ABAIR 2024/25
Abair is a Gael Linn public speaking competition open to second level schools in Ulster and is organised out of Gael Linn’s regional office in Armagh City. The aim of the competition is to afford public speaking experience in Irish to students.
COMPETITION LAYOUT
Usually five or six local qualifying rounds are held during school hours throughout Ulster. Venues are decided when all entry forms have been received. Each school is permitted up to four speakers in all four sections of the competition. Winners of the qualifying rounds proceed to the final, to be held in Spring 2025.
Roinn A: Meánscoileanna Faoi GCSE & Teastas Sóisearach
Roinn B: Faoi GCSE & Teastas Sóisearach-Scoileanna Gramadaí, Scoileanna Gaeltachta, Gaelscoileanna
Roinn C: Faoi Ardteist nó AS/A2
Roinn D: Faoi Ardteist nó AS/A2 in earnáil na Gaelscolaíochta nó Scoileanna Gaeltachta
AWARDS/PRIZES
Each competitor is awarded a Gael Linn certificate of commendation. First and second placed speakers in the qualifying rounds are presented with a Gael Linn trophy. In the final the best two speakers in each section receive a trophy and also a half scholarship for Gael Linn’s Irish Summer College in Machaire Rabhartaigh in Donegal.
FINAL
The Final of ABAIR will be held in the Spring.
GENERAL RULES
Competitors are permitted to speak on any interesting, topical subject. Those students who succeed in the qualifying rounds must choose a new subject for the final.
TIME
Speakers in sections A and B speak for three minutes while speakers in section C and D speak for four minutes on their videos.
ADJUDICATION AND MARKING SYSTEM
The final decisions rest with the adjudicators. It is Gael Linn policy that the adjudicators marks are not available for examination.
The 100 marks available to each speaker are divided thus:
Content 40
Delivery 40
Fluency 20
REGISTRATION
The entry fee for each competitor is £5. To download entry form click on Application Form at the top of the page. Last date for entries is