Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we reach the end of this session, the 163^rd of its kind, I’d like to take a minute of your time to reminisce over the events of the past year.

The year has passed with an alarming speed, and in this final address id just like to give a brief synopsis of the year that we’ve ahd.

We kicked off with a debate on Lisbon 2 revenge of the Lisbon which was co-hosted by the law society and ourselves. We then moved into Gibs Night the following Thursday, where the young and the restless got their first shot at the harsh spotlight of the Kirwan’s Podium.

We asked should fees be free... and even though the concept of fees that are free is an oxymoron we decided that it was a great idea.

Islam in the 21^st Century was next where a panel of experts discussed the changing face of the Islamic faith and how it interacts with western culture.

George Lee then popped down for a chat about economics and our future but unfortunately he cut and run before we really achieved anything with that event.

A literary Evening reflecting on poetry in the west of Ireland then held our attention as we heard they’re happy for people to read into their poetry things that aren’t there, as long as it sounds clever.

To the rabble rabble rabble of the dismayed masses we asked the question Does the current government have what it takes? Apparently consensus was that it doesn’t but no-one knew who did...

Like a man who immediately regrets his choice in CPs we debated pulling out. The focus of the meeting was Afghanistan and we decided we just had to grit and bear it.

Cathal O Searcaigh was next on the list and had a chat about his poetry, his new book, his life, his new book, his inspiration and his new book

Abortion came up next and as if God himself had a problem with the issue the great rains began to pour down stopping nearly all of the speakers in transit to Galway. That said while we didn’t abort the event, we decided that decision should always rest with us.

Finally Christmas came early as we decided slut is not an insult. Sexual liberation has finally gotten to the point that men can enjoy it too, in the form of sluts.

We kicked off the second semester with a debate about Gay Marriage. After long discussions about the intent and ethos of marriage we decided people who hate gay people because they’re gay people are just wrong!

Some people told us that you couldn’t critique Obamas role as president after just one year but we said “YES WE CAN!” and decided he’s a pretty good dude.

After all that liberal malarkey it was back to what we love, oppressing the little man. Trade Unions were up on the chopping block and in these recessionary times and we declared, off with their heads.

For green week we discussed nuclear power because it make you glow green. A tenuous link but no-one really cares about the environment, at least no-one who washes. Nature started the fight for survival, and now she wants to quit because she’s losing. Well we said, hard cheese.

Hacks and Heroes, an event for the golden oldies was the next Thursday night. A great event about how good we have it these days. On a side point, that night had more points of order than the entirety of the rest of the year put together, so congrats on that to all involved.

The Galway Open final discussed Gun Legislation and the independence of the individual within a state. When all was said and done, Ruth Faller and Catherine Murphy were crowned victors of the INLD 2010

A joint event with Slainte soc on Organ Donation proved very thought provoking on the issue of giving something back at the end of your life.

This was followed the next day by an excellent Galway Maidens Final which asked the question, what is more important, poverty or global warming? We said poverty

Then we decided that the SU are still relevant to the modern student life, albeit in a different way than in the past

Garry Hynes gave an interview and answered questions from the floor on her life, drama and the Druids Theatre company.

As we faced into the end of the semester Sean Butler was crowned Speaker of the year for the 163^rd session on the motion TTHB only the wicked need privacy

And finally

We had a debate on Euthanasia. An emotive case was had by both sides about the rights of an individual to choose their own destiny. We decided that no-one but the individual knows what to do, not even us, so we would leave it in their own hands.

And that brings us to tonight, The AGM 2010.

It’s been a fantastic year and it’s also been an absolute pleasure being involved with the society.

Id like to thank our executive for having the vision and determination that they did, I’d like to thank all the committee without whom none of it would have been possible. Finally I’d also like to thank everyone who attended the meetings and got involved, both for listening to me all year and for all your contributions throughout. You make the society and we’re eternally grateful.

It gives me great pleasure and a touch of sadness to, for the final time, say thank you.

These are the minutes

Conor Kelly, Recording Secretary 163^rd session