Concern Primary Debate Competition

Concern Primary Debate Competition 2019-2020  

Clare Education Centre hosted the county final of the Concern Primary Debates 2020 on March 12th.  The debating teams from Toonagh NS and St Senan’s Kilrush qualified for the final out of the twenty-two primary schools who participated this year.  The motion for the final was, ‘Young people of Ireland care little for the developing world’. 

The teams had an opportunity to research their positions in advance. On the day, each team nominated three debaters who put together well-formed and researched arguments.  Following a very high standard of debating, Toonagh NS emerged as worthy County Champions. 

Commiserations to the debaters from St. Senan’s NS Kilrush who spoke, persuaded, argued and rebutted admirably. 

Concern organise Primary Debates at a national level and assist with the organisation of the competition. In addition to the support of Concern, Clare Education Centre deeply appreciates the support of our adjudicators Liam Lawlor, Jody O’Connor, Antoinette Barry and Mary Fitzgerald who assisted with the entire competition.  Without our adjudicators, it would not be possible to host the debates. 

Debating engages our young people in research, critical analysis, communication and higher order skills. Watch out for our next competition in September 2020 and consider entering your school team.