Irish Debating

In late November in 2011 Ciana Comer, Kellen Davis and I competed in an Irish Debating Competition in Ballinasloe. We had three flashcards which we used occasionally to help us to debate our motion  “Is í Éire an tír is cairdiúla ar domhain”. There were two teams for, and two teams against the motion. We spoke for 3 minutes individually as Gaeilge at the podium to the members of the public and to the judges. I was very nervous when speaking, but I would think most people who debated were nervous also.

I think my confidence in speaking Irish grew hugely, and it was a very worthwhile experience. We practiced for this debate at break times and after school, and we tried to learn each part in a short space of time. We were competing against three other teams, and they also rehearsed their debate very well. If I had the chance to do the debate again,  I would,  and I strongly  recommend anybody who is  interested in debating as gaelige to do so, as it was challenging,  yet it made my confidence grow.

                                                                              By Marie Treacy