Outstanding talent and participation celebrated at Down Scór na nÓg County Final
More than 150 young people take to the stage following three successful county semi-finals and a qualifier, as eight county titles are decided ahead of the Ulster Scór na nÓg competitions. On top of this over 70 children took part in the Tráth na gCeist competition before the stage competitions began.
There was a fantastic celebration of Irish culture, music, song, dance and community spirit at the 2026 Down Scór na nÓg County Final, held in St Mark’s High School, Warrenpoint, on Saturday 7 November.
Following three hugely successful county semi-finals and a qualifier, which attracted packed audiences in Atticall, Portaferry, Glasdrumman and Dromara, the county final brought together the very best of Down’s young Scór talent, with more than 150 individual children taking to the stage across the eight disciplines.
The standard of competition throughout the day was exceptionally high, with outstanding performances demonstrating the dedication, talent and enthusiasm of young people from clubs right across the county. From traditional music, singing and dancing to storytelling, ballad groups, novelty acts and quiz, the competition showcased the incredible breadth of cultural talent within Down GAA.
The afternoon also included a minute’s silence in tribute to Ciara Mageean, providing an opportunity for those in attendance to pause and reflect. Ciara’s granny Kathleen Mason was a driving force behind Scór in Portaferry for many years and her daughter in law, Jennifer Mason, now is a member of the Coiste Cultúir agus Gaeilge.
Two special awards recognised the values and ethos that sit at the heart of Scór. The Moya McCormack Cup for Spirit of Scór was presented to St Paul’s, while the Cathal Sands Award for Participation was awarded to Ballela, recognising the importance of involvement, commitment and the community spirit that makes Scór such an important part of club life.
The County Champions
After a fantastic day of competition, the following clubs and competitors were crowned 2026 Down Scór na nÓg County Champions:
Rince Foirne (Céilí Dancing) – Clonduff
Amhránaíocht Aonair (Solo Singing) – Oisín Murphy (Saval)
Aithriseoireacht (Recitation/Storytelling) – Connie O’Neill (Glasdrumman)
Bailéad Ghrúpa (Ballad Group) – Cumann Pheadair Naofa (Warrenpoint)
Nuachleas (Novelty Act) – Carryduff
Ceol Uirlise (Instrumental Music) – St Paul’s
Rince Seit (Set Dancing) – Clonduff
Tráth na gCeist (Question Time) – Aghaderg/Ballyvarley
On the road to Ulster
The county champions will now look ahead to the provincial competitions, with the next stage offering an exciting opportunity to represent their clubs and County Down on the Ulster stage.
The seven stage competition winners will travel to Tyholland Community Centre, County Monaghan, on Saturday 14 November, where they will compete in the Ulster Scór na nÓg Semi-Final against representatives from across the province. They will be hoping to secure one of the coveted places in the Ulster Final.
Meanwhile, the Aghaderg/Ballyvarley quiz team has already secured its place in the Ulster Final, progressing directly to the provincial showpiece, which takes place on Saturday 28 November at St Ronan’s College, Lurgan.
Speaking following the county final, Down GAA Irish and Cultural Officer Gearóid MagRiabhaigh said:
“Today has been a fantastic reflection of everything that makes Scór so special. To see more than 150 young people taking to the stage, following such tremendous participation throughout our three county semi-finals and qualifier, is hugely encouraging.
“The standard of performance across all eight disciplines was outstanding. Every competitor, club, mentor and family involved should be incredibly proud of their contribution. The commitment shown by our young people to Irish music, song, dance, storytelling and culture is something we should celebrate.
“Our ambition is to see every club in Down participating in Scór na nÓg and Scór Sinsir in 2027, and days like today demonstrate exactly why we want to continue growing these competitions. Scór is about much more than winning; it is about participation, friendship, identity and keeping our traditions alive for the next generation.
“Congratulations to all our county champions. We wish the seven stage acts every success in Monaghan next Saturday, and look forward to seeing Aghaderg/Ballyvarley represent Down in the Ulster Final later this month.”
The Down GAA Irish and Culture Committee extended its sincere thanks to all participating clubs, competitors, parents, mentors, adjudicators and volunteers who contributed to the success of this year’s competitions, as well as the organising committee and County Management for their continued support.
With record levels of participation, packed audiences and an exceptional standard of performance, this year’s competition has provided a wonderful platform for the next generation of Scór talent in Down.
Comhghairdeachas le gach duine a ghlac páirt agus go n-éirí go geal lenár n-iomaitheoirí i gCraobh Uladh!
By Shauna McKay Mon 9th Nov
