Portlaoise debaters fly the flag high for Laois

A Portlaoise team narrowly missed out on taking home a national title to Laois after competing in the Macra’s National Debating Finals.

Macra say the event showcased the strength of young voices within the organisation, with high-quality contests in both the Novice and Senior competitions on Saturday, February 21.

In the Novice Final, Portlaoise Macra proposed the motion that mobile phones should be illegal for those under 16, with Bree Macra opposing. Bree Macra was named the overall winner. The team comprised Sarah Byrne (Captain), Edmund Casey and Mark Waters.

Portlaoise Macra, represented by Sheila Keeshan (Captain), Éadaoin McEvoy and Cormac Smith, were runners-up. Sarah Byrne of Bree was awarded Best Speaker.

The Senior Final saw Callan Macra propose the motion that climate change will destroy the future of Irish agriculture, with Clonakilty Macra speaking in opposition. Clonakilty Macra secured the overall title. Their team included Natasha Sutton (Captain), Anne Barrett, Áine Tobin and Lucy Anne Edmunds.

Callan Macra, represented by Jimmy Lynch (Captain), Karen Delany, Joanne Cushen and Paul Mahon, were runners-up. Anne Barrett was named Best Speaker.

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The judges commended the speakers on two excellent debates, while Macra National President Josephine O’Neill noted the level of preparation that had gone into the debates, before congratulating all participants and expressing her hope that some of the audience members present would be inspired to take part in the competition next year.

Congratulations to all competitors on the exceptionally high standard of debate, and many thanks to the judges for giving of their time and expertise on the night.