In pictures: Student Achievement Awards at ATU Donegal

The Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Donegal Student Achievement Awards took place last week in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny. Please click on the arrows to go through the gallery

The red carpet was rolled and it was an evening of style and glamour as over 200 students and staff gathered to celebrate the achievements of this year’s clubs and societies at ATU Donegal.

The Clubs & Societies Programme reached the milestone of a total of 50 registered clubs and societies at ATU Donegal in 2023/24.

ATU Donegal men's soccer team who were team of the year winners pictured with Front row (l-r) Rory McMorrow, Student Services Manager, ATU Donegal; Paul Hannigan, Head of College, ATU Donegal; Mary Coughlan Special Guest; Dr Orla Flynn, President; Michael Murphy, Head of Sport, ATU Donegal; Josephine Wilson, SU General Manager, ATU Donegal; Barry Breslin, SU President, ATU Donegal; Dr Vicky O’Rourke, Senior Lecturer in Research Development, ATU Donegal and Billy Bennett, VP Academic Affairs & Registrar, ATU

Opening proceedings was Josephine Wilson, Students’ Union General Manager at ATU Donegal, who commented that “this growth is hugely reflected in the diverse range of clubs and societies and in the increase in student engagement across the many activities and events, both on and off campus”.

Guest Speaker, Mary Coughlan, former Tánaiste, and most recently elected as the first female Chairperson of Donegal GAA presented the Sports Awards on the night.

In her interview with compere, Oisin Kelly from Highland Radio, Mary reflected on her own journey through university and encouraged students to appreciate the opportunities given to them and the sacrifices made for them. Mary also advised students to “keep an open mind, be flexible and start again when things don’t always work out. Always take care of yourself and your mental and physical wellbeing”.

Similarly, Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President, noted that “participation in clubs and societies is an important part of student life and the memories and friendships made, last forever”. Dr. Flynn presented a number of awards including; Most Outstanding Society Member, Most Improved Society, Leadership Award, Best Society and the Civic, Charity & Community Engagement Award.

Clubs & Societies Scholarships were also presented to six student society leaders. The winners were selected from a large pool of applicants and a diverse range of clubs and societies. Each of the winners received monetary awards in recognition of their achievements. Paul Hannigan, Head of College, ATU Donegal, presented the scholarships to the winning students and congratulated all clubs and societies on the significant contribution they continue to make to student life at ATU Donegal.

Paul reflected on the growth of the Clubs & Societies Programme over the years and the skills developed by students from participation in these activities. Paul also highlighted that ATU is a “diverse institution, developing culture across the region, now hosting an audience from all over the world”.

Michael Murphy, Head of Sport at ATU Donegal provided a review of the year in sport, commenting that: “2023/24 has seen an increase in the number of ATU Donegal competitive sports teams – 15 in total and we look forward to further developing these and other sports in the coming years as we aim to further enhance the overall student experience here at ATU Donegal.”

Clubs & Societies Awards Winners: Best Society Poster 2024 – Film & Drama Society; Best Society Photograph 2024 – Canoe Society; Award for Civic, Charity & Community Engagement 2024 – Law Society; Leadership Award 2024 – Honnesh Muppala, Indian Students Society; Most Outstanding Society Member 2024 – Edward Reid, Law Society; Most Improved Society 2024 – Dungeons & Dragons Society; Best Society 2024 – Badminton Society.

Scholarship Winners: Anoop Akampadath, Animation Society; Gareth Craig, Badminton Society; Luis Simiao, Dungeons & Dragons Society; Honnesh Muppala, Indian Students Society; Ana-Narcisa Pintilie, International Society; Edward Reid, Law Society

Sports Awards Winners: Laura Doherty (Women’s Basketball Team), Female Sports Star Award; Tom Dockery (Men’s Soccer Team), Male Sports Star Award; Men’s Soccer Team, Team of the Year