PORTADOWN COLLEGE SECOND IN UK IN PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION

Three PortadownCollege students have returned from the Business & Professional Women (BPW) Public Speaking Competition National Final in Oswestry, Shropshire, with yet another prize for the school's trophy cabinet, much to the delight of teacher Cathy Irwin who travelled with them to support.

The Senior Debating Team of Richard Hill, Emma Kenny and Jane Balmer were up against stiff competition from winning schools from five UK regional heats but won through to take the runners-up team prize.

Their topic "It's the Sun wot won it" covered the power and influence of the press, particularly in relation to politics, and urged readers to be wary of believing everything they might read in the papers and to form their own opinions on everyday issues.

Earlier in the year, PortadownCollege swept the boards at the Northern Ireland Public Speaking Final at Craigavon Civic Centre, which was generously supported by Craigavon Borough Council's Development Committee. Emma took the trophy for Best Speaker, Richard for Best Chairman, Jane for the Best Expresser of Thanks and together they were awarded the shield for the winning team.

Congratulating the team on their successes in this year's competition, BPW Northern Ireland President – Portadown woman Ruth Galwey - said “The BPW Public Speaking competition provides an excellent opportunity for self-development, encouraging young people to develop their skills in researching, public speaking and team-work -  skills which are very important in today’s workplace."  

Mrs Irwin with Jane, Richard and Emma at the National Final of the BPW Competition in Oswestry.