Pupils from Carndonagh Community School have been selected to represent Ireland in the Empire Mock Trial Competition in New York in November 2017.
Having won all three of their cases in the qualifying heats of the National Mock Trial Competition in the Criminal Courts of Justice, the CCS legal team secured not just their place in the semi-finals of the competition but also the honour of representing their country in this prestigious international competition.
The National Mock Trial is a Transition Year competition and the brainchild of Vincent P. Martin B.L.
Pupils have three cases to prepare. They prosecute and defend one case and prosecute OR defend another.
The eighteen-person team comprises barristers, solicitors, witnesses for the prosecution and defence, tipstaff, Court registrar as well as jury members.
This competition affords pupils huge opportunities for critical thinking, collaborative learning and essentially brings learning out of the classroom.
Deputy-Principal, John McGuinness said: “This opportunity to represent Ireland on the international stage against teams from all across the USA, Canada, Great Britain, South Korea and Australia is a first for Donegal and for the North West.
“I have to thank their mentors, Ms Nábla McGeehin, the TY coordinator in Carndonagh Community School and Mr Dónal McGuinness, my brother, who is a barrister in Dublin.
“This is an exciting time for our pupils and indeed a once in a lifetime opportunity. It will however, be costly and we envisage having to raise in the region of €38,000.
“The Mock Trial Parents’ Committee is doing Trojan work and has planned many fund-raising events between now and November.
However, it is a daunting task to raise so much in so little time. Therefore, we are appealing to the good people of Donegal and the North West to row in behind our young people and donate whatever you can via https://www.gofundme.com/put-carn-community-school-on-trial.
“Alternatively, readers may wish to donate via cheque to CCS Mock Trial Team A/C, c/o Mr John McGuinness, Carndonagh Community School. We will be so grateful.”
The Carndonagh Mock Trial team comprises: Daniel McCormack, Aimee Donaghey, Ben Nelson, Adam Mullins, Aisling McCarron, Evan McLaughlin, Bridget Doherty, Danielle Houton, Jordan Doherty, Ciara McGonagle, Rori Doherty and Chantelle McLaughlin Sean Hirrell, Ellen Simmons, Ellen Keys, Nathan Crumlish, Aidan Doherty and Kate Hunter.
