Top debators scoop prizes

TWO Enniscorthy CBS students took their place among the finest debaters in the country recently after they were crowned regional European

Direct Soapbox Champions.

The debating and public speaking competition sees almost forty comeptitors from all over the country battling it out with the chosen topic being a divisive one – Brexit.

Under the guidance of teacher James McGovern, Tyler Murphy managed to scoop the top prize at under-18 level, while former CBS student Rory McDowell, now studying at Maynooth University, scored a big win in the over-18 category.

It was a wonderful result for the CBS and a proud day for Mr McGovern and everyone connected to the school. Both Tyler and Rory impressed the judges – Cllr Mary Roche, international relations and politics lecturer Gerard Arthurs and retired Bank of Ireland customer services manager Áine Ní Fhiannusa – with their well thought out and impeccably delivered arguments.

Both were presented with an iPad as a prize and both will go on to battle it out in the national finals in the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, later this month.

If successful at that level, they will receive €1,000 and a trip to Brussels, sponsored by the European Commission Representation in Ireland and local MEPs.

They are sure to go on with all the well-wishes of the school community at the CBS and the whole county as they fly the flag for Wexford in the national finals.

Jack Houlihan, Tyler Murphy, Glen Rothwell and Jack Doran from St Mary’s CBS.

Cian O’Connor, Luke Redmond, Liam Ó Lionáin and Fionn Griffin from Meanscoil Gharman.

PHOTOS BY JOHN POWER Judges Cllr Mary Roche and WIT’s Áine Ní Fhiannusa WIT with over-18 winner Rory McDowell.