Jessica, Mero and Eamon, the 6th Class A Debate Team who won the Finals of the Dundalk Schools District Inaugural Debate for the Sharon Durnin Cup.
On the 14th February 2025, school pupils Jessica Cooney, Mero Ahmadi and Eamon Kazai from 6th class A along with Sophie O’Brien, Mila Crawley and Rachel Pritchard from 6th class B particapated in the Sharon Durnin memorial cup which was the first debate competition the school has ever partaken in.
After weeks of practicing, the students set out to Muire na nGael National School in Bay Estate to make their school proud! Participating in a total of 3 speeches, they showed great dedication and bravery even when faced with around 50 school pupils and judges from all over Louth.
For the first speech, the 6th class A students proposed the matter that all zoos should be BANNED! They discussed various topics such as the Ethics, Statistics and Allegations towards zoos. In the end they won their speech, leaving it all up to 6th class B’s team to bring them to the finals.
6th B discussed an underlooked topic, they opposed the matter that all School Uniforms should be banned. They spoke about their topic with dedication and resiliance but so did their opponents, therefore the judges ruled the debate as a TIE! This brought St. Francis NS to the top of their group, leading them to the finals.
For winning their first match, it was decided that 6th A’s team consisting of Jessica as the captain, Mero and Eamon to take on the challenge of the finals. The team rushed to action, as they only had less than an hour to formulate their speeches on the topic of not every household having a pet. “On my right hand I was stuffing my face with crisps, on the left I was writing and reseaching at the same time.” Mero quotes on his experience.
St.Francis was faced against De La Salles primary school (St Nicholas NS), in a legendary debate where they competed for the Sharon Durnin Memorial Cup. Over 50 people stared, giving the debaters a slight worry. Though fear not, they brought forward many points including Cost, Health and Safety and the various attacks pets have done over the years. While St Nicholas spoke, our team wrote down flaws to add into the captains last speech. Though at the end, it all came down to a 1 point difference. St Francis NS came out CHAMPIONS!!
By school reporters, Mero and Eamon, with assistance from Jessica
Jessica, Mero and Eamon on stage preparing for the final debate.
