Students compete for James D Donegan Memorial Prize at Annual UCC School of Law Gala Moot 2024

22 Mar 2024

This year’s Moot competition was held on Monday 11th March in Cork City Courthouse on Washington Street. Four students from the UCC School of Law participated in this year’s Gala Moot incorporating the James D Donegan Memorial Prize. 

Ms. Rachel Foster and Ms. Rosa Simmonds appeared as counsel for the Appellant, with Ms. Rose Cotter and Mr. Luke Kirrane appearing on behalf of the Respondent. The students presented and defended legal submissions before Her Honour Ms. Justice Miriam O’Regan. An audience of students and staff of the School attended the court proceedings.

The Gala Moot incorporates the James D. Donegan Memorial Prize, which is awarded each year to the student who, in the opinion of the judge, should be awarded the prize of ‘outstanding speaker’. The prize was generously donated again this year, by S. Donegan and Co. Solicitors, Cobh, Co. Cork, who have supported the Gala Moot and sponsored the prize for many years. BCL International student, Rose Cotter, was this year’s recipient of the prestigious prize.

The School and its students extend their thanks to Her Honour Ms. Justice Miriam O’Regan, the staff at the courthouse and S. Donegan & Co. Solicitors who made this annual event a possibility for the students again this year.

Speaking following the Moot, the students said:

Rosa Simmonds: It was an honour to have been chosen to take part in the Gala Moot before the Hon. Ms. Justice O'Regan. This wonderful opportunity pushed me out of my comfort zone having not previously mooted. It was such a great experience from which I learned invaluable skills. I would like to thank Colette O'Donovan for her continuous support and guidance along the way. I am so thankful to add this great memory to my time at UCC.

Rachel Foster: Participating in the Gala Moot provided invaluable insights into the practical application of the law, enriching our understanding, and bolstering our confidence in public speaking. I am immensely grateful to the Court staff, Her Honour Judge Miriam O'Regan, and all the dedicated organisers whose efforts made the event possible. A special thank you goes to Colette for her unwavering support and camaraderie throughout the journey, injecting moments of laughter throughout the intensity. Additionally, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Law School at UCC for granting us this invaluable opportunity.  It allowed us to hone our skills and deepen our passion for the legal profession.

Rose Cotter: Taking part in the Gala Moot was a most enriching experience and has been a highlight of my time at UCC. To be given the opportunity to present a submission in the Courts was deeply rewarding and educational. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Her Honour Judge Miriam O'Regan, who so generously gave her time to judge the competition, and provided such a thoughtful and thorough judgment. I would also like to thank Ms. Colette O'Donovan for her absolute dedication and for supporting us as we prepared for the event. Finally, thank you to the School of Law at UCC for providing students with such an invaluable opportunity and their promotion of Moot. It was an amazing day, and the experienced gained will be carried with me throughout my legal career.

Luke Kirrane: Participating in the Moot Gala has undoubtedly been one of the highlights of my time at UCC. It offered invaluable insights into oral advocacy within a courtroom setting. The opportunity to have the Honourable Ms. Justice O'Regan presiding over the competition was a truly exceptional experience that I will always remember fondly. The fact that she gave thorough and considered judgments added to the experience. I extend my gratitude to Ms. Colette O’Donovan for her extensive assistance in preparing our submissions in the weeks leading up to the Moot Gala, as well as to the UCC School of Law. It was a truly brilliant experience and I would recommend that any future law students undertaking the moot court module should seek to take part in it.

Dr Fidelma White, Deputy Dean of the School of Law said:

The School of Law focusses on the development of a range of legal skills as part of our law degrees and mooting is a core module for final year students.  Congratulations to all the students in today’s competition who have worked very hard to reach such a high standard of advocacy: they have done themselves and the School of Law proud.  Particular congratulations to BCL (International) student Rose Cotter for being awarded the James D Donegan Memorial Prize for Outstanding Speaker.  Many thanks to the Hon. Ms. Justice Miriam O'Regan for agreeing to judge today’s competition, to the court staff and to my colleagues in the School of Law, both academic and professional, and in particular Ms. Colette O’Donovan for making this Gala Moot such a success.

Her Honour Judge Miriam O'Regan said: 

It was a pleasure and a privilege to hear the submissions of four very impressive students at this year’s gala moot court. The capabilities of the participants reflect so well not only on them but also the entire UCC law department. I have no doubt that the students will be very successful in their careers.  Best wishes to all involved. 

The Annual Gala Moot is organised by Ms. Colette O’Donovan, Part-time Lecturer from the School of Law.  Speaking following the competition, Ms. O’Donovan said:

It was my privilege to work with the students in their preparations for the Gala Moot again this year.  This year’s participants, namely, Rose, Rosa, Rachel and Luke were inspirational in their dedication and work ethic, and I was very proud to see them deliver their submissions in the courthouse in Washington Street.  I am very grateful to Her Honour Judge Miriam O’Regan, the court staff and my colleagues in the School of Law without whom this experience would not have been possible.   Congratulations to all of the students and to Ms. Rose Cotter who was awarded the prize of ‘Outstanding Speaker’ this year.  The prize was sponsored again this year by S. Donegan & Co. Solicitors who have been supported the Gala Moot for many years, for which we are very grateful.

Ms. Rachel Foster, Ms. Rosa Simmonds, Ms. Rose Cotter and Mr. Luke Kirrane pictured with Ms. Colette O'Donovan at the Gala Moot.