Yahoo News Belfast student first in 50 years to win All-Ireland Scór
A Belfast student has spoken of her delight at winning the All-Ireland Scór singing competition. Meabh McNeill (20) made history at the prestigious 2024 All-Ireland Scór Sinsir in Killarney at the weekend when she brought home the Solo Singing title to the county for the first time in 50 years, following in the footsteps of renowned local opera singer Angela Feeney who previously won the category in 1974.
The event which is a major highlight in the GAA calendar throughout Ireland, was attended by an audience of 1200 at the INEC Arena, Killarney with thousands of supporters joining online and watching the live coverage on TG4 across the globe.
Established by the GAA in 1969 with the aim of promoting Ireland's traditional pastimes and culture,Scór combines all the colour and rivalry of Gaelic Games with the social and fun element of Ireland's traditional past times. Entrants from Clubs compete across the eight categories following the same stringent process as those in the All-Ireland GAA sporting championships with county and provincial championships before reaching the Final.
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A lifelong member of Lámh Dhearg CLG in West Belfast, Meabh has competed in Scór since she was just eight years old, winning several County titles in Scór nan Óg and this year an Ulster and All Ireland title.
Speaking to Belfast Live, the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts student said: "The competition is essentially for people who want to represent their club or county but don't necessarily play Gaelic football or Hurling. It gives the young people a fair chance with Scór nan Óg for under 18s.
"When I was about seven, Orlaigh Fitzimons was the club cultural officer and she held a Scór open day and my dad put me forward for it and said I could squeal my lungs off so I had a chance at it and it happened from there and I have been competing since I was about eight.
"The competition is judged on a points system but it really is like a lucky dip because it depends on the judges' preferences and what they like to listen to be that a traditional voice or a more contemporary voice."
Meabh sang Cumha an Oileáin which scooped the All-Ireland title, a moment which Meabh described as "surreal".
"There is so much build up towards it and it has been a while since I competed so I never thought that it would be me that would win," she continued.
"The stakes were so high and I didn't think it would happen. I can't really form words to describe how I felt in the moment.
"I have since spoken to the Cultural Officer at the club about potentially holding a Scór open day for the young people at Lámh Dhearg and hopefully inspire them to compete."
Lámh Dhearg chairman Brian Smyth added: "We have 14 different sub-committees in the club and the cultural subcommittee is one of those.
"Meabh came along years ago when they were looking acts for the Scór and she was eight when she first entered.
"It is absolutely fantastic that she has one not only for the club but for herself. For the first time in 50 years that someone from Co Antrim won the All-Ireland and it's a brilliant achievement for Meabh and her family."
Bronagh Lennon County Scór Officer and member of National Scór committee said: "Scór is a special part of the GAA. It gives people who wouldn't necessarily excel on the field of play a chance to be involved through music, song, drama and dance. It is much more than a competition. It is about fun, friendship and promoting our culture and heritage.
"Méabh is a special and hugely talented young lady. She has carved her name in history by winning this All Ireland and I am extremely proud of her. I have no doubt that she will be just as successful as singers that have won this title in the past have gone on to have wonderful success.”
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