Saffrons Shine in Stradone

Scór na nÓg Ulster Semi Final

Saffrons Shine in Stradone

A huge crowd of people from County Antrim travelled to Stradone in County Cavan yesterday for the Ulster Semi Final of Scór na nÓg. Antrim were represented in all 7 categories which was amazing considering we struggled to do this a few years ago.

First on stage were the Ceili Dancers from Aghagallon who danced The Cross Reel beautifully. The competition was tight with excellent performances from Tyrone, Derry and Cavan but Aghagallon were successful in securing their place in the Ulster Final.

Next to perform was Meabh McNeill from Lámh Dhearg. Meabh sang the popular song "Grace" and sang it beautifully with the last verse translated into Irish. Meabh always manages to capture the audience's attention so well with her emotive singing. Unfortunately Meabh just missed out on an Ulster Final place.

Mary Kate Bonnes from Tír na nÓg was the next Antrim competitor to take to the stage. She immediately caught the attention of the packed hall with her amazing performance of "The Child I did not know". She secured a place in another Ulster final on 12th January in Silverbridge. Tír na nÓg were next to perform in the Ballad Group section. They were first on stage and sang beautifully, smiling and enjoying every minute of being on stage. Brenna, Cara, Katie, Lucy and Ciara sang John O'Dreams and Líosa and Lucy and Brenna did a fantastic job playing the whistle and the bodhrán. Unfortunately they missed out on a place in the Ulster Final but I was so proud of these children when the results were announced . Even though they missed out on a place in the Ulster final in the ballad Group competition, they still managed to celebrate with their friend and club mate Mary Kate on her recitation success . For children so young, this was remarkable and these children made their families and community very proud showing great maturity and the true scór spirit.

After the break, the Aghagallon Leiriu Group took to the stage with their performance of "Three wishes for the 50th year of Scór" Zara, Méabh, Daniel, Angela, Una, Éadaoin, Ciara and Oisin gave a super performance and it was clear from the reaction of the audience that they thoroughly enjoyed the performance . The group secured their place in the Ulster final and the Aghagallon supporters were elated to have 2 acts in the Ulster Final.

St Mary's Rasharkin were the next group to fly the Antrim flag and what a brilliant performance they gave. Finn, Niamh and Cara Mooney showed their musical talent to the audience , playing with great skill and enthusiasm. The standard was extremely high and they just missed out on a place in the Ulster final to Derrygonnelly and last year's Ulster finalists from Fintona, Tyrone.

The final competition of the day was the Rince Seit competition. Ruairí Óg represented Antrim for the second year on a row and they danced their hearts out . They danced really well and just missed out on an Ulster final spot . We are extremely proud of these girls and how hard they have worked.

The standard of the competition was extremely high and we saw an excellent display of culture and talent. Antrim managed to secure 3 places in the Ulster Final. I am extremely proud of all of our young competitors for putting so much work into their performances and for representing the County so well. A huge thank you to their families, mentors and Club Cultural Officers who help prepare these children for their performances. Maith sibh agus tá muid an- bhródúil asaibh uilig. The Ulster Final will take place in Silverbridge on Saturday 12th January 2019. All support welcome!

Bronagh Lennon

County Cultural Officer