Megan’stoprolein Galwayuniversity
DROGHEDA woman Megan Reilly certainly celebrated International Women’s Day in style recently, by being voted the first female President of NUI Galway Students’ Union in almost a decade.
Megan, who is originally from Sheephouse, saw off three other candidates to top the poll in the election on March 9th, and she says she is ‘over the moon.’
‘It’s been really lovely,’ she told the Drogheda Independent. ‘I was home at the weekend, and people I haven’t seen in years have been coming up to me, congratulating me. And even people I don’t know sending me emails.’
Megan’s proud parents are Gina and Donal Reilly, while her uncle Tom Reilly is also a well known man about town.
‘My sister Emily is also here in NUIG, and it’s great to have her around, so I can keep an eye on her,’ says Megan with a smile.
‘I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into the role, so I can make my mark.’
23 year old Megan has been based in Galway since 2013 and graduated in Commerce and Accounting last October.
‘I took an international year away during the course, and studied in Albany, New York, which was an amazing experience,’ she explains.
‘I’ve been working full-time here since, as the Welfare Officer, which is a very intense and emotional job, but very rewarding.’
Megan is aware all eyes may be on her to fly the flag for women’s issues, given she is the first woman to be elected President in nine years.
‘I am very keen on equality and LGBT issues, but the reason there hasn’t been a female President in years is because the first candidate to put her name forward was only last year,’ says Megan.
‘I suppose they can’t be what they can’t see, as it was always men in the position before. I hope there will be an even stronger culture of inclusion after my term.’
Clearly a great role model and independent woman, she does save a special mention for her fiance Cameron Keighron.
‘Along with my parents, who came to Galway for the count, Cameron has been my greatest supporter throughout the election campaign,’ adds Megan.
‘I had a really dedicated team too, and I have to thank them for help getting me where I am today.’