Mayo Association Dublin has announced the launch of the inaugural Mayo Association Dublin Schools’ Debating Competition this year for senior cycle students in Mayo, sponsored by MAYO.IE and in association with Bank of Ireland, Mayo.
The association has a long history of hosting debates in the 1960s and this competition will be a revitalisation of this tradition. The association believes that this competition will provide a platform to inspire and foster the next generation of effective leaders from the county.
The competition carries the proud patronage of Dr Mary Robinson who blazed the trail in shaping modern Ireland and her patronage of this competition will serve as a true inspiration as to what can be achieved as a Mayo person.
The competition will take place over two stages with a semi final commencing on October 21 next in Castlebar, with a grand final on November 18 in Trinity College, Dublin. A perpetual trophy will be awarded to the winning school team, as well as a prize for the best individual speaker adjudicated by some of the finest and best known talent from the county. The association will also conduct a workshop by experts in the field for participating teams to assist them in their preparation for the competition.
Chair of the Mayo Association Dublin, Swinford native Julie Doyle, said: “I am also delighted to announce our panel of prestigious judges for the grand final, all of whom hail from Mayo. Former president of the Supreme Court and current president of the Citizens Assembly, Ms Mary Laffoy, former provost of Trinity College, Professor Thomas Mitchell, Mr Padraig Lyons, former convener of The Irish Times Debating Competition, and former TD Mr Pat Rabitte. On behalf of the association I am extremely excited to launch this event as I believe it can assist our young people in unlocking their true potential.”
The Association is seeking entries from secondary schools in Mayo before the closing date of September 30. All secondary schools in Mayo will be forwarded an application pack this week. For further information contact [email protected].
