IRISH DEBATES Last week, the Loreto Junior Debating team won the Gael Linn Regional Final Comortas an Phiarsaigh debate, opposing the motion: 'Is fearr a bheith i d'fhear' ('It is best to be a man'). The team comprising Captain Becky Lyons, Emily Farrell and Ailis O'Sullivan argued very convincingly and wittily that it is of course much better to be a woman in today's world. The girls now go on to the All Ireland Final on Thursday, March 25. It is a great achievement to reach the final as there were initially eighty schools in the competition and now only four remain. In the Semi Final, Loreto beat St. Conleth's College, Ballsbridge, Coláiste Phadraig, Lucan and St. Mary's College, Glasnevin. PIZZA, PASTA AND POPES The Fifth Year educational visit to Italy was an outstanding success for 5 teachers and over 50 students. Three of the girls, Alaa Baky, Laura Davenport and Sarah Martin, who went on this trip wrote an article entitled: 'The three 'P's' of Italy: Pizza, Pasta and Popes'. In it they described their adventure in Italy, as having 'survived the crazy drivers, the blood thirsty gladiators and the excessive amount of carbohydrates in this historic country'. They advised any visitor to Rome: 'Don't waste any of your time in this magnificent city, skip lunch and jump straight into a culture-filled walking tour of Rome. On your arrival in Rome make your first stop at the Vatican City to visit the Pope (who does not appreciate exposed skin, so be sure to arrive fully covered up!). No matter how tired you are the Trevi Fountain at night is one for the photo albums. The Piazza Navona is also a beautiful site which allows you to experience Roman architecture at its finest.' While in Rome they visited the Colosseum, the Forum, the Palatine Hill and did a little shopping in the Via del Corso. All of these activities accomplished during the most unexpected snowfalls in Rome. Next stop was 'sunny' Sorrento and on to Pompeii to take a journey into the past and walk in the shade of Vesuvius. Saturday, 'we awoke to beautiful sunshine which sadly did not ease the boat trip to the island of Capri. Rough seas and weak stomachs were a recipe for disaster. However, disembarking on this beautiful lemon scented island, it offered us a relaxing time to wander around and of course eat some more pizza!' CHINESE NEW YEAR On Sunday Loreto students with their teachers who are studying Chinese in school were invited by the UCD Confucius Institute to attend the Chinese Spring Festival Gala of Ireland to take place in the National Concert Hall. The girls also took part in the gala. Ten First Year students recited a poem in Chinese. Four Transition Year students and five Second Year students sang a Chinese song. SOCCER The under-14 School Team, captained by Jessica Hunt has had a series of successes this year with wins over St. Laurence's, Loughlintown 6-2 to Loreto, Rockfort Manor 0-10 to Loreto and St. Killian's, German School, 1-2 to Loreto.. Jessica plays on the wing and is also top goal scorer. The under 18 School Team is captained by Vicky Lennon. Is to play Rockfort Manor on Thursday. BASKETBALL The Senior A Team has won through to the Leinster Finals and will play against Loreto, Dalkey in the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght on Friday 26. Best of luck to them! HOCKEY The Senior 4 Team played in the Semi Finals on Thursday, February 25. They beat Alexander College 2-1 in a very exciting penalty shoot out and are now into the Final of the Leinsters. The Minor A Team played St. Andrew's in Loreto Bray, on February 26. The First Year Team played Loreto, Foxrock on last Friday and the Senior 3 Team also played Loreto, Foxrock on Saturday. BADMINTON The under 14 Team won the Semi Final match. On Thursday last they played the Final in Whitehall Road, the National Badminton Area but unfortunately lost.