RADMUN 2014

  For anyone who doesn't know, Model United Nations is a programme run all around the world for teenagers to get a feel of how the UN works; how resolutions are passed, how topics are debated and how delegates relate to each other. One of the largest competitions in Ireland is RADMUN- Rathdown Model United Nations.

 It was a first for all of our team, we had never done anything like it before. After a number of meetings with Thomas, Ferdy and Cameron (part of the St. Gerard's MUN 'Dream Team'), we we're set to go.... well, only sort of.

 Suited and booted, we went to Rathdown on Friday evening after school. We got a welcome pack complete with lanyards, placards and information on writing resolutions. Soon after, we went to our committee rooms. I was part of the Disarmament and Security committee. Armed with my speech, and a Bic four-pen, I was ready for battle. Over the two hours following we debated, amended, questioned and defended each others' resolutions. If your resolution was passed through the committee, you would have a chance to discuss it in General Assembly, with all of the delegates.
As darkness set upon the leafy Dublin suburb, it was time to head home.

 Well rested, I headed across to the school at 9am on Saturday. We spent tireless hours debating, voting and amending. Unfortunately, my resolution was not debated. Nonetheless, I still got hours of enjoyment out of critiquing the other delegates presentations. After lunch, we joined together in GA, where we could collaborate, debate (again) and question.

 In spite of the serious and formulaic nature of the tournament, it was a great experience. We made new friends, built up our confidence and learnt more about problems facing the world today.

 Well done to the fifth year team, who won Distinguished Delegation for their contribution, and to Shane Keneally for getting Distinguished Delegate!