A Message from the Society’s Patron

Ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas a dhéanamh leis an gCumann Liteartha agus Díospóireachta as bheith ag ceiliúradh céad caoga blian i mbliana. Cúis áthais agus bróid don Choláiste go bhfuil an Cumann ársa seo chomh beomhar, bríomhar inniu is a bhí sé blian a bhunaithe.

The Lit & Deb holds a special place in the hearts, not just of present students, but of the many thousands of UCG graduates, who, down the years, have enjoyed the debates, sometimes hilarious, sometimes serious, but always interesting and thought-provoking. At a time when Irish society was not as open as it is today, student societies like the Lit & Deb provided an important forum for debating issues in an open and frank manner. Debating skills were acquired and honed on the floor of the Greek or Latin Hall and hecklers high up on the back benches ensured that the speaker did not become verbose or dull! Strongly-held beliefs were challenged and the important social and political issues of the day were debated in a frenzy of student fervour and enthusiasm. The audience demanded, and usually got, a high standard of debating, an original approach to the subject, but above all a good night’s entertainment!

The Lit & Deb has a proud and distinguished history. Many of its speakers have achieved prestigious debating awards, not only in Ireland, but abroad also. Down through the years, UCG graduates have employed their considerable debating skills on the floor of Leinster House, in the trade union movement and in the business and legal areas. Most of these successful graduates ‘cut their teeth’ with the Lit & Deb. They learned how to research issues and debate them in an articulate and convincing way. Despite the tremendous technological advances made since the Lit & Deb was established one hundred and fifty years ago, the ‘raison d’etre’ of the society has not changed or become any less relevant to student life. In fact, the age of the computer has not diminished the importance of the individual being able to stand in front of an audience and argue his/her side of a debate with clarity, courage and conviction.

Guím gach rath ar an Lit & Deb ins na blianta atá romhainn. Go néirí go geal leis!

Dr. Patrick Fottrell

Uachtarán