The Team

Rachel Hallahan

TCRG | Instructor | Owner

With a lifelong passion for Irish Dance & 25+ years of competitive & professional experience, Rachel has dedicated her life to mastering Irish Dance in all its capacities. Rachel is proud to be one of the few third-generation TCRGs with An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha. A born and bred Irish dancer, she credits her deep passion for the art to her late grandmother, Philomena Higgins TCRG – founder of the renowned Higgins Academy in Co. Waterford – and her aunt, Michelle Higgins-Wyse ADCRG.

Having competed at the highest level both nationally and internationally, Rachel has won 10 consecutive World Championship medals, Top 3 All Ireland placings and European & Munster titles – along with top 5 placings at the All Scotlands, Great Britains & British Nationals. During this time, Rachel also gained invaluable experience in teaching, coaching & choreographing for an array of different levels including World Championship title holders.

Rachel earned a First Class Honours Degree in Irish Music and Dance from the University of Limerick, where she trained alongside some of the most celebrated names in the industry. After spending a decade performing professionally as the leading lady on stages across the United States, Australia, Europe and the UK, she has recently returned home to Ireland. Now based in the beautiful Kingdom of Kerry, Rachel is excited to bring her passion, expertise and energy to the local Irish dance community.

Sean Hanafin

Instructor | Owner

Sean Hanafin, a native of Tralee, began Irish dancing at the age of four under the tutelage of Rinceoirí Na Ríochta. Over 14 competitive years, he earned numerous accolades at regional, national, and international levels all while performing in the professional dance circuit. Sean’s professional journey began with Siamsa Tíre, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland, following in the footsteps of his parents, Tom and Marie Hanafin. During his time there, he performed in, devised, and choreographed a variety of productions, deepening his passion for the stage and performance.

He went on to perform in professional Irish dance productions worldwide, touring across Ireland, the UK, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. In 2019, Sean joined the award-winning production Celtic Fyre at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in the United States. By 2022, he was appointed Irish Dance Captain for the company and, more recently, produced, directed, and choreographed his own show, Celtic Christmas Trio.

Sean’s career has seen him perform for the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, members of the Royal Family, and appear on PBS America, Ireland AM, and RTE’s Pump Up My Dance. He has toured extensively with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and, in recent years, has also taught with Ballybunion CCÉ. Now, having returned home from the United States, Sean is excited to share his experience and passion for Irish dance with his hometown community, aiming to inspire the next generation of dancers.