The packed hall in Mayobridge Community Centre on Sunday afternoon (27th February 2022) was living proof of how much adults and children alike value this expression of our culture and traditions. With only a few weeks for preparation competitors were entered directly into the South Down Final, the one exception was Solo Singing. Such were the numbers of entrants that a qualifying event was held the previous day from which seven contenders were selected by adjudication to progress to the South Down Final.Despite the 2-year absence the standard was extremely high and the toughest job on the day fell to the adjudicators! Two Competitors from the South Down Finals would join their counterparts from East Down in the County Finals.
Clonduff had two Solo Singers in the qualifier Niamh McSherry representing Clonduff Camogie and Odhrán Murnin representing Clonduff Football both made it through to the South Down Final. The McPolin Sisters Beibhinn and Sinead represented Clonduff Camogie and Ladies Football with older sister Sinead being awarded the South Down title with Beibhinn as runner-up – both will represent South Down in the County Final. Clonduff had two amazing Instrumental Music groups on stage. The more experienced group comprising the Magee siblings – Michael, Shea, Patrick and Rose were joined by Jordan McPolin – they were first on stage and set the standard for the other five groups. The were declared South Down Champions. The second group comprised the O’Hare siblings – Lishín, Derarca and Dultach who were joined by Caoimhé-Ainé Hart. They too put on a tremendous performance and no doubt will be back again. Many thanks to all the children who represented Clonduff and whilst they may not all have received medals they were undoubtedly winners!
Clonduff’s participation did not end with the children – at the qualifier on Saturday Vivienne Mulcahy got proceeding under way with Amhrán na bhFiann and Kayleigh McPolin did likewise on Sunday at the South Down Final. Thomas ‘Tooter’ Murnin did a fantastic job as Fear an Tí introducing the acts and keeping everything moving along smoothly. Well done to Vivienne, Kayleigh and Tooter!
The County Finals will take place in St Malachy’s High School Castlewellan on Friday 4th March @ 7pm. The Table Quiz will be in Bryansford Club on Sunday 13th March @ 3pm
