Winners of public speaking competition announced

Europe Direct Waterford announced the winners of the regional Soapbox Final, held on Thursday, October 9, in the historic venue of the Dr. Mary Strangman Large Room at City Hall, Waterford.

Sixty participants delivered passionate and insightful three-minute speeches on the title 'Likes, Lies and Legal Limits': Is it time the EU banned social media for under-16s?'

Contestants showcased their public speaking skills and their proficient ability to engage with key European issues. 

With over 180 people in attendance, this was the biggest ever South-Eastern Regional Soapbox final.

After a lively and inspiring competition, the winners were announced as Amelia Heslin of St. Leo’s College, Carlow (16 & Under category) and Hasib Zia of Wexford CBS (17 & Over category).

Runners up and Highly Commended Prizes in the 16 & Under Category went to Leon Mullins, of Waterpark College, Waterford (runner up), and Luke Power of Ramsgrange Community School (highly commended). In the 17 & Over Category, Giovanna Vieira from St. Leo’s College, Carlow was runner up with Rory O’Reilly of CBS Kilkenny highly commended.

The first-place winners in both categories will be invited to represent Europe Direct Waterford in the National Soapbox final in Dublin on Monday, December 1. That event will take place at the Royal College of Physicians. Regional champions representing the eight Europe Direct Centres in Ireland will compete for the top title.

The judging panel for the regional final included Gerard Arthurs, Lecturer in International Relations & Politics and member of Team Europe in Ireland, Professor Felicity Kelliher, Professor of Management Practice at SETU, and board member of Waterford Integration Services, and Jim Linane of Waterford City and County Council. The judges praised all participants for their enthusiasm, originality and passionate debates on the title, with Head Judge, Mr Arthurs, commenting that it was the "most hotly contested regional final" he had the pleasure to judge so far.

"The huge number of entries is a testament to the engagement and curiosity of the students who took part," he said.

"We can be confident that they will take the mantle forward to guard against social media excess and exploitation," he added.

Mr Arthurs went on comment: “Young people must be encouraged to seek out fact-based information and be aware of potential manipulation online. A healthy democracy and a healthy society, depend upon an informed, media-literate citizenry that can separate fact from fiction. The Soapbox participants gave us great confidence in a tech-savvy, curious generation. It was a great morning of inspiration.” 

Following his win in the 17 & Over category, Hasib Zia said: "It was an engaging event that brought together diverse voices and perspectives, encouraging open-minded discussion."

The event was hosted by Europe Direct Waterford, part of the Europe Direct Network, which provides free information and advice about the European Union, its policies, and opportunities for citizens to get involved. For more information about Europe Direct Waterford and upcoming events visit https://waterfordlibraries.ie/europe-direct/ or keep an eye on Europe Direct, Waterford social media.