• Home

• About Us
  • School History
  • Mission Statement
  • School Staff
  • Junior Subjects
  • Senior Subjects
  • Transition Year
  • L.C.A.
  • Practical Subjects
  • Resource Department
  • Child Protection Guidelines

• Parents and Students
  • Academic Life
  • Spiritual Life
  • Uniform
  • Parents Association
  • Students Council
  • Awards Night

• Activities
  • Public Speaking and Debating
  • Foreign Exchange
  • Music and the Arts
  • Extra-Curricular Activities
  • Charity Events
  • Lunch Time Activities

• Sport
  • History of Achievements
  • Sports Available

• PLC Courses

• 2011/12 School Calendar

• Contact Us

Students seek 3rd National Title in Concern Debating Competition

Four students from Athlone Community College will represent the College in the National Finals of the Concern Debating Competition to be held at University College Dublin on Thursday next.

The students Sorcha McManus, Michelle McHugh, Gavin Ward and Mark Roche will strive to emulate the victorious teams of the 2006 and 2007 competition. This year’s team will certainly be a formidable force for Coláiste Cillian, Clondalkin whose students will oppose the motion that "As the dust settles Haiti can look forward to a brighter and better future".

The Athlone students recently defeated St. Michaels Secondary School Roscarberry College in Cork to gain a much coveted place in the National Final.

The winning team will travel to Africa to view firsthand the excellent work done by Concern while the runners up will not be disappointed in a trip to Belgium.

The best wishes of the College go to students Michelle, Sorcha, Mark, Gavin and their mentor Mr. Chris Forde who has prepared the two previous winning teams together with this years winning All Ireland Mental Health Public Speaking team consisting of Caroline Dowling, Aoife Coyle and Maggie Wallace.

Meet the four members of the 2010 team:

Name: Sorcha McManus
Age: 16
Year: 5th
Address: Johnstown, Athlone.
What Concern debating means to me:
It means a lot. I have grown in confidence and I have learned a lot about the world.
How I feel about the final:
I am very excited and nervous about the final.
Hobbies:
I play football and dance with ‘Encore’.

Name: Michelle McHugh
Age: 17
Year: 5th
Address: Retreat, Athlone.
What Concern debating means to me:
I’ve gained in confidence over the year. I’m now aware of global issues and fair-trade products. I also now know about the work done on the ground by NGOs. It is enjoyable too.
How I feel about the final:
I’m very excited about the final. We’re currently preparing for it. The nerves haven’t settled in yet but we’re all looking forward to a heated debate.
Hobbies:
Piano – Grade 8.

Name: Gavin Ward
Age: 16
Year: Transition Year.
Address: Retreat, Athlone.
What Concern debating means to me:
I’ve become far more confident speaking in front of a group of people. I’ve also learned a lot about poverty and debt in the third world as well as problems facing Western society such as climate change.
How I feel about the final:
I suppose I feel a combination of both excitement and nerves at this stage. We began practising in the last few days so hopefully we’ll do our best on the day.
Hobbies:
I am interested in Sport and Music.

Name: Mark Roche
Age: 17
Year: 5th
Address: Glasson, Co. Westmeath.
What Concern debating means to me:
Throughout the year you learn about Global issues. I found the debates great for building self-confidence. I have really benefited from them.
How I feel about the final:
I can’t wait. I had always hoped - but not necessarily expected - to get this far! It will be an amazing event.
Hobbies:
Rowing – I have raced with Athlone Boat Club in regattas all over the country for the past four years. I also enjoy tennis on the summer in town.