Ryan Maguire achieved “what every dancer dreams of”, picking up the accolade in Co Kerry on Sunday.
The under-11 world champion had plenty of top-flight practice in the lead up to his victory, having already secured gold in the Northern Irish nationals, Irish nationals and Ulster championships in Irish dancing.
His “delighted” mum Jenni Maguire explained Ryan’s achievements didn’t come easy to the south Belfast boy, as she played “taxi” for his four training sessions per week.
“There’s a lot of preparation that goes in and a lot of practicing and Ryan would be there three, four times a week at Irish dancing,” she said.
“I’m just the facilitator – the taxi – we just make sure that he gets to his classes when needed to be and his lessons. We’re just really there to sort of keep the mood up and just to support him and make sure that he has everything he needs.”
Jenni also hailed her son’s dance coaches at west Belfast’s Carson Academy who gave Ryan and his dance mates a send off before making the trip to Killarney for the event.
Ryan and his dance coaches L to R: Fiona Gallagher, Gerard Carson, Ryan Maguire, Michelle McKernon
Despite only taking up dancing a few years ago, the young champion quickly made his way to the top of his game learning from some of the best in the country.
Jenni said: “It’s testimony to his dance teachers at the Carson Academy and they had him so well prepared in the lead up to the worlds.
“They gave him the lovely send off last Thursday – a big party at the Carson Academy and they all got their goodie bags and things to prep them.”
She added: “This was something that I suppose every dancer dreams of. So for that to become a reality it’s just amazing and we’re so delighted for Ryan. But also for his dance teachers- Gerard, Michelle and Fiona – because that’s as much theirs as it is his.”
Ryan’s success was made “extra special” as when he lifted his trophy on the podium the entire venue broke into song to wish him a happy birthday.
“It was just a really, really special moment and I guess it was made extra special in the fact that it was his birthday as well,” Jenni explained.
“Testimony to the organisers as well, they got the whole auditorium to sing happy birthday to Ryan while he was on the podium with his big world globe [trophy].”
Upon returning to school, the St Ita’s student received a hero’s welcome from his classmates and teachers as well as congratulatory and videos from his GAA and football teammates.
Ryan Maguire lifting his trophy
‘Escape to Oz’ Easter trail launches on Clandeboye Estate
Jenni said: “We let him lie in on Monday morning – his granny came up to the house. Then he was back to school on Tuesday and schooling again. He was met by the principal and he brought his globe [trophy] in and his whole class clapped and cheered him as he came in.”