The All-Ireland debating final took place over the Easter Break in the Debating Chamber in UCD.  As Leinster Champions, Sarah Duffy and Niamh Ryan were proposing the motion that “This House believes that the surveillance state is the price we pay for freedom”.  Once again the girls put in an excellent performance.  They gave two insightful, analytical speeches as they made a convincing case for the proposition.  The standard in the final was very high and unfortunately the girls were just edged out for first place by Rochestown College and so finished as All-Ireland runners up.  In addition to this, Sarah was awarded 2nd place in the individual category with Niamh being awarded 1st place and the title of All-Ireland Debating Champion 2015.  The girls would like to thank all the supporters who came along (some even had face paint) and provided such great encouragement for the girls. 
At this point we would like to congratulate Niamh and Sarah on a year of outstanding debating.  The girls finish the year as winners of the Trinity College Hist Mace (finishing first and second on the individual Tab) and the Leinster Schools Debating Competition (winning the final from the difficult position of first proposition).  As a team they came 2nd in Ireland while being 1st and 2nd as individuals.  In addition to this, Niamh and Sarah will both travel to Singapore this summer (as two members of a five person team) to represent Ireland in the World Schools Debating Competition.  We wish them the best of luck and look forward to hearing how they get on.