NEWS Leprechaun launches college radio
FEATURE Adrian Kennedy gets it off his chest
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YOUR COLLEGE - YOUR PAPER
Edition 2 April 2011
BYRNE URGES STUDENTS NOT TO HIDE TALENT By Clare Hartwieg
News Editor
WHEN Mary Byrne worked at Tesco, next door to BCFE, her magnetic personality meant many students and locals queued up just to be served by the singing checkout operator. On March 25, they lined up in the same shop to buy signed copies of her debut album Mine
& Yours, and have their photograph taken with the X Factor sensation. Looking overwhelmed but happy, Byrne was surrounded by an army of photographers, television crews and security guards, as she greeted fans. Some shoppers stopped in their tracks when they saw her, while others called out “Howaya Mary,” unfazed by her new celebrity status. Speaking to the BCFE Bulletin, Byrne said: “It's been an out of body experience. To see the people that came out to meet me, the people in the shop,
people I used to serve, my colleagues all sitting here waiting to come over and talk to me, it's just surreal.” “Everybody's been loyal to me and everybody's just supported me and got behind me,” she added. Asked if she intended to stay living in Ballyfermot, Byrne said: “Ballyfermot is where I was born and reared, if can stay here I'll stay here. I still love Ballyfermot and I love the people.”
Continued on page 3 BCFE Bulletin News Editor Clare Hartwieg speaks with Mary Byrne
Quinn gives hope to degree students By Clare Hartwieg
THE new Minister for Education has brought hope that students on BCFE degree
courses may finally become entitled to grants. Speaking just two days before his appointment, Ruairí Quinn told the BCFE Bulletin that the college has been an “astounding success” and the Department of Education should recognise this by awarding grants to degree students. For a number of years,
students on the DCU accredited BA (Hons) Degree in Media Production Management and the Honours Degree in Animation, which is validated by the University of Dundee, have been denied grants. They are informed that this is because of a clause in the PLC Grants Scheme. The scheme does not award
grants to students who already have a Higher National Diploma (HND) and are progressing to a higher level course. A HND is one of the entry requirements for the degree programme, and the anomaly has seen many talented students unable to pursue degrees at BCFE. Gareth Lee, leader of the
Evelyn Hone & Produced in association with
degree programme at the Irish School of Animation, said: “It's a huge disincentive to students to continue their studies here. It's bad for the students and the college.” He added: “Students who, based on a means test, would be entitled to a grant in another institution, would not be entitled to one if they chose to pursue a degree at BCFE.” This
is because students on all other degree programmes in Ireland apply for grants under the Higher Education Grants Scheme. This scheme does not recognise BCFE as an 'approved institution.'
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The BCFE Bulletin
Edition 2
News
News in brief
April 2011
New levy to hit students
By Clare Hartwieg By Arne Eichler Fibre Art show This year's Fibre Art and Textile studies graduate show will take place at the Temple Bar Gallery from May 16-20. The students will demonstrate the unique skills and creativity which they have developed over the two year course. All are welcome to come along and view their dynamic and innovative work in a range of artistic disciplines, including printed textiles, ceramics and textile fibre art. For most of the students, finishing the course is just the beginning as they go on to pursue further studies, including advanced entry into honours degree programmes.
Students host gigs Music Management students are set to continue their run of successful gigs, which began last month. Boy Girl Promotions, Fused Promotions and We Are Electronic will host the three gigs in April. They will take place in Twisted Pepper on Thursday 7, The Workman's Club on Monday 11 and The Grand Social on Saturday 23, respectively. For more information including acts and admission prices, check out the BCFE website at www.bcfe.ie.
Student Union ball The BCFE Ball will take place on April 14 as part of the college RAG week. A bus will pick students up from the college at 8.30pm and transport them to a mystery night club. There will be live music, DJs and spot prizes, as well as €3 drinks and free food. Tickets, which cost €20, are available from the Student Union Office in room 5 on Tuesdays from 2-4 and Thursdays from 1-3. Look out for more RAG Week events from Monday April 11, including sumo wrestling, a fancy dress day, and a Shave or Dye event in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.
Websites go live General Media students have launched two brand new websites aimed at students, The Banana Sandwich and Student Screamer. Thebananasandwich.wordpre ss.com aims to cover the practical as well as fun aspects of being a student. The website has tips on student finance, movie reviews, college events and much more. studentscreamer.wordpress.c om is an online news forum with regular updates from around the college and nationally, as well as features and interviews.
THE new coalition Government has so far brought little relief to the already under funded education sector, with a new student levy and increased registration fee set to hit students in September. BCFE Vice Principal Kevin Devine said: “The Government will be introducing a new €200 levy for all students next year.” This money is going directly to the Department of Education and Skills, to the disappointment of many PLC institutions, which are working with severely limited resources. The City of Dublin VEC could not be contacted on the matter, but CEO at City of Cork VEC Ted Owens said: “Places in PLC are currently capped at 30,000 [but] PLC Colleges have exceeded this capped number by enrolling an extra 8000 students.” He added: “The extra numbers enrolled are not a true indication of the real demand for places in the sector. Applications for places in some colleges are more than twice the available demand.” Owens explained that the teacher allocations and day-today running costs for PLC colleges are based on the capped figure, and no extra resources have been provided to cater for the greater student numbers. “Colleges feel that the Department of Education and Skills should allow those
Prospective BCFE students from Coláiste Bríde in Clondalkin colleges to retain the fees collected for students over and above their capped number. Such a gesture would go some way in compensating colleges for their decision to take in extra students without extra resources,” said Owens. Apart from this new levy, BCFE students looking to continue their education at University will be paying an increased €2,000 registration
fee. While Labour had promised to freeze the third-level registration fee at €1,500, it appears that the party compromised on this point during the coalition talks. This was on the condition that Fine Gael’s controversial graduate tax would not be implemented. Mike Jennings, General Secretary of the Irish Federation of University Teachers, said: “I
Photo: Alice O’Dwyer
am encouraged by the fact that the Labour Party is opposed to a graduate tax. Our position is that we are opposed to individual contributions where education is a commodity to be paid for.” However, there was good news for mature students who will have greater access to BCFE following the Government’s commitment to expand the eligibility criteria of
the Back to Education allowance. The coalition announced the news as part of its Jobs Fund initiative, which it is committed to implementing within its first 100 days in office. Department of Social Protection Press Officer Niamh Fitzgerald said: “It’s quite early days yet... so I expect it will be a little while yet before we have any detail.”
Beginner’s guide to... the big loan By Clare Hartwieg
LAST November our now obliterated Government sent an SOS to the EU and the International Monetary Fund, after reckless lending by the banks left our economy in ruins. The banks took greedy gambles and lost so they should be allowed to go under, just like the loser in a poker game. Unfortunately, this would stop money flowing and the country would come to a standstill. When Europe stepped in, it wasn't entirely selfless. We were the leak in a sinking ship and the whole euro zone was on board. That's why, together with the IMF, they signed up to support the four year Financial Rescue Package. This basically involved giving us a massive
loan of €67.5bn. Having lost sovereignty over our own finances, we must now meet quarterly targets and implement draconian measures, which punish ordinary people with tax increases and public spending cuts. We're under the thumb of the IMF, an organisation accused of locking countries into years of debt, and the EU. So what now? 1.8 million working people have been shouldered with the massive banking debt, at a massive 7% interest rate. Some argue that we won't be able to pay it back and will be forced to default. Others say we should 'burn the bondholders,' as refusing to cover the losses of the organisations, which leant money to the banks, would reduce a lot of the debt. Enda Kenny hopes to negotiate a cheaper deal from the EU. He's not in a very strong bargaining position
Ajai Chopra of the IMF (left) and colleagues in Dublin last November though; as we’re going to need even more money to save the banks. Even if he does manage
to get a lower interest rate, it could cost us our low corporate tax rate.
Photo source: www.thejournal.ie
Only one thing's for sure; our money worries won't be going anywhere soon.
Edition 2
April 2011
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News
College waiting to hear from Quinn Continued from front page
By Clare Hartwieg
ANIMATION degree students Claire Meehan and Laura Murray described how being denied a grant has affected them. For Meehan, working four nights a week means a constant struggle to keep up with the course's intense workload. “It's completely ridiculous and discriminatory,” she said. Murray lives at home in Ballyfermot with her parents, who receive Family Income Supplement. She said: “It's unfair that a local student in a disadvantaged area has to suffer two years without any proper income to survive on.” She added that degree programmes at BCFE should be treated in the
same way as any other level eight course in Ireland. The Department of Education and City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee (CDVEC) could not offer a clear or uniform stance on which body is at the core of the decision not to award grants to degree students at the college. Department Press Officer Sarah Moroney said that, under the terms of the PLC Scheme, a student “may qualify if he or she is progressing to a higher level course.” She added: “The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant grant awarding authority, the applicant's VEC.” However, Philip Connolly of the CDVEC grants section, said staff there are not permitted to award grants to degree students at BCFE because of the PLC Grants Scheme. “We're just applying the rules given to us,” he said. Guidance counsellor Julie Murphy explained that when the
document was drawn up, it was not foreseen that PLC colleges would provide degrees. She has campaigned for many years on behalf of students. “I wrote letters, I made phone calls, I lobbied people and the answer always came back the same,” Murphy said. Ruairí Quinn said the scheme is not “one size fits all” and that changing it is not the solution. He said that instead, BCFE's unique position as a PLC college offering degrees should be recognised. “My instinct would be to fix the Ballyfermot problem,” he said. At the time of going to print, Quinn had not made any further contact with the college and we were unable to contact him for comment. Murphy was hopeful that given his new position of power, he may be able to influence change. “It would be wonderful if Ruairí Quinn could do something about it and we will certainly be talking to him as soon as we can,” she said.
Back at Tesco in Ballyfermot to promote her new album
Mary Byrne returns to her checkout Continued from front page
By Clare Hartwieg
Animation student Laura Murray has been denied a grant
Photo: C. Hartwieg
SINCE becoming a household name, Byrne has enjoyed a hero's welcome back to both Tim Young's and Downey's pubs, where she used to entertain the punters. “They looked after me tremendously. All the people came over and got their photograph and then they left, and I was able to enjoy myself with my friends,” she said. Byrne revealed that it was during her time singing at local pubs that she first grew to love many of the songs which she chose for her debut album, adding that she was “over the moon” with how it turned out.
Grammy winning Nigel Wright produced the album, after she was signed up by Sony Records. “[The songs] all mean something to me because I've lived life. Every lyric in them has a meaning, something that happened to me in my life,” said Byrne, who has worked hard as a single mother to support her daughter Deborah, now 24. With Byrne travelling all over the UK on the X Factor live tour until April 10, the two continue to endure long bouts of separation. “I hope to get home for a week or so, or a couple of days even, to my daughter because I miss her terribly,” she said. The 51-year-old singer described the Dublin dates of her tour as “phenomenal” and her fellow contestants agreed. “The whole lot of them said the Dublin one was the best,” she said. “The matinees were just the same as they were at night
time. That energy was there, they gave us all standing ovations.” When asked what advice she could give to BCFE students in their own search for career success, she said: “Whatever talent you have, don't put it under a bush and don't be afraid of it.” She described how her own low self esteem had prevented her from realising her dreams for many years. “You can't do that. You have to get up off your backside and face your fears,” she said. Byrne remained tight lipped on what was in store for the future, saying only: “There's loads of stuff happening that I'm really excited about.” Whatever her next endeavour is, she can be assured of the continued support of the BCFE students and the people of Ballyfermot.
Student launches a big success By Caoimhe Levins
BCFE media students have been creating a buzz around the college with the launch of the college newspaper and radio station. Large crowds turned out to help Journalism and Radio students celebrate their hard work over the past few months. The Media Production students got the St. Patrick's Day festivities started a little early around the college, with the Emerald Radio launch on March 3. For many the highlight was a mischievous little guest dressed as a leprechaun, who many may have recognised from the
Jackass 3D premiere in Dublin last October. Also on hand to entertain the crowd was Dublin folk singer Ding Dong Denny O'Reilly, who impressed with his mix of Irish ballads and rebel songs. Station manager Damien Coyne said that working on the radio was a wonderful experience and thanked the MRH2 class for all their help. “Without them the production of Emerald Radio may not have been made possible,” he said. Radio tutor Simon Maher said the station's target audience is Irish-Americans, and focuses on the life and culture between the two countries. “It is only on for one week, but it gives students a great chance to explore a totally different type of Radio,” he said. Maher added that Emerald Radio was one of the first
college radio stations to be set up in Ireland and has gotten bigger and better every year since it began 15 years ago. Meanwhile, the BCFE Bulletin was launched on March 10 by Ken Foxe, a well known investigative journalist and former tutor at the college. “It was a pleasure to be invited to attend the launch,” he said. There was also a contingent from the Evelyn Hone College in Zambia, BCFE's partner college. Editor Lynn Corrigan said the paper was a great team effort and was grateful to all those who contributed articles. Principal Maureen Conway congratulated the students who put the newspaper together, adding: “It was an absolute credit to see the editorial team come in to work on the paper over their midterm break.”
Paul O’Connell (L) and Trevor Halpin (R) at the BCFE Bulletin launch
Photo: G. Bermingham
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The BCFE Bulletin
Edition 2
April 2011
News
Which state visit are you more excited about, Obama or the Queen?
Jordan Crowther MRH
Claire Ryan MJC
Daniel Keogh PMH
“Definitely Obama, I think he is more influential in today’s age. It’s a positive image for everyone. We need a figurehead like that to come to Ireland.”
“I’d say the Queen because I think it’s exciting that she is visiting around the same time as the Royal wedding, which is happening soon.”
“Well definitely Barack Obama because he’s a lot more influential in the world. The Queen is just the head of a monarchy so I don’t see a cause for celebration.”
Timmi Donald PMH “Obama’s, because I think it would help to strengthen ties with the U.S, especially since younger people are emigrating and we need better emigration services.”
Shane Christy ADS
Kelly Doyle MJC
“The Queen because there is a lot more history there. Obama is quite optimistic, but I think the Queen will produce mixed opinions that will teach us more about ourselves.”
“I’d probably say Obama because he inspires people. Obama has more of a connection with the Irish people even though the Queen is just next door.” L. McCormack and C. Hartwieg
College tackles early school leaving By Martin Flanagan
BCFE Principal Maureen Conway has called on the Government to help children from disadvantaged areas such as Ballyfermot to gain better access to educational opportunities. Conway said: “The rate of school attendance for some disadvantaged students is appalling. Children need to be encouraged at primary school level. Education is a way out of poverty, the Government needs to provide sustained investment and greater support.” She explained that although BCFE has tripled its access to the local community since she became Principal 11 years ago, many local children are still not completing the Leaving Certificate or going on to third level institutions. She also stressed that stringent fees are not the answer and that educational costs for disadvantaged students must be supplemented by grants.
Her comments were reiterated by Minister for Education Ruarí Quinn, who will meet with his EU counterparts in May to discuss a new strategy to tackle early school leaving. Currently 9,000 children in Ireland leave school annually without completing the Leaving Certificate. He pledged that he would do all that he can to provide a ‘new broom’ for the education sector in Ireland, and slammed the former Government for allowing a situation where one in three students in disadvantaged schools are illiterate. “No child should leave an Irish school unable to read and write,” he said. “It is the most basic, most important skill, our schools teach.” Quinn told the BCFE Bulletin that education reform would dominate his agenda. "We have to provide for an array of choice in our education system and ensure that different forms of patronage reflect the diversity of our modern society and the choices of parents," he said. Meanwhile, local Education Access Officer, Fergal Scully, explained how BCFE is doing
its bit to help primary school pupils aim high when it comes to their education. Together with Ballyfermot Partnership, the college runs two arts based after school programmes, Arts4success and Animation4success. “Studies have shown that early intervention is key for getting young people into further education,” said Scully. He added that programmes which demonstrate the importance of education to young people are vital. "Disadvantaged areas generally don’t have a good outcome in terms of education because of increased expenses and negative experiences,” he said. Scully also argued that the new Government must take a “life-cycle” approach to communities, and no age group should be neglected in the fight against early school leaving. Conway said she hoped the initiative would help local children aspire to finish their schooling and take up some form of third level education. “There are some inroads made but it's a constant struggle,” she said.
Big names attend TV reunion By Laurence McCormack
TELEVISION production graduates spanning 20 years were welcomed back to a reunion at BCFE on March 16. The night saw a huge turnout of alumni, some of whom are now plying their trade at Sky, CNN, RTE, TV3 and the BBC. Almost every class dating back to 1988 had representatives present at the gathering held in
the Anna Brett Hall. Kevin Mc Namee, one of the instigators of the course in 1987, said: “It’s great to have the opportunity to meet people you haven’t seen in years and find out what they’re up to and where they are doing it. I’ve talked to people who are working all over the world and doing quite well.” Students now working in the industry, who developed their skills in BCFE, were delighted to come back and show their gratitude to the college. Michael Mac Suibhne of RTE, a graduate of the very first class in 1988, said: “There is no way
that I could have gone into the television industry without Ballyfermot College. All these years later I haven’t heard of anywhere else in Ireland that offers a course quite like this.” Organiser and head of the TV and Film Department, John Moriarty, said the night was a resounding success. “I am absolutely delighted with how the reunion has gone. One of the best things about the night is the former students realise just how big a network there is currently working in the industry. People can only benefit from that which is great.”
Damien Dempsey made his acting debut in Mark O’Connor’s ‘Between the Canals’
Recession no obstacle for graduates By Jennifer Ormsby TWO BCFE media graduates are among the many former students refusing to let the recession stand in the way of their career goals. Mark O'Connor and Brendan O'Loughlin are enjoying recent success in their respective areas of film and radio. O' Connor wrote and directed Between the Canals, which opened at the Irish Film Institute on March 18 and is currently showing at Dundrum cinema. “It feels good to finally get a cinema release. There is no company behind it so we are self distributing the film,” he said. Speaking candidly about his time at BCFE, the film graduate said: “The best thing about it was getting my ideas rejected because it made me even more determined to get a chance to make films.” Between The Canals is an urban tale set in Dublin on St
Patricks Day. It follows Liam, the central character, as he tries to move away from a life of crime. His girlfriend is taking money from a local gangster who is played by another former BCFE student, Damien Dempsey. “I knew Damien Dempsey would have the ability to act because he has the stage presence. It was easy to get an emotional performance. He is a person who feels every word when he sings,” said O'Connor. He advised current film students to work hard for a place in the industry. “Dedicate yourself to it. The industry is very competitive but if you keep at it and you learn your craft you'll get there.” Radio Production graduate Brendan O'Loughlin is also flying the flag for BCFE with his brand new venture at Newstalk. Most know him as the breakfast news anchor for 98fm and weekend news presenter for Spin103.8. O'Loughlin says that freelancing for the country's leading independent news
station is a new challenge, particularly as the demographic is quite different. “It’s great working for Newstalk as it’s a new style I must adhere to,’’ he said. O'Loughlin graduated from the Radio Production course in 2009, before completing a degree in Media Production Management. He got his break at 98fm while still at college, on the back of a successful work experience placement. He stressed how important it is for radio students to take advantage of work experience opportunities. “You have got to be able to apply in the 'real world' what you learn in the book,” he said. Both O'Loughlin and O'Connor are prime examples of how to make it in spite of trying economic times. Their stories give BCFE students an assurance that there are still rewards for those who are determined and hard working.
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April 2011
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News
News in brief By Clare Hartwieg
New Play at Civic Centre The players in the Ballyfermot Theatre Workshop will perform their version of Same Old Moon at Ballyfermot Civic Centre this month. Written by Geraldine Aron, the play focuses on the life of an Irish born woman, Brenda Barnes, who returns from Australia to London and tries to make her way as a playwright. Same Old Moon will have its opening performance on Wednesday April 6, with a further three performances on April 8, 13 and 15 and admission is €5. For more information phone 01 4451208.
Duffy pens life story Joe Duffy's childhood in Ballyfermot will form part of a new autobiography by the Liveline presenter. Duffy, who is one of RTE's top earners, signed a deal with the company Transworld Ireland, to tell his life story. Eoin McHugh of Transworld said: "From what I've seen, it will be very honest and direct. Joe wants to do it really well and is putting a lot of work into it." The book will be released in October this year.
Creative courses
Locals support Daniel Maher through illness By Ronan McEvoy
A BRAVE young Ballyfermot man is recovering in Germany after undergoing pioneering laser surgery to remove multiple tumours from his lungs. Daniel Maher (20) is a former BCFE engineering student who suffers from an illness called synovial sarcoma. The rare form of cancer attacks the soft tissue near the large joints of the arm or leg and occurs most commonly in young people. Maher was first diagnosed in August 2009 and has undergone chemotherapy as part of his treatment programme. The cancer started in his arm, which recently had to be amputated in an effort to save his life. The bottom portions of both his lungs have also been removed. His girlfriend Emma Crawford said: “I am over with him now in Germany and he is recovering well. The past 18
months have been very hard for Daniel and his family and friends.” The Ballyfermot community have played a vital role in organising fundraising events to help fund Maher's treatment and support his family. These have included Cash for Gold in his local area of Convent Lawns, a car boot sale, nights in the Spin Roller Disco and Coffey’s in Inchicore and a benefit in the Spawell, Templeogue. “The support he’s getting off his family and the Ballyfermot community has been amazing. I just want to say thank you to everyone who has organised events to raise money for Daniel's treatment,” said Crawford. Local taxi company ASAP Co-op have also done their part to help. The company's posters and banners, which promote donations to Maher's cause, can be seen across Ballyfermot. They have also provided free transport to the Maher family. ASAP Co-op's advertising executive Noel Tully said: “We try to get involved and help out the community any way we can
Emma Crawford hopes her boyfriend Daniel Maher will make a full recovery and we do that in Daniel’s case too. Anything to do with the transport for the young fella, we do that free of charge. Like everyone else, we just do what we can to help.” Although Maher and those close to him have been through
a very turbulent time, the support and solidarity from the people of Ballyfermot has been a great comfort to them. He is now recovering in Germany from a second operation on his left lung. His friends, family and girlfriend
are hopeful that he will make a full recovery. Donations may be made to Daniel Maher's fund at the TSB Bank, Ballyfermot, account number 18527931 and sort code 990606.
summer
Ballyfermot locals are invited to take part in two new adult education programmes at BCFE this summer. Individuals aged 16 or over, who wish to study art at third level, can take part in a portfolio preparation course from June 7. The fortnight long course costs €300 and the closing date for applications is May 30. Meanwhile, people of every level of ability are welcome at the Ceramics Summer School, which lasts for a week and costs €180. The dates are yet to be confirmed. For more information see the adult education section of the BCFE website.
Football star helps hospital fundraiser By Glenn Dowd Deputy Editor
Bus route changes to impact locals A protest was held on Friday April 1 in opposition to a proposed reduction in Dublin Bus services to Ballyfermot. TDs and Councillors called for the demonstration which was held outside the Dublin Bus head office on O'Connell street. The cost cutting plan is due to be implemented in April and includes the re-routing of the 76 and 76a buses, so they will no longer serve Ballyfermot. If implemented, locals will lose direct access to important destinations such as Tallaght Hospital, Tallaght IT, and Clondalkin Gael Scoil.
Ross Murray (L) and Shane McFaul (R) with staff at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children
A WELL known local footballer teamed up with a BCFE student to raise much needed funds for Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin. St Patricks Athletic star Shane McFaul and BCFE Business student Ross Murray organised a charity match between Our Lady’s team and St Patricks Athletic, which took place on April 2. When McFaul heard of Murray’s attempts to arrange a match, he quickly jumped on board as the hospital has done a lot for his family over the past year. “My niece Holly only got released from the hospital the other day after spending eleven
months there. The doctors and nurses did an amazing job and I am more than willing to do any fundraising for them in order to show my appreciation,” said the Cherry Orchard native. Murray initiated contact with the hospital after they looked after a close friend’s baby, who was born four months prematurely. He is delighted with the progress they are making at present. “The fundraising is going really well, everyone has been very helpful and there’s plenty more to come,” said Murray, who is a member of St Pats' back room team. A large crowd attended the event at the CIE in Inchicore, but the fundraising doesn’t stop there. The former Sporting Fingal star is planning to arrange a FIFA 2011 Playstation event that will appeal to his friends, family and team mates. “It’s definitely a good idea. It will take time to organise but I will book a room where it can be held. I plan on having an entry fee and people will be going around with buckets on the night to make more money for the hospital,” he said. McFaul also said that special prizes will be available on the night. A date for the event has yet to be announced.
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The BCFE Bulletin
Edition 2
April 2011
Features
Keeping Dublin well Kenn-ected Features Editor “OVER the past three years I have become increasingly interested in the whole area of radio broadcasting. I have very little previous experience in actual radio work but I am hopeful of starting off a career in this field.” The words typed by a 16year-old Adrian Kennedy, beginning his journey to fame throughout Dublin. The main host of FM104’s phone show for nearly 17 years, he is loved for his effortless humour and charm and is often accompanied by Jeremy Dixon; who has become an integral part of the
‘get it off your chest’ segment of the show. “The one thing about our show which you don’t get on any other radio show in the country is you’re as likely to get a 16-year-old listening to us as a 66-year-old,” said Kennedy. “Our audience profile is the most bizarre of any radio show in the country. Our 15 to 19 audience is as big as our 45 plus audience, which is bizarre, but that’s probably because we have serious stuff on one part of the show and we’ve stupid childish humorous stuff on another part of the show, so there is something for everybody in it.” The FM104 phone show now boasts a listenership of over 50,000 people, who tune in to listen as homes all around Dublin settle down for the night when Kennedy comes on air.
“It’s weird! One of the things that always fascinates me is what people are doing when they are listening to the show. Like are they driving a taxi or are they at home making sandwiches for the kids for lunch for school? I met a woman last week w h o ’s b e e n listening to me since the very first time I did the show and she can’t go to sleep without listening to the show!” “When I go home I switch on the telly and fall asleep to the television, and this woman
“
switches on me and falls asleep listening to me. Our listenership figure over the last three years has been absolutely monstrous so we’re obviously doing something right!” exclaimed Kennedy. And when his listeners aren’t being lulled to sleep by K e n n e d y ’s calming and lighthearted voice, they are listening intently to arguments r a g i n g between people over more serious subjects; concerning the likes of politics, mental health, and issues such as rape. “That’s the part of the show
One of the things that always fascinates me is what people are doing when they are listening to the show
“
By Carrie Bermingham
that I love the most. I love the hard hitting gritty stuff that kind of sets our show apart from any other. Now I love the laughs and the jokes that I have with Jeremy as well, but we deliberately do that so there’s contrast on our show. So if you don’t like the laughing and joking, you can join the serious stuff, we try to give people a bit of everything.” The FM104 phone show provides a platform for the people of Dublin to have their say, creating a community of over 50,000 people five nights a week. Kennedy not only deals with serious issues in a delicate and fair way, but also ensures that there is a fair perspective presented from all sides of an argument, while maintaining a firm and often direct approach
when it comes to time wasters on air. But is he as harsh and strict as he sometimes seems? “People have this perception of me being a cheeky loud mouth sort of person; I’m the exact opposite of that. I’m not the pretentious dick head that some people perceive me as when I’m doing the show. I don’t put on an act, you’re in the studio on your own so you’re kind of a little bit braver than you would be in the big bad world,” he explained. Although alone in a studio one thing that Kennedy cannot avoid is fame. Approximately four years ago the phone show hit our small screens, causing the safety and anonymity of radio to disappear completely. And although he loves to know that people are listening and enjoying his show, sometimes this fame comes with a downside. “I have been attacked, I was grabbed by the throat one night in a pub in town by some girl whose brother I offended one night on the show, it was the only time I’ve ever been attacked by anybody, but some girl grabbed me by the throat and tried to strangle me.” One of the many reasons that Dublin has fallen in love with Kennedy is his ability to connect with people regardless of their age, ethnicity or background, as well as his kind and thoughtful nature which pushes him to help with many good causes. In aid of the ISPCC, a 104 hour challenge ensured that Clery’s on O’Connell St Dublin had a radical overhaul when Kennedy and Jeremy decided to move out of their homes in preference for bunk beds in the department store’s window, which included visits from the likes of Westlife, Michelle Heaton and Joe Duffy. “It was great fun I have to say. It was a weird experience living in the window,” said Kennedy. But what do the boys have planned next? “We’re not doing the Clery’s thing again this year because we’ve done it two years in a row, so in May we have a very different sort of stunt.” It seems that there are exciting things ahead for Kennedy, which are hopefully a little less embarrassing for his sake!
Adrian Kennedy at the helm of FM 104’s radio station
Edition 2
April 2011
The BCFE Bulletin
7
Features
Journalist of the future By Colin Glennon THE internet has brought revolutionary changes to nearly every industry, journalism included, utilising the ‘.com’s’ not just for efficiency, but also to aid the scope and ambition of what is being reported. In the two years since he graduated, former BCFE student Mark Coughlan has led a decorated career in journalism. He has played an active part in the significant changes in journalism in the wake of the internet, garnering praise from veterans in the field Coughlan, who was a former editor of the BCFE college newspaper, credits Ballyfermot, and in particular, its hands on approach to courses as being beneficial, citing it works with practicality and helped him early on as “you learn
everything on a job.” He co-ran the now defunct website Irishelection.com, a blog centered on political analysis, which he credits as his big break, bringing him to the attention of the Irish media when the site became a reference source for numerous journalists. This resulted in internships for the Irish Times and RTE’s Primetime, for which he performed a notable investigation into the circulation of child pornography in Ireland. A study he conducted on the file sharing website Bit-torrent disclosed a high level of child pornography being downloaded from the site. The investigation involved Coughlan impersonating both a child and a paedophile on social networking site Bebo. In order to impersonate a young girl, a fake profile and a realistic, yet also fake and photoshopped, profile picture, were used.
This brought on a disturbing level of attention and more than once he received obscene messages. This eventually led to police tracing the messages back to Scotland and an arrest and conviction was made. Coughlan remarked that at times the investigation was hard to stomach, especially when in a persona and chatting online to actual child molesters. But his motto is; “If I don’t do it, someone else will, or worse, someone else won’t, so these things will still happen. It’s better to expose it.” A keen investigative reporter, Coughlan finds that gathering information can be difficult. “It’s not news unless someone is hiding it. Government departments are often just a nightmare, because they don’t want to release any information that makes them look bad. FÁS has become tricky to get stuff out off. It’s kinda part of the job to try and get beyond that, you
Ask Jerome BCFE's resident gossiper spills the beans
Coughlan shares his experience with BCFE students. nearly always come up against some sort of a barrier.” Coughlan’s work is among
the growing trend of online journalism and with increasing numbers of people getting their
news online, there is a worry that print media may eventually disappear.
By Glenn Dowd
has the military experience. He always twists people’s arms. It would be some job to take him down!
life, college will benefit you. Always make sure you are living within your means. Some people get lucky with getting a job and others don’t, but don’t let it get you down. Try and share accommodation during the college year.
What’s the first thought to enter your head in the morning? It’s great to be alive. I always say to people it is a bonus from god if you wake up in the morning.
What’s the best part of your job? Dealing with the students and making sure they are happy. If they ever have any problems, I like to think I can sort them or help them in some way. Then of course, going home in the evening. But I love my job; it’s very interesting as I get to meet many different people throughout the course of the day. I love to serve the students.
Who among the teachers has the worst fashion sense? There is a few who are bad and good. It’s like most other schools that the teachers don’t necessarily dress for teaching. It’s mainly the females that stand out. As for the males, well they try let’s say that.
Who would win an arm wrestling match, Declan Power or Tommy Conway? It has to be Declan *giggles*. Declan looks a lot stronger and
If you could be anything what would it be and why? A combat pilot in the RAF (produces endless amounts of magazines and calendars with airplanes on them). I’m always telling the teachers that in the next life I won’t come back as a porter, I’ll be a pilot. If I can’t be that, then I’d like to be Willy Wonka and have his chocolate factory.
What would you do if you were the Taoiseach? If I was Brian Cowen, I would have gotten some morals and resigned. If ever anybody out stayed their welcome it was him. Otherwise I would be more truthful, there’s no point in lying to people. Enda Kenny has a great chance now, he seems more honest. Fianna Fáil took a beating at the polls and it was obvious that they would. The anger out there is unbelievable. Kenny will give it an honest go but it will be hard to clean up Cowen's mess. I think they can do it and a coalition is certainly the best way forward.
What’s your advice for recession hit students? Just try and look on the bright side. There’s not that long left in college, stick at it. Don’t let money change your college
What is your favourite song and why? It has to be ‘Light My Fire’ by the Doors. I remember working in Jersey; it was a long hot summer of the Sixties and this iconic song suited the time period. I also like a lot of the stuff by Simple Minds, especially ‘Don’t you forget about me’ from the film Breakfast club. The old songs are really great and will never lose their popularity.
If you were on Xfactor, would you be Simon Cowell or Louis Walsh? Neither, both are bleeding prats. I would have a higher standard than them two and would never be hated. The only things I like about Simon is his bank account and his wife, make sure you put that in!
Sum yourself up in one word Oh that’s a tough one; I’m just here to help and try to save the planet. I suppose if I had to pick one word it would be collector’s item. No wait that’s two. I suppose I’m an original, yeah that’s it.
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The BCFE Bulletin
Edition 2
Features
April 2011
King of city sun breaks
By Lynn Corrigan
Editor-in-chief LOOKING for a romantic getaway this summer, or just bored walking the same old bar and restaurant strips of Costa del could-be-anywhere? Portugal has the advantage of being a sun and city break in one. A haven of characteristic beauty and charm lies within the curved thick stone walls of the windmills of Portugal, just 50 kilometres from bustling Lisbon. Há Mar ao Luar is a windmill perched at the top of the Arrabida Hills, overlooking Setúbal Bay and less than an hours train journey to Lisbon. Há Mar ao Luar is best described by its direct English translation – moonlight by the sea. Converted windmills provide fairytale like accommodation throughout Portugal, most with their own original nineteenth century stone walls, winding staircases and charming windows that open up to spectacular hilltop views, leaving you feeling just like King or Queen of your own castle. This hideaway along the blue coast of Portugal is rich in history and provides the perfect getaway from the tourist crowds. The nearby town,
5 TOP
Budget Summer Destinations
By Ronan Mc Evoy PLANNING summer holidays with mates can be both expensive and arduous. The BCFE Bulletin has decided to lend a helping hand and offer some advice on fantastic getaways that won’t empty the piggy bank. Don’t let the recession get you down; check out our top five summer travel destinations:
Há Mar ao Luar in Portugal.
Photo: L.Corrigan
located at the foothills, is popular with the locals who enjoy its sandy beeches and restaurants which offer the freshest of fish. From €110 per person, per night, this may cost more than your one bedroom apartment in
the Algarve, but significant savings can be made on food and drink which escape the tourist price inflations. Don’t go home without trying the national dish, cataplana – fruits of the sea served in a traditional copper pot. This feast for two,
including whole lobster, can by found for less than €30. Even nicer tasting washed down with some local beers, from as little as €1 a bottle. From there make the short journey along the coast to the lively capital of Lisbon, which
is bursting with historical architecture. Trains to Lisbon run daily from Setubal but if you are travelling by hire car, avoid the hassle and high costs and park for free near the Expo 98 city. This in itself is worth a wander around. You can take
Tenerife
Rome
Ibiza
Amsterdam
Travel: €211 (Ryanair). Accommodation: €49 per night pps (Hotel Playa la Arena)
Total Week cost:
For further information visit www.hamaraoluar.com and www.aerlingus.com.
Berlin
Travel: €92 (Ryanair). Accommodation:
Travel: €186 (Ryanair) Accommodation:
Travel: €108 (Aer Lingus). Accommodation:
Travel:€64 (Ryanair) Accommodation:
€94 per night pps (Hotel Piazza Venezia Roma)
€69 per night pps (Hotel Montesol)
€137 per night pps (NH Musica)
€59 per night pps(Best Western Hotels Deutschland)
Total week cost:
Total week cost:
€383
€421
€428
Tenerife's year round sunshine record means that the island is always in demand. This volcanic island is the largest of the seven Canary Islands, and has a lot to offer. The southern part of Tenerife is a busy hive of tourists and holiday makers and boasts the fantastic resorts of Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos. Besides the sun and beautiful beaches there are world class facilities and leisure opportunities such as quality shopping centres, golf courses, restaurants, water parks and animal parks. In the more lush and green north of the island, the towns have kept some of their old-harbour town charm with European influences, which would suit the more relaxed traveller.
Rome is not only a relatively cheap summer holiday destination; it boasts some of the most beautiful artefacts and buildings in the world. For those who want to enrich themselves with the history of the city, what better place to start than the Colosseum? Other ancient sites such as the Forum Romanum, Trajan’s Market and the Pantheon are available to visit and are well worth the admission price. The city is littered with amazing feats of architecture, such as old fountains and cathedrals. Rome has its wild side too, however. For anyone missing their Irish grub, the Ned Kelly Pub on Via dei Valeri offers a full Irish menu, which should be swiftly washed down by drinks and shots from the city’s best nightclub, Radio Londra. www.ryanair.ie Hotel Piazza Venezia Roma, tel: 06 6919 0749
Ibiza, the third largest of the Balearic Islands near Valencia, needs no introduction as the European capital of partying. However, for those of you who are unfamiliar with Ibiza, its legendary and at times riotous nightlife is centred around two areas: Ibiza Town, the island's capital on the southern shore and San Antonio to the West. Top DJ’s from across the world come to play at the clubs here, the most famous of which is Amnesia. For those of you who prefer rock music to dance music, you will be pleased to know that since 2005 bands such as Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, Prodigy and the Kaiser Chiefs have played at Ibiza Rocks – a new rock festival aimed at pleasing the needs of those who aren’t into the disco scene. www.ryanair.ie Hotel Montesol, tel: 971 310 161
www.ryanair.ie Hotel Playa La Arena, tel: 922 862 920)
the metro back in to Lisbon and explore the city by tram, where local teenagers hitch free rides on the back. Prices in Lisbon are more expensive, but not extortionate. Restaurants are scattered among the quaint houses and within every street you explore there are tiny coffee houses, where locals still meet to chat and watch television. If it’s activity you are after, rather than sightseeing, this part of the Mediterranean is renowned for its water sports, especially surfing and kite boarding. Even if you don’t feel brave enough for the challenge, be sure to find yourself a ring side seat by the waters edge! Portugal boasts one of Europe’s warmest climates with temperatures reaching the early twenties from May to September. Flights to Lisbon with Aer Lingus cost approximately €140 including all taxes and charges and organising a hired car at the airport is both cheap and straightforward. Seeing what Portugal has to offer will leave you forever craving more than just a package holiday in the sun.
Total week cost:
€588 Amsterdam has become synonymous over the years for two things, and I’m not talking about its picturesque views. Legalised marijuana and prostitution have made Amsterdam well known among tourists and the Red Light District will appeal to those who prefer to spend their evenings going “window shopping.” The Paradiso and The Melkweg are two of the best night clubs the city has to offer to those of a more social nature. And travellers who prefer to shun the drugs and prostitution shouldn’t fear, as Amsterdam offers a vast array of theatres, comedy clubs, high-class retail malls, and cabaret acts too.
www.aerlingus.com NH Musica, tel: 31 20 5414141)
Total week cost:
€271 Berlin is the capital of Germany, and is ideal for holiday makers of any nature due to its great diversity. It is home to 153 museums, five of which are housed in Museum Island - a World Heritage site just north of the river Spree in Berlin. Museum goers might also be interested to learn that Berlin has over 50 theatres, and three major opera houses. For those of you looking to sample the German cuisine, Berlin hosts 12 Michelin star restaurants; the highest amount in Germany. The nightlife here is world-class, with night clubs dedicated to rock, punk, dance, techno, and of course pop music. The Berghain & Panorama Bar is recognised as being the best night club in the city, and is famous for their friendly and welcoming staff. www.ryanair.ie Best Western Hotels Deutschland, tel:030 613820
Edition 2
April 2011
The BCFE Bulletin
9
Features
Triple sensation for Doyle Bermingham
THE nation has come to know and love Wexford woman Anne Doyle, an inspiration who has graced our television screens for the last thirty years. Newsreader on one of the top five television shows watched in Ireland, her well known voice embraces the sitting rooms of thousands on a nightly basis, as the RTE news airs. The Anne we have come to love and respect imparts on us the current affairs of the day with a firm voice and serious face, but is she this serious in her day to day life? “Actually I err on the side of being a bit flippant, maybe a bit too flippant, a bit of a smart ass! The news is quite serious so flippancy tends to go out the window,” explained Doyle, “once in a blue moon there’s something that kind of amuses you or tickles your fancy and you might have to pull yourself together a little bit. But I’ve just come up from lyric [Lyric FM] and it is one disaster after another! So there wouldn’t be anywhere where you would find your lighter side would emerge. But am I that serious? Not at all!” A particularly busy woman, she is not only the face of ‘RTE News: Nine O’Clock’, but also presents the news on RTE Radio One and Lyric. Currently the news lacks much joy, instead bringing us depressing images of events beyond our control and information on what a disaster our country has become. It’s not a pleasing scenario, but how does it impact upon the people delivering this information to us? “Sometimes it’s the little things. I kind of go through phases, sometimes it’s the human stories, something that involves one person or a family or something like that, it can be shockingly upsetting. And then other things, sometimes the scale of something is so big that it doesn’t really hit you when it’s huge. Like somebody saying x million people were killed in a war, it doesn’t impact on you,” said Doyle, “the Japanese one did though I have to say. I think it’s the fact that everything in the world that could happen to them did, an earthquake, tsunami, nuclear problem, you think, oh God, what else can the world throw at these people?” When conjuring up an image of Doyle, many imagine a
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So how did she come to be Ireland’s most loved
perfectionist in all that she does, hating to get anything wrong, with the driving force behind her work being quite simple. “It’s less a ‘I’m really getting here with this I must persevere,’ it’s more a ‘God I’ve got to get this right or it will be awful embarrassing and I’ll cringe,’ and I’ll be annoyed w i t h myself if I get it wrong. I don’t like getting t h i n g s wrong.” T h e pressure she puts on herself may be harsh, but it does seem to pay off. However
Actually I err on the side of being a bit flippant, maybe a bit too flippant, a bit of a smart ass! The news is quite serious so flippancy tends to go out the window!
“
By Carrie
beautiful, yet serious minded and diligent person. But although she strives hard to get to where she wants to be, her main ambition in life is to be happy. Very down to earth, she is a woman who loves simple things, such as reading; a true passion of hers. But she was not always as studious as one may expect and she certainly wasn’t the type of student one may imagine her to have been. “I was the way you shouldn’t be! Not the most diligent! I wasn’t too bad in school, but college…it was a different world in those days. In my day you did the exams at the end of the academic year and that was it. Now there were advantages. It was okay if you were able to cram a lot of stuff in at the last minute, and if you were lucky enough to know somebody who was very good at taking notes and I had a boyfriend who was!” she laughs. Regardless, Anne landed very much on her feet and went on to have an incredibly successful career, although not one she had envisioned growing up as a child. “If I had been able to just pick out something that I would really have liked to have been… I do remember thinking for a long time that I would have quite liked to be a vet. But I think that would have been more to do with the fact that I’m so fond of animals and it was a bit of a somewhat childlike idea of what a vet was!” But it was an arts degree in English and History that she went on to do after leaving school, entitling her to go on and teach; yet instead she opted to spend four years in the Department of Foreign Affairs.
newsreader? “I kind of stumbled into it. It’s like everything else, you get a job and you get a bit better at it and I wouldn’t say comfortable, you never get comfortable, but you get to a point were you feel you are doing it okay and you enjoy it. And it’s interesting, you meet quite a lot of engaging people and it’s not nine to five,” she explained, “if you had said to me when I was starting, do you think you’ll be here in thirty years? I would have said you must be mad! B u t sometimes, believe it or not, life goes by very fast.” A n n e strives to be a
Anne Doyle at the Walkers TV Now Awards 2009, accepting her award for best current affairs/news reader presenter.
it is clearly unnecessary, as her work has been recognised to the most flattering degree after winning the Walkers TV Now Awards for the last three consecutive years. “The first year I was absolutely staggered, I hadn’t really thought about it to be honest! T h e
next year I was even more staggered, because I didn’t think I’d get it again. Then last year everybody told me that because I made funny speeches they’d give it to me anyway! But it was really nice, it was great. There are a lot of very good people out there and I can assure you I don’t have any illusions about myself. But I do do my best, and I really appreciated it, it was lovely.”
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The BCFE Bulletin
Edition 2
April 2011
Features
Equality for boy racers By Carrie Bermingham
EQUALITY among men and women is a key issue in Ireland; with women often feeling hard done by when compared to men. In recent years a lot has been done to iron this inequality out, with much emphasis focusing on ensuring that women are not treated unfairly. Therefore when we think of equality among the sexes, we think of men being considered above women. It is not often that the male species is seen as unequal to females. Yet when the European Court of Justice (ECJ) made the ruling that gender will no longer be a determining factor in the cost of car insurance premiums, this is exactly what happened. Women in Europe have benefited from lower insurance prices for some time, in comparison to men’s insurance rates, which are significantly higher. The case was brought by Test-Achats, the Belgian consumers' association, who challenged the differences in
Young girls to no longer have anything to smile about insurance rates between men and women at the ECJ in Luxembourg. Coming into force from December 21, 2012, the ruling was based on the Lisbon Treaty, which includes the charter of fundamental rights and which aims ‘in all its activities, to eliminate inequalities and promote equality between men and women.’ The EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding
said the ruling represented "an important moment for gender equality in the European Union". But is raising women’s’ quotes, despite the statistics that they are safer drivers, fair? Has ensuring that we have equality gone too far? Or are women simply not impressed with men getting a look in with regards to this ongoing and controversial battle? Statistics show that women
claim less on their insurance and their accidents are less severe than their male counterparts. Young men in particular have been given a bad name, deemed incompetent on the road and careless and ignorant of other motorists. There is a general consensus that women are calmer drivers than men, but a recent survey by AA roadwatch found that this is not necessarily the case. Between January 21 and
January 28, 2011, a total of 21,000 motorists were asked to rate some of the more stressful road situations on a scale of ‘very stressful’ to ‘not very stressful at all.’ Activities such as overtaking cars, entering and exiting motorways, parallel parking and overtaking a cyclist were just some of the questions asked. It was found that women expressed greater levels of anxiety than males in every activity presented to them. One example of the differences between male and female stress levels was that 36.9% of ladies asked found parallel parking ‘very stressful’, compared with just 14.4% of men and three times as many women as men said they find changing lanes at high speed either ‘quite stressful’ or ‘very stressful’. This seems at odds with what we are constantly hearing. But in truth, these results could simply reinforce the fact that women have been found to be safer drivers. The Commercial Director of AA John Farrell said: “It may be that a little stress is a good thing. Both across our motor insurance books and national road safety statistics it’s evident that women crash their cars far
less than men do. Perhaps the men are a bit over-confident about driving manoeuvres that are genuinely complicated.” But he described this new ruling as "a triumph of equality over fairness". The Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) however does not agree, and have said that they are disappointed with the ruling, predicting that it will have negative consequences for all consumers. It is unfair to tar all men with the same brush, and it is true that this new ruling will stop those men who aren’t dangerous drivers having to unnecessarily pay extremely high insurance rates. This may also benefit young male students ready to buy their first car and those with an impeccable driving history. But the fact remains that women, in the same situation, are now being targeted instead. And regardless of how those in Ireland feel, the EU are ensuring that it goes ahead regardless. So girls, tighten up your purse strings once again. We may be in a recession now, but for those of you who drive, it’s about to get a whole lot worse come December 2012.
Inside the head’s of The Coronas By Emer Kelly and Carrie Bermingham
FOUR lads, one band and one dream. The Coronas are one of the best bands to come out of Ireland in recent years. Hailing from Monkstown and Terenure, they rose to prominence in 2007 when they released their debut single ‘Heroes or Ghosts’ from their album of the same name which centres around Danny, Dave, Graham and Conor; all trying to make it together as a band. For lead singer Danny O’Reilly, musical talent certainly runs in the family, with his mother being none other than the renowned Mary Black. “I always wanted to learn how to play the guitar and I always loved singing, so a musician was definitely my first choice,” explained O’Reilly. Meanwhile the group are signed to record label 3u, run by Danny’s father, Joe O’Reilly. The frontman greatly appreciates his father’s advice on all things musical, “he’s very
easy going and very helpful because he’s been in the business a long time.” The other members of the band consist of Graham Knox, Conor Egan and Dave McPhillips, but it wasn’t originally this way. Starting out as a three piece group it was only by chance that they met guitarist Dave McPhillips while on holidays in Vancouver. From that day on he became the fourth member of the group and hence The Coronas were born. “I was in a different school to the lads so I only met them on holidays in Vancouver. I was playing music a bit then but not seriously until I met the other lads,” remarked McPhillips. Two albums and many singles later, the lads are currently writing their third album, set to be released later on this year. But where do they get their inspiration from? The Coronas say this derives from “personal experiences,” adding that “it’s hard to define where inspiration comes from, it could be anything!” However they do list the Beatles and Fleetwood Mac as musical influences, admiring their fantastic song writing. Their motto in life is to do
something that you love and to do it well, a lesson that we as students can all learn. With the boys spending a lot of time away while touring they are bound to miss the odd comfort from home, but interestingly for boys, instead of pining for their families the thing that they miss
most about being away from home is clean clothes. For this Dublin four-piece, walking out on to a stage where there are hundreds of adorning fans waiting for them to start their performance, is the best feeling in the world, as well as listening to the crowd sing
along to their songs And to keep the nerves in check before a live show, they tend to do some breathing exercises and voice warm ups. And after a gig, what better way is there than to wind down then with a few good oul drinks! Now coming to the end of their
US tour they are set to head back to home turf for their Irish gigs and put the finishing touches to their third album. And one thing is for sure, the future is most definitely bright for these four lovely Dublin lads!
The Dublin four piece band are living the dream.
Edition 2
April 2011
The BCFE Bulletin
11
Life
The truth behind self-harm Life Editor A YOUNG man sits against a tree surrounded by friends, his legs stretched out with ankles crossed. Together they watch as a football is kicked around close by, debating the finer points of the game and their own upcoming match that night. “Everything about my life seems absolutely fine, I have loads of friends and on the outside it’s like there is nothing wrong,” explained the young man, who did not wish to be named. But he holds a dark secret buried within him. Something that no one but himself has access to. He has become an expert in the art of concealing his secret. Long sleeves cover his arms, regardless of the weather. Long trousers are worn on a daily basis, and changing in the locker room with friends is not an option he partakes in. “The scars are on both my
arms and legs. Most of them are years old and faded, but others are risen and purple. People judge me for my scars without knowing me as a person, or the reasons behind them,” he said. He is not alone. A study from the Southern Health Board found that one in ten Irish teenagers self harm. But what these figures do not take into account is the amount of people who hide their self harm from society; people of all age groups, who are too afraid to reach out for the help that they need and deserve, people who feel shame over the one thing that takes away their internal pain. “We need to publicise what self harm truly is. It’s about getting the story out there on how we all express emotions in different ways. Some people can’t express it verbally so they express it through their bodies,” explains founder of Pieta House, Joan Freeman. The centre for the prevention of self harm and suicide was first opened in January 2006,
Pieta House provides a warm welcome to those who visit.
with its original centre, situated in Lucan. Joan’s sister took her own life, and Joan feels this is what spurred her on into setting up this completely free and confidential service. Since then it has helped thousands of people who have walked through its doors, so much so that new centres are opening up across the country.
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Road, Ballyfermot’s Pieta House was also brought about due to the death of a loved one, and the determination and passion that was left behind in his friends. “A young man Jonathon Heavy, died by suicide about four years ago, and his friends all got involved with Joan in fundraising. So every year they would do a fundraiser. And they were always asking Joan to please come to Ballyfermot, so it was always in the back of her mind,” said manager of Ballyfermot’s Pieta House, Noleen Devlin. People all over the world are affected by mental health issues and Ireland is not exempt. In fact, Ireland has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the EU. Despite this, ten times more money is spent on road safety measures than suicide prevention; although more people take their lives than die on our roads. Although relatively new, Ballyfermot’s Pieta House is seeing a constant increase in numbers as time goes on. It provides a safe haven for those in distress, offering non judgmental support for those who self harm, who feel they may take their own lives and who have tried to in the past. It aims to challenge and eradicate the stigma surrounding these issues, with the hope of ensuring that no one is left behind. “Self harm is not attention seeking, that’s the last thing it is. Normally self harm is done very secretly, and the nature of it is that people will do it where nobody else can see it. Most people will wear the long sleeves. So it’s actually the opposite of attention seeking, it’s just lack of education,” explained Ms Devlin, “there is a huge myth that it is about attention. I mean there’s plenty of other ways of getting attention. Cutting yourself and hurting yourself definitely isn’t one.” Although self harm and suicide are so prevalent in Ireland, many people are ignorant of the true causes behind it and instead are convinced that it is for no other reason then to seek out attention. It is attitudes such as these that prevent many people from reaching out for support. A beautifully lit candle at the door signifies welcoming and peace and scented candles around the house offer a calm and welcoming aroma. “It’s based on the same ideas as Lucan - it’s like walking into a house. The whole thing about Pieta is to make it different to clinics, people come from that sterile or hospital environment
there is a huge myth that it is about attention. I mean there’s plenty of other ways of getting attention. Cutting yourself and hurting yourself definitely isn’t one.
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By Carrie Bermingham
Ballyfermot has recently opened a Pieta House which is available to all students, as has Limerick. Outreach services are also available in Tallaght and Finglas. Situated in Canon Troy House on Chapelizod Hill
so the whole idea is to be the absolute opposite to that,” said Ms Devlin. “I think when people come here a lot would be very nervous. So by being greeted at the door, being offered tea and coffee and being in a nice environment, they feel cherished. A lot of work has gone into this and it’s for the people that come in. It really is about them, creating the best environment possible for them,”
she added. If you, or anyone you know, is feeling suicidal or self harming, pick up the phone and know that someone on the other end will be there to help by calling 01-6010000 for Lucan or 01 6200020 for Ballyfermot.
You can find more information by visiting their website at www.pieta.ie or emailing mary@pieta.ie.
Pink’s graphic images cause outrage for many By Carrie Bermingham ‘Pretty pretty please, if you ever ever feel, like you're nothing, you're fuckin' perfect to me.’ The main lyrics from Pink’s new song ‘Fuckin’ Perfect.’ A song filled with hope and courage, wanting to inspire many young people who are suffering. But the video that accompanies the song has faced much criticism and caused huge controversy for many. Leading us through a ‘misunderstood’ young girl’s life, the video starts off innocently enough, but when it begins to hit on mental health we have to wonder if the singer Pink has gone the right way about it. An incredibly underweight girl stands on scales, weighing her skeleton like frame; a clear reference towards eating disorders such as anorexia. But it is the self harm portrayed that has caused outrage and shock. A young girl sits in a long white bathtub, her knees pulled up to her chin with a blade in hand. Pain flashes across her face as the blade digs into her skin and relief washes across her face. The stained blade is
thrown on the floor as the bath water changes to a deep dark red. A statement by Pink on her official website says: “It’s a problem (self harm), and it’s something we should talk about. We can choose to ignore the problem, and therefore ignore this video, but that won't make it go away. I don't support or encourage suicide or cutting.” Pink has made it clear that she wants to promote awareness, and let those who need help know that she understands they are suffering. But has she gone about it the right way? The media often has the effect of glamorizing certain situations, and it would seem that for this particular video it is no different. Many young and distressed people may see this method of coping as a way forward. But it is more worrying for those who already have the tendency to turn to such a coping mechanism, with the video being identified as a trigger for many. Pink is getting her voice and opinions heard, and the song itself is of benefit to a lot of people who may identify with it in many ways. But such graphic images are unnecessary and not the most responsible way to educate people on mental health issues.
Controversial scene in Pink’s new video
12
The BCFE Bulletin
Edition 2
April 2011
Life
How to cure a hangover vodka and struggling not to heave all over the dance floor, there is nothing more delicious than a blend of fruit and veg, purified until it turns a weird green colour, right? Although these detox smoothies aren’t everyone’s’ cup of tea, the queues outside Zumo’s can be seen for miles every Sunday morning in Dublin city.
By Ronan Mc Evoy
YOU wake up with a dry mouth, a pounding head and your room smells like you shared it with decaying bodies. Your hangover is already kicking in. Vague recollections of what you did last night come flooding back. While we can’t help you with that quandary, we can tell you how to sooth that aching head and body. Here are the BCFE Bulletin’s best hangover cures;
COVERING YOUR BODY IN VASELINE AND CRYING NAKED IN A DARK ROOM:
WATER: Yes it’s clichéd, but drinking pint after pint of water before you go to bed does help with the morning-after jitters. The aim is to hydrate your body as much as possible before you sleep, although those of a bed-wetting disposition should beware.
BREAKFAST: A hearty breakfast may be enough to turn a hung-over person’s stomach, but most people find that a breakfast roll and a decent cup of tea starts the road to recovery.
MORE WATER: As the day drags on, a neat trick to avoid that pounding headache is to once again refill your body
A breakfast roll will put you on the road to recovery. with the fluids it so badly lacks. A pint of water every hour to two hours should slowly breathe life back into the old bones, and keep headaches and cotton mouth at bay.
cure any hangover; all you have to do is sink back and relax whilst simultaneously feeling sorry for yourself. Make sure you have the remote control and a supply of snacks at the ready.
A COMFY SOFA:
A TRACKSUIT:
A bad hangover ensures that a day in college will be swiftly substituted for lying semicomatose on the sofa, watching Jeremy Kyle and Bear in the Big Blue House. A comfortable sofa has the magic powers to
If you don’t have a comfortable tracksuit that you don’t mind spilling beans and egg on – get one. Although it may be ten years old and full of stains (which may not all be food), it is comfortable and forgiving
and a must have item.
For those who are too restless to stay on the sofa all day, yet too grumpy and tired to venture outdoors – try a spot of cleaning! Throw out the empty bottles, scrub the dirty plates and cutlery and in no time the evidence of a party ever having occurred has vanished.
gag at the thought of exercising after a night of disrepute and debauchery, there are a small minority of people who exercise to ‘sweat’ the beer out of them. Jogging and power walking are the exercises of choice, although we must warn you, hung-over exercising comes with a high risk of vomiting the alcohol out of one’s system rather than sweating it out.
EXERCISE:
DETOX:
Although most people quietly
After chugging a bottle of
CLEANING:
Self explanatory really, this hangover cure should be used by those who have a tendency to wake up and instantly regret every one of their actions the previous night. Remembering drunken texts, insulting people you don’t really know too well, vomiting in the potted plant in the beer garden and arguing with bouncers can be too much for some people to handle. This leaves you with little option but to cover their bodies in Vaseline and cry naked in a dark room.
HAVING BATH:
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We’ve all been there; washing away our sins from the previous night by slowly cooking ourselves in a hot bubbly bath. Quite possibly, this could be the perfect hangover cure. Whether you want to close your eyes and drift to sleep, make a faux beard with the bubbles, or sneakily have some ‘personal reflection
A partner in healing By Tina Brescanu THE South Korean company Ceragem, which is both the name of the company and the automatic thermal massage bed they are promoting as a partner in health and healing, is sweeping the world and is now established in 100 countries, including Ireland. Ceragem is not just a massage bed, but a class B medical device certified and approved across the world, that uses a combination of modern technology and traditional Far Eastern medicine. The Ceragem bed uses the method of chiropractic, to correct the alignment of the spine, massage to relax muscles and tendons around the spine, acupressure to relieve compressed nerves, moxibustion (heat) to stimulate
internal organs and draw out toxins and far infra red and jade to stimulate the life force in the body Tucked away at Granby Place, the little laneway opposite Rotunda Hospital, the centre welcomes everyone who has heard the call to be their own healer and offer free massages between 8.40 am and 6 pm (last session starting at 5.20 pm), but it’s mostly new nationals who are coming. Is it harder to reach Irish people due to our stubborn belief in medication and our God like respect for doctors? “Irish people suspect anything that’s free and if they try they want it to cure an almost life long illness immediately, otherwise it’s no good,” says Ceragem distributor and Dublin Director, Ruslan Sobol. A bed costs €2,500 to buy and it’s possible to pay in instalments but first you can come for as many free sessions as you want, some have come
for over a year, in order to make up your own mind about the benefits. My first session, that lasts 40 minutes, was painful. I have arthritis and the stones in combination with heat almost took my breath away, but also cured my vertigo in just one session. Before Ceragem, I had been taking up to six tablets a day and my doctor insisted there was no connection between painful neck and vertigo. The wall in Ceragem Dublin is covered in similar stories. “The spine, according to the Eastern medicine, is the root of all health,” Sobol explains and to me it makes perfect sense. Unlike doctors who treat each condition the same by treating the symptom, Ceragem will treat everyone differently by treating the cause of any ill health present in the body. It’s your choice, pop pills forever or give Ceragem a chance and take back the power to heal yourself.
Take back the power to heal yourself.
HOT
Edition 2
April 2011
The BCFE Bulletin
13
Life
Get your rocks on By Ronan Mc Evoy
less noise and more penetration. A good choice for ‘morning sex’.
REVERSE COWGIRL Brining you a round up of arguably the top ten best sex positions, this is sure to be one exercise you won’t mind spending time practicing!
DOGGY STYLE When performed correctly, doggy style stimulates both partners greatly. It takes minimal effort and ensures deep and satisfying penetration. The male partner should also use one hand to reach around and stimulate the clitoris; fireworks will follow.
SIDE BY SIDE, FACING EACH OTHER Possibly the easiest of all positions; an excellent choice for those with noisy beds and light-sleeping housemates. The female’s leg should be draped over the male’s waist, ensuring
The female straddles the male, facing away from him. This position is considerably better than standard cowgirl. For men who have a natural upward curve in their penis, this greatly stimulates the clitoris and g-spot simultaneously. Don’t let the “cowgirl” do all of the work, however!
SPOONING A tricky one it ain’t – the spooning position is quick and easy. With both partners lying side by side, men again have the chance to use that spare hand on the clitoris. Feel free to nibble on her neck and whisper in her ear. An ideal position for when she’s “too tired”...
MISSIONARY Don’t let anyone ever tell you that this position is boring, because it’s quite the opposite.
Missionary gives ultimate stimulation to the female’s clitoris and g-spot, and if done with patience and proper foreplay should result in an explosive orgasm for the female.
THE LOTUS Here, the male sits cross-legged with the female on his lap, wrapping her legs firmly around his waist. The female has to do most of the work here, but from a male perspective, this position guarantees a messy orgasm. If the girl gets tired moving up and down, try instead rocking back and forth.
FULL MAST Where both parties are standing up straight, this position can be done anywhere. It’s also versatile, it can be done facing each other or not. Whether it’s in the kitchen, the shower, or the office; full mast offers deep penetration and is the ultimate ‘quickie’ position.
There’s more to missionary than you think!
MISSIONARY TWIST
VIENNESE OYSTER
Similar to missionary, but this position is for the slightly more adventurous. With the male on top, the female should raise her legs and rest them over his shoulders. With the female’s legs in an elevated position, it tightens her vaginal walls and makes for much more enjoyable sex for both parties.
In the Viennese Oyster position the woman lays on her back, with her lower back and legs raised all the way up so that her ankles are locked behind her head. It takes a nimble woman to perform this position, which was specifically designed to increase g-spot stimulation.
THE WHEELBARROW The male should stand beside the bed with the female laying flat on the bed in front of him. The man then lifts her legs and pulls her in to him, like a wheelbarrow. This position is slightly more hard work than others, but should pay off with good penetration.
Problem? Ask the BCFE experts A
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Talk to Tina BCFE’s resident Agony Aunt answers all your life related questions.
Q
I have been with my boyfriend for nearly a year now but recently I can’t stop thinking about a girl. I noticed her about two months ago and I don’t know her well but every time I see her I get butterflies in my stomach and she’s always in my head. I’m really confused but not only that; it’s also really upsetting me. I love my boyfriend, so why am I thinking about her? I’ve never thought about a girl in this way before and I’m scared it means I might be gay. I don’t know how this girl feels about relationships and whether she likes men. My gut instinct says she does. Should I approach her? Should I tell my boyfriend? I’m completely lost and really need help.
First year radio student
Or you could be bisexual, a normal state of being and sexual expression often criticised for not taking sides. We all contain the ability to connect emotionally and also erotically with both gender, but most of us grew up knowing heterosexuality as the only choice. Love doesn’t follow any rules and your conditioned being is confused because you’ve probably been brought up to think love comes in heterosexual deals, and only one at a time. But the truth is that love is by nature completely unselfish. You connect with another but you never own another, even in marriage you’re free, free to feel and free to choose. Genuine love is an energy that arises when your sense of identity expands beyond yourself and this girl has awoken something in you, it could be love, it could be friendship, only you can find out - and yes, it can be scary to follow the path of one’s heart, especially when the heart is unconventional. If there is a spiritual hindrance to following your heart down this road, know that when God created man and woman, she also created imagination. Ask yourself, what would love do?
Money Matters Christine Moynihan answers all your money related questions.
Q
I’m moving out of home come September but have no idea how anything works since the new budget has come in. How do I know if I’m living far enough away from my parent’s home to receive a grant? Are there any rules when applying for a grant in regards to where I am living? I don’t even know how to apply! I also need to know about taking out a loan. I will need to do this at the beginning of the year but have never done it before. Is it possible to take out a loan with only a part time job? Where is the best place to apply for one and do I have to have a bank account already opened with them? Television and digital film student
The website studentfinance.ie is an invaluable resource when it comes to college grants. There are a number of different grants levels depending on your parent’s income, how many dependent children they have and how far you live from college. If your normal residence is within 24 kms of the college (“adjacent rate”) you could qualify for one of five grant levels currently ranging from €330 to €2,545. If your normal residence is more than 24kms from your college (“nonadjacent”) you could qualify for one of five grant levels currently ranging from €810 to €6,355. You apply for the grant with your local VEC. To get out a loan you need to be able to prove that you have an ability to pay it back so they will take into account your living expenses and your income. Check with your bank to see if they offer special student loans which often have a lower interest rate that regular loans, which is probably the best option as banks are not lending as freely as they once were. You do not need an account with a bank to get a loan with them.
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Business Brain Jim Clarke answers all your business related questions.
Q
I currently have a part time job in a clothes shop but am finding it hard to cope. The manager of the store screams at me in front of my colleagues and staff if I make even the smallest mistake. The angrier he gets the more nervous I get, hence the more mistakes I make. I know I am not bad at my job; I have worked in similar shops with no problems what so ever. But this guy keeps putting me down and making me feel completely useless. I don’t want to leave as I need the money and with the current job market I’ll never get another job. But at the same time I can’t stay there if he continues. Is there anything I could possibly do? Tourism and business student
The first thing to consider would be to request a meeting with the store manager. If you are not in a union you should be accompanied to this or any meeting, by a witness, for example a supportive colleague. If the manager does not agree to meet with you, or if this meeting does not have a fruitful outcome, then you may take the problem to his boss. Remember to keep a record of the time, place and what happened, with regard to each incident so that you can build up a body of evidence to prove your case in any industrial tribunal situation. The Protection of Employees (Part-time) Workers Act 2001 gives similar protection to parttime workers as that of full time workers and to qualify you must work eight or more hours per week. An employee or his representative can refer a case to a Rights Commissioner under this Act. As a last resort, there is also the concept of ‘constructive dismissal’ which an employee, who is being unfairly treated by his employer, should consider. This is where an employee leaves a job due to unfair treatment and then takes a case for unfair dismissal under the Unfair Dismissals Act (1973 to 1999).
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The BCFE Bulletin
Edition 2
April 2011
Life
10 things to do in Dublin for under €10 By Cliona Leslie
WITH summer fast approaching and the present economic climate the way it is, everybody is looking for a way of saving money. For those who can’t afford the annual trip to the sun this year, don’t worry, as all is not lost, there is plenty to keep you entertained on your own doorstep for €10 or less. Below is a shortlist of such events that may be of interest to you. 1 Looking for a night of non stop laughs? Then why not head to the Comedy Improv night on Monday Nights at the International Bar, Wicklow Street at 8.30pm. Admission is €8/€10. 2 Love Karaoke? Then hit Dublin’s most successful karaoke at The Village at 26 Wexford Street on Wednesday night for Songs of Praise. The City’s rock and roll karaoke institution enters it fifth year. Starting at 9pm and entry is free. 3 C U NEXT TUESDAY, at Crawdaddy, Old Harcourt Street Station. With a mix of every type of genre guaranteed to keep you dancing ‘till the wee hours of the morning. Starts at 11pm and admission is €5. 4 Spend a night with singer songwriter Gavin Edwards at
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Free activities at Temple Bar on Handel’s day, April 13 Unplugged in Purty Kitchen at The Purty Kitchen, 34/35 East Essex Street, Temple Bar. With music from the Doors, Plain White T’s and Oasis, as well as his own material every Wednesday. Show starts at 7 pm with no cover charge before 11pm. 5 Why not spend the month of April reading with the rest of Dublin with ‘Dublin: One City, One Book’. Now entering its sixth year, Dublin: this is a project designed to encourage everyone in the city to read the same book during the month of
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April each year. There are exhibitions, extravaganzas, happenings, walks, talks, train rides, art shows, films and a lot more besides. This year’s choice is 'Ghost Light' by Joseph O'Connor. So grab yourself a copy of this enjoyable book and start reading on April 1 and be sure to finish by April 30. 6 Looking for a day of culture? Then head down to Dublin’s Cultural Quarter on Temple Bar and celebrate Handel’s Day on April 13. This is a day long celebration of
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music and history in 18th century Dublin, where from 10am until 12 midnight on April 13, there will be a whole host of free activities for people of all ages to participate in and enjoy. This event will commemorate Handel with a fun and uplifting outdoor event, Messiah on the Street. This year’s programme is expanded to include traditional Irish music; as well as offering dance workshops and an outdoor Movie on the Square. Prices vary. 7 Celebrate Irish and French Literature at the Franco Irish
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What’s the story Rory? By Tina Brescanu
WHAT’S the story, Rory? In a country obsessed by incessant teaching of facts, rather than learning by curiosity and imagination, it’s a joy to see a man who came out from the education system with his imagination skills intact and who recently invented a story cube that help people stay in close touch with their most important tool to a healthy, happy life—imagination. Rory’s Story Cube is based on the Rubik’s Cube but uses icons instead of colours. It’s a storytelling game – an infinite story generator, providing hours of imaginative play for all ages; nine cubes, 54 images, 10,000,000 plus combinations, unlimited stories! Roll the cubes and begin with ‘Once upon a time’ or if you prefer “Once upon a no time” and tell a story that links
Literary Festival from April 8 to 10. The Franco-Irish Literary Festival in Dublin is a meeting place for everyone interested in Irish and French Literature. The theme of this year's festival will be that of Generations. For more information visit www.francoirishliteraryfestival. com 8 Celebrate your love of music on April 8 in Dublin at Love:Live Music. This is Ireland’s National Music Day celebrating all forms of music in Ireland through free nationwide music events. Events on the day range from performances by national performing groups, to busking, music in the workplace events, workshops in schools, and music in public spaces. All genres, all instruments and all levels, from beginner to professional, are welcome to join in the celebration! Along with the various events happening around the country there is a flagship event taking place at the Sugar Club in Dublin at 8.30 with Mick Flannery, the Dublin
together all nine face-up images. Start with the first symbol that grabs your attention. Rory’s Story Cubes can be enjoyed solitarily or by taking turns with multiple players. “I believe everyone is creative but creativity is like a muscle, we need to flex it to keep it active,” says the cubes creator, Rory O’ Connor. O’Connor (36), originally from Lucan, moved to Belfast in 1999, with his partner and three children. He studied ‘Computer Animation and Graphic Design’ in Ballyfermot College from 1990 to1992 and is yet another one of the college’s success stories. Rory came up with the idea of story cubes in 2004 when he was practising creative problem solving which deepened his own imagination. “It’s a tool, you still have to come up with the story,” O’Connor explains. Storytelling is life essential and anyone can become a great storyteller— with Rory’s story
cubes, practice will make perfect. There are two sets - the 'classic' Rory's Story Cubes® and the first expansion called Rory's Story Cubes Action®. “We have another set on the way for next year,” O’Connor says. The Story Cubes sell all over the world; 100,000 sets were sold between May and October 2010 and since last Christmas the cubes were sold out. This is an unprecedented record game launch product.
Rory’s Story Cubes are for everyone and if you want to buy a good value present for loved ones of any age, at any time of the year, these are highly recommended for revitalising the life elixir that imagination is. Replenished stocks can be bought in most bookstores and also on-line. Check out www.storycubes.com where you can also share your stories and also discover other ways to use Rory’s Story Cubes.
Nine cubes, five images, unlimited stories
Guitar Quartet, The Listeners and Michael McHale. These events are free but space is limited so contact Music Network on 7619429 to avoid disappointment. 9 What better way to spend an afternoon than at an exhibition of one of Africa’s most acclaimed and original artists Romuald Hazoumè. The artist is displaying his work at the Irish Museum of Modern Art up until May 15. The exhibition is the first solo show dedicated to an African artist at IMMA and continues a strand of programming, presenting artists from the periphery, whose socially engaged work documents a moment in time in a particular cultural milieu. Visit www.imma.ie for further information and opening times. 10 Spend an evening watching free movies to mark the anniversary of the Mexican Revolution at the Instituto Cervantes. This event runs up until April 13 and films start at 6pm and admission is free.
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Staff Editor: Lynn Corrigan Deputy Editor: Glenn Dowd News Editor: Clare Hartwieg Features Editor: Carrie Bermingham Life Editor: Carrie Bermingham Sports Editor: Andrew McGibney Fashion Editor: Kerri Gibson Zambia Editor: Glenn Dowd Entertainment Editor: Lynn Corrigan Production Editor: Trevor Halpin Image Editor: Jennifer Ormsby Printed by: Datascope Contributors: Tina Brescanu Dean Byrne Jim Clarke Daniel Cleary Arne Eichler Martin Flanagan Colin Glennon Trevor Halpin Emer Kelly Norrie Kivlehan Cliona Leslie Caoimhe Levins Laurence McCormack Ronan McEvoy Christine Moynihan Alice O’Dwyer Colm Ó Muiri Jennifer Ormsby Vicky Sweeney Email: bcfebulletin@gmail.com Facebook: facebook.com/bcfebulletin
Edition 2
April 2011
The BCFE Bulletin
15
Fashion Summer’s hottest hair & make-up
Off the Rails Start planning your summer holiday wardrobe now
By Kerri Gibson MAKE-UP TRENDS: Keeping up with the latest make-up trends is equally as important as keeping up with fashion. Find your look now as we bring you the most popular make-up trends from the spring/summer catwalk. •Bright eyes: Love bright colours? Stand out this summer by adding bold eyeshadow colours such as yellow, orange, pink, green and blue to enhance your eyes. Pair with cat eyeliner and natural-looking falsies. •Bold lipstick: 'Never match your makeup to your dress' is this season’s number one make-up rule. Anything from red, hot pink to orange and coral red will attract maximum attention. •Smokey Eyes: Smokey eyes are a classic make-up style. This summer try ditching your eyeliner and mascara to achieve a stylish faded look. •Au Naturel: To create this flawless look, use concealer and a light foundation. Define your cheeks subtly with a small stroke of pink blush, apply mascara on your eyelashes and allow your lips to remain bare or apply a subtle, naturallooking lipstick.
By Kerri Gibson
Fashion Editor We are aware that it seems a tad early to be planning your summer wardrobe, but since shops such as Penney’s are practically throwing their bikinis at us when we walk into the shop, who can resist! So if you are lucky enough to be jetting off somewhere hot this summer, or even if you’re just chasing the sun down in Courtown, why not start packing your suitcase now? Here we bring you your top summer suitcase essentials:
Bikini: Always choose swimwear that suits your shape and size and if you’re not comfortable in a bikini, choose a stylish 50’s swimsuit or tankini instead. To avoid tan lines, opt for a strapless swimsuit. --
Cat Eye Sunglasses
Maxi Dress:
There is nothing better than a fashionable pair of sunglasses to hide that hangover head as you lie by the pool. When choosing sunglasses, always be sure to keep your skin tone and hair colour in mind. If you have fair hair, softer or pastel shades look great, whereas brunettes get away with more dramatic frames.
It’s back and best of all, the maxi dress is suitable for all ages and available in many shapes. If you want to be on trend this summer, opt for a maxi with a tribal print.
Playsuit: Bring out your playful side this summer with a super stylish floral playsuit. Team with a pair of leather brogues or sandals.
Jumpsuit: There were a variety of different jumpsuits on the catwalk this season. Depending on your personality and mood, you can choose from skin-tight pieces to chic bulky creations. Team with sandals and a hat for day-time and killer heels and a skinny belt for night-time.
Shorts: This summer's must have shorts are a loose fitting and longer style. They look great when teamed with blouses and sleeveless tops.
Denim: 80’s denim is making yet another come back. Invest in a pair of short dungarees that look great with a floral top underneath.
New look summer collection
Statement Jewellery: Summer 2011’s jewellery trends are all about big and bold pieces that are stylish and eye catching. You can transform any outfit with one standout piece of jewellery.
Wedges:
Straw Hat:
Although we love how the right pair of summer sandals can take you from day to night why not sneak one pair of heels in your case. Brown wedges match almost any summer outfit.
Add something special to your look this summer with a stylish straw hat. A must have accessory for lying by the pool and great for keeping the sun away from dyed hair.
Get the Look - Mollie King By Kerri Gibson
Love the style of The Saturdays’ Mollie King? The BCFE Bulletin helps you steal her super stylish look and bring your wardrobe bang on trend for summer 2011, straight from the highstreet.
HAIR TRENDS: The best summer hair trends are fun, sexy and manageable. Hairstyles are becoming more free and casual. Gone are the days where you couldn’t leave your house unless you had super straight neat hair. The ideal hairstyle can complete the look of an outfit, so choose carefully.
Top from New Look €16.99
Shirt from Miss Selfridge €42
•Short: The short boy-cut is one of the hottest styles that will keep you feeling cool and fresh all summer long; celebs such as Emma Watson are sporting it.
Belt from A-wear €8
•Medium: Wave goodbye to the bob and welcome the lob (the longish bob). The Jennifer Aniston-i-nspired hairdo works great with a fringe or waves that scream “yes I just rolled out of bed and look like this.” •Long: Natural-looking curls and sleek perfectly-styled formal buns are a must for long hair. •Colour: Strong colours are huge this season. Turn heads with Lady Gaga’s white blonde or Rihanna’s fiery red.
Wedges from New Look €34
Finish off the look with -
Stacker ring from Topshop €15
Straw Hat from A-wear €12
Sunglasses from Asos.com €15.74
Bag from River Island €48
Bangle set from Asos.com €18.37
16
The BCFE Bulletin
Edition 2
April 2011
Entertainment
Video Review
Single Review
EP Review
Single Review
Book Review
Von Shakes Away From Here
Dave Morrissey Butterfly
Kirby Howarth My Life
Bocs Social Shot One
A Game of Thrones Ask and it is Given
THE four piece Dublin energetic rock band Von Shakes play an unplugged version of their song ‘Away From Here’ on MRU TV. The song is taken from their highly acclaimed debut album ‘The Routine’. The band line up is Paddy Brazel (Vocals), Hue O’Reilly (Lead Guitar) and Cillian McSweeney (Bass Guitar) and absent from the video is Drummer Aaron (Masty) Masterson. Recently the band shared the stage with big name acts like Robotnik in Howth’s K2 venue on March 16. ‘Away From Here’ has a very soft intro and lead vocalist Brazel brings in the mood of the song with some fantastic vocal dynamics. The melody drops and rises and the addition of both Hugh and Cillian on backing vocals sets a very sweet tone to the song, which showcases the amount of pure passion and musical energy Von Shakes has on offer. Catch Von Shakes live at The Workman's Club, Dublin on Wednesday April 6 for the launch of their brand new single ‘My Side’. Tickets only €5.
THIS is an uplifting tune to get you in the mood for springtime and romantic walks in the park - you can almost hear the birds singing in the air in Morrissey’s ‘Butterfly’. Nice and sharp, with some jazzy struts on the guitar that blend well with the soft tone to complete a wonderful song. Morrissey’s voice has a very harmonious tone in this song, capturing the melody and every note with passion and some cool dynamics. He is accompanied by Nicky Keogh on Cajon Drum, who keeps the rhythm to a fine tune with some soft brush strokes in a very jazz orientated style. They work well together on this track, producing a wonderful commercial sound that would suit any radio or television show. Butterfly is the brand new single by Dave Morrissey and will be available for download this summer. Morrissey released his debut album ‘Bring out the light’ in November 2010 and has been promoting it up and down Ireland since it was first released.
UK singer/songwriter Kirby Howarth has been writing songs since the early age of fifteen. His latest EP ‘My Life’ consists of three stunning tracks; the first of which is ‘My Life’, a laid back tune with Kirby singing in a tone reminiscent of David Bowie in his early days. The lyrics are down to earth, deep and sad in parts and in some ways it’s a very nice song about a best mate. ‘She’s Gone’, the second track, is a mid tempo with Kirby singing in an indie punk style tone. The lyrics are fantastic and very easy to listen to and the dirty sounding guitar riffs over such a sweet song are brilliant – it could be good runner for a classic Christmas song. The Final song on the EP, ‘The One’, is almost similar in style to the other two songs, only this time you will hear Kirby singing, rather than talking us through the tune. His voice is excellent and very well composed on this track, in the style of Coldplay meets Kirby Howarth. A cracking EP which is very enjoyable to listen to.
BOCS Social are a seven piece ska/pop band from Wicklow who said ska was dead? Far from it. Bocs Social have been kicking around the music scene now for a few years and adding some new members to their empire of sound. Their new single ‘Shot One’ was released on March 11 and this is only a little taste of their forthcoming album, due for release later this year. Let’s get down to business and turn up the volume and the bottom of the jeans - ‘Shot One’ is pure raw ska to the bone. Music historians will tell you to divide the history of ska into three periods; the original Jamaican scene of the 1960’s (first wave), the English two tone ska revival of the late 1970’s (second wave) and the ska movement (third wave), which started in the 1980’s and rose to popularity in the US in the 1990’s. Well Mr Historian, it’s 2011 and Bocs Social are the fourth wave. Like their lyrics say, the new single “will have you hopping and bopping all day long”.
George R.R. Martin
Esther and Jerry Hicks
WITH Sky Atlantic soon to be premiering HBO’s new series A Game of Thrones, here’s a review of the source material, the first of an ongoing seven part series. Setting the tone for the complex series, Martin has repeatedly stated, this is fantasy for adults; this isn’t Tolkien or middle earth. Set in the seven kingdoms, the main focus of the story is on the powerful stark family, at the appointment of Ned Stark as the king’s hand, an official title that he doesn’t have a choice to refuse. We see him come to Kings Landing and fall into a vast and complex web of deceit, murder and intrigue, as machinations occur in various sections. Ned’s illegitimate son Jon Snow takes vows with a group of soldiers who watch ‘the northern wall’ across the sea and a young princess is sold by her brother, the exiled prince of the seven kingdoms, to the chieftain of nomadic warriors. A game of thrones is dark and complex, but tightly woven together and populated by interesting, dynamic characters.
THIS book is a hands-on course in spiritual practicality. It’s your birthright to live a good life and you don’t have to compete for it, just tune into your own feelings to find out where you are at and where you are heading. We were all born with the ability to guide our own life but slowly lost it by pressure to conform to a society treating us as empty vessels. Our institutions and ideas of life destroys our innate wisdom and this book is a tool in realigning you with your source. The easiest way to get what you want is to imagine the feeling of having it now, which means going back to the beginning of life when we were told to stop pretending and making things up and start practising again. This book is the art of allowing yourself to be all that you want to be - if you can desire it, the universe can produce it, if you allow it by finding the feelings that match your desires with your beliefs. Use your feelings to feel your way back to well-being and allowing, this book is not just a book, it’s a blue-print of you.
Review by Colin Glennon
Review by Tina Brescanu
You can read more reviews at www.musicreviewunsigned.com
Review by Trevor Halpin
Review by Trevor Halpin
What’s Hot
* * * * *
What’s Not By Cliona Leslie
Review by Trevor Halpin
Reviewed by Trevor Halpin
WHAT’S HOT
WHAT’S NOT
Jogging Save some cash for the summer by cancelling your gym membership and go jogging instead. With the evenings getting longer, what better way is there than to head to the park for a jog. Barbeques With the weather picking up, why not gather a few friends around for a barbeque and a few drinks. Spread the cost by getting everybody to bring stuff with them. Blogging Ditch Facebook and Twitter, blogging is the way to go this year. We waste hours every day on social networking sites. Why not spend your hours creating a blog. Express yourself and your opinions and get your name out there.
Facebook checking in Facebook is taking over our lives and now have installed a checking in service. Isn’t it enough that we already put up all our information without informing people exactly where we are every minute of the day? Nobody cares! Going abroad Forget about Ibiza this summer. Why not head to Galway were there is so much more to do and the night life is just as good. If the weather keeps up there will be nowhere nicer. Rebecca Black. Charlie Sheen tweeted about the much hyped popster, saying “Rebecca Black, we don’t hate you because you’re famous. You’re famous because we hate you.” We’re inclined to think that Mr. Sheen does make sense – sometimes!
Book Review
The infamous Rebecca Black
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April 2011
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Entertainment
Posh Pasta Ingredients: 1 large onion (sliced) 1 packet of Parma Ham (torn) 3 cloves of garlic (chopped) 2 tins of tomatoes 1 packet of Basil (roughly chopped) 1 small tub cherry tomatoes 1 small tub of double cream salt and pepper 1 Packet of pasta Method: Fry the onions in a pan until softened. Tear the Parma ham into bite size pieces and add to the onions. When the ham is nearly cooked, add the garlic. Only cook this for a minute or so, don't let it burn. Pour in the tinned tomatoes and mix together. Add some cherry tomatoes. Cook on medium heat until cooked through (if it gets too hot the sauce will reduce too much, if this happens add some water) Season with salt and pepper. Add the basil. Pour in as much of the cream as you like. Cook the pasta according to the packet. When the pasta is cooked, drain it, add it to the sauce and mix together. Accompaniments: Salad Put lettuce in a bowl Add chopped scallions and tomatoes Toast pine nuts by putting them in a dry pan until golden brown and sprinkle over salad Use a light dressing to sprinkle over Bread Crusty bread works well with this dish. Cut a French stick in slices and butter thickly. By L.Corrigan
Vi c ki the Vi s i o nar y A round up of your weekly horoscopes By Vicki Sweeney THIS month an incoming ‘supermoon’ will pass closer to earth than it has done for almost 20 years, bringing with it some very unusual weather patterns. Experts have warned us to expect strong winds and violent rain followed by periods of warm sunshine, which leads me to seriously question their status as “experts”. However you can be safe in the knowledge that when it comes to keeping you informed of the amazing wonders the world has to offer, there is at least one expert who will never let you down. (No not Charlie Sheen, me you idiots.)
Aries (March 21 – April 20)
Cancer (June 22 – July 22)
Laziness is a basic human right. If your lecturer attempts to interfere with this, cake-to-face related violence will be considered self defence in a court of law. Taurus (April 21 – May 21)
Pay special attention to your diet this month. Adding extra ketchup to your breakfast roll is an ideal way of getting two of your ‘five a day’. Leo (July 23 – August 21)
Feeling the pinch? Lodging a sizeable sum of your student grant into your new emailfriend’s Nigerian bank account will bring you a great return on your investment. Gemini (May 22 – June 21) Tip of the week: Mouthwash contains copious amounts of alcohol. *Please drink responsibly
Continuously bored in class? Start a Mexican wave! Virgo (August 22 – September 23) If caught with your best friends other half, blame the gravitational pull of this weeks ‘supermoon’ for your pants being around your ankles and all will be forgiven.
Libra (September 24 – October 23)
Capricorn (December 23 – January 20)
Feeling down lately? Copy the class suck-up’s work, and then report them for plagiarism. Their tears will give you a warm fuzzy feeling inside.
If you find yourself running low on bog-roll, get your flatmates involved in recycling the remainder in a bid to help the planet.
Scorpio (October 24 – November 22)
Aquarius (January 21 – February 19)
Your guidance counsellor will anger you this week by suggesting that becoming a WAG is not a viable career path. Practice empathy and respond with “neither is being a guidance counsellor, but you seem to cope with the stigma so well.”
Spread joy to those around you. Attempt a heartfelt soliloquy whilst in a crowded lift (i.e. give yourself a pep talk - out loud!)
Sagittarius (November 23 – December 22)
Pisces (February 20 – March 20) Spice up your love life this month. What you don’t use you lose. Quite literally – your bits WILL fall off.
According to Genesis 1:20-22 the chicken came before the egg. Drawings by Norrie Kivlehan
Top 5 Facebook ‘likes’ of the week “I failed in some subjects in exams, but my friend passed in all. Now he is an engineer in Microsoft and I am the owner of Microsoft.” Bill Gates.
“Theres always a little truth behind every "just kidding" a little knowledge behind "I don’t know" a little emotion behind "I don’t care" and a little pain behind every "its okay".
“It’s better to be hated for what you are, than to be loved for what you’re not ...”
"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will."
“A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.” John Lennon. By Cliona Leslie
Reeling in the years - 2001 By Lynn Corrigan Editor-in-chief
THE BCFE Bulletin takes a look at some of the highlights from a decade ago. Former president of Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Slobodan Milošević surrenders to police special forces, to be tried on charges of war crimes (1 April). The first legal same-sex marriage in the Netherlands is celebrated (April 1).
‘What took you so long?’ was a number one hit single for Emma Bunton, spending two weeks in the UK charts (April 8, 2001). ‘Survivor’ by Destiny’s Child spent a week at number one (April 22). The ‘Popstars’ album by Hear ‘Say was number one in the UK album charts for over a week (April 1), followed by ‘Just Enough Education to Perform’ by Stereophonics (April 15). Intel introduces the Pentium 4 Processor (April 23). Dennis Tito, the first 'space tourist’ lifts off in a Russian rocket heading for the International Space Station (April 30).
Cartoon by Norrie Kivlehan
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The BCFE Bulletin
Edition 2
Zambia
Two nations
One publication Produced in association with
Evelyn Hone &
April 2011
Edition 2
April 2011
The BCFE Bulletin
19
Zambia
United In Education By Glenn Dowd Zambia Editor
Evelyn Hone College
Representatives from Evelyn Hone meet their Irish counterparts at BCFE ours.” After deciding on the Zambian college, O’Brien sent an email to Evelyn Hone Principal Sam Kangwa, who issued a quick response and thus the link was born with the help of WorldWise, a scheme which is funded by Irish Aid. The agreement included funding to produce a student
newspaper which would contain a Zambian supplement. Since then, the BCFE newspaper has enhanced its reputation with Zambian’s largest college, with students working together over the internet to produce the supplement. O’Brien was keen to stress the importance of the relationship between the two
colleges. He said: “The link is important for developing student’s attitudes and broadening horizons. There’s a view now in education that all education should be global, meaning anyone coming out of education should have a global perspective. One way to do that is link with colleges worldwide” Kangwa visited BCFE in
March with a member of the Zambian Ministry for Education, to learn more about the new courses his college plan to develop and explained how they are constantly learning from BCFE. “The link is very important to us. It is very helpful and we have learned a lot from our friends h e r e , especially when it comes to media. We continue to learn as we are trying to develop a local newspaper. We have a l s o produced a CD that contains both Irish and Zambian traditional music.” Evelyn Hone College offers 39 different courses, including a variety of other subjects such as business, health science and social sciences. No college in Zambia offer the new programmes they are trying to introduce, but with the help of BCFE, they will become the first. The link between both colleges has been a tremendous success so far, with frequent visits between the two. The delegation from Zambia has been over to Dublin three times and BCFE staff has in turn been guests of Evelyn Hone. Last year, O’Brien, Mahony,
“
Fergal Hardiman and Pat Daly all travelled to the Lusaka based college to get a better insight into the way things work there. Hardiman taught the students about various aspects of the media while Daly interacted with the music students. Speaking of the trip, Hardiman said: “It was great to go out there and see the way things are done. It was good to get involved with their students. Their college has around 5,000 students and they teach a surprising number of things. It was a mixture of work and a holiday as we took in some of the great landscape the country has to offer”. There are active lines of communication between the twinned colleges, with Kangwa and O’Brien in contact on a weekly basis via email and phone and Mahony and Daly are returning to Zambia this May to spend a week teaching. Ireland and Zambia are two radically different countries. Sitting on the periphery of Europe, Ireland is more developed than our neighbours in the southern part of Africa, yet distance and differences do not subtract from the benefits both colleges gain from each other.
The link is very important to us. It is very helpful and we have learned a lot from our friends here, especially when it comes to media.
“
BCFE`s recognition on the international stage is set to widen after the college agreed to further develop its link with Evelyn Hone College in Zambia. The link, which originally began in 2008, saw the two colleges exchange information regarding courses they offer in the fields of journalism and music. Now they are diversifying their information further by opting to work together on developing digital media, television and film production, animation and computer games courses, all of which BCFE is well known for. The partnership began three years ago, when Vice Principal Diarmuid O’Brien and project co-ordinator Helen Mahony, set out to twin BCFE with an African college. Speaking to the BCFE Bulletin, O’Brien explained how Evelyn Hone was chosen, when there were so many similar colleges, “We searched colleges throughout Africa and we eventually narrowed it down to countries which Ireland had bi-lateral aid agreements with. That gave us the option of a college in South Africa and in Zambia. We picked the Zambian one as it was more suited and they were offering programmes that matched
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April 2011
Zambia
Zambia’s boxing icon By Dean Byrne
ESTHER Phiri overcame many of life’s obstacles and is now globally referred to as ‘Zambia’s boxing icon’. Born into a large family in January 1987, her father died when she was only in sixth grade in school. Without her father, a business man, to support them, the once reasonably wealthy family, fell on hard times. Phiri moved from her Zambian home town of Lusaka, to live with her grandmother in Mtendere, a poverty stricken suburb and worked in a local market selling food and second hand clothes. She later dropped out of school and became a mother at the age of 16. Through the international NGO Africa directions programme, she got involved in the sport of boxing, when they started a project in her area.
The programme aimed to help with HIV awareness and linked together health care and sports. This was to be the turning point in Phiri’s life. She made her professional debut on July 23, 2005, at the Mindolo Dam in Kitwe, Zambia. She didn’t however achieve a victory in any of her first four bouts and soon learned that life inside the ring was as big a challenge as any she had faced in her life to date. Her record, consisting of one draw and three defeats, after four bouts, was poor at this stage of her career and Phiri considered retiring from the sport. However, on May 6 2006, she had her hand raised for the first time after a split decision, against a debut fighter from Zimbabwe, Patience Master. For Phiri, this was the start of an amazing climb to the highest peaks that the sport of boxing has to offer. She clinched her first belt, the WIBA intercontinental junior lightweight title, on December
2,2006, in Nairobi, Kenya, when she beat American fighter Kelli Cofer. After the fight she said: “I was feeling like I was dreaming,” yet her dreams had now become reality. Her ambitious drive saw her career go from strength to strength and she attempted to unify the WIBA and WBO woman’s junior lightweight championships in a fight that took place in her home town of Lusaka. On January 29,2011, in the packed Mulugushi International Conference Centre, Phiri truly earned the title ‘icon’, as she beat Columbian boxer Lely Luiz Florez after ten gruelling rounds, achieving her goal of unifying the belts. Zambia’s hard hitting queen of the ring is a role model to female athletes around the world. Her legacy will inspire those who dare to dream for generations to come. She came from the most humble of backgrounds and against all odds, achieved her life’s ambitions.
Top: Phiri enroute to another victory Bottom: The undisputed champion
African immigrants are best educated By Tina Brescanu
The future is bright for Africa
AFRICA is all too often described as if it is one country, as opposed to a continent of 53 very different countries, with very different people, languages, terrains, cultures and economic and political situations. It is widely regarded by the scientific community to be the original birth place of humans, the womb of the Earth. Whatever your view point, it makes sense to get to know and make friends with Africa, instead of holding on to a picture of it as a wasteland where there will never be peace. The combined debt of Africa’s 53 nations is only double that of Ireland’s, which makes ours seem immediately more daunting. Twelve of its countries have positive current account balances and of the world’s ten fastest growing economies (2011-2015), seven countries are African countries:
Ethiopia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Congo, Ghana, Zambia, and Nigeria. The other three are Asian countries: China, India and Vietnam. "The Hopeless Continent,”, as it is often called, does not describe every country in Africa, but it could describe Ireland of today for many. African immigrants are the most educated immigrant group in the world and the Diaspora from Africa contribute more in foreign capital than the sum of the World's aid. Foreign investments in Africa’s nations are also higher than foreign aid. In the case of poverty, it is inappropriate to use income as the basis for defining poverty, as many households have a standard of living, without earning an income, either through barter, subsistence, or Diaspora transfers. 17 of its countries have literacy rates that exceed 70%, with 12 at below 50%. In Zimbabwe, Zambia, Swaziland, South Africa, Seychelles, Mauritius, Lesotho, Kenya and Equatorial Guinea, literacy rates
exceed 85%. Digital literacy is also exploding in Africa but is still in need of improvement. Population growth averages around 2.3%, which means that Africa will, for the foreseeable future, have a population which is young, with more people under the age of 20 than over the age of 40 (the case in the developed world). 11 countries in Africa have a population in excess of 30 million people and 27 countries have a population of less than 10 million Only 13 countries have arable land [suitable for growing crops] that exceeds 15% of their land mass, with 23 countries having arable land that is less than 5% of their land mass. The level of infrastructure in Africa is uneven with the vast majority of railways, paved roadways, and airports with paved runways, located in South Africa. Most of the electricity that serves Africa is imported and access to it is very difficult, yet it could be Africa’s sun heating not just African nations in future, but the world’s nation, as
a sun solar system project is taking off in Mauritius. Clearly there are many challenges - tuberculosis, HIV/Aids and malaria pose serious health challenges, with many thousands of people dying every day. Doing business in Africa is complicated; infrastructure in most parts is woefully inadequate and crime, poverty and unemployment loom large in most countries and the skill levels required to drive a modernising economy are desperately short. But political transformation is sweeping through the continent and foreign investment is growing. The markets in Africa are fragmented. The formation of free trade blocks and customs unions is essential if the smaller African countries are to prosper. Alongside that must come economic freedom, media freedom, improved infrastructure, political stability, and the protection of property rights and of course, the rule of law. Africa is still a wounded continent but it is not hopeless.
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April 2011
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Zambia Bulgaria to wipe debt By Colm Ò Muirì
BULGARIA has offered to help rebuild the Zambian economy by striking a deal that would see the African nation pay back some, but not all, of its debt. Zambia borrowed $6.29 million during the communist era, however the Baltic nation are now willing to deduct 77% off what they are owed, should they receive the figure of $1.88 million. The Bulgarian government will give Zambia a year to pay this amount, but if they don’t manage to do so, then the Bulgarians will seek every penny outstanding. However, the Bulgarians have stated that should Zambia pay back the $1.88 million, they would be delighted to see the remainder of the money go towards boosting development in the poverty stricken country. This is not the first time Bulgaria has waived debt owed to them from other countries. In the past two years they have agreed to cut the debt of both Iraq and Syria. These agreements have been made so they can regain some of the money they are owed, because they realise that they will never get the full amount outstanding. Bulgaria also waived all of the money owed to them by Libya, striking off the debt of €41 million in 2007, in exchange for the release of six Bulgarian based medics. The medics, five Bulgarian nationals and one Palestinian, had served eight years in a Libyan prison, after been found guilty of deliberately infecting children with AIDS. They were due to serve life sentences until the intervention of the Bulgarian president, Georgi Parvanov, who pardoned them on their return to Sofia. The debt, which amounts to $8.17 million, had built up during the Bulgarian communist era, when the countries traded money for arms and assistance with construction of roads, factories and technical aid. The deal is yet to be accepted and is awaiting assessment by the Zambian Minister for Finance, Situmbeko Musokotwane. The arrangement is likely to go ahead with the signing anticipated to be later this year. The Chief Government spokesperson said that the government is ready and willing to sit down with the Bulgarian Government to discuss the modalities on how to go about the offer.
Children enslaved to military By Tina Brescanu THERE are over 100 000 child soldiers in Africa according to the United Nations, particularly in Uganda, Liberia, Congo and Sudan. Children are abducted from their homes, from schools and from the street, often never to be seen again. Children also join “voluntarily” in order to survive they get food, clothing and shelter, but they are nevertheless victims. They are taken to training camps where they are threatened with torture if they disobey and often are forced to kill someone immediately. They have to place explosives and learn how to use pistols and rifles. Girls are often forced to satisfy the sexual needs of the soldiers in the camp. Child Soldiers are not only victims in armed conflicts - they are at the same time perpetrators. During their training, they often have to kill friends or members of their own families in order to "harden up.” Children are also used as soldiers because they are more docile than adults and it is easier to train them to kill. This often happens under the influence of drugs and alcohol. One boy recounted, that when he was caught attempting to escape from the rebels; "my hands were tied, and then they
made us, the other new captives, kill him [another boy] with a stick. I felt sick... I refused to kill him [but] they pointed a gun at me, so I had to do it. The boy was asking me, "Why are you doing this?" I said I had no
in my dreams, and he is talking to me and saying I killed him for nothing, and I am crying." Susan, a 16-year old girl reported that she had witnessed several baffles in the Sudan. She recounted that "the
started firing, and the commander ordered us to run towards the bullets. I panicked. I saw others falling down dead around me. The commanders were beating us for not running, for trying to crouch down. I
Child soldiers - victim and perpetrator choice. After we killed him, they made us smear his blood on our arms.... They said we had to do this so we would not fear death and so we would not try to escape. I still dream about the boy [whom] I killed. I see him
commanders...would tell us to run straight into gunfire. The commanders would stay behind and would beat those of us who would not run forward. I remember the first time I was in the front line, the other side
don't know why we were fighting.... We were just ordered to fight." Children who have survived and escaped are now roaming the streets of cities and towns. They have nothing to do and no
one to care for them. They have few skills, are desolate and pose a serious threat to national security as older criminals are influencing them to turn to crime, become gangsters and prostitutes. They have to beg for food and sleep in market stalls or in unfinished buildings with no one to take care of them. As such, they are also easy targets for HIV and AIDS. The Scouts in Sierra Leone, one of many organisations in Africa working to rehabilitate victim of child soldering, are contributing to the solution by re-establishing the rehabilitation and vocational centre for the marginalised children as their Gift for Peace. The project is in its initial stages, and requires further funding. The programme will include exchange programmes and joint projects and exercises with the Sierra Leone Scouts. As well as receiving food, clean water, clothing, cleaning materials, recreational materials, learning materials and health care, the young people will also be taught basic letters and numbers, before being reintegrated into the formal school system. They will be able to learn vocational skills such as tailoring, carpentry, soap making, gara tie dying, construction building, agriculture and food production, which will be of great benefit when they are eventually reintegrated into their communities as self-sufficient individuals.
Struggle against AIDS continues By Daniel Cleary ALTHOUGH Africa only makes up 10% of the worlds population, 67% of the global population of people with AIDS live in Africa, with a daily death toll of 3,600 AIDS sufferers in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is not fully certain as to why AIDS is the leading cause of death in Africa, with 22 million out of the worldwide population of 33 million AIDS sufferers living there. Past theories linked it to the consumption of sexual activity between monkeys and monkey meat in Cameroon. But these theories have been disclaimed amongst Africans because this is not normal practice in African countries. The current theories are based around the idea that colonial horrors of mid twentieth century Africa allowed the virus to jump from chimpanzees to humans and become established in human populations around the 1930’s.
Sadly one of the most strongly inflicted countries is Zambia. Around one in seven adults living in Zambia are suffering with the constant battle of HIV with around 28% of Zambians aged between 15 and 49 knowing their HIV status. Latest figures show that over 75,000 people are diagnosed with the disease every year, which equates to over 200 people a day being diagnosed with this illness. Zambia has been independent for four decades, finding peace, but not prosperity or well being and today it is one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world. Zambia have been granted hundreds of millions of dollars to assist HIV organisations but it has not yet come close to solving the problem as prevalence rates are staying level and have not dropped since the 1990’s, reaching as high as 25% in some urban areas. Unlike a lot of African countries, HIV does not primarily affect the most
underprivileged in Zambia; it is also very common among the wealthier and better educated. HIV is most common in Lusaka and the Central Province, rather than in poor rural populations. The government has taken methods to try and prevent HIV in Zambia and one of those is AIDS education. There are still many misconceptions about HIV and AIDS in the country. In 2007, almost two thirds of people aged between 15 and 24, did not practice the use of contraception due to a lack of education about the risks of unprotected sex. However, there has been an improvement in recent years as the Ministry has opted to better the strategy of AIDS education into the school curriculum. Free treatment of the disease was introduced by the Global fund in June 2004 with $254 million being donated over five years. At the end of 2009, 64% of the 440,000 Zambians needing HIV treatment were facilitated and a third of all health facilities in the country were able to offer the treatment.
Ribbons representing AIDS victims There are many ways to help people living with HIV other than receiving treatment. Some organisations run loan schemes that enable groups of HIV positive people to set up small businesses so that they are able to provide for themselves. Others donate food or establish cooperative vegetable plots good nutrition is essential for people living with HIV. So far Zambia has had notable success in increasing treatment for HIV/AIDS, but it
is vital that prevention programmes are not neglected, but are instead expanded. Furthermore the people must continue to practice the use of contraceptives and partake in awareness programmes Zambia will continue to face colossal challenges in the field of HIV/AIDS prevention and care, but it is hoped that with the continuation of awareness raising and investing in treatment for the disease, HIV can one day be eradicated.
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Sport
April 2011
Beginner’s Guide to Cricket An introduction to the sport that has captured people’s interest since the World Cup By Laurence McCormack BEFORE the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, most people in Ireland would not have been aware that we even had a national team. But following an incredible win over Pakistan, who were the fourth ranked side in the world at the time, and a subsequent entry into the Super Eights, people started to take notice. The players themselves went from being amateur players, who had to work full time jobs to support their passion, to full time professional athletes who could focus solely on the sport. The team and sport received even more recognition following a stunning victory at this year’s World Cup, by beating the old rivals England. Kevin O’Brien became Ireland’s most famous cricketer as he led the Irish to victory and set an ICC World Cup
record with the fastest century (100 runs) ever. One aspect of cricket which tends to throw people off is its seemingly complicated rules and scorekeeping, but it is not as difficult as it looks. In a nutshell, it breaks down as follows; cricket is a team sport, the team which scores the most runs, hence getting the other team out, wins. The ball is made of cork, covered with red leather and weighs a lot more than it looks. The most common form of cricket is Test Cricket, which is played over five days and many people consider this to be the original and only true form of cricket. The game is played on an oval which is basically a large expanse of grass surrounded by a boundary picket white fence. This may seem simple enough, but the grass is meticulously kept at a specific height which is crucial for the travelling of the ball. Many people consider the groundsmen to be the most
The Irish teams performances in this years ICC World Cup has really caught peoples attention important people in cricket. At the centre of the oval is the crease, a paler strip of grass which has three stakes of wood at either end of it, known as wickets. Two smaller pieces of wood known as bails are balanced on the wickets at either end. Two teams of twelve take turns fielding i.e. trying to catch the ball and batting i.e. hitting the ball much like baseball or rounders. There is one batsman placed at either
end of the cricket crease defending the stumps and trying to score runs. Runs are scored by hitting the ball with the willow sculpted bat and running from one end of the crease to another, thus scoring a run. If the ball is hit and reaches the boundary, it is deemed to be four runs, while if it breaks the boundary it’s six runs. Batters must protect their wickets and if the bails are knocked off, you are out,
similarly if your hit is caught, you are also out. Once the tenth batter is out, the innings is over and the runs are totalled; each team has two innings. There are just over 90 domestic cricket clubs around Ireland. It is a sport which endures a poor reputation, but after Ireland’s world cup success over England, many more people are now taking up the sport.
Lieghio running the show in USA Tallaght athlete is making a name for himself and is aiming for London 2012
By Andrew Mc Gibney WITH the 2012 London Olympics nearing, Tallaght athlete Anthony Lieghio is training hard. Speaking to the BCFE Bulletin, the 21-year-old runner said: “I’m living for the Olympics and I feel if I keep fit and keep doing well I’ll be well able to compete at the 2012 games, if I’m selected of course. He is currently attending Iowa Central Community College in America on a running scholarship, where he has been since the start of the college year in 2009 There he has run races in various distances from 400 meters to 3,000 meters and is setting records along the way. Lieghio recently claimed two national indoor titles. He won the 800-meters in 1:53.45 and set a school record in the 1,000-meters in 2:26.70 and he led a trio of ‘Tritons’ in 1,000-metres as Iowa Central was dominant in the event. Before he went to America, Lieghio ran for the Tallaght Athletic Club and his school, Walkinstown’s Drimnagh Castle boy’s school. While in Drimnagh Castle he was one of the school’s most prized and successful students and their Principal
Doctor Raymond Walsh and Lieghio’s former P.E teacher Ciaran Coakley are both proud of the young man’s success and all of his achievements.
“
Anthony Lieghio (centre) has enjoyed great success since moving to the US
including Irish international legends Niall Quinn and Kevin Moran. I have no doubt that he will go on to represent Ireland at the top level, hopefully the Olympics,” he confidently said. Lieghio spoke fondly of Drimnagh Castle and the Tallaght Athletic Club. “I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t join the Tallaght Athletic Club, I owe them so much. And of course my school was a huge help with all the extra races and extra support really helping me as well as giving me the education I needed to come to Iowa.” With the level of competition in America, Lieghio is being tested and pushed to the limit at every race and he is managing to consistently show he is one of the best around. Anthony Lieghio really is a name to look out for in the future. Whether he manages to make it to the Olympics or not, one thing is for sure, he is doing himself, his family and his area very proud.
I have no doubt that he will go on to represent Ireland at the top level, hopefully the Olympics. Walsh said: “We’re all so proud of Anthony here at Drimnagh Castle and all of us here at Drimnagh Castle wish him the best. He’s a nice young man and I wish him all success possible. He is clearly talented and is destined for great things and we always knew that while we were lucky enough to have a boy like him in the school.” Coakley who was also a promising athlete in his youth, was also full of praise for the young runner. “Anthony always was one of the best athletes we had come through this school and that says a lot because we have had some really good athletes
Edition 2
April 2011
The BCFE Bulletin
23
Sport
Can Ireland win this year’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand? News
Aaron Doyle BHND
Natasha Carberry SHNDC
Patrick Ward MJH
John Collins PMC
Patrick Quinn AIH
“Not really no. I think one of the southern hemisphere teams will do it. We just haven’t got the squad.”
“I think Ireland have a good chance. We’ve got some great players and can really push on and do well. We are capable of beating any team.”
“No, either Australia, England or New Zealand because it’s in their home patch. I think we’ll get a quarter final finish.”
“We have an outside chance. If we work hard enough and manage to stay injury free, then we’re in with as much of a shout as anyone.”
“Not really. We’re not playing too well. We have a few great players but not enough to win the World Cup.”
Aoife O’Brien MPM “I think with the coach we have we could do really well. Our Six Nations wasn’t the best but we can do so much Photo: A Mc GIbney
Foy returns to help Know your sport his boyhood club Compiled by Andrew Mc Gibney
2. The Haka 1. Cristiano Ronaldo (31)
16. In which sport do the Chicago Bears compete?
3. Michael Schumacher
15. How many balls are bowled in an over in cricket?
4. England and Australia
14. What was the slogan of the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics?
5. Rafael Nadal
13. Which Swedish team was eliminated from the 2008 UEFA Cup by Saint Patrick’s Athletic?
6. Aintree
12. Which Sri Lankan bowler has been reported for his bowling action on several occasions?
7.David Haye
11. Which American cyclist won the Tour de France in 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002?
8. Snooker
10. Which team is the only Northern Hemisphere team to win The William Webb Ellis Cup?
9. Australian football league
9. What does AFL stand for?
10. England
8. In which sport might you use a 'Rest' and a 'Spider'?
11. Lance Armstrong
7. Which British Heavyweight Champion beat Nikolai Valuev to gain the World title?
12. Muttiah Muralitharan
6. At which racecourse does the English Grand National take place?
ANSWERS
13. Elfsborg
5. Who was the second Spanish player to win Wimbledon?
20. What is Tiger Woods real name?
14. Passion lives here!
4. Which cricket teams contest The Ashes?
19. Which country won the 2003 Rugby World Cup?
15. Six
3. Which record holding F1 driver came out of retirement to join Mercedes in 2009?
18. Which film centres on the 1924 Summer Olympics?
16. American football
2. What is the name of the New Zealand war dance?
17. Athletics
Dublin City. He has also signed former Crumlin United player Ciaran Kenna, who is used to winning top LSL honours with Martin Loughran`s side as well as having the experience of playing for the Irish national amateur side. The young manager has also managed to bring back the club’s other star name. Graham Barrett has returned to his boyhood club after stints in England, Scotland and the League Of Ireland, where he won the league with Shamrock Rovers last year. The club is now in a stronger position than ever and Foy’s goal is clear in his mind, “In a few years I want the club to be in the top league challenging for top honors and hopefully I can get the club to where we want to be.” This really is an inspirational story. He has taken his own experiences which he is lucky enough to have had and is using them for the benefit of the club and the area that holds such great memories for him.
18. Chariots of Fire
KEITH Foy is probably best known in Irish football for his sweet left foot and for scoring a goal in the final of the 1998 UEFA European Under-16 football championship. However, he is known in his local area of Kilnamanagh for a lot more. Along with fellow Kilnamanagh native Graham Barrett, Foy is the most well known player to come out of the Tallaght side. He began his professional career with Nottingham Forest in England, where he signed his first professional contract in 2000. Foy has played 38 times and scored once for the Forest first team, before he left and signed for Doncaster Rovers in 2003. In Ireland he played for Saint Patrick’s Athletic, Dublin City, Monaghan United and Sligo Rovers. Foy has taken his experience with clubs such as the two-time European Champions and is using it to benefit his local club Kilnamanagh AFC, where he is now the manager of the clubs Leinster Senior League’s 1B side. When asked how he felt about his first year in management he said: “There’s an excellent buzz around the club and for my first year it’s going well. I’m still learning and every day I pick up something new.” Since Foy’s arrival at the start of the season the club has done nothing but progress under his guidance. They are currently preparing for the quarterfinal of the Gilligan Cup and the final of the Moore Cup. The Kilnamanagh manager is delighted with the clubs cup success so far. Speaking to the BCFE Bulletin, he said: “When I came to the club I set out targets for the team and to be honest, getting to the cup final wasn’t one of them. But I am obviously happy we made it to the final.” The club recently had its official opening of its new pitch, Ned Kelly
Park, named after one of the club’s founders and Foy’s former managers, the late Ned Kelly. Along with the new pitch there is a flood-lit astro-turf pitch, dressing rooms and a club bar. Two games against Airtricity League giants St. Pat’s and Tallaght side Shamrock Rovers, who are currently the Airtricity League champions,, set off the official opening. Despite two defeats, the unveiling was a great success. Afterwards Foy said: “It was a brilliant weekend. St. Pats showed us great respect by putting out a full strength team. Pete Mahon and John Gill were very impressed with our set up. It was just too bad about the bad result.” There is a real feel good factor around the club with Foy in charge and there are three senior teams, which for the first time in a long time, consist mainly of local players from Kilnamanagh. He has made some fantastic signings including Robbie Collins, famous for scoring the goal which relegated Shamrock Rovers while playing for
17. With what sport would you associate Carl Lewis?
19. England
By Andrew Mc Gibney
1. Which player scored the most goals in the 2007/08 Premiership season?
20. Elrick
Former Nottingham Forest star returns to his former club Kilnamanagh AFC
Sport
Foy returns to club as manager Page 23
Orchard stars making it to the top
Former players from the Ballyfermot club are making names for themselves in Britain By Andrew Mc Gibney Sports Editor
CHERRY Orchard Football Club is one of the most successful football clubs in Ireland and has a long list of players, who have gone on to make careers out of playing professional football. The club has had a link to English Premier League club Manchester City and has had players such as Willo Flood move across the border to the Premiership giants. Flood, the Ballyfermot native, made his breakthrough to the City first team and scored his first goal in a 7-1 defeat of Barnsley in the 2004 League Cup. This Cherry Orchard graduate has moved on to clubs including Cardiff City, Dundee United, Scottish giants
Celtic and is now currently at English Championship side Middlesbrough. Other players to come out of the famous Dublin club include Ireland internationals and Premiership stars Keith Fahey, who began his career with Arsenal, and Glenn Whelan, who like Flood began his career with Manchester City. Fahey is currently playing for Carling Cup champions Birmingham City and Whelan is now playing for Stoke City. After a rough start to his career, failing to settle in England, Fahey returned to Ireland, becoming a fans favorite at St. Pats before giving life in England another go with the Blues. He is one of the best Irish prospects playing football in England and after winning the League Cup he has become only the second player after
Keith Fahey, formerly of Cherry Orchard, is making great progress with Birmingham City and the national team. Tommy Gaynor to win the League Cup in both Ireland and England. Whelan has become a main character in Ireland’s national team with 27 caps to his name. The highlight of his international career came when he slammed home a spectacular goal against the then world champions Italy at Croke Park. Although Cherry Orchard have players making waves in Premier League club’s first teams, it is Chelsea’s reserve team player Conor Clifford who is probably the player with the brightest future ahead of him. Clifford played for Cherry Orchard before leaving for Crumlin en route to current Premiership and FA Cup
Tims up for any challenge By Dean Byrne
New Champ ready for title defence
THE newly crowned Irish cruiserweight champion Ian Tims may be looking at a big pay-day over the next couple of months, as he takes on more competitive opposition. On St Patrick’s weekend, Tim’s defeated Michael ‘The Storm’ Sweeney in the Citywest Convention Centre, after ten gruelling rounds to become the new Irish champion. After fighting on the undercard of Willie ‘Big Bang’ Casey’s disappointing world title fight, the 31-year-old Clondalkin native has bigger plans for the future. Speculation is mounting that Tims could be lined up for a date with an Irish American fighter, with his unbeaten 9-0 streak set to be put to a stern test, if rumours are to be believed. . The fight, if it goes ahead as planned, will take place overseas. Speaking to the BCFE Bulletin, the new champion said: “if the fight does happen, I plan on fighting in America. There is talk of a few Irish boxers in America wanting to fight for Irish Cruiserweight belt and I’d be happy to fight any of them. I said before I’ll fight anyone” Bobby ‘The Celtic Warrior’ Gunn was one of the fighters Tim’s tipped as a possible challenger for his title. The 37-year-old New Jersey native has a record of 21-4-1. Meanwhile a young fighter, with an impressive record of 16 fights, all of which are wins, has also been mentioned as another possible opponent. In the victory against Sweeney, Tim’s appeared to have had a recurrence of the hand injury, which kept him out of action for just over a year in 2005. However, he says that the hand is in good shape and it won’t interfere with his plans to make a big impact inside the ring in 2011. With the speculation around former champion Darren Corbett, along with the demands for a rematch from Sweeney, combined with these new challenges from the States, Tim’s appears to have gotten it right when he stated that the cruiserweight division was heating up.
Guide To Cricket Page 22
champions Chelsea. Clifford moved to London in 2007 and has since captained their youth team to the FA Youth Cup in 2010, scoring the winning goal in the final. During 2009/10 he appeared 10 times in competitive reserve fixtures. He is certainly one to watch and will be undoubtedly a star in the future. Two of the clubs players were thrust into the limelight when they appeared on Football’s Next Star, a Sky1 reality series in which the winner gets a professional contract with Italian Serie A champions Inter Milan. Gavin Colton was eliminated in the penultimate episode of the show with Craig Walsh making it to the final, but
losing out to winger Ben Greenhalgh. The Orchard has 12 schoolboy teams and two Senior Teams. The majority of the schoolboy teams play in the DDSL’s Premier League; the highest league at schoolboy level. The top senior team play in the Leinster Senior League’s top league which shows that the club has strength at every age level, from under-7’s to senior level, with every team looking to win trophies. The Ballyfermot club has such a prestigious past and is sure to have a bright future with new, top class players coming through their ranks every year.