In a surprising turn of events, the world’s oldest and premier regulatory authority for Irish dance, An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG), has decided to abandon all pending disciplinary actions against the teachers and referees accused of illicit competition-fixing.
In mid-2022, evidence allegedly showcasing widespread fraudulent activity was submitted to CLRG. This evidence was supposedly related to a 2019 contest, but was only brought to the governing body’s attention in 2022 before being leaked online.
This controversial file reportedly contained images of text messages in which dance tutors appeared to be working to orchestrate high scores for their pupils by collaborating with other educators. The initial number of implicated instructors was a dozen, though this later escalated to forty-four in total.
The governing body had previously committed to conducting a disciplinary investigation against the tutors implicated in these accusations. An independent review board, composed of the likes of former high-ranking garda members, retired county registrars and acting barristers, was assembled to analyse the accusations.
The disciplinary hearings initiated in August last year and it was projected that all forty-four would be wrapped up by this year’s midway point. However, only a fraction of the cases, just nine, have been officially concluded till now.
Nonetheless, CLRG has now confirmed that they will cease pursuing additional disciplinary measures against those implicated in historic malpractice at Irish dance events based on grievances filed in 2022.
The tutors in question were informed by the CLRG that they encountered issues in securing an appropriate witness who could provide both a statement and live testimonies during the disciplinary hearings. Their previous witness was no longer available for such purposes.
Consequently, Coiste Faire, the ethically focused committee of the body, concluded that it was improbable that any judgements would be made against the individuals involved. Thus, the CLRG has advised the implicated parties that they will not be continuing with the case and that they will be officially retracting their complaint.
The CLRG representative has confirmed, in response to inquiries on Wednesday, that those involved are being communicated to about the halt in disciplinary procedures. The spokesperson emphasised that maintaining a level playing field and effective judgement at CLRG competitions has persistently been crucial. Upgraded contest and assessment measures, stringently observed and executed in all CLRG contests, were implemented prior to the 2023 All Ireland Championships.
Also, the methodology of appointing judges for contests has been fortified, enabling all the 2,300 registered CLRG teachers and members a chance to participate in the vote. Furthermore, he voiced that the institution is presently in the course of both modernisation and revolution, led by the counsel of an independent tactical scrutiny conducted last year. There is a new managing director at the helm, and they anticipate more alterations in the imminent future, including the inception of a more durable and comprehensive disciplinary ethic.