Public Speaking Competition 2026

Above: Brother John Murphy presenting the winning trophy to Our Lady’s Bower Athlone who were represented by Krystal, Sive and Saoirse and their teacher Ms S Weir

The Knights of Saint Columbanus run an annual All Ireland public speaking competition entitled “Young People Find Language for their Faith” for students from Years 12, 13 or 14 in N.I and students from Transition year or 5^th and 6^th Years in Ireland.

Students support their arguments with references from Old and New Testament, Church documents, Church teachings, Papal Encyclicals including YouthCat and Docat. This year’s competition which enjoyed wide participation from all four provinces was a pleasure to witness. It was notable to see the number of new Irish participating. The Knights of St Columbanus wish to express their sincere admiration to young people who have participated. Their dedication, the thorough research of Encyclicals, the continual refinement of their presentations, and the skill with which they wove together their ideas and solid values have been nothing short of impressive. Through these efforts, the youth have shown the adult members of our community that they possess the qualities required to assume future leadership roles within society.

Their genuine desire to share the love of God with others was evident not only in their actions but also in the way they conducted themselves and upheld positive values. Their behaviour has consistently reflected compassion and kindness, qualities that are essential for building a caring and supportive community.

The students from Our Lady's Bower Secondary School Athlone who addressed the quotation from Laudato Si. “Human Beings, while capable of the worst, are also capable of rising above themselves, choosing again what is good, and making a new start”. were the winners.

Killina Presentation Secondary School who were represented by Laura Katie and Rory addressed the quotation from Pope Leo in October 2025, "I can only state once more that inequality is 'the root of all social ills". were second.

The Killina team Laura, Katie and Rory pictured above with their teachers and Brother John Murphy

Our Public Speaking Competition is up and running. We would encourage as many members of the public to attend and witness the incredible talent of our country's young men and women, discussing issues of faith that are having an impact on their lives and their futures.

We look forward to welcoming you to this exciting program of events and showing your support for the young people of our country.