That’s how you debate: Coláiste Rís into debating final
November 29, 2010
Three Dundalk students have proved that they not only know how to win an argument, they know how to do so through the Irish language.
Coláiste Rís students Kelly Ní Fhloinn and twins, Mícheál and Neasán Mac Suibhne are on their way to the regional final of the Gael Linn debating competition. The junior team recently successfully competed in the second round of Comórtas Uí Chadhainis in Monaghan where they debated the motion ‘Pensioners have a great life!’ (‘Is aoibhinn beatha an phinsinéara!’). They debated the motion with teams from Coláiste Íosagáin and Coláiste Eoin, Booterstown, Co Dublin and Coláiste Oiriall, Co Monaghan. Teacher Seán Ó Coigligh helped the young Dundalk orators to prepare for the debate and they managed to convince the judges with their strong arguments in favour of the motion.
Delighted with their win, the team will now progress to the regional final of the competition, which is due to take place next month. “The main aim of Comórtas Uí Chadhain is to promote the use of Irish in schools and among young people, while at the same time fostering skills in public speaking and debating,” said Jamie Ó Tuama of Gael Linn. “There is an added incentive for students to participate, as 40 per cent of marks in the Leaving Certificate will be allocated to the Oral Irish Examination from now on, and the competition has attracted a large number of entries this year as a result.”
Donegal Democrat – Tamara O’Connell
24 Samhain 2010
