Public Speaking
Public Speaking at Davitt College
Beyond the classroom, voice and debate at Davitt College come alive. Public Speaking is the home of our competitive debate teams, expressive workshops, student-led presentations, and national speech campaigns.
Whether you are a natural orator or stepping up to the microphone for the very first time, there is a panel, a team, and a platform for your voice here.
Articulation, critical thinking, and structured debate are cornerstones of the academic and leadership fabric here at Davitt College. Our Public Speaking program brings together a rich variety of speech disciplines, including the Concern Debates, Soroptimist Public Speaking, and local model assemblies, providing students each year with the opportunity to find their voice, challenge complex ideas, and present at the highest standard of post-primary communication.
Our program succeeds because of the massive dedication of our volunteer coaches, mentors, and teaching staff, who push our students to excel not just as speakers, but as confident leaders, critical thinkers, and proud ambassadors for our school community.
Disciplines & Competitions
Concern Debates
Tackling global development issues, human rights, and world politics. Our senior debate teams engage in rigorous, structured arguments competing against schools across the country in the prestigious national Concern Debates league.
Soroptimist Public Speaking
Empowering young women to develop look-ahead leadership and public speaking skills. Students select challenging, contemporary topics ranging from climate action to human rights, presenting structured speeches on competitive local and national platforms.
Junior Debating
The perfect starting point for developing confidence and critical thinking. Junior cycles focus on fundamental arguments, impromptu speaking games, and local friendly debates, building essential communication skills from first year up.
Creative Oratory
For students passionate about storytelling, poetry performance, and independent speechwriting. This space focuses on the art of delivery, voice projection, and connecting with an audience on a deeper level.
Weekly Practice Schedule
Wednesday
Upcoming Debates & Public Speaking Events
Public Speaking Hall of Fame
Global & Elite Orators
European Youth Parliament Irish Delegate
2019 Michael Fleming (Hamburg International Session)
All-Ireland Finalists
Concern Debates All-Ireland Quarter-Finalists
2017 Emma Barrett, Chloe Bright, John Feeney, Claire McHale
Public Speaking All-Ireland Semi-Finalists
Legacy 1990, 1992, 1994, 1997, 2000
Provincial & County Champions
BPW Western Region Public Speaking Champions
2019 Davitt College Girls Panel
Conradh na Gaeilge Public Speaking Awards
2025 Seisear Daltaí
2026 Surnaí Ní Cheallaigh, Aisling Ní Ghabhláin
Mayo Association Dublin Schools Debating Finalists
2017, 2018 Trinity College Finals
County Public Speaking & Debating Champions
Legacy 1994, 1996 (Toni Bourke)
Program Milestones & Highlights
Global Representation
Representing Ireland on the international stage with student Michael Fleming selected as a national delegate to the European Youth Parliament in Hamburg (2019)
All-Ireland Elite
Reaching the elite All-Ireland Quarter-Finals of the prestigious Concern Public Speaking & Debating Competition (2017) under the guidance of Mr. Liam Egan
Regional & Provincial Triumphs
Crowned champions of the BPW Western Region Girls Public Speaking Competition (2019) and finalists in the Mayo Association Dublin Schools Debating Grand Final at Trinity College (2017, 2018)
Gaeilge Excellence
Celebrating outstanding public speaking triumphs on the national Irish language stage, capturing multiple Gradam Óráid Phoiblí awards at Conradh na Gaeilge events (2025, 2026)
Got an Opinion?
That is literally the only qualification you need. Public speaking at Davitt College isn’t about standing at a podium being perfect from day one—it’s about learning to back up your ideas and building confidence that lasts a lifetime.
Whether you want to test your wits in national debates, polish your class presentations, or just figure out how to speak up without the nerves, drop into Mr. Gallagher’s room to get started!
