IT Sligo Clubs & Societies Awards 2019
IT Sligo celebrated the diversity and achievement of over 70 clubs and societies at its annual award ceremony last night. IT Sligo has the most Clubs and Societies of all Institutes in Ireland and is keen to keep growing to keep students active and engaged in fun and inclusive activities.
Over the past year many of the students have had sporting successes nationally and internationally both in individual and team sports notably the men’s Basketball club in reaching the All-Ireland Final and the women’s Soccer Team in winning the Futsal Cup. Both won awards on the night for Best Club and Best Team respectively. The two sports clubs also celebrated Highest Achieving Sports Persons of the Year with Zachary Yonda from the US winning for achievements in Basketball and Amy Boyle Carr for her outstanding achievements in soccer for IT Sligo and Ireland. The IT Sligo Junior GAA Team secured a win in the All Ireland Higher Education Junior Final against DCU.
The Basketball club won a hat-trick of awards when coach Aaron Clarke won male Personality of the Year for his dedication to the club both on and off the court.
The Dance Society took home a double, winning awards for Best Society for the group and Secretary, Alannah McGrory achieving Personality of the Year for her enthusiasm and dedication.
This year has also been a great year for IT Sligo societies which enhances the cultural side of college life. These societies are important especially for students who have left home for the first time and need social networks to develop new friendships and interests.
Presenting the awards, Dr Brendan McCormack, President of IT Sligo said:
“I believe that the clubs and societies are a very important part of institute life, building friendships which hopefully sustain students through college and endure as lifelong friendships. Being part of a club or society is also helpful in developing the very important practical organising skills which are so valued by industry. I would like to thank all the clubs and societies for their excellent contribution to life on and off campus.”
The president went on to thank staff and officers of the student’s union and President of IT Sligo’s Student Union, Vanessa Molloy, in one of her last public events as president.
Dr McCormack also thanked the Club and Society’s officer Ella Ovie for her contribution towards clubs and societies at IT Sligo.
The evening was also an opportunity to recognise the institute staff in the student services function, in particular Marian Hargadon who retired earlier this year. Lecturer, Bill Crowe was presented with a special award for his outstanding contribution over 25 years in the Sub Aqua Club.
Entertainment for the evening was provided by the Traditional music society, Dance society and IT Sligo Choir.