Down's Double win at the Ulster Scór Final

Two Down clubs claimed victory at the Ulster Scór Sinsear Final on Saturday past in Silverbridge, Co. Armagh.

In the first competition of the day, Bredagh led the way going into the final stage round of Question Time. With an impressive 56/60 marks in the group round, they were well ahead of their finalist competitors from Derry and Cavan. The team also lead in the individual questions to claim victory on the day. This builds on the club's success as current Irish language Tráth na gCeist champions.

The next to take to the stage was Mayobridge's Eimear Magee in the solo singing competition and hopes were high following an incredibly strong performance in the competition to date. The audience were left in no doubt that Eimear had fine-tuned her performance and she captivated the audience with a rendition of John Reilly the Fisherman. With a clear nod from all 3 judges placing our Star of the County Down first, there were emotional scenes as Eimear, her family, club mates and county supporters jumped to their feet when County Down was announced as Ulster Champion.

While the silverware for Down stopped there, the other Down competitors put on the best show on the evening as well. Rostrevor's Kieran McNally did a wonderful job in the recitation section with his tribute to his mentor and mother Kathleen and was unfortunate to miss out on Ulster glory. Bryansford's Novelty Act about the Football Review Committee lightened the mood with the audience and they gave a great performance in what was a very high standard of competition. Our final performers representing the red and black on the night were Clonduff Set Dancers with the Plain Set. A rousing and well executed performance had the stage on fire but unfortunately they just missed out on an Ulster title as they were second place to Glenullin in Derry.

Irish Cultural Officer for Down GAA, Gareth McGreevy spoke after the event, "As Down Gaels we are incredibly proud of all our competitors who took to the stage to represent the county in the Ulster Semi and Ulster Final. The emotional scenes behind Eimear Magee's win is testament to the effort she has put into Scór over many years and it was a joy to see that rewarded following a much-deserved win. A massive congratulations to both Bredagh Quiz Team and Eimear Magee on their successes and I wish them both every success in the All Ireland."

Bredagh (Tráth na gCeist) and Mayobridge's Eimear Magee (Amhránaíocht Aonair) will now represent their club, county and province in the All Ireland Final on Saturday 26th April in the TF Royal, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Tickets will go on sale in the coming weeks.