40 years of Scór celebrated in style

40 years of Scór celebrated in style


Austin Garvin
Claremorris

FORTY years of Scór in Mayo was celebrated in style at the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris on Friday night last. The celebration coincided with the launch of ‘Scór dhá Scór’, which documents the evolution of Scór in Mayo.
‘Scór dhá Scór’ is a beautiful publication, which recognises the many people who have dedicated their time to the promotion of our culture, heritage and language. It contains stories, memories, as competitors past and present relive the past forty years of Scór in Mayo with relish and gusto. Those responsible for the publication must be complimented for their foresight, hard work and dedication in producing a worthy history of Scór in the county.
Piaras Ó Raghallaigh, Cathaoirleach, Choiste Scór Mhaigheó, welcomed the large crowd to the launch. He thanked those who had contributed in so many ways to producing the fine, in-depth publication.
“The Celtic Tiger has come and gone but our heritage, culture and language have remained a constant in our lives, something we are all proud of,” he said. “Thanks to all the Scór committees over the years for their dedication and commitment in keeping the Scór light shining brightly,” he added.
Mr Ó Raghallaigh referred to the great work of the special Scór committee responsible for the 204-page publication, which contains 50 articles. He praised the divisional secretaries, Connacht Council President Paddy Naughton, Connacht Council Secretary John Prenty, and Paddy Muldoon, Cathaoirleach Choiste Chuimhniúcháin Scór, who unfortunately was unable to be present for the launch.
James Waldron, Mayo GAA Board Chairman, complimented Paddy Muldoon and his committee for their work and efforts over the past six months. “This is a quality publication full of stories and information about Scór activities in Mayo over the past 40 years and it is something that we in Mayo GAA will treasure in the future,” he concluded.
Fr Leo Morahan, who was Mayo GAA Board Chairman when Scór began in Mayo, said he was glad to be in attendance. He said it was great to be remembered and had a special word of praise for Kathleen Corcoran. He also said a prayer for Robert McCallion’s recovery and entertained the large audience with memories, witticisms and stories of the past.
Dr.Mick Loftus, former President of the GAA, performed the official launch of ‘Scór dhá Scór’. The Crossmolina native said Scór was inaugurated to foster Irish song, dance and recitations, and said it was only proper to remember people who had came up with the idea. Dr Loftus complimented people such as Derry Gowan (Cork), Tommy Moran (Leitrim), Seamus Ó Riain and Seán Ó Siocháin for their work for Scór in the past.
“This is a tremendous book, a remarkable book, and I would like to join in complimenting everyone responsible for it’s publication,” he added. Dr Loftus had a special word for Paddy Muldoon and wished him well on behalf of all present. He also paid tribute to Kathleen Corcoran, Vincent Walsh and Tony Finnerty.
A huge birthday cake was cut to mark 40 years of Scór in Mayo.
Throughout the night several people that have represented Mayo with distinction performed for the captive audience, including Edel Heaney (Garrymore), Fergal Ó Murchú (Moygownagh, the only competitor to have won three successive All-Ireland titles), Pat McGovern (Hollymount, who won two titles for recitation), the Aghamore set dancers and James Kilbane. The large crowd danced well into the early hours to the music of the Heather Breeze Céilí Band, Westport.