Offaly TD welcomes European Debating Champions from Offaly to Leinster House

DEPUTY John Clendennen proudly welcomed Offaly and Ireland’s victorious European Debating Champions to Leinster House recently. The students from St Brendan’s Community School Birr were met with a warm reception from members of Dáil Éireann.

The winning team, Eabha McDowell, Josie Flanagan, Cillian O’Meara and Jacek Rudnicki, secured first place at the recent European Schools Debating Competition held at the European Parliament in Brussels.

Representing Ireland with distinction, the students triumphed over teams from across the continent, showcasing exceptional oratory, critical thinking, and teamwork.

Speaking after the visit, Deputy Clendennen said: “It was an immense honour to host this remarkable group of young people in Leinster House today. Their achievement is a shining example of the talent, drive, and intelligence coming out of Offaly and Ireland as a whole. Under the expert guidance of Ms Lavin and Ms Keyes at St Brendan’s Community School, these students have made all of us incredibly proud. I am especially grateful to my colleagues across the Dáil for extending such a warm welcome.”

Deputy Clendennen also praised the role of schools and teachers in fostering the next generation of leaders and commended the European Parliament initiative for promoting civic engagement and public discourse among young people. The visit to Leinster House coincided with Europe Week taking place from May 5th to 9th under the motto 'Between Fear and Hope'.