Public Speaking 2012 Winners

Leitrim Students Win 2012 National Public Speaking Title

Students from Lough Allen College, Drumkeerin, Co. Leitrim won this year’s National Public Speaking Project. The final was held in the Edmund Burke Theatre, Trinity College, Dublin on Saturday 31^st March.

L-R: Brian Howard, (Mental Health Ireland CEO), Shannon O’Grady, Kate Byrne, Michael Clancy, Suzie McGovern, Ms. Rachel Shannon, (Tutor.)

The judging panel praised all the students for their clear understanding of the subject, which was demonstrated by the concise content in their contributions and on their understanding of the topic.  The topic chosen for this year’s final was:

Personal Integrity, Community Care, Mindfulness of the Spirit –  

The Keys to Our Well - Being.

The team were supported by their families and friends and their teacher who assisted them throughout the project, Ms. Rachel Shannon and the Principle. Their prize is a 3 day trip to Brussels and the much coveted National perpetual trophy.

Commenting on the value of the event, Brian Howard, CEO of MHI, said: “By encouraging young people to research mental health issues, both nationally and in their own localities, we are developing more informed attitudes and helping to eradicate negative stigmas surrounding mental illness. The event is also playing a very important role in creating awareness among young people in the vital importance of developing positive mental health strategies at personal and community levels.”

To date, the project has delivered some very positive results, including an improvement in self-confidence among the students involved, a heightened awareness of mental health issues, increased career motivation and, most importantly, a sense of pride and achievement among all those involved.

Crucially, the project has engaged thousands of students to think more deeply about the issue of mental health problems, and has encouraged school and community participation in a subject that affects so many young people and their families living inIreland.

In September we will launch the 32^nd year of the Public Speaking Project. We would ask all volunteers, local MHAs and schools to continue to support this fantastic project. It is as important now as it has ever been.

Mental Health Irelandwishes to thank all the schools, teachers and students who have entered this year's project.  We are delighted with the interest in the project again this year with 163 teams entered and we trust that all involved will find it a rewarding experience.  We understand it takes a huge commitment to undertake such projects and MHIcommend you for this and your support for Mental Health Ireland in building awareness of positive mental health.  Good luck and best wishes to all the teams!

Thanks also go to all involved with the organisation of the project locally and all who have volunteered their time to act as adjudicators, master of ceremonies, timekeepers, etc.

For more information on the National Public Speaking Project > click here