Bryan O’Mahony Elected President of USI/AMLÉ 2025/26
“The student movement saved me — now I’m here to fight for students.”
Bryan O’Mahony has been elected as the new President of the Union of Students in Ireland/AMLÉ (USI/AMLÉ), marking a key moment for student advocacy in Ireland. His election comes at a critical time, with a renewed focus on mental health, affordability, and equal access to education for all students.
In his acceptance speech, O’Mahony shared his personal journey of overcoming significant barriers in pursuit of education. Coming from a DEIS school, O’Mahony faced a lack of support, and college was never seen as a viable option for him. He faced severe mental health struggles but found strength in the student union movement.
“The odds were never in my favour. I came from a DEIS school and was advised against higher and further education. But I decided to fight. My mental health struggled, and I dropped out of a PLC at one point. But the student movement saved me, and that’s why I’m here today — to ensure no student has to face those struggles alone,” O’Mahony shared.
His personal experience underscores the urgency of tackling the growing mental health crisis in higher education. O’Mahony is determined to address these issues head-on during his presidency.
“Students have been pushed to the margins for too long. I will fight to ensure students have access to mental health support, affordable housing, and equal opportunities in education. We cannot afford to ignore these issues any longer. USI/AMLÉ will be a voice for every student,” O’Mahony stated.
O’Mahony also emphasized the importance of inclusivity and unity within the student movement. “AMLÉ is more than the 11 Coiste at the front of the room. We are all AMLÉ. Let’s make better structures for students to get ahead and thrive together,” he said.
As President, O’Mahony will work to ensure that USI/AMLÉ remains a platform where all students — regardless of background or institution — feel supported and represented.
“The student movement is about all of us,” O’Mahony concluded. “Whether we come from large universities, smaller colleges, or technical institutions, we are united in our fight for a better future for every student. That is the future I want to help build, and I am ready to get started.”
ENDS