Moate and Kilbeggan among competing clubs in Westmeath Scór final
The 2023 Scór Sinsir Westmeath County Final took place on Sunday last, October 8 and truly showcased the immense talent within the eight participating clubs.
A brilliant atmosphere of friendly rivalry was evident around the always hospitable Downs GAA Centre who hosted the final. All in attendance were treated to a stellar spectacle of music, song, dance and drama.
Hugo Slevin of St. Joseph’s GAA was Fear an Tí for the evening and he kept the clár moving swiftly. He opened the night with a moment's silence to remember all those within the Scór community who have passed to their eternal rest in the previous 12 months.
Tráth na gCeisteanna (Question Time) saw six clubs taking part in the qualifying round which was held prior to the stage competitions last Friday night in Streamstown. St Joseph’s, Mullingar Shamrocks and The Downs emerged as the top three teams to advance to the stage final. The final which was held on Sunday night saw Mullingar Shamrocks take the spoils following a strong finish.
Opening the stage competitions in the Rince Foirne (Figure Dancing) The Downs were the sole club in this category and emerged victorious to win the Rob Cornally Cup.
In a hotly contested Solo Singing event, seven singers took to the stage and all gave excellent renditions of their pieces. It was Ballycomoyle’s Bláthnaid Daly who claimed the title for her club singing a beautiful version of ‘The Stars over Kinvara’ accompanying herself on guitar. Bláithín Kelly represented Kilbeggan Shamrocks in this category.
The Ballad Group discipline saw two very polished groups taking to the stage. Moate All Whites and Ballycomoyle performed excellently and this was a tight competition between these two very experienced groups. After an exciting contest the county title was awarded to Ballycomoyle and they will march on to the Leinster semi-final.
The Novelty Act competition saw a new trophy being awarded to the winners. The Hugo Slevin memorial cup was presented for the first time on Sunday evening by the Slevin family in memory of the late Hugo senior.
The category saw last year’s winners Ballycomoyle and Kilbeggan Shamrocks perform to a very high standard. The acts had the audience in stitches and provided great entertainment. The county title went to Kilbeggan Shamrocks who performed their piece ‘The Community Meeting’ and as a result were awarded the inaugural cup.
Kilbeggan's Novelty Act group comprised Bernice Kelly, Brenda O’Connor, Martin Dowdall, Pat Lynagh, Eileen O’Neill and Geraldine Fennell, and they were mentored by Aisling Kearns and Fiona Kiernan.
The Ceol Uirlise (Instrumental Music), made a welcome return to Scór Sinsir in Westmeath after a long period of time without a group competing. Ballycomoyle and Bunbrosna both competed to a high standard. Bunbrosna emerged victorious playing two sets of lively tunes.
The night was concluded with rousing footwork in the Rince Seit (Set Dancing) where multiple All-Ireland winners Bunbrosna emerged victorious at the expense of Ballycomoyle and The Downs, who all danced brilliant figures of the ‘Claddagh Set’ and ‘Plain Set’.
Ballycomoyle were awarded with the title of ‘Club of the Year’ and were presented with the Eugene Doherty trophy.
Westmeath GAA County Board Chairman, Frank Mescall, presented the winners with their medals along with Cathaoirleach Scór Iarmhí Olive Leonard.
The winners of Sunday's county final will now go on to represent their club and county in the Leinster semi-finals in Allenwood GAA, Co. Kildare next Sunday, October 15 at 5pm. The county will be well represented across the seven disciplines as they progress to the provincial stage of the competition. Results as follows.
Figure Dancing: The Downs
Solo Singing: Bláthnaid Daly, Ballycomoyle
Ballad Group: Ballycomoyle
Question Time: Mullingar Shamrocks
Novelty Act: Kilbeggan Shamrocks
Instrumental Music: Bunbrosna
Set Dancing: Bunbrosna.