; passionate people who love their country and celebrate its culture. People like Ciaran.
Ciaran De Bhal
Our featured artist this month comes from a family that can only be described as a legend in their own lifetime as far as Irish dancing shoes are concerned.
“I'm very comfortable in my Irishness.”
What is Boyne Walk?
Boyne Walk is the maker and supplier of high quality footwear for Irish dancers around the world. It has an impeccable pedigree, having been established by people who really know their stuff.
A Family Tradition
It began as Dealga Dancewear in Dublin in 1972, set up by Eamonn De Bhal. He was perfectly placed to start such a business having been heavily involved in the Irish dancing scene since 1956 and with a terrific professional background in shoe manufacture and consultancy.
The result was the first dedicated Irish Dance Shop in the world. Not bad!
The business is now run by Eamonn’s son Ciaran De Bhal, who lives with his family in Faughart, County Louth, the birthplace of Saint Brigid.
Ciaran grew up steeped in Irish music and dancing. “It’s in the blood,” he says.
Champions All
His parents were both Irish dancing champions and teachers. His dad, the founder, turned 90 in January this year, a momentous occasion celebrated in lock-down. He’s still very much involved, not just in the business but in the Irish dancing scene.
‘Dancing keeps you young at heart’ is his motto.
Proud Heritage
Ciaran’s mother, Eithne, was an adjudicator, both nationally and internationally and when the first Irish Dancing World Championships were established, she was asked to join the Adjudicating Panel. Eithne’s own parents passed on to her a love of all things Irish including the language and traditional music. These passions she shared with Eamonn and Ciaran.
Sitting in his workshop Ciaran recalls with pride when, in his teenage years, he qualified for the World Irish Dancing Championships held down the road in Dublin. These days, he enjoys playing an instrument or two in the evenings at a local traditional music session, keeping alive his passion and interest in Irish culture. And, to top it all, he’s an award winning photographer!
To be in Ciaran’s company is to be completely at ease. His calm nature, obvious expertise and easy conversation lead you to believe you’re part of his family. Proud of his heritage, Ciaran is very contented in his Irishness. His dancing and music always ensure he has a ready party piece to share and delight.
Challenging Times
It’s been a difficult period for many small Irish businesses but they’re fighting back as you would expect.
“Business was greatly impacted as a result of Covid restrictions, but I still had a steady, albeit slow, stream of dancers looking for shoes or repairs as a result of practicing outside. I’m confident that when restrictions are lifted and classes and competitions restart, we will bounce back quickly and continue to supply our shoes to enthusiastic dancers all over the world, eager to continue with their favorite pastime.”
We are privileged here at Baileo to work in partnership with Boyne Walk who go the extra mile to make sure your dancing shoes are the perfect fit. They’ve been researched and developed in association with leading dancers and teachers so why wouldn’t they be the best?
Shoes as Unique as the Dancer
If you’re an Irish dancer, or know someone who is, then you’ll know how important it is to have the right shoes – shoes that lift you up, give you confidence and make the complex steps, twists and turns flow with ease. The shoes crafted by Boyne Walk are as unique as the dancer who wears them. Try them and you’ll see why they are the go-to shoes for Irish dancers worldwide.
