Rachel Bergin
Rachel Bergin is a second year Law student at Queen’s University Belfast. Rachel has a long history of social activism, volunteering and cross-community work and has previously studied in the areas of Conflict Management, Mediation, Community Relations and Dialogue for Peaceful Change. Rachel’s many achievements include, completing the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award in the Alps and her recent leading role in 'Fiddler on the Roof' at the Waterfront Hall. Rachel is trained in Classical voice, Musical theatre and Irish music.
Tess Brady
Tess Brady is a first year Arts student in University College Dublin (UCD), specializing in the areas of History, English and Economics. Tess was admitted to UCD as an entrance scholar, based upon her outstanding Leaving Certificate results. Tess plans to major in English next year. Over the past number of months, Tess has been involved in the Supported Socialization Project, which aims to provide people suffering from a long-term mental illness with a social network outside of the mental health services. Tess’ desire to study English stems from a love of reading; she is also an avid moviegoer and fervent supporter of the Irish Rugby Team.
Stephen Buckley
Stephen Buckley is a first year Arts student at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth (NUIM), specializing in Geography, Anthropology and Sociology. Stephen is currently preparing for his Grade 8 violin examination with the Associated Board of Music, London, and is a member of the Dublin Youth Symphony Orchestra. Stephen is also a member of the University swimming, athletics, water polo and canoe teams, whilst also recently completing a lifeguard course. Stephen is also a regular volunteer at swimming galas organized for children from the local community. Stephen has a keen interest in travel, with a strong desire to experience the people and cultures of other countries.
Sara-Louise Busby
Sara-Louise Busby is currently undertaking a degree in Management with Marketing at Heriot-Watt University. Sara-Louise is also in the process of completing a training course focused on improving cross-community relations in Northern Ireland. A strong interest in event management has given Sara-Louise the initiative and drive to manage many fundraising events for local charities and Heriot-Watt University. Sara-Louise is a very keen sports person having completed her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award in July ’06; she remains involved in many golf and hockey teams which she considers vital in developing her personable and outgoing personality and ability to thrive in any team environment.
Le-ann Campbell
Le-Ann Campbell is an undergraduate at the school of Law, University College Dublin (UCD). Le-Ann is a budding lawyer with a keen interest in human rights both at home and abroad. Le-Ann was originally admitted to UCD on a scholarship for academic excellence. Le-Ann has actively pursued her interest in human rights through an involvement with SUAS and Concern; whilst also working on the issue a little closer to home, within her local community in Tyrone. In an attempt to achieve that elusive work-life balance she participates in many sporting and social activities. Le-Ann has received numerous awards for Irish Dancing and cross-country running.
Emma Cassidy
Emma Cassidy is currently a second year student at Dublin City University (DCU) where she is studying Economics, Politics and Law. Emma is a keen debater, enjoying success at secondary school level, where she reached the All Ireland Semi-Finals of the Concern Debate Competition. Emma has attended Speech and Drama for ten years and is currently a member of the campus Drama Society. Despite her unsuccessful application last year, Emma continued with her commitment to public service and completed her thirty hours voluntary work. Last summer, Emma assisted with a summer camp for children with special needs in her hometown of Letterkenny.
Alan Clarke
Alan Clarke is a 2nd year dental student at Queens University Belfast (QUB). Having obtained 10 A grades at GCSE level and 3 A grades at A Level, Alan has displayed a consistent academic ability. Alan has worked for many years to become a Fellow of the Victoria College of Music with honours in Speech and Grade 6 in Piano, Clarinet and Speech Theory. Alan thrives within a team, being a member of 2 choirs and having recently completed his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. He is active in public service, having built with Habitat for Humanity in South Africa and in Belfast as well as being involved with local community outreach program such as Spark Ballymena.
Shane Doherty
Shane Doherty is currently studying Law with International Politics at the University Of Ulster (UU), Magee campus. He is currently a final year student and he is hoping to study a Masters in Humanitarian Action when he returns from Washington. Shane hails from a small town called Moville in Co. Donegal where he helps to run a local environmental youth group during the week. Shane considers this an experience that will serve him well during his time with the Washington Ireland Program for Service and Leadership. He is interested in politics and debating.
Laura Donnelly
Laura Donnelly is a final year Arts student at the University of St Andrews reading MA Honours in Ancient History and Theology. Laura’s involvement in the student body at St Andrews University has been extensive; she is secretary for two academic societies, was recently elected President of a campus charitable organization and is the current captain of the St Andrews Women’s 1st Hockey team. Laura has also been involved with her local community from a young age, participating in a number of events such as ENVISION for Northern Ireland, completing the Trainee Leadership course to help run the local community centre and taking part in the “Making Links” course for the development of cultural and religious understanding.
Ciarán Gallagher
Ciaran Gallagher is currently in his 3rd Year studying Economics and Political Science in Trinity College (TCD), Dublin. Ciaran obtained an Entrance Exhibition Award in his Junior Freshman Year and was granted Exemptions in the Scholarship Exams in his Senior Freshman year. Ciaran is the Auditor of the Politics Society, sits on the Central Societies Committee Executive, and was awarded ‘Fresher of the Year 2007’ for his work in developing the St. Vincent de Paul’s Homeless Soup Run. Outside of university he remains committed to his work on the National Committee of the European Youth Parliament (Ireland) and is also an active member of the European Movement Ireland.
Michael Graham
Michael Graham is a third year medical student at Queen’s University in Belfast (QUB). Michael studied at Aquinas Grammar School in South Belfast where he was appointed Head Boy in his final year. Michael has participated in many cross community initiatives such as the Ulster Project and has taken part in many cross community sporting activities. He has demonstrated his public responsibility in service projects such as volunteering on pilgrimages to Lourdes and Rome and by volunteering in a local special needs school. Michael is the vice captain of his local Gaelic football team and ran the full Belfast marathon last year for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Hugh Hackett
Hugh Hackett is a final year Philosophy and Sociology student at Trinity College (TCD), Dublin. Hugh graduated from Clongowes Wood College in 2004 with an award for "Distinguished Services" to the College. He was elected as a House-Leader in his final year, leading both the annual Ignatian "Kairos Retreat" for young people and the "Special Children's Holiday," a holiday program for children with special needs. Hugh has fundraised for AWARE, a charity that is dedicated to raising the profile of mental health issues in Ireland. In February 2009, Hugh finished 2nd in the Trinity Enterprise Competition with a social enterprise that aimed to attract more trade to small businesses within local communities.
Edwina Hanbidge
Edwina Hanbidge is a first year student studying Politics, Economics and Philosophy in University College Dublin (UCD). She has a keen interest in music especially choral singing and was a member of the 2008 Irish Youth Choir. Edwina was recently nominated as President of UCD Christian Union and was a member of an Irish delegation assisting with summer camps in Romania over the previous two summers. Edwina is also active in the local community, volunteering with charitable organizations such as Streetreach. Whilst attending primary and secondary level, Edwina received numerous awards for academic achievement.
Peter Harrison
Peter Harrison currently studies Business Management at Newcastle Upon Tyne University. Peter attended Wallace High School, Lisburn attaining 9 GCSE’s, 3 A Levels and a Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Peter is a keen sportsman and won many trophies while playing for his school rugby team. Politics and Business also interest him greatly. Peter is gregarious and conscientious and enjoys teamwork and coordinating projects and is currently involved in the regeneration of the Crumlin Road Gaol site in North Belfast, a scheme which hopes to bring both sides of this conflict area together.
Sean-Paul Henry
Sean-Paul Henry is a final year student, from Coleraine, completing an LLB Law with Politics at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown. Last year Sean-Paul completed the Business Education Programme, at the University of Portland in Oregon, USA, gaining a diploma in International Studies & Business. During this time Sean-Paul was also part of the United States Army Officer Training Corp and a member of his campus charity group. At home he is an active member of the Friends of Africa, a lay charity affiliated to the Society for Missions to Africa and is a youth leader with their Summer Camp. Sean-Paul is a skilled sportsman having represented Ireland in the International Rules Series against Australia and plays Irish League football.
Alexander Hutcheson
Alexander Hutcheson is a penultimate year student, reading Modern Languages at the University of St Andrews. Originally from the outskirts of Belfast, Alexander studied at Belfast High School where he achieved 4 A-Levels and developed his passion for language and travel. In 2007 Alexander moved to Austria for a year, where he immersed himself in the local culture as an English teacher. Involving himself within the wider community, Alexander performed Hamlet with local schoolchildren and lead adult evening classes. Aside from travelling at every opportunity, Alexander enjoys skiing, tennis and trampolining.
Marty Leer
Marty Leer is currently a student at The University of Bradford in England. He is in his second year of Optometry and intends to qualify and practice as an Optometrist upon completion of his degree. Marty studied Biology, Chemistry and Irish at ‘A’ Level, achieving awards for his ability with the Irish language. Marty has displayed excellent leadership in his current post as President of BOOSA (Bradford Ophthalmic Optics Students’ Association) and has been recently re-elected as Bradford University’s student rep for the Association of Optometrists in London. Marty has spent time in a cross community exchange in Germany and also worked as a volunteer in a range of orphanages in Romania.
Desmond Loy
Desmond Loy is currently in his third and penultimate year of a Business Studies degree at the University of Edinburgh. Desmond was previously a participant and representative for Northern Ireland in the joint cultural exchange programme to America – “Children Friendship Project Northern Ireland” (CFPNI). He was also selected from one hundred and forty candidates to speak at a "Vision for the Future Conference" with 2002 Nobel Peace Prize nominee Greg Smith on the CFPNI program. Desmond is chief communications officer and co-founder of The University of Edinburgh Business Society. Desmond has also represented county Down in Gaelic Football and soccer.
Una Matthews
Una Matthews is currently in her second year, studying Law and Criminology at the University of Ulster (UU), Jordanstown. Una is interested in studying Human Rights and Criminal law, and her career aspiration is to be a solicitor. In previous years Una has participated in a number of fundraising events, raising vital funds for Newry Hospice and numerous Ugandan Orphanages. Una has previously worked with autistic children and those with learning difficulties as a classroom assistant in her local school. She enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family.
Rachel McCleery
Rachel McCleery is a student at Belfast Metropolitan College (BMC), studying Business. She recently completed her National Diploma, and a National Certificate in Business and Retail. While studying Rachel maintains two part-time jobs, gaining experience in both marketing and public relations. She has also been involved in a number of fundraising activities, for local charities and her local community center. Rachel is passionate about traveling, music and reading.
Thomas McMahon
Thomas McMahon is a final year student at Dublin City University (DCU). He is currently completing a B.A in International Business & Languages. In 2007 Thomas spent the Academic year in the University of Alcalá de Henares in Madrid as part of his studies and is a proficient Spanish speaker. During time spent in Spain, Thomas took part in teaching English as a foreign language to Spanish children during a summer camp in Sigüenza. Thomas takes an active interest in sport and music, playing football and golf as well as the acoustic guitar. He has also taken part in the ‘soup-run’ with the Dublin leg of the St. Vincent de Paul and has a keen interest in public service.
Conor McManus
Conor McManus is currently studying Business at Belfast Metropolitan College (BMC). This is Conor’s third year, previously attaining a National Certificate in Business and a National Award in Retail. He has recently raised over £3000, for the charity Action Cancer. Conor has also completed numerous projects in drug awareness within his local community, with the organization Youth Justice Agency. He has a keen interest in physical training of any kind and enjoys playing football as a hobby.
Séamus McManus
Hailing from Co. Wexford in the south-east, Séamus is currently a final year student of Psychology at Trinity College Dublin (TCD). In 2007, Séamus was awarded a prestigious Foundation Scholarship from the college and continues to excel in his studies. Next year he hopes to pursue a Master’s degree in Behavioral Economics at the University of Maastricht. In the summer of 2008, Séamus spent two months as a volunteer teacher and construction worker at a children’s orphanage in Thailand, and is keen to return in the future. Séamus’ hobbies include singing, learning new languages, theatre, and traveling.
William McNabb
William McNabb is a postgraduate student at the University of Ulster (UU), Jordanstown. Educated at Undergraduate level at Queens University Belfast (QUB), he attained a BA Joint Honours in Modern History and Politics, presently; he is undertaking a Masters degree (MBS) in Business Studies. He has a strong interest in Politics and Media. William is currently on the course committee for his Masters degree and he has previously worked for BBC Northern Ireland.
Julie Morton
Julie Morton attends Queens University Belfast (QUB) and is currently studying for a Masters in Law, having already achieved a Bachelor of Arts in Social Policy with Sociology. Julie works part-time in the Northern Ireland Assembly, as a policy adviser for the Ulster Unionist Party. She is also a member of The Young Unionists. Julie is also involved in Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) which seeks to use the skills of students to organize community level projects. Julie has recently been involved the integration of Protestant and Catholic Primary School children in Belfast.
Emily O'Brien
Emily O’Brien is currently in her final year studying Law and European Studies at the University of Limerick (UL). As part of her cooperative education placement program she was based as an intern for Alcatel Lucent in Paris in 2007. In 2005 Emily received a silver Presidents Award medal, for public service and personal improvement. Whilst in Loreto College secondary school in Mullingar, she was secretary of the school’s first ever Green Schools committee. A year later the committee raised the first Green Schools flag for Loreto College. She enjoys meeting new people and discovering new cultures around the world.
Adrian O'Higgins
Adrian O’Higgins is a 20 year old student from Kilkenny. He is currently in second year studying Law and European Studies at the University of Limerick (UL). He is an alumnus of the Rotary Youth Leadership Competition 2005, elected head of the International Affairs Committee at the European Youth Parliament at that session. He received the ‘Des Price’ Medal for best Leaving Certificate student at the CBS Kilkenny. Currently he holds the positions of University of Limerick Law Society President and Chairperson of Ógra Fianna Fáil Kilkenny.
Mark O'Regan
Mark O’ Regan is a 21 year old Cork native attending University College Cork (UCC). Mark is studying Government and is currently in his second year. He is an active participant in student union politics and college societies, holding positions on two executives. He is a successful debater, having won the Concern Debates’ Speaker of the Year award. Mark lead a initiative in secondary school - the Big Brother Program- to stamp out bullying while promoting friendship and team work inclusive of the more reserved students in his school. He has also had success in the sport of Judo, winning Munster silver and bronze medals.
Anne Parsons
Anne Parsons is currently in final year in National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG), studying English and Philosophy. Anne is currently the Auditor of the Philosophy Society, NUIG, and class representative for final year English. She has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Ghana, Africa, and has been delivering talks about her experience to secondary school students. Anne has also worked as a Youth Leader with young secondary school students for a year, and volunteered with Trinity Outreach Program, and Macnas. She enjoys running and cycling- last August she cycled the Camino de Santiago, from France across Spain. She also enjoys going out with her friends in Galway.
Emily Savage
Emily Savage is currently studying for a Masters in Commercial Law (LLM) at University College Dublin (UCD). Emily obtained a BA in Law with Business from Griffith College Dublin in '07, where she was a student from 2003. She wants to be a solicitor eventually. Emily is a member of Amnesty International, the DSPCA and was a drugs peer educator whilst in school. Her hobbies include socializing, going to the gym, yoga, the cinema and travelling. She has travelled to Eastern Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Asia in the past few years.
Heather Watters
Heather Watters is a final year student in National University Ireland, Galway (NUIG) studying Corporate Law. She is the eldest of five children and originates from Monaghan. Heather is very involved in sport within the university and has been a member of the basketball varsity team since 1st year. As the current basketball captain, she has helped further develop the club by establishing a number of recreational teams to ensure basketball is available to people of all grades and abilities within the university. Her biggest achievement to date was the completion of the Dublin City Marathon in 2007 and she plans to run another in the near future.
Caroline Winston
Caroline Winston is in her final year of Journalism in Dublin City University (DCU), specializing in print media and politics. Caroline is Deputy Arts Editor for her university newspaper. Coming from Ballymun, a disadvantaged area in Dublin, Caroline is determined to make education a serious possibility for young people in her local community. She is heavily involved in the DCU Access Service and represents Access in DCU Educational Trust events, which is the fundraising body for the organization. She is also involved with BITE (Ballymun Initiative for Third Level Education), where she tutors students and visits her previous schools to motivate the children there to succeed.
