THERE was much cheering and applause in the John Count McCormack Hall in Athlone, when Killyclogher's ballad group were announced All Ireland winners in the Scór na nÓg final on Saturday.

The club has already enjoyed a number of All Ireland Scor titles at senior level, from their instrumental musicians, ceili dancers and novelty act, but this is the club's first title at Scór na nÓg level and Tyrone's first All Ireland Scór na nÓg title in the ballad group section.

The competition was of an exceptionally high standard and the ballad group had to compete for the title against teams from Offaly, Leitrim and Kerry.

It was a very proud moment for all the supporters who had travelled to Athlone, to watch their five representatives Aideen, Alice, Leanne, Zoe and Michael come on stage to receive their All Ireland medals from the GAA president Nicky Brennan. That night the winners celebrated with their families and friends at the Creggan Court and on Sunday morning everyone enjoyed Mass at the hotel with their parish priest Fr Eugene Boland PP.

A very tired but happy group arrived back to their clubrooms on Sunday evening to be met and congratulated by a large welcoming committee. The atmosphere was electric and the club's chairman Donal Magee, secretary Brendan Harkin, Michael McCaughey (cultural officer with the Tyrone County Board) and Pat Darcy (chairman of the Tyrone County Board) handed out praise and plaudits to the All Ireland Champions.

The evening ended with the ballad group giving their All Ireland winning performance of the beautiful Ballad of Michael Collins and the City of Chicago. They are a very talented and musical bunch and along with their coaches Paula and Anne, they have brought honour and fame to their club, county and province – go raibh maith agaibh.