Buncrana student named runner-up in national speech writing competition

An Inishowen students has come second in a national speech writing competition.

Scoil Mhuire Buncrana student Caoimhe Lafferty was named as the runner-up at the ActionTalks final in Dublin last week.

Out of over 143 entrants from 40 schools in 16 counties across the country, Caoimhe was one of seven chosen to deliver her speech in front of a panel of expert judges in Dublin’s Royal Irish Academy this week.

CEO of ActionAid Ireland Karol Balfe said: “The standard of the speeches submitted in this year’s competition was very high, and difficult to judge at every stage of the competition.

"It was heartening to see so many students across the country take part and share their views on global issues so articulately, and with such passion. Caoimhe narrowly missed out on the top spot today but should be so proud of her hard work and delivering such an excellent speech.”

The competition, now in its ninth year, is an opportunity for young people to explore the root causes of local and global injustices and inequalities. This year students wrote speeches on climate justice, economic barriers to accessing education, and valuing unpaid care work.