Primary school debates

Sixth class pupils from a Westmeath school have scooped Ireland’s top prize for school debating after winning the Concern Primary Debates final.

The team from Emper National School - Matthew Kiernan, Charlie Flanagan and Edward Kiernan - were one of over 250 school teams participating in the all-island contest this year.

The champions were presented with their winning trophies by the humanitarian organisation Concern Worldwide, which runs the competition, on Wednesday evening at the Helix theatre in Glasnevin, Dublin.

They won after successfully proposing the motion that ‘schools are the key to ending world poverty.’

The debating trio were applauded by family members at the event and by their proud teachers from Emper National School, which is a small school with just 30 students located near Westmeath’s Longford border. 

“What an achievement. We never expected this to happen,” said Emper’s team captain Matthew Kiernan.

The runners-up Killaloe Boys National School - Sam Davern, Joshua Woulfe and Tomás O’Connor - were also presented with a trophy and both teams will be brought on a tour of the Houses of the Oireachtas at a later date.

All of the contest’s participants were praised for their efforts and achievements by the organisers, who also thanked the many community volunteers who judge each debate.

“We celebrate the achievements and learning of the thousands of children who took part this year and thank their classmates, teachers and families for all their support,” said Concern’s Head of Global Citizenship Lauren Wright.

“Debating gives children the chance to learn about the world they live in and teaches them how to use their voice to express their ideas about how we can make the world a better place.

“Parents have told us how incredible debating has been for their children. Suddenly, climate change, poverty and world peace become part of their dinner-table discussions. 

“The children learn how to prepare evidence-based arguments and to disagree politely – and this is very important as we try to improve our society and the world we live in today.” 

The runners-up from the semi-finals, Sooey National School, Co Sligo and Carrigen National School, Co. Kilkenny, also attended the final and received trophies for their achievements.