On Wednesday, 21 January 2026, debating teams from various Irish-medium schools from across the country headed to the Athlone Springs Hotel in Athlone, Co. Westmeath to compete in the All-Ireland Championship of the Uí Chadhain Debating Competition.
The Uí Chadhain Debating Competition is run by Gael Linn for post-primary schools where instruction is through the medium of Irish, and up to 50 teams have taken part since the start of this school year. The competition is organised with the sponsorship of Foras na Gaeilge.
There were two debates, Junior and Senior, on Wednesday and Cormac Ó Dúlacháin AS, Chairman – Cumann Barra na Gaeilge was the guest speaker at the event. Cormac has extensive experience of Gael Linn debating competitions as he himself took part in them in his youth.
Coláiste Chroí Mhuire, An Spidéal took home the Corn Uisne as well as the main prize of the competition, worth €1000. The standard was high throughout the final, with fierce competition between Scoil Mhuire, Béal Átha ‘n Ghaorthaidh; Scoil Chuimhistí Chiaráin, An Cheathrú Rua and Coláiste Eoin, Baile Átha Cliath.
The resolution they were discussing was ‘We are too harsh on our politicians in Ireland’.
At Senior level, Gaelcholáiste Phort Láirge; Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh; Meánscoil Gharman, Inis Córthaidh and Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Na Doirí Beaga faced each other discussing the resolution ‘The work of crime is worth it’. There was a fierce competition between the teams and they were almost on equal marks at the end. Without a doubt, the five judges had a very difficult job to do on the night, they were; Eileen Mc Evilly, Féilim Mac Donncha, Liam Mac a’ Mhaoir, Áine Hensey and Fergus Ó Conghaile.
Ultimately, the people of Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh came out on top. It was a great achievement as they won the Corn Gael Linn, the first time ever that the school had managed to win this prestigious competition. There is no doubt that they deserved the prize money of €1000. For those who were unable to attend the event, the debates were broadcast live on the YouTube page and can be viewed on the Gael Linn page.
More Information: Sinéad Ní Mhaidín 0870578801, sinead@gael-linn.ie