An exciting final of the Concern Regional Debating Competition took place in Monaghan Education Centre on Thursday 2nd of March. Both Deravoy and Arvagh N.S., County Cavan had made it through a number of rounds before reaching the final in Ionad Oideachais Mhuineacháin. The whole class team travelled to Monaghan Education Centre where we met the friendly team, supporters and staff from Arvagh. There was lots of tension and nervousness before the debate as the speakers awaited their turn to address the motion. ‘Fines should be implemented for households wasting food.’ Bhí gach duine neirbhíseach agus bhí an halla lán go doras. Ruth from Concern introduced proceedings and the debate begun. Both teams did their best discussing the pros and cons of the motion. Our team did the timekeeping and all speakers were within the time limits. There was a break while the adjudicator added up marks. The Education Centre provided refreshments for all the children. There was a palpable sense of relief followed by a big cheer when the result was announced. The motion was defeated and Deravoy had won! Bhí an bua againn. The adjudicator said that it was refreshing to see the quality of the debating. She referred to the very good use of reliable sources, the up to date information provided, the good link between the evidence and the arguments being made and she remarked on the great team work. Ms. Teresa Mc Sorley, the newly appointed Director of the Centre, also reiterated that there were very fine debating skills on display and said that the
team should all be very proud of themselves and the wider school community. She also paid tribute to the team members who didn’t speak but who were part of the wider team. She believed debating was a great skill to have and she commended them in getting their point across in a very respectful way. Teresa also thanked Mary Savage who has coordinated the debating competition between all the schools and complimented the pupils on their very good behaviour during the debate. Maith sibh a pháistí!
