Reflections on TWG Heat of the IrFUW Public Speaking Competition 2025

By Majella Kelleher, TWG’s Public Speaking Coordinator

Early February. A Saturday morning. 8:15 a.m. I’m driving along Merrion Square, into Trinity College Dublin from Lincoln Place. It can only mean one thing—the TWG Public Speaking Competition. Not much else would get me into town this early on a Saturday morning!

This year, five schools were set to arrive by 9:00 a.m., but the first eager competitor, accompanied by her mum, appear 20 minutes early. Luckily, the catering team arrive at the same time, so we were able to enjoy a coffee and a pastry while we waited.

The competition was taking place in the Graduate Memorial Building—a historic structure built in 1902. Later in the day, we were reminded that, at the time of its construction, women were not allowed to study at Trinity College Dublin. Thankfully, that changed just two years later.

As we set up the debating chamber, I find myself reflecting on the many notable figures who had either visited or spoken in this very room including Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, JFK, Mary Robinson and Stephen Fry. I couldn’t wait to share that with the competitors—it was sure to add to the excitement of the day to be following in those footsteps.

By 9:00 a.m., all participants had arrived, and it was time to begin. One of the most nerve- wracking moments for the students I think is when they select one aspects of each of their two prepared topics to speak on. This is done blind and with less than a minute to decide, they must quickly determine which angle they can argue best.

Meanwhile, in the ante-room, a lively atmosphere was building as parents, teachers, and supporters mingle over coffee and pastries while the competitors prepare. I’m always impressed by what these young women accomplish in just 30 minutes—crafting a speech from scratch while ensuring it fits within the strict time limits (a minimum of two minutes but not exceeding three). Rarely do we have to apply penalties for going under or over time.

Then, the moment arrives. Our adjudicators, Mary Morrissey (past President of TWG and IrFUW) and Kathleen O’Toole Brennan (Trinity Access Programme), take their seats. Anne Headley, our timekeeper, set up to the side of the stage, her trusty bell at the ready. All three are veterans of this competition.

Over the next hour, fifteen confident, articulate young women take to the stage, captivating the audience with their speeches.

The Competition Begins

First up: Mercy Secondary School, Inchicore. It's never easy being the first to speak, but they tackle it with confidence, discussing topics like “Will driverless cars improve road safety?” and “Is social media addictive?” under the Road Safety and Media and Entertainment categories.

Next, St. Joseph of Cluny, Killiney take the stage. One competitor talks on a topic close to many of our hearts: “What are the risks and benefits of Artificial Intelligence?” She paints a vivid picture, even referencing deepfake images of Joe Biden as a turnip head—a mental image that is proving hard to shake!

Then come Fingal Community College. After a few false starts, their first speaker makes a fantastic recovery, demonstrating remarkable courage and composure. She also delivers my quote of the day: “Have you ever wondered why they call them cell phones?" she asks the audience, before answering, "Because we're prisoners to them!". Her speech, titled “Can I survive without my mobile phone?”, leaves a lasting impression.

St. Mark’s Community College, Tallaght follow, with Jessica Roache up first. She entertains the audience with her take on “My music is other people’s noise.”. ‘The world needs more people like Greta Thunberg’ and ‘can exercise do more harm than good’ complete the aspects taken on by this team.

Finally, after a long journey and an even longer wait, it was time for Bailiborough Community School to take the stage. Maya Ormiston addresses the final topic of the day, “Is it important to explore outer space?” She makes a compelling case that, with climate change causing irreversible damage here on earth, perhaps we should be looking for a Planet B for future refuge.

It is a thought-provoking conclusion to the competition. While the adjudicators deliberate, we return to the ante-room for more coffee and the last of the pastries.

And the Winners Are...

As always, Mary and Kathleen do a stellar job adjudicating. It’s never an easy decision - every year, these young women amaze us with their eloquence and ability to think on their feet. But winners have to be chosen.

The winning team for 2025, who will represent TWG at the final in Galway on March 22nd, is Bailiborough Community School—Aoileann McDermott, Aoibhín Clarke, and Maya Ormiston.

The Best Speaker award goes to Jessica Roache from St. Mark’s Community College, Tallaght.

TWG President, Vitalia Bikmametova presents the winners with a plaque and Dublin Crystal commemorative trophies, while all competitors receive certificates of participation.

A Morning to Remember

It was a truly fantastic morning, filled with enthusiasm, energy, and optimism. Every year, I leave this event feeling that the future is in good hands—and that’s a pretty great feeling to have.

Huge thanks to the subcommittee that supported delivery of the competition this year: Julia Carmichael, Gemma O Halloran and Monika Pilch.

Full Competitor List 2025

Mercy Secondary School, Inchicore – Teacher: Simon Creane

Lucy Spears, Ruby Walsh, Anna Luiza Ragan

St Joseph of Cluny, Killiney – Teacher: Grainne Mc Evoy

Anna Maria Mc Namara, Aoife Keogh, Sadeya Safi

Fingal Community College, Swords – Teacher: Shauna Ward

Amélie Avila, Sadie Gibson, Michelle Langan

St Mark’s Community College, Tallaght – Teacher: Rebecca Morrin

Jessica Roache, Lubalethu Mpofu, Lisa Lynch

Bailiborough Community School, Co Cavan – Teacher: Caroline Quinn

Aoileann McDermott, Aoibhín Clarke, and Maya Ormiston