Students make history by reaching Gael Linn debating Leinster Final

THREE students from Ballyfermot made history for their school by reaching the Leinster Finals in Gael Linn Debating Competition.

St Dominic’s third year students, Tori Daly, Clodagh Bates and Tori Duff, represented their school in the Craobh Regiúnach of the Gael Linn Debating Competition, alongside Mount Anvil Secondary School, Alexandra College and Loreto College, Dalkey.

The motion being debated was ‘Is Maith ann é an Crannchur Naisiúnta’ – is the National Lottery good – and the students were opposing the motion.

Judges complemented the girls on their debating skills, their interaction with the audience, their research on the topic but unfortunately, they were narrowly defeated by Loreto College.

The girls were presented with trophies and are already looking forward to next year’s competition. Tori Duff “really enjoyed all the debates, learned so much and has developed so much confidence in speaking Gaeilge”.

The students thanked fellow student Sophie Ryan, their teacher and coach Ms Ciara Daly, who was a successful debater during her school days in Coláste Chillian.

They also thanked Mary Daly, former principal of the school, who shared her valuable experience with the girls while coaching them.