Scór na nÓg – Craobh Ceannais na hÉireann 2022.
All Ireland glory for the Kingdom Set Dancers from the Spa Club; representing East Kerry Board as the curtain came down on Scor Na nOg activites, the first competition of the year as GAA Counties from across the Country descended upon the fantastic I. N. E. C, Killarney venue on Sunday last May 1st where the 2022 All Ireland Finals of Scor Na nOg took place and where over 25 Counties battled it out in the various catagories hoping to bring All Ireland glory to their respective Clubs and County.
Now in its 53rd year;(Started in 1969) Scor continues to be a fantastic outlet for G A A members to gather and celebrate all that is good in our, music, song, dance, novelty and storytelling traditions; it was wonderful to see so many happy faces in the 1300 attendance on the day that once again enjoyed the many marvellous talented performers on stage.
What can one say about the Set Dancers from the Spa Club who were going for their 4th National title in Scor Na Nog; they would be known by the Dancing experts as one of the best and once again they didn’t disappoint; Dancing 2 parts of the Lackyle Set in the final discipline of the evening they were simply unbeatable and were head and shoulders over their opponents on stage.The members of the victorious Set Dancers were; Darragh Brosnan, Diarmuid O Donovan, Oisin O Sullivan, Colm O Connor, Isabel Waters, Grace O Connor, Roisin O Sullivan, Aoife O Donoghue and Laura Fleming.
Kerry were honoured to have 2 more acts representing the County; The first of the eight catagories which involved Kerry with Tralee Parnells members of; Donnacha Buttimer, Oisin O Sullivan, Dan Moloney and Brian Reidy. had an noon start with the Quiz and when the first part was finally completed our gallant Tralee boys were just pipped by a single point to contest the latter part of the competition. However it’s the clubs first time out in this category and to reach an all Ireland final was a great achievement.
Next up were the Glenflesk Ballad Group of Abby Cronin, Muireann Healy, Eilís Mullane, Aoise O’Donoghue and Molly O’Donoghue and after giving a magnificent performance; but for the second time during the past 2 years the Adjudicators failed to give them the nod at the final hurdle.
All the winners on the day were then presented with their All Ireland Scor Na Nog medals by Chathaoirleach Choiste Naisiunta Scor; Tomas Muiri in the absence of Uachtaran C L G Labhras Mac Carthaigh who was otherwise engaged. .
Overall another great occasion to savour and certainly great credit is due to Scor Naisuinta for their organisation and hosting of this final. Well done to all competitors; an absolute feast of talent on display. It was wonderful to see Scor back in action.
All Ireland winners were;
Figure Dancing – Newcastle County Tipperary
Solo Singing –Sarah Ni Chaonaill, Chainn na nGaeil, Meath
Storytelling/Recitation – Dylan Corry – Cooraclare County Clare
Ballad Group Ghleann an Iolair, Derry
Novelty Act – St. James’s County Cork
Instrumental Music Naomh Eanna, Omaigh, Tyrone
Set Dancing – Spa County Kerry
Question Time Naomh Columba, Donegal
