No joy for Westmeath at All-Ireland Scór na nÓg finals in Killarney

Four Westmeath GAA clubs made the long journey to Killarney last weekend for the All-Ireland Scór na nÓg finals, where the best of Irish culture within the GAA is celebrated as provincial champions compete for national honours.

Ballinagore were first into action as their Tráth na gCeist team took part in the quiz competition, held in Dr Crokes GAA clubhouse. While the venue proved challenging logistically, and many spectators had to stand, it was fitting given the club’s storied place in GAA history.

The Ballinagore quartet of sisters Aoife, Sinéad and Deirdre O’Brien, alongside Tadhg Seery, made an excellent start and were well in contention during the early rounds. As the questions became more demanding, however, the strongest teams emerged, an the home side Kerry ultimately claimed the title.

It was nonetheless a highly encouraging performance from the Westmeath team, mentored by Shane Heraty, who did exceptionally well to reach the All-Ireland final.

Stage competitions then got under way in the INEC Arena at the Gleneagle Hotel, where a large and enthusiastic crowd gathered from all four corners of Ireland. Darragh McCabe of Mullingar Shamrocks was first on stage for Westmeath in the solo singing competition. Competing at his second successive All-Ireland final, Darragh delivered a moving rendition of ‘The Valley of Knockanure’, earning strong applause, particularly from the sizeable Westmeath support.

Despite hopes of going one better this year, the title went to the 2023 champion Gemma Casey of Roscommon. Still underage, Darragh will have no doubt further opportunities to challenge for national honours in the years ahead.

Next up was Eoghan McKenna of St Loman’s Mullingar in the recitation/storytelling competition. It marked a milestone for the club, as it was their first-ever representative at a Scór na nÓg All-Ireland final. Eoghan impressed with a lively and humorous delivery of ‘The Cross-Eyed Monaghan Hurler’, drawing plenty of laughter from the audience.

Three was strong competition, including from the renowned JK Brackens club of Tipperary in this category, and the title was eventually awarded to Armagh in a closely contested decision. Like Darragh, Eoin remains eligible for Scór na nÓg over the coming years and will be a contender again.

The set dancing competition brought a long but entertaining afternoon to a close, and the familiar quartet of Westmeath, Kerry, Galway and Derry contested the final. Those counties regularly dominate the category, represented on this occasion by renowned clubs such as Spa and Abbeyknockmoy.

Bunbrosna, a club long established in set dancing circles, represented Westmeath. The eight-strong team of Ciara Carey, Katie Tyrrell, Sarah Tyrrell, Kate Reynolds, Aoife Dunleavy, Anna Dunleavy, Isabel Maher, Clodagh Dodrill and Síun Halpin Murphy delivered an outstanding performance of two figures of the Paris Set on the INEC stage. While their performance was of the highest standard, the title went to Abbeyknockmoy of Galway, denying Kerry’s Spa club a fourth successive crown.

Speaking at the finals, GAA president Jarlath Burns said he was inspired by the young competitors and highlighted the importance of Scór in the association.

“Scór shows what makes the GAA more than just a sporting organisation,” he said. “It gives young people the chance to represent their clubs and counties through our culture, language, music and dance, and to stand on an all-Ireland stage with the same pride as any player.”

“There is a place for everybody in Scór. If you can’t play football or hurling, you can win a medal in Scór. That is the beauty of this competition, and that is why we are so proud of this aspect of the GAA,” he said.

Saturday’s finals brought the Scór na nÓg season to a close for Westmeath, marking another successful year for the county.

Attention now turns to Scór Sinsir, and the Westmeath county final scheduled for March 7 at The Downs GAA Centre (7pm). Updates and further information are available on the Scór Iarmhí Facebook page.