Lisburn student talksherself into the prizes

Niamh McMahon from Lisburn, represented the local Soroptimist club and spoke on the topic ‘Equality for women and girls is not only a human right – it is a social and economic imperative’ (Ban Ki-moon UN Secretary General).

This was the competition’s 30th anniversary and Niamh competed against 14 other finalists.

The adjudicators included Viola Hewitt, who was an adjudicator at the first competition in 1982 (and a past Federation President); Anne Donaghy, chief executive of Ballymena Borough Council and actress Susie Kelly.

Thoroughly impressed by the speeches of the silver tongued finalists, Dr Joan Smyth, Chairman, Progressive Building Society, said; “This competition offers young women a superb opportunity to develop the skills and abilities necessary to voice their opinions on topical subjects in an informed and confident manner. It’s not therefore surprising that this competition is recognised within many educational establishments as one of the premier public speaking events in Northern Ireland.”

Congratulating all girls on making it to the final, Hazel Holmlund, Northern Ireland Regional President of Soroptimist International, said; “Although it was only a couple of years ago that the skill of public speaking became an essential Key Skills qualification that students are expected to gain, our organisation has been championing the cause for the past thirty years through this competition. Our first Public Speaking Competition ran in 1982 with the aim of promoting and encouraging young women from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to meet, compete and widen their horizons.”