Hard-Earned Victory Bodes Well For Irish Team

February 15th 2004

The Irish Team at the World Schools' Debating Championships are on track for a good break in Stuttgart following their results in last weekend's debates. Last Friday, having lost their opening debate to last year's Semi-Finalists, Scotland, they went on to take a ballot in a debate against Argentina. In a heated debate, the Irish Team argued that fast food companies shouldn't have to pay compensation for health reasons.

On Sunday, they followed up these early performances with a win against Bermuda. Having been participants in the Championships since its conception, the Bermudans are always formidable opponents. Ireland were opposing the motion "That This House Would Use GM Crops to Feed the World". They argued that the risks associated with GM Crops were at present unquantified, and as such, unacceptable. They also spoke of the immoral choice offered by food aid.

Defeat by South Africa in the afternoon could do nothing to dampen the spirits of the Irish camp. "This victory provides a good boost for the Team as they reach the midway point in the Championships", said the Irish Schools' Debating Council.

The Team will face two more debates tomorrow - an impromptu against Israel, and a debate on Trade Unions against last year's hosts, Peru.

The Irish Team are Josephine Curry (St. Louis, Monaghan), Andrea Mulligan (Loreto on the Green, Dublin), Ross Frenett (CBC Cork), and Sarah Swaine (Loreto on the Green, Dublin). They are accompanied to the Championships by the Chair of the Council, and Team Coach, Mr Dick Wafer. The Team is funded by the Department of Education, and also supported by independent donors.

The Team is selected by the Irish Schools' Debating Council following provincial and national trials, and can be contacted on 2004@irishdebating.com - or via their website http://www.irishdebating.com

Cian Murphy, Council Member is available at all times to deal with enquiries on 087 7539381.

ENDS