Ex-Galway students elevated to top roles

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has elected NUI Galway alumnus Kevin Donoghue as its president for the 2015/2016 academic year.

Mr Donoghue, from Co Mayo, currently serves as the organisation’s Deputy President and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance. He studied Law at NUI Galway.

“I’m honoured to have been elected to work for the students across Ireland. The year ahead presents many challenges locally and nationally for students. There is no single issue for students – as citizens, students have an acute interest in every aspect of the affairs of the nation,” said Mr Donoghue after his election.

“We seek reform of the grant system and a roadmap for education to be properly recognised as a public good and properly funded.”

Mr Donoghue was elected at this year’s USI Congress, which took place at the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone from Monday, March 23 to Thursday, March 26.

Speaking of her successor on the final day of Congress, outgoing USI President Laura Harmon referred to Mr Donoghue as “an absolute wonderful colleague this year and support to myself and the whole team” and “a kind and considerate individual”.

“I don’t know a lot about the iPhone 6 but I hear it’s an enormous update from the iPhone 5. I certainly hear that it’s a lot more efficient, faster and, more importantly, it’s a lot more stylish. And I can say with complete confidence that Kevin Donoghue is going to be a major upgrade next year,” she said.

“I’m a firm believer that your successor should always be better than you and Kevin Donoghue s going to be a phenomenal president for USI and I’m going to be so proud to look on from the side-lines and to watch the work that’ll be done by the officer board next year.”

In his closing address to Congress last week, Mr Donoghue spoke of the progress delegations had made over the four days.

“This congress has been a progressive one in terms of the motions that we have passed this week. It’s made us stronger and put us in a better position to represent our neighbours in the future,” he said.

“It’s so important that the student movement now unites in pursuit of a common goal. The work that we do next year in the budget and general election will carry a clear and coherent message.

“Free, equal access to education is the way forward for this country. It will be hard-fought and hard-won, but after what I have seen from congress this week, I have absolutely no doubt that we can achieve that and so much else, north and south of the border.”

As well as Kevin Donoghue, USI elected two other former NUI Galway students to its Officer Board. Current Vice President for Welfare at NUI Galway Students’ Union Aoife Ní Shúilleabháin was elected the Vice President for Welfare for USI, and Feidhlim Seoighe, outgoing Leas Uachtarán don Ghaeilge, has been elected Vice President for the Border, Midlands and Western Region.

“I am absolutely delighted and so humbled to have been elected Vice President for Welfare for USI,” said Miss Ní Shúilleabháin of her election.

“I am overwhelmed by the support I have received from institutions across the country and especially from everyone here in NUI Galway. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Ross Doyle, who is one of my best friends and has been an incredible support to me throughout this whole campaign.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with such an incredible team this coming year, especially Kevin Donoghue and Feidhlim Seoighe, who were also former NUI Galway SU Officers.”

Vice President elect for the BMW region Feidhlim Seoighe is also excited to start his new role alongside two of his “very close” NUI Galway friends.

“Many motions were passed at congress this year – either ones which I proposed, or which will fall under my remit – and I will have to prepare a plan of work for the year for the first National Council of the new term,” he said, discussing his initial plans when he starts his new role.

The three newly-elected officers will begin their term on July 1.