Two All-Ireland Scór titles for Westmeath at Castlebar finals

Hundreds of Scór enthusiasts made their way west to Castlebar on Sunday for the national finals of Scór Sinsir 2025. Among them were many proud supporters from Westmeath to support the three newly crowned Leinster champions who flew the flag for the county. Spirits were high in the Iarmhí camp, with hopes that silverware would be making its way there later that evening.

Alongside the competitions, it was a particularly special day for the county as Patsy Rylands of the Mullingar Shamrocks club was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Scór Committee.

Originally from Offaly, Patsy has been involved in all aspects of Scór in Westmeath, from participating and mentoring, to volunteering, and attending over the last 60 years. Her first love has been and continues to be the Figure Dancing competition, where she won her first county title in 1981.

After retiring from the stage, Patsy took an active role in mentoring groups. For the last 30 years, Mullingar Shamrocks figure dancers became eminent in Scór circles, winning 16 county titles and five Leinster titles. Despite being so close on many occasions, the All-Ireland title never went Mullingar’s way, but that did not dishearten Patsy, and they were back each year ready to take on the pathway to success – an attribute of a true competitor and Scór person.

Patsy has also been a key volunteer in the wider promotion of Scór for many years. She has been an active member of the Westmeath Scór Committee and whether it is selling tickets or programmes, making tea, collecting the money on the door or keeping everyone quiet at the back of the hall, Patsy’s support for Scór has been and continues to be steadfast.

Patsy was a truly deserving recipient of the award, a fitting recognition of her many years of dedication to the cultural wing of the GAA. She was presented with the award by Úachtarán CLG, Jarlath Burns, and cathaoirleach of Coiste Scór Náisúnta, Paula Magee.

In the stage competitions, Hugo Slevin was first up for Westmeath in the recitation/ storytelling category. No stranger to the All-Ireland stage, Hugo previously played a key role in his club’s Novelty Act national success in 2014 and also captured the recitation title nine years ago. Hopes were high once again on Sunday, especially with both of his previous wins having taken place in Castlebar. Whatever is in the air in Mayo, this venue seems to be a happy hunting ground for St Joseph’s.

Reciting ‘The Present’, Hugo gave a top-class performance with his witty timing and polished acting ability. His hilarious piece had the audience in stitches and was certainly the front runner after the other acts performed. When the results were announced later that evening, it was indeed the Horseleap man who claimed glory. Hugo was a hugely popular and thoroughly deserving winner on a memorable day.

Next to grace the stage was the Ballycomoyle Ballad Group. The group – Bláthnaid Daly, Zara Geraghty, Clíodhna Daly, Aoibhínn Dolan and Naomi Fitzpatrick – have been competing together in Scór since a young age and have achieved great success, though an All-Ireland title had so far not come their way. However, there was something special about the group this year, impressing many people in the earlier rounds and they were tipped by many to go the whole way this year.

Singing ‘The Spanish Lady’ and ‘John Condon’, they had the audience in awe of their beautiful arrangement. Blending simple melodies with gorgeous harmonies, the north Westmeath club ensured they were well in contention to take home the title.

Despite coming up against strong competition from the three other provinces, it was the Westmeath group that won over the minds of the adjudicators to be awarded the All-Ireland title. This is a huge achievement for the group, bringing home their first Celtic Cross medals to their club.

The Downs closed out the clár on Saturday evening with rousing footwork in the set dancing competition. The black and amber clad dancers included Darren Nolan, Anna Fallon, Shane Murray, Cian Colgan, Pat Leavy, Órlaith Murray, Aoife Carley and Ursula Carley.

They danced two brilliant figures of ‘The Plain Set’. Despite a flawless performance, it was the set dancing stronghold from the Kingdom, Spa, who took the honours at the expense of the Westmeath club.

The Scór season has now drawn to a close after one of the most successful years in recent times for Westmeath. The county proudly claimed three All-Ireland medals and nine Leinster titles across Scór Sinsir and Scór na nÓg, an achievement unmatched by any other county this year. Scór na bPáistí also enjoyed tremendous success, with a record number of entries participating. It is truly a brilliant time to be involved in the cultural side of the GAA.

The Scór Iarmhí committee wish to thank all who made this year’s season such a success, especially clubs and participants. We look forward to the return of Scór competitions in the autumn.

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