The final of the Senior Debating Competition for the Bro. McFarland Trophy took place in the school on Tuesday 20th April. The motion for dabate was: This house believes that Ireland has become a racist society. Proposing the motion were Colm O'Grady, Ruaírí Murphy, John Markey and Stephen Begley. The opposition were Daniel-Patrick Heatley, Eamonn Donnelly, Cathal Grimes and Ruaírí McAuley. The debate was chaired by Mr Pat Mooney.

The topic of racism in our society is very much prevalent in the news at the moment and the students debated the motion with a degree of passion, gusto and maturity which belied their age. The formal debate lasted about one hour and the evening was rounded off with ex tempore motions which provuded much mirth and enjoyment for the large audience

The adjuducating panel of Mr Noel Thompson (Guest Speaker), Mr Rory McShane (Competition Sponsor) and Mr Gerald Morgan (Teacher in charge of debating) agreed that this was the closest final for a number of years. In the end they decided that through a combination of confident devivery, excellent research and preparation and a subtle yet appropriate degree of wit, the best speaker was Eamonn Donnelly. Second place went to Colm O'Grady whilst Stephen Begley was third.