I learned only yesterday of a great bit of craic being played out in Trim in the lead up to the Swift festival at the end of the month.Basically its a pub debating competition. Each of the eight Trim pubs selects a team of three, each competitor then picks a statement out of a hat and has to talk for and against it for a set time. They are then judged on entertainment, balance and originality.
Matches are played home and away and I understand the slagging is mighty. Next rounds are on this week at Lenihans and The Steps (Wednesday) and Kielys and Marcies on Thursday. Matches are scheduled for 9.30pm
The idea is the brainchild of the flamboyant Paddy Smith of the Boyne Writers Group. What a brilliant way of harnessing that legendary wit found in public houses up and down the land!
Now this indeed would be will be a sight to see. I wish I could be there. Enjoy :)
ReplyDeleteYes Peter, great fun. It's called "The Standup Row" and is inspired by the fact that it is exactly 300 years ago this year that Jonathan Swift caused consternation in English politics by switching his allegiance from the Whigs to the Tories.
ReplyDeleteEach contestant picks a subject from the hat, then they have two minutes for discussion with their team mates before they speak for one minute speaking passionately in favour
of the subject, then a second minute speaking equally as passionately against it.
The final is on Thursday, 1st July, the opening night of the Swift Festival.