WSDC Squad Announcement 2026

January marks the culmination of Northern Ireland’s selection process for the World Schools Debating Championship, as we announce the four debaters who will represent Northern Ireland at the competition this summer.

After four months of try-outs and three rounds of selection, culminating in a residential weekend at Queen’s University Belfast last week, we are delighted to announce the team who will represent Northern Ireland:

1. Aoife Gallagher from Methodist College Belfast
2. Lizzie Bauer from Methodist College Belfast
3. Niamh O'Neill from Our Lady and St Patrick's College, Knock
4. Tejas Pugalia (Captain) from Lecale Trinity Grammar School

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers, adjudicators, judges, coaches, pupils, teachers and parents who have supported the selection process and contributed their time, effort and encouragement throughout.

Congratulations to our selected debaters! We wish them the very best as they prepare to represent Northern Ireland on the world stage this summer, and throughout the year.

← Back to all news