Junior Debating – International Competition for Young Debaters, April 2022

Josh Murphy and Jamie Browne-Lynch (both 2nd Year) were amongst over 300 competitors from across three continents who competed in this year’s Finals Day of the International Competition for Young Debaters (ICYD) held at the historic Oxford Union last Saturday, April 23rd. The Union is one of the most prestigious debating societies in the world, with an unparalleled reputation for hosting renowned speakers from around the globe. Established over 195 years, the society has a long tradition of challenging thought and aiming to promote debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but around the world.

Motions for Finals Day 2022:

• In Opening Opposition – This House Would ban religious schools.
• In Closing Government – This House Would legalise the buying and selling of human organs.
• In Opening Government – This House Supports the illegal property destruction of major polluters (e.g. pipelines, factories, oil rigs).
• In Closing Opposition – This House Would nationalise the pharmaceutical industry.

Josh and Jamie represented Blackrock College with flair and optimism, focus and determination; with each round they improved on their delivery, content, impact and conviction, coming first in their debate in the 4th round.

Grand Final Motion was:
This house believes that Western liberal democracies should not trade with countries with known human rights abuses.

Oxford Schools is the largest British Parliamentary school-level debate competition in the world, and the largest debating competition in the UK, aimed at students aged 14-18. Its aim is to make debating accessible to as many schools as possible whilst maintaining the prestige and competitiveness of the title; it is an aim they have pursued for over 20 years offering students an excellent chance to develop their skills and confidence in public speaking, thoughtful argumentation and analytical problem solving.

Josh and Jamie represented Blackrock College in this year’s hybrid competition with unwavering confidence and ability, a sense of team and a phenomenal engagement maintained throughout.

We thank Ms Pierce for organising this opportunity for them.