Concern Debates

Since their inception in 1983 over 11,000 students have participated in the Concern Debates, with thousands more assisting in Research and support activities. Each year over 180 debates take place in 90 venues requiring 540 adjudicators. Sinead Kirwan, a debates student from St. Peter's College in Dunboyne, writes about her Life as a Debater.

Find out more about how your school can participate in these debates by clicking on the website below:
Concern's debating website

Some of the previous motions that schools have debated:

Public Pressure is forcing Multinationals to clean up their act
Globalisation is good for Africa
Development NGOs do more harm than good
The United Nations is a 'White Elephant'
The International Community is committed to eradicating AIDS

Life as a Debater

Life as a debater is much the same as participating in any other extra curricular activity that my school has to offer. You meet new people, make new friends and learn new things but debating is also unique. It has something that will stand to you for the rest on your life or get you out of a tight corner occasionally and it definitely helps develop your mental skills. Some think that life as a debater must be tough, what with researching and preparing material for a motion that you sometimes don't even agree with, staying up all night, staying after school or giving up your much valued lunchtimes to prepare your speech. But, believe me, the pros far outweigh the cons.

Debating has so much to offer us young people of today. It keeps us up to date on current affairs and topical issues, not in a boring and dull way but in an interesting and fun way. Motions on issues like Ireland's neutrality and Africa's neglect can really broaden and stimulate the mind. Debating can be very rewarding and satisfying even if you don't win. You see it's not about winning, it's about having fun, voicing your opinion, meeting lots of new people and having the privilege of representing your school.

Presentation College, Bray, Co. Wicklow
National Champions 1999/2000
It is very important in debating that the team bonds. Teamwork is the essence of debating. You become best buddies with your team-mates and learn their strengths and weaknesses, their pros and cons, their ups and downs and the person they fancy most in school!!

Everyone needs to be able to give and take constructive criticism from each other. You cannot be overly sensitive in this game. The other team are trying to say the exact opposite to you and they will say whatever it takes to make the audience believe their side of the argument. Debating is the sport for those who like to be right, for those who like their opinions to be heard or for those the teachers hate because they never shut up in class. Debating is fun, exciting and definitely challenging. Who knows? It could be a springboard for my future career as a politician, popstar or just another concerned human being who will insist on being heard.

Sinead Kirwan, St. Peter's College, Dunboyne

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