Athlone Community College Debaters make History! 19th May 2008
The Athlone Community College senior debating team of Bronwyn Reid McDermott (capt), Ciaran O' Connor,Caoimhe McManus, and Thomas Keogh have made history as they won the All Ireland Concern debating competition in a packed RDS on Thursday night thus making Athlone CC the only school ever to win the competition twice in the history of the competition. Defeating Thurles CBS while proposing the motion " To end hunger the world must embrace Biotechnology", Athlone won the Concern Perpetual Trophy and a 10 day trip to Malawi in Africa in July.
The competition was chaired by Pat Kenny of the Late Late show and compered by Fergal Keane of RTE. This is the largest competition in Debating in Ireland with 163 schools taking part. Athlone won it for the first time last year winning a trip to New York and Haiti in the process last June. After this years win the Athlone team were guests in the Hospitality suite of the Late Late show on Friday night. The team was mentored by Chris Forde and Principal Val O' Connor stated this week "We are delighted and overwhelmed by this win.
To be the first team ever to retain the title shows how strong debating is in the school and the emphasis that is placed on Debating and Public Speaking. It has been a magnificent two years for Athlone CC" Presentations were made at the final to the runners up, Semi finalists and Quarter finalists as Last years Capt Caoimhe Kenny presented the cup to this years Bronwyn Reid McDermott.
Athlone Community College are winners of the All-Ireland Concern Debates for the second consecutive year - 15th May 2008
Ciaran O' Connor, Caoimhe Mc Manus Bronwyn Reid-Mc
Dermott (captain) and Tomas Keogh. Mentor Chris Forde was overjoyed and
a pround Principal, Val O' Connor and Deputy Principal Eileen Donohoe
were overjoyed, the teams hard work dedication and drive had indeed paid
off.
An exciting and exhilaring debate took place at the RDS on Thursday 15th May hosted by none other than RTE s Pat Kenny. Nerves at an all time high the students were fuelled to begin the debate. The team offered rebuttals and counter rebuttals on ''to end hunger the world must embrace Biotechnology''. With over 170 teams participating from the length and breath of the country Athlone Community College made it to the final leg. They debated against CBS Thurles. The excitement was palpable with over 150 suporters attending from the school including students, staff members and parents.
The team consisted of a hard working team who had successfully defeated
8 teams along their road to success.
The team were welcomed home to a reception attended by the entire school
community on Friday Morning, what a fntastic achievement.
We wish the team every good fortune and anticipate both a fun and enlightening
experience for them when they travel to Malawi in July.
Athlone Community College win Concern All Ireland Semi Final
Congratulations to: Caoimhe Mc Manus, Tomas Keogh, Ciaran O' Connor, Bronwyn Reid Mc Dermott
A momentous occasion with eloquent speeches and thought provoking rebuttals.
It was a momentous occasion for all concerned .
Congratulations to the team, the hard work and tremendous effort has paid
off. The team debated the topic, con the motion:
''60 years on the world has become indifferent to the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights''. In the hallowed halls of academia at Dublin City University
they fought the good fight. They defeated Mercy Secondary School, Ballymahon.
We look forward to the final which will take place on 15th May at the
R.D.S. hosted by Pat Kenny
Congratulations to the team of : Caoimhe Mc Manus, Tomas Keogh, Ciaran
O' Connor, Bronwyn Reid Mc Dermott and their mentor Chris Forde.
Athlone Community College debaters seamlessly qualify for the All-Ireland Quarter Finals
The Athlone Community College team of senior debaters have reached the stage of final eight schools in the Concern All Ireland Debating Competition. A tremendous achievement for all concerned to be in the final eight out of a starting total of 180 schools. To win would be a fantastic achievement as the school defends its title of reigning champions. This years team mentored by Mr. Chris Forde consists of: Bronwyn Reid-Mc Dermott, captain, Ciaran O Connor, Caoimhe Mc Manus and Tomas Keogh. Proposing the motion: That Ireland should boycott the Beijing Olympics, they defeated a very able team from Mt. Anville Secondary School, Dublin last Tuesday night. Every good wish in the All Ireland Quarter Finals.
Concern Debating Team are through to next round
Concern Debating–All Ireland Champions
