It’s UCDSU Election season and those Instagram follower request notifications from hopeful candidates are about to start pouring in, but who is running? The College Tribune reached out to all of the UCDSU candidates to let them introduce themselves and to answer some important topical questions… Keep your eyes peeled for the candidates on Israel-Palestine, rejoining USI and the two referenda!
UCDSU President
Miranda Bauer – I’m Miranda, I’m Argentinian, I’m 25, and I’m a Modern Languages graduate. Before fully deciding on my course, I used to want to be a vet and had a pet ostrich, horse, turtle and sheep. The perks of the Argentinian countryside! Last year, you elected me to be your C&E Officer and this year I’m running to be SU President! I’m passionate about student rights and campus life and I’ve been a member of many societies and clubs in UCD.
Marc Matouc – Age: 25 Course: MA Geopolitics and the Global Economy From: Terenure Interesting fact: half Irish half French
Education
Tia Cullen – My name is Tia Cullen, I’m 21 years old, I’m a Stage 3 General Nursing student from Cork, and I’m running to be YOUR next Education Officer in UCDSU. An interesting fact about me is that I have a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon-Do.
Naomhán Mhaonaigh – I’m Naomhán Mhaonaigh, running for the role of Education Officer. I’m 22 years old, and I’m from Dublin. I’m in my fourth year of sociology and social justice, so it’s my final year of undergrad. Fun fact I enjoy a challenge, especially one with no easy solution.
Welfare
Ciara Donohue – Hi, my name is Ciara, I am a 20-year-old General Nursing student from Wicklow and I am running to be your next UCDSU Welfare Officer. I am your current SU mental health campaigns coordinator and I am a two-time secretary of the UCD LGBTQ+ society. I am also a gold UCD volunteer in the community award winner and a volunteer ‘cara’ at the charity Barretstown. In my spare time (which there isn’t much of as a student nurse) I love reading, travelling and planning trips. When I grow up I want to be an emergency nurse and I currently work part-time as a healthcare assistant.
Shauna Young – Hi! My name is Shauna, I’m 21 and in my final year of studying English and Sociology. I’m from Kells in Meath and have been living from place to place in Dublin over the last few years while studying at UCD. One fun fact about me is that I developed a special interest in crocheting this time last year, and that’s where my campaign mascot came from!! Crocheting is a great stress relief for me, and something that I really enjoy doing!!
Jacob Miller – I’m a 29-year-old final-year Literature PhD student. I’m (unfortunately) from England, specifically from the North West, between Manchester and Sheffield. Fun Fact: I made my first media appearance at around 6 years old, when I was in the local paper after writing a letter to rail bosses to save a train.
Graduate
Simon Van Beek – I am Simon, 24 years old from Germany. I study my Masters in Strategic Management at Smurfit and have been Business College Officer in the SU during the last year. An interesting fact about me is, that my own Spotify playlist “Caraoke” would make most people vibe at least 8 out of 10 times.
Kylie McCardel – I am Kylie McCardel, and I’m 26 years old. I’m in my last semester of the master of common law. I’m originally from the US, and I lived in the Czech Republic for several years before I moved here.
Entertainments
Daniel Devey – Hello, my name is Daniel Devey, I’m a 21-year-old second-stage history and Archaeology Student and I’m Irish. An interesting fact is I’m Fluent in Portuguese and Spanish.
Neo O’Herlihy – Hi, I’m Neo O’Herlihy, I’m 23 years old and I was studying English, Drama & Film before I became the Entertainments Officer last year. I’ve been a part of a few club and society committees in my time in UCD & picked up a few skills from them. Fun fact about myself: I once drew my name on the wall of my primary school in chalk. Denied it was me, when asked. Probably should’ve realised slapping my name(not many other people have my name) in big chalk letters on a wall could be traced back to me, but 5ish-year-old me did not.
Campaigns
Saskia McCormack-Eiffe – I’m Saskia, a 20-year-old student in Politics, International Relations, and Social Justice. Hailing from Cavan, I’m a proud One Direction fan and passionate SU advocate. Currently serving as the UCDSU Gender Equality Campaigns Coordinator and former RAG Coordinator, I’m also involved with European Youth Parliament Ireland and have a background with ISSU. With a history of activism since age 12, I’m excited to run for the Campaigns and Engagement officer position.
Hugh Dooley – Co-Editor
