Starting steps to Scór
Want to get your Club involved in Scór? Here are some steps you can take….
What is Scór?
Scór is a GAA competition that combines all the colour and rivalry of Gaelic Games with the social/fun element of Ireland’s traditional past-times. The competition was established by the GAA in 1969 with the aim of promoting Ireland’s traditional pastimes and culture while offering club members the chance to meet up, have fun and represent their club during the winter months while Football and Hurling had ceased.
There are eight events/disciplines in Scór that cover all aspects of Irish culture: Figure/ Céilí Dancing, Solo Singing, Ballad Group, Recitation/Scéalaíocht. Nuachleas/Novelty Act, Instrumental Music, Set Dancing and Quiz.
All Ireland Scór champions are presented with their medals by the President of the GAA. Winners are All-Ireland champions in their own right in the same way as All-Ireland Senior Football or Hurling Final winners!
How can your club get started?
To take part in either Scór na nÓg or Scór Sinsir, the club only needs to enter in one discipline. (Eg- 1 solo singer or 1 dancing team etc) Yes, its that easy!
Some Cultural Officers or Club Committee members might already have links with someone who is a confident singer, reciter, or have a link with the local Comhaltas branch or Irish Dancing School. If these people are club members, they can represent your club in Scór. If you’re having trouble finding someone to represent you, ask in the local Comhaltas branch or contact local choirs etc to see if they can advise you.
What is the age limit ?
The competition is divided into two age levels, Scór na nÓg, for young people under 17 and Scór Sinsir, for those over 17.
When do the competitions take place?
The Scór na nÓg County Final in Antrim usually takes place in November time and then the winners of that progress to the Semi Final of Ulster. From that, 2 in each discipline are chosen to go forward and compete in the Provincial Final and Ulster winners then progress to the All Ireland Final. The Scór Sinsir County Final in Antrim usually takes place in February/March time, following the same process as above.
For anyone who is interested in taking part in Scór and not sure what steps to take……
Make contact with your club. It would be best to contact your club Cultural Officer and they will guide you in the right path.
For all other Scór queries and questions, please contact Bronagh Lennon (County Cultural Officer) bronaghcultural@outlook.com
This year, the County Scór Sinsir Final will take place on Sunday 1st March at 2pm. The Quiz Final will take place on Friday 28th February at 7pm and the top 3 teams will then progress to the County Final where they will compete for the County title in the onstage quiz. Venue for both will be confirmed as soon as possible and I will update you all with that information in due course. Anyone wanting to compete this year, please get in contact with the information on the acts that you’d like to enter. I have attached the newly revised rule book.
Go raibh maith agaibh.
Bronagh Uí Leannáin
Cultural Officer