30-pupil local school makes it to final of national debating competition

Emper National School have qualified for the national final of the Concern Primary National All-Island Debating Competition, at the Helix Theatre in Dublin on June 12.

The young debaters, Edward Kiernan, Matthew Kiernan and Charlie Flanagan, all in sixth class in the 30-student school, were praised for their impressive research skills, referencing skills, clear articulation of arguments, and effective rebuttals, when they beat an excellent team from Sooey NS in Sligo on May 16.

“We are incredibly proud of our students’ achievement,” said Kathryn Keenan, class teacher and principal. “They have been working tirelessly to hone their skills and it’s wonderful to see their hard work pay off. They have demonstrated their knowledge of the debating topic – ‘Hunger is the most important global issue today’– which they opposed, and their ability to think critically and articulate their thoughts effectively.”

At total of 250 schools participated in this year’s Concern debating competition, and Matthew, Charlie, Edward, and their team mates Ava and Ethan proved to be more than a match for their opponents, as they impressed the judges with their poise and confidence.

Team captain Matthew Kiernan said: “Debating raises our overall awareness of the issues that the world is facing.”

“We are thrilled to see our students representing our school and community in such a positive light,” said Mrs Flanagan, vice-principal and Charlie’s mother.

“Their achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and staff. We couldn’t be prouder of them. Their victory is a testament to their individual skills, and also a reflection of the school’s commitment to developing critical thinking and communication skills in all the students.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this prestigious debating competition, and we would like to thank Athlone Educators Support Centre for introducing us to the initiative. We would like to thank all our staff, parents,supporters, mentors, external advisers for their critiquing, guidance, help and encouragement.

“We also thank all who travelled to the debate on the day. We hope that our students’ achievement will inspire other primary school pupils and learning communities to take up debating and develop these respectful and valuable public speaking skills,” Mrs Flanagan said.

Emper’s opponents in the final in The Helix on June 12 are from Killaloe Boys NS, County Clare. They will debate the motion that ‘schools are the key to ending world poverty’.

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

The Concern Primary Debates programme is run by Concern Worldwide in partnership with education support centres across the country and funding from Irish Aid. Anyone who would like their school to take part in next year’s competition can ring 01 417 7733 or email primarydebates@concern.net.