Scór na nÓg Finals 2019
The Scór na nÓg Finals for 2019 took place in the highly hospitable environs of Avondale GAA Club on Sunday 24th of November. The competition opened with the Amhránaíocht Aonair or Solo Singing section, a section which is traditionally very competitive. This year proved no different. Ballymanus’ Caitlin Whelan opened proceedings with a lovely rendition of Green and Red, a choice which Rúnaí Scór, Kathryn Noone, surely appreciated. From there, the quality did not let up. The likes of Kilmacanogue’s Conor Power, the 2018 County Champion, with Only our Rivers and Ballymanus’ Petra Van der Wel with a stunning rendition of The May Morning Dew gave guest judge, Seán Walsh, plenty to think about. In the end, much to the delight of the Ballymanus contingent in the audience, it was Petra who pipped Conor to become Wicklow Scór na nÓg Solo Singing Champion for 2019. The second competition of the afternoon was the Ceol Uirlise Competition. Ballymanus were once again prominent with Camolin Hornpipe and Humours of Glendart. However, they were beaten into second place by a highly impressive Derry Gaels quintet who performed Dusty Windowsills and New Mown Meadow with aplomb. There was no small consolation for the Billies when their Bailéid Ghrúpa took the title in their section, performing Dilín Ó Deamhas and Beidh Aonach Amárach, peerlessly. All County Champions will now go forward to the provincial semi-finals which take place in Birr, Co. Offaly on 7th of December. The Coiste Cultúir agus Gaeilge would like to sincerely thank Avondale GAA, and in particular, Séamus Doyle, for hosting the event this year; a great spread was put on for all. Thanks to our adjudicator, Seán Walsh for lending his time and expertise. Míle Buíochas also to Sandra O’Shaughnessy who served refreshments while Seán was ruminating over the impressive performances he had just witnessed. Thanks to all the clubs who entered in this year’s competition. Buíochas ó chroí also to the parents, guardians and well-wishers who came along to support the contestants. The final ‘thank you’ must go to our contestants for 2019 – taking to the stage is never easy; even getting up there takes courage. To perform as you all did takes a lot of talent too! With talent like that on display in Avondale on Sunday coming through, both Scór na nÓg and Scór Sinsir have very bright futures in Wicklow, gan dabht ar bith!
