Athlone students' union president Áine departs after three years in role

Áine Daly, who served as students' union president in what's now the TUS technological university in Athlone for the last three years, had her final day in the role today (Thursday).

The Mayo native said it was "an emotional day" as she had spent eight years in Athlone in total.

She studied social care practice for four years in Athlone IT prior to taking up the post of students' union vice president for welfare and accommodation in 2018.

The following year she became students' union president, focusing on issues including accommodation and mental and sexual health.

From tomorrow the new president of the TUS Students' Union, Athlone campus, will be Niall Naughton who previously served as its deputy president and welfare officer.

In a post on social media, the students' union executive said the changeover represented the end of an era at the Athlone campus.

"Today marks the end of an era with our president Áine finishing after an amazing four years as an outstanding officer, leader, friend and woman in leadership.

"Over the last four years Áine has been a passionate student representative, a dedicated officer, a strong woman in leadership as both President of AIT Students Union and TUS Students Union.

"Áine has led the team this year with immense ambition, drive and leadership to form our new fully merged students’ union which we are extremely proud of to date. It is with great pleasure that we wish Áine all the best in her future endeavours and thank her for everything over the last four years.

"The incoming president Niall Naughton is honoured to be taking up her position tomorrow and looking forward to continuing the work she has done," it said.