Students’ Union Policies • Beartais Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn
CÉIM Peer Learning
Life Skills • Scileanna Saoil
Fundraising • Tiomsú airgid
Entertainment & Events • Siamsaíocht agus Imeachtaí
Campaigns • Feachtais
Students’ Union Services • Seirbhísí Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn
FAYE NÍ DHOMHNAILL
President’s Foreword
Focal ón Uachtarán
It has been the absolute privilege of my life to serve as the Uachtarán of Comhaltas na Mac Léinn, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe for the 2024/2025 academic year. Every day I am blown away by the power of the student movement, and this year has been no different. I will always be grateful to the students of Ollscoil na Gaillimhe for putting their trust in me, and I have no doubt that our strengths will only continue to grow with our new team of elected officers.
However, despite our strengths, we obviously must confront our struggles. The entire student community across campus was shaken when we found out that the University had entered a research partnership with Technion, directly breaching their own human rights commitments. We saw student unity across campus, leading the University to retroactively implement a human rights impact assessment on the partnership. On the 17th of October, we saw our students walking out in protest of how they are treated within the Higher Education system. The turnout was once again testament to how students are ready and willing to fight for what is right.
This year we raised €29,443 for our wonderful charity partners Galway Rape Crisis Centre and Galway Autism Partnership. Having them as our charity partners this year was nothing short of incredible, and it was enriching to see the work they do on the ground and how we can support them through our fundraising. From the Shave Off, the 5k Fun Run, Fantasy Premier League, Raffles, and more, we endeavoured to make sure all our fundraisers were accessible for all students. To every student who donated their time and effort to our fundraisers, thank you. This total is the sum of student spirit, that will now be going out to better our local community.
To Ciara Meehan, I thank you for your willingness to collaborate always. Thank you for giving us a voice on UMT, and for valuing our inputs. This year a highlight of mine was reintroducing the T-Fund under a sustainable funding model, giving students complete autonomy over what they purchase, and how it aids in their social transition. It has been our ethos this year that it’s none of our business to know how or why someone transitions, but if we can make that process easier for even a single student we have succeeded. Thanks to John Hannon, James McCormack and Ciara Meehan, we have been able to distribute €3,679.12 to aid University of Galway students in their social transition. The trust we were given to manage this process is testament to the excellent relationship we have developed with student services.
To our part time officers, thank you for showing up. Thank you for working diligently on that which makes you feel impassioned. Whether you were joining us from Montpellier or Moycullen, every moment you gave to the execution of this Union is one we value and cannot understate. Whether you helped us give out freshers packs, protested in the rain, or simply held myself and the other full time officers to account at exec, you served your community well. A special thank you is also needed for our passionate class representatives. Thank you for asking questions and thank you for working your hardest to help your community.
I’m delighted to share that this year we worked hard to engage with USI/AMLÉ, bringing a grand total of 7 motions to Comhdháil 2025, inviting the Border, Midlands and Western Region Officer regularly to update our students on USI/AMLÉ’s work, sitting on their Campaigns Strategy Committee, working on studentsurvey.ie reform and more. We wanted to ensure that our students knew
exactly how USI/AMLÉ works for them, and for their interests.
To our SU staff, Lorna, Chris and Joanna, your encouragement and knowledge are the oil that keeps the Union’s wheels turning. You all consistently act as voices of reason, and encourage us to reach for the moon. We are eternally thankful for your consistent help. A huge thank you is also in order for our CÉIM team, who have, I think, the most tightly run ship I have ever seen. Amber, Órla, Kerry, Aoife and Joe have been pillars of knowledge and advice through my time as an officer. I can see daily how their hard work is positively impacting the lives of so many students throughout their time here in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe. To all the staff in Sult, Smokey’s, An Siopa, Spéir and the Cloakroom who provide exceptional service to our students across campus, thank you. Thank you for being pillars of our community, and for the community spaces you provide our students, whether they’re downing pitchers or panic-buying sticky notes, every student on our campus has a story to tell about one of these services, which is testament to their necessity. I believe a special shoutout is owed to Terrence from Sult, who is singlehandedly keeping the office fueled with coffee.
To our Board of Trustees, thank you for always being a support for us. Thank you for your knowledge and integrity, and keeping us on a straight path. To our SUCS Board, thank you for your insight, and your commitment to keeping our integrity strong. To the students who organised the revival of SIN, thank you for your commitment to empowering student voices, and uplifting student journalism.
Of course, I cannot go without thanking our excellent Vice Presidents, Tom Forde, Chloe Anderson and Julieanne Ní Mhullaoidh. There hasn’t been a single moment this year where I haven’t felt supported by them. Your passion and commitment to your roles is astounding. Our Union would not have celebrated the successes it has without you. From protesting Údarás, to spray-painting a handmade coffin after hours, we have always worked as a team, a strong web of knowledge, insight, empowerment and dedication. I remember the day of the election last year, seeing Tom and Chloe getting elected, and thinking “Even if I don’t get elected, the Union will have such strong Vice Presidents”, the next week, when Julieanne was elected, I skipped to work. Serving alongside them has been the highlight of my life. Through the hard times and the good, they have taught me the meaning of teamwork and friendship. Wherever their paths may lead from here, I know they will be using their voices for good.
The mission of the Union shall be to represent its members, and to promote, defend and vindicate the rights of its members at all levels of society. I am confident that we have achieved this mission. To Maisie, Paddy, Seán, Rachel-Áine and the rest of the incoming executive team, I wish you all the best. I cannot wait to see where your year takes you, and I know you will confront all issues with integrity and strength.
On behalf of Comhaltas na Mac Léinn, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe 2024/2025, I proudly present our Annual Report for your consideration.
Mission Statement/Highlights
Ráiteas Misin/Buaicphointí
Comhaltas na Mac Léinn Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, University of Galway Students’ Union was originally established in 1911 as the Students’ Representative Council. This council was short-lived, 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”.
“An injury to one is an injury to all”
Highlights 2024/2025
• Surveyed over 1,700 students on accommodation and compiled a report titled “Generation Emigration, A Call on our Government to End the National Accommodation Crisis”, which was launched in Leinster House with help from Máiréad Farrell, TD.
• Raised €29,443 for our two chosen local charities, Galway Rape Crisis Centre and Galway Autism Partnership.
• Launched Spéir, the Student Pantry’s permanent brick and mortar location on campus, opening twice a week to distribute food to students.
• Shortlisted for a total 15 nominations for the Student Achievement Awards Ireland (SAAI) and won 6 awards including Large Union of the Year.
• Successfully lobbied for and achieved a pedestrian crossing on the Salmon Weir Bridge.
• Oversaw the reestablishment of An Cumann Drámaíochta.
• Successfully reestablished the T-Fund under a sustainable funding model with 3 years of funding committed, giving autonomy to students to make their own informed decisions on what they feel is necessary for their social transition.
• Election of over 400 class reps from right across all colleges.
• Aided our Sustainability mission through Bottle Return Scheme Bins on campus, Battery Recycling now available in An Siopa, holding our first Paper-Free SU Election, and running a Swap Shop on Campus.
• Lobbied Buildings & Estates and successfully achieved increased social seating in the SU Síbín.
• Organised the 2 largest student social events ever held in Galway City, Hallows at Halloween and SOS in February.
• Received significant media coverage throughout the year on both local and national outlets, for various issues including housing, fees, campaigns, and topical issues.
• Organised and participated in several protests, including a protest against Údarás na hOllscoile, Palestinian Solidarity, Tóg Raic, the National Student Walkout, and more.
• Hosted 3 themed Irish weeks, Gaelseachtain and Seachtain na Gaeilge.
• Passed 2 motions at Conradh na Gaeilge’s Ard-Fheis to support the implementation of Gaeltacht Semesters in all Universities and Technological Institutes in Ireland, and to support the development of an Irish Language Common Room in all third level Institutions in Ireland.
Uachtarán Faye Ní Dhomhnaill and Leas Uachtarán don Ghaeilge Julieanne Ní Mhullaoidh were both elected to Conradh na Gaeilge’s Coiste Gnó.
• Won Gold in Conradh na Gaeilge’s Gníomhaí Gaeilge award scheme.
• Further developed and implemented An Gradam Gaelach, extending it to Clubs as well as Societies.
• Submitted and passed 7 motions at USI/AMLÉ Comhdháil 2025, as well as receiving nominations for Best Speech, Best Speaker, Best Gaelgeoir, and winning Best Large Union and Best Quote.
• Several visits to Shannon College with pop ups, freebies at exams, and continued lobbying for increased funding.
• Queer take over night “Gays and Dolls” in Sult with Annie Naggins, Blondielicious, and Inspect her Gadget.
• Hosted our inaugural Rose of Tralee Style RAG Event, crowning Aisling Magner Univesity of Galway’s first RAG Rose.
• Hosted USI Pink Training, Europe’s Largest LGBTQIA+ Conference, as well as the European Students’ Unions European Student Convention 49.
• Developed and launched our General Election Guide with assistance from our class reps.
• Hosted a Renters Rights Day in the SU Síbín alongside Threshold and spoke at CATU’s Public Meeting for their campaign “Homes not Holiday Lets”.
• We piloted an Eco-Café, a venue for students to discuss their Eco-Anxieties.
• Launched a new Survivor Informed Sexual Violence and Harassment Policy.
Executive Committee 2024/25
Coiste Feidhmiúcháin 2024/25
SU Council
Comhairle an Chomhaltais
This year there were 432 elected Class Reps ranging from Undergraduates, Postgraduates, Adult Learners and part time learners. Elections for all year’s bar first years took place in September. Class Rep elections were delayed for incoming first years due to the late issuing of Leaving Certificate results and elections were held in October. Postgraduate research elections were held in October due to their varying start dates and a system change for their elections. This year elections took place fully online using YourSpace.
This year saw the continuation of an e-Learning module for Class Reps. It informed them about the Students’ Union and the role of Class Reps.
It gave activities teaching facilitation, leadership, and communication skills. This module will hopefully be expanded and improved year on year.
Comhairle was hybrid this year which allowed students the flexibility to join meetings online or in person. This meant students on satellite campuses or those on placement could participate online. There was an attempt to make Comhairle more interactive this year using technologies such as mentimeter, we also separated reps into small groups to discuss certain topics to increase engagement, and implemented a 2 hour guillotine to prevent fatigue.
New election guidelines were adopted by Comhairle that defined how Postgraduate Research Reps are elected. That was implemented this year and most of the rep spaces were filled due to this. This should improve representation for the oftenunderrepresented postgraduate research students.
SU Chairperson, SU College Convenors and Postgraduate Officers of 2024/2025
A special thanks for the work done by the Chairperson, College Convenors and Postgraduate Officers on electing and engaging with Class Representatives.
• SU Council Chairperson – Cathal Sherlock
• Convenor of College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies – Jean O’Boyle
• Convenor of College of Science & Engineering – Ella Wiley-Hogan
• Convenor of College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences – Paschal Walsh
• Convenor of College of Business, Public Policy & Law – Vytaute Bujaviciute
• Postgraduate Taught Officer – Daniel McGonigle
• Postgraduate Research Officer – Sachin Yadav
Finally, thank you to all the Class Reps who worked so hard to make this a brilliant year for student representation.
SIN Newspaper Nuachtán SIN
SIN (Student Independent News) is the University of Galway Students’ Union only student news outlet, publishing articles online at www.SIN.ie. The paper is student and campus focused, celebrating the achievements of University of Galway’s students, athletes, artists, writers, and staff. Vox pops and street interviews are posted on the SIN social media accounts. Everyone can contribute to SIN, and we have a variety of volunteer writers from disciplines such as law, commerce, and journalism.
2025 Team:
• Editor – Emma van Oosterhout
• Deputy Editor – Holly Leech
• News Editors – Jacob Conneely and Fiona Zokou
• Features Editors – Leona Gilmore and Seán de Búrca
• Opinion Editors – Peter O’Neill and RaisuL Sourav
• SIN expanded its social media presence significantly, seeing a 59% increase in Instagram followers and the launch of a brand-new TikTok page. The TikTok featured student vox pops and street interviews, which were cross-posted to Instagram and Facebook.
• This year marked a complete redesign of SIN’s social media strategy, with visually engaging article snippets shared across platforms to boost visibility and reader engagement.
• SIN provided comprehensive and timely coverage of the Students’ Union elections, including candidate introduction videos, in-depth online interviews, and live updates from hustings and the election count, ensuring students were well-informed at every stage.
• The publication was recognised nationally, with Editor Emma van Oosterhout and News Editor Fiona Zokou winning a National Student Media Award for Collaborative Journalism, celebrating the outstanding teamwork and reporting efforts of the SIN team. In the AMLE SAAI awards SIN won Student Media Outlet of the Year and Editor Emma van Ooserhout was nominated for the Individual Contribution to Students Journalism Award.
This year, SIN published articles solely online. There was an online article and video series election special ahead of the Students’ Union Officer Elections. This series contained in-depth, exclusive interviews with all candidates for the full-time Students’ Union elections, as well as video interviews posted on SIN’s social media accounts, an opinion piece about the importance of voting, and live updates from hustings and the election count.
Shannon Reeves is our designer and has worked on SIN for a number of years. He helped SIN to adapt its layout, making it more accessible to an online audience and befitting of a modern news outlet. This included adding a ‘Latest’ section to the SIN website, where the latest 15 articles are displayed. The ‘Arts & Fashion’ category became simply ‘Arts’, with the ‘Fashion’ subsection being moved to ‘Health & Lifestyle’ to create a new ‘Lifestyle’ section.
2025 Highlights:
• Under the direction of Shannon Reeves, SIN has continued to create new design ideas following the redesign of its layout and design in 2021.
• SIN covered and broke ground-breaking stories this year and kept the student body informed on issues happening in the University.
• A Creative Writing section was launched, creating a platform for fiction, poetry, and personal essays. Lee O’Cathaiseach was nominated for Short Story of the Year at the National Student Media Awards for his short story published on SIN.
• SIN is published in association with University of Galway Students’ Union but retains editorial independence.
Elections
Toghcháin
In March twenty seven students put their names on ballot papers seeking election to the 2025-2026 Students’ Union Executive. In a big change voting for all positions took place on the same day and was entirely online. This election saw the highest recorded turnout ever of 4,895 voters (23.62%)
In the lead up to election day an election information session was held and hustings took place at Sult. A polling day election information station was set up in the Síbín with freebies, games and a photobooth.
Returning Officer Cathal Sherlock oversaw the elections and announced the results of the count on the same day as the election at an election party with live music from three bands at Sult.
A second election was held two weeks later to fill four of the part time officer positions which initially didn’t have any candidates. Again the election was held entirely online. We will continue to look at more ways to increase number of candidates, voter turnout and election engagement for next year.
The Mature Students and Postgraduate Taught Officer roles are unfilled and elections will take place early in semester one for these positions.
The successful candidates in the elections were:
Position Name
President
Vice President/Education
Vice President/Welfare & Equality
Vice President/ Irish Language
Disability Rights Officer
Ethnic Minorities Officer
Gender & LGBT+ Rights Officer
International Students Officer
Convenor of College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies
Convenor of College of Business, Public Policy & Law
Convenor of College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences
Convenor of College of Science & Engineering
Societies’ Chairperson
Clubs’ Captain
Postgraduate Research Officer
Environmental and Sustainability Officer
Maisie Hall
Seán De Búrca
Paddy Marnane
Rachel Áine Ní Mharascáil
Izzy Tiernan
RaisuL Sourav
Aifric Nevin
Dona Allavena
Sonya Naumova
Eimear McGarry
Jonathan Ryan
Cameron Owen
Niamh O’Connell
Caoimhe Gilligan
Buddila Wijeyesekera
Molly Hickey
Students’ Union Policies
Beartais Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn
University of Galway Students’ Union adopts policies on various issues. Policy can be set by the Executive Committee, SU Council or a referendum of all members of the Students’ Union.
The following policies have been agreed by referendum in recent years:
Referenda on Amendments to SU Constitution
Passed March 2024
Updated the name of the Union from NUI Galway Students’ Union to University of Galway Students’ Union. Updated any references to NUI Galway by changing to University of Galway. Removed gender specific pronouns.
Referendum on Vice President for the Irish Language
Passed March 2022
Creation of full time Leas Uachtarán don Gaeilge / Vice President for the Irish Language position and removal of part time Oifigeach na Gaeilge position.
Referenda on Amendments to SU Constitution
Passed April 2021
Creation of a part-time Environmental and Sustainability Officer. Chairperson of SU Council replaced with an external independent Chairperson.
Referendum on Student Levy
Passed April 2021
From 1st July, 2021 the members of NUI Galway Students’ Union approve the cancellation of the current Student Levy of €224 and further approve its replacement with a new Student Levy of €140.
Students’ Union position on reunification of the island of Ireland
Passed March 2017
NUI Galway Students’ Union supports the reunification of the island of Ireland and calls on the State to hold a national referendum on the question of such reunification.
Students’ Union position on the Direct Provision System
Passed March 2016
The Students’ Union condemns the direct provision system which is inhumane and denies asylum seekers their basic rights and calls for its abolition and replacement with a system which respects the human rights of asylum seekers. In line with policy supported by the Migrant Rights Centre and other concerned NGOs.
Students’ Union position on the Decriminalisation of Drugs
Passed March 2016
The Students’ Union has adopted a position actively supporting the decriminalisation of drugs solely for personal use.
Students’ Union position on the Legalisation and Regulation of the Cultivation, Sale and Possession of Cannabis
Passed March 2015
The Students’ Union has adopted a position supporting the legalisation and regulation of the cultivation, sale and possession of cannabis.
Students’ Union position on the issue of couples of the same gender availing of Civil Marriage
Passed March 2014
The Students’ Union has a policy of supporting couples of the same gender availing of civil marriage. Following the national referendum in May 2015, this policy has been fulfilled.
Students’ Union position on the campaign of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against the State of Israel
Passed March 2014
The Students’ Union adopted a position in support of the campaign of “Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against the State of Israel” (BDS Campaign)
Students’ Union position on the Issue of Abortion
Passed March 2013
The Students’ Union has a Pro-Choice position in support of the national campaign for full reproductive rights, which include a woman’s right to abortion, whether elective or medically necessary.
No Platform Policy
Passed March 2012
The Students’ Union is mandated to oppose any invitation to members of various organisations to speak at the University. Full details available on the Students’ Union Website.
CÉIM Peer Learning
It has been another busy year for the CÉIM peer learning programme as it continues to expand and support 1st year students’ transition to university, academic success, health and wellbeing, skills development and progression.
Supporting the 1st year experience
Initiated and centrally coordinated by University of Galway Students’ Union, CÉIM is a proven model for providing small group academic peer learning on a weekly basis throughout the academic year and was offered to approximately 2,000 1st year students in 2024/25.
2024/25 highlights
• CÉIM engaged with over 1,300 1st year students during Orientation this academic year. CÉIM ramped up delivery to provide two hours of Orientation teambuilding and campus tours for 550 students in the College of Science and Engineering.
• This year has been about continuing to respond to the growth of AI, with increased focus in CÉIM sessions on developing 1st year students’ questioning and academic integrity skills, as well as building confidence in critical thinking through scaffolding and innovative activities.
[I liked] the community built by it and always having a place to go for support. 1st year student 2024/25
• CÉIM was successfully piloted in Computer Science & Information Technology, Biomedical Science and Social Sciences this year. In 2025/26, the programme will be launched in Agricultural Science and Physics.
• Interviews were carried out with CÉIM leaders who identify as neurodivergent and, as a result a discreet No Pressure Card was developed for students to signal that they wish to take a step back in CÉIM sessions, and the student leaders can then assist them accordingly. This initiative has been very positively received.
• The CÉIM team and student leaders presented at the AHEAD Conference and the Global Supplemental Instruction Leader Summit, both in March 2025.
• Co-founded by CÉIM in 2024, INPAL (Ireland Network of Peer Assisted Learning) is now going from strength to strength and is providing a valuable forum for collaboration in academic peer learning across the higher education sector on the island of Ireland.
How CÉIM works
CÉIM is based on the well-evidenced Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) or Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) model used in over 30 countries. Student leaders from higher years facilitate weekly study sessions for small groups of 1st year students, creating peer-led learning communities where it’s easy to ask questions.
The teamwork and leadership skills I developed have helped me in many more ways than expected.
CÉIM leader 2024/25
2,000
9
Life Skills Programme
Scileanna Saoil
The Life Skills Programme saw the Students’ Union running online and in person courses throughout the year to allow students the opportunity to enhance their life skills away from their academic studies and also improve their employability.
Our lively 6 week beginner Bodhrán and Tin Whistle lessons returned with our instructor Ryan from Galway Trad Sessions. These courses were held in the SU Síbín and proved very popular in particular with visiting students.
Financial Resilience Training was held online in semester 1 and semester 2 equipping participants with the ability to cope with negative events that impact on our finances. The course was provided free of charge to students and staff by TASC the Think-tank for Action on Social Change.
We held several in person Heartsaver AED courses with training provided at the Croí Heart and Stroke Centre.
In partnership with Galway Rape Crisis Centre courses in Disclosure Training were held during Consent Week and SHAG Week. These courses provided students and staff with the skills to deal appropriately with a disclosure of sexual violence.
The SU worked with the HSE Suicide Prevention Officer to host safeTALK training on campus to equip students and staff with the skills to recognise the danger signs for someone who is a suicide risk.
We also promoted the Ohana Zero Suicide Online Training course throughout the year which only takes 20 minutes for student to complete.
Jigsaw Galway ran two fully booked online Mental Health Workshops for University of Galway students.
A series of sold out 10 week sign language courses were held during the year which gave students and staff the basic skills needed to converse in sign language.
Irish Language Classes were held both in person and online in conjunction with Gaelchultúr. These were hugely popular with five classes at different levels offered each semester.
Our 6 week Pilates Courses were held throughout the year and delivered online to increase students flexibility and core strength with Marie Hegarty Pilates.
We held four short Self Defence courses with the team at Galway City Itosu Kai Karate Club in the Claddagh teaching students important self-defence skills.
Fundraising Tiomsú Airgid
University of Galway Students’ Union ran a selection of unique charity events this year raising an amazing €29,443 for our chosen charities: Galway Rape Crisis Centre and Galway Autism Partnership.
Galway Rape Crisis Centre is dedicated to providing a professional, caring and confidential counselling and support service for those in our community affected by sexual abuse and sexual violence.
Galway Autism Partnership aims to improve the quality of life for autistic people and their families by providing and facilitating quality peer support, information, social activities, training and education.
Raise and Give Week was back in February which included events such as the Firewalk, a head shave, a charity auction a 5km fun run, the RAG Rose competition, Galentine’s Day Brunch and a 5 A Side Tournament Flirt FM hosted a Radiothon 24 hour broadcast to kick of the week and the Sports Unit organised a massive Sports Day event. Our RAG Jerseys were a huge hit and Writer’s Society held a fantastic Blind Date with a Book fundraiser for the bibliophiles during the week.
Our giant Christmas Raffle raised over €2,100 with staff and students purchasing tickets online for a chance to win 22 amazing prizes kindly donated by Galway businesses. We also shook charity buckets at the University Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony
Our annual Take Me Out night was a big hit at Sult hosted by comedian Steve Bennett with students vying for the chance to take part, have the craic and try to find romance!
Throughout the year our Fantasy Football competition ran with proceeds being divided between the SU Charities and the overall winner.
First year Podiatric Medicine students baked up a storm for a Bake Sale at the Feel Good Fair in October with all proceeds going to the SU charities. In November students competed in our fundraising Big Fat Semester 1 Quiz with lots of tricky questions to test their knowledge.
We held two saucy, sold out rounds of Sex Toy Bingo at Sult during the year to raise more funds for the SU Charities hosted by the fabulous Steve Bennett and Steven Sharpe.
The Taylor Swift fans united for our Sult Taylor’s Version: Eras Edition Night with Swiftie Society to raise more money for the charities.
We continued to sell our Big Yellow Thing Socks online and on campus. The socks designed by Galway Company Irish Socksciety feature a tribute to the iconic “Galway Yellow” (AKA Big Yellow Thing) sculpture on campus. All proceeds from the sock sales went to the SU Charities.
We also hosted Pop Up Shops for Galway Simon Community during the year helping them raise €4,673 whilst also encouraging students to buy second hand items.
We continued our Hygiene Hub donation drives throughout the year where students and staff donated personal hygiene and cleaning products. These were then donated to Hygiene Hub partners in Galway including COPE Galway, Galway Simon Community and Galway Traveller Movement.
Entertainment & Events
Siamsaíocht agus Imeachtaí
Early Bird Ents
At the start of September we worked with the International Office to put on a series of Early Bird Ents to welcome our early arrival students to campus. These included an Irish movie night, a pub quiz, a Céilí, speed friending, karaoke and an Arriba Night. There was also a Diamond Hill Hike with the Mountaineering Club and the SU Officers spoke at Orientation sessions.
Freshers’ Events
From the start of September there were live bands, DJs and themed nights at Sult to welcome everyone to the new semester. We also had SU stands at the Societies and Clubs Days. Our SU Rudaí Áille tote bags were back and packed with freebies and the SU magazine to welcome students to campus throughout September. The ever popular Outdoor Cinema returned with free popcorn and a showing of Bee Movie. Our Freshers Fair was as busy as ever with food trucks, inflatable games, a vintage clothes pop up, music, competitions, great students offers and, of course, more freebies.
Hallows
In October Hallows was back in association with Bümblê, Reboot Events and the Societies Office. Hallows is the biggest Halloween Event in Galway showcasing Irish and international DJs including Fionn Curran, Franck, Camrinwatsin and Datsko. We also welcomed back The Dirty Circus for a special Hallows show, Horror Soc hosted Scare-Aoke and former SU President, Dean Kenny, performed on the Sult stage.
Themed Nights
In semester one the SU held Sult takeovers with themed nights every Thursday including White Lies Night, Oiche na Soilse Tráchta (Traffic Light Party), Mean Girls Night, a Sensory Night, Piontaí + Pitseamí (Pyjama Party), Gays & Dolls and the Big Fat Semester 1 Quiz. In November we teamed up with Swiftie Society again to have an amazing Eras Edition Taylor Swift night at Sult in aid of the SU Charities.
Pink Training
In November we once again hosted the national Pink Training conference. Pink Training is Europe’s largest LGBT+ Conference, which sees over 300 student delegates attend a weekend of residential training. The weekend included talks, workshops and plenary sessions run by AMLE/USI (the Union of Students in Ireland) along with social events including another fabulous Dirty Circus performance. We also hosted the European Students’ Union Convention on campus.
Thriftmas Market
During Study Week in December we organised our Thriftmas Market at Áras na Mac Léinn. We had students selling their arts and crafts, a pop up second hand clothes shop with Galway Simon Community and music from Flirt FM in Áras na Mac Léinn.
Refreshers Fair
In January we hosted our Refreshers Fair with freebies, giveaways, exhibitors, inflatable games, food trucks, a second hand clothes sale, music from Flirt FM and more!
Take Me Out
In January we took over Sult for a sold out version of Take Me Out. Contestants aimed to impress in the hopes of finding romance at the event hosted by comedian Steve Bennett in aid of the SU Charities.
RAG Week
Raise and Give Week returned in February which included events such as the Firewalk, a head shave, a charity auction, a 5km fun run, the RAG Rose competition, Galentine’s Day Brunch, Sports Day, the Radiothon and a 5 A Side Tournament. On Donegal Tuesday we teamed up with Bümblê and Reboot Events to bring back Galway’s biggest student dance music event SOS The event took over Áras na Mac Léinn and Sult with an amazing line-up including Parfait, Black Traffic, Camrinwatsin, Fish56Octagon, GJ504B and Nicole Reaney.
Election Results Night
In March we held a huge Election Results Night party at Sult for voters and candidates. The election results were announced to jubilant celebrations and there was fantastic live music from The Love Buzz, Telebox and Echo Chamber.
Voter Registration
The SU continued to encourage students to register to vote throughout the year with Voter Registration campaigns for first time voters along with encouraging Graduates to register for their Seanad Éireann vote during Graduation events. We also developed and launched our General Election Guide with assistance from our Class Reps to help student voters get informed.
Freebies
Throughout the year we held promos in the SU Office with lots of great freebies from companies like Mooju, Supermacs, Kind Bars, Red Bull, CeraVe Skincare and Lucozade. We also travelled to Shannon College of Hotel Management to meet with students studying there and distribute freebies.
Campaigns
Feachtasaí
Comhaltas na Mac Léinn Ollscoil na Gaillimhe ran many campaigns throughout the 2024/25 academic year. These ranged from welfare campaigns focussing on mental health and sexual health to sustainability initiatives, Gaeilge campaigns and more.
Mental Health Week
Mental Health Week events took place in October to encourage students to take time to look after their mental health, to raise awareness and to recognise the signs of mental health issues. During the week there was a Feel Good Fair, a financial resilience workshop with TASC, a mental health workshop with Jigsaw Galway and safeTALK Suicide Awareness Training. There was also “Caife agus Cómhra” in Plámás, a screening of the Kneecap Movie at Pálás Cinema, a pop up charity shop with Galway Simon Community, a sensory night at Sult and an EcoCafé for students to discuss their Eco-Anxieties.
National Student Walkout
In October we took part in the AMLE/USI National Student Walkout Protest with students walking out of lectures at 11.30am and gathering outside the Library for speeches and a march marking the “Death of the Student Experience”. The protest involved thousands of students from across the country calling on the Government to address the student accommodation crisis and increasing cost of education.
GaelSeachtain
The GaelSeachtain campaign in November included a Coldvember Swim collaboration, ceol in Caife na Gaeilge and a Pólca 4 gig at Sult. There were also Flirt FM takeovers, a visit from Daidí na Nollag and poetry and sean-nós workshops.
SHAG Week
In November our SHAG Week events included a free screening of “The Irish for Sex”, a body positivity painting workshop and Gays and Dolls LGBTQ+ night at Sult. Sex Educator Aoife Murray hosted two free workshops: Sex 101 and Disability & Desire. There was also free rapid HIV and Syphilis testing with Sexual Health West, free STI testing at the Student Health Unit and our sold out Sex Toy Bingo.
Education Campaigns
We promoted an Academic Integrity awareness campaign looking at emerging issues regarding the use of AI and Plagiarism. There was a talk “Cheat Code: Unlocking Academic Integrity” along with an Academic Integrity Tik Tok Competition.
Accommodation Campaigns
We surveyed over 1,700 students on their accommodation and compiled a report titled “Generation Emigration, A Call on our Government to End the National Accommodation Crisis”, which was launched in Leinster House with help from Máiréad Farrell, TD. We hosted a Renters Rights Day in the SU Síbín with Threshold and spoke at CATU’s Public Meeting for their campaign “Homes not Holiday Lets”.
Consent Week
Our Consent Week took place in February with lots of great events including more workshops from Aoife Murray on Period Power and Cherry Popping/Shame Stopping. The Péint do Phit body positivity painting workshop returned. There was also Rapid HIV and Syphilis Testing, Disclosure Training, STI Testing at the Health Unit and the ever popular, sold out, Sex Toy Bingo.
Seachtain na Gaeilge
Seachtain na Gaeilge was held over three weeks in March with a great array of events including Céilís, bingo, Gaeilge 101, Flirt FM takeovers, trad sessions, talks, workshops and an amazing gig from The Rising at Sult.
Free Period Products
The SU and the University continued distributing free period products across campus to tackle the issue of period poverty among students and staff. The pilot stemmed from an initiative launched by the SU in 2017.
Palestine
We worked with various groups on and off campus to raise awareness about the war in Palestine and the BDS movement through highlighting talks, panel discussions, vigils and protests.
Environmental Initiatives
The SU Climate Crew met throughout the year to try to find ways to make the university as eco-friendly as possible. We held lab coat and goggle recycling drives in September and May so that these can be passed on to other students rather than dumped. We also held a nursing and midwifery uniform donation drive
We held a Post College Christmas Day clean up to try to make Galway a cleaner, greener place. We hosted secondhand pop up shops with Galway Simon Community. There was a Student Panel Discussion on Sustainability in September along with a Sustainable Development Goals Table Quiz at Sult for SDG Week
In Semester 2 Wasted Week had some great events including a paper free quiz, a swop shop, a climate café, free workshops and talks. The Recycled Runway competition in March encouraged students to recycle and upcycle fashion creations to win prizes.
We held our Donate Don’t Dump awareness campaign about recycling at the end of the year in conjunction with the Glassary sustainability project. We had battery and vape recycling points in the SU Office and the SU Shop and we brought in bottle return scheme bins on campus.
This year we opened a permanent home for Spéir, the Student’ Union Pantry, in the Library basement. Spéir is open twice a week during term to distribute free food to students that would otherwise have gone to landfill.
Other campaigns
We worked with Sexual Health West to hold regular free rapid HIV testing and syphilis testing clinics on campus throughout the year with over 70 students getting tested. We also distributed free condoms, lube, period products, pregnancy tests and drug testing kits.
In October for Black History Month we hosted a talk and quiz with prizes.
We held monthly donation drives of hygiene, personal care and household cleaning products for Galway Hygiene Hub. Donations went to The Hygiene Hub’s community partners in Galway who include COPE Galway, Galway Simon Community, Galway Traveller Movement and Saint Vincent de Paul among others.
During exams we extended our service opening hours and, of course, gave out lots of freebies to get students through the exams. We also brought in social enterprise MyMind for a roadshow visit to highlight their reduced rate counselling services for students.
We took part in protests, campaigns and events on issues such as Postgraduate Rights, Eating Disorders, Men’s Mental Health issues, the save Pálás Cinema Campaign and Irish Language Rights.
We held a free screening of the documentary Below the Belt to raise awareness about endometriosis and the issues surrounding its diagnosis and treatment.
We reestablished the T-Fund giving autonomy to students to make their own informed decisions on what they feel is necessary for their social transition.
Students’ Union Services
Seirbhísí Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn
SULT
2024/2025 was another great year at the best – and the only – bar/restaurant/live music and live sports venue, social and event space on campus. Sult is home to record numbers of live shows; class parties; fundraisers; barbeques; signature pizzas and Bigger Bites.
We had loads of great SU Card Deals for food, drinks and other promos, not to mention our broad range of incredibly reasonable alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for your enjoyment!
Our made-to-order Deli and fantastically reasonable Bia Boxes continue to be incredibly popular, alongside our delicious hot food offering. We managed to deliver more of your favourite drinks, massive deals, savings and discounts than ever before!
We’ve removed our compostable cups from use in the past year, replacing them with ceramic mugs for all our dine-in customers. Alternatively, bring your own re-usable cup and we’ll fill that up instead.
We are delighted to host and support a huge number of events, not least the following:
• 125 Class Parties.
• 120 Society Events.
• 100 + Club Parties and post match / tournament events.
• 45 Students’ Union Events.
• 160 x Live Sport events on our big screens.
• 140 Departmental & Postgrad Staff Parties.
• 20 x Humanitarian & Charity Fundraising Events.
• Live broadcasts to the Nation!
• And much, much more!!
Plus, Sult is home to all your favourite DJs; bands; live singers; comedians; karaoke; raunchy cabaret nights; craic on Galway’s favourite Riverside Terrace, which is covered for the more blustery days!
Sult hosts regular ticketed nights with some of the coolest acts around too, including Bumble, Arriba Nights, Sex Toy Bingo, Take Me Out, Speed Quizzing, Music Bingo and lots more!
Don’t forget – clubs, societies and class parties and events qualify for complimentary finger-food for official events booked at Sult. We’ll pick up the tab, because we’re sound like that!
In addition to our regular special offers and giveaways, Sult continued its deals like free porridge with your morning tea/ coffee, ensuring that Galway students don’t start the day on an empty stomach – especially important during the cold winter months and exam times!
We’re very proud to continue Sult’s partnership with, and sponsorship of, the University of Galway’s highly successful Women’s Soccer Teams.
SMOKEY’S CAFÉ
Smokey’s Café is still the number 1 place on campus to relax/unwind/meet friends/plan your project work and nights out over a cup of the very best coffees or teas on campus, bar none!
All our coffees are Fairtrade, organic, 100% shade-grown, arabica, prepared from brand new barista coffee machines and all hot drinks are available with a full range of alternative and non-dairy milks.
Smokey’s serves premium hot and cold drink and iced coffees, as well as all your favourite smoothies, juices, salads, rolls; panini; sandwiches from the Gourmet Tart range, pastries, dinners, snacks; a range of sweet treats and healthy options too. Smokey’s has a large selection of vegan and vegetarian options – and its located on the main concourse of the Arts/Science Building in the very heart of the University campus!
Smokey’s Café can cater for events and functions of up to 150 people and even reached the regional finals of the National Restaurant Awards in 2024.
STUDENTS’ UNION SHOP
The Students’ Union Shop, your only on-campus convenience store, really is the neighbourhood shop for the University of Galway’s campus community! We’re centrally located in the Hardiman Library building for maximum convenience.
At the SU Shop, we’re constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of customers. We offer an impressive range of great fresh foods; sandwiches; wraps; rolls; snacks; hot and cold drinks; all your must-have grocery and household items; stationery; discounted newspapers and lots of healthy options!
The SU Shop has always been the number 1 destination for its great range of Official University of Galway branded merchandise including hoodies, t-shirts, branded stationery, bags and much more – perfect for yourself or as a gift.
Also, please visit our online shop https://ShopCampus.ie/ we offer free delivery on all orders over €20!
The award-winning SU Shop continues to go up against the biggest and the best around and beat them too! Ár
Siopa has received multiple top national honours and 5 Star Award at the annual ‘Store of the Year Awards’. It continues to achieve and maintain the highest standards in the industry at affordable prices.
Like all our other units, we’ve removed our compostable cups from use in the past year. So, please remember to bring your own re-usable cup and we’ll fill that up instead. We also have a good stock of them, at various price points, in case you’re stuck!
SU CARD
Our free SU Card has been guaranteeing you better value, discounts and freebies for over 15 years. Available for use in every Students’ Union outlet – only – the SU Card is our way of saying “go raibh maith agaibh” or “thank you” to the students and staff who support us all year, every year – without you, there is simply no us!
Keep an eye out for regular offers, discounts and SU Card promotions in all our units. Some are available all the time and others are updated regularly. The SU Card will always maximise value for you and we’re always open to your suggestions!
SUSTAINABILITY
Working closely with the Galway-based Ethical Coffee Company and Fairtrade Ireland, every tea, coffee, sugar; condiment and stirrer in every Students’ Union Commercial Services outlet is Fairtrade, Organic and completely compostable too!
All our coffee is 100% shade-grown Arabica, from Puro, making it the finest and most ethical available anywhere, on or off your campus.
Plus, our outlets have been offering discounts to every customer that uses their own re-usable cup for over 15 years.
REINVESTING IN YOU
As always, the profits earned from all Students’ Union services are reinvested in the Students’ Union and on-campus services, which are both commerical and non-commercial, to further develop and expand the suite of services we offer. What makes the Students’ Union’s services unique is the money you spend on campus stays on campus. No other service provider on campus can say that!
Students’ Union Commercial Services Limited • Sult, Smokey’s Café, the SU Shop and ShopCampus.ie • contribute €30,000 to the Student Projects Fund every year making it the biggest single contributor to the fund. Our commercial services company also contributes in excess of €250,000, annually, to the your University to help fund the services it provides and gives €30,000 directly to the Students’ Union to support it’s campaign, support services and other activities on your behalf!
All the contributions outlined above are made regardless of profitability, to assist with the valuable work carried out by the respective parties for the benefit of students, staff and visitors to University of Galway.
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
Over 85% of our staff, across all our operational units – Sult, Smokey’s, the SU Shop – are students too. Keeping our trading income on campus and in your pockets!
SPONSORSHIP
Over the course of the year we support many of the good causes run by the different charities, not least the SU’s own chosen Charities, plus various clubs and societies on campus.
We’re also very proud to be continuing our partnership with, and sponsorship of, the University of Galway’s highly successful Women’s Soccer Teams in to yet another year!
SPÉIR
Spéir the Students’ Union Pantry is a system where food is collected through FoodCloud, an organisation creating links with local supermarkets to redistribute food and reduce food waste. The collections consist of surplus food, food with damaged packaging, end of line items and food that is nearing its sell by and best before date. This food is then distributed twice a week to students attending the University of Galway instead of ending up in landfill, with the pantry aimed at reducing large amounts of waste in supermarkets. Spéir is located in the Library basement opposite the SU Síbín.
LOCKERS
The Students’ Union rents lockers in various locations across campus. This year we took over the remainder of the lockers in the Clinical Science building and got some of our older lockers replaced with fresh new ones. We also have summer lockers for students on campus during the holidays/sitting repeat exams.
STUDENT LEAP CARDS
The Students’ Union is an agent for the Student Leap Card which gives great student discounts on travel.
STUDENTS’ UNION SÍBÍN
The SU Síbín is a social space located in the basement area of the James Hardiman Library. There is seating for 40 students and ample charging points. It’s open 9am-6pm Monday-Friday during term time with extended opening hours during exams. The space is non-commercial which makes it popular for students to catch up or pass time between lectures. Additional investment in the space to install ventilation and water would make it a suitable space for microwave ovens which would greatly enhance its appeal.
STUDENTS’ UNION CLOAKROOM
The Cloakroom is run and managed by the Students’ Union and is open 9am-6pm Monday-Friday during term. Cloakroom staff are all students and the service is provided free of charge to students. The Cloakroom has extended opening hours during exams.
STUDENTS’ UNION FRESHERS BAGS
Free Students’ Union Freshers reusable tote bags were distributed to students througout the year along with lots of freebies and the SU Welcome Magazine. The magazine is a useful resource for students and contains information on the SU Team, SU Services, campus facilities and Clubs & Societies. We also managed the refilling of the free period product dispensers across campus and distribute free pregnancy tests, condoms and lube.
STUDENTS’ UNION GRINDS REGISTER
The Students’ Union hosts an online noticeboard where those available to give grinds can advertise their services free of charge to students in the University.
SU Finance
Cúrsaí Airgeadais an Chomhaltais
The Students’ Union financial year runs from 1 July to 30 June. The details below relate to year ending 30 June 2024 with figures from the previous year for comparison.
The Union is in a financially stable position thanks largely to the careful management of its resources by the entire students’ union team. Students provide most of the union’s income via the Student Levy, and we are conscious of our role in ensuring that we use their money carefully and always get value for money. Over 50% of the Union’s budget was spent directly on Representation & Services.
Expenditure is largely in line with the previous year. Legal Fees increased this year due to the review of the Union’s Stakeholders’ Agreement with the University which deals with the operation of the Union’s commercial services company.
CÉIM continues to expand and despite operating on a tight budget, the cost of providing CÉIM is edging closer to the amount contributed by students via the Student Levy.
At the end of last year, we recorded a surplus of €87,458. A portion of that surplus is ringfenced for the Student Pantry & SU Síbín (€58,640), and CÉIM (€8,468). That leaves an operational surplus of €20,350.
We continue to be mindful that we are a private sector organisation, and we require a strong balance sheet and cash at hand to keep us stable.
The accounts for 30 June 2024 are publicly available on our website. For further information on the finances of the Students’ Union, please visit our website www.su.universityofgalway.ie.
