Saffron success in Swatragh semi

Saffron success in Swatragh semi...

It was an extremely cold and snowy Sunday on the 10th December when competitors from Antrim, Down, Derry, Fermanagh and Monaghan travelled to Swatragh to take part in their Ulster semi final. From the glens of Antrim to the shores of Lough Neagh, our competitors travelled to South Derry, braving the elements for that special competition that is Scór na nÓg.

The day started off with the Rince Foirne competition with 4 counties represented. St Mary's Aghagallon danced the Cross Reel and not a step was out of place which ensured them a place in the Ulster Final along with Warrenpoint , Co Down. Solo Singing was next and the standard was extremely high . Our very own Meabh McNeill gave a brilliant performance of the lovely Irish song 'Céad slán leis an oileán' . She was absolutely delighted to be one of the 2 singers to make it through to the Ulster final along with a seán nós style singer from County Monaghan. The recitation category is always fun to watch and we saw performances about everything, even one about John Deeres and Massey Fergusons from a young Derry performer. Our own Katie Bonnes shone brightly as always and clinched a spot in the Ulster final with a brilliant performance . This will be Katie's third successive Ulster final! What an achievement for the young gael from Tír na nÓg. Next up was the Ballad Group section . Such high standard from young performers from every county taking part . The girls from Aghagallon sang beautifully and gave great performances of their 2 songs but narrowly missed out on an Ulster final place to a very talented group from Clonduff, County Down and a group from County Derry. After the break, Aghagallon took to the stage with their performance of 'The Leprachaun's Gold' and what a performance they gave. The crowd absolutely loved it and with a fantastic story line, amazing acting and everything from Irish dancing to horse racing , they were sure to shine through. They secured a place in the Ulster final along with Mayobridge, Co Down. The standard in the Ceol Uirlise group was unbelievable and the Antrim competitors were right up there with the best. The young group of musicians from Carey Faughs performed so well and narrowly missed out on an Ulster final place to a County Derry group from Glenuillin and the Fermanagh group from Derrygonnelly.  The final competition was Rince Seit where we saw our dancers from Ruairí Óg dance 'The Connemara Set'. The girls were fantastic but it was Derry and Down who secured their Ulster final places. 

I am so delighted that Antrim was able to compete in all 7 categories this year and the standard of performances proved that Antrim is now a strong County in Scór with 4 out of 7 acts securing Ulster final places which really is a remarkable achievement. I am so proud of these young people, their mentors , their clubs, families and communities. The Ulster Final will take place on 13th January at 5pm in Downpatrick. Ádh mór oraibh uilig!

Ní neart go cur le chéile!

Bronagh Lennon
Cultural Officer, Coiste Chontae Aontroma