The Ulster Scór Sinsear semi finals took place on Saturday night in Lisnaskea. Fermanagh competed in seven of the eight categories (set dancing being the exception), and had just the one qualifier for the Ulster Scór finals.
These will be held in Silverbridge in Armagh on Saturday, 29th March, at 7.30.
Deirdre Donnelly, the Press Officer for the Fermanagh County Board GAA, congratulated all the Fermanagh competitors, but especially Padraig McAloon (Aghadrumsee St. Macartans), the winner in the Aithriseóireacht (Recitation).
"The standard in all the categories was very strong", she said, "Fermanagh were up against Donegal and Tyrone who are particularly strong and won five events, with Donegal winning two and Fermanagh one.
"It was very well run and, for that, we have to thank the Lisnaskea Emmets Club".
Surprisingly, the Lisnaskea novelty act was beaten by Tyrone's Killyclogher, Tyrone also scoring in the ballad group, instrumental group, ceili and set dancing sections.
For Fermanagh's sole qualifier, Padraig McAloon, a support worker for those with disability in Barnlee, Lisnaskea, it means his second tilt at winning an Ulster title, having been there five years ago.
Hugh Crudden, his club secretary, described him as a very talented performer and a very loyal clubman who, apart from Scór, has a keen interest in hurling, having managed an under-age team a few years ago.
"I think he stole the show on Saturday night, and all in the club are very proud of him. He would have performed for us in the novelty act of the Scór as well. In fact, he co-scripted the piece and was the main actor".
Padraig himself was self-effacing at his success, preferring to take the praise in his stride: "The piece I did was, 'Catched On The Brew' and that's what I'll be doing in the Ulster finals. It was a piece I borrowed from the 'Bard of Armagh' contest. No, I haven't competed there. I suppose I would if I had time".
Known as a hard worker, Padraig will be focusing his efforts to bring home that elusive Ulster medal, now that he overcame his two most dangerous rivals, from Tyrone and Donegal, respectively.
"The girl from Tyrone I thought was very good. She recited her own piece, and the fellow from Donegal got the nod from one of the adjudicators but I got the nod from the other two".
