High standard on show at outstanding Westmeath Scór na nÓg final

A record number of entries in Scór na nÓg 2026 set the tone for a superb county final, as 28 groups and individuals took to the stage in The Downs GAA Centre to showcase the very best of Irish culture in Westmeath on Sunday.

The top four competitors in each category qualified for the county final after progressing through the semi-finals in Coole and Milltown the previous weekend. Quarter-finals were also reintroduced for the first time in many years, with Westmeath now understood to have one of the largest county Scór competitions in the country.

The day began with the Tráth na gCeist (Question Time), which opened proceedings ahead of the stage competitions. Chairperson Olive Leonard served as Máistir na gCeisteanna and kept the young competitors on their toes with a wide mix of questions.

Ballinagore, St Joseph’s and The Downs finished as the top three teams to move forward to the stage round, where Ballinagore broke clear after a very close table quiz to claim the county title.

A minute’s silence was observed in memory of George Hatton (Caulry) and Nicky McCormack (St. Joseph’s), both of whom sadly passed away since last year’s Scór competitions and made significant contributions to Scór in Westmeath.

Amhrán na bhFhiann was then beautifully sung by Orlaith Murray of The Downs before Fear an Tí for the evening, Shane King, got proceedings underway and kept the packed clár moving swiftly throughout the night.

Figure dancing kicked off the stage competitions, with polished groups from The Downs, St Joseph’s, St Loman's and St Mary’s Rochfortbridge giving a wonderful start to the night. The home side, The Downs, ultimately took home the Joe Longworth Cup, earning the title for their performance of the Morris Reel.

Four excellent singers performed in the solo singing competition, which proved to be closely contested. Bella Carroll (The Downs), Kate Reynolds (Bunbrosna) and Molly Doyle (Caulry) all delivered strong performances, but it was Darragh McCabe who secured three in a row titles. His lovely rendition of ‘My Last Farewell’ brought the gold medal back to Mullingar Shamrocks.

The recitation/storytelling competition was next up and offered a great variety. Young performers Aoife Heaney (St. Mary’s Rochfortbridge) and Ollie Finn (St Joseph’s) impressed with witty pieces about passion for the GAA and reminiscing on this year’s Leinster football final win, while Shay Hoey (Caulry) delivered a humorous story about the ‘Uisneach Child’.

However, the standout on the night was Eoghan McKenna of St Loman’s, whose delivery of ‘For the Sake of the Parish’ had the audience enthralled in his piece, which earned him the John Cowley Memorial Trophy for a second year in a row.

The Ballad Group competition featured four finely tuned ensembles whose mix of traditional and modern arrangements lifted the spirits of everyone present. Athlone, St Joseph’s and Ballycomoyle Ladies all performed exceptionally, but it was Moate All Whites who added yet another county title with their beautiful performances of ‘Ireland’ and ‘Through the Eyes of an Irishman’.

After the interval, the Novelty Act brought great entertainment to the packed hall. Groups from Ballycomoyle, St. Joseph’s and St. Loman’s took to the stage with lively and imaginative performances. It was Athlone who took home their first Scór titles in many years with their act ‘Athlone Calling’ and will now progress to the Leinster stages.

There was remarkable interest in this year’s instrumental music competition, with a large number of groups entering. The top two from the semi-finals faced each other last Saturday, and the final proved a thrilling contest featuring young musicians from Ballynacargy, Ballinagore, St. Loman’s and Mullingar Shamrocks. Ballinagore edged ahead with a polished arrangement of ‘The March of 1981’ and the ‘White Fairy Reel’, securing back-to-back titles.

The evening concluded with a fiercely competitive set dancing contest. Westmeath continues to demonstrate real strength in this discipline, as shown by the four all ladies sets from Bunbrosna, Ballycomoyle Ladies, St Joseph’s and Ballynacargy. In the end, reigning champions Bunbrosna claimed top honours with their performance of figures one and two of the Paris Set. They were awarded the Moira Bardon Memorial Cup, along with the Sarah Bardon Perpetual Cup for the best ladies set.

St. Loman’s GAA were also presented with the Club of the Year title in recognition of their outstanding participation and high number of entries across the 2026 competitions.

Scór Iarmhí chairperson Olive Leonard presented medals alongside county chairman Paddy Wallace.

The Westmeath county champions now look ahead to the Leinster semi-final next Saturday, November 14, in Balbriggan Co Dublin at 2pm, where they will undoubtedly represent the county with pride.

Full Results: Rince Foirne: The Downs Amhránaíocht Aonair: Darragh McCabe, Mullingar Shamrocks Aithriseoireacht/Scéalaíocht: Eoghan McKenna, St. Loman’s GAA Bailéad Ghrúpa: Moate All Whites Nuachleas: Athlone Ceol Uirlise: Ballinagore Rince Seit: Bunbrosna Tráth na gCeist: Ballinagore Club na mBliana: St. Loman’s GAA