All roads from Warrenpoint lead to the Waterfront in Belfast on Saturday past for the All Ireland final. Dancing in Warrenpoint is something of a given, St Peter’s dancers have been closely associated with Ceili and Set dancing for many years, with Club Stalwarts Moya McCormack, Liam O’Hare and Eddie McGennity leading the dancers on the well beaten wooden floors in Mary Street. More recently at the helm is Club Cultural Officer Carmel McGrath who herself is still dancing in the ladies team along with John Campbell who is now known as the team mascot! Carmel has mentored some of the current team from an early age through Scór nanÓg, this being their first year entering the senior competition.
Under the guidance of teacher and dancer Turlough O’Neill the dancers, including Eamonn Burns, Micheal McAnulty, Oisin McCann, Aine Murphy, Ciara Tinnelly, Shannon Goss and Sinead Rice have progressed as South Down Champions, County Champions and most recently Ulster Champions, what a year it has been for the young team. They have given total commitment and their determination to compete in their first All Ireland Scór title for the club in over 30 years is endearing. It was unfortunately not to be for the young dancers and their hundreds of supporters as the title went to Leitrim. However the dancers could hold their heads high and know they danced the best they could.
We as a club are extremely proud of our Ulster Champions and know our dancers can hold their heads high in knowing they have made their family, club and county proud.
On behalf of the whole Warrenpoint community the club would like to thank Turlough, Eamonn, Micheal, Oisin, Turlough, Aine, Ciara, Shannon and Sinead, in giving us what was a a wonderful day for the County of Down.
We pass on our heartiest congratulations to Clonduff Ballad Group on being crowned All Ireland champions and bringing the title back to Down.
