All-Ireland Gael Linn debating final success for Limerick school

GHAELCHOLÁISTE Luimnigh won the All-Ireland final of the prestigious Irish-medium debate competition, Díospóireacht Uí Chadhain.

The winning senior team comprised of Neasa Ní Ifearnáin, Ava Ryan, and Lía O’Donoghue, under the guidance of their teacher, John de Buitléir.

The national competition, organised by Gael Linn for Irish-medium post-primary schools, took place at Athlone Springs Hotel on Wednesday, January 21. The team debated against the motion, ‘Is fiú saothar na coiriúlachta.’

Comórtas Uí Chadhain is highly competitive, requiring excellent language skills, teamwork, and strong debating abilities.
Féilim Mac Donnacha, announcing the winners, praised the team’s meticulous arguments and the way they worked seamlessly together.

READ MORE: Limerick teens ditch Verona romance for thrills on the Alpine slopes

“Ba gheall leis an Grand National,” he said, highlighting the exceptional performance of Ava, Lía, and Neasa.
Donncha Ó Treasaigh, director of Schools at Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, commented on the historic win:

“I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Neasa, Ava, and Lía as well as their mentor teachers, Máistir de Buitléir and Máistr Ir de Blacúil on their remarkable victory in the Comórtas Uí Chadhain All-Ireland final.”

“Winning a national title of this calibre is a testament not only to the girls’ command of the Irish language but also to the culture of excellence at Ghaelcholáiste Luimnigh.”

Mr Ó Treasaigh continued: “We are immensely proud of how they represented the ETB on the national stage. Special credit must also go to their teacher, John de Buitléir, for his dedicated guidance. To see our students praised for their ‘seamless cohesion’ and meticulous arguments reinforces the importance of the Irish-medium education we strive to provide. Comhghairdeas ó chroí libh go léir.”

Comórtas Uí Chadhain is highly competitive, requiring excellent language skills, teamwork, and strong debating abilities.
Mr Ó Treasaigh added that this national achievement reflects the dedication and talent of the students, their teachers, and the Irish-medium education provided across Limerick and Clare ETB schools.