Profits at the firm which operates Irish dancing entertainment phenomenon Riverdance across the world last year almost doubled to €418,730.
New accounts filed by Abhann Productions Ltd show that the firm recorded the post tax profits of €418,730 in the 12 months to June 30 on the back of its 30th anniversary tour.
The post tax profits of €418,730 last year followed post tax profits of €246,936 in the prior period – an increase of 70%.
Over the past 31 years, Riverdance has been seen live by 31 million people across the world.
The profits for 2025 contributed to the company having accumulated profits of €4.6m at the end of last June.
The firm’s cash funds increased from €4.17m to €4.46m.
During the year under review, Riverdance added to Abhann Production Ltd revenues by performing at the Gaiety across the Summer to September 2024, Taiwan and Europe in Autumn 2024 and in the USA last year.
“More than 30 years on, we are delighted that Riverdance continues to enjoy a strong presence on the international stage as the show continues to connect with audiences across generations and cultures,” the co-founder of Riverdance, John McColgan, said today
“Looking ahead, we are excited about our upcoming tours across North America, Europe, Australia, South Africa and the Middle East, reflecting the continued global appeal of Riverdance,” he said.
“At home in Ireland, we look forward to continuing our much-loved summer 23rd season at Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre, while 2027 will also see Riverdance return to Killarney and Derry. We remain focused on building on that legacy, developing new opportunities for this brand and bringing Riverdance to audiences around the world,” he added.
The theatrical show spawned from a performance during the seven minute interval at the Eurovision Song Contest held in Dublin in 1994 with Michael Flatley and Jean Butler performing the lead dancing roles.
Almost one year later in February, the first Riverdance stage show was performed in Dublin.
During the year under review, on St Patrick’s Day 2025, the Riverdance cast explored Manhattan with a pop-up performance in Times Square and the team also danced at 1,250 feet at the One World Observatory as part of Riverdance’s US tour.
Arising from the buoyant 2025 performance, aggregate pay to directors John McColgan, Moya Doherty and David Orr last year increased from €1.24m to €1.8m.
The firm is controlled by joint founders, Mr McColgan and Ms Doherty.
The accounts show that the monies repayable by the firm to Mr McColgan and Ms Doherty increased from €169,686 to €682,134 made up of €427,891 owed to Ms Doherty and €264,243 to Mr McColgan.
Riverdance usually has two productions touring simultaneously each employing 50 to 55 in cast and crew.
Reporting by Gordon Deegan
