Congratulations were offered to Richard O’Connor of St. Mary’s, Rosslare, who served as quiz master at the All-Ireland Final and provided an entertaining and engaging quiz for all involved.
The first Wexford involvement of the weekend came in the Figure Dancing competition, where Ballyhogue dancers delivered a wonderful performance of The High Caul Cap. Representing the club were Cian Fortune, Emma Farioli Vechioli, Sadhbh Cooper, Hazel Breen, Evelyn Dunne, Ríona Kehoe, Maria Humphreys and Aoibhe Jordan. Despite a strong showing, victory on the day went to Newcastle of Tipperary.
In the Novelty Act category, St. Patrick’s Ballyoughter represented their club, county and province with a thought-provoking performance entitled Time Forgets. The act captivated the audience and featured Gary Doyle, Emer Doyle, Ruby Kavanagh, Cormac Rowsome, Padraic Whelan, Angelina Roche, Jacqueline Roche and Lucia Graham. Despite an excellent performance, they were narrowly beaten by Aghagallon of County Antrim.
Wexford GAA representatives pictured in Killarney.
Bannow Ballymitty competed in two categories, Ballad Group and Instrumental Music, and they excelled in both. First to take the stage was the Ballad Group of Sophie Wickham, Aoibhe Reville, Aoife Banville, Aoibhe Moran and Lainey Rossiter. They delivered a moving rendition of The Brantry Boy, which tells the story of Tyrone footballer Cormac McAnallen, who died at the young age of 24. This was followed by the lively Farewell to Carlingford, earning the group a warm and enthusiastic reception from the INEC audience.
Sophie Wickham, Aoibhe Reville and Aoife Banville later returned to the stage for the Instrumental Music competition, joined by Abbie Kelly and Lily Reville. The group gave a rousing performance of The Maid on the Green and The Gravel Walks and were delighted with their display.
“Excitement filled the arena as competitors awaited the results, and Wexford supporters erupted with joy when Bannow Ballymitty were announced as winners in both categories,” said Aine Kennedy, Chairperson Scór Loch Garman.
“Celebrations continued on Sunday evening when members of Bannow Ballymitty GAA Club and Danescastle Music Group gathered at Danescastle School to welcome the musicians and singers home. The groups performed once again for those in attendance. Christy Hannon congratulated the girls on behalf of everyone involved in the club.”
Speaking on behalf of the performers, Sophie Wickham thanked the parents, supporters, Bannow Ballymitty G.A.A. Club, the Wexford Scór Committee, Wexford G.A.A. and Danescastle Music Group for their continued support. She also expressed special thanks to their mentor, Áine Kennedy, presenting her with flowers as a token of appreciation.
Áine Kennedy thanked the girls for their dedication and commitment in achieving double All-Ireland success and acknowledged the invaluable support and guidance provided by the senior teachers of the Danescastle Music Group.
Wexford now boasts eight Scór na nÓg All-Ireland titles since 1973, with Ballyhogue, Cloughbawn, Naomh Éanna and Bannow Ballymitty each holding two titles. Prior to this year, the most recent Scór na nÓg title for the county was won 21 years ago by Cara Kavanagh of Naomh Éanna.