Contributed by Katie Maguire McMorrow
Katie Maguire’s family story is rooted in the artistry and
tradition of Irish dance, stretching from County Cavan
to the heart of London. Her father, Michael Maguire, was
born in Cavan Town. At just 15, he emigrated to England,
fi nding work in pubs around Bethnal Green. Seven years
later, and perhaps unexpectedly for a young Cavan man
in London, Michael began to dance. Under the tutelage of
Sheila Clerkin, he discovered a profound talent, eventually
becoming a champion himself and later a teacher.
Katie’s mother, Kathleen O’Shea, was born in
Tottenham to parents who had emigrated from
Camp, County Kerry and Killdysart, County Clare.
Remarkably, Kathleen rose to become a three time World
Champion Irish dancer, taught by Ted Kavanagh. This
made her a notable fi gure in the London Irish dancing
scene. Her parents, Katie’s maternal grandparents,
settled on Greenfi eld Road in Tottenham.
Michael and Kathleen married and set down roots in Seven
Kings, Ilford, where they established the Maguire O’Shea
Academy. For over 55 years, this Irish dancing school
has thrived in London, hosting feiseanna (competitions),
shaping countless dancers and champions and that
kept Irish culture vibrant in the city. The Maguire O’Shea
Academy’s infl uence spread far and wide, not least
through Michael and Kathleen’s own six children. Five
of the six went on to dance in the world-renowned
Riverdance including Katie and brother Darren performed
at Radio City music hall in New York, touring the world
with the show for over a decade, even participating in the
historic fi rst-ever Riverdance performance in China.
Irish dance, for Katie, is more than a career—it is a
family tradition. She grew up hearing stories of her
mother’s world-title victories, and seeing well-thumbed
photographs of her mother gracing stages with her
legendary rhythm in a traditional Kavanagh costume, a
green iconic dress which is displayed in the Redbridge
library and heritage museum. Kathleen’s role in London’s
Irish dancing community is also documented in a special
history book Katie proudly keeps. Adding to the family’s
dancing renown, Katie’s sister would also go on to become
a three-time World Champion, making her and Kathleen
the fi rst mother-daughter pair to achieve such a feat.
Katie’s upbringing was rich in Irish culture, yet she and her
siblings were equally shaped by their London environment.
She recalls dancing in Trafalgar Square on St. Patrick’s
Day and performing at the Royal Albert Hall for Princess
Anne. Several of her siblings, including Sean Maguire (LA
based actor, formerly of EastEnders), featured alongside
Katie and the Maguire O’Shea dancers in Monty Python’s
“Every Sperm Is Sacred” sketch—a humorous nod to
how dance entwined with mainstream entertainment.
Katie eventually met her husband, Jason McMorrow
(originally from Ballintogher, County Sligo) through
Riverdance. They share an understanding of belonging
“everywhere and nowhere,” a sentiment Katie describes
as being “English in Ireland, and Irish in England.” Though
she encountered occasional prejudice in England,
especially during times of heightened tensions about
Irish identity, she and her family remained steadfast in
celebrating their heritage. Today, Katie carries the torch,
teaching, judging and organising world events such as
the 70th Great Britain Championships 2024, ensuring
that the Maguire O’Shea legacy—and Irish dancing in
London—continue to shine for generations to come.