President’s Awards: Students honoured for exemplary service to UCD community
11 March 2026
Students whose energy, leadership and service have helped make University College Dublin a vibrant campus community have been honoured at this year’s President’s Awards.
Nominated by their peers, recipients are recognised for their dedication to clubs, societies, student services and extracurricular activities.
This year’s awardees represent a diverse cross-section of the University, reflecting excellence in campus life, student and community engagement, sport, academic achievement, research and mentorship.
UCD President's Awardees 2026
UCD President Professor Orla Feely presented each student with their award, saying as a group they had demonstrated “outstanding leadership, scholarship and service, reflecting UCD’s enduring commitment to excellence and engagement both within and beyond the classroom”.
“The President’s Awards Ceremony served not only as a celebration of individual accomplishment but also as a reflection of the university’s broader mission; to empower students to lead, to contribute meaningfully to society and to carry the spirit of UCD into their future careers and communities,” President Feely added.
| Name | Citation |
|---|---|
| Aimee McMahon - BSc Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences (Stage 2) |
Aimee made an exceptional voluntary contribution to campus life through sustained peer support and active engagement in School initiatives. Her generosity with time and energy significantly strengthened community spirit within her programme. |
| Alice Murphy - BComm International (Stage 4) | Alice has been deeply embedded in student life, taking on leadership roles and driving impactful campus initiatives such as being a Student Ambassador and Auditor of the Dance Society. Her consistent commitment to representation and engagement enhanced both her cohort’s experience and the wider university environment. |
| Anna Reynolds - BCL Law with Politics (Stage 2) | Anna distinguished herself through academic excellence alongside meaningful involvement in student-led legal and political forums. Her thoughtful advocacy and intellectual contribution elevated discussion within her discipline. |
| Cillian Doyle - BA History and Politics (Stage 4) | Cillian is recognised for his leadership as Auditor of UCD History Society, during which membership doubled to almost 800 students. Under his guidance, the Society became a vibrant hub for academic, social and pastoral engagement within the College of Arts and Humanities. |
| Cormac Delaney - BEd in Education with Gaeilge & Modern Languages (Stage 3) | Cormac championed Irish-language promotion and contributed extensively to education-focused initiatives within the university. His professionalism, initiative and dedication to inclusive practice mark him as an exemplary future educator. |
| Eimear Freeley - Medicine (UEM) (Stage 4) | As Auditor of the Medical Society, Eimear led a wide-ranging programme of academic, social and wellbeing events for medical students. Her stewardship created meaningful supports for peers navigating a demanding clinical pathway. |
| Evelyn Donnelly - Ag Science, Animal Science (Stage 4) | As Women’s Rugby Captain and a leader in Ag-Animal Sciences, Evelyn drove student engagement through industry-linked initiatives. Her work significantly expanded the School’s FINALexternal network and fostered a high-participation culture in campus sport, bridging the gap between academic and extracurricular excellence. |
| June Polgolla - BSc Biochemistry (Stage 4) | June combined academic distinction with active contribution to School and peer initiatives. Her collaborative approach and commitment to excellence left a strong and positive imprint on her cohort. |
| Kirsten Dowd - PhD Physics (Stage 4) | Kirsten’s doctoral journey is defined by impactful research and dedicated mentorship within the Physics community, fostering both scholarly progress and collegial support. This leadership extends to the Fencing Club, where her extensive coaching and volunteerism have been vital to student development and club success. |
| Lara Gallagher - Bachelor of Architecture (Stage 3) | Lara contributed creatively and constructively to studio culture, participating in collaborative design showcases and programme activities. Her initiative and design innovation enhanced the visibility of the Architecture School. |
| Martin McMahon - PhD History (Stage 3) | Martin has demonstrated sustained scholarly commitment through rigorous historical research and active academic participation. His intellectual engagement enriched discourse within the History community and his work in helping to create a supportive community in the Mature Student Society has been immeasurable. |
| Muirdach (Dach) Murray - Diagnostic Radiography, Graduate Entry (Stage 2) | As Captain of the UCD Boat Club, Dach guided his crew with determination and discipline while progressing through a demanding healthcare programme. His sporting leadership and academic perseverance exemplify balance and resilience |
| Niamh McKnight - Law with Social Justice (Alumnus UG) | Niamh continued her advocacy beyond graduation, engaging in initiatives aligned with social justice and community empowerment. Her sustained civic involvement reflects the enduring impact of her undergraduate formation |
| Olivia Armstrong - BSc Nursing (Children’s & General) (Stage 4) | Olivia combined clinical excellence with energetic participation in societies and awareness campaigns. Her compassion and organisational drive strengthened both healthcare settings and campus life. |
| Róisín O'Neill - Science (Stage 4) | Serving as Senior Access Leader, Róisín actively supported widening participation and mentored incoming students from underrepresented backgrounds. Her leadership materially broadened access pathways into higher education. |
| Ryan Rafferty - Actuarial & Financial Studies (Alumnus UG) | Ryan achieved academic distinction while contributing to the Actuarial and Finance Society during his studies. His continued engagement as an alumnus reflects sustained commitment to his discipline. |
| Tom Carolan - BSc Social Sciences – Economics (Stage 4) | Tom played a central role in facilitating economics-related forums and peer-led academic discussion through his work with the Literary and Historical Society. His engagement stimulated critical analysis of contemporary issues within his programme. |
| Valerie (Lera) O’Connor - BSc International, Psychology (Stage 3) | Lera distinguished herself through intercultural engagement and meaningful participation in psychology initiatives. Her intellectual rigour and organisational input strengthened collaboration across her cohort |
| Yang Fei - BSc Social Sciences, Economics, Mathematics & Statistics (Stage 4) | Yang combined quantitative academic achievement with active participation in data-driven student activities. Her analytical contribution and campus involvement made a measurable difference within her School. |
The objective of the President’s Awards is to recognise students who go above and beyond normal expectations, particularly those who provide the leadership, commitment and energy that help make UCD a lively and engaged community.
To date, almost 400 students have received the honour, which are annually awarded during a ceremony held in O’Reilly Hall every March.
By: David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer, UCD University Relations
To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie
