Two Jes pupils have won places in an international debating competition which will be held at Oxford.
Robert Fitzgerald-Bellone and Patrick Higgins, two 15-year-old third year pupils at Coláiste Iognáid, have just earned their places in one of Europe’s most prestigious debating competitions for Junior Cycle students.
Their debating success in UCD recently, beating pupils from schools all around Ireland, has earned them a place in the International Competition for Young Debaters (ICYD ) in the UK on May 15. The debate competition is hosted by Oxford and will be taking place in the world’s most famous debating hall, the Oxford Union. The Jes pupils will join the Irish team to meet opposition from schools throughout the UK and abroad.
Meanwhile, Let’s Debate, the student debating challenge inspired by Alan Kerins Project announced last Monday its celebrity judges. Students from the wwest of Ireland will have the opportunity to develop their debating and communication skills this Saturday, March 6, in NUIG under the watchful eyes of Sile Seoige, Deputy Michael D Higgins, and Dr Iognaid O Muircheartaigh.
Sixteen schools are taking part in the debating challenge which will put their knowledge and skills to the test. It is hoped that students will learn new skills and strengthen existing ones while enjoying the day’s debating programme set out for them.
Speaking at the launch of Let’s Debate, Dr O Muircheartaigh said: “We are delighted to participate in such an inspiring challenge for young people. Debating builds self confidence and develops a person’s individuality. Through debating young people learn how to express themselves articulately. We find that people who are involved in debating often become very good leaders themselves, champions of a cause. We’re looking forward to seeing the talent in west of Ireland secondary schools on Saturday.”
Let’s Debate has brought on board the assistance of ALIVE, the NUIG volunteer programme, and the experience of NUIG Literary and Debating Society to help create the debating challenge programme. The first of the annual Let’s Debate challenges will bring students together to share their skills and talents.
For further information on Let’s Debate phone 091 586 547 or log on to www.AlanKerins.ie
