From Currans to Dublin for young speech-writer

CURRANS’ Moss O’Callaghan has qualified for the final of the National ActionAid Speech Writing Competition after his speech, entitled ‘Resources Should Be Better Distributed to Promote Equality Between Men and Women’, made a big impression on the judging panel.

The Saint Patrick’s Secondary School Castleisland student participated after his school delved into the competition in conjunction with the nearby Presentation Secondary School.

His Transition Year co-ordinator Tim Long said the schools are ‘delighted with what he’s achieved,’ and heaped praise on English teacher Miss McElligott for the guidance she imparted during the projects.

The national contest received entries from over 100 students aged between 14 and 17 across the country, and Moss has been selected as one of just nine finalists. He will next deliver his impressive speech at the final in Dublin’s Royal Irish Academy on March 22.

“Each year we have been hugely impressed by the quality of speeches we receive, and this year the standard was really exceptional,” ActionAid Ireland CEO Siobhán McGee said.

“It is clear that a lot of time and effort has gone into each speech, and it was very difficult to choose our finalists. However, Moss’s speech really stood out in terms of the writing skills demonstrated and a very high standard of analysis.”

The final takes place between 2pm and 5pm, and the top two students chosen by the judges on the day will travel with their teachers to Kenya to see ActionAid’s women’s rights programme in action.

Moss O’Callaghan