HAVING won a national debating title last weekend, 16-year-old Milly Seaman from Bandon is swapping the microphone  for maps as she and her dad enter this weekend’s West Cork Rally.

The fifth year student at Coláiste na Toirbhirte impressed judges at the Soroptimist International Republic of Ireland (SIROI) National Public Speaking Competition, held in the Mansion House in Dublin.

She won praise for her eloquence, confidence and powerful delivery to take first place in the competition, which also saw Ella McCarthy from the same school reach the final.

Milly said: ‘I had to prepare a speech beforehand about female empowerment and friendship where I spoke for four to six minutes. Following that we had an impromptu topic ‘Growing Up means… where we had three minutes to write it  and speak for two minutes.

‘I was delighted to have won as I didn’t make it through the regionals last year. Gillian Powell from Bandon & District Soroptimists and our English teacher Nicole Keating were really helpful.’

Milly barely had time to take in her success before she was out early last Sunday morning at 8am doing a race around the stages for the West Cork Rally.

She is making her first appearance in the co-driver’s seat, with her father Ger behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta R2. It will be almost a family affair as her older brother Daniel will also be taking part in the rally.

‘I just grew up around motor rallying with my dad and brother. We will actually be passing our home place as we as my grandmothers’ house during the rally so they will be all out supporting us.’

She isn’t the only member of her family making headlines too as her first cousin, Tommy Deane from Templemartin was part of the winning U18 eight ball Irish team who recently won the European Eight Ball Pool Championships in Cyprus.

For her winning speech Milly took home the Mildred O’Brien Perpetual Trophy and the school received a €500 bursary, while she received €200.

Judges said that her thoughtful and articulate response demonstrated both depth of insight and exceptional composure under pressure.

‘Milly delivered an outstanding performance and demonstrated the confidence, clarity of thought and presence that this competition seeks to foster in young people,’ said Anne Melly, SIROI National Public Speaking Convenor.