Scór na nÓg in Down returned with a bang in 2024 with almost 200 youngsters from across the county taking to the stage, across all disciplines, excluding Tráth na gCeist!
The standard of entertainment was truly amazing with youngsters on stage from ages 6 to 16 across the three venues – Glasdrumman, Dromara and Mayobridge. Many thanks to the host clubs for continuing to support the Cultural side of our heritage. A special word to thanks to all the competitors, their clubs, mentors and parents for helping prepare the children – it isn’t about winning on your first performance. It’s about showcasing what you have and knowing what to build upon; it’s about representing your community, making friends within your club community and with those from other clubs; and visiting other clubs you may never have been to before!
These young children didn’t seem to have any nerves and performed with aplomb – unfortunately, only two competitors from each discipline at each of the venues could proceed to the County Finals. We would encourage those who didn’t make it this time to keep honing their talents – it’s not easy to compete against others who are eight or nine years older. The important thing to remember is that those 15/16-year-olds probably started off five, six or seven years ago! Practice makes perfect!
The County Final will take place in Atticall Community Centre on Saturday 9th November and the clubs competing for the County titles are:
Ceilí Dancing – Atticall, Kilcoo, Ballycran, Darragh Cross, Clonduff, Mayobridge Football, Mayobridge Camogie
Solo Singing – Mae Cranney (Mayobridge Football), Muireann O’Reilly Drumgath), Aodhan Breen (Darragh Cross), Michael Scally (Liatroim), Elisha Rooney (Mayobridge Camogie), Aoife Grant (Glasdrumman)
Recitation – Daithí Rooney (Drumgath Football), Emily McGrath (Cumann Peadar Naofa), Beibhin Watson (Ballycran), Louisa Gribben (Clonduff), Ella Meehan (Drumgath Ladies), Maria Morgan (Atticall)
Ballad Group – Ballygalget, Cumann Peadar Naofa Football, Cumann Peadar Naofa Ladies, Clonduff, Mayobridge, St Paul’s
Novelty Act – Carryduff, Rostrevor, Ballymartin, Dromara, Cumann Peadar Naofa
Instrumental Music – St Paul’s, Carryduff, Cumann Peadar Naofa Football, Cumann Peadar Naofa Hurling, Cumann Peadar Naofa Ladies, Mayobridge
Set Dancing – Clonduff, Mayobridge
The eighth discipline in Scór is Tráth na gCeist (Quiz) and will take place in November.
Many thanks to all involved in organising and running Scór in Down, including the adjudicators – without you our children would just not have these wonderful opportunities!
