STUDENTS from Laurel Hill Secondary School have maintained their reputation as formidable Irish language debaters after winning the regional final of Comórtas an Phiarsaigh Gael Linn 2019.
Comórtas an Phiarsaigh is a national debating competition organised annually by Gael Linn for second level schools nationwide, with funding from Foras na Gaeilge. Over 150 schools have taken part in competition since the beginning of this school year.
The Laurel Hill team, Karin Ní Mhásúin, Rachel Ní Mhuirí, Aisling Ní Dhomhnaill, were up against strong competition from fellow county debaters from St John the Baptist Community School, Hospital, along with St Aloysius Secondary School and Presentation College from Cork City.
The students had a chance to air their views on the topical motion, ‘The advancement of technology causes more harm than good!’
All the teams were very well prepared and choosing the winners posed a challenge for the adjudicators, but in the end, it was the Laurel Hill debaters who emerged victorious. Teacher James Kelly has mentored the team through the various heats to this regional success.
Recognising the high standard of debating achieved by all the participants, Gael Linn presented awards to each speaker on the night.
Laurel Hill Secondary School, Limerick, now progress to the All Ireland Final of the competition on March 27. Their opposition on that day will be determined at other regional finals in the coming week.
