This trio of siblings must form one of the most talented Irish dancing families in Australia. SEAN at 18 is the 1999 Australian Irish Dancing Runner-up and it's hard to believe he has been dancing for just 3 short years. Sister SHANNON, 12; has been dancing for 6 years and is currently the Queensland State Solo Champion. 7 year old AIDAN is a star in his own right and is in his second full year of Irish dancing.

    Together and individually they have accomplished much in their dancing lives including starring in a locally produced show called "Dance of the Celts", and basically taking out more than their fair share of the medals and trophies at Local, State and National feisanna. The truth is that their abilities and talents do not lie solely in their dancing careers.

    Sean is a 1st year student at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) studying Aerospace Avionic Engineering; and although he has deferred his studying for the year to instead help his family out on their new dairy farm, he is looking forward to completing his course. Add to this the fact that Sean is a talented musician, and he along with pianist Robert Bertram are frequently engaged to provide the music for competitions within South-east Queensland. Basically, Sean is an extremely talented young man and just so happens to be a really nice polite guy.

    Shannon too impresses where ever she goes. Her dancing prowess has taken her far and wide including the ultimate; competing in the World Championships in 1998. When she's not practising her dancing or studying at school, Shannon enjoys playing netball and the piano, and aspires to be a successful author one day. There is no doubt that with the dedication that she puts into her dancing, that Shannon will be a star in whatever she sets her mind to. At a recent feis in July, Shannon proved that she as tough as she is talented. On her first dance of the Championship she injured her foot quite badly but completed the dance anyway. Despite how painful audience members could tell the injury was to her, Shannon soldiered on bravely through the next two dances. She was rewarded with 2nd place in the Championships, and no doubt a large number of people have an enhanced respect for her as a result.

    Just when you think it is safe to leave home, you meet the ball of energy and talent that is Aidan O'Brien . He is the youngest of the O'Brien trio, and at 7 years of age has already achieved what some dancers never have the opportunity to claim to have done. Whilst his brother was a main headliner with 'Dance of the Celts', he literally stole the show out from under the feet of the talented lead stars with his performances. Asked of what his interests and hobbies included, Aidan summed it up in two words "chasing girls". With Aidan's insummountable energy, talent and poise he will definately be a face to look out for in the future.
 
 

Name: Sean O'Brien
Age: 18
Birthdate: 8/3/81

Dance School: Horgan-Peirce
Years of Dancing: 3 years
Favourite Dances: Hornpipe

Dancing Achievements/Results:

* 1999 Australian National Championships - 2nd Place
* 1999 Queensland State Solo Championships - 1st Place

* 1998 Australian National Championships - 1st Place: NATIONAL CHAMPION!!
* 1998 Queensland State Solo Championships - 2nd place
* 1998 World Championships, Ireland - 20th place

* 1997 Australian National Championships - 3rd place
* 1997 Queensland State Solo Championships - 2nd place

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS:

* 2nd place 1999 Gilhooley's Irish Dancing Competition
* 2nd Place 1998 Gilhooley's Irish Dancing Competition

Interests and Hobbies: Sean is a Black Belt in Taekwondo; and enjoys playing the piano and accordian.

Aims in Life and Dancing: He looks forward to competing in the World Championships again in the next few years and would eventually like to gain his TCRG and ADCRG. Sean has achieved his aim of playing the accordian for competitions, and along with Robert Bertram on piano; their music and professionalism has been much appreciated.

Extra Information: Sean was offered a position in "Lord of the Dance" in 1998, but turned down the place to instead finish Year 12. He graduated last year (1998) from Southern Cross Catholic College where he was the School Captain; and successfully gained a place at QUT in 1999 studying Aerospace Avionic engineering.

Name: Shannon O'Brien
Age: 12
Birthdate: 10/3/81

Dance School: Horgan-Peirce
Years of Dancing: 6 years
Favourite Dances: Hornpipe and Reel

Dancing Achievements/Results:

* 1999 Australian National Championships - 3rd Place!!
* 1999 Queensland State Solo Championships - 1st PLACE!

* 1998 Australian National Championships - 4th Place
* 1998 Queensland State Solo Championships - 1st PLACE!
* 1998 World Championships, Ireland

* 1997 Australian National Championships - 2nd place
* 1997 Queensland State Solo Championships - 1st PLACE!

* 1996 Australian National Championships - 7th Place
* 1996 Queensland State Solo Championships - 1st PLACE!

* 1994 Queensland State Solo Championships - 2nd Place

Interests and Hobbies: Shannon is an avid reader; and also enjoys playing the piano and netball.

Aims in Life and Dancing: Shannon aspires to one day win the Australian Championships Title; and when she leaves school would like to become a successful author.

Extra Information: Shannon is the reigning Queensland Solo Champion and has held that title since 1996.

Name: Aidan O'Brien
Age: 7
Birthdate: 18/11/91

Dance School: Horgan-Peirce
Years of Dancing: 2 years
Favourite Dances: Reel and Treble Reel

Dancing Achievements/Results:

* 1999 Australian National Championships - 10th place! :)
* 1999 Queensland State Solo Championships - 3rd place

* 1998 Queensland State Solo Championships - 3rd place

* 1997 Queensland State Solo Championships - 2nd Place

Interests and Hobbies: When asked of his favourite interests or hobbies; Aidan could only think of one thing. Chasing girls. (It's true!!)

Aims in Life and Dancing: Aidan's big aim in his Irish dancing career is to someday win the World Title. He also mentioned that he would like to be a dairy farmer when he's older.

Extra Information: Aidan was the youngest member of the 'Dance of the Celts' dance troupe; and even pulled off the steps to the 'Riverdance' piece "Thunderstorm".