David Ola elected as JCR President

A total of 49 candidates ran, with 454 Halls residents voting.

Results in the Trinity Hall Junior Common Room (JCR) elections were announced last night following voting in Halls yesterday. The successful candidates for the eleven available roles were announced in Mother Reillys in Rathmines. A total of 49 candidates ran, with 454 Halls residents voting. Eight of the eleven positions were elected by this vote, with the positions of Technology, Publications, and Communications and Marketing decided by a private interview panel. Speaking to Trinity News, current JCR President Sara Ní Lochlainn said: “It’s great to see so many people out here supporting all the candidates. All candidates ran brilliant campaigns and I can’t wait to see what they do next year with the role.”

President 

In the most highly anticipated result of the night, the Presidential race went to a second count with candidates Hugh McInerney and Bill Walsh being eliminated along with RON on the first round. Of a total 431 votes cast, candidate Maeve Claffey received 161 with David Ola receiving 189. Ola was elected the 2017/18 JCR President, winning by a margin of 28 votes.  Ola’s campaign was centred on four main ideas; house representatives, a house centred socialising system, bringing societies to Halls and the introduction of a 24 hour study space. The Human Genetics student had an impressive social media presence and following, as well as a successful speech at Hustings. Speaking to Trinity News, Ola emphasised his enthusiasm for his new role: “I’m so excited to work with all the committee members and to enhance the community in halls! Roll on an amazing year.

Vice-President & Treasurer 

BESS student Con Bartels was elected to the position of JCR VP/Treasurer in the second last result of the night. Taking over from current Officer, Joe Mangan, Bartels commented on his initial feelings: “I am just so relieved, I am over the moon and I am looking forward to having a great year and can’t wait to get started.”

Secretary 

Of the 8 candidates who ran, Stephen McMahon was elected to the position of Secretary. 409 valid votes were cast  in the most contested elected position. McMahon attained 175 votes on the 8th count, fulfilling the quota of 205 votes. Speaking to Trinity News, McMahon said: “ I honestly can’t believe it – it was such a contested race. I look forward to implementing the feedback forms and focusing on clubs, as mentioned in my manifesto. I just can’t wait to get started!”

Welfare 

Aoife Grimes was elected Welfare Officer, attaining 195 votes out of a valid poll of 424. The result was confirmed following a recount, owing to the narrow gap of 12 votes between Grimes and opposing candidate Maeve Carew. The recount reduced Grimes’ lead by one vote. Commenting on the recount, Grimes said: “It was so stressful, but now I’m just so happy. All the other candidates were truly unbelievable and would have done amazing job. Maeve is such a queen.”

Entertainment

Shane Kenneally was elected Ents Officer of the JCR for 2017/18. Kenneally, first year rep on Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) Ents committee was elected on the first count, with 312 first preference votes out of a valid poll of 420. The other candidate, Rebecca O’Reilly, received 82 votes.

Sports 

Speaking before she announced the results of the race for Sports Officer, current officer Caoimhe Cotter referred to the two joke candidates who partook, saying: “Any of you, or at least most of you, would make great sports officers.” This was the only race with joke candidates, with both Dominic Tscherny and Christian Moore running satirical and amusing campaigns. As the quota was not reached on the first count, Tscherny and Moore along with RON were eliminated as the vote went to a second count. Jaime Castellanos Gonzalez, twin brother of the newly-elected International officer Guille, was then elected. Muireann Nic Corcráin came in a close second.

International 

Spanish native, Guille Castellanos Gonzalez, secured the position of International officer in a race which went to a second count, with second place candidate Jack Counihan missing out by 25 votes. Castellanos Gonzalez wished to “bring people together – help them, make them feel at home and make their voices heard”. His ideas included the distribution of an introductory “encyclopedia” for all Freshers upon arrival to Halls, increased weekend activities as well as language exchanges. The newly elected Officer promised that “next year’s International students will have year to remember,” saying that he will “try to fulfill everything I’ve promised so they have a year that they never forget and I will give my all – 200% of the time.”

Music

Niamh McCay was the only candidate in the race for Music Officer, winning with 380 votes out of a total poll of 419. RON received 38 votes. A Geography and Politics student, McCay’s ideas included organising a group to give music lessons in the local area, increased JCR themed nights out and groups for different sections of music. In hustings, McCay focused on her experience, explaining how she led “led two choirs, taught piano, starred in a few musicals, and was deputy head girl” in her secondary school.

Technology

Sinead McAleer, a first year Computer Science and Business student, was announced as the new Technology Officer for the 2017/18 committee. McAleer was up against two other candidates and is the first female to be elected to the role in several years. McAleer said: “I can’t express how thankful I am to get the chance to be a part of this amazing group of people […] I’m looking forward to the next year of helping first years in whatever way I can!”

Publications

When announcing the new Publications Officer, current officer Annie Rose Deegan said that “the standard of the portfolios were really high […] but only one person can get it”. Out of the seven candidates who ran, Trinity News’ Deputy Trinity Life Editor, Aoife McColgan, was chosen to be the 2017/18 Publications officer.  

Communications and Marketing

When announcing the winner of the Communication and Marketing race, current officer Lisa Murray said of the past year: “Being the Comms officer was ridiculously fun, ridiculously stressful and ridiculously great.” Aideen Boardman was announced as the 2017/18 Communications and Marketing Officer.

Additional reporting by Oisín Vince Coulter, Mary Hartnett and Amber Davy.

Niamh Lynch

Niamh was Editor of the 65th volume of Trinity News. She is a History and Politics graduate.