On Thursday, June 6th, The QUB Student Law Society hosted a reunion event for its past presidents. In total, 44 Presidents, spanning seven decades, were in attendance alongside representatives from the School of Law staff and the QUB Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy office. Both the current and incoming committees of the Student Law Society were also present, and distinguished guests included LCJ Dame Siobhan Keegan (president in 1992), Frank O'Donoghue KC (president in 1982) and Game of Thrones star Ian Beattie (president in 1986).

Before dinner in the Great Hall, guests attended a drinks reception in the School of Law, where the newly erected Past Presidents Board was officially unveiled. The Board, previously located in the old School of Law building at 27 University Square, had been gathering dust in the Student Law Society office since the move across the street.

Padraig Walsh, the current president, expressed his pride in the event, saying, "When starting out in the role, one of my priorities was to update the past presidents' board, and I am delighted that we have done this. Being a lad from Lower Falls, I could never have imagined my name alongside Robin Eames, Mary McAleese, and the current Lady Chief Justice, Siobhan Keegan."

Following dinner, guests were treated to a Q&A panel event, chaired by Mr Joe McVeigh (founding partner of KRW Law and president in 1994). The panellists were Mr Michael Graham (Chairman of the Scottish NHS Tribunal. Former lecturer at The University of Glasgow and president in 1965), LCJ Dame Siobhan Keegan, Frank O’Donoghue KC and Rosemary Connolly (founding partner of Rosemary Connolly Solicitors and president in 1980).

Reflecting on the evening, Law Society Secretary Matthew Byrne noted, "It was a wonderful night to celebrate all the past presidents. I want to thank my President, Padraig Walsh, for this year's excellent display of leadership."

The incoming President, Thea Karkera, also shared her excitement about the event, stating, "I have been deeply inspiredby the Presidents that came before me and hope to make them proud in the upcoming academic year through my role as President."

This reunion was not just a celebration of the past but also an opportunity to showcase the new School of Law building and highlight the Student Law Society's significant role in the school's life. As Padraig Walsh eloquently summed up, "My term in office finishes on 31st July, but I do not doubt that this event will have been the highlight of my year."

The school would like to thank Padraig Walsh and Dr John Taggart for their efforts in organising such a successful event. Sincere thanks are also extended to Joanne Harvey and Jason O’Neill from Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy for the considerable work they put into making the event a success.