RockED 2020

WOW! – This, like most things this year, was different – an audience of 29 in a hall that holds in excess of 200; (sadly) no parents to celebrate the performance of their son (don’t worry, it has been recorded). However, what was the same was the outstanding quality of our speakers in this TED X style event.

Senan McCloskey (3rd Year) set a high bar with his faultless delivery on the Art of Origami. Colm Fagan (5th Year) maintained the standard as he shared his experience in Machakos last year. Mark McCabe (5th Year) soared as he presented on the impact the T.Y. Soup Run had on him as he came face-to-face with Dublin’s homeless crisis. Mark O’Brien (6th Year) enthusiastically spoke about the tenacity and drive of Olympians and the Olympic spirit which is a catalyst for peace and equality. Michael White (5th Year) provided a fascinating insight on Dreams. Sean O’Connor’s (5th Year) story about working with the elderly, which he did on the T.Y. Matthew 25 programme, was outstanding. And our brilliant MCs, George Francis (T.Y.) and Harry Pierce (3rd Year), seamlessly brought it together.

Our final speaker, Tom Tracey (class of 1998) discussed masks, not just in a Covid context, but also from the superhero to the villain, from the compelling to the humdrum. His excellent talk included such gems as, “The roles we play are the masks we wear” and “Mediocrity is an effective mask”.

This was an outstanding evening, great entertainment provided by 7 boys (one a little older), who voiced ideas with eloquence and inspiration to a small audience who realised they were privileged to be part of it.

The night was also a compliment to the mentors and organisers who left nothing to chance in their preparation.

We thank our organising Committee Keara Hall, Dee Kelly, Dermot Ryan, Rowan Monahan, Tom Tracey, Ms Maguire and Mr Maher for their expertise, their dedication and their belief in the value of public speaking.

Marvellous!