Remembering Scór ‘96 Mallow and Millstreet - a cut above the rest

Founded by the late Derry Gowen from Fermoy Scór has become the flagship indoor GAA activity, with the momentum built up at divisional level carrying right trough to county, provincial and All-Ireland level, with the buzz on a par with summer exploits at Pairc Uí Chaoimh and Croke Park.

Traditionally, a new season gets underway during November at divisional level with teenagers displaying their cultural talents in music, song and dance.

However, with Covid restrictions wreaking havoc on all social, recreational and entertainment activities the current Scór season halted.

Great memories of 25-years-ago come flooding back when Cork teams figured strongly in the Munster and All-Ireland series of Scór na nÓg.

To reach the highest levels in the land strikes a chord and north Cork clubs had reason to be proud of their representatives when the 1996 All-Ireland Finals arrived in Thurles during mid-February

Indeed, representatives from Mallow and Millstreet emphasised their dominance to savour outright honours.

Mallow had built up a terrific reputation and the club swelled their silverware haul, with the figure dancers adding All-Ireland glory to their county and Munster successes. Team members included Nicola Cogan, Triona Lane, Ciara O’Leary, Caroline O’Regan, Vera Nagle, Norma Lane, Donna Singleton and Catriona Singleton.

Likewise, Millstreet had built up a reputation over the years that was further enhanced when Joanne Gallagher won the club’s first All-Ireland Scór na nÓg title in the recitation discipline.

Her excellent delivery of a composition titled “The Last Shall be First and the First shall be Last” won the admiration of a capacity attendance.

Elsewhere there were some outstanding performances by Freemount Instrumental Music Group at county and Munster level.

The hard work and commitment of Cork clubs was mirrored in the quality of fare and the enjoyment those watching traditional cultural talents at its best enjoyed, all those twenty five years ago – treasured memories.

The victorious Mallow figure dancers: Nicola Cogan, Triona Lane, Ciara O’Leary, Caroline O’Regan, Vera Nagle, Norma Lane, Donna Singleton and Catriona Singleton

All-Ireland Scór na nÓg winner Joanne Gallagher(Millstreet) pictured with former GAA president Jack Boothman and Seamus McGrath, former chairman, Munster Scór.

Photos: John Tarrant. Millstreet supporters at the 1996 All Ireland Scor na nOg Finals.

The Banteer Set Dancers participated at the 1996 Co. Scór na nÓg Final. Picture John Tarrant

The Millstreet Novelty Act competed in the 1996 Co. Scór na nÓg Final.

Cloughdubh Novelty Act, winners at the 1996 Scór na nÓg Final.

The victorious Freemount Instrumental Group