Westmeath Scór na nÓg finalists decided ahead of county finals this weekend

More than 50 acts representing 18 GAA clubs from across Westmeath took part in a high-standard Scór na nÓg semi-finals last weekend, and the qualifiers are now confirmed for Sunday’s county final.

Following the quarter-finals held the previous week, competitors took to the stage in seven categories: figure dancing, solo singing, recitation, ballad group, novelty act, instrumental music and set dancing.

The first semi-final took place in Milltown GAA Club on Friday evening. With the club still celebrating their intermediate football championship success, it was the turn of the cultural representatives to take centre stage.

The second semi-final was held in Coole, where another impressive display of talent ensured a high standard of competition. The top two acts in each category have qualified for the county final, which takes place in The Downs GAA Centre this Sunday, November 8.

The Tráth na gCeist will start proceedings at 12pm, and the stage competitions commence at 2pm. Ahead of the final, here is a look at the eight competitions and the acts set to battle for county honours.

Figure Dancing

The figure dancing competition is always hotly contested in Westmeath, and this year promises to be no different, as St Joseph’s, The Downs, St Loman’s and St Mary’s Rochfortbridge are all in contention. Each club boasts a proud tradition in dancing, setting up an intriguing battle for the Joe Longworth Cup.

Solo Singing

Darragh McCabe of Mullingar Shamrocks will be aiming for a third consecutive county title after enjoying success in each of the previous two years, when he also went on to claim Leinster honours. He will face strong competition from Bella Carroll (The Downs), Kate Reynolds (Bunbrosna) and Molly Doyle (Caulry), each of whom will bring their own style to what promises to be a closely contested final.

Recitation/Storytelling

Reigning county and Leinster champion Eoghan McKenna of St Loman’s will be looking to defend his title and retain the John Cowley Trophy following his success last year. He faces a strong challenge from Shay Hoey (Caulry), Aoife Heaney (St Mary’s Rochfortbridge) and Ollie Finn (St Joseph’s), all of whom produced impressive performances in the earlier rounds. A competitive final is expected in this category.

Ballad Group

Moate All Whites have been the standard-bearers in this competition for a number of years and will be chasing a seventh consecutive county title with a new, young group. They will face opposition from St Joseph’s, Ballycomoyle and Athlone, all of whom have been knocking on the door in recent years, which should ensure a keenly contested competition.

Novelty Act

Always among the most entertaining competitions, the novelty act promises plenty of laughs, and groups from Ballycomoyle, St Joseph’s, St Loman’s and Athlone are set to take to the stage. New county champions will be crowned this year, and all four groups are hoping to have the audience in stitches with their performances.

Instrumental Music

The standard of traditional music in Westmeath continues to rise, and this year’s final brings together four of the county’s strongest groups. Ballinagore will go in search of a successful title defence, but face a challenges from polished groups representing Ballynacargy, St Loman’s and Mullingar Shamrocks in what promises to be one of the highlights of the evening.

Set Dancing

Westmeath has a long and proud tradition in set dancing, and that continues to thrive. Four accomplished groups are preparing to take the stage in The Downs. Last year’s county and Leinster champions Bunbrosna will be hoping to retain their titles, but face competition from Ballycomoyle, St Joseph’s and Ballynacargy. All four clubs will field full ladies sets as they compete for the Moira Bardon and Sarah Bardon Memorial Cups.

Finals

The Westmeath Scór na nÓg final takes place this Sunday, November 8 in The Downs GAA Centre. Tráth na gCeist starts at 12pm and stage competitions commence at 2pm.