On Sunday 10th March, St Joseph’s Hall in Omagh witnessed the first step in the revival of Scór Sinsear in Tyrone. It has been concerning over recent years, particularly since the pandemic the obvious decline in participation in the GAA’s flag ship adult cultural competition.
While there have been a number of contributing factors to the decline Coiste Cultúir agus Teanga Tír Eoghan were delighted with the efforts put in by local clubs in recent weeks and months to participate competitively and bring the Scór competition back to life. Thirteen clubs were represented in the on stage competitions with 14 taking part in the quiz.
The competition started with the Tráth na gCeist discipline which saw 14 clubs, in table quiz format compete for a county title. Ultimately Trí Leac were victorious seeing of tough competition from An Eaglais.
The dancing competitions saw old rivals Omagh and Killyclogher contend along with Fintona and Carrickmore for coveted titles. An Ómaigh were successful in the Ceili dancing with Killyclogher claiming the Set Dancing title.
Such was the competition in the semi finals that the solo singing saw participants from eight clubs perform on Sunday with Cara Rose Brogan from Greencastle winning. The Ballad group contest had last year’s All Ireland finalist Cumann Naomh Éanna, An Ómaigh take on competition from two admiral Carrickmore teams representing Éire Óg & Naomh Colmcille, as well as St Davóg’s from Aghyaran and the An Caisleán Glás representatives. Caisleán Glás were ultimately victors.
Greencastle added another county to their number by being crowned county champions in the Instrumental Music. This brought the Greencastle Club tally of titles to three!
Cormac Donnelly, from Augher, was starting once again in both Recitation and Novelty, perhaps one of the longest serving Scór participants to grace the stage at the weekend. His piece title “Not Cut Out for Football” embodied many of the experiences of Scór participants over the years. Aghyaran club member Caitriona Brown, was crowned county champion in recitation. Omagh won the Nuachleas only after seeing off stiff competition from An Charraig Mhór. It is a notable achievement that Naomh Colmcille, An Charraig Mór were represented in seven disciplines in the county final and were unlucky not to take home a county title so they will be a club to watch in the year to come.
Ultimately Scór and culture were the over all winners on the night. The hall was full, the entertainment of the highest standard and the hospitality laid on by the host club Tattyreagh was exceptional.
All of our county champions have the opportunity to participate in the Ulster Semi Final being held on 7th April in Killeavy at 4:00pm. While the venue for the Ulster Final has yet to be confirmed it will take place on 20th April with the All Ireland Scór Final being held in Killarney on 11th May.
Scór na nÓg is taking place in the Autumn and dates will be advertised in local press and on Tyrone County Board website. We look forward to seeing you all then!
Full list of County Champions
Rince Foirne – An Ómaigh, N Éanna
Amhránaíocht Aonair – Cara Rose Brogan, An Caisleán Glas, N Pádraig
Aithriseoireacht – Catriona Browne, Achadh Uí Aráin, N Damhóg
Ceol Uirlise – An Caisleán Glas, N Pádraig
Nuachleas – An Ómaigh, N Éanna
Bailéad Ghrúpa – An Caisleán Glas, N Pádraig
Rince Seit – Coill an Chlochair, N Mhuire
Tráth na gCeist – Trí Leac, N Mhic Artáin
By Rory Cox Mon 11th Mar
