Kilshannig make sweet music at Scór

KILSHANNIG claimed an historic All Ireland Scór Sinsir title in the Royal Theatre, Castlebar last weekend.

Team members Darragh O’Shea, Sheila Kavanagh, Veronica O’Mahony, Fergus McGrath and Daniel O’Callaghan punched the air in delight before collecting All Ireland silverware from GAA National President John Horan.

Little wonder tears of delight surfaced after the Kilshannig quintet delivered a scintillating display of tunes in the Instrumental Music category to capture All Ireland honours in the GAA promoted event.

Kilshannig saw off provincial winners Moneyglass (Antrim), Kyle (Laois) and Achill (Mayo). Unsurprisingly, it was difficult to hide the delight amongst team members with one of the All Ireland heroes Sheila Kavanagh lauding the contribution of coach Alan Finn.

“Unfortunately, Alan couldn’t be with us today, he deserves credit on bringing All Ireland success. It’s a fantastic achievement, we put in so much work as a group and the effort has paid off,” beamed Sheila.

“The competition was very intense, we performed really well, the result could have gone elsewhere and we’re really over the moon with the verdict. It’s a reward for the effort put in by all involved,” she said.

A bumper season saw Kilshannig collect a brilliant Munster double, their Under 17 Scór na nÓg Music group of Robert Dunne, Mark O’Shea, Eoin Turner, Aoife Turner and Sarah Guiney earned provincial honours earlier in the year.

The first time All Ireland success was celebrated at a formal welcome home in Dromahane, where those involved with the club and Scór group hailed the talents of the participants and promoters of Scór, including Kilshannig GAA Cultural Officer Michael O’Sullivan, who has promoted Scór for 30 years.

“I was so proud to be in Castlebar last Saturday and to witness the triumph glory that bestowed the Kilshannig Club and our five dedicated musicians.

“Representing Kilshannig, Avondhu and Cork, it has been 19 years since Cork had a victory at Instrumental Music – a lot of credit goes to our trainer Alan Finn,” said a delighted Michael.

“Being the 50th year of Scór, the club put a special effort promoting Scor to honour its founder member, Cork man Derry Gowen.

“Margaret Whelan, Cork County Scor Secretary and Munster Chairperson, has been outstanding in supporting me in promoting Scor as well as our Club Officers, John Geaney, Chairman; Gerard Donovan, Treasurer and Ted Sheehan, Secretary. Our dreams of All Ireland glory became a reality last Saturday night in Castlebar,’’ said Michael.