County Scór final puts on excellent display of talent from around the Down clubs
The Mournes were alive with the sound of music on Sunday past as the Down County Scór Sinsear final took place in INF Hall, Hilltown.
A packed programme saw over 20 clubs competing for a coveted county medal and their opportunity to represent their club and county in the Ulster Semi-Final.
The first competition of the day was the Question Time with the first rounds taking place in Clonduff GAC Clubrooms before the top 3 teams progressed to the final round on stage in the INF Hall to compete for victory.
Question Master, Eamonn McCausland, pitched the questions well and it was another victory for Bredagh who also claimed the title last year. Before the competition began, there was a moment silence held in memory of Paul Doran from the Bredagh Quiz Team who passed away during the year and it was a fitting tribute to him that the team reclaimed their title.
The next competition was Ceili Dancing which saw a local derby between Warrenpoint, Mayobridge and Clonduff. Clonduff danced their way to victory with a lively performance of The Three Tunes.
The solo singing competition was one of the most anticipated competitions of the day after the semi final the week before, and what talent there was on display. With beautiful performances all round, the judges were left with a difficult job and it was Mayobridge’s Eimear Magee who claimed the title on the night with her performance of The Banks of The Clyde.
With six competitors in the Recitation/Storytelling section, there were six fine performances which had the audience well-entertained.
Micky Quigg from East Belfast claimed the title on the night with a great (and to some, relatable) story about ‘The Wedding Card’. Micky made history for his club, claiming their first ever Scór title since the formation of the club five years ago.
After a short break, the competitors were back on stage with the Ballad Group competition. A highly sought after title, it was a thoroughly enjoyable competition. Warrenpoint, Attical and Mayobridge sang for glory and it was Warrenpoint who were victorious on the night with their rendition securing their place in the Ulster Semi Final next week.
The Novelty Act competition always promises to be an entertaining watch and this year was no exception. With two great performances from Bryansford and Darragh Cross, it was the Bryansford club that took the honours for the second year on the trot with their comical sketch about Irish Traitors, based around the television phenomenon.
Some of them could have given local Ballyholland Traitor, Rachel Duffy, a run for her money. In the instrumental music, Clonduff played their way to a County title with two lively sets much to the enjoyment of the audience.
The Set Dancing saw another competition between Mayobridge, Warrenpoint and Clonduff. Claiming their third County title of the evening, it was Clonduff who danced their way to victory as they hope for a similar path ahead to that in 2023 when they reached the All Ireland Final.
With judges from Armagh, Monaghan and Down, they were incredibly impressed with the standard of competition and the audience was thoroughly entertained throughout the 4 hour programme.
Clonduff GAC were awarded the Peter Keenan Memorial Trophy for the second year running for their contribution to Scór this year and County Scór Secretary and Clonduff Secretary, Anita Brannigan was delighted to accept the trophy on behalf of the club. Irish and Cultural Officer for Down GAA, Gareth McGreevy, thanked all clubs for their participation but reiterated there is much more work to be done to engage more clubs to increase entries in next year’s competition.
County Chairperson, Maureen Higgins, gave a heartfelt thank you to all competitors, mentors and clubs who continued to promote the Irish language and culture and thanked the committee for their work before presenting the medals to the winners.
Winners (Na Buaiteoirí)
Rince Foirne (Ceili Dancing): Clonduff
Amhránaíocht Aonair (Solo Singing): Eimear Magee, Mayobridge
Aithriseoireacht/Scéalaíocht (Recitation/Storytelling): Micky Quigg, East Belfast
Bailéad Ghrúpa (Ballad Group): Warrenpoint
Nuachleas (Novelty Act): Bryansford
Ceol Uirlise (Instrumental Music): Clonduff
Rince Seit (Set Dancing): Clonduff
Tráth na gCeist (Quiz): Bredagh
The above winners will go through to the Ulster Semi Final which will take place in Tempo, Co. Fermanagh on Sunday 7 March at 2pm. It would be great to have as much support there for the county participants so get your red and black flags at the ready and help cheer our representatives on.
