Scór Success for local clubs at St Mark’s High School Warrenpoint

The day began with a lively table quiz in the Sports Hall with five teams making it to the final round of the competition to show their vast knowledge in all things GAA, Irish history, current affairs and general knowledge. Last year's All-Ireland Finalists Ballyvarley Hurling claimed honours on the day.

The first stage competition was Celi Dancing with excellent performances from all with Mayobridge dancing their way to success with a lively Trip to The Cottage. Solo Singing is always a hotly contested competition and this year was no exception with outstanding performances from all competitors. The eventual winner was Mayobridge's Elisha Rooney with her haunting rendition of An Saigdiúir Tréighte.

The audience were thoroughly entertained with a range of recitations in the storytelling section and Glasdrumman's Connie O'Neill got the nod from the judges with her self-composed piece - GAA For All. Always enjoyed by the audience, the ballad group saw six teams compete to claim the County title and the winners were Glasdrumman with their two contrasting ballads. After a short interval, the Novelty Acts were ready to take to the stage and entertain the audience.

A novel and entertaining sketch about a family's Scór journey from Carryduff saw them reclaim their title in the competition and will now progress to the Ulster Semi-Final. A hotly contested competition was the Instrumental Music section with rousing performances from all groups involved. With a lively programme, it was St Paul's that claimed the honors. The final competition of the night was the Set Dancing competition with four teams dancing for glory. Claiming their third title of the evening was Mayobridge GAA as they impressed the judges to claim victory.

As the results were being finalised, Vice Chairperson of the Down County Board, Patrick Savage addressed the audience and acknowledged the contribution being made by Down club's to culture in the local area. He congratulated all the children and mentors involved. Down GAA's Irish and Cultural Officer, Gareth McGreevy took to the stage to thank all who made this year's Scór na nÓg competitions possible and commented on the continued rise in interest in Scór within the county. He thanked all clubs for their continued hard work in the cultural arena and wished all the eventual County Champions every success in the Ulster Semi Final on Saturday 22nd November in Killeavy, Co Armagh. Gareth then made a presentation to current Chairperson of the National Scór Committee, Paula Magee (Mayobridge) in recognition of her contribution to culture in Down, Ulster and on a national level in her roles throughout the years.

In advance of the eventual winners being announced there were a number of presentations made: Clonduff were awarded the Cathal Sands Cup for the volume of participation they had in Scór na nÓg this year with upwards of 70 children involved and Liatorim were awarded the Moya McCormick Cup for the Spirit of Scór and the effort they have put in to revive the Irish Culture within their club.

Winners:

Celi Dancing: Mayobridge

Solo Singing: Elisha Rooney, Mayobridge

Recitation: Connie O'Neill, Glasdrumman

Ballad Group: Glasdrumman

Novelty Act: Carryduff

Instrumental Music: St Paul's

Set Dancing: Mayobridge

Question Time: Ballvarley Hurling

The Ulster Semi Final will take place on Saturday 22 November in Killeavy GAA Complex in Armagh and the Down competitors will compete against Donegal, Cavan, Armagh and Tyrone.