Louth students excel at public speaking competition

Schools in Dundalk were well represented at the Soroptimist Ireland hosted heat of the Girls’ Public Speaking Competition 2018/19, on November 17 in St Oliver’s Community College, Rathmullen Road, Drogheda.

Open to female students in TY, fifth and sixth year, the competition started in 1981. It aims to inspire girls to take a more prominent role in public life and encourages them to develop the skills needed to speak effectively, with clarity and conviction.

Fourteen speakers entered the Drogheda heat. St Vincent’s, St Louis, Dundalk Grammar School and St Oliver’s CC all had contestants participating.

The girls were given between four and six minutes to speak on topics relating to domestic violence, the environment, global food extremes, democracy and the empowerment of women.

Queensley Odidi from St Vincent’s, Dundalk and Aine Winters from St Oliver’s CC, Drogheda were chosen as the winners for their speeches on democracy and the environment respectively.

Deborah Adu from Dundalk Grammar School was chosen as the reserve for her speech on domestic violence.

All entrants also received a certificate of participation and a gift, provided by the competition’s sponsors, Newbridge Silverware.

Katie McKeown, one of the speakers, said, “It was really inspiring to see such a number of young women speaking their minds passionately about important topics that affect us all.”

The winners now progress to the regional heat, which will be held on January 19 2019 in Athlone.