The 14 students from Coláiste Iognáid — Cian Dolan, Mark Egan, Tara Flynn, Niamh Gleeson, Beth Kelly, Lisa Lennon, Kate Leonard, Rachel Lyons, Olivia Maye, Layla McCann, Róisin Ní Fhátharta, Erin O Conner, Juno Sheridan and Ted Silke — headed to the US with teachers and coaches Stephen Reilly and Maeve Clancy.

The competition involved arguing two prosecution rounds and two defence rounds on charges of bribery of a witness and the subordination of perjury.

Each round was a substantive hearing lasting in excess of three hours broken down into a pre-trial motion to exclude past actions of a witness; opening and closing arguments; and the direct examination of three witnesses and cross-examination of three witnesses.

The team had to navigate complex issues surrounding hearsay evidence, which required a strong knowledge of the rules of evidence.

Matthew Mulrooney, who helped to coach the team in advocacy skills over the past two months, told Irish Legal News: “It is difficult to reconcile the level of legal knowledge, advocacy skill, and legal application with the age of these incredible individuals.

“My only regret is that some will be tempted by other professions, but to the few who will join us, I look forward with excitement to welcoming them as colleagues in the near future.

“Take note of these those names because we can expect big things and I for one consider it a privilege to have been a part their lives just for a short while.”

He added: “Special mention must be given to Kate Leonard and Lisa Lennon, who both delivered flawless cross-examinations, which would have left experienced counsel nervous of their position.

“Layla McCann, Juno Sheridan and Róisin Ní Fhátharta, and Kate Leonard again, delivered powerful, passionate, well-structured and well-prepared opening/closing statements.

“Cian Dolan and Tara Flynn argued competently and effectively in the pre-trial motion to include/exclude previous actions of a witness.

“Ted Silke had an impressive grasp of issues surrounding evidence exhibits and his objections and defence to same, were well thought out, well-timed and impressive.

“Finally, special mention to the witnesses — Mark Egan, Niamh Glesson, Beth Kelly, Rachel Lyons, Erin O’Connor — and Oliva Maye as the accused Sheriff Klien.”