Dublin University Photography Association has received numerous awards and nominations over the years in recognition of its activities, events, and contributions to student life at Trinity College Dublin. Founded in 1948, DUPA has long been one of the most active societies on campus, supporting photography through exhibitions, workshops, publications, and community engagement. These awards—primarily from the Central Societies Committee’s annual Society of the Year Awards—highlight the dedication of the society’s committees and members in promoting photographic practice and creative collaboration within the Trinity community.
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The CSC Society of the Year Awards recognise outstanding achievement, impact, and contribution across Trinity’s student societies. Organised by the Central Societies Committee, the awards celebrate societies that have demonstrated excellence in their activities, engagement, and development over the academic year, as well as the individuals who have played a key role in their success.
NB: Some years/nominations are not listed.
Nominated for ten awards across twenty categories. Three wins:
Left to right: Ewan O’Donovan (PRO), Christopher Sheridan (Social Events), Isabella Reyes (Secretary), Alice Weaver (Chair), Matthew Lynch (Treasurer), and Sadie Benson (VCO) accept the award for Sustainability. Not pictured: Alice Carroll (Exhibitions) and Henry James (Senior Darkroom Officer).
Left to right: Sadie Benson (VCO), Matthew Lynch (Treasurer) and Alice Carroll (Exhibitions) accept the award for Best Poster for "Anam".
Left to right: Matthew Lynch (Treasurer), Isabella Reyes (Secretary), Sheridan (Social Events), Alice Weaver (Chair), Sadie Benson (VCO) and Ewan O’Donovan (PRO) accept the award for Best Online Presence. Not pictured: Alice Carroll (Exhibitions) and Henry James (Senior Darkroom Officer).
Nominated for eight awards across nineteen categories. Three wins:
Left to right: Isabella Reyes (PRO HT), Frøya Mostue-Thomas (Chair), Alice Weaver (Secretary), Martha Ryan (CSC), Matthew Lynch (Treasurer), Ella O'Brien (Exhibitions Officer), Rory O'Sullivan Sexton (Equipment Officer), Sahana Sridhar (DUDJ), Daniel Rodney (DUDJ), Hazel Scott (DUDJ), Gordon Power-Smith. Not pictured: Henry James (Darkroom Officer).
Ella O'Brien (Exhibitions Officer) accepts the award for Best Poster for "Play! An Ode to Childhood".
Rory O'Sullivan Sexton (Equipment Officer) accepts his award for Best Individual for his outstanding contributions as Equipment Officer.
Nominated for three awards across fifteen categories.
DUPA Committee members at the Society of the Year Awards 2024. Left to right: Sofia Rooney (Treasurer), Rhian Gregan (Secretary), Séamus Carroll (Chair), Henry James (Darkroom Officer), Kate
Nominated for four awards across thirteen categories. Won one:
From Left to right: Henry James (Darkroom Officer), Vivien Sweet (Equipment Officer), Megan Ní Mhathúna (Secretary), Lucy Shuyao Lu (Treasurer), Ava Chapman (Chair), Aiesha Wong (VCO), Frøya Mostue-Thomas (First Year Rep), Séamus Carroll (OCM).
Nominated for nine awards.
Nominated for seven awards. Won two:
Won two awards:
Nominated for one award:
Won one award:
Nominated for eight awards across seven categories. Won four:
Nominated for four awards. Won two:
Nominated for one award.
Nominated for four awards. Won two:
Nominated for one award:
Won one award:
The National Student Media Awards (SMEDIAS) are Ireland’s leading awards for student journalism, media, and creative work. Held annually, they recognise excellence across a wide range of categories including photography, writing, broadcasting, and digital media, celebrating the best work produced by students across the country.
NB: Some years/nominations are not listed.
Recipients of one award:
Grace Nuttall (TCD) received this award for her work on the DU Photography Association Photobook. The publication showcases a curated selection of work from the End of Year Exhibition, featuring eleven photographers chosen from over thirty applicants. Each contributor presented a cohesive series of images alongside an additional work included in the photobook, highlighting both individual vision and the collective standard of the exhibition.
