Clare primary school debaters to compete in all-Ireland competition final

A CLARE primary school debating team has been praised after reaching the final of the national Concern Primary Debates competition.

The sixth class team from Killaloe Boys National School will travel to the Helix Theatre in Glasnevin, Dublin on June 12 for the final of the contest that had over 250 school teams participating this year.

They will debate the motion that ‘schools are the key to ending world poverty’ with Emper National School in Co. Westmeath.

Both finalists will receive trophies after the debate and will be brought on a tour of the Houses of the Oireachtas at a later date.

The Killaloe team, Sam Davern, Joshua Woulfe and Tomás O’Connor, were praised by their teacher and mentor Elaine White, who was with them at their semi-final event on May 5 against Carrigeen National School from Co. Kilkenny when they debated the motion that ‘hunger is the most important global issue today.’

“We in Killaloe Boys National School are extremely proud of the children for reaching the all-island debating final,” she said.

“These children are just 12 years of age and are showing their courage, skills and sharing their talents through the Concern debate competition.

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“The boys, who are very much supported by their class are an absolute credit to themselves, their families & our entire school community.

“The ability to speak and argue a point is a gift, and the boys have enjoyed participating in the debates very much.

“We are very grateful to the team in Concern for providing us with such an opportunity and we are grateful to our Education Centre in Limerick for championing us with its support. We look forward to the final.”

The runners-up from the semi-finals, Sooey National School, Co Sligo and Carrigeen National School, Co. Kilkenny, will also attend the final and receive trophies for their achievements.

The Concern Primary Debates programme is run by the humanitarian aid organisation Concern Worldwide in partnership with education support centres across the country and funding from the Government’s overseas development agency, Irish Aid.

The contest was created 40 years ago to encourage debate about global issues among young people.

“School debating teaches children so many positive skills and we are so proud of the hundreds of children who participated this year,” said Concern’s Primary Schools Programme Officer, Ruth Lynam.

“Debating gets students thinking and talking about global issues and gives them experiences and skills like critical thinking and public speaking that will benefit them through life.”