| | Abstract: | Catherine Leneghan (b. 1964) was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and is of Irish descent. Both sides of her family originated in County Mayo, Ireland. Her father, Francis Leneghan came from Ballycroy, County Mayo, Ireland, and married Catherine O'Donnell, who is also of Irish descent. Catherine's maternal grandparents are Julia Conway, who hailed from Tourmekeady, County Mayo, and James O'Donnell who came from Islandeady, County Mayo. Her paternal grandparents, Ellen Sweeney came from Innisbiggle, Achill Island, County Mayo, and Francis Leneghan came from Ballycroy, County Mayo. Living in a traditional Irish family upbringing, Catherine was associated with things Irish from an early age. Like so many other Irish on Cleveland's west side, she attended St. Patrick's Grade School in Westpark, Cleveland, and subsequently was a student of St. Joseph's Academy, also in Westpark. She received a degree in Psychology at Cleveland State University. But Catherine's real love was of Irish music and dance. She pursued her career in this field, passing the TCRG exam and the ADCRG exam in the early 1990s. She has not looked back since. Her school, The Leneghan Academy of Traditional Irish Dance has been a success since it opened its doors in 1991. The collection consists of biographical information, newspaper clippings, and photographs. | |
