Rob Fitzpatrick and Adrianne Ward, members of the UCD Literary & Historical Society, emerged victorious in the prestigious Irish Times Debate, the longest-running third-level debating competition in Ireland. Their eloquence and persuasive arguments secured them the team title, while the individual speaker’s award went to Liam Boyce from the University of Galway’s Lit & Deb society. The competition, which took place at Queen’s University Belfast, featured a dozen speakers selected from a pool of 250 talented contestants from various third-level institutions across the country.
Intense Competition and Exceptional Talent
The judges commended the exceptional quality of this year’s finalists, noting that the margins between the contestants were remarkably tight. The speakers vied for the coveted Demosthenes Trophy for best team and the Christina Murphy Memorial Trophy for best individual speaker. Additionally, the top three speakers were awarded an all-expenses-paid tour of the United States, a prestigious opportunity for these rising stars in the debating world.
Stéphane de Bairéid and Coleman Hegarty of UCD’s L&H clinched the runner-up position in the team category, while the individual runner-up was Tom Francis from TCD’s Hist. The atmosphere at the competition was electric, with the audience hanging on to every word as the debaters engaged in a battle of wits and rhetoric.
Fierce Debates and Thought-Provoking Topics
The central motion of the debate was a provocative statement: “This house believes that dialogue is dead.” Contestants who argued in favor of the proposition raised concerns about the impact of social media, highlighting how disinformation and echo chambers have eroded meaningful dialogue in society. On the other hand, those who opposed the motion emphasized the importance of dialogue in fostering understanding and achieving political milestones, such as the historic Belfast Agreement.
The debate was chaired by Mrs. Justice Siobhán Keegan, Northern Ireland’s chief justice, who expertly guided the proceedings with wisdom and grace. The judging panel comprised esteemed individuals, including Irish Times editor Ruadhán Mac Cormaic and Prof. Geert Dewulf from Queen’s University Belfast, who brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the evaluation process.
As the clock ticked down to the final moments of the debate, tensions ran high, and the debaters delivered their closing arguments with passion and conviction. The audience was treated to a display of intellectual prowess and rhetorical flair, showcasing the best and brightest minds in the realm of competitive debating.
The Irish Times Debate has a rich history, spanning 65 years of fostering critical thinking and public speaking skills among third-level students. Past winners have gone on to achieve great success in various fields, with notable alumni including comedian Dara Ó Briain, Supreme Court judges, and prominent broadcasters. The competition serves as a launchpad for emerging talent, offering participants a platform to hone their skills and make their mark on the debating circuit.
This year’s debate convener, Louise Cullen, herself a former runner-up in the final, played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth execution of the event. Her dedication and passion for debating underscored the importance of cultivating a culture of intellectual discourse and respectful disagreement in academic settings.
In conclusion, the Irish Times Debate not only celebrates the art of debating but also champions the values of critical thinking, open-mindedness, and civil discourse. As the winners bask in the glory of their triumph, they carry forward the legacy of this esteemed competition, inspiring future generations of debaters to engage in dialogue, challenge ideas, and strive for excellence in the pursuit of truth and understanding.
