The Irish Times Debate semi-finals will take place in four different venues - The Cadet School in the Curragh Camp, University College Dublin, the Royal Irish Academy, and Rathgar Methodist Church.
Some of Ireland’s most talented young debaters will tackle a wide range of motions relating to today's society. The four semi-finals in this year's series will run over two weeks, from January 25th to February 2nd. Three of the debates are open to the public and anyone who is interested is welcome to attend. The first debate in The Cadet School can be attended only by invitation.
The information for each semi final can be found below. Register now to join us for each semi-final. Tickets are free.
The Irish Times Debate is the oldest intervarsity debating competition in Ireland and considered to be the most prestigious. It has been running continuously since 1960. The competition was set up when the Union of Students in Ireland approached The Irish Times and asked them to consider running a competition similar to the British Observer Mace (renamed the John Smith Memorial Mace since 1995).
The competition is an all island debating championship open to any full time third-level student and has been since its inception. The objective of the competition is to promote excellence in oratory and debating. During each semi-final 12 speakers compete and three from each round (one individual and one team of two) will go through to take part in the final on February 23rd.
Date: Thursday, January 25th
Location: The Cadet School, Curragh Camp, Co. Kildare
Time: 6.30pm
Note: this event is invitation-only.
Date: Friday, January 26th
Location: Theatre M, Newman Building, UCD, Belfield, Dublin 4
Time: 6.30pm
Date: Thursday, February 1st
Location: The Royal Irish Academy, 19 Dawson Street, Dublin 2
Time: 6pm
Date: Friday, February 2nd
Location: Rathgar Methodist Church, 6 Brighton Rd, Terenure, Dublin 6
Time: 6.30pm