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Date Posted: Sun, Sep 16 2007, 19:37:30
Author: MOD
Subject: As requested by several people I have removed a post regarding exams being held by the WIDA, as it appears the head of this organisation was convicted in the USA of child abuse. I wanted the post to stay initially as I know there have been people who had considered this organisation and untill they saw the information posted on here did not know of the history of the head of WIDA. Inside are all the replies that were recieved at the time.
You have got to be kidding, was only a matter of time before this "Sean" started creeping around the message board (NT) -- beware, Tue, Sep 11 2007, 18:01:24
Don't whatever you do let your children get involved in this organisation. (NT) -- ~~~, Wed, Sep 12 2007, 11:21:12
why whats the matter with them? (NT) -- curious, Wed, Sep 12 2007, 18:27:5
why whats the matter with them? (NT) -- curious, Wed, Sep 12 2007, 18:27:51
Google Sean Gavan (NT) -- parent, Thu, Sep 13 2007, 13:55:35
sean gavan -- concerned parent, Fri, Sep 14 2007, 21:47:35
„X if this is the same person who I have just read about on google then please moderator you must remove the all links s (NT) -- concerned parent, Fri, Sep 14 2007,
Mod, although this person has an unsavoury history you should not remove this post which is reasonable. He has also contacted me and was very open & honest about the situation. He says that everyone (dancers & TC) at WIDA is aware and quite rightly that his history should not stop dancers from having access to this fast growing federation, which is not about him but Irish dance. (NT) -- Irishdaz, Sat, Sep 15 2007, 9:59:09
Then he should also add this bit of information when posting ads like this one. I agree that people should be able to choose whether they want to follow him or not but to do so they need a full picture first. He should post his bio on his website for candidates to decide whether they find it acceptable or not. (NT) -- he's not being honest in the ad, Sat, Sep 15 2007,
it's probably a bit much to ask for him to reveal all in his bio, I doubt any other TC reveals anything baed about themselves either. However, he doesn't try to hide or deny his history, which is easily found if looked for. he is trying to make a fresh start (NT) -- give him a chance, Sat, Sep 15 2007,
He is not just any TC, he is the head of the organization which is very clearly one man's show. And his name and role in the org are never stated on the website as well as in the ads so no it's not easy to google him unless somebody tells you to be careful. I am all for fresh starts and second chances and I see where you are coming from but the man is not honest at all. I was aplso approached by email to join but his actual name was never mentioned and I wouldn't learn it if I hadn't already otherwise. (NT) -- he's still hiding, Sat, Sep 15 2007,
And I'm not expecting him to confess about the nature of the crime at every fies of his but merely to sign his ads and posts and to post his bio like "the head of WIDA is [insert name], former CLRG ADCRG from [insert location]". Only then people can actully check any anything. If he doesn't do that he is still hiding (NT) -- I am afraid., Sat, Sep 15 2007, 20:36:31
surley the protection of all children is the priority here, This man was convicted of a hideous crime against a child and then deported and some people are suggesting that he is given another chance if this is the type of things you are putting on this site without warning, I will make sure that my child never goes on here again, also surely with this conviction he would not be allowed to work with children?? Irishdaz says he has spoken to him and finds this acceptable and suggests that the link should not be removed has the world gone mad? (NT) -- concerned parent, Sun, Sep 16 2007, 11:53:30
Good God it is difficult enough to protect our children from the internet please get it removed (NT) -- ., Sun, Sep 16 2007, 12:57:03
You misunderstand my motives. He is the president of this group, and as such is highly unlikely to ever come into contact with your children. My point was that it is therefore not unreasonable that the federation be allowed to advertise its existence, which is about Irish dance rather than him. his email to me was honest enough to admit his past, but reasonably requests that we don't punish the TC's and dancers of WIDA because of it. On that basis I don't believe that the Mod should delete the original post (NT) -- Irishdaz, Sun, Sep 16 2007, 13:17:28
Irishdaz - You risk your otherwise impeccable judgement on this issue -- scots mum (sean gavan), Sun, Sep 16 2007, 15:56:23
Irishdaz, the man is an active teacher in his org, he is teaching children and teenagers and running competitions for children too. If he told you otherwise he lied to you. People have the right to warn one another against him (I was warned myself and I'm grateful). If somebody wants to join him despite the warning it is their free choice but the issue is too important to let people fall for his promises uninformed. (NT) -- don't defend him, not worth it, Sun, Sep 16 2007,
The post will remain as it provided information which I certainly wasn't aware of. I am grateful to those who have provided info, and give people the chance to make an informed decision. (NT) -- mod, Sun, Sep 16 2007, 13:59:38
what do you mean an informed decision the whole world is trying to prevent this sort of thing on the internet. It is not a matter of opinion the man was found guilty in a US court of law of molesting a boy in his school and here you are advertising his dancing examinations for him, how the hell do you explain this. it is not gossip about this man it is the truth get this link removed or I am going to the Irish Dancing Commision and may even take legal advice to make sure that his involement with Irish Dancing is legal. I can't believe Irishdaz and the Moderator are happy with this on the site. (NT) -- concerned parent, Sun, Sep 16 2007, 16:45:52
You say he has no involvement with my child, to right he wont. But what about the children in this organisation, I note he is running a Feis,(or will this be a Feis for adults only) he is not just heading up an organisation. (NT) -- ., Sun, Sep 16 2007, 17:03:37
Irishdaz, you are very wrong, he is teaching workshops and classes all the time including classes for children, look at the photo of him embracing a little girl he taught in Europe, and it's a recent photo 2006! (link inside) -- you're wrong, Sun, Sep 16 2007, 17:46:11
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thank you Mod for removing this site shame that we had to go through all this to get it removed -- concerned parent, Sun, Sep 16 2007, 19:49:52 [1]
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There are always two sides to a story, and without a lot of money, it is easy to get convicted even when innocent -- California, Sun, Mar 29 2015, 3:45:28 [1]
There is a lot more to the story than can be told. Let it be known he had a terrible attorney and no money to fight. The person who accused him has a very long and very troubled background.
SG was horribly punished in the hard prisons in the USA.
Many people in Calfornia, who know both parties involved, do not believe the story at all.
Easy to judge others.
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I would say to the posted of the third msg from the bottom, I find you're attitude both rude and disgusting as you demanded the link be removed and you do not get to make demands here, and what is much worse that you 'threaten' to go to the IDC to check if the person is legally allowed to be involved with ID, if you really care you would take this action as a matter of coarse instead of as a threat against me, because as I didn't even know this organisation existed I don't mind what action you take. But in future if you have a problem with a post on here, then put your request forward with manners, as serveral people did via email and I will be happy to deal with it fairly. -- MOD, Sun, Sep 16 2007, 19:50:06 [1]
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in reply to your reply to if you listened in the first place I would not have got so angry also the threat with the law and the Irish dancing commision was not going to be against you it would have been to against Sean Gavan to see if he was legally allowed to have any career involving children dont take it personally -- concerned parent, Sun, Sep 16 2007, 19:56:16 [1]
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As another poster pointed out, there is no indication on the web site of the past history of this man, and because of the nature of the offence this is a glaring ommission. I know of one person who found the site and was considering joining, till they saw msgs on here. My error may have been in not giving the full explaination at first, but further promotions of this organisation will be removed, unless this person is ever exonerated from what is an inexcusable crime. -- MOD, Sun, Sep 16 2007, 20:14:22 [1]
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How awful! I've seen those posts on other boards. I hate to think of parents sending their kids to workshops with him... -- creeped out, Mon, Sep 17 2007, 5:00:05 [1]
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Mod the IDC would have no jurisdiction, as he has left AC to create his own federation, outside of them. Whilst peoples reaction to his crime is understandable this does seem like a concerted attack against one man, who has not denied his conviction. I know of at least two similar cases within AC where there has not been such an outcry against the persons involved, and much closer to home. I do believe what SG has done should be public knowledge, and he doesn't deny it, but that it should not mean that his federation, nor the other small federations that have affiliated, should be banished. Note these other federations are fully aware of his past, and have confirmed as such to me previously. -- Irishdaz, Mon, Sep 17 2007, 9:23:11 [1]
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Are you saying two teachers from AC have been convicted in a court of law and are still teaching with AC -- ,, Mon, Sep 17 2007, 9:34:32 [1]
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Irishdaz I've always respected you but you are so wrong here. What orchestrated attack? It's just parents or dancers who, quite understandably, warn each other against a child molester who, despite what you say, does not inform potential teachers or feis attenders about his conviction. At what stage during the recruitation process does he tell his teachers "Umh, there's something you need to know about me first"? CLRG for once acted well expelling him. If there are other teachers who were convicted and expelled people should be able to warn one another against them too but somehow I doubt those other teachers went ahead with creating new dance orgs, if they exist they probably crawled back where they came from. -- he's a shame, Mon, Sep 17 2007, 12:17:33 [1]
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I mean that you are attacking the whole organisation to get at the man. And yes he has set this up himself, because he loves Irish dance. My understanding is that his old school used to think he was a wonderful TCRG and actually raised $50,000 to fund his defence, so maybe he does have something to offer the world of dance. However I totally agree that we should protect our children, and I don't see anything wrong in anyone suggesting that parents Google his history before deciding to join an affiliated school. That is not the same as trying to get anything to do with WIDA banned from the voy forums. You are punishing the innocent parties, to get at the guilty if you do that. Unless you believe the TCRG at WIDA are all tarred with the same brush? -- Irishdaz, Mon, Sep 17 2007, 20:08:23 [1]
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No Irishdaz, you are wrong. I am not punishing this organization, I am not demanding it to be closed. If adult dancers or parents are ready to follow him KNOWING his background it is their prerogative and they are free to do so. The problem is that he is looking for supporters who have no idea who they are dealing with as he does not sign his name anywhere and even though he is in fact the head of the org and the highest authority his name is not officially published. There is no way an interested parent can get to know that he is a person to be careful with and need looking up googling or checking. You sign up your child for a comp and - hello - here is the convicted criminal sharing the backstage and posing for photos with them. I am surprised how easily you forget that any org should put the safety of the children first while you put his safety first. -- I'm surprised by your attitude, Mon, Sep 17 2007, 21:57:04 [1]
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you people are beyond ridiculous -- Bri (disappointed), Mon, Sep 27 2010, 21:52:32 [1]
You people need to get your facts straight. I danced for Sean as part of Sean Gavan Irish Dance Company. I began dancing for him when I was about 6 years old, up until I was about 11. He was an amazing teacher and an amazing person. His whole school loved him and knew he was innocent. Even after the accusation had been made, parents supported him and continued to bring their children to his classes. I also knew the person who accused him first hand. All I will say about the accuser is that many of my friends and family did not trust him, and he was not liked by many in the school. You people base all of your facts on google. The judge even said that Sean was not a threat to children or to the community and did not believe he was guilty. They also offered him the choices of dropping the charges to a misdemeanor which would have stayed on his record for 3 years, and by the time would have been over and done with. Instead he chose to be deported, and has always remained open with his past. Many members of An Comission shot him down simply because he reached the top. His school came from nothing, and rose to become one of the top school in the country. He is allowed to be teaching Irish Dancing and he is allowed to be around children. Anyone can get the court transcripts for their own personal viewing. And for the who still don't feel comfortable with him, he is not the one who will be teaching your child. Yes, he does have his own school, but there are many other schools and he would not be around your children. I personally plan on starting my own dance school under WIDA as do many of Sean's former dancers.
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You of all people Irishdaz should not refer to anyone in WIDA as a TCRG because they are not, TOTALLY different from An Coimisiun, AC does not allow pedophiles to run anything that is why he had to start up WIDA, nothing wrong with WIDA, just the man himself -- x, Tue, Sep 18 2007, 0:44:52 [1]
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the organisation calls them TCRG and I use the term to mean dance teacher as most people understand it as such. I am not defending him as a paedophile, and would be very cautious of my own children being around him. The point is that anyone that you trust could be a paedophile, at least we know for sure with him, and can take the necessary precautions, which include not joining WIDA if you don't want. It is right that people warn others about his personal history, so they can make an informed choice. It is wrong to want any rreference to the organisation banned from the forum, as most of the people involved are not connected to his crimes, and may not event have an option to join AC for whatever reason. Please understand I do not support him as an individual nor do I condone his past in any way, in fact I condemn such behaviour 100% -- Irishdaz, Tue, Sep 18 2007, 9:19:57 [1]
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FYI, TCRG is not just any Irish dance teacher, it's the teacher of Coimisiun or Comhdhail Rince Gaelacha (as the abbreviation shows). Other orgs have other names, for example ODCRN in CRN. WIDA teacher should be TWIDA or whatever. He is blatantly copying the name to ape the org he was expelled from and probably to mislead people who have heard of TCRGs but are not aware of the technical details, different orgs etc. -- not good intentions, Tue, Sep 18 2007, 11:16:43 [1]
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You don't get it Irishdaz - you say "at least we know for sure with him, and can take the necessary precautions, which include not joining WIDA if you don't want", the problem is people do NOT know until they join. Not everybody reads message boards and topics on him are usually quickly deleted. I received his e-mail inviting to join and (just as this ad here) there was not a word not even about his conviction but about his identity. If I got interested and decided to travel to the workshops and join the org (as a teacher) when do you think he would tell me? When I already had significant expenses and got involved? If not the boards I would never know because to google him you have to know his name and he's hiding it. I'd say that all the ads and info he posts which does not give his name should be banned. If he DOES give his name it's "buyer's risk" (I'm talking about adult teacher candidates here). -- do you get my drift?, Tue, Sep 18 2007, 12:21:29 [1]
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He did not "leave" AC he was kicked out there is a difference. Irishdaz, so it would be okay if the school principal was a child molester, WIDA was created because he could no longer teach anywhere else so what does that tell you? -- takeyourheadoutofthesand, Mon, Sep 17 2007, 16:36:56 [1]
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Irish Daz are the other people you are talking about still involved with Irish Dancing (or any other association involving children) if they have criminal convictions please this should be reported. Child abusers never change its a proven fact. I do not have a problem with anyone starting up a federation but not one that this ran by a paedophile. I have contact the police who are making an investigation what he is doing cannot be legal -- concerned parent, Mon, Sep 17 2007, 17:29:22 [1]
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The persons involved were not convicted as far as I am aware as nobody was prepared to press charges. However, anyone who was at the first Glasgow Worlds might recall one of them being arrested. As far as I am aware they are no longer part of An coimisiun, but may have joined An Comhdhail, WIDA or any other of the federations -- can never be sure, Mon, Sep 17 2007, 20:13:47 [1]
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Irishdaz I really don't know where you are coming from are you saying that because he loves irish dancing he should still be allowed to teach children I don't understand why u are trying to defend him? we are not gossiping here it is the trurth he is a convicted child sex offender -- parent, Mon, Sep 17 2007, 20:23:54 [1]
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I am not defending him. He is a rightly convicted offender. I am defending the organisation which consists of more than just him. -- Irishdaz, Mon, Sep 17 2007, 21:10:06 [1]
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You are still not making sense - I do not understand why anyone would want to be part of an organisation ran by a peadophile. -- parent, Mon, Sep 17 2007, 21:26:10 [1]
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Statement by a WIDA parent -- WIDA parent, Tue, Sep 18 2007, 4:15:14 [1]
I am a WIDA parent and I can say that Mr. Gavan was very upfront about his past. He does teach, but 90% are adults and I have never seen him teach a child unsupervised.
The summer workshops were run by him (teaching adults) and other teachers who took the childrens classes.
From what I see and hear at feiseanna, everyone is aware of the past and you can tell Mr Gavan makes a clear point of not being alone with a child.
So I can see your concern but all parents and teachers I have met are aware of his past.
He is mostly involved with running the organisation, travelling around the world teaching prospective teachers (ALL adults). And as I said, I rather KNOW who I am dealing with (and with everyone knowing people ARE watching).
I feel that my child is safe (Mr Gavan does not even give private classes) and KNOW of the conviction.
I trust my child TC too, and of his past i have no idea.
Just so you can see that we are not CLUELESS.
Thank you
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Thank you WIDA parent for your informative post. Could you please elaborate on when exactly are parents usually told about the issue and how (when they join a calss, go to the first feis, are to meet SG himself)? I'm not attacking you by any means, I'm asking out of curiosity, I'd really want to know how it's dealt with. -- thank you, Tue, Sep 18 2007, 11:19:39 [1]
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I too have checked the website for any reference to him being the head of WIDA and could not find his name mentioned ANYWHERE which is why this is all cloak and dagger, if he is that far out there letting people know his past then why would his name not be associated with WIDA on the website, so all is not as it appears to be. Its hypocrisy, either you put your name on and take ownership of the organization or you dont, you cant just lurk about it the background and hope to suck people in that way -- deception!, Tue, Sep 18 2007, 16:34:54 [1]
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I can not talk about all parents. All I know is that when I signed my child up with her TC, the teacher told me all about Irish dance organisations and how many different orgs there were which were all fine. Then he said when WIDA was founded and talked about Mr Gavens past. My teacher said that when he went to join the org, Mr Gavan told him about his conviction upfront, so he -- WIDA parent, Tue, Sep 18 2007, 18:34:49 [1]
could chose wether to join as a TC or not. I know of other dancers who were told by their teachers the same way. I cannot tell you if all parenst are aware, for sure I do not expect anyone to walk around a feis and talk to strangers about their past. But the teachers I know and have spoken to were ALL told the moment they decided to join up. And as I said, Mr Gavan is more of an organiser, he only has a few students (most adult) other than prospective teachers. Other schools in WIDA are by far bigger. The regional directors and organizers of feiseanna are NOT all the same person. We have regional directors and lots of teachers, and I personally see no difficulty in him chosing to create an organisation, so he live his love of the dance and his talent. And thus making a point in NOT being a teacher for children. It takes some strength to stand in the spotlight and carry on, with everyone knowing what you did and knowing you are watched. I feel actually this to be far safer than the kind of offenders who disappear and are secretive about their crimes. At least here he told the teachers I know, my teacher told me, and he openly
admits to the conviction when asked, I do not see the deception you are talking about. He is not luring kids into a class, he is building up an organisation. I understand that some of you went through horrid times. I for myself have discussed that with my husband and find that the actual conduct and openness I have so far encountered when asking teachers about Mr Gavans past shows no sign of "trying to hush it up". And I am sure you will agree that noone is required to tell every single one you meet about your past (like an opening feis statement)). And the feiseanna are run by different schools and not Mr Gavan as a person.
I myself have recieved some bad-mouthed emails from sources unknown (in English) telling me all about Mr Gavan. I fact it was the same information that I had already been given by my teacher. That made me even more sure of the fact that my teacher had been told correctly by Mr Gavan. And it only shed a bad light on the sender (whoever it was) as it was anonymous. I read that you are afraid that he is using an alias. He is not. He has always used his name. And we ALL googled it, after our teacher told us.
From personal contact I have not once seen Mr Gavan behave in a suspicious way. I think that he makes it a point not to get into any situations that could be misinterpreted by onlookers.
I think that it takes courage to stand up and confess to the people you want to build up an organisation with instead of hushing it up. I have decided for myself that from what I have seen of Mr Gavan so far that I am very willing to give him a second chance.
And yes I do believe everyone deserves one, especially when he is so upfront about his past.
This is my opinion and I respect yours too.
All I can say is, I know who I am dealing with here, I am watchful, but I am not paranoid.
From what I can see, this is about DANCING not him.
He founded it, his teachers are teaching.
Thank you.
You will forgive me for not posting my email, but after my last positive statement my inbox almost exploded from nasty letters. The Mod has my IP, and I will very willingly forward my email address to him, should he so wish.
And as I said, none of the emails hold any information I was not aware of before.
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I expect the boy who he abused felt the same as you at one point. What I intend to find out is is he on a sex offenders regisister and should he be allowed to teach children even the 10% you talk about. I have also looked at your website and there is no mention of him being affilated at all. All the other teachers are listed but not him and you say that he teaches and runs workshops - why not?? -- parent, Tue, Sep 18 2007, 8:56:12 [1]
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His school is in fact listed, under "Netherlands". -- on the website, Tue, Sep 18 2007, 17:17:05 [1]
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ok he's not alone with children, but he sees them in a different way to other adults he should not be allowed to watch them dance, and i assume making profit from the organisation.people who download things is illegal and people who do this don't necessarily physically offend but the desire is there. -- very dodgy area, Tue, Sep 18 2007, 16:43:23 [1]
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Irishdaz you have the WIDA advertised on your own website do you not think that you should now remove the details as all this has come to light as the mod of this board has, I understand that it may affect the others in the Federation but we do have confirmation that he is head of the organisation? -- parent, Tue, Sep 18 2007, 17:56:26 [1]
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No I don't. The organisation is not Sean Gavan. I have been fully aware of his personal history since it happened. I do not support him as an individual, but I do support the other teachers and dancers of WIDA and any other Irish dance organisation. I do not promote any one over any other. WIDA have the right to exist just as any other federation. The fact that you and I do not like paedophiles llike Mr Gavan does not change that. to Someone once said " I do not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" I believe in Freedom of speech and do not accept that censorship is the right way forwards. I do not like what the man is, vbut that has nothing to do with the other people who make up WIDA. The governing bodies of the other organisations that have affiliated themselves with WIDA have obviously taken a similar view as they also knew Mr Gavan's history beforehand -- Irishdaz, Tue, Sep 18 2007, 20:09:41 [1]
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you are correct you have the freedom of speech Irishdaz but you shouldnt have the right to advertise a children molesters federation anyway we can't do a lot about your site thank god the mod here is more sensible, if Sean Gavan was not president of the federation the WIDA would not be an issue -- parent, Tue, Sep 18 2007, 21:36:55 [1]
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you say "if Sean Gavan was not president of the federation the WIDA would not be an issue". That is my point. It is not a federation of child molesters, even if it was originally set up by one. There will almostr certainly be paedophiles involved in every federation. If you were told that senior regional council members, or CLRG members were child molesters would you be calling for CLRG posts to be removed from the board? I doubt it very much as you would be saying it's not the federations fault. I am not defending my own freedom of speech as you seem to suggest, but rather the right of the organisation (I stress NOT the man) to advertise -- Irishdaz, Wed, Sep 19 2007, 9:15:52 [1]
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It's not only "originally set up by a paedophile", he is still running it, making rules, is present at the comps. If a convict was the HEAD and FOUNDER of CLRG, yes I would ignore the org as long as he is in charge. But it's not, and CLRG kicked him out. Do not let your experience with CLRG cloud your judgement, it's not them who are the bad guys here, it's WIDA who keeps him in charge. If you commit a crime, your life changes no matter how talented you are. You can be a master painter but if you kill somebody, you can only paint in jail. You can be a gifted dance teacher, but if you molest a child you can no longer be among children and your privacy is gone. You should have thought about it before the deed not ignore the consequences. At WIDA open platform comps there are young dancers from other orgs who have a convict sitting right next to them in the audience or shaking their hands. Say what you want, this is not right. As long as he is in charge yes it is his org's fault -- they should get rid of him to come clear, Wed, Sep 19 2007, 11:00:53 [1]
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you are so wrong Irishdaz at the end of the day you are defending and advertising a organisation ran by a child molester however you put it that is a fact, you should for the sake of all children stop advertising the website until this man is gone from the organisation I know you wont change your mind but you are putting children at risk by helping this person, I have shown some people where I work these discussions (that are nothing to do with Irish Dancing) and they cannot believe that anyone would associate themselves with such a person in any way, they were horrified and I must admit it is an real eye opener for me. -- parent, Wed, Sep 19 2007, 20:11:40 [1]
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I have just found Sean Gavan listed under Scoil Rince Celtus School location Venlo, Duisburg, Dortmund and Dusseldorf but he is not listed as the main person at WIDA I am passing this information onto the police to make sure what he is doing is legal -- concerned parent, Tue, Sep 18 2007, 18:04:52 [1]
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thank you for this information I can see that you are very happy with your teacher and your school, however the fact that Mr Gavan is head of the organisation does make me concerned that children are at risk, god forbid anything like this happening again but can anyone be 100% sure -- parent, Tue, Sep 18 2007, 19:13:15 [1]
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100% sure? You can never be 100% sure with anything. As happened with my other kid. My son was physically (not sexually) harrassed by his football coach. And does that person still teach kids, yes he does. Even though he got a conviction. Its NEVER 100% safe. You can only ever see peoples faces, never their thoughts. Are YOU 100% sure about YOUR kids TC? Heard ANY rumours about anyone. I bet you did. And do they still teach, yes, they do. So I have to say, at least its out in the open and not hushed up, as with many others. -- WIDA parent, Wed, Sep 19 2007, 4:21:49 [1]
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I agree that there are creeps everywhere so hopefully they will be exposed, convicted and banned from teaching but at least you can avoid supporting known criminals with your devotion, time and money. But that's not the issue as I've said before if it's your informed choice and you are happy with it I wish you all the best (honestly) with your dancing. Still, personally I am ingnoring this org as long as long as the identity of the man is secret and you only learn when you join or you do not learn at all -- good luck, Wed, Sep 19 2007, 11:17:30 [1]
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you are not making sense, this guy is a CONVICTED CHILD MOLESTER heading an organisation that includes children of all ages. We have aleady heard that he is actively involved with teaching children and present at competitions, classes,workshops etc. And yes if the head of our organisation was convicted of this type of crime I would expect them to be expelled or I would leave without question. We all hope and pray that all child sex offenders are caught and convicted and never allowed to work with children again. We are not saying that the WIDA should be banned or banished only the person who is in charge which is Mr Gavan , he should resign -- parent, Wed, Sep 19 2007, 17:22:15 [1]
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He was deported for violating probation orders not to be around children, so now .... he goes to another country and its OK for him to be around children, situation is the same, location has changed thats all. He gets kicked out of Au Coimisiun so its unacceptable for him to teach anywhere under that organization, goes to a different country and starts one up yet does not have his name associated with it for years. I dont understand why WIDA would allow a person like that to be in charge, literally financing a pedophile with class fee's etc, it might be hard to find someone with his Irish Dance exp but I think I would rather dance for the devil hisself than associate with this charachter -- notknockingWIDA, Wed, Sep 19 2007, 18:26:36 [1]
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Re: Sean Gavan -- old timer, Sun, Sep 23 2007, 9:12:35 [1]
Is WIDA is a professional Irish dance association? Are jobs being created? The talent & quality of work is what should matter. This man obviously continues to be a great Teacher and his talent is in demand. He continues to be creative, sharp, and hardworking in spite of his past problems.
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Once a pedophile always a pedophile. They do not change. I don't give a fig about his talent, creativity, and hard work. -- ., Mon, Sep 24 2007, 1:52:45 [1]
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WTF -- Random (=/), Thu, Mar 18 2010, 22:38:58 [1]
You know what. He was my teacher for years, and the douchebag who fuckin accused him of all this shit only did it because he didnt get picked for nationals. Thats because he was a shitty dancer and a fucking creep. Jesus get your fucking facts straight. Mr sean was a good man.
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Re: -- JeyLo, Tue, Mar 30 2010, 15:15:43 [1]
And he still is!! Ever asked yourself why so many people still trust in him although EVERYONE knows about his past?
Of course now you say we are all blinded by him - sure, hundreds of people for so many years, knowing what he had been accused of...
I don't want to know with what he had to cope with over the last years because of this story, but I am sure that he did NOT deserve it.
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Sean Gavan............. -- DM (CONCERNED!), Mon, Feb 18 2013, 20:39:56 [1]
Not 'EVERYONE' knows about this persons past...........i for one didn't and i have attended 2 WIDA feiseanna! Can someone please fill me in and confirm that this is in fact true? Is this man still attached to the WIDA organisation? Thanks
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Mr. Sean was truly a wonderful person and teacher -- Andrea (loyal), Sun, Mar 10 2013, 4:55:58 [1]
My children danced with Mr. Sean's school all through the controversy. The earlier posting was exactly correct, he was accused by a mixed up, messed up problem teenager. Mr. Sean was a trusting person and never thought to put up walls between himself and his dancers. He was naive and that is all that he was ever guilty of. He was unfairly accused and convicted by a court afraid to say no to a child. You have nothing to fear from the Mr. Sean we all know and love.
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you people are beyond ridiculous -- bri (disappointed), Mon, Sep 27 2010, 21:56:03 [1]
You people need to get your facts straight. I danced for Sean as part of Sean Gavan Irish Dance Company. I began dancing for him when I was about 6 years old, up until I was about 11. He was an amazing teacher and an amazing person. His whole school loved him and knew he was innocent. Even after the accusation had been made, parents supported him and continued to bring their children to his classes. I also knew the person who accused him first hand. All I will say about the accuser is that many of my friends and family did not trust him, and he was not liked by many in the school. You people base all of your facts on google. The judge even said that Sean was not a threat to children or to the community and did not believe he was guilty. They also offered him the choices of dropping the charges to a misdemeanor which would have stayed on his record for 3 years, and by the time would have been over and done with. Instead he chose to be deported, and has always remained open with his past. Many members of An Comission shot him down simply because he reached the top. His school came from nothing, and rose to become one of the top school in the country. He is allowed to be teaching Irish Dancing and he is allowed to be around children. Anyone can get the court transcripts for their own personal viewing. And for the who still don't feel comfortable with him, he is not the one who will be teaching your child. Yes, he does have his own school, but there are many other schools and he would not be around your children. I personally plan on starting my own dance school under WIDA as do many of Sean's former dancers.
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sounds like SG posting there! -- !, Sun, Sep 23 2007, 10:51:18 [1]
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it may sound like Sean, but i'm a supporter and friend. If you don't want your child involved in learning Irish dance from the WIDA -- c, Mon, Sep 24 2007, 8:31:13 [1]
organization, don't! There are plenty of other sports that can meet your needs.
There are lewd and perverted people in every walk of life, and parents need to talk to their children about the people they will likely confront at school, in sports, at work, and in life. Many have an illness and with help it can be controlled, and understood.
Would you allow your teen child to sleep away from home with a grown man in the same bed? My teen would have chosen the floor! Some common sense is obviously needed to parent your child. This is not a personal attack on the young man, it is a shame he had to suffer this indignity and many lives have been ruined because of it.
It is important for everyone to get on with their life and live and let live. Sean isn't a threat to your children. If you choose not to believe me fine, don't join the WIDA organization. I would permit my dancers to take his workshops and learn from him because he is a good Teacher of Irish dance, and we know he made a mistake and owns up to it.
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How many of you who are slandering this person and hurling abuse at the moderator had *anything* to do with this person the first time around? My bet would be none of you. You have all jumped ont he irish dancing hearsay and gossip bandwagon. If you don't want to join WIDA, then don't! But some people aren't as judgemental as you. -- Keep your pitchforks to yourselves, Mon, Sep 24 2007, 9:43:48 [1]
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True. I didn't. Although I am not one of the posters "hurling abuse". The fact is though, that this man has been convicted and parents are quite rightly up in arms about him having any access to children. I know he was convicted and deported - not to be taken lightly. I know the person involved was in his teens. However I do not KNOW the circumstances surrounding the incident or indeed the true motives of either party and for that reason I am out of this debate. Who can ever be truly sure? We must just do our best as parents to make our own decisions and trust our instinct. -- .., Mon, Sep 24 2007, 10:52:14 [1]
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Sean Gavan Head Of WIDA -- L Jackson (He should step down.), Wed, Oct 14 2009, 17:40:24 [1]
Sean Gavan was indeed convicted and spent time in jail for his crimes. He was also given 5yrs probation in 2003. He was deported from the USA had he remained he would have been required to register on the SEX OFFENDERS registery and report to his local Police or Sheriff's Office his name photo and address would have been made public and he would have probably been considered at the highest level and never allowed to work with or be with a child again... Irish News and the Scottish Times plus other local papers in the UK reported his arrest and conviction along with his sentence and finally his deportation. However in the UK it appears that he has slipped under the radar and has and continues to work with children. Statistic show that these offenders often repeat the offense and so all children are at risk.. He should be banned from Teaching our children and although I can accept that he does a great job teaching he is still a risk to our childrens safety.. What would everyones feeling be if it had been their child...? WIDA is an Excellent Organisation and should be allowed to continue it's great works, However Sean Gavan needs to step down with no further involvement with the organisation at all and someone else replace him so that the organisation can continue it valuable donation to Irish Dance.
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Sean Gavin Irish Dance Teacher -- acer459, Wed, Sep 04 2013, 8:05:25 [1]
I remember Sean Gavin Irish Dance from Many Years ago in Scotland I believe he was kicked out of America as the press Quoted for a crime against a minor I dont think its right that people should be teaching when young children are around or in the class I believe he is working in Netherlands Venlo Teacher: Sean Gavan (ADCRG)Scoil Rince Celtus I am amazed that the press says 30 people stood by him when he attended Court as the press highlighted ! frankly Young People must be Protected
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