Castlewellan Musicians Through to All-Ireland
Galbally County Tyrone was the setting on
Saturday night last for the Ulster finals
of the 2008 Scór na nÓg competitions
in which five County Down GAA clubs were taking
part.
With the local Community Centre packed to
capacity, the 700 plus audience was treated
to a great night’s entertainment, but
unfortunately for Down, just one club, Castlewellan,
survived to take its place in the All-Ireland
final in Athlone on 16th February next.
Competing in five disciplines, it was felt
that our County might have had more success,
but the competition was fierce and at the
end few would disagree with most of the results.
Neighbouring South Down clubs, Rostrevor and
Warrenpoint were competing in Novelty Act
and Set Dancing respectively, but in Rostrevor’s
case, the eventual winners, Glenswilly from
Donegal with a topical presentation of the
‘Flight of the Earls’ in 1607
took the honours.
Warrenpoint who had changed their dance to
‘The Newport Set’ were beaten
by a very youthful Crosserlough, County Cavan
team who were retaining their Ulster title
of 2007, and in the case of both clubs, we
are certain that with the commitment they’ve
shown so far, the day won’t be long
in coming when they’ll achieve their
deserved success.
In the Quiz, East Down and County champions,
Loughinisland, were beaten by Aodh Rua from
Donegal who only missed one solitary four-marker
on the night; they too have put a lot of work
into preparation for the competition which
will stand to them in future competitions.
We were hopeful that Saul’s Ballad Group,
seven times County champions might just get
through to their first All-Ireland. Their
competition was very tight with Armagh’s
Carrickcruppen and Tyrone’s Killeshil
in great voice. It must have been touch and
go and our hopes of victory were thwarted
when Tyrone’s Killeshil were adjudged
winners.
And so the Stars of the County Down Scór
na nÓg 2008, are the intrepid trio
from Castlewellan who will carry the banner
for Down and Ulster to the All-Ireland in
Athlone. Emer Walsh, with Orlaigh and Niall
McCrickard, were worthy winners of the Instrumental
Music section. Having won three of the last
four Down titles at Instrumental Music, their
style and skill eclipsed the youthful Augher
team from Tyrone and Magheraclune from Monaghan.
Meanwhile, the more senior County Down Scór
competitors are practising hard for the Scór
Sinsear competitions which begin in both East
and South Down on 8th and 10th February.
