On Monday 2nd December, four Transition Year students attended a parliamentary style debate in the Aras Cill Dara’s Council Chamber to represent the school for the first time in the Liam O’Connell Schools Debate. The event was organised by Mayor Suzanne Doyle, Chair of Kildare County Council, in partnership with the South Western Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force.
Adam Balmer, Caoimhe Reilly, Harriette Cummins and Mary Millot were in support of the motion that ‘The legal age for purchase of Alcohol is perversely supporting the unhealthy drinking culture in our Country’. They competed against six other local schools in the debate, which followed an unusual format with each team’s captain making an introductory statement before the floor was opened to free debate. This style of debate simulated the experience of real parliamentary business and challenged speakers to think on their feet.
The standard of debating was exceptional and the competition provided great experience in public speaking, as all of the teams gave very engaging, informative, and well-researched presentations.
Students put forward very robust and articulate arguments for and against the motion. District Court Judge Zaidan chaired the session, with members of Maynooth University Literary and Debating society also adjudicating. Judge Zaidan noted that he was ‘Seriously impressed with the organisation, research and delivery of students arguments’ and highlighted how important it was for students to ‘discuss our differences in a healthy way’.
Pipers Hill were the winning team, but our own Caoimhe Reilly was the winner of Overall Speaker of the Night. With the judging panel complimenting her team work and ability to think on her feet. Huge congratulations to Caoimhe and all of the team for their hard work and participation!