logo
LSUS debaters experience luck o' the Irish during European tour

LSUS debaters experience luck o' the Irish during European tour

Yahoo25-03-2025

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Three LSUS debaters recently returned from the 28th annual Montgomery Cup in Europe. During the 14-day debate and cultural exchange tour, the students visited Ireland, Wales and England.
LSUS students Micah Robinson, Addison Jacobsen and Emily Dowd competed alongside the University of Central Missouri, the organizers of the tour. The teams debated at the University of Cork, Trinity University, University College of Dublin and Cardiff University on the tour.
'The (Montgomery Cup) debate style is different than what we normally do, but these kids enjoyed getting to compete and the anxiety with learning a new style,' said LSUS debate coach A.J. Edwards, who has participated in three Montgomery Cups as a coach. 'But by the end, we were commenting how quickly they took to it.'
Robinson and Jacobsen logged a tournament win and a second place in four debates. Dowd also debated her way to win in a different event that didn't have a tournament structure.
'Debate over there is an extracurricular activity, but it's taught throughout their schools from the time they are young,' Edwards continued. 'Some of our kids have only been debating for two years, so to step in and hold your own against kids who have been doing it their whole lives, that's pretty remarkable and tells you the talent we have.'
Shreveport firefighters learn life-saving extrication skills
The students visited cultural sites in Cork, Dublin, Cardiff and London, including Blarney Castle, repository of the Book of Kell (ancient text that first proclaimed the Gospel to the Irish more than 2,000 years ago), the Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey. They also took in a little theatre in London.
'The craziest thing was that the highlight of the entire trip might be driving through the countryside in Wales,' Edwards said. 'The interstate was shut down, and we took the charter bus the back way to Cardiff, which took 6.5 hours instead of three. But the kids were in awe of how pretty the scenery was, and they talked about it for two days after.'
Debate team members said they couldn't have made the trip without support from the LSUS administration, the LSUS Foundation and the Noel Foundation, which provide financial support as well as logistical support for classes missed during the trip.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Where to find thoroughly modern amenities in ye olde Ireland
Where to find thoroughly modern amenities in ye olde Ireland

New York Post

time6 hours ago

  • New York Post

Where to find thoroughly modern amenities in ye olde Ireland

Across Ireland, historic properties are keeping up with the times and upping their hospitality game with new suites, modern amenities and cutting-edge wellness. But is all this new coming at the expense of Ireland's ye-olde-timey charm? In Cork, bookings are booming at a former butter merchant's mansion built circa 1820 known as the Montenotte. Yet, it's not the urban resort's 19th-century bones or the Regency-era façade that are winning it awards — it's a collection of newly built luxury cabins. 4 From ancient castles to cutting-edge eco-accommodations like Montenette, Ireland's lucky charm is changing with the times. Small Luxury Hotels of the World 4 Montenette is a former butter merchant's mansion built circa 1820. Handout The first of their kind in the country, the cabin-suites by architect Henry J. Lyons and interior designer Róisín Lafferty (both of Dublin) are inspired by understated Japanese design. They're crafted with floor-to-ceiling windows, charred larch wood and private terraces for an indoor-outdoor experience — not exactly hallmarks of old-school Irish architecture. Nonetheless, the suites recently won at the European Awards for Hospitality Experience and Design in London last fall. Meanwhile in County Donegal, a dog-friendly eco-resort dubbed Lough Mardal Lodge offers luxury yurt glamping. So does the organic Fernwood Farm in County Galway, where the glamping experience is a geodesic 'Treehouse Dome.' Even the luxury hotel Dromoland Castle in County Clare is putting on a fresh face. The 15th-century castle was once the ancestral seat of the O'Brien family, direct descendants of Brian Boru, the 11th-century king credited with uniting Ireland. Now, in the very forests where Irish warriors once fought to expel Viking intruders, visitors can partake in a 'forest bathing' experience where the castle's resident yoga instructor leads a 'slow, mindful walk' through the grounds. Inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, forest bathing's early proponents included Justin Bieber and Gwyneth Paltrow. 4 Ennui is out, sophisticated pampering is in. Chris Singer photography Dromoland's Castle Spa has also been upgraded with Dr. Barbara Sturm, a German 'molecular cosmetics' line whose super anti-aging serum runs a cool $900 per 100-milliliter bottle. Over in County Mayo at Ashford Castle, another leading five-star castle hotel dating back to the Middle Ages, the spa recently launched a partnership with another pricey, science-backed (and non-Irish) skincare brand. 'Our recent Augustinus Bader launch in the spa aligns with global wellness trends, offering the latest in skincare science,' said Niall Rochford, Ashford Castle's managing director. He also assured that traditional Irish ingredients and rituals remain on the menu. It's important, he said, that 'modern luxury enhances, rather than overshadows, the castle's deep sense of place.' 4 High adventure definitely has its fans here at Ashford Castle. Ashford Castle While offerings and amenities may change, Rochford said that Ashford's philosophy is still rooted in the old Gaelic saying 'Céad míle fáilte' ('a hundred thousand welcomes') — a type of service he described as 'genuine, intuitive' and 'deeply thoughtful.' 'At its heart, modern Irish hospitality is not just about service,' said Rochford. 'It's about storytelling, connection and a spirit of generosity that leaves a lasting impression.' While tourism trends like glamping, wellness and high-end skin care have become more common across Ireland, it's the experiences economy that has changed the most in recent years, per Siobhan Byrne, founder and CEO of Adams & Butler. Her company organizes bespoke experiences for travelers, from guided oyster shucking to boat tours of castles only visible from the water. 'Americans are the best tourists because they're always interested in doing things and learning, and Ireland is great for that.' Siobhan Byrne, founder and CEO of Adams & Butler 'Our clients aren't going to kiss the Blarney Stone or go to the Cliffs of Moher,' said Byrne. 'They want to meet real Irish people.' But if you're still keen on ticking the latter off your list, an advisor like Byrne can direct you to a local farmer's path, offering the same epic views without none of the tourist crowds. There are even rental properties and experiences only accessible through a travel advisor — such as a private castle in County Fermanagh, with its Earl in residence, or a private Jameson tasting with the Jameson family in their home. One of Byrne's American clients who was 'worth about a gazillion dollars' recently went to Ireland's rugged west coast to visit the Aran Islands, a remote archipelago where the most luxurious hotel is a meager three stars — not the obvious referral for a high-net-worth individual. 'He loved it because he wanted to hear about the islands' unique history, the people and the folklore,' said Byrne. 'People don't come to Ireland just for the sake of vacation anymore. They want to learn something or experience something different, and that's what real luxury is.' So while the Emerald Isle leaps forward with trending accommodations, luxury spas and new-age experiences, its greatest asset remains its people. 'Irish people are friendly, and they're interested in visitors,' said Byrne. 'Americans are the best tourists because they're always interested in doing things and learning, and Ireland is great for that.'

Ryanair says will fine 'disruptive passengers' 500 euros
Ryanair says will fine 'disruptive passengers' 500 euros

Yahoo

time6 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Ryanair says will fine 'disruptive passengers' 500 euros

Irish no-frills airline Ryanair said Thursday it will fine "disruptive passengers whose unruly behaviour" results in their removal from aircraft 500 euros ($580). Europe's biggest airline by passenger numbers has previously hit out at "unruly" behaviour caused by travellers consuming excessive amounts of alcohol while waiting to board delayed flights. "Ryanair is committed to tackling unruly passenger behaviour for the benefit of its passengers and crew, and will continue to pursue disruptive passengers for civil damages, but at a minimum, they will now be issued with a 500-euro fine," Ryanair said in a statement Thursday. A spokesperson added that the penalty "will be issued to any passengers offloaded from aircraft as a result of their misconduct". Ryanair in January said that it had incurred costs of 15,350 euros as a result of a "disruptive passenger" on board a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote, in Spain's Canary Islands, last year. This was because the plane had to divert to the Portuguese city of Porto, where the passenger was arrested, and the more than 160 other travellers on board were provided with overnight accommodation and meals. Ryanair said it faced other costs, including the need for additional fuel and crew. The airline filed civil legal proceedings against the passenger in Ireland to recover its outlay. At the same time, it called on the European Union to limit the sale of alcohol at airports. Ryanair transported more than 200 million passengers in its last financial year to the end of March. It forecasts that the number will rise to 300 million by 2034. bcp/ajb/rmb Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data

Ryanair says will fine 'disruptive passengers' 500 euros
Ryanair says will fine 'disruptive passengers' 500 euros

Yahoo

time9 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Ryanair says will fine 'disruptive passengers' 500 euros

Irish no-frills airline Ryanair said Thursday it will fine "disruptive passengers whose unruly behaviour" results in their removal from aircraft 500 euros ($580). Europe's biggest airline by passenger numbers has previously hit out at "unruly" behaviour caused by travellers consuming excessive amounts of alcohol while waiting to board delayed flights. "Ryanair is committed to tackling unruly passenger behaviour for the benefit of its passengers and crew, and will continue to pursue disruptive passengers for civil damages, but at a minimum, they will now be issued with a 500-euro fine," Ryanair said in a statement Thursday. A spokesperson added that the penalty "will be issued to any passengers offloaded from aircraft as a result of their misconduct". Ryanair in January said that it had incurred costs of 15,350 euros as a result of a "disruptive passenger" on board a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote, in Spain's Canary Islands, last year. This was because the plane had to divert to the Portuguese city of Porto, where the passenger was arrested, and the more than 160 other travellers on board were provided with overnight accommodation and meals. Ryanair said it faced other costs, including the need for additional fuel and crew. The airline filed civil legal proceedings against the passenger in Ireland to recover its outlay. At the same time, it called on the European Union to limit the sale of alcohol at airports. Ryanair transported more than 200 million passengers in its last financial year to the end of March. It forecasts that the number will rise to 300 million by 2034. bcp/ajb/rmb

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store