The Marist in Dundalk tops Gael Linn public speaking competition

There was great success for St Mary’s College in the final of Gael Linn’s prestigious ‘Abair’ Irish public speaking competition recently, with three students from the college taking part in the final which was held in Aonach Mhacha in Armagh City.

Speakers from across the nine counties of Ulster and County Louth competed in the annual cross-border competition. Cairell Ford and Caoilainn Mulvenna participated in the junior section of the final, while Alex McArdle participated in the senior section. They all qualified for the final having previously achieved first and second place in the regional bout held in Newry in January.

Competitors on the day had to speak about a topical issue as Gaeilge, for three/four minutes each. In the final Cairell spoke about his chosen topic of ‘Ráflaí’ / ‘Rumours’ where he spoke about the controversies surrounding the British Royal Family.

Caoilainn spoke about ‘Teifigh’ / ‘Refugees’ where she spoke about the challenges facing refugees today, and Alex spoke about ‘An ghéarchéím tithíochta don aos óg’ / ‘The housing crisis for young people’. St Mary's College commended the students, saying they all gave excellent performances on the day in a very competitive competition. 

Cairell and Caoilainn were delighted to win both first and second place in the junior section of the final. Comhghairdeas mór leo!