There was no shortage of people getting on their soapboxes at the Central Library in Letterkenny last week.
But unlike those who are usually hushed if they speak too loudly in the library, people were encouraged to have their say.
That’s because the event in question was the 2024 Europe Direct Soapbox public speaking competition.
The topic for this year’s Soapbox was “AI is not a threat to Humanity”.
Entrants had 3 minutes to argue for or against the motion and the winners received an Apple iPad.
Midlands Northwest MEP Maria Walsh will Chair the debate.
Clive Wasson also argued his point and was allowed to take some pictures!
Winner of the U16 section Limar Hassan speaking at the 2024 Europe Direct Soapbox Public Speaking Competition on “A.I. is not A Threat to Humanity” in the Central Library Letterkenny on Thursday. Photo Clive Wasson
Jiya Jino winner of the 17 and over section at the 2024 Europe Direct Soapbox Public Speaking Competition on “A.I. is not A Threat to Humanity” in the Central Library Letterkenny on Thursday. Photo Clive Wasson
Donna Marie Doherty, Highland Radio, Michéal Ó hEanaigh, VP Youth Culture and Tourism and Dr. Aoife Hill, Lecturer ATU Doengal, Judges at the 2024 Europe Direct Soapbox Public Speaking Competition on “A.I. is not A Threat to Humanity” in the Central Library Letterkenny on Thursday. Photo Clive Wasson
Winner of the U16 section Limar Hassan speaking at the 2024 Europe Direct Soapbox Public Speaking Competition on “A.I. is not A Threat to Humanity” in the Central Library Letterkenny on Thursday. Photo Clive Wasson
Jiya Jino winner of the 17 and over section at the 2024 Europe Direct Soapbox Public Speaking Competition on “A.I. is not A Threat to Humanity” in the Central Library Letterkenny on Thursday. Photo Clive Wasson
Under 16 winners at the 2024 Europe Direct Soapbox Public Speaking Competition on “A.I. is not A Threat to Humanity” in the Central Library Letterkenny on Thursday from left are Kevin McCaul, Manager Europe Direct Letterkeny Library, Emmanuel Adegoun, Runner Up, Maria Walsh MEP, Limar Hassan, Winner, Riley Doherty, Runner UP and Cllr. Jimmy Kavanagh, Leas Cathaoirleach Donegal County Council. Photo Clive Wasson
Competitor, orgnaisers and Judges at the 2024 Europe Direct Soapbox Public Speaking Competition on “A.I. is not A Threat to Humanity” in the Central Library Letterkenny on Thursday. Photo Clive Wasson
At the 2024 Europe Direct Soapbox Public Speaking Competition on “A.I. is not A Threat to Humanity” in the Central Library Letterkenny on Thursday. Seated from left are Marie Walsh, MEP, Jiya Jino, Over 17 Winner, Limar Hassan, U 16’s Winner and Cllr. Jimmy Kavanagh, Leas Cathaoirleach, Donegal County Council Back from left Emmanuel Adeogu, Runner Up U16’s Micheal l O’hÉanaigh, Judge, Donna marie Doherty, Judge, Kevin McCaul, Manager Europe Direct Letterkenny, Riley, Doherty, Runner Up U16’s, Taidhg Trocme, Runner Up over 17’sDr. Aoife Hill, Judge and Peace OSose Ativie, Runner Up 0ver 17’s. Photo Clive Wasson
Errigal College students who competed in the 2024 Europe Direct Soapbox Public Speaking Competition on “A.I. is not A Threat to Humanity” in the Central Library Letterkenny on Thursday with seated Kevin McCaul, Manager Europe Direct Letterkenny, Maria Walsh, MEP, Limar Hassan, U16 Winner and Cllr. Jimmy Kavanagh, Leas Cathaoirleach Donegal County Council. . Photo Clive Wasson