Four Ulster Titles for Down at Scor na nOg Finals - 18/01/2004

At the Ulster Scór na nÓg finals in Silverbridge last Saturday night, Down GAA clubs won four out of the eight competitions and now go forward to represent their club, county and province in the All-Ireland finals in Athlone on 21st February.

The first Down winner of the night was the Mayobridge Instrumental Music group, who have won their third successive Ulster title and who are currently All-Ireland champions.

The second Down group to get through was the singing trio from the St Michael’s club, and are the first Down club to compete in an All-Ireland Scór na nÓg Ballad Group competition since Carryduff away back in 1983.

Rostrevor’s classy Novelty Act, five times County Down champions, were the third Down act to get through to the All-Ireland and should do well in the midland town.

Last but not least was the quiz trio from Banbridge who have reached the All-Ireland finals at their first attempt. The Banbridge club has won numerous titles in Scór and Scór na nÓg, but never in quiz. This year, they not only won the Down title for the first time but also were South Down champions at the first attempt.

The three County Down acts which didn’t go through were sisters Jane and Claire Rooney from Mayobridge who were competing in Solo Song and Recitation respectively. Likewise the St John’s Set Dancers failed to get the nod, but on the night all put up a great show.

Just four years ago, in April 2000, even the great Malachy Cush stood and sang on a Scór stage and didn’t manage to make it to the All-Ireland final, so all is not lost.

By Gerry Quinn
Aughnagun Mayobridge

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