Kildare student runner-up in national speech writing competition 

A student at Maynooth Post-Primary school in Co Kildare was a highly commended runner-up in the ActionTalks final, a national speech writing competition run by ActionAid.

ActionAid works with women and children as they take the lead in claiming their human rights to build a more just world. 

Out of 136 entrants from 33 schools in 14 counties across the country, Caolainn Hanlon was one of six chosen to deliver her speech in front of a panel of expert judges in Dublin’s Royal Irish Academy this week. 

Judges included the CEO of AkiDwA, Dr Salome Mbugua and the CEO of IDEA, Ruairí McKiernan. 

CEO of ActionAid Ireland Karol Balfe said: “It was heartening to see so many students across the country take part in the competition this year and share their views on global issues so articulately and with such passion.

“The high standard and obvious passion made it very difficult to judge at every stage of the competition. Caolainn narrowly missed out on the top spot but should be so proud of her hard work and delivering such an excellent speech." 

READ NEXT: Intelligent sensor systems sought for pedestrian crossings in Kildare

The competition, now in its twelfth year, is an opportunity for young people to explore the root causes of local and global injustices and inequalities. This year students wrote speeches on climate change, girls' education, and women’s rights organisations. 

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