Former Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) President László Molnárfi has been awarded lifetime honorary membership of the union at its final council meeting of the academic year this evening.
Molnárfi, who is currently an investigative staff reporter for Trinity News, was one of four individuals recognised, alongside fellow student Toto Daly, and College staff members Siobhán Dunne and Áine Ní Shúilleabháin.
Proposing the motion to recognise her predecessor, TCDSU President Jenny Maguire praised Molnárfi’s journey from an “irritating” first-year class rep who often challenged senior union members, to a president who transformed the union into a vehicle for radical collective action.
“Now [thanks to László], if you don’t at least pretend to know what direct action means you will get RON-ed – or at least almost,” Maguire joked.
The motion to honour Molnárfi celebrated “the momentous wins during his presidency, including the historic BDS encampment, multiple occupations, the rent freeze, and a cultural change reflected in almost every manifesto in the past election season”.
Toto Daly was also awarded honorary membership in specific recognition of her work towards decreasing the union’s carbon footprint through their creation of the Trash2Treasure clothes swap initiative.
Welfare and Equality Officer Hamza Bana praised Daly’s knowledge of sustainability and her commitment to initiatives to better implement it across College life.
The motion noted Daly’s key role in Trash2Treasure “and the sheer amount of sustainability knowledge that the union will lose on their departure”.
Head of Teaching, Research and User Experience at the Library Siobhán Dunne was recognised for her contribution to student life.
Education Officer Eoghan Gilroy praised Dunne for being “always ready to offer her time expertise and commitment” to students in College, adding that she has “consistently gone the extra mile to make sure students are equipped with the tools they need to succeed”.
In particular, the motion noted Dunne’s work “in creating the library guide on [generative artificial intelligence (AI)] in the absence of official institutional guidance, providing students with a vital resource to navigate this emerging technology responsibly”.
Finally, College Irish Language Officer Áine Ní Shúilleabháin was recognised with honorary membership in recognition of her work promoting and advocating for the Irish language in College.
Proposing the motion, Oifigeach na Gaeilge Pádraig Mac Brádaigh praised the work of Ní Shúilleabháin, who is the sole employee of College’s Irish language office, describing her as “a pillar of the Irish language community in college”.
“She’s extremely highly respected among the irish language community between staff and students” Mac Brádaigh said, highlighting in particular her work in organising the annual Seachtain na hÉigse, and lobbying College to support the Irish language.
