Susana Nunez, Second Level Education Officer, Educate Together
Limerick Educate Together Secondary School (ETSS) emerged victorious at the 2025 Educate Together Secondary Schools Debating Competition, claiming the coveted network title in a thrilling final held on Friday, 14 March at Clogher Road Community College in Dublin.
This win is particularly significant for Limerick ETSS, a school with a well-established tradition of debating excellence. Having reached the semi-finals of the national competition for the past three years, this year’s triumph marks a well-earned milestone and a moment of immense pride for the school community.
The Debating Competition Final
The grand final saw Limerick ETSS face off against Celbridge Community School in a heated and intellectually charged debate on the motion: “Hate speech bills are always an effective tool.” Both teams demonstrated remarkable skill, poise, and deep understanding of the topic, making it one of the most memorable finals in recent years.
The panel of judges – Cliodhna O’Neill (Department of Education), Evie Barwise (Clogher Road CC student), Micah Switzer (University College Dublin), and Susana Nuñez (Educate Together) – praised both teams for their persuasive communication, critical thinking, and respectful engagement with a sensitive and complex issue. The high caliber of discourse was a testament to the power of debating as a tool for education and civic engagement.
Thank You to our Incredible Hosts!
Special thanks were extended to Clogher Road Community College for hosting the event, and to Áine Ní Ruairc for her outstanding coordination of this year’s competition.
The Educate Together Debating Competition continues to grow as a vibrant platform for student voice, critical engagement, and spirited dialogue. This year’s final was a powerful reminder of how the exchange of ideas can inspire, challenge, and empower young people.
