St Macartan's student claims debating crown
A County Monaghan student has claimed the national title in this year's Europe Direct Soapbox Competition.
Pablo Rafael Lopez Cardozo, from St Macartan’s College proudly represented the Farney county and emerged as the national winner in the 16 and under category. The final was held at the Royal College of Physicians, Dublin, on Monday, December 1.
This year’s theme challenged participants to argue for or against: 'Likes, Lies and Legal Limits – Is it time for the EU to ban social media for Under-16s?'
Matas Roda, from Beech Hill College, also proudly represented Monaghan at the final in the 17 and over category. Both Pablo and Matas earned their place in the final after winning the regional competition in the North-Midlands Region (Cavan, Louth and Monaghan).
At the national final, Pablo was in a final with eight other talented speakers from across Ireland and Matas participated against seven. Each delivered a three-minute speech to persuade and impress the judges and audience.
The Europe Direct Soapbox Competition, now in its 15th year, is inspired by the tradition of Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park, London. Organised by Libraries Ireland, it provides a platform for people across Ireland to debate topical European issues and showcase their public speaking skills.
Chair of the Judging Panel and Assistant Chief Executive, Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), Paula Butler commented: “Winning the national final of the Europe Direct Soapbox Competition is an extraordinary achievement. This year’s winners demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity, and poise under pressure. Their speeches were not only persuasive but deeply insightful, reflecting the very best of public debate and civic engagement.”
She commended all the finalists: “The standard of this year’s finalists was exceptional. Each speaker brought fresh, thought-provoking perspectives to a complex and timely topic. Their confidence, clarity, and passion for debate truly impressed the judges and demonstrated the value of open discussion on issues that matter to society."