Lucy Walsh and Ben O’Sullivan appeared in court as counsel for the applicants, while Niamh Mulcahy and William Walsh appeared on behalf of the respondents.

The students presented and defended legal submissions before Judge Helen Boyle, an alumna of University College Cork, who said she was “very impressed with the high standard of mooting”.

Ms Mulcahy was ultimately awarded the James D. Donegan Memorial Prize for Outstanding Speaker, donated by Sally Donegan, who has sponsored the prize for many years in memory of her late father.

Speaking following the moot, Judge Boyle said: “Once again, I am very impressed with the high standard of mooting.

“The students were very well prepared, had well-researched and well-thought-out arguments. The standard of advocacy was very high, with students presenting their arguments in a professional way.

“They were well able to deal with judicial questions and able to rebut arguments and think on their feet. It is obvious that they put a lot of work into their presentation.

“It was an honour to judge the moot, and I wish all of the participants the best in their future careers.”

Professor Mark Poustie, dean of UCC School of Law, said: “Participation in mooting provides a fantastic opportunity for our students to develop an insight into the preparation and presentation of a case — and, in the gala moot, to do that in front of a real judge.

“This is a really invaluable experience whether or not students intend to go into court practice in the legal profession.

“This year’s gala moot was of a really excellent standard and many congratulations to all the mooters, and in particular to BCL Clinical 4 student Niamh Mulcahy for securing the James D. Donegan Memorial Prize for Outstanding Speaker with an impressive performance.

“Many thanks to all my colleagues involved at every stage of the moot modules and all those who ensured the gala moot ran so smoothly and successfully including, notably, Ms Colette O’Donovan, the court staff and Her Honour Judge Helen Boyle.”

Colette O’Donovan, a part-time lecturer at UCC School of Law who organised the gala moot, said: “Congratulations to all of this year’s participants, namely, Lucy, Niamh, Ben and William who were a pleasure and an inspiration to work with.

“I was very proud to see them deliver their submissions in the courthouse in Washington Street.”