Nenagh Lions public speaking competition

The inaugural Nenagh Lions Inter-Schools Public Speaking Competition was held on Friday, February 23, in the council chamber at Tipperary Council Offices in Nenagh.

Representing St Mary’s Secondary School were Suzanne Brennan (captain), Naoise Scully, Katie Ryan, and Eabhá Henry. The team from St Joseph’s CBS comprised of Adam Carroll (captain), Donnacha Gleeson, Oisin Wallace and Tom Hanrahan.

David Peters of Nenagh Lions and Rosemary Joyce of Tipperary County Council welcomed the teams, supporters and their teachers to the event and remarked how positive it was to see so many young people in the council chamber, the seat of local democracy in our community.

Each team spoke on their individual assigned subject with marks awarded for the ability to persuade, communicate and engage with the audience. Demonstrating understanding of the subject and research of the relevant topic was also considered. Finally, the ability to see both sides of the argument and an assessment of the teamwork on display was marked by the adjudicators from Nenagh Lions Club.

St Mary’s topic for discussion was ‘Should the three secondary schools in Nenagh be amalgamated into one?’ while St Joseph’s CBS were asked to reflect on the subject, ‘Recreation and nightlife in Nenagh, is there more to be done?’ The standard of public speaking displayed by the students from both schools was incredibly high and contributions received a warm and appreciative response from the audience.

The adjudicators were very complimentary of the research and planning that was evident in all the speeches.

When the marks were totalled at the conclusion it was an extremely close result, but St Joseph’s CBS were announced winners of the Nenagh Lions Inter-Schools Public Speaking Competition for 2024.

The prize for best individual speaker was awarded to Donnacha Gleeson of St Joseph’s CBS.

The winning team were presented with an engraved silver plate and their medals, while runner-up medals were given to the St Mary’s team.

Nenagh Lions wish to thank both St Mary’s and St Joseph’s CBS and their teachers for their participation in the event. A special thank you to the Executive and team at Tipperary County Council offices in Nenagh for providing the venue and making everyone welcome.