A pupil at Erne Integrated College, Enniskillen, Meabh Mackin demonstrated her winning way with words, taking the top place, at the recent annual heat of the Soroptimist International of Northern Ireland Public Speaking Competition.

This event took place on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, in Fermanagh House, Enniskillen.

Nine girls from two schools took part and the standard of their prepared speeches was described as “exceptionally high and made for an enjoyable evening for all present.”

The winner was Meabh Mackin, of Erne Integrated College. In second place was Emma Gallagher from Mount Lourdes Grammar School and third place was shared by Molly Rees of Erne Integrated College and Seana Grew from Mount Lourdes Grammar School.

A spokeswoman explained that Meabh’s chosen topic was “Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”, a New England proverb.”

She added: “This speech was linked with one of Soroptimist’s areas of interest and involvement, Environmental Sustainability. She delivered her speech with confidence and humour and is a worthy winner. Meabh will represent our Soroptimist club at the Northern Ireland finals in Hillsborough on February 10th 2018.”

The club thanked all the pupils for their participation and wished them every success in the future.

The adjudicators were Anne McClean, a retired teacher from Mount Lourdes Grammar School, Michele Kennedy, a Soroptimist member and solicitor, and Roy Cathcart, a retired English teacher from the Collegiate Grammar School.

Roy announced the winners and passed on some useful advice on public speaking such as making dramatic use of pauses.

The spokeswoman concluded: “Our club is grateful to Evelyn Hassard and her team of Soroptimists who organised the event, and the adjudicators, teachers, families and friends who helped to make the evening such a success. We wish to thank also the staff of Fermanagh House for their support in the event.”