Sin Chaint

2013–14 President’s Welcome

When we look back on our history, when we exchange stories and photos this weekend, we will see that we have made change, we have made impact. This event is a celebration of everything we fought for.

Honoured guests,

You are very welcome to the 50th Anniversary Reunion of the Students’ Union. My sincerest apologies that I cannot be there to celebrate this event, but due to job opportunities abroad, I was forced to take leave a little earlier than I hoped.

My year as Students’ Union President is one that I will never forget and whenever times are hard, I know I will be able to look back on this time and it will put a smile on my face.

I made lifelong friends from my executive and have had the absolute privilege of having two of the most inspirational and hard-working sabbatical officers to share every moment with.

Chris, Joanna, Lorna and Emmet have been invaluable assets to us as officers and to student experience and the greater student movement.

From the National Councils with USI, congress, Student marches, Controversial referenda, Debates at SU council, Campaigns, Condoms, to the surprise that every day held, no two days were the same.

Looking back at the year there are many things that we achieved but some of my personal favourite things that our team achieved were:

• The grant was protected from cuts this year for the first time in four years.

• We had national and international coverage on our “Marriage Equality” and “Support for the Boycott of Disinvestments and Sanctions” referenda. I was delighted to see 96% percent of NUI Galway Students vote in favour of the Union working to support the Marriage Equality referendum that will take place in 2015. Overwhelming support was also achieved for the BDS Movement, which shows the political awareness and activism of our students.

• Highest part-time election voter turn-out in SU history.

• The Reading Room extended its opening hours to 24 hours for exams with ongoing extended hours during the year.

• The Cloakroom was secured for three years and was redesigned and so continues to hire students as staff and provide an invaluable service.

NUI Galway Students’ Union was originally established in 1911 as the Students’ Representative Council. This council was short-lived, but the re-establishment of the body was proposed in 1913. The council was firmly established by the mid-1920’s, and in the 1960’s was formally developed into the university’s Students’ Union, then known as Comhairle Teachta na Mac Léinn. Founded in 1964 the function of the Union as per the Constitution shall be “to represent its members and promote, defend and vindicate the rights of its members at all levels of society”. At the bottom of each page are some highlights from the Union’s past.

“An injury to one is an injury to all”

• Student Card replacement fee reduced to €20 after extensive lobbying.

• Agreed that repeat exam results will be released prior to college commencement to allow time to register earlier with relevant modules/ preferences.

• Successfully lobbied to get the lift fixed from the Bialann to outside the library, as it had been broken for years.

• CÉIM was launched in Engineering Faculty, which is an example of Peer Assisted learning at its best. An SU Staff member facilitated the programme and second year students mentored first year students in timetabled tutorials.

• Continuing success of EXPLORE (Irelands only Staff Student collaboration of its kind). Where Students and Staff bring an innovative idea to fruition. They are facilitated by SU Staff and funded €1000 each to make it happen. 28 projects were funded this year.

• Life Skills training programme run during year offering sign language, CPR, ASIST and Bar Skills training to students.

• And much more.

Whilst these are just a snippet of some of our highlights from the last year, I know that everyone will remember their key highlights too from their year(s). When we look back on our history, when we exchange stories and photos this weekend, we will see that we have made change, we have made impact. This event is a celebration of everything we fought for. I thank everyone sincerely for coming and I leave you with a challenge. From all your engagement with the Students’ Union, pick one story that stands out. Turn to someone here this weekend and tell them it. Share these experiences because I know that they are some of the best you have ever had.

Beir Bua, Sean Kearns

NUI Galway Students’ Union President 2013/14 2013 Bachelor of Science & General Nursing Studies

1964/65

• Led by Michael D. Higgins 600 students marched to protest about “poor relations generally between the University and the local community” as many hotels refused to take visiting students and landladies discriminated against students in summer.

• The Union also supported the Cement Strike at the time.

1969

• College Week (RAG Week) ran for the first time after being banned by the Bishop in 1950s.

Fáilte ón Uachtarán 2013–14

A dhaoine uaisle, Cuirim fáilte is fiche romhaibh go léir chuig Ceiliúradh 50 Bliain Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn, OÉ Gaillimh. Tá fíorbhrón orm nach féidir liom bheith i láthair chun an ócáid seo a cheiliúradh libh ach bhí orm slán a fhágáil ag an tír le deiseanna fostaíochta a thapú thar lear. Ní dhéanfaidh mé dearmad ar an mbliain a chaith mé mar Uachtarán Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn go deo agus tá a fhios agam go mbeidh mé in ann breathnú siar ar an am seo nuair a bheidh saol crua ann agus go n-ardóidh sé mo chroí. Rinne mé cairdeas saoil le daoine den choiste feidhmiúcháin agus bhí an bheirt oifigeach sabóideach b’inspioráidí, ba dhícheallaí ar mo ghualainn ó thús deireadh na bliana. D’oibrigh Chris, Joanna, Lorna agus Emmet go crua mar oifigigh ar mhaithe le heispéireas na mac léinn agus ar son ghluaiseacht na mac léinn ar an iomlán.

Rinneamar plé le Comhairlí Náisiúnta AMLÉ, leis an gComhdháil, le máirseálacha mic léinn, le reifrinn chonspóideacha, le díospóireachtaí ag Comhairle Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn, le feachtais agus le coiscíní, gan trácht ar na rudaí a tharla gach lá nach rabhamar ag súil leo. Níor mar a chéile aon dá lá.

Is iomaí rud a bhain an fhoireann amach le himeacht na bliana, ach is iad seo a leanas na rudaí ab fhearr liomsa:

• Ní dhearnadh an deontas a chiorrú i mbliana den chéad uair le ceithre bliana anuas

• Bhí tuairiscí sna meáin náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta ar na reifrinn ar an gCothromas Pósta agus ar an bhFeachtas Baghcatála, Dífheistithe agus Smachtbhannaí. Ba mhór agam gur vótáil 96% de mhic léinn OÉ Gaillimh ar son go mbeidh an Comhaltas i bhfabhar an reifrinn ar an gCothromas Pósta a bheidh

á reáchtáil in 2015. Tugadh tacaíocht thar na bearta don Ghluaiseacht Baghcatála, Dífheistithe agus Smachtbhannaí freisin, rud a léiríonn feasacht pholaitiúil agus gníomhaíochas na mac léinn dár gcuid.

• Vótáil ní ba mhó daoine ná riamh i dtoghchán na n-oifigeach páirtaimseartha.

• Cuireadh le huaireanta oscailte an tSeomra Léitheoireachta ó cheann ceann na bliana agus beidh sé ar oscailt 24 uair sa lá ag aimsir na scrúduithe

• Cuireadh an seomra cótaí ó bhaol go ceann trí bliana agus rinneadh é a athdhearadh — leanann sé de mhic léinn a fhostú mar bhaill foirne agus de sheirbhís fhíorluachmhar a sholáthar

• Laghdaíodh an táille athsholáthair le haghaidh an Chárta Mic Léinn go dtí €20 tar éis brústocaireacht fhairsing

• Comhaontaíodh go bhfoilseofar torthaí na n-athscrúduithe roimh thosú an choláiste chun ligean dóibh siúd a chuaigh faoi na hathscrúduithe clárú le modúil/roghanna níos luaithe.

• D’éirigh linn brústocaireacht a dhéanamh chun an t-ardaitheoir ón mBialann go dtí an Leabharlann a dheisiú de bharr go raibh sé as ord leis na blianta.

• Seoladh CÉIM i nDámh na hEolaíochta, rud a léiríonn scoth na foghlama piarchuidithe. D’éascaigh ball foirne de chuid an Chomhaltais an clár agus rinne mic léinn de chuid an dara bliain meantóireacht ar mhic léinn de chuid na chéad bhliana i ranganna teagaisc tráthchláraithe.

• D’éirigh go hiontach le EXPLORE arís i mbliana (an t-aon tionscadal comhoibríoch idir baill foirne agus mic léinn dá leithéid in Éirinn). Tionscadal is ea é faoina dtugtar cúnamh do bhaill foirne agus do mhic léinn araon obair as láimh a chéile chun idé a chur ar an saol.

Tacaíonn foireann an Chomhaltais leo agus cuirtear €1,000 ar fáil do gach grúpa le cabhrú leo. Cuireadh airgead ar fáil do 28 tionscadal i mbliana.

• Reáchtáladh an clár oiliúna scileanna saoil le linn na bliana, ar clár é faoina gcuirtear oiliúint ar mhic léinn sa teanga chomharthaíochta, san athbheochan chardascamhógach, i Scileanna Feidhmeacha Idirghabhála i dtaca le Féinmharú (ASIST) agus i scileanna beáir.

• Agus a thuilleadh nach iad.

Cé nach bhfuil ach súil ghasta caite againn ar roinnt de bhuaicphointí na bliana seo caite, tá a fhios agam gur cuimhin le gach duine buaicphointí na mblianta áirithe a bhí siad páirteach sa Chomhaltas.

Agus muid ag breathnú siar ar an am atá thart, agus muid ag roinnt scéalta agus grianghraf lena chéile an deireadh seachtaine seo, feicfimid go bhfuil an saol athraithe againn; go bhfuil tionchar nach beag imeartha againn. Ceiliúradh is ea an ócáid seo ar ar throideamar ar a shon.

Gabhaim buíochas ó chroí le gach duine as ucht teacht anseo inniu agus is mian liom dúshlán a chur fúibh mar fhocal scoir. Roghnaígí scéal amháin faoi Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn a sheasann amach in bhur gcuimhne.

Insígí an scéal seo do dhuine eile an deireadh seachtaine seo. Roinnigí na heispéiris seo lena chéile — tá a fhios agam go bhfuil siad ar na heispéiris is fearr a bhí agaibh riamh.

Beirigí Bua,

Seán Kearns

Uachtarán Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn, OÉ Gaillimh, 2013/14

Baitsiléir Eolaíochta sa Staidéar Altranais Ginearálta, 2013

1970

• In December a protest by 1,000 students is held over not being allowed to use Aula Maxima during College Week for intervarsity ballad competition and other events.

• Also in 1970 300 students attended the courthouse for the trial of Michael Hehir and some are allegedly beaten up by Gardaí which leads to a subsequent protest by the students against

Garda brutality and thuggery.

• Students also hold protests about grants this year.

• The Union becomes involved in the Resources Protection Campaign which is against Government ownership of Irish minerals, mining, off-shore oil and gas.

1971

• In December three students are suspended following the occupation by 500 students of the Common Room. This occupation was to protest about a small reading room being taken away from students against the wishes of the student body and without authorisation of Governing Body.

• Students marched to Dublin to collect money for the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association, to reassert the demand that there be no collaboration between Free State and Stormont Government and to protest against internment. The march had overnight stops in Loughrea, Athlone, Kinnegad and Maynooth with a mass meeting in Dublin.

Many of you will remember the Students’ Union Newspaper under a different name. Some of you will remember Unity; Cool Chaint is another predecessor of SIN – Student Independent News.

1972

• In October a national day of protest is held boycotting classes over fees and grants.

• In December a mass meeting is held as part of National Protest Day with the following demands: Repeal of Bill to amend the Offences against the State Act, Forcible Entry Act and Defence of Property Act; Release of all political prisoners; Repeal of Section 31 of Broadcasting Act; End of Government Censorship.

Two out of 50 ain’t bad

By Jessica Thompson Sin Editor

With 50 years’ worth of alumni gathered in one place, it’s hard to imagine this weekend being anything but nostalgic.

Memories will be shared and the changes that the Students’ Union has seen over the last half a century will become clear as young heads with new ideas and aspirations mingle with the older and wiser alumni of the university.

Among the guests at the NUI Galway Students’ Union 50th Anniversary Reunion will be past SU full-time and part-time officers, friends and family of the Students’ Union and journalists who have been involved with the Students’ Union over the years.

Many of you will remember the Students’ Union Newspaper under a different name. Some of you will remember Unity, which I believe was around in the 70s. Cool Chaint is another wellknown predecessor of the NUI Galway Student Newspaper.

Finally, in 2000, a new paper was established and named SIN – Student Independent News. Over the past 14 years, SIN has gone through a number of changes and facelifts to become Sin, the paper that we all know and love today.

Sin Chaint was published especially for this event, to bring back memories of the Students’ Union Newspaper and it is my honour to have had

Contributors

Editor: Jessica Thompson

Coordinator: Joanna Brophy

Designer: Shannon Reeves

1973/74

• USI forms a working group on Infringement of Civil Liberties in Ireland and subsequently the Union becomes affiliated to Irish Council for Civil Liberties from 1977 – 1982.

2012–14

a helping hand in its production.

In this publication, you’ll hear from a few contributors to Sin over the past year, including my predecessor as editor, Rosemary, and one of my star journalists of last year, Sean Dunne, who was granted an exclusive interview with former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson.

Other fascinating pieces in this magazine include various alumni interviews which were published in Sin newspaper over the course of the last academic year.

You’ll also find memoirs from previous SU members, plenty of SU history, and photographs that will no doubt bring back many happy memories.

I’ve had the pleasure of editing Sin for two years, which gave me the opportunity to get to know the Students’ Union. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about student politics and how important the SU is to student life.

It really is astounding that this Students’ Union has been such an integral part of NUI Galway for half a century; to be a part of that, even for a minimal amount of time, has been an honour to me.

Here’s to another 50 years!

Jess @Jess__Thompson

Contributors: Keith Barry|Sean Dunne|Ciara Conway|Rosemary Gallagher|Darren Glynn|Andy Hamilton|Aedhmar Hynes|Garry Hynes|Sean Kearns|Olive Loughnane|Siún Nic Gearailt|Pat Rabbitte|Alan Sheerin|Ciara Staunton|Annika Stendebach|Joanne Sweeny-Burke|Marie Whelan

1974/75

• The Union supports the strike by the teaching section of the Workers Union of Ireland in UCG who were seeking parity of earnings with their colleagues in UCD.The Union attempts to set up an Inter-Union Council in UCG in which each staff Trade Union and section of the College could discuss and act on matters of common interest.

1974 -78

• The Union ran and subsidised the Creche/Nursery service for staff and students on Munster Avenue. However, this service had to close in June 1978 due to debts. In 1979 the Union began campaigning for a new crèche/ nursery to be funded by College.

An Ghaeilge i saol na Mic Léinn

le Feidhlim Seoighe

oifigEach na gaEilgE 2012/13

Tá tábhacht ar leith ag baint leis an Ghaeilge i saol na Mac Léinn in OÉ Gaillimh. Fiú mura bhfuil tú ag déanamh staidéar ar an Ghaeilge mar ábhair múinte, baineann Mic Léinn na hOllscoile an taitneamh as taobh sóisialta na teanga.

Is fíor gur féidir le Mic Léinn an chuid sásamh a bhaint as an teanga, ag oícheanta déanacha i gClub Áras na nGael, ag na hOireachtais, nó ag aon ócáid a bhíonn ar siúl ag an Cumann Craic.

Tá stádas ar leith chomh maith ag an Ollscoil i dtreo múineadh na Gaeilge, agus tá reachtaíocht leagtha síos ag an Dáil a chinntínn gurbh í OÉ Gaillimh an príomh Ollscoil múineadh na Gaeilge san tír. Agus is léir go bhfuil an stádas seo le feiceáil go soiléir san gComhlathas.

Is é Comhlathas na Mac Léinn a eagraíonn an fhéile bhliantúil d’Sheachtain na Gaeilge, agus ó bhliain go bhliain déantar an Ollscoile a Ghaelú amach is amach.

Is cuid lárnach d’fheachtais na bliana de chuid an chomhlathas na an Fhéile bliantúil seo. Eagraítear céilithe, ceolchoirmeacha, ranganna Ghaeilge agus seisiún cheoil mar chuid den fhéile.

Thar na blianta, tá an-chuid bainte amach i dtreo an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn san ollscoil, trí scéimeanna teanga nua a chuir i bhfeidhm san Ollscoil, nó maidir le a bheidh ag obair chun an Gaeilge a chur chun cinn trí a bheadh ag obair le heagraíochtaí ar nós Conradh na Gaeilge.

1975

• Union opposed the Minister for Educations proposals to restructure higher education.

• The Union supported the Irish Union of School Students.

• A major letter writing campaign to politicians regarding late payment of grants was held.

• The Union encouraged students to only pay the first half of their registration fees in Autumn as a protest against fee increases of 140% over 5 years.

1976

Tá an Chomhlathas tar éis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn i ngach gné dá chuid oibre le caoga bhliain anuas, agus is léir go bhfuil sé seo ag chur leis an éileamh, agus suime, atá ag Mic Léinn chun an teanga a fhoghlaim, a fheabhsú, agus a labhairt.

Feidhlim Seoighe

Leas-Uachtarán don Ghaeilge/Vice President for the Irish Language

Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn (AMLÉ)/Union of Students in Ireland (USI)

NUI Galway Students’ Union Oifigeach na Gaeilge 2012/13

• Problems regarding use of the Common Room as the Aula was used for everything from discos to boxing to debating.

• In November a campaign was launched to highlight student issues of accommodation, grants, fees, lack of facilities and a lack of staff. On the Wednesday tents were set up in Eyre Square to highlight the accommodation crisis.

Tá an Chomhlathas tar éis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn i ngach gné dá chuid oibre le caoga bhliain anuas, agus is léir go bhfuil sé seo ag chur leis an éileamh, agus suime, atá ag Mic Léinn chun an teanga a fhoghlaim, a fheabhsú, agus a labhairt.

• On the Thursday there was a march in to town alongside a 24 hour occupation of college offices. The following Monday a silent picket/funeral march was held outside the University Finance Committee meeting. This was followed by a nationwide all out strike day and another march in to town on December 8th.

1977

• Following the USI Grant campaign the Grant was increased by IR£150.

• The Union produces a major report on the fishing industry in Ireland arguing in favour of a minimum 50 mile exclusive limit for Irish fisherman to safeguard their interests.

RAG Week Firewalk 2009

SU President

I recall the occupation of the office of College President over an increase in the fees. A small number of us were suspended from college until our parents gave an undertaking that we would behave ourselves. I still have the letter the College wrote to my dad.

By Alan Sheerin StudEntS’ union PrESidEnt 1982

I would like to offer my congratulations to the Students Union on its 50th birthday. I was President of the SU in 1982 and have fond memories of my time there.

The early 1980’s were turbulent times in Ireland and internationally. We had several changes of government, the Hunger Strike in Long Kesh internment camp. Our neighbours in Britain were at war with themselves as the nasty side of Thatcherism raised its ugly head. La Guerra de las Malvinas and the Soviet Union invasion of Afghanistan were also underway.

All of this was happening against the backdrop of a recession in Ireland and the fight that the student movement was having with the authorities over fees and access to third level education. Marches were held and sit-ins were common.

My good friend Noel Murray was SU Vice President and Dave (Spud) Murphy was Secretary, together we spent many late evenings in the SU office hatching campaign plans.

I recall the occupation of the office of College President, the late Dr Colm Ó hEocha over an increase in the fees. Following this, a small number of us were suspended from college until our parents gave an undertaking that we would behave ourselves.

I still have the letter the College wrote to my dad, Tony.

The SU gave me my introduction to politics; ideological battles were raging in organizations like the USI.The debates around issues such as contraception, divorce, abortion and Women’s Rights were topical.

I recall old friends who were around at the time, Dermot Tynan (computer dating supremo), Paddy Clancy, Eleanor O’Neill, Seamus Henry, Paddy Hanafin, Mick Mc Mahon, Johnny Shorten, Ultan DeBurca and the GMIT (RTC) SU President Ivan McPhillips amongst many others.

I wish the Students’ Union every success for the future.

1979

1978

• Campaign by the Union against 7% fee increase by UCG receives huge public support (originally proposed a 15% increase but backed down).

• The SU Constitution is reviewed.The Union supports the AntiNuclear Campaign.

• A meeting is held entitled “The Future of Irish Education” which highlights the need for a White Paper on Education. This is followed by further marches against increasing fees and cutbacks in education.

Garry Hynes

Year of graduation: 1975

Course at NUI Galway: BA

Current Occupation: Theatre Director

What is your fondest memory of NUI Galway? Ma Craven’s Coffee Shop

Has NUI Galway changed since you were here? Completely.

How did attending NUI Galway develop you as a person? I grew up.

Did you partake in any societies, sports clubs or volunteering at NUI Galway? DramSoc, Lit&Deb ArtsSoc

What was the college newspaper like when you were in NUI Galway? Did you write for it? Can’t remember but I wrote (terrible) poems and prose for Criterion.

Do you ever miss NUI Galway? Well I’m lucky enough to have a continuing relationship with it through Druid.

Did you ever get in trouble while you were here? Frequently.

Any juicy stories of your time here?

• The Union organise a College boycott to highlight the issues of increasing fees and inadequate funding of education.

• Planning Permission is granted for the provision of a bar in the Student Common Room in the Quad which will become the Students’ Union Club (College Bar).

I refer you to my memoirs which will be published as soon as the lawyers have finished with them.

What advice would you give to current NUI Galway students?

Enjoy. It will all too quickly become something you have only memories of.

If you could go back and do it all again, what would you do differently?

Funnily enough I would study more. It seems an impossible luxury now to have time just to read and learn.

Andrew Hamilton

“Sometimes you need to be shouted down before you are really ready to speak”

He is definitely shouting. I try to play along; smiling thinly at his twisted face. His words still white in my ears, I act like this is normal, like it wouldn’t be a proper news-meeting if someone wasn’t angry and screaming.

But I don’t believe it, and neither does he.

His voice grows louder. “Stop it!” he shouts through his tangled beard. “Stop it!”

I look to Jennifer [news editor Jennifer Allen], at my untied shoes, and finally to the 60 or so bemused faces that peer down from the thin air of the O’Flaherty Theatre. This is definitely happening.

“It was just a joke,” I offer weakly. “We don’t really condone beating up hippies. Really we don’t. It’s just… There was a story on the news. Maybe you saw…”

“Stop it,” he says again, his voice now slow and cold, and full of menace.

That was that; September 17 2002; the first meeting of the newly reformed Student Independent News (SIN).

In May of that year, Gardaí on Dublin had removed their ID badges and used batons to break up a Reclaim the Streets demonstration on Dame Street. It had been a scandal, but a remote one, and one that, four months after the fact, we all felt comfortable joking about. Well, most of us.

The bearded man was an American student, fresh

1980

• The Union supports the Postgrad Strike and gives them monies raised in the Aula on Thursday nights. Postgrads are striking due to the withdrawal of the fellowship teaching grant for postgrads by the College.

• The Union pushes for on campus accommodation for students.

• The Union supports the call for political status by the prisoners of H-Block and Armagh Jail. Several UCG students involved in the H-Block campaign claim they are being harassed by the Gardaí.

• The third annual First Year Festival of “Gibs” (Freshers) is held with gigs by Stocktons Wing and Bagatelle.

1981

• The Ballot Box Campaign (BBC) is held to increase the number of students registered to vote in Galway West. A test case is taken to court by the Students’ Union to allow students to register to vote in the constituency where they attend College and this test case is a success.

• A further fees boycott is proposed as part of the Finance for Education Campaign.

• Students hold an occupation of the staff hall to protest against increasing prices, poor service and limited opening times in the staff hall and the restaurant.

• The Union holds a Community Action Week as part of College Week.

off the plane a few days earlier, U2 and Guinness still coursing through his veins.

Like most American visiting students, he was polite and unnaturally positive, not at all the kind of person you’d expect to find shouting at a group of strangers. But sometimes shouting down a joke is the right thing to do.

That was the first of many learning days at SIN. That day I learned that just because something is funny, doesn’t mean that it’s not serious or important; that perspectives are infinite, and that each perspective carries with it a new and valid version of reality. And that sometimes you need to be shouted down before you are really ready to speak.

That year with SIN turned out to be one big long shout. Gloriously naïve, we jumped happily into every pitfall that came our way.

We spent whole weekends at the computer –writing, editing, night and day. We made mistakes, we smoked cigarettes and sometimes we got drunk. We did things right, or at least as right as we were able.

And we never stopped shouting.

Andy Hamilton

Sin Editor 2002/2003

BA (Eng and Soc/Pol) in 2002 and a MA in Journalism in 2004

1982

• During College Week Gerry Ryan DJ’d the disco at Leisureland and the Manger of Leisurelands car was set on fire by students.

• The SU is affiliated with the Irish Polish Solidarity Campaign which was set up following the declaration of martial law in Poland. This left students stranded in other countries and interned in Poland due to Union involvement.

• 12th – 21st of May a group of 13 representing the Students’ Union occupy the Presidents office. The occupation was initially meant to last 24 hoursand was about the

That day I learned that just because something is funny, doesn’t mean that it’s not serious or important... that each perspective carries with it a new and valid version of reality.

1983

proposed increase in fees and the cut backs in essential Student Services. However, following intimidation from College authorities (student phones cut off, closure of the SU bar and an attempt to cut off the nursery allowance) they decided to extend the occupation. 1,000 students marched in support of this occupation on the eve of their exams. The increase in fees still went through however.

• A catering boycott of the restaurant was held. Terms of settlement included a freeze on prices and an 8% increase in chip quantity.

• In February three days of action are held regarding education cuts. The Union organises a boycott of lectures, pickets on campus, a march through town and the distribution of information regarding the campaign to locals from a stall set up in Eyre Square. They also join the national march in Dublin.

• The case in favour of the introduction of capitation was put forward by the SU.

• The Union supports the Release Nicky Kelly Campaign after he was wrongly convicted for the Sallins Mail Train Robbery.

Year of graduation: 2005.

Course at NUI Galway: Electronic and Computer Engineering. Current Occupation: CEO of Ex Ordo

We used data in ways that wasn’t necessarily imagined, and if we hadn’t gone and done some of those things, we wouldn’t have those services, and I probably wouldn’t have a company today.

Paul Killoran

What is your fondest memory of NUI Galway?

The fondest memory that I would have is probably being involved in the Musical Society. I was involved in a lot of clubs and societies throughout my college days; I had a life that was extra-curricular.

One that comes to mind is trying to put together a stage in the Black Box Theatre, where I was working as a set designer, choreographer and builder, and needing to get this set done under a time limit.

I remember sleeping on the stage in the Black Box covered in a big old black curtain because the technician had let us stay overnight, and in the middle of the night, after spending three days solid in the Black Box with no sleep and little food, the night crazies kind of crept in and I remember me and rest of the crew having a drink of beer and chatting about the women in the cast and just bonding with those people.

I suppose that’s what it was about; getting away from the structures about what life around us was like and giving us this little area we could go and play in, figure out who we were and build up skills and be creative.

How did attending NUI Galway develop you as a person?

I think it developed me in two ways; with the academic stuff as it’s given me the technical ability to execute what I do as an engineer, and also I think as an engineer, how I manage and how I lead, I’m very methodical with what I do.

That’s helped me in terms of my leadership skills. With regard to the society side of things, I founded my first ever company, the Dance Society, back in 2002 which gave me my first opportunity to found an organization, to go about the branding and the name and pulling a team together and

running events. The extra-curricular stuff went about developing my social skills and my founding of my first company and my second company.

What was the college newspaper like when you were in NUI Galway? Did you write for it?

I didn’t write for it, no. It was nice, it had a few stories in it; it was nice to have a reference to what was going on on campus. With societies, what we were doing was largely covered there so it was nice to have a bit of reflection.

At the time, the Sin website was far bigger than the newspaper that was run by a guy called John Nolan, or Hetch as he was more commonly known. So the Sin website, if I’m honest, over-shadowed the newspaper completely. It was where all the stories were, it’s where breaking news happened.

They had a particularly good photography section for the university balls in the pre-Facebook days. I was a Sin photographer at one ball which was great because I got a free ticket. In my day, Sin newspaper was grand but the Sin website was a force to be reckoned with.

Do you ever miss NUI Galway?

Well I’m here more often than I’m not. I’ve never really left it and it’s still a home to me. I do think back on my student days and I’d love to go back, which is why I did a second degree after college to try and emulate what I had here which you can’t, because you’re in a different place in your life and you’ve different sets of friends.

I love remembering old times, but NUIG remains a home, I’m in and out all the times. There’s hardly a week that goes by where I’m not here in some capacity, and I really like the way that my student days have developed to where I am now, mentoring

1984

• In March a referendum passes to allow for the introduction of a capitation fee in 1984/85 academic year.

• Occupation of Western Health Board offices by some members of the Union regarding the withdrawal of medical cards from students.

National USI campaign is successful and the automatic loss of the card by students is gone.

1985

• The Union proposes the establishment of a Student Health Service.

1986

• A referendum in favour of disaffiliation from USI fails.

• The College buys the IMI (Irish Metal Industries) building which is a former ammunitions factory.

1986/87

• The Union joins campaigns against extradition and strip searches in women’s prisons.

• The Pogues, Alison Moyet, The Waterboys, John Martyn and Nik Kershaw play various Union organised gigs.

1987

• The Union organises a boycott of tea and coffee served in the restaurant due to the increase in price of same (tea 33p and coffee 35p). The union serves approximately 2,000 cups of tea a day during boycott at 25p a cup.

• 30 students who were unable to find accommodation in Galway spend the night in the SU common room.

• The Union supports the anti-apartheid movement.

students in the ICE program in the Cairnes Building and still involved in helping and nurturing students.

Did you ever get in trouble while you were here?

I do remember breaching the alcohol policy and getting a slap on the wrist for that. I’ve always been one to try and do something and then ask for permission later.

What I did a lot of times, with something like the societies service Yourspace, we didn’t necessarily get permission to do that from the top level, but we made it anyway and that created a service for students that wouldn’t exist otherwise.

We used data in ways that wasn’t necessarily imagined, which means that today’s societies and clubs can message and email their members and if we hadn’t gone and done some of those things, we wouldn’t have those services and I probably wouldn’t have a company today.

Any other juicy stories of your time here?

Well, getting involved in musicals was a great way of finding women because I realized that being able to dance and perform and being in those circles, you tended to have 10 or 20 guys in every musical with 40 or 50 women, so it was great way to find girlfriends.

There was something that took place called the Jonathan Hatton award and that was basically a count of how many people you could score throughout the days of the musical, and it probably still exists today.

You used to try and wrack up as many notches as you could before the final performance. I think I managed to get to five for the Jonathan Hatton award, I was really impressed but I was overtaken by a gay guy who scored both men and women so I couldn’t compete anymore.

1988

• Sit-ins are held at the library by up to 400 students regarding the cut in library opening hours. This results in the necessary overtime for library staff being sanctioned.

• Students occupy the University Telephone Exchange to protest at the 10% increase in fees.

• The Union is a member of Galway Council of Voluntary Youth Organisations.

• The Union commences operation of cloakroom and exam papers services.

1988/89

• Students are dissatisfied with Ents. offered by the Union. A review of ents. department is held. The Ents. department is not making a profit, poor service, bad PR for SU, poor relations with socs and clubs. The report concludes there is no need for Ents Dept & employees (had full time officer and 2 part time assistants)

• RAG week “important that the emphasis be taken away from drink and that the charity aspect be stressed more”.

• An Exec review is held regarding the possible

What advice would you give to current NUI Galway students?

The societies were a huge part of what I did, and now I see people not getting hugely involved in them. I think the academic sense of life is great, but for me the rounding in my education came from the mish-mash of both.

There was a whole third year where I hardly went to college and my results didn’t do so well, but having gone through that was amazing. As the years go on, you have to get more and more serious, and then once you finish college you can’t experience it again first-hand for a second time.

I guess just enjoy what you have now, the bigbad comes along where you’ll have bills and banks ringing you and mortgages and wives and kids.You’ll never really have the opportunity to sit in a little bubble and be protected by the four walls around the college.

If you could go back and do it all again, what would you do differently?

I would have done a J1, that’s the only thing. I decided that I wanted to chase a girl I had broken up with, and instead of doing the J1 with her I decided I would go on a two week holiday to Cyprus and come home and tell her that I loved her.

She told me she didn’t want anything to do with me, so I should have done the J1 with her. Another reason I didn’t do the J1 was because I was too polite and I was waiting for my friends to ask me.

When they came back they asked me ‘Why didn’t you do the J1’ and I just said ‘No one ever asked me’ so I should have just said ‘I’m going!’ and been more forthright than polite.

I remember sleeping on the stage in the Black Box covered in a big old black curtain (the technician had let us stay overnight) and after spending three days solid in the Black Box with no sleep and little food, the night crazies kind of crept in...

1991/92

• The Union Bilingual policy is formulated.

merger of Campaigns Officer with UDO and change of secretary to publicity officer are suggested.

• Gaysoc is set up and the SU brings people from other colleges with Gaysocs to visit the college.

• Auditors pass motion asking SU not to pay USI affiliation fee and suggest a referendum to disaffiliate. An EGM is called.

• New secretarial service is set up by the SU.

1990/91

• A Union day is held.

• It is agreed that Exec meetings will be non-smoking.

• A Board of Management for SU is set up consisting of President, VP, College Rep, Independent Rep.

• Management structure for SU commercial services is introduced.

• Lighting on campus is a big issue.

• Common room facilities for Engineering Department and St. Anthonys

• A campus laundry is proposed.

• A Library amnesty is held.

• Protests are held about overcrowding and delays over IMI. The College says it can’t develop until the Corrib Rowing & Yachting Club is bought out.

• Campaign against water charges.

There it was, my first national story on President Robinson’s visit to NUI Galway. The story led to my nomination for National Press Journalist of the year at the national student media awards that year.

1992/93

• The Union decided to reaffiliate to level O of USI.

• The Union adopts a neutral position on pro-life issue.

• Efforts are made to resurrect the Student Assembly. The Student Centre campaign is set up.

• A meeting is held regarding living conditions in Baile na Coiribe and 120 residents out of 180 attend.

• The Union runs “Almost Las Vegas” a pool hall in the IMI

to a New York reporter

By Sean Dunne

When it came to choosing a Masters in Journalism after completing a New Media and English degree, it came down to choosing between DCU and NUI Galway.

I decided that the West of Ireland’s NUI Galway had an esteemed reputation for moulding the next generation of journalists. When you look at some of the prestigious alumni who have all graduated from NUI Galway, it was hard for an aspiring journalist not to choose the MA in Journalism here.

Fellow alumni include RTE’s Sean O’ Rourke, the late Colm Murray, Grainne Seoige and Will Leahy as well as Irish President Michael D Higgins. I decided I would be in good company for graduate school with these alumni.

My time in Galway was fascinating from day one and the Journalism staff is incredibly supportive of the next generation of journalists.

Learning the theories of news reporting from The Connacht Tribune editor Dave O’Connell, to being a working reporter in the National press with Caroline Crawford of The Irish Independent drew me in from day one.

I assumed the role of deputy News and Features editor at the campus paper Sin and soon was having bylines in The Connacht Tribune which is a great help to any young writer.

I remember sitting in the Arts Millenium building one cold January and receiving an email that former Irish President Mary Robinson would be giving a talk in discussion with The Irish Times journalist Fintan O’ Toole.

While no media interviews were being given on the night I persisted over the course of three weeks to try to land an interview with the former President and on the day Mrs Robinson arrived in NUI Galway, I received a call from the press office to say I had been granted the only interview of the night solely on my persistence and as a student journalist Mrs Robinson liked my persistence.

My first reaction was panic but after some great advice from Bernadette O’ Sullivan of the Journalism staff, the adrenaline kicked in.

So there I was sitting in the President’s room on campus interviewing Mary Robinson. Was I nervous? A little but the adrenaline had overcome me. I decided to stick a few tough questions on teen suicide and emigration to the former President, while her husband Nicholas Robinson looked on and gave me a smile.

Like all good journalists, I knew I had unearthed a few golden lines during the interview and contacted The Irish Independent about a possible story I knew we had.

As I woke up Tuesday morning there it was, my first national story on President Robinson’s visit to NUI Galway. Her views on emigration were controversial but as a journalist that was my story.

The story led to my nomination for National Press Journalist of the year at the national student media awards that year.

My fondest memories are from my field trips to RTE, radio workshops with RTE’s Sean O’Rourke and the friendships made with fellow students and lecturers.

That’s the thing about NUI Galway, you may go in as a student but you leave with such a solid support network of fellow graduates willing to help.

As I embarked on my career as a journalist with RTE News, I was working with the legendary Sean O’Rourke on The News at One, while being guided through the newsroom by many NUIG alumni.

I currently work for The Irish Voice newspaper as a reporter in New York, with the Manhattan skyline staring back at me. But nothing makes me prouder than the memory of standing on the quad in NUI Galway holding my MA degree in Journalism from what I believe is one of the finest journalism schools in Ireland.

1993/94

• There is disappointment with the content of Cool Chaint which is blamed on time involved in translating/typing due to bilingual policy.

• Students Summer Job Scheme is run by the Union providing jobs for students setting up a computer system for lockers, running a housing survey,

typing, cleaning lockers.

• Increase in Under Grad fees and capitation to pay for IMI. The IMI building is due to start January 1994.

• Application for Q mark for Shop and Smokeys

• A Reclaim the Night march is held over attacks at Corrib Village with self defence classes being held and rape alarms going on sale.

• Referendum to re-affiliate with USI is held and increase capitation to meet cost of this.

• An Environment week is held with bottle banks being a key issue.

• Complaints are made that permanent college staff don’t speak Irish.

• Honorary Life Membership of SU to Everett Kavanagh.

Year of graduation: 1986

Course at NUI Galway: BA, Economics & English, FAS Marketing Program

Current Occupation: CEO, Text100 Global Communications Agency.

Aedhmar Hynes

What is your fondest memory of NUI Galway?

There was a strong sense of community built around a collective sense of learning; great professors and lecturers who were interested in students’ progress and ambitions. Also, there was a wonderful student body where I was able to build lifelong friendships across many disciplines.

Has NUI Galway changed since you were here?

NUIG has seen some tremendous investment and development since the 80s. I expect that this has some incredible benefits in terms of resources, facilities, faculty members, and breadth of courses. I assume, however, that it’s also changed the culture and feel of the campus. It may be less likely that you get to know as many people and lose the intimacy of a small campus environment. Yet, I suspect the good outweighs the bad.

How did attending NUI Galway develop you as a person?

My time at NUIG has given me a lifelong love of learning. Regardless of the positions I’ve held or the countries I’ve lived in, I’ve always had a fundamental belief that I will want to learn from the people around me. The culture that I’ve built within my own agency is similar to a university culture; one which brings the best minds together regardless of background or discipline and where they can coalesce around great ideas and produce something that is far greater than the sum of the parts. This is underpinned by a non-hierarchical environment where people can be themselves, acting as a team to create excellence on behalf of some of the greatest brands in the world.

Did you partake in any societies, sports clubs or volunteering at NUI Galway?

I was part of DramaSoc – although I’ll confess I was only there because I followed my sister’s (Garry) footsteps. I quickly discovered that there was only one true thespian in the Hynes family. I participated in Lit&Deb, English society and was a big volunteer in ‘College Week.’ I was even elected as Miss College

1994/95

• Following RAG week losses in 1991, 1992 and 1993 the Union aims to revamp RAG week through running a small number of well organised events with an increased emphasis on community involvement and charities.

• Evening students rights are an issue.

• Possibility of increased capitation to fund SU.

• Possibility of setting SU up as limited company so any

Week, one year, which I was convinced to do by my friends, as it was a free passport to every possible event that was held throughout the week. Well worth the pain!

What was the college newspaper like when you were in NUI Galway? Did you write for it?

I don’t remember much about the college newspaper, I’m afraid, and no, I didn’t write for it.

Do you ever miss NUI Galway?

Yes I do, but I remain in contact. I sit on the North American Development Board and appreciate the opportunity to interact with the President and many of the current executives who keep me up to speed on the progress being made. Although I live in NY, I return to Galway regularly to visit family and appreciate the ties between NUIG and the Druid Theatre Co as well.

Did you ever get in trouble while you were here?

Not that I’m telling anyone about now!!

Any juicy stories of your time here?

As above. ;-)

What advice would you give to current NUI Galway students?

My biggest advice is to dream big. An education at NUIG equips you to do more than get a great job. It teaches you skills that will help you lead a meaningful life that will extend way beyond your career alone. Be careful not to pursue a narrow set of goals and always remain open-minded to the possibilities that come when faced with the choice of going left or right on the road. The less well-trodden path can often present surprising outcomes that you may never have dreamt possible.

If you could go back and do it all again, what would you do differently?

Not one thing.

1995/96

My biggest advice is to dream big. An education at NUIG equips you to do more than get a great job. It teaches you skills that will help you lead a meaningful life, skills that will extend way beyond your career alone.

service not trading properly/not profitable can be shut down.

• The Union begins setting up an orientation programme.

• Campus Watch is introduced due to safety concerns on Campus.

• Suggested 24 hour computer and reading room.

• A referendum is held over proposed Nestle ban.

• RAG week charities: Aids West, The Samaritans, the RNLI, VSA, Waterside Womens Refuge

• In February the Minister for Education announces the abolition of Undergraduate fees in Third Level Institutions.

• In July the Minister for Education establishes charge of up to £150 intended to fund student services such as Students’ Union, Societies, Clubs and contributions to cost of registration and exams. Following this the Minister accepted that 3rd Level Institutions may increase this basic charge from £150 to £250.

Students’ Unions throughout the country set out a position paper on this charge as they are concerned it may be increased again. Marches are held about fees.

• Aslan and the Pale play the RAG ball other RAG week events include the Bogmans Ball, the Race of Disgrace and Blind Date.

• The Nurses case begins over non payment of their fees by Western Health Board.

• Quality of UCG sports [cont...]

Keith Barry Crocheted Trees

The highlight of the year, undoubtedly, was the election of our own Michael D. Higgins to the Presidency. He visited NUI Galway on the last day of his campaign.

An apt conclusion, as

his

journey to Áras an Uachtaráin began in our own Áras na Mac Léinn.

By Rosemary Gallagher Sin Editor 2011/12

The 2011/12 academic year was a time of high tension for campus politics and for Ireland generally.

I had made the decision upon taking the role of Sin Editor that the newspaper would be strongly focused on campus. All stories, photographs and features were to be of direct relevance to students, staff and alumni of NUI Galway.

Each issue carried a cover story relating to on-campus events. The sport section celebrated NUI Galway’s athletes. The CloakRumours celebrated its characters. With its gaze focused inwards, on events within the University, Sin held a mirror to Ireland’s charged political climate.

As the recession ravaged our graduates’ potential, with businesses closing across Ireland and budget cuts threatening access to education, the Occupy Movement gained traction globally and indeed in Galway.

Students occupied Fine Gael TD Brian Ward’s office in Bohermore, while USI representatives attempted similar tactics in Dublin. Free Education for Everyone (FEE) campaigned actively on campus. Students’ Union President Emmet Connolly steered a ship through stormy waters, as an impassioned union became angry and frustrated with government policy.

The majority of students, however, continued with the daily slog of essays and exams, choosing to celebrate a newfound sense of self, rather than lamenting the threats to their future.

In these tough times creativity, charity and outreach thrived. Conor Mulloy’s brainchild, ‘NUIG Wants it That Way’ earned €10,000 for 1Life Suicide Helpline.

The Knitting and Crochet Society ‘YarnBombed’ our campus, and Sin’s own designer, Shannon Reeves, launched an origami show at the 2012 Múscailt Festival.

Our final issue celebrated student achievement as we led with the Society, Sport and Volunteering and Enterprise Awards.

The Students’ Union Enterprise Awards launched ‘Sonarplex’, as well as Tunes in the Church and An Mheitheal Rothar, which is active on campus still.

Almost 1,000 students received ALIVE Volunteering Certificates, demonstrating NUI Galway students’ involvement in their community.

The highlight of the year, undoubtedly, was the election of our own Michael D. Higgins to the Presidency. He visited NUI Galway on the last day of his campaign. An apt conclusion, as his journey to Áras an Uachtaráin began in our own Áras na Mac Léinn.

Rosemary Gallagher Sin Editor 2011/12

MA in Literature and Publishing 2007

Current Student PhD in English Literature

Year of graduation: 1998

Course at NUI Galway: BSc Hons graduating in Chemistry Current Occupation: Mentalist/Hypnotist/Magician

What is your fondest memory of NUI Galway?

Heading to the River Inn every Thursday night, followed by craziness in The Alley or The Warwick afterwards.

Has NUI Galway changed since you were here?

Not a whole lot. It’s obviously more modernised now but overall the youthful vibe and energy remains the same.

How did attending NUI Galway develop you as a person?

I think my true personality developed and shined in NUIG as I didn’t really like school or have many friends there. In NUIG I immediately connected with a lot of people who had the same interests as me and remain friends with them to this very day. Also I learned to work hard and play hard which I still do to this very day.

Did you partake in any societies, sports clubs or volunteering at NUI Galway?

Unfortunately no – I do regret not playing rugby – it’s something I would have liked to try my hand at.

What was the college newspaper like when you were in NUI Galway? Did you write for it? Never read it!

Do you ever miss NUI Galway?

Always! I passed there today and my heart skipped a beat. The only other place I would live in besides where I live now would be Galway. I love the place.

Did you ever get in trouble while you were here?

Honestly I could have been arrested a number of times for doing stupid stuff when drunk but luckily avoided the guards every time!

Any other juicy stories of your time here?

I remember hypnotising one of the girls, Denise Healy, into acting like a chicken during a lecture. The whole place was in knots with the laughter. The lecturer failed to see the funny side

What advice would you give to current NUI Galway students?

Ignore the advice from lecturers and government officials. I got 1-1s the whole way through college and graduated with the top points of my class that year. CRAMMING DOES WORK!

If you could go back and do it all again, what would you do differently?

I would have played rugby and set up a magician society. Other than that I would change nothing as I loved every minute of my time there.

Year of graduation: 2000 – 2003

course: Ba: English, Soc & Pol; hdip: applied communications; Ma: Journalism current occupation: Self-employed at Media Box

Joanne Sweeney-Burke

What is your fondest memory of NUI Galway?

The buzz of college life, the joy of finally studying courses that I chose and that started my journey to working life.The supports for me as I had my two-year old daughter Sophie with me for the four years I was there. Finally the great part-time jobs I had there – the cloakroom the Sandwick Dock.

Has NUI Galway changed since you were here?

I returned to NUI Galway numerous times since I graduated to deliver guest lectures and various talks. Now I am back here as Media Box is located in the Business Innovation Centre and it has the same great atmosphere and actually some very familiar faces from the library, canteen and even some lecturers.

I was delighted to see that Sin – the university newspaper – is still around. I was a former editor and in fact involved in the rebranding of the publication from Coolchaint to Sin over 10 years ago.

How did attending NUI Galway develop you as a person?

It helped me develop emotionally, socially and of course academically. I learned to survive as a young single mother but I have to say it was these years that gave me an inner confidence that I never had before.

I also have a very strong sense of education and since graduating from NUI Galway in 2003 after my Masters, I have completed an academic or professional development course each year since then. I now have multiple other qualifications due to my love of learning which was nurtured here.

Did you partake in any societies, sports clubs or volunteering at NUI Galway?

Unfortunately I didn’t get involved in too much as I had Sophie who was two when I started NUI Galway and who stayed with me throughout the four years. In fact she even attended a lecture or two with me. However I did get involved in the student newspaper as it was a direct link to my career.

1995/96 [...cont]

facilities is criticised.

• Groups of students are walking to Corrib Village together at night for safety.

• A complaints book for nightclubs is introduced in the SU.

• Concerns are raised over Student Services office allocation in the new IMI building as it is feared this will interfere with autonomy of SU.

• Lack of facilities for Christmas exams is a big problem.

• Recycled paper is on sale in the shop.

• The importance of keeping representational and commercial sides of SU separate is discussed.

• The possibility of introducing an Environmental Officer is raised.

What was the college newspaper like when you were in NUI Galway? Did you write for it?

I was a former reporter and then editor of Sin. I was involved in the rebranding of the paper and I thoroughly enjoyed this experience. It stood to me when I applied for the postgraduate Diploma in Applied Communications (Print and Broadcast Journalism and PR) and as a result of that experience I got one of the 13 coveted places on this course.

Do you ever miss NUI Galway?

I always missed NUI Galway after I left and I then understood why many students just keep studying. So as you can imagine I am thrilled to be back and to have my business, Media Box located here. I hope to develop these links and perhaps engage in some lecturing if the opportunity arises. I am also very proud that my daughter Sophie will hopefully attend this university after her leaving certificate. It feels like we have come full circle as a family.

Did you ever get in trouble while you were here?

Actually never.

Any juicy stories of your time here?

Cycling home after a few hours in the college bar once or twice.

What advice would you give to current NUI Galway students?

Embrace student life, learn about yourself, make new friends, get involved in activities and appreciate that education is your passport to independence so work hard.

If you could go back and do it all again, what would you do differently?

Nothing, I have such wonderful memories of my time at NUI Galway and I am so grateful for those years.

1996/97

• SU home page is set up online.

• In return for the SU agreeing to support the passing of a referendum for £30 increase in capitation the college agrees to install video cameras and extra lights on Campus to improve security, provide a grant to the Health Unit and build a theatre.

• Proposed that SU accept advertising from cigarette companies.

• The Union Irish policy is drawn up.

I was delighted to see that Sin –the university newspaper –is still around. I was a former editor and in fact involved in the rebranding of the publication from Coolchaint to Sin over 10 years ago.

1997/98

• Warning leaflets are drawn up regarding accommodation.

• Sabbatical wages to increase in line with USI wages.

• Student help line is set up.

• Smoking is banned in Exec office

• Group walks to Corrib Village are restarted.

• Opening library on Sundays campaign.

• USI Pink Training is held at NUI Galway

• Union has a weekly slot on FLIRT FM

• The shortage of computer facilities causes problems.

• SU suing Minister for Education

over non-payment of nurses fees.

• CAO day at SU office to help 2nd level students fill in their application forms.

• Dail protest regarding nurses fees and postcard campaign to Taoiseach regarding same.

• USI capitation campaign is launched.

• The revamp of CRC begins.

• Constitution review/referendum

• Increased investment in Student Services (£120,000 pa)

• Referendum of USI affiliation –SU campaigning for YES vote

• The 4 of Us play RAG week

Comhairle Teachta

CommIttee 1963/1964

Uachtarán: Pádhraig É. Ó Dochartaigh

Leas-Uachtarán: Brendan T. King

Runái: Gay Murphy

Leas-Runaí: William Moloney

Leas-Chisteoir: Kevin Brophy

OCM: 10 other students

“on the occasion of the launching of the first Sunday night Dance in aid of the N.U.I. Graduated Club Fund”. Features Padraic O Docharta (circled), President of Comhairle Teachta Na Mac Léinn 1963/64. The Connacht Tribune, May 9 1964, page 12.

CommIttee 1964/1965

Uachtarán: Michael D. Higgins, Lit. & Deb (prop.P. Griffin)

Leas-Uachtarán: Luke Clancy, Sports (returned, prop. P. Griffin)

Rúnaí: Brian S. Mac Eochagain, Science

Leas-Rúnaí: Liam Kelleher, Cultural

Leas-Chisteoir: Ralph Ryan

OCM: Gearóid O Tuathaigh, Cumann Eigse

OCM: Mena O’Donell, Sports

OCM: Gerry Cloherty, Med.

OCM: Sheila O’Regan, Med.

OCM: Michael Reynolds, Arts

OCM: Donagh O’Donoghue, Arts

OCM: John McCarrick, Comm.

OCM: Patsy Griffin, Comm.

OCM: John Joseph Purcell, Eng.

OCM: F. Joyce, Science

For the first time in years, three candidates where in the field: Luke Clancy (prop. D. O’Donoghue), Ralph Ryan (prop. J. McCarrick) and Michael D. Higgins (prop. P. Griffin).

Higgins was elected on the first count, polling 8 votes to Mr. Clancy’s 5 and Mr. Ryan’s 2. Commenting on the election, the new Uachtarán said that he was sure “that it was the Catholic vote that did it.”

Committee photo in Unity, Vol. 5, Issue 9, page 3.

CommIttee 1965/1966

Uachtarán: Gearoid O Tuathaigh, Culture

Leas-Uachtarán: Don Lydon, Arts

Rúnaí: Seamus O Cinneide, Arts

Leas-Rúnaí: Philomena O’Boyle, Commerce

Leas-Chisteoir: Richard Lee, Science

OCM: John Higgins, Lit. & Deb.

OCM: Poilin Ni Chiaran, Cumann Eigse

OCM: Donagh O’Donoghue, Sports

OCM: Brian Coyle, Sports

OCM: Pat Finn, Commerce

OCM: Michael O’Sullivan, Science

OCM: John Wlliams, Engineering

OCM: Padraic Burke, Engineering

OCM: Ian Templin, Medical

OCM: John Connellan, Medical

There were two candidates for presidency. The voting was 10 for O Tuathaigh and 5 for O Cinneide. Seamus O Cinneide defeated Donagh O’Donoghue with 8 votes to 7. Dr. O’Broin chaired the meeting.

Photo of Gearoid O’Tauthaigh, CTM President 1965/66. Unity, Vol. 6, Issue 1 (27.10.1965), p.2.

CommIttee 1966/1967

Uachtarán: Pádraic de Búrca

Runái: Aodh O’Dochartaigh

Leas-Chisteoir: Richard (Lee?)

Padhraic Burke, CTM President 1966/67. Unity, Vol. 7, Issue 2 (02.11.1966), p.5.

Ann McGuire, Committee Member 1966/67. Unity, Vol. 7, Issue 1 (19.10.1966), p.5.

First meeting: Mon, Oct. 17th. The comhairleori have met, and from first appearances it seemed that this year’s C.T.M. has what it takes to make as good a council as U.C.G. has had in years. It is also a lucky C.T.M. in that it’s fairminded President, Padriag Burke (of the beguiling smile) is the only comhairleoir with actual C.T.M. experience. (Impression changed upon following meeting).

Murt(y) P. Hanly (Final Eng) is on the C.T.M., too.

Other members: Ann McGuire Matt Flesk, Frank Mc Manus, Brian Mc Menniman, Paddy Behan, Mick [Michael] Breslin. Helen Gavigan and Ralph O Gorman were also involved.

Na Mac Léinn

CommIttee 1967/1968

President: Aodh O Dochartaigh. (After his resignation at the end of the first term, Commerce representative Ralph O’Gorman was elected his successor.)

Secretary: Helen Gavigan

P.R.O.: 2nd Med student John Casey

1st Arts: Richard Carney, Derek Gilligan, Tommy Dolan and Gerry Kelly (won the 9th seat by one vote)

2nd Arts: Liam “Tiny” Morrison (headed the poll), Seamus Brennan (second highest vote), Ciaran Keys and Michael Carr

3rd Arts: Helen Gavigan was returned for another year on C.T.M.

Commerce: Ralph O Gorman will represent Commerce for a second year

Science: Seamus Bree and Michael Miley, the ‘ags man’

Engineering: Killian Roddy

Cultural Societies: choose Aodh O Dochartaigh for a 2nd term as their representative

Lit & Deb: Ann Maguire

An Cumann Eigse and Seanachais: Fionnuala Ni Ruairc

Sporting Clubs: Ken Carvey and Eamonn O Donoghue Med: have not yet held their elections. 1967/68

Front

This committee laid the ground work for the return of College Week (RAG Week) in 1969 after it had been banned by the Bishops in the 1950’s.

That was the year that the college graduate ring was introduced. The Men's ring cost £22 and the Ladies' ring cost £11. Members included former Government Minister Seamus Brennan (RIP), Dr Ken Egan a former president of the IMO, Kieran Keys state solicitor for Galway and Ralph Ó Gormáin from the Galway Advertiser.

Many thanks to Richard Carney for providing this photo and these details.

Pictured are back row left to right: Liam ‘Tiny’ Morrisson, Richard Carney, Gerry Kelly, Seamus Bree, Seamus Brennan (RIP), John Casey, Ken Garvey, Tommy Dolan, Michael Miley, ?? Carr

row left to right: Killian Roddy, Anne Maguire, Ralph Ó Gormáin (President), Helen Gavigan (RIP), Dr Ken Egan, Fionnuala Ní Ruairc, Kieran Keys

Troubles between Town & Gown

Annika Stendebach is reading History and English in her final year at the University of Mainz. She spent the academic year 2012/2013 at NUI Galway and was awarded the summer internship with the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies.

Annika’s research focused on Irish youth culture which she is currently using for her bachelor thesis on student activities at UCG in the 1960s.

Only 17% were able to afford a room of

their own; 66% of the Galwegian students stated that they were not satisfied with their housing.

On Saturday 15 May 1965, almost 50 years ago, a vast number of UCG students marched through the streets of Galway. The student parade had been organised by the Comhairle Teachta Na MacLéinn (short CTM), the predecessor of NUI Galway’s student union.

According to the newspaper coverage, they marched from campus towards Salthill, where CTM president Michael D. Higgins addressed the crowd in front of the well-known dance venue Seapoint Ballroom.

It was one of the first occasions of student marches in Ireland, and was not only covered on regional but also on national scale. The number of protesters reported varies from 600 (Connacht Sentinel and Connacht Tribune) up to nearly 1000 (Sunday Independent).

The difference between those accounts might be explained by an eye witness who reported that about 600 students were joined by members of clerical institutions; but even 600 protesters would have been a huge outturn in comparison to a total student number of 1800 at UCG during that time.

The students were reportedly “looking for a better deal from the city”. This demand can be divided into different categories of grievances within the local community, one of which was the way the local hotels treated the students.

Already a week beforehand, the undergraduates’ publication Unity, the predecessor of Sin, published

1999/00

• Student nurses and strike continue.

• USI joining SIPTU

• Campaign begins for pedestrian crossings around university.

• Lack of Vegetarian meals on Campus.

1998/99

• Library will begin opening on a Sunday for ten Sundays in the college year.

• Officers receive suicide intervention training.

• Increasing circulation of Cool-Chaint off campus eg. Shop in Corrib Village

• Clamping for bikes is proposed.

• Lack of vegetarian meal options on Campus.

• Security cameras/ lighting/safety/Garda presence on campus

• Overcrowding and overcrowding causing the spread of disease on Campus is highlighted.

• Reform of 1929 Act to state all lecturers at NUI Galway must be able to conduct a lecture through Irish

• RAG week charities: The Lions Club, Leukaemia Trust, Gorta, VSA,

Threshold, Goal –feedback requested on how money benefited people/used and beneficiaries attend cheque presentation

• Submissions for changes to constitution via SU website

• Stall outside exam hall with Disprin, pens, calculators and exam stress leaflets

• Strategic review to incorporate relationship between SU and its commercial services.

• President and Welfare Officer take a pay freeze and contribute the balance to a fund for disadvantaged students.

• Student Finance Survey

an article by John McCarrick on the relationship between innkeepers and students.

According to him, a number of student delegations from other Colleges intending to visit Galway because of intervarsity functions, were unable to find accommodation. This is highly astonishing considering Galway praised itself as a tourist city; thus the hotels should be able to provide room for even larger numbers of guests during the summer months.

Hence the CTM conducted a survey on 31 local hotels they considered worth staying in and questioned their managers. It turned out that over a third of the hotels in question claimed never to be closed for the offseason, whereas only five signalled a general willingness to accommodate students.

Additionally, three out of this five made no bones about the fact that their hospitality was limited to supervised scholars. This leads inevitably to the conclusion that the non-local gowns were in fact deliberately refused lodging.

A second issue the students complained about was the relationship between landladies and the students lodging in their homes. A representative study ordered by Jim Blake (Education officer, USI) and conducted by the CTM revealed that 89% of the students were living in digs during the 1960s.

Only 17% were able to afford a room of their own; the rest of the students were sharing with up to three other people. Although average digs (£4 per

2001/02

• “Sex on Campus” campaign held with sex workshops and sex packs to freshers

• Voter registration campaign

• SU awareness week with SU clinics in Smokies, St. Anthonys, CSI/Nurses, Nuns Island etc.

• 10K walk

• Overcrowding

2000/01

• Publications manager to be appointed with responsibility for SU newsletter, website etc.

• Cloakroom to be used as SU information point

• Employment Officer to start database of students looking for jobs and employers

• Student petition and protest over use of Sports Hall for nonsporting activities

• Constitutional review

• Constitutional amendments dealt with getting rid of Post-grad officer and ADO & Womens into Equality & Disability officers

• Dún Áras Shuttle bus was abandoned after ran out of funding and due to a lack of student interest

• Union involved in Green nose day

• RAG week charities: LocalSt. Joseph’s Special School, Ábalta. National – CARI, MS Ireland, Meningitis Research, Diabetes. International – Gorta, VSA

week) were cheaper than accommodation in Dublin, 66% of the Galwegian students stated that they were not satisfied with their housing.

One of their main concerns was expressed by a banner they carried with them during the parade “We keep the beds warm for the tourists.”

A third aspect concerning the bad harmony within the local community was the interactions between Galwegian shopkeepers and the student population.

Unity printed a compilation of all the shops who offered reductions of up to 10% to students (as of March 1965), such as the Galway Printing Co. (High Street), O Maille (Dominick Street) and Excel Salon (Abbeygate Street).

However, contemporaries remember that the sale clerks in certain shops didn’t appreciate the business the students brought them and hence treated them “like second-hand citizens”.

The “poor scholar of the Forties”, who sent a letter to the editor of the Connacht Tribune, asked to bear in mind that granting students concessions was not enough. He requested that more companies would actually support students financially by awarding scholarships, which was to his knowledge only done be Hygiea Ltd.

According to the local newspapers the students’ fourth complaint was the discrimination by the local dancehalls. Brian Mac Eochagain, the CTM secretary, pointed out on behalf of the CTM that

2002/03

• Fees protests held.

• Safety week

• USI Fresher packs not handed out as had alcohol vouchers and went against alcohol policy.

• Overcrowding in lectures a problem.

• Proposal to disaffiliate from USI

• Committee to run RAG week, list of events on website from Jan onwards. “Events organised outside the spirit of raising money for charity and taking advantage of the weeks main objectives are condemned by the SU”

• RAG week charities: St. Josephs Special School, Ábalta, St. Vincent de Paul, MS Ireland, Meningitis Research, Diabetes Ireland, VSA.

• Enforcement and promotion of alcohol policy

• Steps at Quincentenial Bridge/ Zebra crossings campaigns.

• Sticker campaign on drug rape

• SU Clinics at Nuns Island etc.

• Online secondhand bookshop set up.

in fact they didn’t end their parade in front of the Seapoint, where they held their societies’ dances on a regular basis.

He wished to emphasise that the CTM cherished their business relations with Mr Finan, the Seapoint’s manager. The secretary additionally remarked that Michael D. Higgins wished to change the wording of the original article from “led the parade” to “walked at the head of”, since he felt like the former was an overstatement of his influence.

Nevertheless, at the end of the parade he talked to the masses and stated that although the students felt like Galway appreciated its college, it did not show its recognition in practice.

Apart from protesting against discrimination within the local community, the students also carried placards stating “UCG deserves greater state aid” and “Why should Dublin and Cork get all the money?”

This matter has indeed been addressed by a couple of articles in Unity, mostly in connection with criticising the library facilities and the university equipment in general. The students’ efforts seem to have borne fruit in this matter, as the Minister of Education announced a £1.75m grant to UCG in 1967, stating this had been “long overdue”.

During the following years, the student body continuously worked on improving the relationship between town and gown, for example by reinstating “College Week”; a revised concept of what used to be known as “rag week”.

2003/04

• Levy Referendum – membership fee on top of proposed levy

• Possible fourth sabbatical position of Press & Communications Officer

• Campaign for steps at Quincentenial Bridge

• Campaigns included Cancer Awareness, Healthy Mind, Healthy Eating, Depression, Alcohol, Campus Watch, Fairtrade Campaign, Environment Day, Equality Day and SHAG week.

• RAG week committee “moving focus towards charity. RAG week charities: VSA, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Josephs Special School, Ábalta School, Threshold, Samaritans, Meningitis Research Foundation, Diabetes Federation of Ireland, Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, The Marie Keating Foundation.

Michael D. Higgins addressed the crowd in front of the well-known Seapoint Ballroom. It was one of the first occasions of student marches in Ireland, and was not only covered on regional but also on national scale.

2005/06

• Access students involvement with clubs/socs/SU

• Irish sign language classes run

• Tuesday night ents continues

• SU review and re-structuring/ Officer roles

• “So you think you’re famous” talent competition held.

• Objection to introduction of ¤100 levy increase deferred until Sept 2007

2004/05

• Mentor programme

• Tuesday Night Ents begins

• Honorary Membership of SU to Gene Browne (City Bin Co)

• Steps at Quincenntenial Bridge campaign continues.

• Online locker system introduced

• Campus parking issue leads to protests.

• Safety Week, Campus Watch

• 10K walk

• Referendum on USI affiliation

• Referendum on student levy increase and constitution changes

• Steps at Quincenntenial bridge opened

• Review and Re-structuring

– General Manager, CEO for SUCS Ltd.

• RAG week charities: DEBRA Ireland, Enable Ireland, Galway Association, Galway Rape Crisis Centre, Galway Wheelchair Sports Club, Missionvale Care Centre, STOP, Special Olympics Ireland Games, Threshold.

Pat Rabbitte T.D.

Year of graduation: 1970 (BA) 1972 (H.dip. in Ed) 1974 (LL.B)

Course at NUI Galway: Arts & Law

Current Occupation: Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Labour Party T.D. for Dublin South West Constituency

What is your fondest memory of NUI Galway?

Friendship; girls; the Corrib in Summer;Town & Gown easy relationship; extra-curricular activities in particular student politics and the Lit & Deb.

Has NUI Galway changed since you were here?

Yes. Some of the intimacy of 60s and 70s is probably gone. Generally it seems more focussed, more competitive and more professional.

How did attending NUI Galway develop you as a person?

For good or ill, it made me what I am. It fostered an interest in the society around me and in public and world affairs.

Did you partake in any societies, sports clubs or volunteering at NUI Galway?

Yes, yes and yes. I played football badly, participated in different societies, in particular, the Literary & Debating Society, Drama Soc and the Social Action Movement.

What was the college newspaper like when you were in NUI Galway? Did you write for it?

It was quite good and eagerly anticipated. Yes I did write for it and ended up a member of the Governing Board.

How did your role in the Students’ Union set you up for your career after you left college?

It helped basic political skills including debating skills, interfacing with the media and how to address educational and social issues.

Do you think the SU is a good way for students to get involved in college life?

It’s not everyone’s cup of tea and not the only activity that a student can become involved with but it does shape one’s character and outlook.

Do you ever miss NUI Galway?

Yes. I loved my years in UCG (as it was) and my time in Galway and I left only reluctantly.

Did you ever get in trouble while you were here?

Yes, in a manner of speaking – as the first student nominated to a Governing Body at a tempestuous time, I had some memorable exchanges with another Governor, the never-to-be-forgotten Bishop of Galway, Dr Michael Browne, someone accustomed to getting his own way.

What advice would you give to current NUI Galway students?

University for 99% of students is a once-off experience and should be experienced and enjoyed to the fullest extent possible. Academic qualifications today are more important than ever but not all learning comes from the classroom.

If you could go back and do it all again, what would you do differently?

Youth may be wasted on the young but I don’t think I would have done much differently. You have to make your own mistakes because one was young and without experience.

Siún Nic Gearailt

Year of Graduation: 1995

Course at NUI Galway: HDip in Broadcasting and Journalism; BA, German, Irish (French and Classical Civilisation).

Current Occupation: Bilingual Newscaster/Journalist, RTE News

What is your fondest memory in NUI Galway?

There are so many! That first feeling of freedom and independence, inspirational teachers, but especially the lifelong friends I made.

Has NUI Galway changed since you were there?

Yes it’s got bigger and better by all accounts. Ag dul ó neart go neart i gconaí.

How did attending NUI Galway develop you as a person?

NUI Galway is a great place to decide what you want and don’t want to do in life! It helped to develop my strengths and to identify areas of potential.

As part of my studies in NUI Galway I got to spend a year studying in Freiburg’s Albert Ludwig University in Germany. It was, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the best years ever, and aside from the obvious academic and linguistic benefits associated with a year abroad, it was a very positive experience and invaluable in terms of developing a better understanding of oneself.

Did you partake in any societies?

Yes, I was a member of the best society in college ‘The German Society’. Wir haben die Zeit sehr genossen, haben viel gelacht und immer Spass gehabt! Einfach klasse!

Do you ever miss NUI Galway?

I’m lucky I don’t, because I’ve been invited back to NUI Galway often, and have had the privilege of being master of ceremonies on a number of occasions at the Annual Gala banquet. It’s always a great night and a good place to meet old friends.

Any juicy stories?

Well of course, but I’m not revealing any juicy bits here!

What advice would you give to current NUI Galway students? Enjoy every minute of every day and night! It will only happen once.

If you could go back and do it all again, what would you do differently?

I wouldn’t change a thing.

Year of graduation: 1997

Course at NUI Galway: Bachelor of Commerce

Current Occupation: Statistician in the CSO

Olive Loughnane

What is your fondest memory of NUI Galway?

It was a very small place when I attended college so you knew the majority of people which was great.

Has NUI Galway changed since you were here?

Yes, my sister graduated 10 years after I did and even then there was a huge change in the campus. The facilities used to be non-existent. We did circuit training in a place called The Bubble which was like an inflatable tent.You had to close an outer door before you opened the inner door so the whole thing didn’t deflate!

Just as I was graduating they had put in a proper gym beside the College Bar. There has been a huge amount of development since then again. The College Bar used to be over in the Quad and you could get a drink for £1.40.

How did attending NUI Galway develop you as a person?

I still have contacts with a lot of people I met at NUI Galway. I went to college quite young – I was only 17 – so it was a very formative period for me. I had liked commerce subjects at school so that’s why I chose commerce in College. Before I started in the College at the open night a professor said that which degree you chose didn’t really matter and he was kind of right in that getting a degree was a good basis for your education unless you were doing something specific like medicine.

Did you partake in any societies, sports clubs or volunteering at NUI Galway?

I was a member of the athletics club and I also worked while I was in College because we had to pay fees back then. I didn’t have a lot of free time.

What was the college newspaper like when you were in NUI Galway? Did you write for it?

There was a paper but I can’t remember the name of it! Back then student life revolved around the canteen and the SU Office was over there too. Campus was such a small place back then that we just hung around there and in Smokey Joe’s at the end of the concourse.

There were 200 students in my year in Commerce and that was considered a big class. I think there were about 6,000 students in total in

2007/08

• Class Reps Referendum held & approved by student body

• University begins collecting University centre levy - ¤100 each year for 18 years

• Fresher Packs brought back

• Saw Doctors play RAG week

• SU Bebo and facebook sites set up

• Union supports protesting

the University so now it has tripled in size which I suppose has brought huge benefits to the University in terms of funding and the development of facilities.

Did you ever get in trouble while you were here?

I was a model student! I am making myself sound ancient here but I was pretty low key. I don’t think I ever had to submit a paper as everything was based on the end of year exams – there was no continuous assessment back then.

I remember someone showing me how to use email in third year! About a year later email was widespread but on campus there were maybe six computer rooms with about twenty computers and massive queues for them.

What advice would you give to current NUI Galway students?

Use it as a stepping stone to do whatever it is that you want to do. Also to believe that you can do whatever you want to do – it’s up to you to go out there and grab the opportunity.

If you could go back and do it all again, what would you do differently?

I don’t think so as I quite enjoyed it. If I went back to NUIG/UCG in the morning I suppose I would benefit from the great sports facilities they have now. I didn’t take sport very seriously when I was there as the support wasn’t there back then in terms of sports scholarships and I preferred socialising. The bigger student numbers now bring better facilities and more opportunities for students. Of course NUIG is still a great party place!

What are you up to now in terms of sport and training?

I am just staying fit as I firmly believe that fitness is for life. While what I did was great and I was very lucky to have the opportunities that I had, Elite sport is not for everyone. That level of training takes a massive commitment.

However, keeping fit and being healthy is something people need to make time for. Now that I am back working I have a greater appreciation of how much discipline it takes to commit to staying fit and healthy.

2008/09

and hospital staff

Class reps vote to not hold a referendum on USI membership • Asst. manager appointed

SIN boards moderator policy approved • Case Work policy approved • Class Reps training moved onto campus

• Freshers’ Week changed to Freshers’ Fortnight

• Fees campaign begins with thousands marching to Eyre Square

• Grant information Evening held

• Part Time students become members of Union

• Elections take place in

NUI Galway graduate Olive Loughnane retired from race-walking in 2013. She represented Ireland in four Olympic Games and five World Championships in race walking.

The facilities used to be non-existent. We did circuit training in a place called The Bubble which was like an inflatable tent. You had to close an outer door before you opened the inner door so the whole thing didn’t deflate!

• Controversy over visit by Ministers Éamón Ó Cúiv and Batt O’Keefe

• Controversy over Bertie Ahern visit • National March Against

• Math and English support centres established • Work begins on Áras na MacLéinn refurbishment

• Union financial year changed to reflect academic term

Year of graduation: 2007

Course at NUI Galway: B.Corp Law / Masters Corp Strategy

Current Occupation: Management Consultant

Myself and a good friend founded the Business Society (BizSoc). It really went from strength to strength and ended up winning the best society in Ireland in its second year. It’s great to see it still going as one of the biggest societies on campus and that they are still getting great speakers and putting on excellent events.

Darren Glynn

What has been your career path to date?

When I completed my Masters I joined British Telecom (BT) in London on their Global Services Graduate Scheme. I worked with BT for nearly 4 years across various functions such as Strategy, Programme Management and Consulting. I then moved on to a Niche Management Consultancy, Pcubed. I worked with the team developing the Energy Business over the last three years and currently lead the Nuclear Practice in the UK.

I also founded the London Irish Business Society three years ago which is one of the main networking groups for Irish Professionals in London.We currently have over 3,000 members who come together to network, share ideas, and listen to the insights of our guest speakers, such as Willie Walsh, Peter Sutherland and Enda Kenny.We are very fortunate to have received support from the NUI Alumni team from the very start and they are now one of our main sponsors.

How has your time at NUI Galway prepared you for your career?

My job right now is all about leading and managing teams to help clients solve their problems and implement solutions. I learned so many practical skills from my Degree and Masters. My Law degree has really helped me reason out problems and situations, whereas the Masters has provided plenty of analytical tools and methodologies that are still very useful for analysing and solving problems, as well as some great theory on how to manage and motivate people.

The other side to my job is Sales and Business Development, which has really been helped by the experience of getting to know the great people that I met during my time in University. Working with BizSoc team and learning the value of making and maintaining relationships was extremely useful, and being able to have a pint and get on with people is something that you quickly learn to get good at in Galway!

Did you partake in any societies, sports clubs or volunteering at NUI Galway?

Yes. Myself and a good friend of mine, David Keane, founded the Business Society (BizSoc) and I sat as Vice Auditor for the first couple of years. It really went from strength to strength and ended up winning the best society in Ireland in its second year. It’s great to see it still going as one of the biggest societies on campus and that they are still getting great speakers and putting on excellent events.

Do you have any advice for NUI Galway Students who wish to pursue a career in your industry / sector?

To really get a fast track career in Management Consulting; it’s really helpful if you get on one of the large graduate schemes, such as Accenture, Deloitte, KPMG, PWC or Ernst & Young.You will get to work with different clients on various projects and you will get great experience very quickly.

The key is to make sure that you fill out the applications before the deadlines, which are usually very soon after you come back for your final year!

If you don’t manage to get on top graduate scheme it’s not the end of the world. Firms are always looking for candidates with good project management, analysis and relationship skills who are willing to work hard. If you can display them in another company there is every chance you can move into the main consulting firms.

Was there anyone at NUIG who really influenced your decision to move into your profession? What advice did they give you?

There are two people who spring to mind. Paul Ryan, my lecturer while I did my Masters, really opened my eyes to what I wanted to do and gently pushed me in this direction when I asked his advice (he advised me against pursuing an a career in Academia!).

The other was well known Galway native and classmate David Lloyd, famous for bouncing on the door of Buskers and asking millions of questions during lectures. On one of our society trips to Barcelona he put the idea in my head to move to London and the rest is history.

What is your fondest memory of NUI Galway? Finishing up the exams at Christmas and summer and having a big night out with the class!

Has NUI Galway changed since you were here?

The campus has changed massively. When I was at the University it was mainly made up of the buildings nearest the Cathedral, such as the Concourse, the Quad and Aras na Mac Leinn. The IT Building and the Bio Chem building where also under construction. Now there are lots of new state of the art buildings such as the engineering and nursing buildings, and many of the older buildings have been upgraded.

However, the atmosphere is still the same. Lots of great, fun people looking to have a good time, and even learn a thing or two along the way!

What was the college newspaper like when you were in NUI Galway? Did you write for it?

No I never wrote for it. It was pretty much a paper edition when I was at NUIG, but it was always good for finding out what was going on around the campus, and some of the articles were really well written and received (although sometimes controversial!).

If you could go back and do it all again, what would you do differently?

The only thing I would have done differently is that I would have got more involved in the University, especially in the clubs and societies. Once you finish up and start working you realise the great (and generally free) resources that are the clubs and societies where you can try your hand at so many different things. Where better to try things out than University!

Year of graduation: 1980

Course at NUI Galway: Political Science and Law

Current Occupation: Attorney General of Ireland

Máire R. Whelan

What is your fondest memory of NUI Galway?

In the late 70s/early 80s, the college was a place of great energy, optimism, idealism, and fun.

For me the standout memory would be those lectures delivered by Michael D. Higgins who lectured in Political Science and Sociology.

He spoke so eloquently and passionately. He illustrated his ideas and principles with extracts from the writings of Balzac, Zola, Liam O’Flaherty, Seán O’Casey or perhaps a few lines from a poem by Federico Garcia Lorca.

He chose his words with great caution and deployed them like arrows. His intensity of thought and passion left an indelible impression on me.

In Galway, I got my first real taste of live theatre with Druid. I was friendly with the late Jerome Hynes who died, sadly, all too young. I recall my first live encounter with Tennessee Williams, Samuel Beckett, Brian Friel and Geraldine Aron. I still have some of the programmes!

Marie Mullen was utterly inspirational and each of her performances wholly unforgettable. She is, in my opinion, our finest national actor.

Has NUI Galway changed since you were here? In many ways yes. Mostly for the better! Administratively, under the stewardship of the college President, Professor James Browne, the reputation of NUIG has gone from strength to strength. Its standing in research and in the academic excellence of its graduates is very high internationally.

Professor Browne has uncompromisingly pursued a vision for the college based on creating a rigorous and collaborative intellectual environment of unmatched expertise aimed at producing leaders in many fields and disciplines.

The college is very outward looking, selfpossessed and confident. The college promotes a vibrant and enriching intellectual life. I like the deep sense of collegiality and the warmth and constructive nature of the relationships between student and tutor.

2009/10

• Third level fees ruled out in the Green Party program for government.

• Life Skills training programme run, offering sign language, CPR and ASIST training to students.

• 397 registered Class Reps, an increase of 40%

• Rebranding of RAG Week as College Week featuring gigs by Calvin Harris, The Coronas and Jason Byrne.

¤20,000 raised for Cope Galway, The Alzheimer

Society of Ireland, Peter McVerry Trust and Habitat for Humanity.

• Elections see the highest voter turnout in 10 years due to higher number of candidates running for full time positions.

• SU Loyalty Card launched with over 8,000 sign ups.

• SU Sessions run for a 2nd year in the Canteen with 21 acts playing over the year.

• Reading room opening hours increased to 1:30am

How did attending NUI Galway develop you as a person?

I became much more aware of inequalities and injustices in our society. During my time in Galway I acquired a greater understanding that the law had the potential to be used to good effect as an instrument for change.

Did you partake in any societies, sports clubs or volunteering at NUI Galway?

With Gerard Quinn, now a professor at the college and centrally involved with the Centre for Disability Law and Policy and some others, we founded Galway FLAC – Free Legal Advice Centres – to provide access to legal advice and information to the community free of charge. I recall the first offices were over a butcher’s shop.

Working there on a voluntary basis one evening a week opened my eyes to the significant level of exclusion, poverty and injustice all around us and the extent to which people were unaware of their rights or effectively excluded from asserting their rights and entitlements because they could not afford to pay a lawyer.

Gerard, of course, has gone on to use his not inconsiderable advocacy skills on the international stage. He is involved in the Annual International Disability Law Summer School in the College. He has no trouble holding governments to account nationally and internationally and of course he was recently appointed to the Scientific Committee of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) in Vienna where he monitors and enforces the highest standards on the international stage.

What advice would you give to current NUI Galway students?

Enjoy every moment of it. Participate in the vibrant and enriching intellectual life of the city. Check out all the options. Follow your dreams.

If you could go back and do it all again, what would you do differently?

I never look back. Life is too short!

2010/11

• Tellyourtd.com launched – 50,000 letters sent to TDs.

• New SU Constitution approved.

• NUI Galway Student Enterprise Awards launched.

• Student Support Act signed into law.

• ¤22,000 raised during College Week for

Ability West and Alan Kerins Projects.

• Life Skills Programme expanded.

• Overcrowding in lecture halls tackled.

• 1,000 NUI Galway students at national demonstration against Registration Fee increase.2,000 students attend Galway march.

• Largest ever voter

turnout in SU Elections.

• Anonymous marking scheme agreed and improved student feedback policy passed.

• Student Assistance Fund protected.

• Corrib Village rent reduction secured.

• Mature Students Officer introduced and Class Reps overhauled.

Year of graduation: 2006–2013 course at nui galway: law current occupation: researcher (implications of hiV cure research, South africa)

My fondest memory of NUI Galway?

Probably the amount of people who came in my box during the last ever “legal” College/ RAG Week. I probably should explain that I lived in a box for a week to raise money for charity during College Week in 2011.

Ciara Staunton

What is your fondest memory of NUI Galway?

Probably the amount of people who came in my box during the last ever “legal” College/RAG Week. My box was licked, tickled, fisted and despite all the action, more kept coming! Had a few lecturers from the Law School too…

I probably should explain that I lived in a box for a week to raise money for charity during College Week in 2011.

Has NUI Galway changed since you were here?

Smokey’s is oh so bright.

How did attending NUI Galway develop you as a person?

I think it made you realise that despite what happens you can’t take yourself too seriously. And that it is possible to have an absolutely great time while achieving what you want to achieve.

Did you partake in any societies, sports clubs or volunteering at NUI Galway?

I did some volunteering under my undergrad and Masters but tended to avoid clubs and societies. Unless there was free stuff. And it didn’t really matter if I wanted/liked/needed the free stuff.

Feeling sick from overloading on Flumps is a lasting memory.

What was the college newspaper like when you were in NUI Galway? Did you write for it?

Pretty much the same as it is now. Only wrote one piece for it. I think it was on elections.

How did your role in the Students’ Union set you up for your career after you left college?

My two years taught me a lot of things: patience, dealing with difficult people, knowing that those who shout loudest are not always the majority and how to be pragmatic. For my current job, I guess it taught me not to judge people.

I live and work in an environment where you are judged by the colour of your skin.You have to learn to not take people at face value, but dig behind that. That was often necessary as an officer and is at times necessary here, in South Africa.

The SU also taught me that we have to fight for our rights and, particularly women, are entitled to those rights and we should empower each other to recognise that and to fight for them.

Do you think the SU is a good way for students to get involved in college life?

I would definitely recommend it as it has had such a lasting impact on my life. Not only has it taught me a lot about myself and life, but most of my friends are somehow linked to the SU and despite living in Africa, I still hear from them daily.

However, the SU, like clubs and societies, is not for everyone. While in college, the important thing is to take all the opportunities that come your way and do what makes you happy. For some that may be in the offices of the SU, for others that may be playing “Who Am I?” in Smokey’s (my record is spending 6 hours playing that game).

However, everyone, irrespective of your interests, your hobbies and individual circumstances, must get behind the SU in securing the future of third level education in Ireland.

It is only through a strong collective voice that Irish students will no longer stand for the draconian and extremely regressive attacks which have been made by successive Irish governments will the future of Ireland’s future be secured.

Do you ever miss NUI Galway?

Everyone misses Galway! It is almost like a drug at times as people find it hard to leave. Galway is an incredibly unique city where anything can happen and no one will care. I do enjoy going back, but I also do not miss the rain and the fact that someone is always wanting you to go out!

Did you ever get in trouble while you were here?

Yes! Great student but too fond of messing. I danced that line between messing and trouble quite a bit. But that shall remain outside of this paper and inside the confines of banter over pints with friends!

What advice would you give to current NUI Galway students?

Take advantage of everything. I’ve studied and worked in Ireland, Europe, the US and Africa and NUI Galway really does offer a unique student experience. Take some time to go and see what it has to offer to you and grab it while you can. If it wasn’t for NUI Galway offering me so many opportunities, I wouldn’t have ended up in Africa working on a HIV Cure project!

If you could go back and do it all again, what would you do differently?

I would have done Erasmus. What an experience I missed out on!

Year of graduation: 2002

Course at NUI Galway: BA Public and Social & Dip. Sa Gaeilge

Current Occupation: Labour TD for the Constituency of Waterford

Ciara Conway

What is your fondest memory of NUI Galway?

Having the craic with some of my best friends who still even speak to me today (imagine and me a politician) and of course when we had a few quid being able to have our dinner in the College Bar and a Wards’ roll.

Has NUI Galway changed since you were here? It has. My brother is currently studying Medicine in Galway and of course the Labour Party has had a number of conferences on campus. The scale of the development around the campus, almost makes it unrecognisable to me... where has St Anthony’s gone??

How did attending NUI Galway develop you as a person?

It was while I was attending NUI Galway that I joined the labour party and became politically active I was also elected to the SU so it certainly was a good training ground for what was to come and my election campaigns to the local authority and then subsequently to the Dáil.

Did you partake in any societies, sports clubs or volunteering at NUI Galway?

I was a member of Labour Youth, The PDS (Political Discussion Society) as you might expect and was involved a little with the SU in my part time role as Anti-Discrimination Officer.

What was the college newspaper like when you were in NUI Galway? Did you write for it?

SIN was a great publication in my time but I have to say that my housemate Jennifer Allen was the Editor. But it was the website that always captured people’s imagination: before Facebook there was Mr. John Nolan and the first of the digital cameras! It was a good read – a mixture of entertaining and informative. My friend was the Editor for a while so I know there were lots of all-nighters put into its production.

2011/12

• Reformed Sin newspaper, with a new editor, design and editorial policy alongside the introduction of the SU Pages.

• Raised over ¤20,000 for the Galway Rape Crisis Centre and the mental health charity SpunOut.ie

• Threw 42 students out of a plane while another 20 walked over hot coals and 34 climbed Croagh Patrick for charity

• Had fees for Repeat Years reduced from ¤2,350 to ¤1,600

– a decrease of ¤750 or 32%

• Sent over 1,000 students to the national student demonstration against fee hikes and grant cuts in November (the highest number from NUI Galway ever)

• Hosted ‘Pink Training’ for LGBT students from across the country

How did your role in the Students’ Union set you up for your career after you left college?

Well, after college I went to UCC and studied to become a social worker and worked in that field for 6 years. I believe that the experience of dealing with people’s difficulties, being engaged in information campaigns etc. while in the SU directly led me to my career in social work.

Do you think the SU is a good way for students to get involved in college life?

Absolutely. It is a great way to get to know what is going on on campus, as well as embedding yourself into being part of the college community

Do you ever miss NUI Galway?

All the time – it was some of the best time of my life so far... I recently got married (Dec 2013) and there were plenty of old college buddies and stories flying around that night

Did you ever get in trouble while you were here?

Ahemmmmm no, but i think the key thing was I never got caught and RAG week antics don’t count right?

What advice would you give to current NUI Galway students?

Enjoy it! Galway is a good mix of academia and of good old fun, it is great the opportunities that students get while being from being involved in Clubs and or Societies.

If you could go back and do it all again, what would you do differently?

No probably not but I should say something like ‘studied a bit harder and not have left my essay submissions to the very last minute’, always an all nighter involved!

• Organised Ireland’s first ‘Slut Walk’ with the Feminist Society

• Registered hundreds of students to vote in a single day, and watched SU President 1964-65, Michael D. Higgins, become Uachtarán na hÉireann

• Issued over 2,000 student travel cards and sold over 1,000 lockers on campus

• Served over 400,000 cups of tea and coffee and over 80,000 meals throughout our catering outlets

• Organised dozens of music and comedy gigs during the year, including Des Bishop, Natty Wailer, Dead Cat Bounce, David O’Doherty, the Freshers’ Ball, An Seisúin Mór and Neil Delamere

• Launched Ireland’s first staff-student innovation initiative: EXPLORE (www.su.nuigalway.ie/explore) which partners staff and students

I believe that the experience of dealing with people’s difficulties, being engaged in information campaigns etc. while in the SU directly led me to my career in social work.

and provides funding to work on innovative projects on campus

• Opened two new SU-operated cafés in The Hub and Áras na Gaeilge

• Signed the ‘Rag Week deal’, which included: an extra ¤60,000 a year for a fund for students in financial need, the abolition of the ¤2 entry fee at the Kingfisher Gym for clubs training, guarantees on free access to the Student Health Unit, more poster boards on campus for the SU, and longterm protection of the respect given to this University and your degrees

• Began negotiations for universal membership of the Kingfisher Gym, but deferred the vote until next year to ensure we get the best possible deal for students

• Participated in “NUIG Wants It That

Way” and helped raise ¤10,000 for a suicide-prevention charity

• Introduced ¤5 daily meals in the College Bar, offering good quality food at a fair price, while also improving the SU Card system across all our outlets

• Elected our first SU Mature Students Officer

• Successfully addressed incidences of anti-social behaviour in the Newcastle area, winning commendations from several residents’ associations in the process

• Introduced ‘remote voting’ for SU elections, so students can vote online if they’re offcampus on polling day

• Gained over 2,000 Facebook friends this year, and grew our Twitter followers by 1,000

nui GalWay Student S ’ u nion

1960/61

President: Donal McNally

1961/62

President: Mícheál Ó Seighin

1962/63

Unknown

1963/64

President: Padraic O’Doherty

Vice President: Brendan King

Secretary: Gay Murphy

Vice-Secretary: William Moloney

Treasurer: Kevin Brophy

1964/65

President: Michael D. Higgins

Vice President: Luke Clancy

Secretary: Brian S. Mac Eochagain

Vice-Secretary: Liam Kelleher

Treasurer: Ralph Ryan

OCM: Gearóid O Tuathaigh

OCM: Mena O’Donnell

OCM: Gerry Cloherty

OCM: Sheila O’Regan

OCM: Michael Reynolds

OCM: Donagh O’Donoghue

OCM: John McCarrick

OCM: Patsy Griffin

OCM: John Joseph Purcell

OCM: F. Joyce

1965/66

President: Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh

Vice-President: Don Lydon

Secretary: Seamus O Cinneide

Vice-Secretary: Philomena O’Boyle

Treasurer: Richard Lee

OCM: John Higgins

OCM: Poilin Ní Chiaran

OCM: Donagh O’Donoghue

OCM: Brian Coyle

OCM: Pat Finn

OCM: Michael O’Sullivan

OCM: John Williams

OCM: Padraic Burke

OCM: Ian Templin

OCM: John Connellan

1966/67

President: Pádraic de Búrca

Secretary: Aodh O’Dochartaigh

Treasurer: Richard Lee

1967/68

President: Aodh O’Dochartaigh/ Ralph Ó Gormáin

Secretary: Helen Gavigan (RIP)

PRO: John Casey

OCM: Gerry Kelly

OCM: Liam “Tiny” Morrisson

OCM: Killian Roddy

OCM: Ann Maguire

OCM: Fionnuala Ní Ruairc

OCM: Seamus Brennan (RIP)

OCM: Dr Ken Egan

OCM: Kieran Keys

OCM: Richard Carney

1968/69

President: Liam Morris

Vice President: Frank Flannery

Pat O’Neill

Executive Membership

1969/70

President: Conor O’Neill

Education Officer: Patrick J Meaney

1970/71

President: Pat Rabbitte

1971/72

President: Tony Diffley

1972/73

President: Seán Mac Aoghain

1973/74

President: Brendan Glynn

1974/75

President: Eamonn Gilmore

Vice President: Pat Fitzgerald

Treasurer: Padraig Mannion

Secretary: Carol Hanney

Sports Secretary: Joe McDonagh

Social Secretary: Michael Kilduff

Entertainment Officer: Ollie Jennings

Travel Secretary: Sean Higgins (RIP)

1975/76

President: John Curran

Deputy President: Joe Campbell

Treasurer: Paul O’Sullivan

Secretary: Maura Evelyn Connelly

Societies Officer: Michael Kilduff?

Clubs Officer: Paul O’Sullivan

1976/77

President: Mary Carroll

Vice-President: Paul O’Sullivan

Secretary: Tommy Kelly

Clubs Officer: Seamus/Jim McNamara

1977/78

President: Mike Jennings

VP: Padraig Mannion

Secretary: Thomas Hannigan/Cathal Guiomard

Treasurer: Eamonn Brennan

Societies: Seamus McKenna/Jerome Hynes (RIP)

Clubs: Carrie Walsh/Seamus McDonagh

1978/79

President: Grainne McMorrow

VP Education/Welfare: Brendan Smith

Secretary: John Heneghan

Treasurer: Maria O’Malley

Clubs Officer: PJ Coyle

Societies Officer: Sean McCurtin/ Jerome Hynes (RIP)

1979/80

President: Cathal Guiomard

VP Education/Welfare: Paul Walsh

Treasurer: Eamonn Brennan

Societies Officer: Jerome Hynes (RIP)

Clubs: John (Buddy) Lee

1980/81

President: Brendan Smith

Vice-President: Conor Maguire

Secretary: Ger Shelley

Treasurer: Ger Basquel

Clubs Officer: Maria Stack

Societies Officer: Jerome Hynes (RIP)

1981/82

President: Aileen O’Meara

Vice-President: Eamonn O’Brien

Secretary: Mike McMahon

1982/83

President: Alan Sheerins/Seamus

Henry

Vice-President: Noel Murray

Dave (Spud) Murphy

Paddy Hanafin

Seamus Henry

1983/84

President: Peter Conry

1984/85

President: Pat Boyde

1985/86

President: Brendan Wilkins

Vice President/Welfare Officer: Eucharia Meehan

Secretary: Michael Hussey

1986/87

President: Ger Killeen

Secretary: Michael Hussey

1987/88

President: Pat O’Flaherty

1988/89

President: Cathy Grieve

Vice-President: Deirdre Fottrell

Clubs: Karina Mc Donnell

Societies: Donncha O’Connell

Anti-Discrimination: Peter Osborne

Campaigns: Emmet Fitzgerald

Education: Caomhán Ó Scolaí/Ros O’Reilly

Secretary: Tracy Ferguson

UDO: Dave Quinn

1989/90

Neil Whorisky

1990/91

President: Dáithí Mac Carthaigh

Vice President: Charlie Monaghan

Secretary: Dominic Feeney

Women’s Officer: Cara Gleeson

Campaigns Officer: Fergus Hastings

UDO: Donal O’Sullivan

Societies: Amalee Meehan

Clubs: Margaret Meehan

Irish Language: Cathnia O Muircheartaigh

1991/92

President: Ronan Mullen

Vice President: Amalee Meehan

Woman’s Officer: Kathy Maloney

Anti-Discrimination: Francis Mulholland

Education Officer: Francis Gillespy

Secretary: Mick Mc Gee

Campaigns Officer: Jack Healy

UDO: John Allen

Societies Chairperson: Elaine Hanniffy

Clubs: Mark Costello

Oifigeach Gaeilge: Cathnia O Muircheartaigh

1992/93

President: Sean Solon

Vice-President: Kathy Maloney

Secretary: John Allen

Clubs: Gordon Curley

Socieities: Joanne Osbourne

Education: Fergal Ryan

UDO: Justin Walsh

Campaigns: Frank Mulholland

Women’s Officer: Fiona Mc Cawley

1993/94

President: Eoghan MacCormaic

Vice President: Fiona Mc Cawley

Secretary: Everett Kavanagh

Women’s Officer: Rachel Stevenson

Education Officer: P Hurley

Anti-Discrimination Officer: F O’Shaughnessy

Irish Language: Liam MacDara-O Hara

Societies: Kieran Duffy

Campaigns: H O’Carroll

UDO: Paul Creedon

Clubs: P Robinson

1994/95

President: Sinéad Molloy/Fiona McCauley

Vice President: Ciarán Houlihan

Secretary: Geoffrey Deasy

Anti-Discrimination: Joanne Murphy

Societies: Vinnie Dean

Clubs: Fergal O’Flaherty

Education: Ronan O’Suilleabhán/ Cliff Chen

UDO: Billy Horan

Women’s Officer: Yvonne Derrig

Campaigns: Ray Lehane

Irish Officer: E Ní Shé

1995/96

President: Fergal O’Flaherty

Vice President: Joanne Murphy

Secretary: Keith Robinson

UDO: Tom Lohan

Campaigns: Ray Lehane

Societies: Pauric Heragthy

Clubs: James O’Dwyer

Anti-Discrimination: Cahir O’Higgins

Entertainments: Ivor Caroll

Education: Liam Lavelle

Women’s Officer: June Bolger

Irish Officer: Micheal Mac Donnacha

1996/97

President: Joanne Murphy

Vice President: Keith Robinson

Secretary: Emer Dunne

ADO: Billy Doherty

Education Officer: Darren Mc Callig

Women’s Officer: Olivia Broderick

Irish Officer: Julian De Spainn

Campaigns Officer: Aaron Hurley

Union Development Officer: Colm Cronin

Societies: Sinead Maguire

Clubs: Joe O’Toole

1997/98

President: Darren McCallig

Vice President: Julian de Spáinn

Education Officer: Phelim O’Neill

Campaigns Officer: Donal Fallon

ADO: Orla Richardson

Societies: John McDonnell

Women’s Officer: Norma Ní Luinneacháin

Clubs: Geoff Deasy

Union Development Officer: Gareth Bourke

Secretary: Eoin MacNamara

Irish Officer: Macdara O’Cuaig

1998/99

President: Cormac McCarty

Vice President: Phelim O’Neill

Education Officer: Phelim O’Neill

Welfare Officer: Norma Lenihan

Societies: Oliver Begley-Wall

Press & Comms: Liam Rice

Anti-Discrimination Officer: Naoise O’Reilly

Irish Officer: Micheal O’Scathaill

Secretary: Tara Lee-Cullen

Clubs: Jack Reynolds

Women’s Officer: Ursula Sweeney

Post Grad: Gerard Gormally

1999/00

President: Paddy Jordan

Welfare Officer: Chris Newell

Education Officer: Aoife Braiden

Press & Comms: Tara Lee-Cullen

Women’s: Orla Power

Societies: Eoin Ryan

Secretary: Paul Clune

Clubs: John Nolan

Anti-Discrimination Officer: Naoise O’Reilly

Irish Officer: Daithí Mac an Bhard

2000/01

President: Paddy Jordan

VP/Welfare: Orla Power

Acting VP/Education: Aoife Braiden

Secretary: Paul Clune

Women’s: Amy Kilcline

Societies: Deirdre Gillespie

Clubs: Mary Bonner

Anti-Discrimination Officer: Erica Kearns

Irish Officer: Lynette Fay

Press & Comms: Jonathan Byrne

Postgraduate Officer: Paul Richardson

2001/02

President: Padráig O’Duinnín

VP/Welfare: Siobhán Burke

VP/Education: Graham Dolan

Women’s Officer: Una Burns

Secretary: Leona Byrne

Press & Comms: Rob O’Shaughnessy

Irish Language: Niamh Ní Chroinin

Societies: Brian Barry

Anti-Discrimination Officer: Ciara Ní Chonbhuí

Clubs: Paddy Reilly

2002/03

President: Leona Byrne

VP/Education: Paddy Reilly

VP/Welfare: Glen Guilfoyle

Secretary: Sarah Phelan

Press & Comms: Shane Cosgrove

Anti-Discrimination Officer: Mairead Ni Chualain

Women’s Officer: Gillian Carlos

Irish Officer: Sinead Ní Mheallaigh

Societies: Shauna Gillan

Clubs: Neil McDermott

2003/04

President: Tony McDonnell

VP/Education: Paddy Reilly

VP/Welfare: Áine Kelly

Secretary: Nicola Flannery

Clubs: John Hyland

Societies: Susan Treacy

Press & Comms: Shane Cosgrove

Environment: Liam Hennelly

Oifigeach na Gaeilge: Eamonn Ó Croiligh

Equality: Sarah Barron

Disability Awareness: Sinead Prunty

2004/05

President: Paddy Reilly

VP/Education: Adam Baker

VP/Campaigns & Comms: Eoin Grealis

VP/Welfare: Áine Kelly

Secretary: Gillian McGreevy

Oifigeach na Gaeilge: Shane Crosby

Equality: Aidan O’Driscoll

Disability: Eoin McManus

Societies: Damien Corridan

Environmental: Kevin Kearney

Clubs: John Hyland

2005/06

President: Paddy Reilly

VP/Education: Adam Baker

VP/Campaigns & Comms: John Hyland

VP/Welfare: Liam Hennelly

Secretary: Gilliam McGreevy

Equality: Gráinne Mullooly

Disability: Róisín McGrogan

Environmental: Davina Earl

Clubs: Adrian Brennan

Societies: Damien Corridan

Oifigeach na Gaeilge: Maitiú de Hál

2006/07

President: Damien Corridan

VP/Education: Peter Mannion

VP/Welfare: Róisín McGrogan

Oifigeach na Gaeilge: Beartla de Burca

SDO: Sean Bryceland

Equality: Yvonne McDermott

Societies: Nigel Connor

Clubs: Andrew Cahill

Postgraduate Officer: Carol Murray

2007/08

President: James Hope

VP/Education: Ciara Staunton

VP/Welfare: Liz Mulry

Oifigeach na Gaeilge: Chris Greene/ Dáire O Logáin

SDO: Orlaith O’Connor

Equality: John Gilmore

Societies: Muireann O’Dwyer

Clubs: Andrew Cahill/Colm Power

Postgraduate Officer: Peter Mannion/ Caitriona Maher

2008/09

President: Muireann O’Dwyer

VP/Education: Aisling Fahy

VP/Welfare: Michael Regan

Oifigeach na Gaeilge: Séagh Mac Siúrdáin

SDO: Anne-Marie Gough

Equality: Patrick Rochford

Societies: Patrick O’Flaherty

Clubs: David Finn

Postgraduate Officer: Peter O’Toole

2009/10

President: Donna Cummins

VP/Education: Emmet Connolly

VP/Welfare: Emma Conway

Oifigeach na Gaeilge: Oisín O’Higgins

Equality: Sinéad Dolan

SDO: Anunt Singh Gill

Societies Chairperson: Padraic Harley

Clubs’ Captain: Shane Hayes

Postgraduate Officer: Jason McGarry

2010/11

President: Peter Mannion

VP/Education: Emmet Connolly

VP/Welfare: Emma Conway

Oifigeach na Gaeilge: Melissa Mannion

Equality: Robin Allen

SDO: Darragh O’Connor

Societies Chairperson: Tadhg Tynan

Clubs’ Captain: Eric Coleman-Brockie

Postgraduate Officer: Ciara Staunton

2011/12

President: Emmet Connolly

VP/Education: Conor Healy

VP/Welfare: Brian Grant

Oifigeach na Gaeilge: Senan Mac Aoidh

Equality: Will O’Brien

SDO: Cian Moran

Societies Chairperson: Paul O’Connor

Postgraduate Officer: Richéal Burns

Clubs’ Captain: Eamonn Flynn

SU Council Chairperson: Claire McCallion

Convenor Business, Public Policy & Law: Aoife Reaney

Convenor Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies: Kevin Donoghue

Convenor Science: Tadhg Tynan

Convenor Medicine, Nursing & Health

Sciences: Matthew Sheridan

Convenor Engineering & Informatics: Alan Callery

2012/13

President: Paul Curley

VP/Education Officer: Conor Stitt

VP/Welfare Officer: Dami Adebari

Oifigeach na Gaeilge: Feidhlim Seoighe

Equality Officer: Claire McCallion

Mature Student’s Officer: Barbara Preston/Stiofán de Lundres Ó Dálaigh

Societies Chairperson: Robin Allen/ Patrick O’Flaherty

Postgraduate Officer: Brian Grant/ Kevin O’Donoghue

Clubs’ Captain: Emmett Craig

SU Council Chairperson: Mark Kelly

Convenor Business, Public Policy & Law: Conor Nolan

Convenor Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies: Patrick Clancy

Convenor Science: Phelim Kelly

Convenor Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences: Molly Smith

Convenor Engineering & Informatics: Alan Callery/Feithín Ó Fátharta

2013/14

President: Sean Kerins

VP/Education Officer: Catherine Breslin

VP/Welfare Officer: Declan Higgins

Oifigeach na Gaeilge: Aoife Ní Shúilleabháin

Equality Officer: Cian Shevlin

Mature Student’s Officer: Paula Arkins

Societies Chairperson: Patrick O’Flaherty

Postgraduate Officer: Conor Lane

Clubs’ Captain: Declan O’Loughlin

SU Council Chairperson: Karl Picard

Convenor Business, Public Policy & Law: Conor Nolan

Convenor Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies: Amy McDonnell

Convenor Science: Phelim Kelly

Convenor Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences: John Bourke

Convenor Engineering & Informatics: Sinead Dempsey

2014/15

President: Declan Higgins

VP/Education Officer: Phelim Kelly

VP/Welfare Officer: Aoife Ní Shúilleabháin

Oifigeach na Gaeilge: Gráinne Ní Bheoláin

Equality Officer: Rebecca Melvin

Societies Chairperson: Patrick O’Flaherty

Clubs’ Captain: Damien Griffin

Postgraduate Officer: Cian Moran

Mature Students Officer: Michelle Mitchell

SU Council Chair: Karl Picard

Convenor Business, Public Policy & Law: Megan Reilly

Convenor Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies: Sarah Kelly

Convenor Science: Joanne Duffy

Convenor Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences: Simon Neary

Convenor Engineering & Informatics: Oisín Moloney

The Day Sin was Christened Highlights

The

first meeting for the new NUIG student newspaper. Former contributors to CoolChaint and University Independent are in attendance, and sitting

(mostly slouched)

around the SU front office.

Byrno and Hetch are ready to address the assembled.

2012/13

• Lobbied with other SUs for additional ¤3 million to National Student Assistance Fund. ¤334,000 went to NUI Galway.

• ¤3 chicken rolls and ¤3.50 dinners in College Bar.

• Built new website for Sin newspaper sin.ie

• Worked with University and students to decrease anti-social behaviour

Graduated 2002 (IT), 2003 (Systems Analysis).

Contributor for Sin from 2000/2003

Sin Layout 2003/2004

[Resigned prior to final issue, for reasons!]

SCENE: The first meeting for the new NUI Galway student newspaper. Former contributors to CoolChaint and University Independent are in attendance, and sitting (mostly slouched) around the SU front office. Byrno (SU Press & Communications Officer) and Hetch (SU web guy) are ready to address the assembled.

Byrno: “It’s called SIN.”

[Sounds of cooing over swanky logo]

Random Questioner: “What does that stand for?”

Hetch: “Well, for the website it’s Student Information Network, but…”

Stater of the Obvious: “Sounds silly as the name of a newspaper.”

Nearly everyone: “Yeah.”

Helpful Suggester #1: “How about Student Independent News?”

Informed Sloucher: “It’s not independent, though.”

Helpful Suggester #2: “Student Information News?”

[Sounds of groaning]

Byrno: “SIN, just SIN. It stands for nothing.”

Everyone: “Grand.Yeah. Okay.”

By Michelle Coyne By Emmet Connolly

SU President: 2011/12

SU VP/Education Officer: 2009/10 & 2010/11

Bachelor of Civil Law: 2009

One of the highlights of my time in the SU was learning the following, valuable life skill: if you are hungover, the best way to remove alco-breath is chocolate. Minstrels in particular are great for overpowering the stink of booze more effectively than gum. I believe I learned this at some USI meeting, so big shout-out to USI for their practical and focused training.

Another highlight was banning things. My ability for banning things got off to a pretty decent start while Education Officer, when I removed Facebook from campus computers. As President, I was able to aim a little higher, and went on to ban RAG Week in 2011. As predicted at the time, Galway’s RAG-type festivities were taken over by University College Hole In The Wall and the fine people of Donegal.

Other highlights included:

• Sending approx. 257,000* NUI Galway students to attend a march against fees;

• Peter Mannion (SU Prez 2010/11) and I beating the GMIT sabbaticals in beer pong ;

• Fighting off the sabbatical stone.

*[Emmet

during unofficial RAG Week.

• Established two new committees for non-traditional student support and disability cases.

• Put Marriage Equality motion to Donegal Co. Council.

• Áras na Mac Léinn committee re-established due to questions over the use and spending of the levy.

• Opened mini SU Shop in The Hub.

• Plans put in place for North Campus office to open in September 2013.

• Created better access to college via a walkway from Dyke Road to Quincentennial Bridge.

• Handed out over 33,000 condoms on Condom Wednesdays.

• Occupied An Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s constituency office.

• Held first information evening for members of the travelling community regarding third level education.

• Had biggest voter turnout ever recorded for SU Elections as pro-choice Referendum passed.

• Passed Equality Policy, Gender Identity Policy and Marriage Equality Policy.

can’t count — Ed.]

NUI Galway Students Say No To Fees

SU’s Favourite Photos...