St Ciaran’s College Ballygawley in Co. Tyrone were the winners of this year’s competition organised by the Order of the Knights of St Columbanus.
Their topic was ‘Our parishes will attract youth if …. ‘
Knights of St Columbanus Schools Public Speaking Competition 2015-16
Following from the successful Public Speaking Competition which was held to commemorate our Centenary the Order has decided to continue with the competition in the current academic year. The topics for discussion cover a wide range and fall under the following headings
- Social Media and the Gospel
- Young Christians
- Life and Family Issues
- Living the Christian life
- Justice, Peace, Integrity of Creation
Some schools, due to the demand from their students, have entered more than one team. Entries have been received from St Mary’s Charleville, Colaiste Mhuire Askeaton, Glenstal Abbey, Ursuline Secondary Thurles, Colaiste an Chreagain and Holy Rosary Mountbellew Lanesboro Community, Wilson Hospital School, Mount Sackville, Marian College Ballsbridge, St Joseph’s Lucan, St Vincent’s Dundalk, CBS Enniscorthy, Colaiste Chill Mhantain, Foyle and Londonderry College, Thornhill College St Columb’s College Loreto College Coleraine, St Ciaran’s High School Ballygawley, St Patrick’s Dungannon Royal Dungannon, Bailieborough Community School, St Columbanus College, De La Salle Belfast and Rathmore Grammar.
The provincial heats took place in early November followed by the Provincial finals and the All Ireland Finals took place on 19th March 2016 in Maynooth.
Young People Give Language to their Faith
Students participating in the competition chose from a range of topics covering Young Christians, Life and Family Issues, Living the Christian life and Justice, Peace, Integrity of Creation. After much research on the topics and supporting evidence from scripture and church teaching they make their presentations.