Ireland’s oldest student debating competition has returned for a new season, bringing together third-level students from across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in a long-running test of public speaking, argument and critical thinking.
The Irish Times Debate, which has been held continuously since 1960, opened its latest competition with approximately 200 students entering the first round. The series will culminate in a final on February 26th, 2027.
Ireland’s oldest student debating competition begins a new season
The all-island competition is open to full-time third-level students attending institutions in both jurisdictions. Its stated purpose remains the promotion of excellence in oratory and debating, while giving students an opportunity to develop skills that are valuable in academic, professional and public life.
This year’s event is being run in partnership with DLA Piper in Ireland for the first time. The global law firm provides legal services to domestic and international clients across more than 40 countries.
How the competition works
Students compete in teams of two during the opening round. From the initial field, 96 speakers will advance to the second round. At that stage, each debate will feature four two-person teams alongside four individual speakers.
By early December, the competition will have been reduced to 48 students. They will take part in four semi-final debates scheduled for January 2027.
- Around 200 students entered the first round.
- There are 96 places in the second round.
- Forty-eight students will reach the semi-final stage.
- Twelve finalists will compete in the final.
- The final is scheduled for Friday, February 26th, 2027.
What students can win
Each semi-final will produce a winning team and a winning individual speaker. Those successful competitors will claim the 12 available places in the final.
The winning team will receive the Demosthenes Trophy, created by sculptor Oisín Kelly. The strongest individual speaker will be awarded the Christina Murphy Memorial Trophy.
Winners will also be invited on a debating tour of the United States. The tour is hosted by Pax Rhetorica and the National Parliamentary Debating Society of America, adding an international dimension to the competition.
A competition with six decades of Irish history
The Irish Times Debate has operated continuously since 1960 and has developed a notable record of former competitors. Past winners include Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell, comedian Dara Ó Briain and broadcaster Marian Finucane.
The competition’s alumni reflect the broad reach of student debating in Ireland. Participants have gone on to careers in law, politics, media, academia and public service, although the competition remains open to students from a wide range of disciplines.
Its long history also provides a record of changing student societies and institutions. Trinity College Dublin’s Historical Society has recorded the highest number of team victories, with 17. Law and History Society UCD has the highest individual win total, with 15. Historical Society TCD leads the overall society rankings with 29 wins, followed by Law and History Society UCD on 26.
Recent champions
The competition’s recent winners include representatives from Trinity College Dublin, UCD, King’s Inns, the Student Academic and Debating Society of Ireland and other university debating organisations. The 2026 champions listed in the historical record are Anya Wilson and Athena Wu of the Trinity College Dublin Historical Society in the team competition, while Cian Carew of SADSI won the individual title.
Why student debating still matters
Student debating is more than a contest of speaking ability. Competitors must research complex subjects, listen closely to opposing arguments and present a structured case under time pressure.
Those demands help students build transferable skills, including:
- Clear verbal and written communication
- Evidence-based reasoning
- Rapid analysis of unfamiliar issues
- Confidence when speaking to an audience
- Teamwork and constructive disagreement
In an era of fast-moving News Updates and intense public debate, the ability to distinguish evidence from assertion is increasingly important. Competitions such as this offer students a formal setting in which to practise those skills.
What happens next?
The next major stage is the second round, where the original entry will be narrowed to 96 students. The field is expected to be reduced again by early December, ahead of the four semi-final rounds in January.
The final will bring together 12 students on February 26th, 2027. Alongside the trophies, the winners will have the opportunity to take part in the United States debating tour.
Frequently asked questions
Who can enter the Irish Times Debate?
The competition is open to full-time third-level students in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
When did the competition begin?
The Irish Times Debate has run continuously since 1960.
How many students reach the final?
Twelve students will qualify for the final: a winning team and an individual winner from each of the four semi-final rounds.
What are the main prizes?
The winning team receives the Demosthenes Trophy, while the winning individual speaker receives the Christina Murphy Memorial Trophy. Winners are also invited on a debating tour of the United States.
Conclusion
The return of Ireland’s oldest student debating competition marks another chapter in a 66-year tradition of student oratory. With roughly 200 entrants, a new partnership with DLA Piper and a final scheduled for February 2027, the latest season will give emerging speakers from across the island a national platform. The key takeaway is clear: the Irish Times Debate remains an important part of Ireland’s third-level education and public-speaking culture.