Droim Ratha na Sarséil has a long and proud history of participation in the GAA’s showcase for our native culture through the annual Scór na nÓg and Scór Sinsear competitions. The Scór competition itself is celebrating its 40th Birthday this year and its popularity, especially within Tyrone, continues to grow.

Traditionally taking place during the fallow winter and early spring months, Scór provides the opportunity to showcase the talents of young and old club members alike through the various categories of the competition.  Club members have the opportunity to represent their club, and if successful, their county, in areas such as:

·         Ceili  and Set Dancing

·         Recitation

·         Solo singing

·         Instrumental music

·         Ballad Group

·         Novelty Act

·         Quiz

Our own club, through its cultural committee has unearthed and promoted the latent talents of many club members throughout the years. The junior and senior members of the club have recently enjoyed great success in Ballad Group and Instrumental sections respectively while representing Drumragh Sarsfields at Ulster level having competed and won Tyrone County titles. This is no mean feat when one considers that Tyrone are the most successful County in Ireland when it comes to overall  Scór titles and the winning of even a Tyrone title is considered a significant achievement. The ‘Holy Grail’ of winning an All-Ireland Title is a realistic expectation and those involved with both junior and senior Scór participants continue to work diligently to make the dream a reality some day soon. 

The high standard and quality of Drumragh participants in Scór was acknowledged and rewarded during Tyrone’s All-Ireland run last year when the senior group were invited to perform at various functions including the famous homecoming of ‘Sam’ at Healy Park and also at the Club Tyrone Celebration Dinner in Monaghan as well as the ‘meet the team’ night in Carrickmore and Drumragh’s pre-final event with Highland Radio in ‘Sally’s.’

The key to Scór success within Drumragh GFC however lies with the club members themselves. There has always been tremendous support for those who participate either on the stage itself or as part of the vital ‘back-up’ support team.

Like Drumragh’s various football teams, it is vital to those who participate in the Scór competitions to know that their fellow club members are there to support, encourage and cajole them every step of the way and in that sense, the support from within the club is  fantastic. Even last January, on a cold, snowing day, a loyal band of supporters made their way to Ardboe to support the club’s participants in the first round of this years Scór Sinsear competition.  From a competitors point of view this is clear evidence of the commitment of Drumragh Club members to support them in their efforts to promote the club’s name through Scór participation. Many thanks to all of you who supported the various participants during the competitions and especially to all of you who tolerated travel sickness to make the trip to south Armagh to cheer on the Junior Ballad Group. We all appreciated you effort and support.

The GAA celebrates its 125th Anniversary this year and enshrined in its constitution is the commitment to promote the culture and customs of the people of Ireland. At club level there is no better way of displaying that commitment than participation in Scór.

Drumragh Sarsfields have a proud history of promoting all aspects of our culture through its various activities and welcome with open arms any junior or more senior member who wish to be involved in this most enjoyable aspect of our clubs cultural activities.

In 2008 we participated in the Solo Singing represented by Beth Bradley who sang, The Water Is Wide beautifully and was very unlucky not to progress to the final

Laura Quinn upheld the long-standing family tradition of excellence in the Recitation category and did the club proud with her performance which was delivered with great confidence and enthusiasm and was very well received. We are hoping that she will continue to participate for us for a few more years to come.

Christian Campbell was a last minute recruit to join with Conor and Ronan Mc Cann to play Traditional Irish Music in the Ceol Uirlise category. Anyone listening would never have guessed that Christian had never played that type of music before and the three lads gave a very good account of themselves.

The Ballad Group involving Tammy Mc Cann, Beth and Rosa Bradley, Conor and Ronan Mc Cann under the expert eyes of Mairead Kelly and Anthony Bradley were unstoppable and achieved their three year long dream of a County Title amidst great celebrations in Killeshil in December .They progressed through the Ulster Semi Final to the Ulster Final which was a great experience and well organised occasion.  They rose well to the occasion and gave a faultless rendition of both Gentle Annie and William and Davy but were piped at the post by another excellent group from Saul, Co Down who were making their third Provincial Final appearance.  We were all disappointed but extremely proud to see them competing so well at this level and have every reason to be hopeful for the future.

There is no reason why with all the dancers in the club we do not also compete in this category and I appeal to any of you who are interested in taking part to get in touch. What age  you are  really does not matter as it is probably best to get a group together when young and keep them involved to gain experience and hopefully they will finally taste success.

If you play an instrument please also get in touch or wish to take part in any discipline

Participation in the Scór allows you a chance to develop your skills, share your talent and represent your club.  It is an opportunity to help to promote our culture and our club and is very enjoyable. Any participation requires commitment and dedication.

Check out our Scór Gallery

To find out more about Scór on a national level, visit www.scor.gaa.ie