There was literally barely standing room in Atticall Community Centre for the Finals of Scór na nÓg 2024. It was one of the largest finals for a very long time in terms of participants and supporters. The standard of entertainment was truly amazing and never faltered over the course of the 5-hour programme! One adult was overheard saying ‘Where would you get such brilliant entertainment for less than £1 per hour’.
There were six competitors in almost every discipline and the competition was fierce – competitors ages ranged from 6-16! But the little ones were more than up for it and didn’t seem to know the meaning of nerves! Two of the new County champions are Primary School Age! With 6-8 years ahead of them what will they be capable of by the time they reach 16? With such a growth in participation in 2024 it will be a challenge to keep them all involved in the throughout those years and into adulthood. They are the future of our cultural heritage.
The adjudicators had the most difficult task of the afternoon and required a lot of soul-searching to pick just one competitor from each discipline to represent our county in the Ulster Semi finals next weekend.
Congratulations to all our County winners and best wishes in the Ulster Competitions! The winners medals and trophies were presented by County Chair John Devanney.
Down County Champions 2024 proceeding to Ulster Semi Final in Stradone Co Cavan on Sunday 17th November commencing @ 2pm:
Ceili Dancing -Ballycran
Solo Singing – Elisha Rooney, Mayobridge
Recitation – Béibhinn Watson, Ballycran
Ballad Group – Cumann Pheadair Naofa
Instrumental Music – Cumann Pheadair Naofa
Novelty Act – Carryduff
Set Dancing – Clonduff
Cathal Sands Memorial Cup – Best participating Scór na nÓg Club (presented by Cathal’s nephews and niece) – Cumann Pheadair Naofa
Moya McCormack Memorial Cup – Spirit of Scór, presented by County Chair John Devanny to Carryduff Club.
The 8th Scór Discipline is Tráth na gCeist (Quiz) and the Down Final will take place in Castlewellan GAA Club on Sunday 24th November, commencing 12 noon – winners will proceed directly to Ulster Final.
There were over 100 entries in Scór na nÓg this year – many thanks to the Cultural Officers in our clubs for continuing to promote our cultural activities and to those who have come back in again after some years in the wilderness! Three earlier rounds were hosted by Glasdrumman, Dromara and Mayobridge and then the Final in Atticall – many thanks to them and their members for the support. And life referees in games – it couldn’t happen if we didn’t have adjudicators!
Very sincere thanks to the very hard-working Cultural committee who pulled it all together in a very short space of time – it was a wonderful team effort. Special word or thanks to County Secretary Sean Óg McAteer for his invaluable contribution to the organisation of Scór na nÓg 2024
Hurling & Camogie “Have A Go Day”
