Connaught Scór na nÓg Finals
No wins for Leitrim in this years Connaught Scór na nÓg Finals last Sunday in Castlebar. It was the second year Leitrim have come home with no titles despite the level of entries going through from our County finals.
In Rince Foirne Glencar/ManorhamiltonÓgave a great performance of the Cross Reel but the 8 girls from Castlebar Mitchells of Mayo danced through to the All-Irelands with St Patrick’s Day. In Solo Singing Aisling Byrne of St Dominic’s of Roscommon won the Connacht title with her rendition of “My Bonnie Labouring Boy” seeing off our Megan O’Donnell of Aughnasheelan. Instrumental Music saw Castlebar Mitchells win their second Connaught Title of the evening with their 5 piece Groupa Ceoil. Recitation was a very entertaining competition with Fintan Fitzpatrick of Aughnasheelan reciting his original script of “My Trouble with Scór” a funny little poem about how his mother wanted him to take part and his journey to the stage, it was won with a very energetic performance by Pauric Halpin of St Barry’s, Roscommon with his extract of Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes entitled “Irish Dancing Class”. Leitrim Gaels Ballad Group sang their songs of “the Rose of Avondale and Colcannon beautifully but the win went to Roscommon and St Dominic’s singing “Carrickareed” and “the Carlow Story”. Very disappointing defeat for the Bornacoola Question time finishing 6 points behind the eventual winners St Farnan’s of Sligo.
Novelty Act winners were Caltra of Galway with their sketch of “an cluiche” a story that that displayed all the antics of match day in Croke park, hard luck to the young Sean O’Heslins team who came on in strides since their win at the Leitrim County finals.
Set Dance was won once again by the Abbeyknockmoy set dancers of Galway, credit must go to the young Fenagh team who thoroughly held their own on that stage every bit as good as the teenÓge teams that danced against them, with youth on their side they will go far.
Leitrim’s level of participation was as high as ever this year and no doubt Leitrim’s Juniors will be back with a bang again in 2013. The All-Ireland Finals will be held in the Travellers Friend in Castlebar on the 18th of February. Wishing all of the Connacht winners the best of luck.
Focus is now turning to Scór Sinsear and preparations are underway in most clubs. The Semi-Final is now only 4 weeks away, it is being held in the Mayflower, Drumshanbo on Saturday 25th February with the County Final on Saturday March 10th in the Canon Donohue Hall in Mohill.
Connacht Scór na nÓg Winners:
Rince Foirne: Castlebar Mitchells, Mayo
AmhranaÃocht Aonair: Aisling Byrne, St Dominic’s, Roscommon
Ceol Uirlise: Castlebar Mitchells, Mayo
Aithriseoireacht: Pauric Halpin, St Barry’s, Roscommon
Bailéad Ghrúpa: St Dominic’s, Roscommon
Trath na gCeist: St Farnan’s, Sligo
Nuachleas: Caltra, Galway
Rince Seit: Abbeyknockmoy, Galway
29-Jan-12 by Claire Crossan – PRO – Scor
