Three for Westmeath in Leinster Scór Sinsir final

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, in the hope of claiming provincial glory and securing a place in the all-Ireland final.

Tráth na gCeisteanna (Question Time) began the proceedings and a number of counties took part in the qualifying round held prior to the stage competitions in the Mullingar Shamrocks clubhouse at 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. They have a wealth of experience in the field, but unfortunately missed out on a spot in the top three on this occasion despite a respectable performance. Taking the top honors were the current title holders, Edenderry.

First on stage for the Lake County were The Downs figure dancing team 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 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, Hugo deservedly took home the provincial title, and has qualified 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 – 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, the team from Carlow 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.

Westmeath will be well represented in the all-Ireland final with three acts. The final is at the TF Royal Theatre Castlebar on Saturday April 26.

Results

Figure Dancing: Birr GAA, Offaly.

Solo Singing: Aoife Maguire, Scoil Uí Chonail GAA, Dublin.

Recitation/Storytelling: Hugo Slevin, St Joseph’s GAA, Westmeath.

Ballad Group: Ballycomoyle GAA, Westmeath.

Tráth na gCeist: Edenderry GAA, Offaly.

Novelty Act: Raheny GAA, Dublin.

Instrumental Music: Garryhill GAA, Carlow.

Set Dancing: The Downs GAA, Westmeath.