Devin Toner, Castleknock Union Pastman of the Year 2018
On Thursday April 26th our annual Union Debate took place out at the College, preceded by the presentation of the Pastman of the Year award to Devin Toner (Class of 2004). Mick Quinn (former Knock SCT coach) spoke about his time coaching Devin and commended him on what has been an outstanding professional rugby career so far. Devin expressed his gratitude to the Union and the College and described the experience as humbling.
What followed was a thoroughly engaging debate as speakers argued in favour and against rugby being too dangerous. As the adjudicators retired to deliberate, the debate was opened up to the floor where numerous guests in attendance gave their own insightful view on the topic.
Chief Adjudicator Paul Gallagher SC (Class of 1972) took the opportunity to commend the speakers and in particular encouraged students at the College to pursue debating. Much to his disdain and that of the crowd, Mick Quinn was announced as the winner (in his first ever debate!) while unanimous agreement and approval was more evident when Ciarán O’Flynn (Fifth Year student) was announced as the best student speaker.
A wonderful evening was rounded off with further discussion and analysing of Mick Quinn’s shock victory over tea and coffee in the ref.
We look forward to next year’s debate and hope to see many in attendance at the Gold Medal Debate in the College on the evening of Wednesday May 16th. 
