Northern Ireland

Scór winner Zara McCavigan takes to the pitch as Antrim mascot

Zara was back in her home county at the weekend as a mascot for Antrim in their National Football League clash with London
Zara was back in her home county at the weekend as a mascot for Antrim in their National Football League clash with London Zara was back in her home county at the weekend as a mascot for Antrim in their National Football League clash with London

A SCHOOLGIRL who became the first person with Down's Syndrome to win an an All-Ireland Scór medal has taken to the GAA pitch as an official mascot for Antrim.

Zara McCavigan, a Year 10 pupil at St Ronan's College in Lurgan, recently made history by winning a medal for Léiriú Staitse (stage production) at the All-Ireland Scór na nÓg Final in Castlebar, Co Mayo.

Scór is a GAA competition that combines all the colour and rivalry of gaelic games with the social and fun element of Ireland's traditional past-times.

It was established by the GAA in 1969 with the aim of promoting Ireland's traditional pastimes and culture while offering club members the chance to meet, have fun and represent their club during the winter months while football and hurling had ceased.

Zara joined fellow Aghagallon GAC Scór performers, including brother Daniel, at the All-Ireland finals of the event, where they impressed judges and claimed victory medals.

Following her success at the annual event, Zara was back in her home county at the weekend as a mascot for Antrim in their National Football League clash with London.

A huge fan of the side, Zara "high-fived" players as they made their way onto the pitch, while her latest achievements were celebrated by Antrim GAA's Sean Kelly, who described her as "very inspiring". He added: "We could all take a leaf from this young lady’s book."

Zara McCavigan with her All-Ireland Scór na nÓg prizes. Picture by Antrim GAA
Zara McCavigan with her All-Ireland Scór na nÓg prizes. Picture by Antrim GAA Zara McCavigan with her All-Ireland Scór na nÓg prizes. Picture by Antrim GAA

Zara's hunger for success is not confined to the GAA community, as in 2016 she won a gold medal for Special Olympics swimming.