Well done to all ten finalists in this year’s Nicola Ward Trophy 1st year public speaking final. The eventual winner was Siofra Connolly who spoke about how tough it is for teenagers today. Ellen Finucane was second with her topic ‘Irish People Speak Too Much’ while Rachel Moore was third. She spoke about ‘Gossip’! The event was judged by Eamonn Higgins who instigated the competition, Susan Eades who has recently retired from the Bower and James Shivnan from Athlone toastmasters.
Since the competition has been ongoing for twenty-five years past winners were invited back to speak to the assembled 1st years and their parents. The entertainment was provided by the junior choir and some instrumentalists.
Congratulations to Mr McGuiness who organised the event.