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, Léiriú Stáitse/Stage Presentation, Instrumental Music, Set Dancing and Table Quiz. The competition is divided into two age levels, Scór na nÓg, for young people under 17 and Scór Sinsir, for those over 17.

Just like the All-Ireland Football and Hurling Championships, clubs taking part in Scór first run off competitions among the club’s own members with the winners going forward to the County Final. The winners go on to the Provincial final and finally on to the All-Ireland Final.

It is interesting to note the 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!

Milltown & Scór:

Milltown first participated in Scór in the 80's. Over a 12 - 15 year period the club took part in every category in both Scór Sinsear and Scór na nÓg. A huge effort was put in by the late, great, Paddy Hanlon, Betty Field, Mary Byrne and many many more, with success at county and indeed provincial level being the reward.

Amongst our successful Set Dancers were Lily & Christy Downey, Kathleen Garret, Betty Burke, John O Dwyer, Breda O Reilly, Connie Cullen, Kathleen & Billy Mulpeter and Johnny Cox.

The Garrets, Philip and Kathleen, along with Catherine Walsh brought honour to the club with success in Recitation. But perhaps the greatest success was in the Novelty Act, reaching the All Ireland Final on no less than 2 separate occasions.

A Seed is Sown - 2013

For quite a number of years after those heady days, Milltown did not take part in Scór. However, in 2013 a revival began. For the first time in over a decade, Milltown were represented in Scór Sinsir (Noel Dunne's quiz team and Paul Delahunty in Solo Singing). Although no medals made their way back to the Inn that night, a seed had been sown.

1/1

The programme from the 1990 All Ireland Final in the Gaiety Theatre

2014

The following year our representation was even stronger, with participation in a number of disciplines:

Pat Donoghue represented Milltown in Recitation/Story Telling.

Pat also took part as the poor, bet down husband, in our Novelty Act (written by Mary Byrne). His long suffering wife was played by Eileen Kearney, with Noel Dunne, Caoimhe Byrne playing their next door neighbours. John O Dwyer is playing “the Mother in Law”, in a performance that has attracted whispers of a possible Golden Globe! :)

Noel Dunne also, once again, led our Quiz Team.

Pat Donoghue was unlucky to miss out to the eventual All Ireland champion in the Recitation, and Noel Dunne's quiz team were a commendable 2nd to the all conquering Allenwood team. However, a county title was brought back to the village when our Novelty Act won top spot. The prize was a spot, representing Kildare, in the Leinster Semi-Final in Oulart The Ballagh (Co. Wexford).

Our Novelty Act put in a great performance in Wexford to see them through to Milltown's first Leinster Final in many years. There was great excitement on the road to Ballymore in Westmeath for the final. Despite another great performance from our Léiriú (Novelty Act) group, we were unfortunately beaten into second place. Despite the disappointment there was a feeling that Milltown were back....and we'd only get stronger!

2015

2015 saw Milltown build further on its success of 2014. This year, we had 4 acts (& 13 participants) taking part in the county final in Allenwood:

Recitation: Pat Donohoe

Solo Singing: Eoghan O Toole

Léiriú (Dramatic Production): Noel Dunne, Omar Dunne, Ronan O Shea, James Whelan, Ronan Byrne, Mary Byrne, Eileen Kearney, John O Dwyer, Paul Delahunty & Pat Donohoe

Quiz Team: Anthony Dunne, Ronan Byrne, Mick Hanlon, Noel Dunne

Pat Donoghue was again unlucky to come up against the eventual Leinster champion in the Recitation, and our quiz team were the only team to come near the annually strong Allenwood team. Eoghan O Tool gave a great rendition of Black Is The Colour, but with 8 participants in his category, the competition was fierce. However, our Léiriú act, once again, brought back county honours to the little village, with a very strong act portraying the final hours in the life of James Connolly. A Leinster Semi Final in Birr awaited - a hurdle which our Léiriú act easily jumped. Once again, we were off to Ballymore (Westmeath).

In what proved to be a controversial decision, Milltown were pipped at the post by the eventual All Ireland winners. A disappointment for sure, but if you're disappointed to be beaten by All Ireland champions, then you must be doing something right.

Autumn of 2015 saw another great leap forward. For the first time in quite a number of years, Milltown fielded competitors in Scór na nÓg. This was a huge step forward for Scór in Milltown, as without young people coming through, Scór Sinsear would be hard to keep going. It's true what they say, "Mol an Óige agus tiocfaidh sí".

Our quiz team put in a great performance and can be proud of their 2nd place finish. Well done Peter McHale, Oisín Heffernan, Ciara McDermot and Tom Hamilton.

Anna O Connor gave a beautiful rendition of Isle of Hope. It was amazing to hear such control, power and grace come from someone so young. A real talent!! Well done Anna. You did us proud!

Next up was Cliodhna Malone performing Yeats` Easter 1916. The delivery was perfect and, she deservedly took home the title!

Multi talented Cliodhna also took part in our ballad group along with Lisa Byrne, Aimee O Neill Ellen McCormack and Emmeline Hughes. With fantastic harmonies and beautiful song choice, the girls brought home the club's 2nd county title of the night.

It was a great night for our little club. Back in Scór na nÓg and 2 county titles to boot. Although our county champions didn't take home the Leinster title, it was a great end to 2015, and gave the club plenty to build on.

2016

2016 saw Milltown solidify some of the progress built in the previous years. Kate O Neill gave a beautiful rendition of Ride On. Despite a great performance and some excellent feedback from the judges Kate was unlucky to get pipped on the night.

Our quiz team (Mary Byrne, Ronan Byrne, Mick Hanlon and captain Noel Dunne) came in a valiant second behind the all conquering Allenwood team.

We had a bit more success in the Léiriú competition where we took home the title for the 3rd year running. Well done to the team Mick Hanlon, Pat Donohoe, Mary O Reilly, Maire Hanlon, Mary Byrne, Caoimhe Byrne and Paul Delahunty.

While we didn't increase the number of disciplines we took part in, it was refreshing to see some new faces taking part.

Our Léiriú went on to win the Leinster Semi Final in Allenwood and once again made the trip to Ballymore in Westmeath for the Leinster Final. Once again, however, the Westmeath representatives took home the title.

November saw County Final time in Scór na nÓg. Those who travelled to Allenwood tonight were treated to a wonderful display of the amazing talent in our little community. We came away with 2 county titles in the Léiriú (Novelty Act) and Recitation (Cliodhna Malone), but all of our participants were winners on the night, bringing pride and honour to their club and family. Well done to all!!!!

Special mention to our Ballad Group, who have to have been one of the youngest ever to have taken part in Scór na nÓg.

Participants:

Solo Singing: Anna O Connor

Recitation: Cliodhna Malone & Francesca Smyth

Léiriú (Novelty Act): Cliodhna and Fiachra Malone, Emma Shannon, Tom Stapleton, Oisín Hickey, JP Dignam, Ross McHale

Ballad group: Betty and Anniemae Dunne, Francesa and Isabella Smyth and Ella Brown

Question Time: Joe Dunne, Oisín Hickey, Cliodhna and Fiachra Malone

Cliodhna went on to qualify for the Leinster final in recitation. Our first time in a Scór na nÓg Leinster final for many many years. Although beaten on the day, she put in a very moving performance, with one audience member remarking that she had brought a tear to her eye.

2017

Looking at the talent and success of our U17 club-mates, the pressure was on for Senior Scór to keep up the good work. And they duly delivered. In the county final in Allenwood, Milltown won Solo Singing, Recitation and Novelty Act, and we were in 2nd place in the Quiz. As a result, we won Club of the Year for the first time

The participants were:

Solo Singing: Jenny Doyle

Recitation: Kathleen Garrett

Novelty Act: Mick Hanlon, Eileen Tiernan, Elaine Breslin, Mary O Reilly, Noel Dunne, Paul Delahunty and Mary Byrne

Quiz: Noel Dunne, Ronan Byrne, Ber Dunne and Mark O Connor

In the Leinster semi final (also in Allenwood), 2 of our acts (Recitation and Léiriú) made it to the Leinster final. Jenny Doyle was extremely unlucky to lose out in the Solo Singing in what was a very tight competition. Still though....2 acts in a Leinster final!!! Progress!

On 2nd April, we all went to Ballymore, Westmeath (Again!!!!!) for the Leinster final full of high hopes. On the day, while audience members said we were absolutely in there with a shout in both competitions, the judges (while scoring both acts very highly) went for acts from Longford and Westmeath instead. While disappointing, it was once again a year of progress. And we do have that Club of the Year trophy to keep us company over the next 10 months!

November of 2017 saw Milltown once again take part in Scór na nÓg. This year, however, we had participants in 7 out of the 8 competitions on the night - a feat that resulted in a special mention from the stage and a round of applause from the large crowd in Allenwood. While pipped on the night by Maynooth for Club of the Year, we brought home 3 county titles and a lot of great memories. All in all, 28 kids from Milltown took part. An incredible feat that will be hard to top next year. On the night, our Recitation, Ballad Group and Léiriú were crowned champions.

The participants were:

Well done all. And a buíochas mór to parents and mentors:

Quiz - Ronan Byrne

Léiriú and Recitation - Breda McHale

Dancing - Terence Martin

Ballad group - Mary Keenan

Trad group - Mairéad Carroll

We'd have been nowhere without ye. And a special mention to Roisin Malone for helping with just about everything.

Ní neart go cur le chéile

The participants were:

Quiz: Fiachra Malone, Cormac Byrne, Peter Hamilton, Hugh Hamilton, Conor Sheerin, Danny O Sullivan, Henry O Sullivan, Joe Dunne

Léiriú: Fiachra Malone, Ross McHale, Emma Shannon, Tia Donovan, Joe Dunne, Tom Stapleton, Patrick Keogh, Niamh Murphy

Recitation: Francesca Smyth

Solo Singing: Mia Cullen, Anna O Connor, Róise Carroll

Céilí Dancing: Emma Shannon, Michelle Curran, Áine Sheerin, Sarah Curran, Claire Sweeney, Conor Sheerin, Aoife Buckley, Ciara Buckley

Ballad Group: Lily Crawford, Mia Carroll, Thomas Hickey, Erika Long

Trad Group: Tia Donovan, Lily Crawford, Róise Carroll, Aoife Shannon, Michelle Curran

In the Leinster Semi Final in Oulart, just a week before Santy was to visit Milltown, our Léiriú were successful in reaching the Leinster final. Our recitation and Ballad group performed brilliantly on the day, but the competition was fierce.

The Leinster Final was held in the beautiful Wexford Opera House, a truly stunning venue. What a treat for our young performers to tread the boards in a professional theater! Being one of just two acts to get this far from Kildare shows how fierce the competition was, and what an achievement it was to get to the final. Our Léiriú act saved their best performance for the big stage, and while it wasn't enough to take home the crown on the day, we all left with some fantastic memories!

A record number of participants, 3 county titles and 1 act through to a Leinster final....we've had worse years :)

2018

2018 started with Scór Sinsear, and a continuation of strong participation from Milltown. We had participants in Solo Singing (Paul Delahunty), Recitation (Noel Shannon), Quiz Time and 2 Léiriús. Paul & Noel were unlucky to be beaten into 2nd place in their respective disciplines. While one Milltown team beat the other Milltown team in an epic Léiriú duel to claim the crown. However, the moment of the night has to go to our Quiz Team, who beat the all conquering Allenwood team by the smallest of margins. Allenwood were ahead by 2 points going into the final round, and all seemed lost. However, with a finish worthy of Hollywood, Milltown pipped them at the post to win by 1. It meant that our quiz team went straight to an All Ireland final for the first time in many a long year. A huge achievement.

Our success in the Léiriú along with our two 2nd places meant Milltown also won Club of the Year for the 2nd year running.

Our Léiriú, led by script writer Anne Field, made it safely through the Leinster Semis to the Leinster Final in the beautiful Helix, Dublin. Unfortunately, they came up just short in the end, but absolutely did club and county proud. We look forward to seeing what Ann cooks up for next year. If it's half as funny as 2018, it'll be a riot!

In the All Ireland Final (yes, you read that correctly!!), our Quiz Team didn't have luck on their side, finishing just inside the top half of the table. A very solid performance though, with the winning team missing only 2 or 3 questions in the whole quiz the standard was sky high. What an achievement to get to an All Ireland though.

All in all, not a bad showing.

Our participants were:

Solo Singing: Paul Delahunty

Recitation: Noel Shannon

Léiriú 1: Anne Field, Julie Burke, Tom Malone, Shane Shannon, Enda Dowling, Michelle O Hara,

Léiriú 2: Mick Hanlon, Paul Delahunty, Elaine Breslin, Noel Dunne, Mary O Reilly, Eileen Kearney, Noel Shannon

Quiz Team: Noel Dunne, Ronan Byrne, Noel Shannon, Shane Shannon

November 2018 saw the return of Scór na nÓg. Once again, the huge wealth of talent in the village was on show. Tia Donovan and Róise Carroll both sang beautifully in the Solo Sining competition. As usual, competition was fierce, but Róise took the title, winning Solo Singing for the first time (in Scór na nÓg) for Milltown. We also had 2 Céilí Dancing teams, who were superb, but were unfortunately beaten into 2nd place by Maynooth. Our Trad group played beautifully and improved greatly since last year, but once again were out of luck. Our Léiriú was pipped by an impressive piece from Ardclough. However we had more luck in the Quiz, where we had 2 teams. And, following on the example of their Senior clubmates, won the county title by pipping Allenwood.

Róise represented Kildare in the Leinster Semi Final, but was unlucky not to get through. She has immense talent for someone so young, and I've no doubt we'll see lots more of her into the future.

Participants were:

Solo Singing: Tia Donovan, Róise Carroll

Trad Group: Tia Donovan, Róise Carroll, Aoife Shannon, Michelle Curran, Emily MacRedmond

Céilí Dancing: Conor Sheerin, Áine Sheerin, Emma Shannon, Aoife Shannon, Lauren Shannon, Michelle Curran, Sarah Curran

Quiz Team 1: Thomas Hamilton, Danny O Sullivan, Peter Hamilton, Hugh Hamilton

Quiz Team 2: Cormac Byrne, Joe Dunne, Conor Sheerin, Henry O Sullivan

Léiriú: Ross McHale, Emma Shannon, Niamh Murphy, Aoife Shannon, Lauren Shannon, Betty Dunne, Erika Long

On the 16th February (2019), for the first time in many, many years, our Quiz Team 1 (Thomas, Danny, Peter and Hugh) competed for the Scór na nÓg All Ireland title in Castlebar. Competition was very strong on the day, and the lads certainly did themselves, Milltown and Kildare proud with a mid-table finish.

The Programme from the AI final can be downloaded here.

2 All Ireland finals in 1 year. Not too shabby :)

2019

Fresh from the success of our Scór na nÓg Quiz Team, hopes were high for some good showings in Scór Sinsear. For the first time since the early 90s, a Céilí Dancing team took to the stage in the Milltown colours and they did not disappoint. They carried the day, and the county title was brought back to the village. Dancing Paddy Hanlon would have been proud!

As well as our wonderful dancers, we also had participants in Solo Singing (Eugene Donovan and Jenny Doyle), Recitation (Mary Stewart), Quiz Time and a Léiriú. Eugene and Jenny performed brilliantly, and were both unlucky to miss out in what was a very packed field. Mary gave it socks (literally) with her rendition of Mary Anne Magee, but came in as runner up on the night. After the heroics of the previous year, all eyes were on our Quiz Team to defend their crown. However, Allenwood were out for revenge, and put in an almost flawless performance to take back the crown. However, our success in the Léiriú meant Milltown won Club of the Year for the 3rd year running.

Solo Singing: Eugene Donovan and Jenny Doyle

Recitation: Mary Stewart

Céilí Dancing: Sinéad Sheerin, Valerie Donovan, Breda McHale, Catherine O Connor, Peter Dunne, Rory Donohue, Liam Mulpeter & Terence Martin

Léiriú: Shane Shannon, Noel Shannon, Petronella Curran, Elaine Breslin, Tom Malone, Michelle O Hara & Paul Delahunty

Quiz: Noel Dunne, Ronan Byrne, Noel Shannon & Shane Shannon.

And so, onto the Leinster Final. In a break with tradition from the previous few years, there were no Leinster Semi Finals, so our Dancers and our Léiriú were onto the big stage in the Wexford Opera House. Our Dancers were first up, and were brilliant. There were a few emotions watching Milltown dancers on the boards in a Leinster Final. While not carrying the day, it was wonderful to see Milltown dancers back in the big time.

Then it was the turn of our Léiriú. We knew we had a good act, but having been so close so many times before we were taking nothing for granted. The roar that went up when “Cill Dara” was called out as champions will long be remembered. We’d finally done it!! We were Leinster Champions!

On Saturday 13th April in Castlebar, a team from Milltown did something that hadn't been done in 31 years - represented Kildare and Leinster in the Léiriú Scór All Ireland final!

It was a hugely proud day for the club, and while the ultimate honour did not fall our way, we can certainly look back on the year with much pleasure and a great sense of achievement, having captured that elusive Leinster title which had been absent for so long.

Credit to TG4 for live streaming the event so many of our parishioners could join in live. Now that we've had a taste of success, we're anxious for more, and already plans are afoot to go that 1 step further. Sure, who'd bet against us. #Believe

The Programme from the AI final can be downloaded here.

3 All Ireland finals in 12 months…I’ll take that!

Red Sashes, Proud Hearts!

Scór na nÓg was back again on December 1st, as a large crowd packed in to Allenwood GAA hall for the Kildare finals. As has become the norm, Milltown was very well represented with entrants in Solo Singing, Ballad Group, Novelty Act and Quiz Time.

The Solo Singing was a family affair, with Tia and Caden Donovan entertaining the crowd. Following on from Róise Carroll last year, Tia carried home the Solo Singing crown for Milltown. Caden does deserve a special mention, as it was great to see someone so young with the courage to sing solo in front of a hall full of people. Maith sibh Donovans!

In the Ballad Group competition we had our second success of the day, when our talented group of musicians and singers took home the 2nd county title of the day for Milltown.

Our Novelty Act put in a great performance, but Ardclough (who won the Leinster title in 2019) were again that little bit too strong. Milltown’s act was high on entertainment though, with some great comic moments.

We had 2 Quiz teams take part this year again. With the new format, it meant that Milltown had 2 out of the 3 teams to make the on-stage final. In an incredible and heart-breaking finish, we were pipped on the very last question by Maynooth, having led all the way. It was a hard one to take, but often you learn more from the defeats, so we’ll be back, better and stronger.

We had a surprise success when Sarah Curran was drawn out of the hat as winner of a signed Kildare jersey, much to the delight of the large Milltown contingent.

There was one more highlight for the club on the night when we took home the Club of the Year award. It is the first time (we believe) the club has won this in Scór na nÓg, and is a great tribute to the hard work and commitment of all our acts and mentors.

On 7th December, our county champions represented Kildare in the Leinster semi-finals in the Marian Hall in Birr. Despite excellent performances on the day, we did not get through to the Leinster final this time.

A huge thanks to our mentors. Without them, we would not be able to take part.

Míle buíochas, Shane Shannon, Breda McHale, Liz Long, Ronan Byrne and Noel Shannon

Participants were:

Solo Singing: Tia Donovan, Caden Donovan

Ballad Group: Michelle Curran, Ross Walker, Mia Cullen, Aoife Shannon

Novelty Act: Ross McHale, Emma Shannon, Áine Sheerin, Betty Dunne, Erika Long, Sarah Curran, Ben Curran, Conor Sheerin

Quiz Team 1: Cormac Byrne, Hugh Hamilton, Conor Sheerin, Robert Shannon

Quiz Team 2: Sam O Hara, Karl Heuston, Joe Dunne, Peter Hamilton

Baile an Mhuilinn Abú

Scór @ 50 Celebrations

2019 also saw the 50th Anniversary of Scór. To celebrate, Milltown held it's own night of Song, Dance, Chat, Laughs and Memories in the Inn @ Milltown.

Click here to see some photos of the night.

2020

On 28th Feb 2020, the Milltown faithful made the short trip across the parish to Allenwood for the Kildare Senior Scór county finals. As usual, Milltown had a strong contingent.

Alan Davoren took part in the Solo Singing competition and was unlucky to be beaten into 2nd place. Our Céilí Dancers were back too to defend their title. However, Maynooth took the title on the day and we were pipped into 2nd place.

However, our Novelty Act and Quiz team had better luck. Our Novelty Act claimed the crown with a terrific piece based in 1798 written by Shane Shannon. Our Quiz team claimed back their title from Allenwood with a brilliant display in the on-stage final.

The two 1sts and two 2nds also meant that we took home Club of the Year yet again.

Participants were:

Solo Singing: Alan Davoren

Céilí Dancing: Hilary Slicker, Sinéad Sheerin, Breda McHale, Catherine O Conner, Peter Dunne, Liam Mulpeter, Seán Mulpeter, Rory Donoghue

Novelty Act: Enda Cahill, Michelle O Hara, Emmett Mulhall, Tom Malone, Noel Shannon, Shane Shannon, Paul Delahunty

Quiz: Ronan Byrne, Noel Shannon, Noel Dunne, Mary Byrne

The Quiz team was straight through to the Leinster final, but the Novelty Act had to travel to Oulart for a Leinster semi final first. And what better setting than in the shadow of Boolavogue to perform a piece based in 1798. The act was very well received and we were through to the Leinster final in the Solstice Theatre, Navan on 22nd March.

Or so we thought....but then, COVID struck. So we waited....and waited....and waited.....

On Saturday 23rd October 2021, the much delayed 2020 Leinster final took place. Although our Novelty Act was unable to take part due to clashes of commitments, our Quiz team made the journey to Baile Ghib, Co. Meath for the final. Hopes were high, and the team did not disappoint. They made the on-stage final and ended up in a sudden death shootout with the team from Offaly. Unfortunately, they were pipped at the post. However, while not brining home the Leinster title, they still qualify for the All Ireland, and based on the performance in Baile Ghib, they travelled with high hopes.

The 2020 All Ireland took place on Saturday 20th November 2021 (possible a future quiz question!!!) in the newly built Dome in Bekan, just outside Claremorris, Co. Mayo.

Our team of Mary Byrne, Ronan Byrne, Noel Dunne and Noel Shannon (with support from Andrew Cody in the pre-final training) did the parish and county proud with a very respectable 5th placed finish. In fact, they were only 2 points off of a podium finish. The Leinster champions from Offaly won the crown, and with Meath also making the final 3, it goes to show how strong the competition was in Leinster. It also goes to show that our team is very near the mark....so....high hopes for the future.

Beir bua!

2022

After the long absence due to COVID, Scór na nÓg was finally back. In the end, the restrictions lifted quickly, and so the time to prepare was shorter than usual. Unfortunately, this reflected in the number of acts Milltown fielded, which was lower than usual.

Whatever the reasons, on the 13th of March, the county finals were held in Allenwood...and it was good to be back. Certainly, the hall felt (and looked) fuller than usual. And while Milltown may have had fewer than usual acts, it was refreshing to see a number of other Kildare clubs taking part, whom we hadn't seen for some time.

In the end, Milltown entered 2 quiz teams:

Team 1: Andrew Shannon, Patrick Shannon, Sam O Hara, Matthew Downey

Team 2: Conor Sheerin, Robert Shannon, Cormac Byrne and Karl Heuston

The top 3 teams in the quiz made it to the stage part of the event, and both Milltown teams ended up on stage. A great testament to the quiz talent in the village. They faced a young, but well-drilled Maynooth side. In the end our Team 2 took the honours and went on to represent Kildare as county champions.

On the 3rd April, our team made the trip to Lordship GAA in Louth for the Leinster final. In a fantastic performance, the lads finished 2nd which was good enough to see them through to the All Ireland final.

The All Ireland took place in Killarney on 1st May and hopes were high that this might be the year. As always, the standard was high, but our team rose to the challenge. Unfortunately, this time, they came up just short, finishing just a few points off of a stage finish. One thing is for certain though, we're certainly not far off that elusive All Ireland.

Over to the Seniors now for the autumn...

Friday 7th October saw the return of Scór Sinsir to the GAA hall in Allenwood. It was great to have the event back after a long absence due to COVID.

A large crowd on the night ensured a brilliant atmosphere. Milltown had representation in 5 out of the 8 categories:

Solo Singing: Jenny Doyle & Alan Davoren

Recitation: Noel Shannon

Ballad Group: Jenny Doyle, Alan Davoren, Lorraine O Toole, Shane Shannon & Leo Shannon

Novelty Act: Michelle O Hara, Enda Dowling, Eileen Tiernan, Emmett Mulhall and Tom Malone

Quiz: Ronan Byrne, Noel Dunne, Noel Shannon and Andrew Cody

In what was one of the strongest competitions in years, there was an even spread of 2 titles each for Allenwood, Maynooth, Ardclough and Milltown, with Milltown's titles coming in the Novelty Act and Quiz sections.

Milltown and Allenwood shared the Club of the Year title.

Alan and Jenny gave powerful performances of The Bright Blue Rose and Mise Éire in the Solo Singing and can consider themselves unfortunate to lose out in what was a strong field. However, they were also part of the first Senior Ballad Group Milltown has fielded in many years, being joined on stage by Lorraine O Toole, Shane Shannon and Leo Shannon. Although not carrying the title on the day, I think it's fair to say the crowd really enjoyed their versions of Ride On and N17.

Noel Shannon performed a self-composed piece in the Recitation called The Men of '72, in celebration of the Intermediate Football title Milltown won in 1972. It was a brilliant piece and, if it were left to the Milltown crowd, he'd have been given the All Ireland there and then.

The Novelty Act performed a smart sketch about The Energy Crisis, and carried the day.

While the Quiz Team showed their stuff to come back from 2nd position to win it in the stage round.

Our Quiz team now progressed to the next round of the Leinster competition on Fri 14th Oct in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise where they finished first!

Onwards to the Leinster Final on Sat 22nd Oct in the Kells Theatre, Co. Meath, where they joined our Novelty Act. First up were our Quiz Team. It was a tough final, with only 1 point separating all 3 teams going into it....and one of those teams were the reigning All Ireland champions. In the end, it was just one of those days when the right questions just didn't fall our way and we finished 2nd. Still, 2nd in Leinster isn't to be sniffed at, and we still qualify for the All Ireland final.

It was then the turn of our Novelty Act. Despite a great performance (especially from our donkey Eileen Jenny!!), the result went the way of the act from Wicklow.

Although disappointing in the end, we still have an All Ireland final to look forward to with our quiz team (they will be the only Kildare representation in the finals). So fingers and toes crossed we can pull it out of the bag.

So....off we set for Castlebar again. Hopes were high after a strong showing in the Leinster finals, where we finished 2nd to the reigning champions Offaly.

With Mary Byrne coming in as a strong substitute for the unavailable Andrew Cody, the team gave it their all. While not reaching the podium, they did the parish and county proud, finishing 7th in Ireland. Maith sibh!

A short rest now, before turning our thoughts to Scór na nÓg in spring...

Baile an Mhuilinn abú! ❤️💚

2023

This year, Scór na nÓg was held over 2 nights. On Thursday 24th March, the first part of the Quiz competition was held, with the top 3 teams making it to the stage final on the following evening. Milltown had 1 team in it this year, and with 12 teams in the county final, we knew it would be tough. In the end, we did what was needed and came 2nd.

And so onto the County Final on Friday 25th March in Allenwood. A little disappointingly, we only had 1 other act, Seán Kelly in the Recitation competition. Despite only 2 weeks to prepare, Seán gave a great performance, but lost out on the night to Ardclough.

So all our hopes were now on the Quiz Team. The stage final was extremely tight, with only 1 question (the same as the previous year) separating 1st from 2nd positions. Fortunately for us, Milltown pipped Maynooth into a heartbreaking 2nd placed finish for the second year in a row.

Our competitors on the night:

Recitation: Seán Kelly

Quiz Team: Anna Mulpeter, Robert Shannon, Patrick Shannon, Daniel Percival and our sub Eoghan Delahunty.

Onwards to the Leinster Preliminary Round. The team travelled to The Downs GAA club in Westmeath on 2nd April and made a storming second half comeback to clinch a top 3 finish and make it to the Leinster final. The Leinster final was held in the National Opera House in Wexford on Sunday 16th April. On the day, despite being the best of the 3 teams, they were pipped by just 1 question out of 2nd place. A top 3 finish, however, still means they qualified for the All Ireland in Killarney.

In a demonstration of what it means to our club to have teams in All Ireland finals, a fundraising quiz was held on Thursday 4th May in The Inn @ Milltown. Our Quiz Master, and Scór champion himself, Ronan Byrne, presented each of the team with Scór na nÓg club tops for the occasion. A large turn out gave the team the sendoff they deserved.

On Saturday 6th, the long trip to Killarney was made to fight it out with 11 other counties to see who would be crowned champions. Unfortunately, a slow start in the first 3 round meant that, despite almost perfect round thereafter, the team had just too much ground to make up.

However, it was a great learning experience for them, and with 4 of the 5 still underage again next year, we headed home with high hopes.

A huge thank you to their mentor, Noel Shannon. A Scór champion himself, Noel put in a huge amout of work to prep the team and get them to an All Ireland. Míle buíochas.

Baile an Mhuilinn abú! ❤️💚

Senior Scór
Friday 13th October 2023 saw the county final of Scór Sinsir take place in Allenwood. Milltown had a strong field, with participants in Solo Singing, Recitation, Ballad Group, Novelty Act and Quiz Time.

A strong Milltown support (many with hats and flags straight from supporting our county finalist football teams) really helped to lift the atmosphere and spur on our competitors.

Alan Davoran led the way, with a powerful rendition of Dublin In The Rare Aul Times in the Solo Singing. As usual in the Solo Singing competition, there was strong competition, and it took a former All Ireland champion to narowly beat Alan into 2nd position.

Following Alan was Mary Stewart in the Recitation. Mary did a brilliant performance of The Bean an Tí, and was so unlucky to also lose out in 2nd place.

From here on though, our luck changed. Our Ballad Group was up next, and they stormed to victory with stirring renditions of Spanish Lady and Neidín. It was noted that this may have been our first county title in Ballad Group in Senior Scór. If not the first ever, we certainly have to go back many decades to the last win.

Our Novelty Act never disappoints, and they produced a really funny piece based on the TV show, Gogglebox. Certainly, judging by the laughs from the crowd, they were worthy winners.

Rounding off the night was our Quiz Team, who were defending their crown. As usual, they were neck in neck with Allenwood. However, there was a surprise challenge from Clogherinkoe. Heading to the stage section, Milltown were in 3rd spot, but only 2 points behind. A storming stage performance saw Milltown take the crown once again.

Well done to all!

Solo Singing: Alan Davoren

Recitation: Mary Stewart

Ballad Group: Alan Davoren, Owen Fogarty, Eimear Shannon, Therese O Reilly & Michelle Egan

Novelty Act: Michelle O Hara, Enda Dowling, Breda McHale, Shane Shannon, Tom Malone, Emmet Mulhall & Paul Delahunty

Quiz Team: Mary Byrne, Noel Dunne, Noel Shannon, Ronan Byrne & Paul Delahunty

#ThisIsMilltown

#WhataDayWhataVillage

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Scór Sinsir 2023 - Milltown County Finals Team

Scór Sinsir 2022 - Quiz All Ireland Finalists

Scór Sinsir 2022 - Quiz County Champions

Scór na nÓg 2022 - Quiz All Ireland Finalists

Scór Sinsear 2020 - Quiz All Ireland Finalists

Scór na nÓg 2019 - Ballad Group

Scór na nÓg 2019 - Léiriú

Scór Sinsear 2019 - Léiriú Leinster Champions

Scór na nÓg 2018 - Trad Group

Scór na nÓg 2018 - Céilí Dancing

Scór na nÓg 2018 - Solo Singing: Tia Donovan

Scór Sinsear 2018 - Léiriú

Scór Sinsear 2018 - Quiz Team

Scór na nÓg 2017 - Léiriú: Fiachra Malone, Ross McHale, Emma Shannon, Tia Donovan, Joe Dunne, Tom Stapleton, Patrick Keogh, Niamh Murphy

Scór na nÓg 2017 - Céilí Dancing: Emma Shannon, Michelle Curran, Áine Sheerin, Sarah Curran, Claire Sweeney, Conor Sheerin, Aoife Buckley, Ciara Buckley

Scór na nÓg 2017 - Quiz: Fiachra Malone, Cormac Byrne, Peter Hamilton, Hugh Hamilton, Conor Sheerin, Danny O Sullivan, Henry O Sullivan, Joe Dunne

Scór na nÓg 2017 -Solo Singing: Anna O Connor

Scór Sinsear 2017 - Quiz Team: Mark O Connor, Noel Dunne, Ronan Byrne and Ber Dunne

Solo Singer, Scór Sinsear 2017: Jenny Doyle

Scór na nÓg, 2016 - Milltown Participants

Scór na nÓg Recitation, 2016: Francesca Smyth

Scór na nÓg Solo Singer, 2016: Anna O Connor

Scór na nÓg Kildare Ballad Group Champions 2015:

Lisa Byrne, Aimee O Neill, Ellen McCormack, Emmeline Hughes & Cliodhna Malone

Scór Sinsear Quiz Team 2016:

Mary Byrne, Ronan Byrne, Mick Hanlon and captain Noel Dunne

Scór Sinsear Kildare Léiriú Champions 2016:

Mick Hanlon, Pat Donohoe, Mary O Reilly, Maire Hanlon, Mary Byrne, Caoimhe Byrne and Paul Delahunty

Scór na nÓg 2023 - County Champions & All Ireland Finalists

Scór Sinsir 2022 - Novelty Act County Champions

Scór na nÓg 2022 - Quiz All Ireland Finalists

Scór Sinsear 2020 - Léiriú County Champions

Scór na nÓg 2019 - Tia & Caden, Solo Singers

Scór Sinsear 2019 - Céilí Dancing County Champions

Scór na nÓg 2018 - Quiz Team 1

Scór na nÓg 2018 - Quiz Team 2

Scór na nÓg 2018 - Léiriú

Scór na nÓg 2018 - Solo Singing: Róise Carroll

Scór Sinsear 2018 - Club of the Year

Scór na nÓg 2017 - Recitation: Francesca Smyth

Scór na nÓg 2017 - Trad Group: Tia Donovan, Lily Crawford, Róise Carroll, Aoife Shannon, Michelle Curran

Scór na nÓg 2017 - Céilí Dancing: Emma Shannon, Michelle Curran, Áine Sheerin, Sarah Curran, Claire Sweeney, Conor Sheerin, Aoife Buckley, Ciara Buckley