All Ireland Debating Final 2025

Glenamaddy CS quailifed for the first ACCS All Ireland Debating Championship Final. St Brendan’s Community School, Birr, emerged victorious on the day, winning the inaugural Frank Murray Cup – presented by Barbara Murray. The final showcased the debating skills and intellectual prowess of students from across Ireland. Well done to Shay Collins, Jennifer Mahe, Alina Sirola and Julian Turner who represented our school so well and had such a successful year. Please see attached photos of the All Ireland Semi Final and Final.

Irish Debating

In late November in 2011 Ciana Comer, Kellen Davis and I competed in an Irish Debating Competition in Ballinasloe. We had three flashcards which we used occasionally to help us to debate our motion  “Is í Éire an tír is cairdiúla ar domhain”. There were two teams for, and two teams against the motion. We spoke for 3 minutes individually as Gaeilge at the podium to the members of the public and to the judges. I was very nervous when speaking, but I would think most people who debated were nervous also.

I think my confidence in speaking Irish grew hugely, and it was a very worthwhile experience. We practiced for this debate at break times and after school, and we tried to learn each part in a short space of time. We were competing against three other teams, and they also rehearsed their debate very well. If I had the chance to do the debate again,  I would,  and I strongly  recommend anybody who is  interested in debating as gaelige to do so, as it was challenging,  yet it made my confidence grow.

                                                                              By Marie Treacy