A BARRHEAD girl relied on hard work and dedication, rather than the luck of the Irish, as she jigged her way to glory at a number of dance competitions.

Irish dancing enthusiast Mia Slicer enjoyed a year of non-stop success in 2018, winning a clutch of trophies.

Among the highlights was securing top place for her age group at the Scottish National Oirechtas, which took place at Airdrie Town Hall.

Seven-year-old Mia, who is a pupil at St Thomas Primary, in Neilston, was one of 10 girls from the Glasgow-based McLaughlin School of Irish Dancing to be crowned a champion at the National Oirechtas.

And she is now targeting more success in 2019, supported by her proud mum Julie, with a busy programme of competitions to look forward to.

Julie, 38, who previously competed in Irish dancing, told the Barrhead News: “Mia has been clearing up in Scotland but I think the Oirechtas is the biggest deal because she is now number one in Scotland for her age.

“She puts a lot of work in, dancing three times a week, and then practices with me at night.

“The whole family is very proud of her.”

Mia also gets plenty of support from her dad Robert and sister Emme.

Another driving force is the memory of her gran Christine, who sadly passed away last summer.

Julie said: “Mia started dancing because of my mum, who loved Irish dancing and would have been so proud to see her as a champion.”

As a way to keep her gran by her side while she dances, a little guardian angel was sewn onto Mia’s dress to act as a lucky charm when she competes.

“I think my mum was watching down on her when she won at the Oirechtas,” Julie added.

“When Mia received her trophy, she was given a bouquet of flowers, which she said she wanted to put on her gran’s grave.”

Now keen to take on the challenge of following in the footsteps of her big sister is three-year-old Emme, who wants to be just like Mia.

The pair competed together in a fun Christmas event at Maryhill Community Halls last month, where Emme took to the stage for the first time alongside her sibling.

Julie said: “Emme wants to be just like Mia and is always trying to do all the high jumps but she is still a bit young.

“It was lovely to see the pair dancing together. I am over the moon that they both want to do Irish dancing.”