YFCU members debate it out
Pictured is the winning 18-21 category group debating team, Donaghadee YFC Kate McCormick, Hannah Spratt and Rachel Johnston being congratulated by Arlene Foster MLA, Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Joe Crawford on behalf of Elanco and William Wilson YFCU president.
MEMBERS of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) took part in the NI final of the association’s annual group debating competition, sponsored by Elanco, at Omagh Academy.
Guest speaker Arlene Foster, MLA Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment attended the final and had the opportunity to listen to the junior members debating on the topic ‘charity begins at home’ and to the senior members who debated on whether ‘it’s better to buy locally produced food’.
Senior members were given 30 minutes to prepare their debates and junior members had 40 minutes in which to form their debates. During that time they used personal opinion and a comprehensive fact sheet provided to each team. This format means that the debating in the contest is more spontaneous and encourages members to work together as a team.
It also means that no one is disadvantaged by having more time to practice and prepare than others.
After the judges totted up the scores, competitors gathered to hear the results. YFCU President William Wilson introduced Minister Arlene Foster, MLA who spoke to the audience before presenting the prizes.
Minister Foster told the members she was hugely impressed with the array of talent displayed in the debates that she had the pleasure of observing and congratulated all those who took part in the competition.
Following the presentation of prizes, YFCU president, William Wilson said: “The YFCU group debating competition continues to be one of the most popular in our calendar and we were delighted to have the continued support of Elanco. On behalf of the association I would also like to extend a note of thanks to our guest speaker Minister Foster and to Joe Crawford, who attended on behalf of Elanco, for his help at the heats and this evening and Elanco’s continued support of YFCU.”
David Hall, chair of YFCU agri and rural affairs committee, concluded the evening with his vote of thanks to all involved in the event.
The results were as follows:
Results Class A: 12-14
1st Glarryford YFC – Joshua Park, Shakeel Mohammed, Suzanne Reid
2nd Newtownards YFC – Sarah Townley, Anna Browne, Emily Moore
Results Class B: 14-16
1st Moneymore YFC – Abbie Hunter, Alison Davis, John Sheppard
2nd Newtownards YFC – Ewan Dalzell, Matthew Patton, Ian Lemon
Results Class C: 16-18
1st Ballywalter YFC – Chloe Ferris, Nikita Bailie, Kerry Angus
2nd Annaclone & Magherally YFC – Jenny Cromie, Ellen Woods, Emma Martin
Results Class D: 18-21
1st Donaghadee YFC – Kate McCormick, Hannah Spratt, Rachel Johnston
2nd Coleraine YFC – Danielle Black, Claire Adams, Chantelle Murdoch
Results Class E: 21-25
1st Lylehill YFC – Stephanie McCollam, John Wallace, Christina McCollam
2nd Glarryford YFC – Rachael Frew, Cathy Knowles, Robyn McCormick
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Monday 20 May 2013
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