Wexford woman makes her mark in Macra public speaking event

Peter Byrne, Sarah Byrne and James Byrne at the impromptu speaking event.

Brendan KeaneEnniscorthy Guardian

A member of Bree Macra emerged runner-up in a national public speaking competition in which only six people got to the final.

Sarah Byrne represented County Wexford in the the Impromptu Public Speaking Competition and out of 22 semi-finalists she was one of the six speakers who progressed to the final which was held in Ennis.

In the competition the participants were presented with a random topic and had to immediately face the audience and deliver a two-minute speech on the topic.

Each competitor had to select and speak on three different topics without any preparation.

What made Sarah’s achievement all the more remarkable was the fact it was her first time entering the competition.

Commenting on the experience she expressed delight at being place runner-up in the All-Ireland final.

She expressed gratitude towards her coaches, veterans of Bree Macra, James and Peter Byrne.

The overall winner of the competition was from near neighbour County Kilkenny. Josephine O’Neill was competing for Callan Macra and she was runner-up on two previous occasions so Sarah can feel justifiably proud of the fact she went head-to-head with one of the very best in the country.

Bree Macra will be hosting a social in Byrne’s of Bree on the evening of March 31, for existing members and anyone interested in joining.

in joining.