Domhnall Lynam , Winner of the Ulster Final of Abair, the A2 Irish Public Speaking competition.
St Michael’s Irish Department have a history of producing excellent public speakers for Gael Linn’s Abair Public Speaking Competition and 2017 was certainly no different. On Friday April 7th the final of the competition was held in Eamhain Macha, the Navan Fort interpretative centre. Having won the Western regional round with a speech entitled “Baol na mBan” where he outlined the dangers of having too many women in prominent political positions locally, nationally and internationally, Domhnall represented St Michael’s against finalists from other areas of Ulster. The competition has extended in recent years to also include competitors from schools in Dundalk and County Louth.
The high standard of the competition was praised by the three adjudicators from Irish language media and third level education institutes. They commented on the varied and well researched and presented subjects including Hereos, Mental Illness, World Leaders, Celebrity Culture, Gender Issues, Equality and The Irish Language Act. Domhnall’s winning speech was on “Breatimeacht”- Brexit, where he described and explained the importance of membership of the European Community in both historical and contemporary contexts.
On announcing the results the adjudicators praised Domhnall for his comprehensive treatment of the subject, his excellent standard of Irish and for his engaging and entertaining delivery.
An outstanding achievement . Comhghairdeas a Dhomhnaill, Buaiteoir Chraobh Uladh 2017.