Athlone student progresses to regional public speaking heats
An Athlone student is to go forward to the regional heats for the 44th annual Soroptimist International Republic of Ireland Girls’ Public Speaking Competition, following her recent success at the Athlone & District competition.
Aoife Minnock from Athlone Community College will be joined in the regional heats by Amelia Vaughan from Castlerea Community College. Keela Plunkett from Coláiste Chiaráin Athlone was selected as the reserve.
The Athlone & District local public speaking heat was held on Thursday, November 28, and sponsored by Stephen Reynolds of the Athlone Book Shop. The club expressed its gratitude to Stephen for the shop's ongoing support for and commitment to this event.
The regional final will be held in Mullingar on February 1. Regional winners will then advance to the national final, which will take place in Castlebar in April 2025.
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Seated (L-R): Miriam Nally, Athlone Soroptimist; Ameila Vaughan, Castlerea Community College Roscommon (Joint Winner); Aoife Minnock, Athlone Community College (Joint Winner); Keela Plunkett, Choláiste Chiaráin (Reserve), Darina Dolan. amd Anne Finnigan, Athlone Soroptimist.Standing (L-R): Bernie Egan, Athlone Soroptimist; Orlaith Farrell, Our Lady’s Bower; Emily Carter, Our Lady’s Bower; Katie Hannon, Castlerea Community College; Angelina Sewell, Sacred Heart Tullamore; Ciara Walsh, Athlone Community College; and Pat Braiden Athlone Soroptimist. Photo: Padraig Devaney.The annual Girls’ Public Speaking Competition aims to provide young women across Ireland with a unique platform to hone their public speaking skills, foster self-confidence, and embrace the possibilities of public life.
Throughout the competition, participants deliver speeches on topics that challenge, inspire, and encourage reflection on key societal issues, helping these young women to find and amplify their voices.
Soroptimist International Republic of Ireland President Anne O’Sullivan, expressed her pride in this legacy programme.
“At its core, our public speaking competition is about empowering young women to find their voices and realise the impact they can have in society,” said O’Sullivan.
“This event is an invaluable opportunity for girls to develop skills that will stay with them for a lifetime—skills that prepare them for leadership, advocacy, and engagement in public life. We are incredibly proud to support this important journey for Ireland’s future leaders.”
The competition is sponsored by SCF Global Campus. Soroptimist International Republic of Ireland has extended its heartfelt thanks to SCF Global Campus for its commitment to promoting youth empowerment and championing the next generation of female leaders.