2018 All-Ireland Scór na nÓg Finals
The All-Ireland Scór na nÓg Finals took place last Saturday 17th February in the Knocknarea Arena, Sligo. A sold out packed venue, showing the enthusiasm for clubs nationwide to support the talented young people from across the country.
In Question Time, Leitrim were represented on Saturday morning in the ballroom of the Clayton Hotel by Ballinamore Sean O’Heslin’s. Tough questions put to the teams this year and was eventually won by Cornafean of Cavan. Leitrim boys did very well coming in 11th place, the top spot once again of the Connacht teams. This year’s Quizmaster was John Devaney from County Down GAA Board.
Leitrim was honoured to have 3 more acts representing Connacht on the stage for the live stream in the Arena. All of the competitors have trained hard over the past few weeks and were anxious to do their very best, particularly knowing the world may be watching. St Mary’s dancers were first act on stage in Sligo and they were honoured to be opening the show. Their performance of the Cross Reel was excellent but just not enough to bring the title back to Leitrim. Mohill’s Amelia Pajak was the last of the 4 solo singers to perform. She gave a beautiful rendition of Siúil a Rún, but the title went to Cork.
Last up for Leitrim was three times Connacht champions St Marys ballad group. Their performance was highly anticipated by the audience. Despite their best efforts it was not enough to secure the All-Ireland title. Despite no wins last Saturday all of our competitors did Leitrim and Connacht extremely proud.
The one and only medal to go to Connacht went to Katie Heneghan of St Aidan’s Roscommon. This is the young ladies 2nd win in this competition, having previously won the Recitation cup in 2016.
TG4 were also in Sligo to record the day’s proceedings. Broadcasting the event live on YouTube for the very first time in the history of Scór. It was a huge draw for people unable to travel or secure tickets for the sold-out event. A one-hour highlights programme will be shown on TG4 at a further date and details will be circulated as soon as it is confirmed. Meanwhile, the live stream shown on Saturday last is available online.
All Ireland Scór na nÓg Champions 2018
Tráth na gCeisteanna Boird: Cornafean, Cavan. Rince Foirne – Killeavy, Armagh. Amhránaíocht Aonair – Maggie Moynihan, Cullen club, Cork. Aithriseoireacht- Katie Heneghan, St Aidan’s, Roscommon. Bailéad Ghrúpa – Carberry Rangers, Cork. Léiriú- The Downs, Westmeath. Ceol Uirlise – Borris/Kilcotten, Laois. Rince Seit – Spa, Kerry.
Senior Scór is going straight to the County Final once again. It will be held in the Mayflower Drumshanbo on the 3rd of March with the county title winners going forward to the Connaught final in on Monday 19th of March at 4pm. The Leitrim final will start with quiz at approx. 6pm, followed by the main stage, approx. 7.30pm. Entries for the Leitrim final to be submitted by return of email irishculturalofficer.leitrim@gaa.ie by Monday 26th February.
Scór na mBunscoileanna dates have been set for 9th & 10th of March – Venues are Cloone & Drumshanbo Mayflower. Both nights at 6pm. It is hoped that Schools Scór be encouraged and receive any assistance needed by the county clubs for participation as this is where the talent and love of the music song & dance is nurtured. It is a fantastic outlet & will help identify new people in your community that may not necessarily be involved in field games but may like to join the club and get involved in the area. Full details have been issued to the schools and to clubs.
