Schools from all over the Kilkenny/Carlow/ Kildare region took part and the competition was hot as a place in the All-Ireland final awaited the victors.

Displaying great knowledge and coolness, the CBS trio of Robert O’Hara, Billy McDonagh and Cathal McGovern emerged as the winning combination on the night earning the right to represent the school and the Region in the All- Ireland Final in Trinity College Dublin this Saturday. We wish them well.

The other CBS team comprising Philip Moore, James Early and Thomas Walsh also acquitted themselves by filling fourth spot in Carlow.

The school would like to acknowledge the tremendous input of Mr. Michael Stack and Ms. Niamh Dooley in organizing and preparing our participants.

Debating competition

An excellent performance by the senior team from CBS Kilkenny at a recent heat in the school clinched their place in the next round of the Gael Linn debating competition, Comórtas an Phiarsaigh.

The motion on the night was ‘Tá an iomarca airgead phoiblí á chaitheamh ar na healaíona in Éirinn!’ (‘Too much public money is being spent on the arts in Ireland!’) and many arguments in favour of it were put forward by the Kilkenny students.

The team members were helped and directed in their preparation for the debate by teachers Máire Uí Chinnéide and Nóra Ní Chonráin who were both justifiably proud of their care.

Organiser Jamie Ó Tuama, Gael Linn commented “The main aim of this national debating competition is to promote the use of Irish in in schools and among young people, while at the same time fostering skills in public speaking and debating.

“It also heightens awareness of current affairs among the senior students in particular.”

He continued: “It is very important, especially in the present economic climate, that young people are able to articulate their ideas and opinions with confidence at job interviews etc. and being a good orator is definitely an advantage in that regard!”