The UCC Philosoph, TCD Historical Society and King's Inns lead the way going into the semi-finals of the 42nd Irish Times Debates competition.

Each of these society has qualified three teams for the latter stages and will now see their speakers battle for a place in the final against teams from UL, UCD Law Society, TCD Philosophical Society, UCD L&H, TCD College Law Society and the Solicitors Apprentice Debating Society of Ireland (SADSI).

Even more societies remain in the running to win this year's individual competition, with successful speakers from Griffith College, NUI Galway Lit & Deb and DCU all into the competition's semi-finals.