The Tiernan Irish Dancers were founded in 2001 when a local céilí club was adopted by the Trinity Irish Dancers of Chicago. Trinity arrived to perform at AnRiRa, Montana‘s annual Irish festival. Founder Mark Howard was fascinated by Butte’s heritage and history. He soon formulated a plan to adopt Montana Irish dancers and send Trinity instructors to elevate the level of dance in Butte and Helena. Kerry Powers Hall, one of those dancers who grew up along with Tiernan, is now Butte’s instructor. The Tiernan Irish Dancers celebrate our immigration heritage in two major annual shows, “Handing Down the Heritage” on St. Patrick’s Day and at AnRiRa on the second weekend of August. They are honored to represent the Irish immigrants who helped to build Butte and Montana at this year’s Folk Festival.
Tiernan Irish Dancers
