Mark Howard, artistic director and founder of Trinity Academy of Irish Dance, donated these Art Deco style trophies to honor Pat Roche’s dedication to Irish dance during his earliest years in Chicago, a time when his  knowledge of Irish dance and culture was called upon by the organizers of 1933-34 world’s fair, the Century of Progress.  Reflecting Pat Roche’s younger years, these are awarded to the youngest Championship girl and boy dancers.  Since the inception of this award, past winners are:

These perpetual trophies were donated by the Pat Roche family to memorialize his lifelong commitment to Irish culture, and, most notably, his significant contributions and accomplishments as an Irish dance pioneer in the city of Chicago.  Since the inception of this award, past winners are:

In 2005, this perpetual trophy was donated by Trinity Academy for award to the U14 Preliminary Championship dancer.  As the first ever perpetual award in this category, it is appropriately named for Pat Roche’s beloved Harp and Shamrock Club, considered the first organization to significantly influence and promote Irish dance and culture in Chicago and beyond. 

IIn 2007, this new perpetual trophy was donated by Trinity Academy for award to the winner of a “dance-off” between the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners from each of the Preliminary Championship competitions.  As the first ever perpetual award in this category, it is named after one of Pat Roche’s daughters – Peggy Roche-Boyle, ADCRG – who taught with her father at the Pat Roche School of Irish Dancing.  In 1982, upon her retirement, Peggy passed on her students to Mark Howard, ultimately forming the Trinity Academy of Irish Dance.  Peggy Roche-Boyle remains active in the Chicago Irish Community and continues her support of Trinity Academy as the Honorary Co-Chair of the Chicago Pat Roche Feis.