Nenagh Library hosted the regional heats of Soapbox 2018 on Tuesday 13th November, the last big event in our Europe Direct Programme of Events for the year. The motion being ‘European Elections – Every Vote Counts’ and with two categories, 19 and over and 18 and under, we were delighted to have 15 participants on the night. Tracy Culleton, from Cloughjordan won in the 19 and over category while Anna Bradish won the 18 and under category, prizes of IPADs, sponsored by the European Commission Representation, for both winners being awarded .
Runner up prizes of vouchers were awarded to Majella Keogh from Nenagh and Erica Ryan, who represented the Ursuline convent, Thurles.

Nenagh library staff would like to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone who took part in this soapbox; we were especially happy to see the young people so engaged and passionate about this pressing issue of our time. Again, their supporters – teachers, parents and family members all contributed in terms of time and energy to supporting these young people and for that we applaud them,. This Soapbox would not have been possible with out teachers pushing their students to take part and supporting them .with their time and commitment. To everyone who did take part we say a big thank you, you exemplified the topic that every vote counts – standing up and making your voices heard. We hope that you all continue to do so in the future. Again, there is another team that were vital to the success of the night – our judging panel chaired by Jerry Cronin, which included Gillian Moore from Tipperary Youth Work and Ger McNulty, Speech and Drama teacher and chairperson of the 2018 Dromineer Literary Festival. Another vital member of this team was our moderator for the night, the always reliable Jim Finn of Tipp FM. Refreshments were supplied by Marie Nagle of Cinnamon Alley.

Finally, we would like to wish our two winners, Tracy Culleton and Anna Bradish the best of luck in the national final, to be held at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland on Tuesday, 27th November.