SCHOOL OF LAW TEAM WINS CORN ADOMNÁIN 2018 
29 March 2018
A team of three law students from Queen’s University has won Corn Adomnáin 2018, an annual legal competition for law students across Ireland organised in conjunction with the Irish Red Cross.
Organised by Dr Luke Moffett and Gemma Crane of the School of Law at Queen’s, the School hosted the fourth edition of the competition, in partnership with the Irish Red Cross, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the British Red Cross.
The contest is based on the ancient Irish law of Cáin Adomnáin or Law of Innocents (697AD) that put limits on warfare and protection of civilians.
Nine teams from universities around the island of Ireland (Trinity, Griffith, Cork, Galway and Queen’s) competed in the moot, on Saturday 10th March. The format is a mix of practical scenarios that require students to combine their knowledge of the laws of war, with challenges of compliance in practice.
The Corn Adomnáin is an important part of the international humanitarian law (IHL) dissemination of the Irish Red Cross. IHL sets the boundaries for all types of armed conflict – international or non-international – and unlike other aspects of international law, is binding on all parties including non-state actors.
Speaking about her involvement with this year’s competition, one of Queen’s winning trio, Caoimhe O'Hagan, said: "Taking part in the competition was an amazing experience. As a team we are all very passionate about international humanitarian law and therefore it was great to be able to put it into practice.
“The competition allowed us to develop our knowledge and skills through different scenarios which we will probably one day face in real life.
“It was great to be awarded with a win and it showed us how well we can work together as a team. Having a chance to meet students and Red Cross staff from all over Ireland was incredible and made the whole day really enjoyable."
Situations faced by the participants included addressing a shipwreck after a cyber-attack on a fleet of ships, attacks against medical personnel, investigation of war crimes and targeting an armoured column in a densely populated town.
Team performances were judged by members of the Irish judiciary, Northern Ireland bar, ICRC, British and Irish Red Cross, and staff from the School of Law.
Another of the victorious Queen’s team – Ross Johnston – said the competition was both challenging and enjoyable. “The variety of the different tests kept things interesting and really helped bring the law to life. We were surprised and very honoured to win, given the high standard of our fellow competitors.
“It was great to be with so many people passionate about humanitarian law and inspiring to speak to those working in the field."
A team from NUI Galway came second in the competition, while a joint NUIG-Queen’s was placed third.
General enquiries to Gerry Power – Communications Officer, Development and Alumni Relations Office, Queen’s University Belfast, tel: +44 (0)28 9097 5321.
Main image caption (L-R): Caoimhe O'Hagan, Ross Johnston and Sara Thabeth pictured with event organiser Dr Luke Moffett. Headline image from QUB School of Law Flickr.
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