Macra na Feirme Launch the National Forum on Europe Debating Competition

The Forum on Europe Debating Competition was officially launched at Dublin Castle this week by the Chairman of the National Forum on Europe, Maurice Hayes and Macra na Feirme, National President, Catherine Buckley.

Speaking at the launch Macra na Feirme National President, Catherine Buckley said ‘Macra is delighted to once again partner with the Forum on Europe to bring Macra members the prestigious National Debating Competition. Macra takes the  training and development of its members very seriously and debating is a key skill which all Macra members are encouraged to get involved in. Referring to the success of the National Debating competition over the years, Ms Buckley says 'The debating competition encourages Macra members to confidently debate an issue and develop skills which they can take with them in to other aspects of their lives.

The Chairman of the National Forum On Europe, Maurice Hayes, said that the Forum was delighted to support Macra Na Feirme in encouraging debate amongst its members all over the country.  “We are particularly pleased that the European Union and Ireland’s role in it will be among the topics aired in the course of this competition”, he added.

The first rounds of the National Forum on Europe Debating competition will take place on Saturday, March 14^th in two venues. The first venue is the Springhill Court Hotel, Kilkenny. Where Ballycoog of Wicklow will debate against Innishannon, of Carbery on the topic “That Tribunals should be abolished because they benefit nobody but lawyers”.

The second debate of the evening  will be between Knockraha, of Seandun and Athboy, from Meath, they will debate the topic “That planning permission should not be granted for one off houses”.

The second venue is the Ardfinnan Community Hall, Ardfinnan, Clonmel, county Tipperary and the first debate of the night will be between Nenagh, from North Tipperary and Shannonside, of Limerick, they will debate the topic “That Tribunals should be abolished because they benefit nobody but lawyers”.  The second debate will see Ladysbridge, of Imokilly take on Ballyhoura of Avondhu in the debate “That planning permission should not be granted for one off houses”.

 The final will take place at this year’s Macra AGM, which will be held in Wicklow on Saturday May 9^th.  The winning team in this competition will be heading off on the Macra prize-winner’s trip as part of their prize.