All-Ireland public speaking success for Tipperary student Lahaoise

Above: From left, Helen O’Carroll, Kerry County Museum, adjudicator; Lahaoise Ní Lonargáin Ní Chonmhara, Gaelcholáiste Chéitinn, Clonmel, winner of ARTiculation Ireland; Julia Walsh Drohan, Tipperary Museum, ARTiculation Ireland coordinator; and Damien Dullaghan, Tipperary Libraries, adjudicator

Lahaoise Ní Lonargáin Ní Chonmhara, a student of Gaelcholáiste Chéitinn, Clonmel, won the All-Ireland final of ARTiculation Ireland, a public speaking competition that promotes the appreciation and discussion of art, artefacts and architecture in secondary schools throughout Ireland.

Lahaoise’s winning presentation was about her Epiphone PR-5EN guitar.

Two other Tipperary students participated in the All-Ireland final held in The People’s Museum, Limerick.

They were Abbie Burke, Presentation Secondary School, Clonmel, and Hannah Murphy, Ursuline Secondary School, Thurles.

ARTiculation Ireland seeks to engage students between 16-18 years, regardless of background or experience, with art, artefacts and architecture to develop the confidence and ability to express their opinions and conclusions.

Participating students are offered the chance to deliver a ten-minute presentation before their peers and a wider audience about a work of art, an artefact or piece of architecture of their choice, through a series of internal school heats and regional heats across Ireland, with the chance of being selected to represent their county in the All-Ireland final.

Students involved in ARTiculation Ireland are invited to explore selected local galleries and museums through a series of Discovery Sessions, which are held in the Tipperary Museum, Clonmel or in class.

The days are designed to introduce students and teachers to ARTiculation Ireland, improve personal observation and analysis skills and help participants become more comfortable with the act of public speaking.

Involvement in ARTiculation helps develop pupils’ verbal and communication skills; raise self-confidence and aspirations; and introduce young people and teachers from all backgrounds and interest groups to their local art institutions.