When Debates Go Bad -1

When Debates Go Bad -2

Thou Shalt Always Squirrel

1800 - SHAFTED

WELCOME!

On behalf of The Law Society (LawSoc) and Literary and Debating Society (Lit&Deb) of NUI, it gives me great pleasure to invite you once again to the Galway International Open, also known as the Irish National Law Debates or the Galway IV (a misnomer- the competition has always been an open one. As a previous convenor put it, “you could do it with your mother”). The competition is entering its 9th year and has really gone from strength to strength, raising the bar for Irish competitions in terms of “bang for your buck”; the team cap is continuously expanding, the judging pool is always getting deeper, and our ambitions for excellence increase year on year. This year, we are even more eager to show the world what we can do in Galway as we are currently competing in the bid to host the European Intervarsity Debating Championship in 2011. In light of this, we are focusing on demonstrating what a fantastic debating destination Galway and Ireland are on the international circuit, while making it easier than ever for our friends across the globe to attend the competition.

Looking forward to seeing you in the City of the Tribes,

Niamh McNally

Convenor

The central competition will be run this year on the 12th and 13th of February, and there is a team cap of 80 with an institutional cap of 3 teams to begin with. It is our great honour to announce that the Chief Adjudicators of the competition this year will be Ross Frenett (former winner of the Law Debates, Best Speaker at the Trinity IV 2008, winner of Durham and Koc Opens, Irish Mace and Irish Times finalist, European Championship semi-finalist) and Gregg O'Neill (reigning champion of the Law Debates, winner of Durham IV 2009, former winner of World Masters Championships, former finalist and current co-convenor of the Irish Mace, and former finalist in many more Invitationals, Internationals, and IVs). A match made in heaven, without a doubt guaranteeing some of the most interesting and balanced motions to be seen in quite some time.

The Galway IV is famous for it’s innovative, top quality social events and as ever, we will do everything within our power to keep all participants entertained throughout the weekend. This includes a Monster Match-Making Ceili combined with a more mellow traditional music session on Friday night, and a fabulous cocktail reception before the Final in the beautiful and historic Aula Maxima of NUI, Galway. The Gala Dinner will return to the Renmore Army Barracks this year, where all will be treated to a delicious dinner followed by a DJ set in the tax-free bar and dancing the night away!

That’s not all, however. This year, the weekend is kicking off a little earlier; on Thursday the 11th of February we will be holding the first ever Galway Alumni Invitational. The Hacks and Heroes of Lit&Deb are returning to the Kirwan to battle it out for glory one last time! All are welcome to attend and join in Private Members Time, and the floor debate following the main event, and of course, on to the Dail bar to continue the debating over some refreshments. Come along and witness this Battle of the Titans, and help us kick off the weekend in style! In addition to the Invitational and the Friday/Saturday competition, we are re-introducing the concept of the Galway Fringe Festival; a relaxed, fun day to hang out with friends old and new. Brunch with a movie, followed by bowling and some drinks in the evening time, this is a great way to spend the day waiting for a flight, or simply as a treat to yourself after the hard work of the weekend.

REGISTRATION AND FEES: