NUI Galway scooped four awards at the recent Board of Irish College Societies (BICS) National Society Awards.
Among the recipients was Potter Soc who was awarded ‘Best Intervarsity’ for their popular PotterFest weekend.
NUI Galway won ‘Best Society in an Academic, Cultural and Social Field’ for the Medical Society.
Alison Duffy, Vice-Auditor of the NUI Galway Medical Society said they were “thrilled to have won this prestigious award”.
Draíocht Society also claimed the ‘Best Society in a Civic and Charity Field’ for their work sending volunteers to each of the partner charities in Nepal and Tanzania during the summer months, and for their successful fundraising throughout the year.
According to Auditor Siabhra Medley: “Draíocht enables students to make an incredible difference for people in the developing world and allows students to experience cultures that are radically different to their own.”
The ‘Best Fresher Award’ went to first year Bachelor of Arts student Ciarán MacChoncarraige, from Oranmore, who has been actively involved with French and Draíocht Societies, while also assisting other societies and the Students’ Union with numerous events and campaigns.
Over 400 students and staff from third-level institutions across Ireland came together to celebrate the achievements of student societies and acknowledge the contribution they make to their institution and the wider community.
Riona Hughes, BICS Chairperson and NUI Galway Society Officer, said the awards are a “wonderful celebration”.
“Research has shown that involvement in societies helps students complete their studies, teaches them valuable life skills, enhances their employability and supports them on their learning journey to become future leaders. For our 21st Awards there are many reasons to celebrate and none more so than the support, respect and genuine affection all the students have shown to each other throughout the day.”