Ennis Macra na Feirme are through to the finals of the Macra na Feirme Public Speaking competition 2017.
The national semi final took place last Saturday night in St. Joseph’s Doora Barefield GAA headquarters in Gurteen. This was the first national competition that Clare Macra have hosted in a long number of years. The reigning national public speaking champions, Awbeg Macra from Cork, were what stood between Ennis and the National Finals. Ennis Macra took part for the first time in the Public speaking competition last year, making it to the semi final in Borrisoleigh.
The competition is intended as an introduction to public speaking for members with its main aim, to help them acquire both the confidence and skills to speak in public. It also encourages research on topics of general interest and public concern.
Awbeg’s topic on the night was ‘Extremism in Politics today’, while Ennis Macra’s topic was ‘GAA is Ireland’s greatest cultural asset.’ Representing the Ennis team was Cillian Griffey, Emma Galvin and Kieran Harvey.
During his speech, Cillian Griffey stated that: ‘The GAA plays a key role in the social and cultural life of Irish communities abroad and promotes Irish heritage and identity across the globe. UNESCO has decided that our national sport of hurling is worthy of recognition as a piece of ‘intangible cultural heritage’. It is nominated to join the official list in 2018.’
In his five minute speech to a large crowd in Gurteen, Kieran Harvey stated ‘Club numbers, player numbers and registered membership numbers all indicate the GAA’s position at the top of the Irish ladder in sporting terms. Other cultural aspects of Ireland such as Irish traditional music, and Irish literature (while still respected) do not command such a dominance over their international counterparts in the way that the GAA has consistently achieved.’
The judges were present in the audience and the final part of the presentation involved fielding questions on their speeches for eight minutes.
After a small break for refreshments and judge deliberations, the presiding officer, Marie Murphy announced the result. “The home county have it”.
A choice of two topics was then presented to the Ennis team for the national final. These were:
‘Hosting international sporting tournaments is worthwhile’ or ‘Irish people were healthier in our parent’s day’.
The next stage involves Ennis Macra travelling to Virginia, Cavan for the national final on December 2nd. They take on the Hill 16 club in Dublin, Bree in Wexford and Waterford City with one team to emerge triumphant.