All-Ireland 3-in-a-row is music to the ears of Boher 'Scórers'
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BOHERBUE'S rating as the premier centre for traditional music remains intact on sweeping to national success once again in the All Ireland Scor na nOg Finals hosted in the Count John McCormack Centre based in Athlone last Saturday.
In the presence of a capacity attendance, Boherbue again set the standards for the chasing pack to follow on claiming an unprecedented third successive national title at instrumental music.
Scenes of jubilation greeted the triumph for the Boherbue group in the GAA promoted cultural fare.
Amidst stiff competition, Boherbue's team of Billy Herlihy, Michael O'Connor, Mikie O'Gorman, Timmy Collins and Billy O'Gorman delivered a series of rousing tunes entitled Helvic Head and the Red Bee Reel.
That met unaminous approval for the 1,300 strong attendance to fend off the challenge provided by Corfon (Galway), Mullaghbawn (Armagh) and Bannow-Ballymitty (Wexford). Boherbue's outstanding performance broke new ground on becoming the first club to record a third successive title that delighted coaches Alan Finn and Margaret Kiely.
Hopes of further outright success for Cork were dashed, however, after a brave effort was denied for two Boherbue dance groups. Their figure octet of Amée McCarthy, Evie Casey, Louise Fitzgerald, Hannah O'Sullivan, Emma Fitzgerald, Beatrice Casey, Amanda O'Sullivan and Siobháin Fitzgerald delivered a creditable performance of the Cavan Reel only to falter narrowly to Watty Grahams of Derry.
And there was some disappointment for Boherbue set dancers interpretation of the Roscommon Lancers. A team of Amée McCarthy, Evie Casey, Louise Fitzgerald, Amanda O'Sullivan, Daniel Murphy, Jimmy Herlihy, James Casey and Eddie Kiely came within touching distance of outright triumph only to yield to St Vincents from Longford.
St Catherines participated in the Ballad Group final with excellent harmonies of "In My Father's House" and "Home Away from Home" performed by Melanie O'Connor, Nicola O'Donoughue, Emma Wrey, Fiona Feeney and Ciara Clancy. However, their efforts were denied by outright winners Saul from Down.
Millstreet returned in novelty act, their sketch titled "Ship of Tears, Ships of Hope" depicting famine days earned widespread recognition for a cast of Laura Dennehy, Donal Linehan, Conor Linehan, James Linehan, Diarmuid Fraser, Emma Hickey, Neidín Spillane and Kelly Murphy. Again Millstreet's brave effort faltered to Mountbellew Moylough from Galway.
National GAA President Nickey Brennan hailed the compelling fare on parade and presented the prizes to the winners.
