On Wednesday, 25th March 2026, debating teams from various schools around the country met at the Green Isle Hotel in Clondalkin, Co. Dublin to compete in the All-Ireland Final of the Phiarsaigh Debating Competition.
The event was guest chaired by Áine Ní Ghlinn, President of the Oireachtas 2026. She congratulated all participants on their excellent debating skills and expressed great interest in their views on the topics discussed.
In the Junior Final, teams from Muckross Park College, Dublin and Loreto Secondary School, Letterkenny spoke in favour of the motion, while teams from An Scoil Intermédhanaach, Killorglin and Sandford Park School, Ranelagh were against it. The Loreto Secondary School team really impressed the audience with their compelling arguments, and members Kate, AmyRose, and Elina were thrilled when they were announced as the winners!
At Senior level, teams from Sandford Park School, Ranelagh, Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown, Rathdown College, Glenageary Dublin and Presentation College, Thurles were competing. The Rathdown College team – Connie, Iseult, and Cillian – lifted the trophy in the end. It was a great achievement and they won the Gael Linn Cup.
For those who were unable to attend the event, the debate was broadcast live on the YouTube page and can be viewed here.