Tom Meaney Memorial Public Speaking Competition

The annual Tom Meaney Memorial Public Speaking competition took place in the school library today. Under the guidance of toastmaster, Liam Flynn, five TY students presented speeches on a wide variety of topics, from school school equestrain competitions to school subject choice to soccer leagues for schools. Each delivered a cogent, well researched and perfectly presented piece. Lwandle Mpofu, Catriona Lehane, Oliver Strizzi, Sean Murphy and Katie Sheehan all did a brilliant job, reflecting the considerable effort they all put in. While all were highly commended, the adjudication panel of Liam Flynn, Jennifer O’Donoghue and Noreen Meaney chose Katie Sheehan as the outstanding speaker of the day. Katie was presented with the Tom Meaney Memorial trophy.

The day was a perfect event to conclude TY, as it encapsulated the TYs’ year perfectly, showcasing hard work, committment, talent, ability and a willingness to put in the effort and gain new skills and confidence from taking part. This competition certainly facilitated every aspect of the TY philosophy.

The event s also a perfect memorial to Tom Meaney, a former local farmer, TD, community leader and a man with a vision of education as key for young people to reach their potential. In this, the school’s 50th year, the event helped remind us of Tom’s key role in establishing MCS and thereby providing a school that could provide for the unique skills and talents of all students, a role it continues today.

Thanks to all who took part in the competition, their teachers, the speakers’ mentor Liam Flynn and Noreen Meaney, adjudicator and daughter of Tom Meaney.