Last Thursday 15th November saw ERGS take first place for the second year running in the annual Royal Schools Debate.
Our two teams of intrepid debaters (Marc Hennessy and Sebastian Barnett and Cian Brady and Peter Dolan) set off with their supporters of Miss Armstrong, Miss Heap, Adam Brownlee, Maxim Barnett, Szymon Gorczynski and Daniel Gilmore. Despite no less than four diversions and a ‘hard border’ total road block at Wattle Bridge, we remained undaunted and eventually made it to Cavan.
In the quarter finals both our teams won their rounds. The dynamic duo of Cian Brady and Peter Dolan confidently persuaded the judges that “This House believes that the potential benefits of using embryonic stem cells to develop new medical treatments mean we have a moral obligation to support stem cell research”. Marc Hennessy and Sebastian Barnett successfully challenged the motion “This House believes that First World countries cannot thrive and remain green” and progressed to the quarter finals. They were a real force to be reckoned with in their opposition of “This House believes that Brexit will benefit Ireland’s economic environment” and after a huge number of spirited questions and points from the floor (many of which came from our impassioned supporters) they had a decisive win.
Supporters and debaters alike were treated to the warmest welcome from Royal School Cavan and while Marc and Sebastian received the motion for the final and sweated blood in the short period designated for preparation, we supporters were treated to a banquet of sweet delights.
Marc and Sebastian were tenacious and talented in their opposition of the motion “This House believes that robots will threaten our place in society” posing questions such as ‘when has a robot ever been jailed for murder?’ Again, Marc displayed passion and commitment to his cause while Sebastian remained unshakeable in his assertions and they emerged the victors against a very capable and cogent Royal and Prior Comprehensive School Raphoe team (one of whom went on to win best individual speaker).
Despite the journey down being the road to hell, ultimately it was paved with success and we congratulate Marc and Sebastian for their win in the final, Peter and Cian for theirs in the quarter finals and thanks to our loyal supporters who made all the difference with their insightful questions, points and support.
