Unbelievable standard at Scór na nÓg

Today’s Scór na nÓg final was without a doubt the best County Scór Final that Antrim has seen in many years . The standard in every category was so high and the young people performed to such a high standard . It was fantastic to be able to welcome clubs who haven’t competed in Scór in a long time such as Carey Faughs and Ruairí Óg, who both managed to clinch a County title .

The day began with a minute silence to remember a beautiful young lady, Nicole Fegan from Mayobridge Scór who tragically passed away yesterday . We then had the National Anthem sung by Meabh from St Brigid’s. Fionnuala Mc Ateer did a fantastic job as Bean an tí, introducing everything bilingually and making sure that everything moved smoothly and on time .

First up was Ceili Dancing/Rince Foirne, with Aghagallon’s performance of The Cross Reel clinching the County title. Amhránaíocht Aonair was next up , with an amazing array of talent from all over Antrim . Méabh Mc Neill was victorious and became County champion for the second time with her performance of Cumha an Oileáin. Aithriseoireacht and Scéalaíocht is always a popular competition with the audience and our young performers didn’t disappoint with fantastic performances but Mary Kate Bonnes won her 4th County Recitation title with a flawless performance . The standard in the Ballad Group section was extremely high and we heard some beautiful arrangements of songs like The Wests Awake from St Brigid’s,  Dúlaman from Carey Faughs , Trasna na dTonnta from Tír na nÓg and Blaney Roses from Ruairí Óg. It was Aghagallon who came out on top with their performances of The Green Glens of Antrim and Carrick-a-rede. The Léiriú Stáitse section was first up after the interval with Aghagallon’s funny sketch about a mischievous leprechaun winning the County title. This was followed by some fantastic instrumental performances from Dunloy, Sarsfields, Michael Davitts, Ruairí Óg and Carey Faughs . Carey Faughs won the County title with a great performance. Rince Seit was very enjoyable as we saw a great group of dancers from Cushendall win the County title with their performance of The Connemara Set.

County Chairman Collie Donnelly presented the medals to the young County Champions and thanked everyone for their hard work and dedication to Scór.

A huge thanks must go to St Brigid’s who hosted the final. Nothing was too much trouble and everything was organised so well. Thanks so much to Tracy Galvin, St Brigid’s Cultural Officer for all of her hard work and support , not only today but always.

Finally a massive well done to all of the young people who were absolutely amazing today . I think it’s safe to say that culture and Scór in Antrim is safe in the hands of a brilliantly talented next generation of young Gaels. Of course they couldn’t perform at this standard without the support of their parents and mentors . Go raibh maith agaibh.

Thank you all very much for your continued support in all things Scór . It’s definitely an exciting time to be involved in Scór in Antrim.

Mol an Óige !

Bronagh Lennon

County Cultural Officer