Commerce & Economics Society

The society was founded by Thomas Fitzpatrick in 1913. Originally a debating society, it evolved to become Ireland's largest student events and business society. According to an article in the Irish Times in 1999, it was then the "largest college society in UCD, Ireland and the British Isles".[2] The society runs a number of events throughout the year that includes the formal black-tie 'Comm Ball', which changes location each year, along with several business-focused events such as "leaders in industry" seminars and business talks. Its position is unique as a faculty society with its members drawn from a range of faculties including Arts, Engineering and Science.

Garret Fitzgerald is a former Auditor of the society.

Through the years the Society has hosted a number of guests, some of whom have been named as honorary life members of the society. These include Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy and Spike Milligan.

The Commerce & Economics Society is run by a committee of enrolled members, each with a specific portfolio of responsibilities.[3] The committee is chosen by the Auditor, who is elected on a annually by the enrolled membership of the society. The Auditor is the head of the committee and responsible for the general running of the society. Each session begins in or around the beginning of the month of March, on the date of the annual AGM. The new Auditor for the coming year is appointed at this meeting, either as the result of an election from the enrolled membership or, in cases where a single candidate is unopposed, by nomination.

Notable auditors of the society include former Prime Ministers of Ireland such as Garret FitzGerald and Charles Haughey.[4]