An scéalaí, Hugo Slevin, ó CLG Naomh Seosamh
All roads led to The Downs GAA centre last Sunday for the Leinster Scór Sinsir final. Six recently crowned Westmeath county champions were taking part, with the hope of claiming provincial glory and securing a place in the All-Ireland final.
Tráth na gCeisteanna (Question Time) began the day's proceedings with a number of counties taking part in the qualifying round, which was held prior to the stage competitions in the Mullingar Shamrocks clubhouse in Springfield. County champions St. Joseph’s were the Westmeath representative on the day. The team consisted of Hugo Slevin, Aidan Walsh, Dick Stokes and Darragh Fallon. The group, who have a wealth of experience in the field, unfortunately missed out on a spot in the top three on this occasion despite a very respectable performance. Taking the top honours were the current title holders, Edenderry.
First on stage for the Lake County were The Downs figure dancing team consisting of Erica Hynes, Mary Lynam, Molly Maher, Clíodhna Murray, Amy Dagg, Neasa Mangan Lynch, Robyn Dagg and Emma Dagg. The group gave an excellent account of themselves but narrowly missed out on the title. They had to give way to the reigning Leinster champions Birr (Offaly).
Hugo Slevin from St. Joseph’s was next on stage in the recitation/storytelling category. Hugo is no stranger to the stage and gave an excellent performance of his piece ‘The Present’. In what was an entertaining contest between four strong recitations, Streamstown’s Hugo deservedly took home the provincial title. He now qualifies for the All-Ireland later this month.
Joining Hugo in the All-Ireland final will be the Ballycomoyle Ballad Group. This young group of singers gave an excellent performance of their two songs on Sunday. The group made up of Bláthnaid Daly, Zara Geraghty, Clíodhna Daly, Aoibhínn Dolan and Naomi Fitzpatrick saw off strong opposition from reigning Leinster champions Ballinamere as well as polished groups from Wexford and Longford. The cup heads back to the North Westmeath club two years on since they last won it in 2023.
The Instrumental Music discipline saw a young but lively Ballinagore group take to the stage. Rachel Maxwell, Marie-Claire Maxwell, Emma O’Brien and Shane King played a fine set of a jig and two reels. In what was a hotly contested competition, it was the team from Carlow that took the top honours.
The Downs set dancers, consisting of Darren Nolan, Anna Fallon, Shane Murray, Cian Colgan, Pat Leavy, Órlaith Murray, Aoife Carley and Ursula Carley closed the evening with rousing footwork in the Rince Seit. The black and amber clad dancers were on home soil and lifted the roof with two excellent figures of ‘The Plain Set’. The Leinster set dancing trophy didn’t have to travel far on Sunday evening as the host club took the spoils and will march on to the national final in three weeks time.
Westmeath will be well represented in the All-Ireland final with three acts taking to the stage with the hope of claiming glory. The final will take place at the TF Royal Theatre Castlebar on Saturday April 26th. Well done to all who took part today, you all did yourselves and your clubs very proud. Maith sibh go léir!
Na Torthaí:
Rince Foirne: Birr GAA, Offaly
Amhránaíocht Aonair: Aoife Maguire, Scoil Uí Chonaill GAA, Dublin
Aithriseoireacht/Scéalaíocht: Hugo Slevin, St. Joseph’s GAA, Westmeath
Bailéadghrúpa: Ballycomoyle GAA, Westmeath
Tráth na gCeist: Edenderry GAA, Offaly
Nuachleas: Raheny GAA, Dublin
Ceol Uirlise: Garryhill GAA, Carlow
Damhsa Seit: The Downs GAA, An Iarmhí
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