Offaly acts advance to Leinster Scór na nÓg final

A TOTAL of seven clubs took part in the Offaly county finals of Scór na nÓg, which were held in the Marian Hall, Birr, on Saturday, November 26 and while some categories were under-represented, a great night’s entertainment was provided by the talented youth on stage.

The category winners were as follows:

Rince Foirne (Céilí or Figure Dancing) - Birr; Amhránaíocht Aonaoir (Solo Singing) – Luke Maher, Seir Kieran; Ceol Uirlise (Instrumental Music) - Na Fianna; Aithriseoireacht/Scéalaíocht (Recitation/Storytelling) - Niamh Delaney, Ferbane; Bailéad Ghrúpa (Ballad Group) – Ferbane; Nuachleas (Novelty Act) - Kilcormac/Killoughey; Tráth na gCeisteanna (Question Time) – Ballycumber; Rince Seit (Set Dancing) - Na Fianna.

These winners then went forward to represent Offaly in the Leinster semi-final in Carnew on Saturday, December 10, competing against counties Wicklow, Wexford, Laois and Dublin.

Unfortunately Na Fianna had to withdraw from the set dancing category, but the rest of the competitors performed well against stiff competition.

The Ballycumber quiz team were defeated by a narrow margin and the KK novelty act and the Birr dancers can consider themselves unlucky not to have made the next round.

However, Luke Maher (Seir Kieran), Niamh Delaney (Ferbane), the Ferbane Ballad Group and Na Fianna instrumental music group, will represent Offaly in the Leinster finals in Ballymore, Westmeath on Sunday, January 15.

Well done to all who took part, both on stage and behind the scenes, and best of luck to all taking part in the Leinster final.

The senior county final will take place on the last weekend of February, so dust down your dancing shoes, restring your guitar or take whatever action you need and get in training now!