CLONASLEE STUDENTS TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change was the red-hot topic for discussion on Wednesday, 9th October 2019 in Portlaoise County Hall as students all over Laois competed in the regional final of the Europe Direct Soapbox competition.
The annual public speaking competition is organised by Europe Direct in collaboration with the Laois Library Services. Students were invited to speak for three minutes on the motion ‘Climate change is not my problem.’ The stakes were high, with both an iPad and a place in the national final up for grabs on the night. 25 students from the county participated, with four students from Clonaslee College; Mary Flynn, Shannon Daly, Tara Poole and Katie Egan, rising to the challenge.
All students were extremely informed on the climate change crisis, and the requirement for immediate intervention. Shannon Daly encouraged the audience to realise that it was the time to ‘activate generation green’ and suggested simple practical solutions that could make a difference. Tara Poole spoke about the need for a minority to influence the majority while also looking at our government’s responsibility to educate its citizens. Mary Flynn reminded the audience of the seanfhocal ‘ní neart go cur le cheile,’ expressing the need for strength in unity, the need to work together and the need for universal change. Katie Egan focused on impact of climate change in our local area, emphasising the irreparable damage of forest fires in one of the most scenic areas of the Sliabh Bloom, Glenbarrow. She inspired to audience to learn from the lessons of the past, quoting Einstein who stated we could ‘change the problems we have by changing our thinking.’ Other students from Portlaoise College, Coláiste Íosagáin and Mountmellick Community School also passionately argued the need for action in relation to climate change.
A call for speakers in the chamber for the adult competition resulted in English teacher, Ms. Fitzpatrick, being encouraged by her students to participate. Ms. Fitzpatrick delivered an impromptu speech on being inspired by the youth of today’s activism and had an opportunity to experience things from the students’ point of view.
The adjudicators on the night were Paula Campbell, a reporter with the Leinster Leader, newly elected Offaly County Counsellor Pippa Hackett and the chief adjudicator role was held by retired local government official, Louis Brennan. Mr. Brennan established the schools debating competition in Laois in the 1990s which Clonaslee students will be competing in this year. He also offered invaluable advice to the speakers about how to develop their skills of argument and communication for further public speaking opportunities.
Unfortunately, there could only be one winner on the night and the title was awarded to Kayla Gray from Mountmellick Community School. We wish her all the best going forward into the national final.
