Clare Kilgallon has been reappointed to the board of Culture Vannin.

She was introduced to Manx culture when she joined Aeglagh Vannin (Youth of Mann), learning songs, dances and stories from the youth movement’s leader, Mona Douglas.

Ms Kilgallon has featured at Manx cultural events and on various recordings and has represented the Isle of Man internationally.

She leads the Manx Gaelic unaccompanied choir Cliogaree Twoaie, with whom she has made two CDs.

Ms Kilgallon is also a long-term member of Manx dance groups Bock Yuan Fannee and the Manx Folk Dance Society, and sings with Caarjyn Cooidjagh.

Her expertise and lifelong commitment to Manx culture was recognised in 2014 with the award of the Reih Bleeaney Vanannan, the Isle of Man’s highest cultural honour.

Nominations are made by the public, and, as such, the award confirms her contribution to Manx culture.

This will be Ms Kilgallon’s second and final term as a government appointed member. The caairliagh of Culture Vannin, Chris Thomas MHK, thanked her for her commitment and contribution, noting that her first term had been marked by both tremendous enthusiasm and quiet dedication, giving freely of her time and working with other board members and officers to take Manx culture forward.

Ms Kilgallon said: ’I’m absolutely delighted to be chosen for a second term.

’I thoroughly enjoyed the last five years and think Culture Vannin is a wonderful organisation which promotes and supports - in so many ways - so many different aspects of our island’s culture and cultural heritage and to be part of that is a great honour indeed.’