However, this was not our only success on the night! Congratulations are also in order for the UCC Cancer Society, which was awarded Charity Champion of the Year; International Development student Mair Kelly, who was named Student Activist of the Year; and UCC Students’ Union’s Stephen O’Riordan, who was named Part-Time Officer of the Year.

Congratulations to all our UCC award-winners and nominees for their dedication and hard work throughout an incredibly challenging year!

Michelle Whyte, Societies Officer, commented on how the UCC societies have rallied over the past year in the face of such change and adversity.

“On a national level we enjoy very high engagement levels with the students in our campus community. Despite the necessary pivot to 100% online activity this year, our committee members continued to work hard. They constantly reimagine what they do, keep members involved and continue to make new friends,” says Michelle.

“Between socials, guest speakers, shows, academic conferences and festivals, they organised over 2,000 online events for their 10,000 memberships this year! They provided an outlet for their fellow students to do what they love at a time when they needed it most.

“It is a testament to the Societies Guild and Executive that we have been awarded so highly again at the Student Achievement Awards.”

Expectations are high for the Board of Irish College Societies Awards, set to take place on 15 July, Michelle adds:

“We have been the biggest winners here for the last two years in a row as well, and are confident we can maintain that title!

“Well done to our hard-working students, and many thanks to the staff campus-wide who have helped, supported and guided them through another successful year.”