The Craobh Réigiúnach (Ulster-Leinster Regional Final) of the Junior Gael Linn debating competition took place on Thursday 13^th January 2011 in the Glen Royal Hotel here in Maynooth. There were four teams present at the event which effectively was the All –Ireland semi final. Coláiste Eoin (Booterstown), Gaelcholáiste na Mara (Arklow), Iarbhunscoil Mhaigh Nuad (Maynooth) and Coláiste Rís (Dundalk) battled it out on the evening in question, each team as hungry as the next for a chance to represent their school at Craobh na hÉireann (All-Ireland Final).

The function room filled up with supporters as each of the schools brought a crowd with them, MPPS included. The motion in question was “is miotas é cairdiúlacht mhuintir na hÉireann” which translates as “it’s a myth that Irish people are friendly”. The students of Iarbhunscoil Mhaigh Nuad were arguing in favour of this motion. Ciana Ní Tharlaigh, Ciara Ní Eislín and Róisín Ní Oráin performed with a fierce passion for the Irish language. Peadar Óg Ó Muirí offered his support from the crowd.

Unfortunately, Iarbhunscoil Mhaigh Nuad and Gaelcholáiste na Mara were denied a place at Craobh na hÉireann at the end of the month. Both Coláiste Rís and Coláiste Eoin progressed to the All-Ireland Final. Ms. Ní Mhaonaigh and her team of Gael Linn debaters will be on a serious mission next year to reclaim our title as All-Ireland Champions in Comórtas Uí Chadhain!

Thank you to all those who supported the Junior Gael Linn debating team this year.