Incumbent Dublin University Central Athletic Committee (DUCAC) Treasurer, Brian O’Ruairc, lost his re-election bid at last night’s AGM. O’Ruairc’s competitor, John Bolton, a former member of DU Boat Club (DUBC), won the election by 165 votes to 32. The outgoing treasurer was absent from proceedings in the Edmund Burke Theatre.
O’Ruairc was unable to attend last night’s meeting, with Pavilion Bar Committee member and former Trinity GAA Secretary, PJ McGrane, speaking on his behalf. In his statement, O’Ruairc said, “While these opportunities are often for people to show how great they are and give potshots, this is not for me.” He added that he was aware, “that most of the room don’t like me,” but said, “you’ll never make everyone happy.”
John Bolton cited his retirement as a key asset to the office of DUCAC treasurer, as he would, “have time to spend with the clubs.” Having previously worked in the financial sector, Bolton also explained the valuable skills he could bring to the role: “not just on the finance side, but promoting sponsorships and developing relations with alumni.”
O’Ruairc was also unable to deliver the treasurer’s report, which instead was given by DUCAC Administrator Aidan Kavanagh. Kavanagh declined to answer questions raised by the floor regarding the report.
Incumbent DUCAC Vice-Chair Róisín Harbison, also failed to secure re-election, losing out to Dublin University Harriers and Athletics Club’s (DUHAC) Jemil Saidi. Seeking a second term, Harbison received 75 votes on the first count with Saidi receiving 103. A second count returned a result of 104 votes for Saidi and 90 votes cast for Harbison. Ian Beatty-Orr of Dublin University Kayaking Club (DUKC) also ran.
The race for DUCAC Secretary was uncontested with Molly Flynn, a member of Dublin University Ladies Boat Club (DULBC), securing the position after Sean Cassidy, President of the DU Equestrian Club, dropped out of contention.
However, the election of club representatives was unable to take place as the meeting had passed the deadline for its conclusion. Security staff requested that the Edmund Burke Theatre be vacated in order to close the Arts building for the night.
A motion at the end of the AGM by Diego Coyle, Captain of DU Archery Club, called for an amendment to the DUCAC Constitution regarding voting procedures at future meetings. Coyle proposed restricting voting rights to the captains of each member club. Coyle raised the motion at the end of the AGM. DUCAC Chairman, Donogh McDonagh, however adjourned the meeting and dismissed the motion.
DUCAC is one of five capitated bodies in Trinity and receives the most funding from the Capitations Committee. The other four capitated bodies include Trinity Publications, Central Societies Committee (CSC), Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) and the Graduate Students’ Union (GSU).
Additional reporting by Victoria Mitchell and Aaron Reen
