Local student wins All-Ireland Scór na nÓg title
St Dominic’s GAA’s Gemma Casey took home an All-Ireland GAA Scór na nÓg title from Killarney this weekend.
The young Athlone Community College student, competing in the Amhránaíocht Aonair (Solo Singing) category, gave one of the stand out performances of the day with her haunting rendition of a great Roscommon song, 'The Ballad of O Carolan Country'. Her delivery won the hearts of the huge crowd and adjudicators alike, ensuring scenes of joy amongst the St Dominic’s supporters when Gemma was announced as this year's champion.
Not only was it a special moment for her family, club and county, Gemma made her own piece of history, becoming the second ever competitor to win the Amhránaíocht Aonair title twice in Scór na nÓg since the competition’s inception in 1973. She previously garnered the accolade in 2024. St Dominic's have now achieved 10 All Ireland Scór titles.
Meanwhile, Padraig Pearses were represented in two of the day's eight events. In Aithriseoireacht Scéalaíocht, Miriam Darcy took to the stage and delivered a stellar performance of her self-penned piece, "My Darling Sarah". Miriam beamed with pride and passion, receiving a great reaction from the crowd.
Similarly, in the Novelty Act section, Padraig Pearses, acted their sketch 'Mythological Love' with comic timing and precision. While the titles did not come the way of Miriam and her Novelty Act team mates (Ailbhe Glynn Desmond, Oisín Murphy, Erin Arru, Katie Killeen, Katie Grenham, Aoibhín Seale, Katie Killeen Lyons), they can be proud of their achievements this year and the wonderful account they gave of their club on the All Ireland stage.
The other representatives of Roscommon were Kilgass Gaels who took part in the Tráth na gCeisteanna Boird, while Westmeath had four representatives at the national finals,
Ballinagore in the Tráth na gCeist final represented by sisters Aoife, Sinéad and Deirdre O’Brien, alongside Tadhg Seery, Darragh McCabe of Mullingar Shamrocks in the solo singing competition, Eoghan McKenna of St Loman’s Mullingar and
Bunbrosna’s Ciara Carey, Katie Tyrrell, Sarah Tyrrell, Kate Reynolds, Aoife Dunleavy, Anna Dunleavy, Isabel Maher, Clodagh Dodrill and Síun Halpin Murphy in set dancing.
Speaking at the finals, GAA president Jarlath Burns said he was inspired by the young competitors and highlighted the importance of Scór in the association.
“Scór shows what makes the GAA more than just a sporting organisation,” he said. “It gives young people the chance to represent their clubs and counties through our culture, language, music and dance, and to stand on an all-Ireland stage with the same pride as any player.”
“There is a place for everybody in Scór. If you can’t play football or hurling, you can win a medal in Scór. That is the beauty of this competition, and that is why we are so proud of this aspect of the GAA,” he said.
Attention now turns to Scór Sinsir, and the Westmeath county final scheduled for March 7 at The Downs GAA Centre (7pm), while in Roscommon, The County Final of Scór Sinsir (adult Scór/over 17) will be held in Kilmurry Hall on Saturday, March 14.
All Ireland GAA Scór na nÓg Champions 2026
Rince Foirne: Newcastle GAA, Co. Tipperary
Amhránaíocht Aonair; Gemma Casey, St Dominic's GAA, Co. Roscommon
Aithriseoireacht Scéalaíocht: Enya Livingstone, Clan na nGael GAA, Co. Armagh
Bailéad Ghrúpa: Bannow Ballymitty GAA, Co. Wexford
Tráth na gCeist: Beaufort GAA, Co. Kerry
Nuachleas: Aghagallon GAA, Co. Antrim
Ceol Uirlise: Bannow Ballymitty GAA, Co. Wexford
Rince Seit: Abbeyknockmoy GAA, Co. Galway