Two talented local debaters were crowned winners of the annual Soapbox Competition and will go on to represent Donegal at the national finals.
The regional final of the Europe Direct Information Centre Soapbox Competition was held in the Central Library Letterkenny on October 26th. The theme of this year’s debate was “Brexit: Ireland’s Opportunity”. There were 12 contestants on the night and each gave a speech for or against the motion.
EDIC Soapbox 2017 competitors, Judges and MC
The evening was expertly hosted by veteran Donegal broadcaster Charlie Collins and the speeches were marked by a judging panel of Caitlín Uí Chochláinn, Clare McNickle, vice president of the Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce and Rory Gallagher manager of the Europe Direct Information Centre Donegal and Gaeltacht.
The winners in each category received an iPad as a prize sponsored by the European Commission. The winner in the under 18 section was Laura Diver of the Keegan School of Speech and Drama.
Under 18 winner Laura Diver making her point
The winner in the over 18 section was Niamh Berkeley who generously donated her prize to St Columbas Secondary School on Stranorlar.
Niamh Berkeley over 18 soapbox speaking on Brexit and community
The two winners will both go forward to represent Donegal at the national finals taking place in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in November.
The Soapbox competition is an annual event hosted by the Europe Direct information Centre Donegal and Gaeltacht based in the Central Library Letterkenny. The centre provides information on the work of the European Union and answers questions for citizens on EU law.
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