Kildare student wins regional speech writing final

A student at Maynooth Post-Primary in Kildare has been chosen as one of the winners of the ActionTalks’ regional speech writing competition.

Caolainn Hanlon will now go forward to the national finals in Dublin in March.

The competition is run by ActionAid Ireland, which works with women and children across the world, as they take the lead in claiming their human rights to build a more just world.  

The ActionTalks competition, now in its twelfth year, invites students across the country to investigate global social justice issues.

This year students wrote speeches on climate crisis, girls’ education and women’s rights organisations. ActionAid received 135 entries from 33 schools across 14 counties.  

As one of seven winners of the regional finals, Caolainn will now go on to the National Final which will be held in Dublin on 25 March 2026, judged by a prestigious panel of judges.  

READ NEXT: Kildare gardaí investigating harrowing dangerous driving incident at filling station

CEO of ActionAid Ireland Karol Balfe said: “Young people are passionate about global issues of justice. Ireland plays an important role internationally, both in its aid programmes funded by Irish taxpayers and its influence at EU and international level on key policy issues. 

“It’s fantastic to see so many young people engage with important global topics like climate justice and gender equality.  It was very difficult choosing the winners of the regional final, as it was so clear how much effort young people put in. However, we’re delighted to see Caolainn go forward for the final, whose speech on the topic of girls' education was well researched, well-crafted and delivered with style.”  

This competition is supported by Irish Aid, Department of Foreign Affairs, as part of a women’s rights programme in Kenya, Nepal and Ethiopia.