23/01/2025
We congratulate and salute all the students who participated in the Elphin Diocese's Schools Public Speaking Competition (which serves as a heat of the Knights of St. Columbanus's prestigious All-Ireland Competition) in Donamon Castle yesterday.
Once again the standard was amazing with all participants demonstrating a wealth of relevant knowledge, finely honed communication skills and a passion for truth, justice and true human solidarity.
Those of us who were present were not only enriched in our understanding of complex issues but came away with a renewed confidence. The young women and men who addressed us exhibited a Christian ethic and dynamism as great as any challenge we face. We are truly blessed in them and the wonderful families, schools and communities that are supporting them take their place in the world.
Heartfelt thanks in particular to their mentors, Stephen O'Hara & Aisling Daly (Castlerea Community School), Eimear Burke (St. Cuan's College, Castleblakney), Maria Moynihan (Abbey Community College Boyle) and Amy Fagan (Summerhill College Sligo).
Yes, there are signficant challenges before us, but in so far as we met future politicans and leaders across a variety of spheres of human endeavour yesterday, there is great grounds for optism.
In the end the honours went to Castlerea Community School and Summerhill College. We wish them well in the All-Ireland. We will also be watching out for the team members of St. Cuan's and Abbey Community College going forward. With God's grace the members of all four teams, substitute members included, will continue to enrich our understanding and inspire us to remain steadfast in our care of one another.
