Shane Durnin from St. Mary’s College recently took part in the final of Gael Linn’s prestigious ‘Abair’ Irish public speaking competition, which was this year held in An Carn Centre in Derry. Shane qualified for the final having previously achieved first place in the regional bout in Newry before Easter. Speakers from across the nine counties of Ulster and Co. Louth compete in the annual cross-border competition.
Competitors on the day had to speak about a topical issue as Gaeilge for three minutes each. In the final Shane spoke about his chosen topic of ‘Uisce’ where he poked fun at the water charges debacle and all matters water related.
He was delighted to win his section, achieving first place overall and high commendation from the judges. He was awarded a trophy and a half scholarship to attend Coláiste Gael Linn Bhun an Inbhir Gaeltacht College in Donegal to recognise his success. Comhghairdeas mór leis!