Local students light up at BICS

STUDENTS from DCU scooped three awards at the Board of Irish College Societies (BICS) national society awards last week.

The BICS awards invite colleges across Ireland to compete for a variety of awards and rewards students for involvement in society life.

Over 400 students and staff from all around Ireland arrived at Radisson Blu, Limerick to take part in this year’s event.

DCU were awarded three titles and final year Journalism student, Eoin Lúc Ó Ceallaigh, was voted ‘Best Individual Contribution’ for his involvement in RAG, Cumann Gaelach and the Media Production Society over the past three years. 

Speaking to Northside People he said he was surprised but delighted to receive the award.

“It’s been a crazy few years in DCU and I’ve loved every minute of college life with my friends,” he added.

“To have my work recognised with something like this means so much to me. It’s the perfect end to a perfect three years in college.” 

The DCU Media Production Society (MPS) won ‘Best Event’ for its 24-hour broadcast in aid of Jigsaw Ireland. MPS has run the event every year since 2011 but never thought they’d go on to win best event in Ireland.

Chairperson of the society, Emma Kavanagh, described the moment they won as “surreal and incredibly emotional”.

“This event means so much to everyone that’s ever taken part this year, mainly because of the charity we decided to support, Jigsaw Ireland, which provides youth mental health services to over 14,000 young people across Ireland,” said the Finglas native.

Paul Gallagher, DCU Fotosoc’s Public Relations Officer also received an award for the ‘Best Poster’.

Riona Hughes, Chairperson of the BICS, described the awards as “a wonderful celebration of all that is marvellous about the students, who are so creative and dedicated and who transform the college experience for their peers.”

“The staff members present from our member colleges have every reason to be proud of every single society representative here tonight, the future of our country is in good hands,” she added.

Róisín Nestor