All-Ireland debating champions
Delighted debaters from Athlone Community College are celebrating, having won the senior title at the 2017 All-Ireland Final of the Gael Linn competition, Comórtas an Phiarsaigh – a first for the schooll.
The event took place in the Athlone Springs Hotel last night.
This popular debating competition, organised annually by Gael Linn for second level schools nationwide, attracted a high level of entry again this year, with over 150 schools taking part in various heats since October last. It was a great achievement, therefore, for the eight teams, four junior and four senior, who hail from Castlebar to Carlow, to have reached the final!
A lively debate took place between the senior teams, this time from Belvedere College, Dublin, Laurel Hill Secondary School, Limerick, St. Mary’s Academy CBS, Carlow and Athlone Community College. The motion was timely - ‘Ba cheart don Taoiseach diúltú don chuireadh chuig an Teach Bán ar Lá Fhéile Pádraig’ - The Taoiseach should refuse the invitation to the White House on St. Patrick’s Day!
The winning team from Athlone Community College comprised of Caitríona Ní Choisdealbha, Fiona Ní Mhaolmhuaidh (captain) and Annie Ní Shíocháin,