Superb Scór success for Silverbridge

By Brónagh Murphy

Silverbridge Harps GFC has been a part of Scór since the competition was first introduced into the GAA calendar in 1969.  

Without fail, year after year, representatives from the club have stepped up to the mark, ensuring continued participation in this, the cultural wing of the Association.

Over the years the club has accumulated numerous county titles, four provincial wins (quiz in ’74, ’75 and ’83 and ballad group in 2002) and one All-Ireland (solo singing in 2009).

Last weekend it celebrated its best ever success to date, with a total of four acts winning provincial titles in the Ulster final of Scór na nÓg.

Dozens of supporters travelled to Galbally, Co. Tyrone on Saturday January 16th to cheer on the participants in the event.  The evening was packed with excitement and trepidation as, following outstanding performances in all four categories, the results were announced.

Tráth na gCeist

The quiz team – brother and sister, Peter and Eimear Reel and their cousin, Lorcan Burns – was awarded the club’s first provincial title of the night.  Throughout the tough rounds of questions, they held their nerve and emerged as outright winners, recording the highest possible score of 60 out of 60.

It’s believed this achievement has been matched only once before in the history of Scór na nÓg – and is a magnificent testament to the outstanding depth of knowledge possessed by this talented trio.

Rince Céilí

In the Céilí dancing section, the young dancers picked up a first ever Ulster dancing title for their club.

Dancing the ‘High Caul Cap’, Sean Garvey, Shea Bradley, Ryan McKeown, Peter Reel, Caoimhine Grant, Aisling Muckian, Eimear Reel and Eileen Muckian won the praise of the adjudicators, one of whom declared in her comments that they were ‘a joy to watch.’

Delighted at their success, the dancers and their parents take this opportunity to extend their grateful appreciation to tutor Eamonn O’Malley for his continued guidance and support.

Amhránaíocht Aonair

Representing her club and county in solo singing was Aishling Muckian.  Singing with a maturity beyond her years, Aisling’s rendition of ‘The Quiet Land of Erin’ drew tumultuous applause from the audience.   The adjudicators’ comments included ‘great voice and performance’ and ‘ar fheabhas’ (excellent) and led to the third title for Silverbridge.

Aithriseoireacht

Last up was Michael Muckian in the recitation section, delivering an extract from Frank McCourt’s novel, Angela’s Ashes, entitled ‘The First Communion Breakfast.’

Dressed as a young McCourt, Michael threw himself whole-heartedly into the performance and kept his audience engaged throughout.  His effort wasn’t lost on the judges as all three praised his use of voice and facial expression while telling the story.

‘A credit to your club’ was how Michael was described by one of the adjudicators while another said he kept the audience and judges ‘always entertained and interested’ throughout his performance.

The crowning of ten new Ulster champions in Silverbridge club has proved to be a real family affair with two sets of siblings and another two sets of cousins involved.  It’s also a double success for three of the performers – Aishling Muckian, Peter Reel and Eimear Reel – who picked up awards in two separate categories.

Bereavement

Winning five Ulster medals between them, Aisling, Eileen and Michael Muckian’s celebrations were tinged with sadness at the sad passing of their grandfather the evening before the final.  Aged in his hundredth year, Dr. John McCormack had enjoyed a life-long love of music and poetry and it was to honour his memory and celebrate his life that the siblings, together with their parents Bernie and John, decided to go ahead with the original plans and take part in the competition.

Dr. McCormack was laid to rest in Inniskeen on Sunday January 17th.

Dedication

The unique achievement of a small rural club being represented in four acts in an All-Ireland final is not to be underestimated.  It is a direct result of the commitment and dedication of club members like Peter Murphy and Pat Traynor, to the whole ethos of Scór, that have led to success such as this.

Speaking on behalf of Silverbridge GAC, Chairperson Ann Connolly, congratulated the young members on their Ulster success saying they have given the club great reason to be proud.

“Scór is a very important part of our culture and it is essential that we keep it alive here in Silverbridge.  It is a great achievement to have won four Ulster titles, proof of the great talent we have here in our club,” Ann said.

She paid tribute to Cultural Officer, Peter Murphy, for the work he continually puts into organising Scór in the club.

Describing the young people as ‘the backbone of the club’ she urged them to enjoy these moments.

“We wish you the very best of luck in the final.  You will do your club, county and province proud,” she added.

Ann also extended congratulations to Carrickcruppen’s Ballad Group on winning an Ulster title and wished them well in the final.

Final

The All-Ireland final of Scór na nÓg will take place in Athlone, Co. Westmeath on Saturday, February 20th.

In a repeat of last year’s national final, Silverbridge club will again be represented in the solo singing category.  Aisling Muckian will bid to emulate the success of her predecessor, Megan Burns, who won the club’s first ever All-Ireland title.

It is hoped that many club members and supporters will travel to the final to support these young people as they bid for the ultimate prize.

But regardless of the outcome, they are already stars in the eyes of their families, club mates and mentors.

Admission to the final is by ticket only and, with limited availability, those interested in securing their ticket should contact Peter Murphy on 02830 888244 as soon as possible.