Team 2004 Begin Training

November 16th 2003

The Irish Team competing in the World Schools’ Debating Championships is organised every year by the Irish Schools’ Debating Council. The Team has had much success in recent years, reaching the Quarter-Finals in 2003, and winning the World title in 2002.

Following a brief change to August for the 2003 event in Peru, the World Schools’ Debating Championships is returning once more to its usual slot in February for 2004. Because of this, the Irish Team has already been selected. David Kenny, of Catholic University School, Dublin, will captain the Team, having already competed in the 2003 Championships. He will be joined by Andrea Mulligan (Loreto on the Green, Dublin), Josephine Curry (St. Louis, Monaghan), Ross Frennett (Christian Brothers’ College, Cork) and Sarah Swaine (Loreto on the Green, Dublin).

Training for the Team has already started, and good progress is being made. This year, we are sending two adjudicators to the competition – Ms. Sarah Deeny, of Trinity College Dublin, and Mr Noel McGrath, of University College Dublin. As usual, Mr Dick Wafer, Chair of the Council, will be the Team Coach. This year, in addition to sending the Team to the Championships, the Council is hosting a showcase debate in late February to which schools from around the country will be invited.

The Team is funded both by the Department of Education, and independent sponsorship. They can be contacted through the Council website, at www.irishdebating.com, or via email at schoolsdebating@eircom.net.

ENDS