An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir April 2014 www.dfmagazine.ie 8 | by SGT WAYNE FITzGERALD PhoToS by SGT MICK BURKE DF MASSED bAND CoNCERT T he Irish Times debating competition is Ireland's most prestigious, with over 300 speakers taking part each year. The Cadet School has had strong links with the competi- tion for the last number of decades, using it as an opportunity to develop cadets' skills in public speaking and persuasion. The Cadet School had a very successful run in this year's compe- tition with Cadets Fahy and Van Haeftan reaching the semi-finals and Cadet Bedair reaching the grand final. In the final, which was held on February 28th at the Irish Law Society, Black Hall, Cadet Bedair was proposing the motion "That this house believes the Irish political system has served us well." Although victory on the night went to the opposition, Cadet Bedair was singled out by the chief adjudicator, the Hon Mr Justice Adrian Hardiman, for particular praise for her engag- ing and entertaining debate. Earlier in the competition the Cadet School played host to one of the semi-finals which saw twelve speakers, including Cadets Bedair and Van Haeftan, convene in the Cadets' Mess to debate the motion "That this house would commemorate the First World War." The debate proved to be of an exceptionally high standard and after a lengthy deliberation the adjudicators announced that Cadet Bedair would be progressing to this year's final. The other semi-final took place in Kings Inn on Febru- ary 20th and Cadet Fahy just missed out on a place in the final with an excellent speech in opposition to the motion "That this house believes the constitution of Ireland has served us well." The skills of rhetoric involved in debate and public speak- ing are suited to developing leadership skills and it is for this reason that debating has historically been promoted in the Cadet School through competitions such as this and various in-house debates. Congratulations go particularly to the three cadets men- tioned above, as reaching the final or semi-final stage of such a prestigious competition is an outstanding achievement, and we look forward to building on the successes of 90 Cadet Class over the coming year. by COMDT EUGENE COOKE "That this house believes..." L/R; Cadets Fahey, Keena (IC Debating), Badir and Van Haeftan at the final in Black Hall. L/R; Comdt Eugene Cooke, Chief Adjudicator Hon. Mr Justice Adrian Hardiman, Cadet Badir and Convenor Irish Times Debating Competition, Mr. Lorcán Price, BL, pictured after Cadet Badir's engaging performance on the night. O n Friday 21st February a Defence Forces Massed band Concert was held in the City hall, Cork in aid of the Defence Forces be- nevolent Fund. In what is an annual calendar highlight in the Munster province, this year's concert proved to be another sell-out. Those performing were soprano Mary Hegarty, compère Capt Fergal Carroll (DFSM), the Pipes and Drums of the DF and the Band of 1 Brigade conducted by Capt Brian Prendergast. In his foreword Brig Gen Diarmuid Fitzgerald, GOC 1 Brigade thanked all the sponsors for their generous support and assistance and especially Henry Ford & Son Ltd, who have supported the event for the past 26-years. He also thanked the Cork City Council for the use of the Concert Hall and facilities and also thanked the organising committee and the voluntary programme sellers who have supported the event for many years. The event supports the Defence Forces' Benevo- lent Fund, whose objectives and purposes are to pro- vide relief in cases of necessity or distress for former members of the DF and their dependants. The Defence Forces benevolent Fund can be found at DFhQ, McKee bks, Dublin 7, or ring them at 018046776.

• Cover