Maynooth Post Primary has won the Gael Linn All –Ireland Irish Debating competition, “Comórtas an Phiarsaigh” which sees students debating completely through Irish. The finals were held on Thursday 29th March, in the Heritage Hotel in Portlaoise and three Transition Year students, Éirinn Ní Chearúil (Captain), Deirdre Ní Chearúil and Niamh Ní Mhuirí were victorious on behalf of their school.
This win came at the end of a challenging year of debating in various different rounds. The three other schools competing in the final were Coláiste Íde agus Iosef from Abbeyfeale, Limerick, Meánscoil Loreto from Clonmel in Tipperary and Pobalscoil Ghort Inse Guaire in Gort Co. Galway. The motion being debated was that Ireland still deserves the title “Island of Saints and Scholars” (Tá an teideal “Oilean na Naomh agus na nOllamh” tuillte go fóill ag Éirinn) and this was hotly debated on all sides. The judges complimented the idealism, understanding, and awareness of all these young people who showed a great grasp of the history of the title, a sense of political awareness and a critical understanding of moral values which the judges found refreshing in the light of recent scandals and commissions!
This win brings to four the number of All-Ireland Gael Linn titles (three Senior and one Junior) in debating for Maynooth Post Primary in the last five years. The school’s deputy principal, Íde Ní Uallachain, who coached the team in their preparations throughout the year, said that debating was a wonderful opportunity for young people to develop their skills at public speaking, and that they would carry this skill with them, confidently, throughout their lives. “Táim iontach bródúil astu – d’oibrigh siad go dian agus chreid siad ann” a dúirt sí.
The school principal, Mr. Johnny Nevin, said that this was a wonderful achievement for these girls and for the school, especially as the school is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. “This win really emphasises the standard of Irish teaching at all levels and the emphasis that Maynooth Post Primary puts on the language. We offer our students lots of opportunities to participate in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities, including ‘díospóireacht’. We are extremely proud of the team, it’s a great win and a wonderful accolade for our school.”