Laois native William Delaney was one of six Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) students who travelled to UCD to take part in the Great Agri-Food debate in the Garret Fitzgerald debating chamber.
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Agricultural Science student William, originally from Pike of Rushall was the team captain who took part in the moot debating in favour of the motion, “Brexit will be good for the Irish Agri-food industry”.
William is the son of the late Bill Delaney who was also a keen debater with Mountrath Macra and won numerous local and All-Ireland titles. Bill also held the position of county councillor in Laois from 2004-2007.
WIT captain William said about the topic up for debate, “Ireland and the UK joined the EU the same year, and the British rely on our quality exports so the strong relationship will prevail.
“In addition, Brexit will increase the impetus for engagement with other nations both within the EU and outside, such as the US and China. These are lucrative markets, which perhaps we have neglected because of our over-reliance on the UK.”
The WIT team debated in favour of the motion but narrowly lost to UCD after the judging panel, which was made up of Chief Executive of Dawn Meats Niall Browne, CEO of Bord Bia Tara McCarthy and Managing Director of McDonald’s Ireland Adrian Crean, voted in the oppositions favour.
CEO of Dawn Meats Niall Browne commented on the debate, saying, “The quality and delivery of the arguments is what we have come to expect from these high calibre WIT and UCD students.
“Their message that while Brexit represents a very significant challenge and that active management is the only sensible approach, the Irish Agri-food industry’s cohesiveness, strength, innovation and sustainability credentials means it has a strong platform to take on this challenge and identify opportunities that may emerge during the process.”
In response to having taken part in the debate, William said, “It’s a privilege to be given the opportunity to represent the college in this debate. It’s a great opportunity to discuss such an important topic like Brexit, and the effects it will have on the Irish Agri Food industry in front of some of the key people who work in the industry.”
Looking to the future, William plans on entering into further education in the form of a Masters degree or PhD.
