rostrevor gaa

Rostrevor's young novelty act team came back empty-handed after a disappointing defeat in Saturday's All-Ireland Scór na nÓg in Castlebar. Michael McNally, James Rice, Eileen Rice, Owen Rice and Christina Rice did themselves, the club, their county and Ulster proud with their performence and can take a lot of credit from their efforts this year in winning the Ulster title. The opposition came in the form of Caltra of County Galway, Munster champions Carbery Rangers from Cork and Carnew Emmets of Wicklow and it would be the Wicklow club who would claim the honours with their humourous take on the story of "The Colonial Boy".

It needs saying that as Ulster and Down champions for 2012, that this Rostrevor Novelty Act has brought back some of the real pride the club held in the competition at Scór na nÓg a decade ago. There was an appropriate optimism before the final and that has created good memories for the young competitors to grow with in the coming years and seasons of Scór. Congratulations to 'Class Act' - All-Ireland finalists 2012!

12/2/12 - ROSTREVOR ARE "SOUTH DOWN CLUB OF THE YEAR"...AGAIN!!!

Saval was the venue for the South Down Scór Sinsear Final for 2012 and with Rostrevor represented in two categories, optimism was high of another South Down honour coming to the club. James Brennan in Solo Singing and the ballad group quintet were the flying the Reds' flag on the night and both have qualified for the Down Final in Newry in two weeks' time; the ballad group as South Down Champions.

Qualification is the main priority on nights like these and a second-placed finish is always most welcome; James Brennan's rendition of "The rare oul times" did enough to secure Rostrevor their first county finalist of the evening as he finished as runner-up just behind Niamh Lennon of Saval in the Solo Singing competition. There is no replacement for being in the final and James will be content with his appearance in the decider as the Down title is the one to win!

In Ballad Group, the red resurgence continues with another South Down title coming to Rostrevor. Gerry Farrell, James Brennan, Rosemary Brennan, Aibhin Fitzpatrick and Rosaleen Farrell ran out winners in their competition with their performances of, "My dear Rostrevor town" and "The Parting Glass". Newry Shamrocks qualified in second place. The group are now in a position to regain their Down title of 2010 at the first time of asking and will be in real contention at the Down final.

In addition to this, Rostrevor's performances in Scór na nÓg along with those in Scór has led to the club being awarded with the title of South Down club of the year in Scór for the second time in four years. Much of this success is owing to the remarkable achievement of the junior novelty act claiming the Ulster title last month in Galbally, South Down's first Ulster Scór title since 2007. P.J Farrell (cultural officer) received the cup on behalf of the club and undoubtedly was very proud of the achievements of the club in Scór in 2012. Well done to all involved!

Congratulations and good luck to James Brennan and the ballad group in the Down Scór Final, which will take place in the Abbey Grammar School in Newry on Sunday 26th February... and a special good luck to the Scór na nÓg novelty act in next Saturday's (18th) All-Ireland Final in Castlebar!

30/1/12 - TWO ACTS SECURE PASSAGE TO SOUTH DOWN FINAL!

All eyes turned to the opening rounds of Scór 2012 this past weekend with Rostrevor being represented in 4 competitions across the two South Down semi-finals.

ANNACLONE 

Rostrevor’s campaign started in familiar surroundings as Annaclone played host to yet another night of Scór. However, it was to be a disappointing night for the Reds as Matthew McGrath (Solo Singing) and Alfie Corr (Recitation) saw their seasons end at the first round stage. Matthew’s rendition of “Mary Ellen’s Song” by Siobhán Ní Dubhain may have narrowly lost out on progression on the night, but it was good to see him back on stage after a long absence. In Recitation, Alfie Corr’s comical “The wife takes the notion to dance” by PJ Doran also failed to get the nod from the adjudicator but, again, it is pleasing to see new and returning faces in Scór and these men will no doubt be back.

MAYOBRIDGE

In what turned out to be a more successful night, Rostrevor were represented in 3 competitions; Solo Singing once again, Ballad Group and Tráth na gCeist, with two acts qualifying for the South Down Final. James Brennan took to the stage in Solo Singing with ambitions to reclaim the Down title he won in 2009 and he got his campaign off to the best start possible by picking up the win. Singing “The Rare ‘Oul Times”, James will prove to be difficult to beat once more in this competition and can go forward with confidence. The ballad group of; Gerry Farrell, James Brennan, Rosemary Brennan, Rosaleen Farrell and Aibhin Fitzpatrick also took first place on the night, ahead of Newry Shamrocks, with the very apt “My dear Rostrevor town” and “The Parting Glass”. The group have not entered since county success in 2010 so will be hell-bent on regaining the Down title in 2012 and, on this performance, they won’t be too far away. Kieran McNally, Kieran McNally (Jnr) and Dermot Baxter represented the club in the Tráth na gCeist section and despite occupying 2^nd place for long periods in the competition, they eventually fell to 5^th with only one team question standing in the way of a place in the South Down Final.

Congratulations to James and the Ballad Group on qualifying for the South Down Final, which will be held in Saval on Sunday 12^th February.

14/1/12 - NOVELTY ACT ARE ULSTER SCÓR NA NÓG CHAMPIONS FOR THE SECOND TIME!!!

Every year when Scór na nÓg practice begins in Rostrevor, there is always fresh optimism that this can be our year and, more often than not, those hopes fall short in the deepest corners of Ulster. "Class Act" was one Novelty Act that lived up to the hype. On Saturday 14th January 2012 in Galbally, Co. Tyrone, Michael McNally and the Rices (James, Owen, Eileen and Christina) became the second novelty act cast from Rostrevor to claim the honour of Ulster Scór na nÓg Champions and, in doing so, follow in the footsteps of our winners in 2004 and the senior ballad group of 1978.

Competing against Cullyhanna of Armagh and St. Enda's G.A.C. Omagh, there was never any doubting the outcome as the young cast delighted the audience with a performance full of excitement and slapstick action. The nature of the competition demands that only the best performances will secure success and it was certainly evident that the young Reds had those "Red Hands" in their sights from the first minute to the last on Saturday night. The Ulster Champions now progress to the All-Ireland Final in the Theatre Royal in Castlebar on Saturday 18th February. Rostrevor emerged as Down's only winners on the night with Warrenpoint, Drumgath and Glenn all seeing their strong challenges overcome. Commiserations to the other Mourne acts.

The warmest of congratulations are offered to the young actors of Rostrevor on their provincial triumph and to those people who helped out behind the scenes. Kathleen McNally, Fionnuala and Aidan Rice, Brian Keenan deserve a lot of credit for the work they have put in once again in the interest of Scór in the club and to P.J. Farrell also for his continuous help and support this year. This was a night on which all Rostrevor Gaels can be very proud of the achievements of the Scór na nÓg and Scór teams in the club and we wish Michael, James, Owen, Eileen and Christina all the very best of luck as Rostrevor contest their first All-Ireland Scór na nÓg Final in 8 years!

ULSTER CHAMPIONS

12/1/12 - GOOD LUCK

11/12/11 - JUNIOR NOVELTY ACT THROUGH TO ULSTER FINAL!

Rostrevor's Scór na nÓg Novelty Act has qualified for another Ulster Final after claiming an impressive win at the Ulster Semi-Final in Glenullin, Co. Derry on Saturday night. On the night, the Reds were able to produce a good performance to take the win, however, the standard must rise again to take on the challenge of an Ulster Final in the new year. This victory takes the club to it's 7th Ulster Final since 2001 and there is optimism that a second Ulster Novelty Act title can be secured after the success of 2004. "Class Act" was performed by Michael McNally and the Rices (James, Owen, Eileen and Christina) claiming the spoils ahead of Slaughtneil Emmetts of Derry and Antrim winners, Aghagallon.

It was a good night for South Down clubs as no fewer than four have qualified for the Ulster decider. Warrenpoint's Ceili and Set Dancing teams have earned progression, as well as Ryan Byrne from Drumgath in Recitation and the Glenn Quiz team. Unfortunately, the campaign ended for Beth Taggart (Newry Shamrocks) in Solo Singing, St. Pauls in Instrumental Music and the reigning All-Ireland champions in Ballad Group, Saul. Congratulations to our junior actors on another fine success and we wish them, and the other Down entrants, the very best of luck in the Ulster Final in Galbally, Co. Tyrone on Saturday 14th of January.

RESULTS -
Ceili Dancing - WARRENPOINT, AN DÚN
Solo Singing - Hannah Ferguson, Glen, Doire
Instrumental Music - Loup, Doire
Recitation - RYAN BYRNE, DRUMGATH, AN DÚN
Ballad Group - O'Donovan Rossa, Magherafelt, Doire
Novelty Act - ROSTREVOR, AN DÚN
Set Dancing - WARRENPOINT, AN DÚN
Quiz - GLENN, AN DÚN

20/11/11 - JUNIOR NOVELTY ACT BACK ON TOP AS MOURNE KINGPINS

Rostrevor's status as Novelty Act masters remains intact after a magnificent tenth Down Scór title in 13 years at St. Malachy's High School in Castlewellan on Sunday evening. The Reds were also represented by Anne-Marie Mulholland in Solo Singing and Michael McNally in Recitation but, unfortunately, both acts were narrowly denied in their own quests for glory on the night. The standard in all eight competitions was very high and each and every competitor deserves credit for keeping the large audience entertained for four and half hours.

Anne-Marie Mulholland entered with real aspirations of regaining her Down title from 2009, however, despite a great performance of 'Suíl a gra' it wasn't to be her night. Beth Taggert (Newry Shamrocks) became the new deserving champion with her traditional performance of 'John Adair' and her victory was indeed an historic one as this was the Shamrocks first Down title in Scór na nÓg since 1982. Rioghnach Madden from Saul and Aisling Morgan of the St. John's club were also on stage in this competition with 'Won't you come across the sea to Ireland?' and 'Song for Ireland' respectively. Commiserations to Anne-Marie on her narrow defeat.

Recitation provided the Reds' second defeat of the evening as the night seemed to be turning against Rostrevor on the marksheets. Michael McNally's 'Stagefright' slipped into 2nd place behind Drumgath's Ryan Byrne, who retained his Down title. Conor McVeigh from Saul and Bredagh's Eve Carnie completed the line-up in this tough competition but, on the night, it was 'The Orangeman's Hell' that sent the Drumgath support into heaven with a repeat success.

However, Rostrevor weren't to be denied as 'Class Act' proved to be a class apart claiming the Power House Shield once again in Novelty Act. Michael McNally and Christina, Owen, James and Eileen Rice provided the laughs in another very humourous act. Annaclone's 'Gaelic Park Nursing Home', Teconnaught's 'The Matchmaker' and Kilcoo's act entitled ' The Y Factor' were the runners-up in the competition as Rostrevor claimed a 13th Down title in Scór na nÓg cementing the club's place as the best novelty act club in Down.

The Novelty Act are back on stage in the Ulster Semi-Final (An Dún, Aontroim, Doire) in Glenullin, County Derry on Saturday 10th December at 7pm. Congratulations and best wishes to the young cast in their quest for Ulster and All-Ireland success in the coming months.

RESULTS;
Ceili Dancing - Warrenpoint
Solo Singing - Beth Taggert (Newry Shamrocks)
Instrumental Music - St. Paul's G.A.A. Holywood
Recitation - Ryan Byrne (Drumgath)
Ballad Group - St. Patrick's G.A.A. Saul
Novelty Act - Rostrevor
Set Dancing - Warrenpoint
Quiz - Glenn

Sun 6/11/11 - JUNIOR REDS CLAIM TREBLE AT SOUTH DOWN FINAL

Banbridge Parish Centre was the venue for the South Down Scór na nÓg Final on Sunday 6^th November and it proved to be another night of great success for the club. Rostrevor were represented in the Solo Singing, Instrumental Music, Recitation and Novelty Act competitions, on the night, claiming no fewer than three South Down titles. This triumph is proof of the strong standards set by the club in the cultural values of the G.A.A and all competitors on stage deserve great credit for how they represented themselves and their club in what was a highly entertaining South Down Final.

Rostrevor’s first win arrived in Solo Singing with Anne-Marie Mulholland producing a fine rendition of ‘Suil a gra’ on her way to regaining the South Down title. Overcoming tough opposition from all corners of South Down, Anne-Marie stood out as the most impressive and has earned the right to contest the Down Final as divisional champion. Beth Taggart from the Newry Shamrocks club took second place and also progresses to the final in a fortnight’s time. Both competitors were made to work for their qualification, however, as Sorcha Hill of Clann na Banna, Sorcha Downey of Mayobridge and her club mate Áine Fegan were all of very high standard also. Congratulations to Anne-Marie on becoming South Down champion once more.

In Instrumental Music, the journey was to end at this stage of the competition. Despite rousing performances of ‘The Wedding Song’ and ‘The First Pint’, the four musicians were unfortunately eliminated. Mitchel and Padraig McAteer, Clíodhna Quinn and Sean Cooper represented the club with great distinction and most spectators would have expected Rostrevor to claim one of the two elusive spots, however, Burren and Warrenpoint will progress to the Down Final in what proved to be a very tight competition also.

Michael McNally regained the South Down title in Recitation with his humorous performance of ‘Stage fright’. Beating off stiff competition from Drumgath, Saval, Clann na Banna and Ballyholland, Michael secured his place in the Down Final as winner. There was no real doubting the outcome as the topical nature of the recitation and the fluent delivery of the piece had placed him in a very powerful position. Like Anne-Marie, Michael will be placed among the favourites for the Down title on this performance. Ryan Byrne of Drumgath took the second qualifying slot.

The revamped ‘Class Act’ took the honours in Novelty Act ahead of second-placed Annaclone. The comical nature of the act was well received by the audience and there is optimism that, given the right preparation and focus, the cast can progress far in the competition this year. The younger members of the cast deserve plaudits for the confidence they portrayed on stage and this will leave them in good stead for the Down decider in Castlewellan. The victorious cast consists of; Michael McNally, James Rice, Owen Rice, Christina Rice and Eileen Rice.

Hearty congratulations to Anne-Marie Mulholland, Michael McNally and the Novelty Act on claiming South Down titles for the club and commiserations to our instrumentalists on narrowly missing out in their attempt to reach the Down Final.

• South Down Scór na nÓg Final 2012 - Full Results;
  
  CEILI DANCING - 1. Ballyholland (C) 2. Warrenpoint (F)
  SOLO SINGING - 1. Anne-Marie Mulholland (Rostrevor) 2. Beth Taggart (Newry Shamrocks)
  INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC - 1. Burren 2. Warrenpoint
  RECITATION - 1. Michael McNally (Rostrevor) 2. Ryan Byrne (Drumgath)
  BALLAD GROUP - 1. Mayobridge 2. Annaclone
  NOVELTY ACT - 1. Rostrevor 2. Annaclone
  SET DANCING - 1. Warrenpoint 2. Ballyholland 3. Clonduff
  QUIZ - 1. Clonduff 2. Glenn
  
  CATHAL SANDS MEMORIAL CUP WINNERS (MOST IMPROVED SOUTH DOWN SCÓR NA NÓG CLUB 2012): Annaclone
  
  All winners and runners-up progress to the Down Final in St. Malachy's H.S. Castlewellan on Sunday 20th November at 5pm!

 

Sun 16/10/11 - SUCCESSFUL FIRST NIGHT FOR YOUNG REDS IN SCÓR NA NÓG

Rostrevor's Scór na nÓg campaign for 2012 started in tremendous fashion on Sunday night with no fewer than four acts automatically qualifying for the South Down Final. In addition to this, the club will have more competitors vying for a place in the final with the Quiz team earning a spot in the qualifiers. The Reds were represented in Solo Singing, Instrumental Music, Recitation, Novelty Act and Quiz.

First on stage was the Novelty Act cast of Michael McNally and the Rices; James, Christina, Owen and Eileen, with their "Class Act". As the sole competitors in the section, Rostrevor eased through to the South Down Final unopposed with a steady performance for the opening night. Anne-Marie Mulholland's strong rendition of "Suil a grá" claimed the spoils in the Solo Singing, beating off opposition from Clonduff, Mayobridge and Newry Shamrocks to qualify.

The Instrumental Music group consisted of Mitchel and Padraig McAteer, Cliodhna Quinn and Sean Cooper; and their performances of "Trip to Belfast" and "The First Pint" earned them a well deserved victory ahead of Mayobridge and Clonduff. Michael McNally's comedic poem "Stagefright" took the win in Recitation and went down well with the audience; Mayobridge's Micheal Linden will compete in the qualifiers. Finally, the Quiz team finished in 3rd place, sealing a place in the qualifiers with a score of 32 points. Clonduff Camogie took the victory with Clonduff Football in 2nd.

The Quiz team are back on stage next Sunday (October 23rd) in Mayobridge Community Centre in the South Down Qualifiers. The other four acts have sealed their place in the South Down Final to be held in Banbridge Parish Centre on Sunday 6th November. Congratulations to all!

FINAL HEARTBREAK FOR ROSTREVOR NOVELTY ACT

The very best in Ulster collided in a high quality Ulster Scór Final in the Abbey Grammar School last Saturday night (12th April.) Rostrevor were represented in the Novelty Act section by Kieran McNally, Brian Keenan, Fionnuala Rice and Pauline Lavery. This was a great achievement for the act as this was only Rostrevor's second appearance in an Ulster Scór Sinsir final in 30 years, the other in 2005; also in Novelty Act.

Competition came in the form of two time All-Ireland champions Killyclogher of Tyrone and Sean McDermott’s G.A.C from County Monaghan. To many onlookers, all three acts were of a supremely high standard as were the rest of the competitions.  Rostrevor were on stage second and with a “revamped” version of ‘Frozen’ gave a performance befitting of Ulster contenders. The laughs were in constant flow as the surprise element continued to follow Rostrevor in the competition. The other two acts were of high quality as Tyrone’s and Monghan’s respective champions had the audience in the Abbey in stitches also and any of the acts could have gotten the nod from the adjudicators. However, it was not to be Rostrevor’s night as Monaghan’s act from Sean McDermott’s G.A.C. picked up the victory and the Ulster title.

It had been quite an odd week leading up to the final as a bitter complaint was received by Ulster G.A.A. against a few of Down’s acts from a defeated Antrim club; the contents of which baffled many people as the petty claims were both insulting at times and exaggerated at others. Their appeal against one club was thrown out before they withdrew their claims against our act, which destroyed the credibility of the claims in the first place. However, regardless of this, our act was fatally damaged by the futile claims and it’s hard to believe how one club gets taken up for an opinion that somebody has taken just because they have been defeated when others don’t get talked about despite gritty and inappropriate content that’s clear for all to see. However, being in the top three Novelty Acts in Ulster is a grand achievement for the club once more.

It was overall a poor night for Down, yes the quiz team from Bredagh claimed the Ulster title in their competition, but six defeats in the six adjudicated competition left the county in shock. Glenn’s Kerrie Kennedy can count herself somewhat unfortunate not to have won her second title, whilst Darragh Cross and Gareth McGreevy from Saul saw their strong challenges for Instrumental Music and Recitation end. Saul’s Ballad Group were also overlooked in the battle for honours, which shocked a number of people from within the county and province and Clonduff Set Dancers were made to suffer their fourth consecutive Ulster Final defeat. Congratulations to Bredagh on another Ulster champion in Scór and commiserations to Saul, Darragh Cross, Glenn and Clonduff who will be back you would imagine. So that’s that for another year of Scór and Scór na nÓg in the club with the senior Novelty Act taking pride of place as Down Scór champions for 2011. Big congratulations go to Kieran, Brian, Fionnuala, Pauline and mentor Kathleen McNally on their tremendous achievements this year, on a different night with different circumstances, who knows? Hopefully this time next year, that final step will have been taken. The year ended in controversial circumstances but it wouldn’t be Scór without a bit of that!!

FULL RESULTS – ULSTER SCÓR FINAL 2011

Ceili Dancing – Killyclogher, Tyrone

Solo Singing – Newtownbutler, Fermanagh

Instrumental Music – Dromore, Tyrone

Recitation – Carrickcruppen, Armagh

Ballad Group – Killyclogher, Tyrone

Novelty Act – Sean McDermott’s G.A.C. Monaghan

Set Dancing – Emyvale, Monaghan

Quiz – Bredagh, Down

NOVELTY ACT POWERS THROUGH TO ULSTER FINAL.

The magnificent facilities at the new Abbey Grammar School in Newry played host to the champions of Down, Antrim and Derry in the third and final Ulster Scór Semi-Final this past Saturday night (5th March). Rostrevor's Novelty Act were on stage as newly crowned Down champions for 2011 and it would turn out to be a fantastic night for the club and indeed Down as seven competitions, including our own, went to the Mourne county. There is no doubting the quality of the competitors that Down have brought forward this year but when there is such an amount of wins for one county in an Ulster Semi-Final, great credit must go to those who have kept Scór strong within the county. It would prove to be a case of third time lucky for Rostrevor as narrow defeats in Ulster Semi-Finals in the in Solo-Singing and Ballad Group, to eventual Ulster champions, were experienced in 2009 and 2010... perhaps the emphatic nature of the win was the most pleasing thing with each of the three neutral adjudicators (Tyrone, Fermanagh and Donegal) placing our act in first place.

Opposition came in the form of Aghagallon (Antrim) and Glenullin (Derry) and their performances were typical of the higher standard of provincial competition. There was, however, little question regarding which act stood out from the rest and Rostrevor's victory was greeted with great satisfaction as the club managed to secure a place in their first Ulster Scór Final since 2005 (also in Novelty Act). The cast of Kieran McNally, Brian Keenan, Fionnuala Rice and Pauline Lavery performed 'Frozen' with their trademark pace and the crowd thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle. Hopefully there will be a large and vocal Down and Rostrevor contingent back in the Abbey next Saturday night! The act will be in action against Killyclogher of Tyrone and Sean McDermott's of Monaghan in their quest to claim the club's third Ulster title in Scór after the Ballad Group success of '78 and the junior Novelty Act's win in 2004, indeed two members of thatnovelty act will be hoping for further Ulster success this week. Congratulations and the very best of luck to Kieran, Brian, Fionnuala and Pauline as they attempt to annex the Ulster Scór Novelty Act title for 2011.

As stated above, Down had seven winners out of eight on Saturday with Kerrie Kennedy from Glenn clinching another shot at regaining her Ulster Solo Singing title from 2007 with her performance of "In my father's house". Darragh Cross' greatly original Instrumental Music group also secured a place in the Ulster Final, as well as Gareth McGreevey of St. Patrick's, Saul in Recitation. Saul completed a double with victory in the Ballad Group section with their outstanding renditions of "The Bantry Boy (Cormac McAnallen)" and "The Gaelic games of Ireland" The Clonduff Set Dancers will also take to the stage after claiming the win in their competition and Bredagh's quiz team completed Down's success with a very high winning tally of 70 in the Trath na gCeist... The Watty Grahams club of Glen, Maghera in County Derry claimed the win in Ceili Dancing to deny Down of what would have been a breathtaking clean sweep.

Our Novelty Act will be back on stage this coming Saturday (12th March 2011) in Newry's Abbey Grammar School at 6:30pm. The Ulster Scór Final is a massive occasion and it will be the biggest night for Scór in Rostrevor since the All-Ireland Scór na nÓg Final in 2004. It is your club and county and the people on stage are representing Rostrevor in a provincial final so get behind the act and cheer them on because it's a huge event for St. Bronagh's G.A.C.

Full Results;

Rince Foirne (Ceili Dancing) - Watty Grahams G.A.C. Glen, Doire

Amhránaíocht Aonair (Solo Singing) - Kerrie Kennedy, Glenn, An Dún

Ceol Uirlise (Instrumental Music) - Darragh Cross, An Dún

Aithriseoireacht/Scealaíocht (Recitation) - Gareth McGreevey, Saul, An Dún

Bailead Ghrúpa (Ballad Group) - Saul, An Dún

NUACHLEAS (NOVELTY ACT) - ROSTREVOR, AN DÚN

Rince Seit (Set Dancing) - Clonduff, An Dún

Tráth na gCeisteanna (Question Time) - Bredagh, An Dún

THE NOVELTY ACT EMERGES VICTORIOUS AFTER HIGH STANDARD DOWN FINAL!!!

For Rostrevor, the Down Final has produced many great moments in recent years; we look at the club’s first Down title in 22 years back in 2005 when “Class act” took the honours in Novelty Act, we remember James Brennan’s great win in 2009’s Solo Singing and who could forget the Ballad Group’s triumph last year in Saval? Last night (Sunday 27^th February) in St. Malachy’s H.S. Castlewellan, another chapter was written in Rostrevor’s Scór history as the Novelty Act powered home to claim the honours in a highly competitive competition. Rostrevor were represented in two competitions on the night, with James Brennan aiming to reclaim his Solo Singing title and the Novelty Act seeking to make that breakthrough back into Ulster.

Solo Singing was incredibly tough on the night with four competitors of the highest standard on stage. James opened the competition with his flawless rendition of “Dublin in my tears” and placed himself very well in the running for the Down title. With Gerry Farrell accompanying him on guitar, James Brennan gave a performance suitable to claim the win in any county but on this night, with the standard in this competition, it wasn’t to be. Kerrie Kennedy from Glenn, an Ulster champion in 2007 was up next, followed by Saul’s Gareth McGreevy and then none other than last year’s Ulster champion Áine Brolly of Bredagh, so to say it was tough would be an understatement. Many neutrals may have had James earmarked for potential success but it was Kerrie Kennedy who would progress to the Ulster Semi-Final with her outstanding performance of “In my father’s house”. Any of the four would have deserved a victory but unluckily for us, James didn’t get the nod.

There’s always been this opinion in Scór that a Rostrevor Novelty Act is very hard to beat but a Rostrevor Novelty Act beaten in the South Down Final is near impossible to beat come the Down decider and last night proved this old suspicion to be right! In a very tight competition with; Kilcoo, Drumgath and Drumaness, Rostrevor would come out on top securing Rostrevor’s second senior title after the win in 2005. Drumgath had earlier claimed the South Down title and went in to the night high on confidence and with a highly polished display had shown just why that had been the case, Drumaness followed up with a lively male “cheerleader” act before Rostrevor took the stage with “Frozen”. Kieran McNally, Brian Keenan, Fionnuala Rice and Pauline Lavery had the audience laughing from start to finish with a high-tempo display of comedy from the off. The ending had been change much to the amazement of the audience and that capped off a very funny piece. Kilcoo; an act that always appear at this stage of the competition, finished proceedings with a hilarious sketch on massage therapy. It was then up to the judges to decide who would claim the Down title and when Patsy Russell called out Caisleán Ruairí as winners of the Novelty Act, there was a great feeling of joy as there was another county title coming back to Rostrevor. Congratulations to Kieran, Brian, Fionnuala and Pauline.

Commiserations to James Brennan on his narrow defeat in Solo Singing and congratulations to the Novelty Act on their great victory. The Novelty Act is back on stage on Saturday 5^th March 2011 in the Abbey CBS Grammar School in Newry at 7pm, when they will face the winning acts from Derry and Antrim in the Ulster Scór Semi-Final. Hopefully, there can be some Ulster success around the corner…All support is welcome.

Saval was the venue for the 2011 South Down Scór Final on Sunday 20th February and Rostrevor had two representatives on stage, James Brennan in Solo Singing and the Novelty Act team of Kieran McNally, Brian Keenan, Fionnuala Rice and Pauline Lavery. We would enter with two acts and leave with two on a night which was very much a case of job done.

James Brennan competed in one of the strongest South Down Solo Singing fields in years and emerged victorious as he fought off stiff competition from Kerrie Kennedy of Glenn, Martin Barry of Tullylish and Emma Lennon from Saval. Performing "Dublin in my tears" to a pin drop silence in the hall, James produced on of the performances of the year. It was deserving of the victory and he has once again placed him in the mix for a challenge for his second Down title in three years. The task? Well it doesn't get any harder. The East Down final saw Gareth McGreevey of Saul take the honours ahead of last year's beaten All-Ireland finalist Aine Brolly so the credentials are certainly there from the other final. With Kerrie Kennedy, an Ulster champion in 2007/finalist 2008, completing the line-up this is sure to be the competition of the night...James, no stranger himself to County titles, will be looking for a victory after so narrowly missing out this time last year to Aine Brolly. I t promises to be a cracker.

In Novelty Act, qualification is always the key in a South Down Final and "Frozen" achieved this with quite a bit to spare. A strong performance from the four performers had the crowd in stitches throughout and has really provided a platform to challenge for and hopefully win a Down title this season. Like James in 2010, the Novelty Act came extremely close to lifting honours last year in the Down Final and with the right preparation going into the final, Rostrevor may have another tilt at Ulster in the Novelty Act competition after an Ulster Final defeat in 2005. The winners Drumgath, shaded the win with a very slick performance but on another night the result may have been different. They too go forward to next week's final alongside Kilcoo and Drumaness.

There's no question about it, the Down final will be one of the closest run finals in years in a long time as there appears to be no clear winners in any event. As always, support is encouraged for both Rostrevor's acts in the final and hopefully, come next Sunday evening, there will be two Down titles coming back to the club in Scór. Remember your vocal support can make a real difference to Rostrevor's cause so come and back the acts!!! The Down Final is on in St. Malachy's High School, Castlewellan at 6pm this Sunday 27th February 2011.

Directions to St. Malachy's H.S. - Go through the roundabout at Eurospar and the school is the first main building on the left hand side before you enter the town.

30/1/11 - South Down Semi Finals - Scor Sinsear

All roads led to Annaclone for the second South Down Scór semi final for 2011. 

This year, Rostrevor were represented in three competitions; Solo Singing, Novelty Act and Trath na gCeist. With news filtering through that there is to be no "back door" this year in South Down, our competitors knew that only the best performances would guarantee us progression to the South Down Final in Saval on the 20th of February. 

In Solo Singing, Rostrevor were represented by the 2009 Down Champion, James Brennan. As ever, he produced a performance of high quality, with Gerry Farrell accompanying him on guitar, in a field of good singers in this opening round. Singing "Dublin in my tears", James will be setting his sights on a second Down title and on this performance, he can achieve that. In the end, James qualified in 1st place with the Tullylish representative finishing in second. Both progress to the South Down Final. 

Novelty Act, again, proved to be among the toughest competitions of the evening with Rostrevor, Ballyholland and Attical providing the entertainment. With only two going through, it meant that one act alone would be slipping out of the competition so a very strong performance would be needed. "Frozen", an original script developed by the cast (Kieran McNally, Fionnuala Rice, Brian Keenan and Pauline Lavery) and their mentor (Kathleen McNally) over the past week, no joke!, provided some big laughs and a twist or two before claiming the victory ahead of Attical in second. Ballyholland were eliminated. 

The quiz consisted of at least 10 clubs and it was extremely difficult to qualify with so many quality teams. Rostrevor's team of Kieran McNally, Dermot Baxter and Kieran McNally (jnr) claimed a total of 36, very respectable indeed, but it wasn't enough as Mayobridge and Tullylish progressed with tremendous scores of 66 and 60! Commiserations must go to our quiz team as on another night, the task may have been less daunting. 

Congratulations to James Brennan and our Novelty Act team who now go forward as winners to the South Down Final on Sunday the 20th of February in Saval.

Down County Final - Sun 21/11/10

DISAPPOINTING END TO A DISPPOINTING CAMPAIGN 

For the first time since 1999, Rostrevor will have no representatives in an Ulster Scór na nÓg Semi-Final after a disappointing night at the Down Final in The Abbey. Unfortunately, the results did not go our way in any of the three competitions that we were competing in but it should be accepted with great grace that on this night, the winners were incredibly worthy. Rostrevor were represented by Anne-Marie Mulholland in Solo Singing, the Ballad Group and the Novelty Act.

First up for the club was Anne-Marie and once again Solo Singing proved to be an extremely close competition. When you’re competing against last year’s Down Champion (Sarah McVeigh / Saul) and a two time South Down Champion (Sorcha Downey / Mayobridge), then a victory is a very special one indeed. Anne-Marie’s performance was very strong, placing her among the favourites for the title that she claimed in 2009, however, it would be Sarah McVeigh’s night once again as she retained her Down title. This was just a prelude to the rest of the night as Rostrevor would be left empty handed. In Ballad Group, Rostrevor were represented by Mitchel McAteer, Anne-Marie Mulholland, Catherine Owens and Tara Morgan and again they did the club and themselves proud with a good performance of ‘Only our rivers’ and ‘Black velvet band’. However, as has been generally the case for the last 5 years or so, Saul were the standard bearer and unfortunately for the club, the East Down Ballad Group show no signs of loosening their grip any time soon as they claimed the title once more, regaining it from last year’s Down Champions Glenn for a sixth title in seven years.

It was also a night to forget for the Novelty Act as Clonduff, who were always a considerable threat, claimed their first Down title in 2 decades. It brings to an end, probably, that air of supremacy that the club once held in Scór na nÓg in Novelty Act, which is particularly disappointing about this result. “Down’s fields of glory” was performed well on the night but a much improved Clonduff act was able to reverse last week’s defeat to claim the Power House Shield for the first time. This was arguably a competition that Rostrevor should have performed better in given the nature of the act and its topical roots, however, a lack of real commitment, which is vital for such big competitions, was probably to blame. Acts need to be rehearsed on a regular basis with a lot of preparation yielding outstanding results, as seen with the Ulster victory in 2004. If you rest on your laurels at all you will be punished in the Novelty Act, unfortunately, this is what happened with Rostrevor’s young cast on Sunday. The cast were; Michael McNally, Seana, Anne-Marie and Caitriona Mulholland, James, Eileen and Owen Rice and Eimear Toal.

Many thanks to everybody who took part in Scór na nÓg 2011 for Rostrevor and also to the people who gave up their time to prepare the different acts in singing, music, drama and quiz. We would have hoped for a better result but these things happen. The very best of luck to all Down’s competitors in the Ulster Semi-Final (An Dún, Aontroim and Doire) in Abbey CBS on Saturday 11^th December. Roll on Scór Sinsear in the new year!

County Champions:

CEILI DANCING – WARRENPOINT (F)

SOLO SINGING – SARAH MCVEIGH (SAUL)

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC – WARRENPOINT

RECITATION – RYAN BYRNE (DRUMGATH)

BALLAD GROUP – SAUL

NOVELTY ACT – CLONDUFF

SET DANCING – WARRENPOINT (H)

QUIZ – CLONDUFF

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South Down Final - Sun 14/11/10

The Abbey Grammar School in Newry provided a new venue for the South Down finals of Scór na nÓg on Sunday 14^thNovember and it would turn out to be quite a successful night for Rostrevor. On the night, the club were represented in four of the eight competitions, these were; Anne Marie Mulholland in Solo Singing, Instrumental Music, Ballad Group and Novelty Act.

Anne- Marie Mulholland was aiming to regain her South Down title from 2009 but in a competition of 5 top notch singers, this was always going to be a tough ask. There was very little to choose between the competitors in Solo Singing and the final results and marks were particularly close, however, Anne-Marie would gain qualification for next week’s Down Final claiming second place for the second year in a row with a very impressive performance. The most interesting thing about this competition was that, despite the rise in standards, the top two in South Down remained this year with Sorcha Downey from Mayobridge retaining the South Down title. Anne-Marie joins Sorcha and two strong East Down acts in the Down final. The Instrumental Music, however, would see their season end for 2011 with a defeat at this stage. Another tough competition saw some very good groups get eliminated in this one. The group of Padraig and Mitchel McAteer, Cliodhna Quinn and Sean Cooper performed very well on the night but it would be Clonduff and Warrenpoint who would claim the first two spots and seal qualification.

Ballad Group provided the closest result on the night with three groups being tied with 1^st, 2^nd, and 3rd from the judges. Therefore, a count back was required to separate the three clubs quite like that witnessed in James Brennan’s narrow defeat to Aine Brolly in last year’s Senior Down decider. Glenn, Rostrevor and Annaclone all performed to a similar standard according to the judges and the decision came down to the marks awarded by the judges being added up to three totals. Glenn deservedly claimed first place retaining their South Down title with Rostrevor finishing two points ahead of Annaclone to claim second place, qualifying for a much deserved Down Final. It was good to see the count back favour Rostrevor on this occasion after a few disappointments in the past. Novelty Act would once again produce gold for Rostrevor in South Down, bringing the tally to 10 titles in 13 years in this competition. This was an event in which Rostrevor’s qualification would never really be in doubt given the standard of opposition not being as high as seen in the past. However, performance is always needed to win on such nights and the young act produced a very promising performance for this stage of the competition. Clonduff and Tullylish provided honest opposition to the act with Clonduff claiming second place and qualifying for the Down Final also. There is, however, a lot of potential in Clonduff’s act and given the right attitude over the next week in preparing for a Down Final, Rostrevor would have to be wary of the threat that they can provide. “Down’s Fields of Glory” was performed by; Michael McNally, Seana, Caitriona and Anne-Marie Mulholland, Eimear Toal and James, Eoin and Eileen Rice.

Congratulations to all Rostrevor’s competitors on the night and a special word to Anne-Marie, the Ballad Group and the Novelty Act (South Down Champions) on qualifying for the Down Final. Commiserations to our Instrumental Music group on their elimination at this stage. A word of thanks must also go to the club’s stewards for Sunday’s South Down Final, taking time out to ensure the success of the finals. It’s also good to see Rostrevor get representation at the judges table again with Kieran McNally judging Recitation and Novelty Act on a trainee basis.

The Down Scór na nÓg final takes place on Sunday 21^st November in The Abbey Grammar School at 3pm.

South Down Final Results: (Winners name first)

Ceili Dancing – Warrenpoint (H), Warrenpoint (F) + Glenn

Solo Singing – Sorcha Downey (Mayobridge), Anne-Marie Mulholland (Rostrevor)

Instrumental Music – Clonduff, Warrenpoint

Recitation – Ciara Kelly (Clonduff), Ryan Byrne (Drumgath)

Ballad Group – Glenn, Rostrevor

Novelty Act – Rostrevor, Clonduff

Set Dancing – Glenn, Warrenpoint

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South Down Finals Qualifier - Fri 05/11/10

Mayobridge Community Centre was the venue for the South Down Scór na nÓg Qualifiers for 2011 held last Friday evening (5^thNovember). Rostrevor had three representatives on the night and it proved to be a successful outing for the club. Anne-Marie Mulholland (Solo Singing) was on stage again, along with the novelty act and quiz team vying to qualify for next Sunday’s South Down Final in Newry’s Abbey C.B.S.

Anne-Marie, perhaps unlucky not to qualify automatically last week, gave a fantastic performance to secure her place in the South Down Final. The importance of performance cannot be undermined at this stage of the competition as there is generally a fine line between winning and losing, and the competition can be very strong, particularly in Solo Singing. As for the Novelty Act, there was no question regarding their safe passage as they were the only act consigned to the qualifiers in South Down. In the context of the competition, that’s not necessarily a bad thing as it gives the opportunity to perform before the South Down Final, a bonus that the Clonduff and Tullylish acts did not receive. It was an improved performance from the young cast and the subject of the piece seems particularly strong for desired result in Down this year. The comments received by the act were very positive also. There is an absolute need, however, not to get carried away with this as one good performance doesn’t qualify the act for success. It is paramount that the cast focus in on their roles in the novelty act and take all comments received by their mentors and judges, in particular, as “in the best interests” of the act’s progress.

In the Quiz, we came extremely close to claiming first place, but in the end, had to settle for third and elimination at this stage. It was a brave showing from the trio and it is a progression of sorts if compared to recent outings in the competition at Scór na nÓg (and at Scór Sinsear too I must add!)

Congratulations to Anne-Marie and the Novelty Act on securing their places in the South Down Final and commiserations to the quiz team on their narrow defeat. Rostrevor now have 4 representatives through to the South Down Final; Anne-Marie Mulholland, Instrumental Music, Ballad Group and Novelty Act. This will take place on Sunday 14^th November in The Abbey C.B.S.

 

South Down Semi Finals - Fri 22/10/10

St. Louis Grammar School in Kilkeel hosted the third South Down Semi-Final of Scór na nÓg on Friday 22^nd October. Rostrevor were represented in six of the eight competitions and the night would prove to be a mix of both good results and bad results for the club. It was a night that saw Michael McNally’s Recitation reign end and no less than 3 other acts rerouted to the Qualifiers. There were, however, wins in Ballad Group and Instrumental Music and plenty of reason for optimism after the first round of the 2011 season. 

Anne-Marie Mulholland, Down Champion 2009, represented the club in Solo Singing and again provided a performance of high quality as she bids to regain her title. To many neutrals, it seemed like Anne-Marie’s passage to the South Down Final was straight forward but last year’s South Down Champion Sorcha Downey of Mayobridge won through in first place with a very original rendition of ‘Star of the County Down’. Therefore, Anne-Marie will compete in the South Down qualifier next Friday in Mayobridge. There was success for the Instrumental Music as they beat off stiff competition from Longstone, Clonduff and Warrenpoint to book their place in the South Down Final. The group consisted of Mitchel McAteer, Padraig McAteer, Sean Cooper and Cliodhna Quinn.

In recitation, Michael McNally set out to retain the Down title he won last year; however, on this night a shock result would see him knocked out of the competition at the first round as a fourth placed finish was not enough to gain a second chance in the qualifiers. Reciting Frank McCourt’s “First Holy Communion” from Angela’s Ashes, Michael produced a steady performance but it would be Micéal Linden of Mayobridge who would deservedly claim first place with his humourous extract from Tommy Sands’ “The Songman”. Second and Third were also missed out on as Ballymartin and Clonduff representatives claimed these spots. That was probably the biggest shock of the evening as many may have felt that Michael would at least break into the top three.

The Ballad Group had a more successful night securing automatic qualification for the South Down Final with a win against Mayobridge. Singing ‘Only our rivers’ and ‘Black velvet band’, the group will now be looking to make themselves real contenders for the South Down title this year. As for the Novelty Act, they will have the ‘luxury’ of a qualifier performance, if there’s such a thing. Rostrevor will be the only act in this competition in the qualifiers after being defeated by Clonduff. Regardless of performance, qualification is guaranteed so this will act as a further rehearsal that will only help the group. The quiz team will also be back on stage in the qualifiers after Clonduff claimed the honours in that competition. Rostrevor’s trio finished 3^rd on the night.

 Congratulations to our Ballad Group and Instrumental Music on qualifying for the South Down Final which will be held in Abbey Grammar School, Newry on Sunday the 14^th of November. Anne-Marie, the novelty act and the quiz team will be back on stage in qualifier action next Friday (November 5^th) in Mayobridge. Good luck to all.

Scór na nÓg records for the club at County level:

Ceili Dancing - 0
Solo Singing - 1 (2009 - Anne-Marie Mulholland)
Instrumental Music - 0
Recitation - 1 (2010 - Michael McNally)
Ballad Group - 2 (1978, 1999)
Novelty Act - 12* (1989, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010)
Set Dancing - 0
Quiz - 0

Scór Sinsear records for the club at County level

Ceili Dancing - 1 (1977)
Solo Singing - 1 (2009 - James Brennan)
Instrumental Music - 0
Recitation - 0
Ballad Group - 8* (1971, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1983, 2010)
Novelty Act - 1 (2005)
Set Dancing - 3 (1977, 1978, 1979)

(Ulster Scór na nÓg Champions in Novelty Act 2004) - MUINTEOIR MADNESS.
Thomas, Christopher and Kieran McNally, Brian Keenan and Stephen McAteer.

(Ulster Scór Sinsear Champions in Ballad Group 1978)
Kevin Hanna, Hilary McGrath, Gerry Donnan, Ciaran Morgan and Martin Mackey.

*Rostrevor holds the record for wins in Novelty Act (Scór na nÓg) and Ballad Group (Scór Sinsear)

in County Down.