Senior Debating

Rigby-Jones Debating Final (Christina Anderson)

After weeks and weeks of debating, St. Mary’s College Naas and Gael Choláiste Chill Dara, the winners of the earlier rounds were the two finalists in the Rigby Jones Debating Final 2013. Meeting in St. Mary’s, the motion of the debate that would decide the victors was, ‘We the Irish have lost our sense of Irish Pride.’ Led by Captain Mary Ryan, St. Mary’s debating team was opposing the motion with last year’s winners the Gael Choláiste proposing that we had indeed lost our sense of Irish pride. The debate began at 8 o’clock, with an introduction from Leinster Leader editor and Chairperson of this debate, Laura Coates. First to speak was team Captain of the proposing side, Ailbhe Ní hAllúráin of Gael Choláiste Cill Dara. A strong speaker, she talked about her definition of pride and how we as Irish people have ‘Grown out of our image’ as we buy into other countries successes. Her persuasive argument was followed by Mary Ryan of the opposing team. The St. Mary’s captain spoke of pride as an emotion and how it ‘cannot be lost’ and some of the tough times our pride has seen us through. Séamus Ó Ceanainn and Alanah Ní Fhinn who were also on the proposing side of the motion talked about emigration and how it would be impossible to be proud of the scandals that have rocked our nation. St. Mary’s Laura Fleming and Isobel Milne tackled these points with reasons to be proud of our country, including high profile artists, sports and music stars and examples of Irish history that we celebrate annually with great pride. Both team Captains summed up their points in their final rebuttal with the opposing team, St. Mary’s speaking about how the Irish fly their flag of pride wherever they go and the proposing saying that they love our country but after all it’s been through they cannot be proud of it. Both teams put in their best efforts and their speeches were followed by an energetic and lively debate between the audience as the adjudicators had time to come to a final verdict. Elizabeth Connolly, one of the organisers of the debating event congratulated both teams for working their way to the final and described the debate as ‘sparkling, delightful and humorous.’ She announced that there was a split vote at the beginning and applauded both teams on their strong arguments and thorough research but in the end Gael Chólaiste were superior and took home the Winners' trophy as the motion was carried. Both teams debated excellently and it was an interesting and entertaining way to close the debating competition.                           

Rigby-Jones Semi-Final (by Laura Power)

St.Marys celebrated a great victory in the semi-final of the Rigby-Jones Debating Competition on the 21^st of November over Holy Family, Newbridge. The debate was held in Clongowes College, the topic being debated was ‘History should remain a core subject for Junior Certificate’. St.Marys was represented by Mary Ryan, Laura Fleming and Isobel Milne. Strong arguments were heard from both sides and it was clear how much work was put in from the St Mary’s team. St.Marys also brought a large group of supporters made up of fellow students. Big congratulations to the girls on the debating team and thanks to Mr. Dillon and Ms.Cuddy for their work with the team. The final takes place in St Mary’s library on Thursday December 5^th at 8pm. Students, parents and staff are welcome to come and support!