Holly wins HSBC Ireland sponsored Soroptimist Girls’ Public Speaking title hosted at the K Club

The K Club played host to Sunday’s final of the Soroptimist Girls’ Public Speaking Competition with eight finalists debating topics including women’s empowerment, health and democracy. It was Waterford student, Holly Rogan who was crowned the overall winner, taking home the Perpetual Mildred O’Brien Trophy, plus an Apple iPad and a prize worth €1,000 for her school.

Holly delivered an impressively strong and thought-provoking performance.

To reach Sunday’s event, the 8 finalists had passed through challenging local and regional heats. The competition was sponsored by HSBC for the first time and saw a total of 303 students from over 180 secondary schools around the country compete for a place in the final.

Schools in Waterford City, Gorey, Ennis, Mullingar, Tralee, Athlone, Limerick and Swinford were represented in the final with the debaters judged on their style of delivery, presentation and knowledge demonstrated.

Each speech was approximately 6 minutes; the finalists were challenged to consider matters such as the impact of global food extremes, the causes of gender inequality and the importance of education.

Moya Murphy, National Convenor, Soroptimist International Ireland praised the high standard of this year’s participants saying: “The energy, enthusiasm and talent shown by the finalists today is a testament to the impressive candidates we saw throughout all stages of the competition. We would like to thank the participants for their dedication and effort and we hope that the experience will give them the confidence to achieve their potential and realise their aspirations in the future. We would also like to thank the teachers and schools which provide such important support to the girls and give up their time to assist them throughout the competition.”

Meanwhile, Lorraine Donnelly, Head of Global Liquidity & Cash Management Ireland at HSBC said: “HSBC is delighted to sponsor such a fantastic project which is so well-suited to our ambition to support the development of female talent. The competition gives young women the opportunity to practice and perfect the public speaking and debating skills which will serve them well in their professional and public life.”

Feature photos shows Holly Rogan, Winner of the Soroptimist Girls’ Public Speaking Competition 2019, accepting her award, the Perpetual Mildred O’Brien Trophy from Darina Dolan, National President of Soroptimist International

About Soroptimist International Soroptimist International is a worldwide volunteer service organisation for business and professional women. One of the main aims of the organisation is to provide women with the opportunity to improve their lives in local communities throughout the world. Through its General (Category One) Consultative Status as a non-governmental organisation at the United Nations, Soroptimist seeks equality, peace, and international goodwill for women