The young dancers of our Scor na nOg did us proud again in the Ulster final on 22nd January at Scotstown, Monaghan. Having already bagged the East Down and All County titles they were quite literally the “Pride of the County Down”. They provided an exhibition of brilliant dancing in an immaculate display that brought the loudest cheers from the audience. Unfortunately, when the judges’ scores were tallied, they were just a whisker behind the Cavan team and so were unable to add the Ulster prize to the East Down and All County titles that they had already bagged.

Congratulations and thanks to the team: Michael Walsh, Catherine Walsh, Siobhan Walsh, Aishling Savage, Shane Rice, Kelly-Ann McCullough, Mairead McCullough and Aishling McMullan; and not forgetting mentors Eoin and Eileen Walsh. We’re proud of your ability and of your achievement at St John’s, and are very thankful for the work put in by all involved.

Back to back titles!

I know that getting to the top is tough, in any arena. I’m told that staying at the top is tougher, and that back-to back titles are beyond the reach of most. Just ask Joe Kernan or Mickey Harte.

So where do you stand if you’ve placed back-to back county titles in the trophy cabinet? I’ve said many times before how proud we are of our Scor na nOg dancers. They have achieved what the rest of us only aspire to.

St John’s county champions – doesn’t that sound good - we know it can be done, because it has been done. And done again!