Emper NS win place in Concern Primary Debates semi-final
The Emper NS team in the Concern Primary Debates showed their talent and dedication as they school hosted a quarter-final against Dublin opposition and won over the judges.
Matthew Kiernan (captain), Charlie Flanagan and Edward Kiernan, engaged in rigorous dialogue on the topic, ‘Young People of Ireland are Indifferent to the Global South’; while Ava Hunt eloquently carried out her duties as chairperson, and Ethan Boyce kept things running as timekeeper.
The Concern Primary Debates is a fun educational programme aimed at senior primary students, run in conjunction with Education Support Centres across Ireland. This year the debates are both online and in-person.
Emper NS hosted a quarter-final on Thursday April 25, which also featured a capable and competent team from Divine Word NS, Rathfarnham vying for a coveted spot in the semi-finals.
The students, staff and school community extended a céad míle fáilte to the Dublin pupils, staff and parents as they visited Emper for the first time.
Equipped with persuasive arguments, humorous dialogue and quick thinking, the home team left a lasting impression on all three Concern judges and on their opponents.
Kathryn Keenan, principal of Emper NS, said: "We are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements. They have worked tirelessly to develop their debating skills and have shown great determination, resilience and teamwork throughout the competition to date."
"There were many drafts and re-drafts, and it has been a learning curve. Participating in this year’s Primary School Concern Debating Competition has benefited those who were debating on the day – and also all other pupils. We are truly appreciative of all the support they have received."
Emper NS’s road to the Concern Primary Debates semi-final was not without its challenges, as the Divine Word NS debaters were keen, capable and competent opponents. The Westmeath pupils’ preparation, rehearsals and confidence ultimately set them apart, and earned them a well-deserved place in the semi-final.
"The experience of participating in the debating championships has widened our vocabulary and taught us more about global problems," said Edward Kiernan, a member of the winning team.
"We have increased our confidence in public speaking, and we look forward to representing our school in the next round," said team captain, Matthew Kiernan. He also thanked everyone who assisted with the debate and the school preparations.
"We have lost our fear of speaking in public," said Charlie Flanagan (second speaker for Emper NS).
An Emper NS parents said: "Debating in Irish schools offers numerous benefits. It enhances critical thinking, fosters communication skills, promotes teamwork, and encourages research and analysis. It cultivates confidence, empathy, and the ability to construct persuasive arguments, essential for success in academia and beyond."
Another parent added: "Many adults lack the confidence to speak to an audience. By participating in debating or public speaking at such an early age, children are gaining confidence and learning communication skills that will stand to them throughout their lives.
"In an age where children are communicating online so much, participating in debating and public speaking competitions in the real world is beneficial. In my opinion, every primary school should try to fit debating in to their busy schedules."
The Emper community congratulate the debating team on their achievement and wish them the best of luck in the semi-final. With the debaters’ passion, perseverance, practice and talent, they are sure to inspire future generations of debaters at Emper and leave a lasting legacy of positive memories in the world of competitive debating.
Comhghairdeas uile go léir!