And with that, the 2024/25 season comes to an end
It’s hard to believe that the final issue of The University Observer is here, the year has flown by!
We want to acknowledge the courage and bravery of the five players who sat down with us to speak about their poor experience with UCD GAA. It takes courage to speak out against what you believe is wrong, especially when it involves a team of which you are a part of. We are very grateful for their time and for their honesty over the course of the past few weeks.
A lot has happened in the past month. Donald Trump’s new tariff policy almost brought the stock market into a recession, but thanks to a climb down and a 90-day tariff pause, we can draw breath. His actions over the past month have defied all logic and economic reason, the knock on effect of which is still yet to be seen by consumers.
Close to home, you, the students, have voted on your next UCDSU Sabbatical Team and have voted to rejoin USI. If one thing is guaranteed, it’s that next year looks set to be one of change, which we are very curious to watch from afar! As always, The University Observer will be on hand next year to guide you through any breaking developments, holding your University and your Union to account.
It’s been a busy year! There has been a lot to cover from a domestic, national, and international level. Thank you for coming along for the ride, we hope you enjoyed it!
Lucy's Reflections
May 31st can’t come quick enough. Get me out of this office. (I’m kidding) I have loved everything about this job. I have loved reading and editing incredible copy from all of our writers and editors, I have loved every interaction at coffee mornings and post-production pints, and every second of our 36 hour production weekends. I love that (for now) the Pat Leahy Memorial Cup sits firmly on my desk.
I believe that good journalism should have a positive impact, and for the past year, that is all we have tried to deliver - I think we’ve done that, even if in just a small way. I also believe that good student journalism fosters talent and community. When I think about the team we created this year, the friends I have made, the support every member of our team consistently shows to each other, I am floored.
To our whole team, you have consistently inspired me this year, and beyond being the best team an Editor and Deputy could ask for, you are genuinely the best bunch of people I know. Remember, The University Observer is only The Shit, because You are The Shit.
To Oisín, I know I speak for the entire team when I say we couldn’t have asked for someone better to lead us this year, always with equal parts passion and compassion. Speaking just for myself now, and not the team, you are an amazing friend, and somehow an even better Editor Supreme.
Thank you to the people who gave me this job, Tessa and Ilaria, you have no idea how much I have treasured it. The University Observer is the first place I felt I belonged in UCD, and I wish I had found it sooner.
Lots of Love,
Over and Out,
Lucy <3
Oisín's Reflections
It has been an honour to serve as Editor for the 31st Volume of The University Observer. I can comfortably say that it has been the most enriching year of my life to date; I have learned so much and have been helped throughout the year by some of the most generous people. I want to thank some previous UO members; Tessa Ndjonkou, Ilaria Riccio, David Kent, Dylan O’Neill and Daniel McConnell. Your guidance throughout the year has been invaluable, I appreciate it more than you know.
To the whole team at the UO, thank you, I love you all. An Editor is nothing without their team, and I am so proud of the community that we have built this year. It has been a privilege to watch you all grow as writers, editors and as people this year, thank you for everything. I know you are all going to go on and have hugely successful careers; don’t stop asking questions, don’t stop writing, and don’t stop believing in yourselves.
To Lucy, you have been an incredible Deputy Editor, I am so glad we got to work together on the paper this year. It’s safe to say we have not had it easy, but together I am so proud of what we have created, none of which would have been possible without you.
Finally, to my girlfriend Aoife, thank you. I know that I’ve been a little bit crazy this year, thank you for your patience and understanding. You continue to inspire me every day, and I want to thank you for your unwavering support.
- Oisín