Tuam teen’s love of debate takes her to European stage
Katie Devaney (16), from Kilconly, was one of just three Irish delegates selected for a European Youth Parliament event in Italy, where her committee's proposals to support young farmers won approval.
When Katie Devaney's mother asked whether she was nervous about debating in front of young people from across Europe, the Tuam teenager had a ready answer.
“Mom, I'm in Italy and I get to argue with people for three days.”
For the 16-year-old, representing Ireland at the European Youth Parliament in Verona was a dream come true.
Fresh back after a delayed flight and a journey home that stretched into the early hours, Katie was still buzzing when she spoke to the Connacht Tribune.
The four-day event, held from October 22 to 25, brought young people from across Europe together to debate some of the continent's biggest challenges.
Katie's committee examined the obstacles facing young farmers, particularly access to land, financial pressures and agricultural education.
She helped develop proposals to address these issues and spoke before the General Assembly, where her committee's resolution was subsequently approved.
Katie's love of debating began five years ago when she joined the club during her first week at High Cross College.
Last November, a teacher encouraged her to attend a European Youth Parliament regional session in Galway. She enjoyed it so much that she became involved with EYP Ireland and applied to represent the country internationally.
Although she had not chosen the agricultural topic herself, Katie had grown up around farming. She recalled being captivated by watching a cow undergo a caesarean section, a story her mother still likes to tell.
“I was so fascinated by it,” she recalled, describing agriculture as an industry that brings new life into the world and feeds the population.
Beyond the formal debates, Katie was particularly struck by how young people with opposing political views could disagree passionately while still respecting one another.
“There were so many like-minded people like myself that I could have genuine conversations with,” she said.
Her own interest in politics grew from an awareness of injustice and a belief that those who have a voice should use it.
“I have the voice that so many, for example, women don't even have. Young people don't have and if I have a voice that I can use, why can't I use it?”
Katie, who turns 17 on November 13, hopes to study law and politics in America, with a particular interest in criminal justice. She has not ruled out entering Irish politics either.
She also hopes to continue her involvement with the European Youth Parliament and encourages other students to try debating.
“I would definitely encourage young people to join their debating clubs in schools, or even start their own.”
Five years after signing up for her school debating club, Katie has found herself representing Ireland internationally.
And with ambitions stretching well beyond Tuam, she's unlikely to run out of things to say anytime soon.