Dalriada School win National Bar Mock Trial Final

Northern Ireland has triumphed in the National Bar Mock Trial Competition at London’s Old Bailey. Competing against schools from throughout the UK, the team from Dalriada School battled Wilmslow High School from Sheffield in the final to win the coveted title.

Under the careful management of Miss Susan Gregg and technical support of two members of the Bar Council of NI, Craig Dunford BL and Lynn McMullan BL, the team has worked tirelessly in the run up to the National
Final.

The Final was presided over by four Judges, with the celebrity ‘Judge Rinder’ spectating from the balcony. It was Dalriada that came out the winners much to the delight of the entire party including Headmaster Tom Skelton who had travelled to London with the group.

The Bar of Northern Ireland Chairman, Gerry McAlinden QC “We are delighted that Dalriada was victorious at the weekend. The team is a credit to their school and to Northern Ireland. On behalf of the Bar, we offer our congratulations to every pupil, their dedicated teachers and barrister mentors.”

“This competition is hugely significant to our members. Each year, we look forward to working with pupils from across Northern Ireland, not only to give them an insight into our work and a better understanding of our justice system but to develop key skills in teamwork and public speaking.”

It was Dalriada’s fourth time competing at National level, where twice they have narrowly lost out in the final, but this time they were finally crowned champions. With some of the team also involved in last week’s BBC choir of the Year win it has been an epic few months for the school competing at the highest level in a number of activities.