Laois debating team score high in national Concern climate change competition
A Laois primary school debating team got national praise after a top four finish in the all-island Concern Primary Debates competition.
Ballyadams National School in Ballylynan were runners up against St Mary’s Senior Girls National School from Dunmanway, Cork in a semi-final showdown in Dublin on May 25 where they opposed the motion that ‘Ireland’s commitment to climate change is a load of hot air.’
The young debaters said they are delighted to have made the last four out of the over 260 school teams that participated this year in the contest, which is run by the humanitarian organisation Concern Worldwide.
“We are thrilled to have been one of the final four teams in this All Ireland debating championship and to have made history for our school,” said team captain Holly.
“It has been an amazing experience for all of us. We are grateful for all the support we received throughout the competition and thankful for all that our coach Elizabeth Holden has done for us.”
Other team members who spoke at previous debates in the run up to the semi-final include Ava Nolan (12), who is also in sixth class and Donnacha Power (11) and Keela McCarthy (11), who are in fifth class.
Ballyadams school principal, Rory Stapleton, said the school was very proud of their debating team and described their performance and achievements as “awesome.”
“All of our Ballyadams N.S School community are brimming with pride for our wonderful primary debate team and their exceptional coach Ms Elizabeth Holden,” he said.
“The team and Ms Holden have created history in reaching the final four of the competition from over 260 teams in Ireland.
“We are immensely proud of their dedication, awesome performances and their great success throughout the competition.”
Concern’s Head of Active Citizenship, Michael Doorly, praised the young debaters and said he hoped they will become life-long advocates on behalf of the most disadvantaged people in the world.
"It's fantastic to see primary school children debating world issues and learning the great skills that come with that," he said.
“We congratulate all who took part in the competition and we are extremely proud of their efforts.
“A staggering 3,600 students took part this year as speakers, researchers, timekeepers, and chairpersons.
"You can see the many skills they have developed like critical thinking and public speaking, and the empathy they have for other points of view.
“We are very grateful also for the outstanding effort and support from teachers, parents and family members.”
The Concern Primary Debates final will take place on June 15 in The Helix in Dublin where Deravoy National School will be up against St. Mary’s Senior Girls National School from Dunmanway, Co. Cork.
The competition is run in partnership with 16 Education Support Centres and with funding from the government’s overseas development agency Irish Aid.
Anyone who would like their school to take part in next year’s competition is asked to ring 01 417 7733 or email [email protected].