The
Features
Kasabian interview inside
Interview Page 9 &10
Siren
the world according to Chomsky and fisk
The College Tribune 17th November 2009
The Difference is we’re independent
Issue 6 Volume 23
College faces one-day closure l
UCD staff may join strike
l
Protest against pay cuts
Karina Bracken A day off from classes may come to students this Winter with thanks to strikes, not snow. Staff in universities across Ireland will be taking part in the planned national public service strike. This means that students will likely get a day off before exams. Members of the trade unions representing university employees voted strongly in favour of strike action on November 24th. University staff will join other public sector workers in a demonstration against the Government’s plans to cut their pay in the next budget. The Government is proposing to reduce the public sector pay bill by a total of €1.3 billion, which would mean an average cut of approximately seven per cent per employee. Mike Jennings General Secretary of the Irish Federation of Trade Unions confirmed that IFUT’s 2,000 members across the country will be participating. “I can announce that IFUT will be participating in the national strike. It was felt that we had a clear mandate and were obligated to strike in conjunction with the other teaching unions ASTI, INTO and TUI.” “IFUT are meeting with the other teachers’ unions on Monday to devise a common letter to send out to universities and schools serving notice about the strike.” The unions believe that teachers and lecturers have “never before faced such a serious threat to their pay, pensions and terms and conditions”. A joint statement released by the four unions said: “Teachers, lecturers and oth-
Student sleep rough on the concourse to raise money for UCD SVP er public sector workers are being treated as if they are somehow responsible for causing the crisis in the public finances.” “They are angry at how their sector has
already suffered severe cutbacks, both in terms of teacher and lecturer job losses as well as financial support for schools and colleges.” The cuts have already had
“a hugely detrimental effect on the most vulnerable students in their communities and on working conditions of teachers”, according to the statement.
Trouble in the Students’ Union Eileen Gahan Students’ Union Postgraduate Officer Kimberley Foy has resigned from her position, pending official acknowledgement by the Union. Foy made an address at the SU Council meeting on November 9th stating her intention to resign. The speech followed the withdrawal of a motion to secure a vote of no confidence against her.
www.ucd.ie/tribune
Photography by Cathy Buckmaster A representative from SIPTU’s Head Office confirmed that “letters had been sent out to members of UCD SIPTU to that effect.”
l No-confidence motion withdrawn l Postgraduate Officer resigns
The motion was withdrawn after one of the original backers, the Campaigns and Communications Officer Paddy Ryan, withdrew his name. Foy has reacted angrily to the situation. In her address to the meeting she outlined the reasons for her resignation. Following on from this, Foy spoke to the College Tribune about why she felt she could no longer continue in the position. “The first time I heard about the motion was in an email from the President Gary Redmond. Until that moment I had never
had any prior notification that they were unhappy with my performance.” Foy cited “a clear lack of communication” within the Union. “I was seeing Paddy (Ryan) every week and some of the other Sabbatical Officers too. Each of them had opportunities - all the way up until that email was sent - to pull me aside and say something to me and they didn’t”.
INSIDE Continued, pg 2
2
News
College Tribune
November 17th 2009
Vox Pop
Would you buy the Students’ Union naked calendar for Christmas?
Postgraduate officer resigns her position l
Andrew Steyaert
Saoirse Ni Chuinneagáin
“Are they actually doing it? It would depend who’s naked on it but I probably would, for the craic. ”
“Is it men or women? If it’s for charity I suppose I would but I’d keep it hidden in my room.”
Continued from front page
Foy added that, to her, this was unacceptable. In the original motion, the SU listed the reasons why a vote of no confidence was being brought against Foy. Among them was Foy’s failure to run for a seat on UCD Governing Authority. “I was supposed to run for the Governing Authority elections. I asked the Campaigns and Communications Officer to keep me informed on this, which he did not do. Nobody notified me when the election was going on.” A joint statement released by the SU confirmed that Ryan had forgotten to remind Foy. “Nevertheless, this does not negate that fact that she should have sought election, and information about the elections, by herself in the first instance,” stated the SU. Foy contends that the situation evolved to
a personal level. “The fact that there was no prior communication to me, before I was told about the motion, begs a question about motives. As far as I’m concerned, anything like that, any underhanded tactics, demonstrates disrespect.” In reaction to Foy’s statements, the SU President and Vice-Presidents stated: “The sabbatical team did not ‘bully’ the Postgraduate Officer. To re-iterate, the team had taken issue with her performance in a professional capacity.” Foy went on to briefly comment upon the nature of the Union. “If... this is about students being represented, why did no one try to talk to me about it? To me, this just stinks of politics,” she stated. “In general, there is no room for in-fighting... in a Union. There are so many things to struggle against; from grants to rising registration fees,” Foy added
The Sabbatical team has refuted Foy’s statement. “This is untrue. Representation is a core tenet of the SU and nothing will change that. No ‘in-fighting’ is taking place among SU officers. The sabbatical team took issue with the Postgraduate Officer in a professional capacity as it was felt she was not doing her job to an acceptable standard.” Foy, who is also an MA student and USI Environmental Officer concluded: “Essentially I resigned because I just don’t feel I have a place in the Union any more. I honestly feel that if I’m having trouble as Postgraduate Officer I could not ask for help. Ultimately I felt that the treatment afforded to me by the Sabbatical team made it impossible for me to continue working in the Union.”
John Bruton
Brian Bolger
“I haven’t heard much about it. I’d preferably buy it if there were more females. I’d buy it for a girl if they were interested in that sort of thing”
“No, I wouldn’t be interested in buying anything like that. We see their faces enough; I don’t see any reason to see any more of their bodies.”
The College Tribune
The Difference is we’re independent
LG 18, Newman Building (Arts Block) Box 74, Student Centre, UCD Email: collegetribune@gmail.com Tel: 01 716 8501 Editors: Cathy Buckmaster Philip Connolly Design: Philip Connolly News Editor: Karina Bracken Turbine Editor: James Grannell Sports Editor: Colman Hanley Dep. Sports Editor: Eoghan Brophy
Music Editor: Jim Scully Arts Editor: Katie Godwin Features Editor: Sisi Rabenstein Fashion Editor: Aoifa Smyth Photography Editor: Barry Hennessy Copy Editors: Eileen Gahan
Contributors; Niall Dolphin, Christina Finn, Ian Mulholland, David Tracy, Laura McGlynn, Conor McKenna Katherine Creagh, Ashling Maguire
Fiona Kennedy, Aine Keegen, Cathal O’Gara, Aoife Hamill, Kathleen Henry, Noreen Maloney, Caoimhin Millar, Mark Hobbes, Ryan Cullen, Frank Black, David Murphy, Danny Wilson, Caragh Hesse Tyson, Aisling Kennedy, Roe McDermott Jennie Moles, Erika Meyers Special Thanks; Huw and Mark at NWM, Amy and Chantal at Universal, Danielle, Colm and Rory at MCD, Colin Glesson and Caitrina Cody, Asya, Maximillian Connolly, Eddie Buckmaster and Corah Lanigan, Jim Henderson, Dan Oggly, Jordan Daly, Simon Ward, Roe McDermott, Carol Parrington, Dan McDonnell
The College Tribune Wants You If you are interested in writing for this newspaper please do not hesitate to contact us, no experience is required collegetribune@gmail.com
College Tribune
News
November 17th 2009
News in brief Compiled by Karina Bracken
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Language learning hours cut l
Spanish contact hours reduced
l Students against cutbacks
Former UCDSU president in election Fianna Fáil has chosen former UCDSU President James Carroll to contest a seat in next month’s Seanad by-elections. The seat became vacant following the death of Senator Tony Kett. Carroll is currently a Louth county counsellor. Carroll was UCD Students’ Union President in 2005/06 and chair of the University branch of Fianna Fáil. He graduated from UCD in 2007 with a degree in Law.
Buddy mentoring scheme set up A new programme has been launched in UCD to help students with disabilities combat the challenges they face in the university. UCD’s Disability Support Service, in conjunction with the Inclusion Participation Awareness (IPA) Society and the Students’ Union Welfare Office, has set up the Buddy Mentoring initiative this semester. Gerard Gallagher auditor of the IPA society spoke about how “it can be a daunting experience for a student with a disability to come into UCD. So I set up the scheme to get new students in contact with people who had been in a similar situation previously, particularly to help them in the area of socialising.” Disability Officer Tina Lowe said that the DSS was pleased with participation in the programme so far and they welcome more students to take part. For more information contact ipaucd@ gmail.com Better Options UCD’s Disability Support Service will be hosting the ‘Better Options’ graduate fair in Astra Hall of the Student Centre on Thursday December 10th. The aim of the fair will be to inform secondary school students with disabilities about what third level education, and UCD in particular, have to offer. “This unique event will detail the application process for college known as DARE for students with disabilities and will give information telling them everything they need to know about going to college,” stated the DSS. Better Options will be opened by UCD President Hugh Brady. Recycling scheme UCD student residences have received the first set of results from a new recycling programme. The numbers from October show that the Blackrock Campus Residences achieved the highest rate of recycling with 81% of waste being recycled. The other results were as follows: Belgrove 34%, Roebuck Hall 32%, Merville 31%, and Glenomena 23%. The scheme involves segregation of recyclables such as Dry Mixed Recyclables, Glass, and Compost at source and then disposal in the respective bins in the residences’ recycling area.
Cathy Buckmaster UCD’s School of Languages & Literatures has had to reduce hours for language classes in certain subjects, leading some students and tutors to express concern. Maria Bienkowska, first year student of International Spanish, spoke to the College Tribune about the cut backs in teaching hours. “Beginners in a language have three hours per week, while nonbeginners now only have two.” Bienkowska explained how the one-third reduction in hours affects a student’s ability to learn a language. “In language classes, you have to learn the grammar, how to speak, read, listen with understanding and translate. I think that is too much to do it right with only two language classes per week.” In her experience of studying a language, Bienkowska believes that in university “you should have the advantage that you can improve and master a language faster or explore it deeper.” “I don’t think my grades would be affected but I wish we had more Spanish classes so we could have more contact with the language and be taught more in class,” she adds. The Spanish department recently held a Staff Student Consultative meeting to discuss the issue. A person who attended the meeting spoke to the College Tribune
on the condition of anonymity. “There was a student representative at the meeting for each level. Pretty much every year said that the contact hours are just not enough for learning a language,” they said. “Over the years they’ve been cutting the hours back continuously. In fairness, they’re doing the same thing with Spanish that they’re doing across UCD. They look at History or Sociology maybe, and say if you can do that in two hours, you can do a language in two hours,” the source went on to explain. “However, they’re obviously not the same thing. You need to learn facts in one and you need to learn a skill in another, so that takes a lot more time... this means that the degree which [students] are coming out with is going to be much worse in terms of language ability.” Dr. Philip Johnston, the Head of Spanish and Portuguese in the School of Languages & Literatures, confirmed the reduction and explained the reasons behind it. “Well the facts are that as far as Spanish goes, there have been cutbacks in terms of contact hours for students in certain classes. Beginners’ Spanish contact hours haven’t been touched. Where there have been cutbacks are in level one, two and three; non beginners, who’ve had their contact hours cut from three to two.” Johnston commented that the reduction in hours is undesirable: “Well of course any reduction in core contact hours is re-
grettable. But I’m afraid you’re going hear this throughout the university, Ireland and the world. We have cut back our hours. How do we feel about it? We feel very sad.” Johnston went on to explain that the department has worked hard to supplement the reduced hours with other initiatives. “We saw this coming and we have taken other measures to compensate students.” “Firstly, there are strong language based elective modules on offer for students. If they shop around and open their eyes and look through the system, they will see them.” “The second thing is that of course these reductions come very much against the background of having to look at the staffing situation. We have a record number of Spanish students this year which is great. However, I have to also take into account the feelings and professional practices of my colleagues and not to over stress them with too many hours.” Johnston also added that “we have spent a substantial sum of money in purchasing a language learning programme from the Spanish Cultural Institute called ‘Ave’. It is accessible to all students at all levels.” Johnson emphasised that the programme would enhance language learning and students would not be charged for participation. Johnston highlighted the importance of students doing personal study. “Two contact hours a week seems minimal. How-
ever we are in the business of language learning and I have to emphasis the importance of private study. Sometimes you just simply have to sit down and learn.” Professor Jean Michel Picard, Head of the School of Languages & Literatures, also spoke about the reasoning behind the reduction of contact hours and subsequent use of language programmes like Ave. “In terms of the other languages, we would like to move in the same direction for several reasons. All students should have access to other ways of learning languages.” “What is important is motivation. You cannot force people to learn if they do not want to. People have a different pace of learning. At the moment only German and Spanish have moved forward to this system. I suppose it will come to Italian and French too eventually.” “The way that we look at it is not the number of contact hours but how to be more efficient in the teaching of languages,” said Picard, commenting on the benefits of the new system. “It is more efficient but in terms of financial resource, as it’s cheaper to run two hours. On the other hand it’s not a massive difference between two and three hours. We are looking for better use of the time and especially for methods that would be more interesting for the students,” he concluded.
Not acceptable in the 90s l Committee told to remove posters l Under pressure to move Science Day Cathy Buckmaster The Science Day Committee was last week forced to remove posters for their 90s party from UCD’s main concourse. The College Tribune approached the head of the Science day Committee and Science student, James Williamson, to get his thoughts on the matter. According to Williamson, the Committee was ordered to take down the posters because a small bubble on the posters stated there would be ‘Great Promotions’. Societies Officer Richard
Butler told the Committee that this was seen as alcohol endorsement. “He said, if he lets us go ahead with it, then every society can advertise alcohol with out saying alcohol on the poster,” Williamson commented. Williamson said their offer to Butler to cover the offending bubble with stickers, so the posters were not wasted, was rejected and they were accused of “trying to pull the wool over his eyes.” “Last year the Science Day Committee ran a pubathon. On the poster there was a guy holding a pint and that wasn’t allowed. So last year, the chairperson put a Crumlin sticker over the pint and that was allowed.”
The posters cost approximately €300 were advertising a 90s party. All proceeds from the even are going to the cancer research unit in Crumlin’s Children’s hospital. Williamson also alleged that Butler attempted to make the Committee change the Science Day date. “We were asked to move Science Day because it conflicts with Law Day.” “I’ve never had to book Science Day. I spoke to the Dean of Science yesterday, and he said to me that the day can only fall on the Thursday due to most students having labs. This is decided by academic council months before... and I have no power to change it,” Williamson stated.
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News
College Tribune
November 17th 2009
Hair today, gone tomorrow
Cathy Buckmaster
Newly cast Jack Skellington, Dramsoc’s Colm Kenny Vaughn, gets his head shaved in aid of the Student Welfare Fund
One UCD student met with a close shave in the Student Centre last week. Students eating lunch became a munching, unsuspecting audience to the onceoff one-man show. Colm Kenny Vaughn, a 21 year old Arts student, agreed to wet shave his head and bare all to raise money for the UCD Student Welfare Fund. Kenny Vaughn is also the treasurer for UCD’s drama sociey, Dramsoc. Kenny Vaughn revealed the naked truth to the College Tribune. “Well, I’m playing Jack Skellington in Dramsoc’s upcoming production ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’”. “I thought since I had to get my head shaved for the part anyway, that I would
go one step further and try to make an event out of that to raise more money and awareness for the charity itself.” Kenny Vaughn commented on his new bald appearance. “It’s odd, although the massage was great. I had a lot of hair to begin with so I feel an awful lot lighter. My skull actually feels numb. It’s a weird sensation.” “I’m not too cold yet as I’m still indoors but I’ll see how I feel when I get outside. The only lament about the process is that I wish it was done sooner!” he added, commenting on his hair-raising experience. Dramsoc’s ‘The Nightmare before Christmas’ will run from the 23rd to the 28th of November. The play will be showing at 7pm from Monday to Friday. There are also plans for two matinees, at 1pm on Thursday and 3pm on Saturday (TBC).
We’re multiplying l
Recession sees more going to college
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Increase in students, decrease in funding Karina Bracken
The number of students doing honours degrees has risen by over 50% in the last decade, according to the Higher Education Authority (HEA). Two thirds of 18 year olds now go into higher education, compared to two out of every ten in the 1980s. A growing trend of people accessing higher education through routes other than the CAO was also revealed. This includes applications from mature students. A spokesperson for HEA confirmed that economic circumstances have added to the increase. “Some of those who would traditionally be in the workplace are now
realising that there are not the same opportunities there.” While the recession has had an impact, the importance of higher education has been increasing over the last few decades. “This is important in terms of where Ireland is going to be. It includes that much vaunted phrase ‘smart economy’. Many of the jobs that will be there in future will require a high level of specification and skills, so you are going to need to be a graduate,” commented the spokesperson. Michael Kelly, Chairman of the HEA stated: “The system has responded well to this increased demand but will be under significant pressure as we expect that demand to continue to grow.” The rise in the numbers of students partici-
pating in higher education contrasts with the recent reports of cuts in funding to most universities. “The HEA have acknowledged that there have been cuts in funding. We would certainly have concerns if the system was to try to continue expanding without being additionally resourced. What we don’t want to see is an adverse effect on the quality of education provided,” commented the HEA spokesperson. “We think that the bigger picture was lost in the fees debate, in terms of funding higher education. The average annual cost for every student going to third level is approximately €11,000. You can see the problem.”
College Tribune
News
November 17th 2009
5
A sweeping success Cheating causes exam
cancellation l l
MCQ photocopied and passed out Student cites system flaw as reason Cathy Buckmaster
There was consternation among students last week after an MCQ exam was cancelled over allegations of cheating. Students involved reacted angrily as the exam was to be a contribution to their final grade. Students from second year Business & Legal were due to sit the exam when they were informed by the lecturer that the paper had been leaked. The MCQ exam for their Financial Accounting II module had been taken by Commerce students the day before. The exam for B&L students was cancelled when it emerged that those who had sat the paper the day before and those due to sit it had photocopied the MSQ and passed the questions out.
A B&L student who was prepared to sit the exam has hit out at the incident, explaining to the College Tribune why the cancellation occurred and how her fellow students have reacted. “Commerce and B&L each had an exam for the same course, but it was on at different times. We all assumed that because Commerce was taking it the day before us, we would obviously have a different exam. However, the exact same exam was set for both days.” “So it turns out that both Commerce and B&L students photocopied the exam. However many of us were not aware of this as our exam was on at 9am the following morning,” the student commented. “The lecturer found out because these idiots photocopied the exam on school grounds and you can obviously check
the photocopiers,” she explained. The student said that while the lecturer admitted “most people came in ready to take the exam without cheating; she said she couldn’t hand it out because so many had seen the exam. It wasn’t even postponed, it was cancelled.” “Personally, I feel it was a lot of wasted time and stress; to suddenly go in, sit down and be ready to take exam and then to find out it was all for nothing. After all, we got a breakdown for the course at the start of the year. That’s how we looked at setting our study timetables and for this to be uprooted is very unfair,” she added. The student alleged that a similar incident has previously occurred. “A few years back, the same thing happened. From what I understand, last year a new policy was supposedly brought in to prevent a repeat occurrence.”
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Lecturer and chimney sweep swap roles McGuiness urges lecturers to engage more with pupils Jennie Moles
Theatre Q was buzzing on Tuesday evening as both students and staff gathered for the Philosophy Society’s last major event of 2009. Aptly named ‘The Sweep and the Philosopher’ the occasion marked the end of an experiment that saw dedicated chimney sweep Bernard McGuinness and accomplished UCD Philosopher Gerard Casey trade occupations for a RTE Radio Documentary headed by UCD alumnus Joe Kearney. On top of being a lifelong chimney sweep, McGuinness is also an expert on the subject of philosophy, prompting the idea behind the documentary. Casey was taught the skills involved in sweeping chimneys and McGuiness showcased his extensive philosophic knowledge by addressing a crowded theatre as an invited speaker. The lecture was a huge success and extremely impressive because McGuinness had not stepped foot inside an educational institution since he left school when he was thirteen. McGuinness, now in his seventies, is only one of a few philosophers in Ireland who exist wholly independent of university life. McGuinness admitted that standing up in front of the Philosophy Society and speaking was enormously daunting. After the talk Mc-
Guinness revealed that he had learned something during the experience: “I learned I have a love for lecturing and it is something I would love to do”. Casey said he thought McGuinness was remarkably calm as he delivered his speech. The lecturer later quipped that public speaking is “the second most terrifying thing a person could do after marriage.” Casey gave the academic 8/10 for his sweeping skills. McGuinness also shared some valid thoughts on what qualities he considered important when teaching, the most prominent of these being captivation. Mc Guinness discussed how many intellectuals have mounds of information but cannot engage with their pupils and he believes it is essential for teachers to get their students attention because learning must be an amusement. This was something that McGuinness had no problem doing during his lecture as his informal but commanding deliverance drew the audience in. He provided a refreshing combination of philosophical and personal information, mixed with humour and fact, causing him to connect with the spectators. The occasion had a warm and cosy atmosphere - the perfect way to brighten up what was for others a dull and biting November evening.
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Focus
College Tribune November 17th 2009
Students sleep rough for charity
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SVP raise awareness of homelessness Erika Meyers
At seven degrees the world can feel even colder when there is no bed to lay your head on at night. Dozens of members of UCD’s St. Vincent de Paul Society experienced this last week to raise awareness and some cash for charity. For four nights students camped outside of the James Joyce Library with little more than cardboard and sleeping bags for comfort. With a goal of earning €8,000, many UCD students donated generously. All of the money raised by UCD SVP will go towards combating homelessness and setting up shelters. With over 600 members, the SVP society is one of the largest student societies on campus. Members have taken an active part in helping the homeless around the streets of Dublin through soup runs. Food items such as chocolate, sandwiches, tea and boiling water are bought and distributed around various routes through Dublin. The goal of the sleep out was not only to raise awareness about homelessness in Ireland, but to also earn funding for their soup runs in the City Centre.
St. Vincent de Paul Society Public Relations Officer, Maelíosa Ní Almhains, has been volunteering for three years on the soup runs so she has experienced first hand the effects of homelessness. “A lot of homeless people are victims of abuse and do not deserve to be ignored or overlooked. A lot of people think they’re just addicts. But there is also job loss and depression.” According to the Homeless Agency, 2,366 adults were homeless in Dublin last year, which is a 4% increase since 2005. Further research by the Homeless Agency shows that almost half of the adults became homeless for the first time between March 2005 and March 2008. Even with an ongoing recession and unemployment around 12.5% in October 2009, there are still sceptical people unwilling to give their money to people on the street for fear it will only be spent on drugs and alcohol. “If you’re going to donate something to someone on the street, give them a food voucher,” Almhain suggested. “It’s not that they don’t make good money on the Ha’penny Bridge,” she continued. “They just don’t always make good decisions with it. Our soup runs keep them alive longer so they have the ability to make better decisions another
The UCD Unicare program is a community approach to promote personal safety for all students, staff and visitors through awareness, partnership and prevention. Visit www.ucd.ie/unicare for tips how to:
· stay safe when you are out and about on your daily business around campus; · how to keep your bike, laptop and other belongings secure · what to do in case of an emergency Information about : o Walk Alone service o Campus Garda Office o Lost and Found o How to organise an event o ICE campaign
Focus
College Tribune November 17th 2009
7
Irish Drug habits
Of UCD students: 50% have tried cannabis 4% have tried heroin, 40% believe drug use is acceptable among students
The drugs don’t work Philip Connolly Reports in the past would have you believe that Dublin is a den of equity and students are particularly susceptible to the lure of the drugs trade. However, it turns out that the recent recession may have one positive effect after all. According to Sergeant Brian Roberts of the Garda National Drugs Unit, the current economic climate has adversely affected the Irish drug trade. The College Tribune spoke to Roberts about the clearing of the purple haze. “The fact people have less disposable income is causing a drop in some forms of drug con-
sumption,” maintains Roberts. Roberts says his unit has seen a decrease in recreational drug use. “Those who only used narcotics casually don’t have as much money so they don’t tend to buy as much as they would. It is a sad fact but the amount of drugs, such as cannabis or cocaine, sold tends to go up in boom times. Students would normally fall into this category.” However, this isn’t to say that attitudes towards drugs have necessarily changed. At the moment, it just appears to attitude toward the price. In an independent survey conducted by
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Recession hitting drug trade
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40% Students find drug use acceptable
the College Tribune last semester, 40% of students stated that they felt drug use was acceptable among students. Half of the student population has tried cannabis. This is compared to a national average of around 22%, which is the eighth highest rate in Europe. Roberts and his unit have looked at the effects of cannabis. “Is cannabis a gateway drug? Well in truth most people who try it won’t go on to use any other, more potent substances - you can see that in the statistics.” “However, it does remove many of the inhibiting factors. A person has already taken certain steps; such as consuming something illegal, often sourcing illegal drugs, and also consuming something that can alter you state of mind,” said Roberts. Cocaine presents a different problem, according to Roberts. “It is evident that there are two distinct profiles of cocaine user. Firstly, the social user who uses cocaine in conjunction with alcohol, ecstasy or cannabis, and secondly, the user who uses cocaine in conjunction with opiates. 61% of 223 crack cocaine users treated in 2007 also used opiates.” “One in every five cases treated for problem substance use between 2002 and 2007 reported cocaine as a problem drug. Cocaine is most often cited as an additional drug, most commonly used alongside opiates, alcohol or cannabis.” “The majority who reported cocaine as their main problem substance used it on two to six days per week, which would indicate that cocaine may be used as a weekend drug or as part of a binge,” stated Roberts In the College Tribune survey, only 4% of
UCD students admitted to using heroin when surveyed. In comparison with the 50% that admitted to smoking cannabis, it demonstrates that use of cannabis seldom led to the use of heroin. This is not to say that there is not a problem with heroin in wider society. It appears that the recession has not stopped Irelands heroin flow. For example, Mountjoy prison guards have stated that around 80% of prisoners use heroin, and they cite the drug as one of the main causes of crime in Irish society. “Heroin is one of the most addictive substances; it becomes a chemical addiction rather than a psychological one. It isn’t affected by the recession because those who take it often end up resorting to crime to support their habit. It would be rare enough among a student population,” explained Roberts. Ireland represents 1% of Europe’s “problem opiate users”, i.e. those addicted to heroin and other substances. The latest Irish figures indicate that there are between 13,405 and 15,819 people that could be termed problem opiate users in Ireland. Recent state reports related to drug consumption show that those treated for cocaine use were from a mix of social backgrounds, while treated opiate users tended to be from more deprived socioeconomic backgrounds. For example, the proportion of treated cocaine cases in employment was higher than that of treated opiate cases, 35% compared to 13%, and the proportion of treated cocaine cases that left school early was lower than that of treated opiate cases, 15% compared to 25%.
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Ireland represents 1% of problem opiate users in Europe. The latest Irish figures indicate that there are between 13,405 and 15,819 problem opiate users in Ireland
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In Ireland there is a higher than average increase of heroin seizures, with 660 seizures during 2003 compared to 1,698 in 2007
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Frequent or heavy young alcohol users were twice as likely to use cannabis or cocaine; this is lower that the European average but may be explained by the higher proportion of frequent or heavy drinkers in the Irish population
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70% of drug users entering treatment in 2008 reported problematic use of two or more drugs; this is higher than the reported experience across Europe
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Amphetamine use in Ireland is uncommon and the proportion of adults who reported using amphetamines in the last year remained stable at 0.4%, when compared with the previous survey in 2002/2003
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Three in every five cases treated for problem drug use between 2002 and 2007 reported an opiate, mainly heroin, as their main problem substance
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One in every five cases treated for problem substance use between 2002 and 2007 reported cocaine as a problem drug
8
Features
International
College Tribune November17th 2009
Manufacturing Dissent Before addressing the students of UCD, renowned academic Noam Chomsky spoke to Philip Connolly about America’s role in the world, and the media that conspires with it Sixty books, hundreds of academic papers, thousands of lectures, interviews and talks over five continents and five decades: at 80, Noam Chomsky is an intellectual, cultural and personal phenomenon. When he spoke in Dublin recently, thousands of people battled for tickets to attend his lectures. Chomsky is the child of working class Jewish refugees from Tsarist pogroms, and has spent much of his career lending his academic prestige to a relentless campaign against his own country’s barbarities abroad. Not surprisingly, he has been repaid with either denunciation or, far more typically, silence. Indeed, his books have been banned from the US prison library in Guantánamo. You’d hardly need a clearer example of his model of how dissenting views are filtered out of the western media, set out in his 1990’s book Manufacturing Consent, than his own case. But as Chomsky is the first to point out, the marginalisation of opponents of western state policy is as nothing compared to the brutalities suffered by those who challenge states backed by the US and its allies in the Middle East. We meet in on a Tuesday morning between a schedule of lectures and talks that would be punishing for a man half his age. At the podium, Chomsky’s style is dry and low-key, as he ranges without pausing for breath from one region and historical conflict to another, always buttressed with a barrage of sources and quotations, often from US government archives and leaders themselves. But in discussion he is warm and engaged, hampered by slight deafness, the only time his age seems to show. As generous with his time as a man with his schedule can be, expecting no more than 20 minutes, almost an hour flew by in the serene surrounding of a sun lit drawing room of his Dublin hotel on an unusually bright November day. The trouble with meeting one of the world’s foremost dissident voices, is really where to start. The morning of our interview the newspa-
per headlines were dominated by the story of some 5,000 people gathered in Knock in the hope of seeing an apparition of Our Lady. He uses this analogy to explain George W. Bush, as someone who believes wholly in what he is saying, despite it seeming nonsense to the rest of us. Not that he believes much has or will change under Obama. “As Obama came into office, Condoleezza Rice predicted that he would follow the policies of Bush’s second term, and that is pretty much what happened, apart from a different rhetorical style, but it is wise to attend to deeds, not rhetoric. Deeds commonly tell a different story,” it is clear that Chomsky for one has not been taken in by Obamamania. “There is basically no significant change in the fundamental traditional conception that we if can control Middle East energy resources, then we can control the world”. Chomsky said that a leading doctrine of US foreign policy during the period of its global dominance is what he termed as “the Mafia principle.” “The Godfather does not tolerate ‘successful defiance’. It is too dangerous. It must therefore be stamped out so that others understand that disobedience is not an option,” because the US sees “successful defiance” of Washington as a “virus” that will “spread contagion,” he explained. The veteran activist has described the US invasion of Afghanistan as “one of the most immoral acts in modern history”, which united the jihadist movement around al-Qaida, sharply increased the level of terrorism and was “perfectly irrational – unless the security of the population is not the main priority”. Which of course, Chomsky believes, it is not; “States are not moral agents,” he says, and believes that now that Obama is escalating the war, it has become even clearer that the occupation is about the credibility of NATO and US global power. This is a recurrent theme in Chomsky’s thinking about the American empire. He
argues that since government officials first formulated plans for a “grand area” strategy for US global domination in the early 1940s, successive administrations have been guided by a “godfather principle, straight out of the mafia: that defiance cannot be tolerated. It’s a major feature of state policy.” “Successful defiance” has to be punished, even where it damages business interests, as in the economic blockade of Cuba – in case “the contagion spreads”. The gap between the interests of those who control American foreign policy and the public is also borne out, in Chomsky’s view, by the US’s unwavering support for Israel and “rejectionist” of the two-state solution effectively on offer for 30 years. That’s not because of the overweening power of the Israel lobby in the US, but because Israel is a strategic and commercial asset which underpins rather than undermines US domination of the Middle East. “Even in the 1950s, President Eisenhower was concerned about what he called a campaign of hatred of the US in the Arab world, because of the perception on the Arab street that it supported harsh and oppressive regimes to take their oil.” Not that he spares the American mass media; “I watched a panel in NBC recently, discussing Afghanistan, each one saying there was no way Obama could leave, that it wasn’t on the agenda and no one was thinking that. Well how about 60% of the American population. Or what about the people of Afghanistan, what do they think.” Chomsky mocked the idea presented by mainstream media that a future-nucleararmed Iran may attack already-nucleararmed Israel. “The chance of Iran launching a missile attack, nuclear or not, is about at the level of an asteroid hitting the earth -- unless, of course, the ruling clerics have a fanatic death wish and want to see Iran instantly incinerated along with them,” Chomsky further explained that the presence of US anti-missile weapons in Israel are really meant for preparing a
possible attack on Iran, and not for selfdefence, as it is often presented.” The systems are advertised as defence against an Iranian attack. But ...the purpose of the US interception systems, if they ever work, is to prevent any retaliation to a US or Israeli attack on Iran -- that is, to eliminate any Iranian deterrent,” “There is a lot of comparison between opposition to the Iraq war with opposition to the Vietnam War, but people tend to forget that at first there was almost no opposition to the Vietnam War,” said Chomsky. “In the Iraq war, there were massive international protests before it officially stated... and it had an effect. The United Sates could not use the tactics used in Vietnam: there was no saturation bombing by B52s, so there was no chemical warfare - (the Iraq war was) horrible enough, but it could have been a lot worse, and furthermore, the Bush administration had to back down on its war aims, step by step, It had to allow elections, which it did not want to do: mainly a victory for nonIraqi protests. They could kill insurgents; they couldn’t deal hundreds of thousands of people in the streets. Their hands were
tied by the domestic constraints. They finally had to abandon - officially at least virtually all the war aims,” said Chomsky. “As late as November 2007, the US was still insisting that the ‘Status of Forces Agreement’ allow for an indefinite US military presence and privileged access to Iraq’s resources by US investors - well they didn’t get that on paper at least. They had to back down. OK, Iraq is a horror story but it could have been a lot worse,” Chomsky stressed, however, that despite all the obstacles, public pressure can and does make a difference for the better, urging people to continue activism and spreading knowledge.” There is no reason to be pessimistic, just realistic. Public opinion is shifting substantially.” In conclusion of one of the lectures, Chomsky once quoted Antonio Gramsci who famously called for “pessimism of the intellect, optimism of the will.” He left me with a quite smile and a less grand, but equally eloquent statement, “there is always hope.” Somehow it seems much more reassuring from his mouth than certain other famous Americans prone to grand speeches.
College Tribune
November 17th 2009
The age of the warrior
One of the world’s most decorated journalists, Robert Fisk, spoke to Philip Connolly about the state of the Middle East, and the western media’s misrepresentation of it
Features “All I have is a voice, To undo the folded lie.” The words of W.H Auden seem an apt description of the work of Robert Fisk. The most decorated British foreign correspondent, Fisk has been based in the Middle East for the last twenty-five years, and his knowledge of the area is unparalleled. Working for the British Independent newspaper he has interviewed Osama bin Laden three times, once in the Sudan and twice in Afghanistan, Bin Laden seemingly believing he is the only western journalist he could trust to be fair. In an article printed on September 13th 2001, Fisk prophesied; “A slaughter by the U.S. in retaliation for the New York and Washington bloodbaths might just move the Arab masses from stubborn docility to the point of detonation.” As a man Fisk is not one to suffer fools lightly, as I found out to my peril. In nervously mispronouncing Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organisation Mahmoud Abbas as Mohammed Abbas, Fisk was quick to correct me. I need not have feared; Fisk is a warm individual who is thoughtful in his answers and generous with his time. With a unique ability to mix first hand reporting with on the spot analysis, Fisk has become one the most trusted voices on the Middle East, and is unrelenting in his criticism of those in power. Yet in truth he is a storyteller at heart, one who values the truth more than anything, and his own definition of what a journalist should be says more about the man than any profile ever could; “my belief is that our job as journalists is not to be unbiased and neutral between two conflicting sides, our job is to be unbiased and neutral on the side of those who suffer”. Fisk has no fear of taking on those in power, as he has demonstrated many times. “I was very struck once when I was in Iraq, after the American invasion, and I was on a radio show with Richard Pearl, the Prince of Darkness (a political advisor to George W. Bush). I was condemning America for this totally illegal Invasion and the deaths it was causing, and he suddenly started shouting that Robert Fisk was a supporter of the Baathist regime. I said you know, I have accused Saddam, from Baghdad, of the mass rape of political prisoners’ wives at Abu Ghraib, and I was deported from Iraq and refused any future visas. While your mate Donald Rumsfeld was in Baghdad, shaking hands with this mass murderer and asking could he reopen the American embassy.” So why are those in power often so ignorant? Fisk states that, unlike those politicians who served in the first and second world wars, the current incumbents have little grasp on the true costs of war; “one of the problems we have at the moments is that none of our politicians have ever been in a war. None of them today have any understanding of war; I mean Bush was defending the skies of Texas during Vietnam. None of them have any knowledge and they hate us who do have knowledge and we protest about it.” For those looking to understand the Middle East from western society, it can be difficult to wade through the political agendas and speech and get a true sense of what is happening. Fisk seems to be one of the few who question the politics behind the western media’s reporting of the region. “If you want to look at unfair reporting, look, since 1948, at the reporting of the tragedy of the Palestinians. When someone like Madeline Albright (former American secretary of state) stated during the crushing of the Intifada (Palestinian uprising against Israel) that Israel is under siege and the papers go along with this, it seems as if Palestinian tanks are in Tel Aviv or Palestinian F-16 fighter jets are bombing Haifa, yet it’s the other way around. Editorials went along with this, and then you know something is seriously wrong with our reporting of the Middle East. Only if you go as genuine neutrals to sort this out, neutral on the side of those who suffer, will there be any kind of hope that outside interference can have a beneficent result, instead of the result which we now have which seems to be us going there with all our tanks announcing democracy and freedom and then staying on.” “What are we doing in Afghanistan for heaven’s sakes? We’re going to stop the Taliban coming here? Most of the 9/11 murderers came via Hamburg and almost all were Saudi citizens, but we didn’t bomb Saudi Arabia. Who did the July 7th 2005 bombings
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in London? They were all born in the United Kingdom. The idea that members of the Taliban are going to come ashore at Dover or Rosslare, hiding their Kalashnikovs in their golf clubs is preposterous.” The western public derives most of its views on the Middle East from this media coverage, so how do the attitudes of the western press reflect the statesman elected to represent us? “They make the same mistake that politicians do; they seem to think that people in the Middle East don’t know what’s happening in the world. They adopt the line that many politicians do, that we need to go there and teach the people democracy, and then they slot people into moderates and extremists. If we did that to our society, it wouldn’t make any sense at all. We could but it wouldn’t reflect how we live.” “Even in articles we are constantly wagging our fingers at Muslims, we tell them ‘you’ve got to be part of the modern nation, you’ve got to give up believing the literal reading of the Koran, you’ve got to give up extremism and turn to moderation’” yet the west has 22 times the amount of military personnel that we did at the time of the crusades, and were killing tens and tens of thousands of Muslims. And we’re telling them how to behave? It’s not difficult to radicalise someone if you bomb them and invade their country.” “If you look at editorials, it’s as if we’re talking to a slightly backward or retarded people. We talk to them like that and our politicians lecture them like that. I’ve always been struck with the way politicians, even British politicians, will come to speak at the American University in Beirut and they will start laying down British policy on the Middle East, and they’ll be laughed at, the entire audience will break out in laughter. You may have to take the stuff in Britain, but you can’t take it out there.” Fisk has written at length on how much of contemporary conflict has its origin, in his view, in lines drawn on maps; “After the allied victory of 1918, at the end of my father’s war, the victors divided up the lands of their former enemies. In the space of just seventeen months, they created the borders of Northern Ireland, Yugoslavia and most of the Middle East. And I have spent my entire career, in Belfast and Sarajevo, in Beirut and Baghdad, watching the people within those borders burn.” He still primarily resides in Lebanon, so how does the view from the west mirror his home? “I can in Kabul, Baghdad or Beirut and listen to politicians such as Bush or Blair, Brown or Obama, and the Middle East they talk about is not the Middle East I’m living in, it’s not the same place.” Is this more a case of arrogance or ignorance? “It’s both; I think we’ve all grown up thinking that the age of enlightenment gave us certain freedoms. I remember the BBC was reporting on a summit, in Marrakesh I think, where everyone was in conflict with everyone else. The BBC reports said that it was ‘furious even by Arab standards,’ I mean, we in the west had two catastrophic world wars in the past century, the Arabs didn’t do that. We now have decided that after World War II that we’re so wonderful, we’ve got the UN, the EU and International Red Cross protocols of 1948. First of all it’s as if Arabs, or Muslims in general, weren’t involved in this and secondly as if they don’t understand it themselves. At the end of the day our reporting treats these people as if they are less civilised than us westerners, which is very offensive of course.”
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Features
National Science
In the Drunk Driving Seat
College Tribune November17th 2009
With Christmas not far and road safety being in the public eye, Charles O’Donnell speaks with two different sides of the drink driving debate, Michael Healy-Rae and the RSA Road traffic accidents are one of the biggest killers in Ireland. In the eyes of most, the blame lies on human error and human irresponsibility. However, when you see three Irish families taking a case regarding road deaths to the EU against the Irish Government, blaming the poor state of the roads as cause of death, it poses a serious questions. Is drink driving legislation is tackling the real problem? and if a reduction in the drinking driving limit from 80 mg to 50 mg is really going to make a difference? The Irish Times have reported that there were 40 less deaths on Irish roads this year than figures for the previous year. Noel Brett, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority is adamant that the decrease in the legal blood alcohol level will save lives, “All available evidence from research indicates that reducing it to 0.05 will reduce the incidence of road collisions and consequently will save lives and prevent serious injuries.” “When the limit was reduced from 0.08 to 0.05 in New South Wales, fatal collisions fell by 8% and serious collisions by 7%. In Queensland, fatal collisions fell by 18% and serious collisions by 14%. Analysis provided by the Policy Advisory Panel to the RSA indicates that between 5 to 10 lives and 50 to 100 serious injuries could be avoided annually.” Cllr. Michael Healy-Rae has a different view of it, “They are sending out a mixed message across the country. They are saying that you should never ever drink and drive, right?” “And at the same time they are going around to the legislators looking to get a reduction in the limit; why aren’t they looking for it to go to zero. Would they make up their minds; do they want it at zero or do they want it at fifty?” “At the end of the day, is what they are doing going to reduce deaths and I honestly don’t think so. What I think it will do is will lead to the final demise of the Irish rural pub. A way of life we have had in Ireland back over the years.” Healy-Rae makes the point that this law punishes certain people unfairly; people who were never involved in an accident before and whose only means of transport is by car. “It is not the person who is having a few pints that is causing the deaths; it is speeding and its other factors.” “Especially in rural Ireland and they are the victims in all of this. People are terrified in the countryside as it is; they are prisoners in their home. Their only social outlet is sadly gone from them.” These people Healy-Rae speaks about should always be respected and acknowledged in the debate, however, legislation cannot be two tiered between those who Healy-Rae thinks should be allowed to drink and drive and those who he thinks don’t need to. If a reduction will make a difference; it has to be made even if that punishes some people. Brett adds, “Analysis provided by the Policy Advisory Panel to the RSA indicates that between 5 to 10 lives and 50 to 100 serious injuries could be avoided annually. When this is combined with other enforcement activities, particularly a reduction in average speed across the road network, the figures for lives saved and serious injuries prevented will increase.” Brett concludes, “We know that there are some people out there who simply don’t know the facts about drink driving. But we also know that there are people out there that are intent on putting out incorrect information, inaccurate data and simply untrue state-
ments about drink driving. It’s time for us to provide people with the facts.” “It’s estimated that alcohol is a contributory factor one in three fatal collisions. At the current limit, you are six times more likely to be involved in a collision. This is also a fact. But the most important fact of all is that lives will be saved by reducing the drink drive limit. What is more important, a life saved, or a drink had?” If it is a fact, that this new law will save lives, the debate between the two really comes down to the choice of saving lives or maintaining people’s freedom to drink and drive at the current limit, in which case the decision is simple.
Key Drink Driving Statistics A recent study of the years 2003 to 2005 by the HSE on drink driving Ireland found that in this three year period: §
1 in 3 crashes were alcohol related
§ Where BACs were available for killed drivers over half (58%) had alcohol in their blood § In 1 in 4 crashes, the driver had consumed alcohol § 1 in 4 pedestrian deaths related to their own alcohol intake § The research confirms that weekends through to Monday continue to be the high risk period for alcohol related fatal crashes § 1 in every 2 alcohol related crashes occur on Saturdays and Sundays § 2 out of every 3 alcohol related crashes occur between 10pm on Friday night and 8am on Monday morning.
Drink Driving – Fast Facts: • 87% of the public say that drinking and driving is extremely shameful. In fact they say it is more shameful than speeding, shoplifting, adultery and tax evasion. • The UK (.08) and Malta (.09) are the only other EU countries with the same of higher drink drive level compared to Ireland. • All of the available evidence from research indicates that reducing the legal limit of BAC(Blood Alcohol Content) from the current limit of .08 to .05 will reduce the risk of being involved in a road traffic collision and consequently will save lives and prevent serious injuries. • Ireland is among the highest alcohol consuming countries in the EU according to research published on November 1st 2007 by the Health Research Board. • Any amount of alcohol impairs driving and increases risk – so the only safe advice is to NEVER EVER DRINK AND DRIVE. • The aim of the Governments Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012, is to reduce collisions, deaths and injuries on Irish roads by 30%. This means 400 lives could be saved by the end of 2012.
College Tribune
Features
November 17th 2009
Health
Defeating doubt and beating breast cancer
Gaeilge
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Cathy Buckmaster talks to a woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer at only 35 about her experience of every woman’s worst fear Finding a lump is among many women’s worst fears. The thought that this illness can jeopardise your chances of having children, your femininity and even the right to your life is an exceptionally traumatic experience. Mary Taylor, a survivor of breast cancer, was diagnosed when she was only 35. Now 43, she has a three month old baby and volunteers with Breast Cancer Ireland. Taylor explains her experience of being diagnosed; “Before I was diagnosed, I actually did go for regular check ups and that was the one thing that fell through the cracks. I did have a check up and asked specifically about the lump that I felt but I was told the thing that I was worrying about was too small and too soft to be anything of concern.” “So, I took it that I didn’t have to worry about that. It was only about a year later when it had gotten harder so I went back to the doctor and I was again told it was nothing to worry about, it was too soft.” “But, because I was upset at the time and was worrying, they sent me to breast check and in Vincent’s and they knew straight away. I would suggest go with your instinct. If you really feel its worrying, get a second opinion or go to the breast clinic.” Although distinctly young when she was diagnosed, Taylor claims the more she learns, that it isn’t that unusual. “Well I was 35 but you know, because I’m a volunteer now, I’m finding a lot of young women are affected. They’re only in their thirties, or early forties that I would be calling. It’s not as unusual as I thought.” She goes on to explain about her reaction to her own diagnosis and the unusual information she discovered; “I was surprised when I found out, as were my peers, friends and colleagues who all thought it was very unusual but now I see it doesn’t appear to be that unusual.” “In fact I read a statistic that suggests that the east coast of Ireland has one of he highest rates of breast cancer in the world. I don’t know what it’s to do with but it’s something I’ve remembered because of the high rate. It could be Sellafield, but it can be anything from the geology of an area as well.” My doctor at the time recommended I read a book, by Professor Jane Plant; suggested not eating any dairy. She had breast cancer and it was five times that it came back on her so she stopped eating dairy completely and the lumps disappeared almost immediately.” Taylor’s immediate response to finding
out she had breast cancer was complete disbelief as well as a need to maintain some control. “I suppose utter shock and disbelief were the first response for starters. I couldn’t believe it could happen to me, so young and just anger really, frustration that I didn’t really know anything about it except how much it was going to change my life and there was no turning back.” “It wasn’t a choice of mine. It just happened and that was it. So just trying to deal with it and trying to get all the information you could so you could retain some control.” Not having a partner can be difficult but Taylor goes onto explain the difficulty of the experience of being diagnosed without someone to lean on. “I was single at the time. Certainly as a single person, even though your family are a great support, you feel very alone in it.” “I suppose your future seems like it is in the air; opportunities then seemed very limited. However after saying that, it was completely the opposite. But at the time that’s how I felt.” However despite the worry involved, Taylor claims never to have been overly pessimistic. “I never felt afraid for my life. Breast cancer is quite curable; it’s very treatable. I never felt it was a death sentence. That could be just my way of thinking, but I just didn’t feel that.” With the side affects of the treatment involved and the nature of the location of the cancer many women feel their femininity is compromised. “I very much felt my femininity was being taken from me. I was very frustrated by it. Everything down to what you wear is affected, especially your clothing, because that’s how you present yourself.” “You’d feel nothing fitted as you were walking around with prosthesis or not as the case may be. As my breast settled down, then you work with that, but with clothing, you feel different in it. You feel you just couldn’t wear certain clothing, especially in Summer. Also, now that I’m breast feeding, I can only breast feed from one because the lymph nodes are all gone so milk wouldn’t come down into that.” Taylor received several different kinds of treatment but as the cancer had begun to spread, she had to go through chemotherapy. “I started with a lumpectomy; that happened fairly quickly after the diagnosis. They also took out all the lymph nodes from that particular arm, my right arm.” “The theory was at the time, that they were likely to be infected. At that age, they recommend chemotherapy unless you really don’t have any lymph nodes infected so I got chemotherapy. So I had the chemo-
therapy for six months and after that I had radiotherapy which is general practice to blast any rogue cells.” Taylor found the treatment very difficult, because of the side affects and the many precautions you had to take. “The treatment has to be harder than the disease. So, after a while, you get very tired and youre always very conscious of infection you check your temperature every day to check on any infection because you wouldn’t necessarily know you had a temperature.” “If you your temperature doesn’t go down, you have to go in to hospital and they flood you with antibiotics to get rid of it. As you immune system gets lower, bugs that are naturally occurring in your body would never affect you when your system is not as compromised, but when it is, they do. So it isn’t something you have to catch, just might happen within yourself.” After being diagnosed with such a serious illness, Taylor lives her life differently to how she would have before hand. “I suppose I’m definitely more conscious of people who are struggling; I’d be more tolerant but now. I realise maybe they’re just having a bad day, maybe they’re not well.” “When I wasn’t well, I was often very frustrated and under the weather and that comes out in your reactions to people so now I’m more understanding of that. You just don’t know; there are a lot of people suffering from different things out there. You have no idea.” “One thing I found very frustrating and got very angry about was people staring. I wore a bandana a lot because wigs are just in the way. They’re great in one way but frustrating in another so found people looking and staring very tough and difficult to deal with.” “During my illness, I got on a real health kick; eating healthy, walking every day and resting as much as I could and doing what I could to help it. That in my own mind was something positive.” “I suppose my biggest thankfulness is the baby and to get that across for anybody who thinks that breast cancer will have a major affect on their fertility, that it’s not necessarily so. It doesn’t mean you won’t be able to have a child.” Taylor offers some advice for anyone going through a similar dilemma that she experienced; “The Irish cancer society have workshops which were very good and I’d highly recommend and sort of counseling to anyone feeling under the weather or frustrated with their situations.” She concludes reassuringly.
Srutháin COBÁC le cloisteáil go soléir Oíche Domhnaigh seo caite-déanach go leor, na bóithre ciúin i gcomparáid leis an torann a bheadh le cloisteáil an lá dár gcionn, an aer fuar ach uaimhneach. Bhí mé ag siúl abahile, ag smaoineamh faoin seachtain romham (agus an deireadh seachtaine seo caite, ar ndóigh, ach sin scéal eile). I ngan fhios dom féin, thosaigh mé ag tabhairt faoi deara fuaim coitianta go leor sa cheantar seo i mBaile Átha Cliath, ach ceann nach gcloistear i gceart go minic. Ba í an fhuaim sin sruthán An Dothra, le cloisteáil go soléir nuair a déist mé leis. Coicís o shin, d’éagraigh an LawSoc eachtra de chaighdéan idirnáisiúnta, Bronnadh Bailíocht Onórach ar Noam Chomsky. Is dia éigin é Chomsky do roinnt mhiath dúinn anseo- éinne a bhfuil aon bhaint acu leis an bhfealsúnacht, leis an teangeolaíocht, leis an bpolaitíocht, is ábhair eile nach iad, is docha go bhfuil staidear déanta acu ar
Chomsky agus ar a chuid oibre. Nuair a tháinig sé anseo, áfach, agus a thug sé léacht do shlua de bhreis agus 500, ní dóigh liom go raibh tromlach mholadh na hoíche tuillte aige. Seachas sin, cheap mé go raibh sé tuillte ag na mic léinn siúd a d’oibrigh chomh dian sin ar son na hócáide seo. Gan iad, cinnte, bheadh focail Noam Chomsky cloiste againn, ach ní bhéidís cloiste again uaidh go pearsanta. Sreabhadh beag amháin. Ag obair ar son cúise níos carthanúla a bhí a dream a chodlaigh lasmiugh den leabharlann an seachtain seo caite. Dream ó UCDSVP a bhí ann, ag fanacht ann don seachtain chun aird a tharraingt ar an gcruatán a fhulaingíone ag daoine anseo in Eirinn, i mBaile Atha Cliath, mar gheall ar an mbochtanas. Oibríonn an cumann leo siúd chuile lá- ag obair ar na soup-runs gach oíche, ag déanamh DIY ina gcuid árasáin agus dtithe ag an deireadh seachtaine, ag imirt peile leo siúd i Mountjoy. Sreabhadh beag eile.
Bíonn torann na ráiméise le cloisteáil rómhinic sa lá atá inniú ann. Bíonn scáth pearsanta de shaghas éigin orainn go léir. Lenár gcuid trácht pearsanta, agus glóranna arda timpeall orainn, is ar éigean go mbíonn fuaim an tsruathán le cloisteáil. Ach nuair a éistimid, clositear sreabhadh mac léinn nach bhfuil aon bhaint aige leis an léann. Lasmuigh de na léachtlanna, lasmuigh den leabharlann, ar ndóigh, tá sruathán eile le cloisteáil i UCD. Sruthán nuálaíochta, sruthán tuiscint sóisialta, sruthán dúthrachta. Ná déanaimís dearmad ar an sruthán seo. Ach, leis an méid atá ag tarlú anseo, is dócha nach mbeidh an seans sin againn. Molaim sibh go léir. Go leanfaidh sruthán domhain COBÁC ar aghaidh leis na cianta Orna Mulhern
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Features
College Tribune November17th 2009
National
Don’t ask me to ‘Snap out of it’ Author and GP Dr. Harry Barry and counselling psychologist Leslie Shoemaker talk to Eileen Gahan about the criticisms of anti-depressant medication, and the important role they play in treating severe clinical depression Depression kills more people in Ireland every year than road traffic accidents. It is a silent, ongoing tragedy that such a large number of people, many very young, feel that life is too painful for them to continue living. Yet despite the extent of the problem, our debate still rages over the best way to treat depression. In recent years there has been an outpouring of criticism against the use of anti-depressants in the media and among practitioners of alternative forms of therapy. There is a perception that the complexity of human sadness has become medicalised and changed into a simple problem with a quick fix solution; taking a pill. Yet as Dr. Harry Barry, a G.P. and author of Flagging the Therapy: Pathways out of Anxiety and Depression, explains, this perception may be largely due to the misdiagnoses of depression. “People often don’t distinguish between real depression and a number of other conditions such as chronic stress, general anxiety and what I would call normal, life crises such as grieving, a relationship breaking down and other normal events.” Dr. Barry goes on to explain the best forms of treatment in such cases. “If a person is suffering from mild depression, but functioning normally and able to get through the day then I favour the holistic approach.” “There are four key things. The first is empathy, talking to someone they can relate to, which very important. The second is lifestyle changes. Exercise is very important. I recommend 30 minutes of exercise a day. Also proper nutrition as often people are eating rubbish. Thirdly alcohol is a very big problem, as when people are down they sometimes drink and that just depresses the mood further. And the last thing is looking at stress factors in their lives.” However Dr. Barry is at pains to stress that there is a very big difference between this form of mild depression and serious, clinical depression. “I talk about the difference between depression with a little d and Depression with a capital D.” “Depression with a little d is a normal emotion. In other words every one suffers from depression with a little d at some pint in their lives. But then there is Depression with a big D, which is quite another thing. It is quite another thing to be struggling to get up in the morning, to
be struggling to concentrate, struggling to sleep at all. So people need to be taught the difference between the two.” It seems that in cases such as these there is more at work than mere outside circumstances. It must be remembered that depression can also have physical, chemical causes. Leslie Shoemaker, a counselling psychologist, BA, MSc, says that; “Depression does have both medical and psychological components so the medical field does have a place in the treatment of it. There are other types of depression, such as bi-polar depression, that is very much a medical condition.” Dr. Barry points out that in these cases of very severe depression medication is often needed to enable the sufferer of depression to receive the other forms of treatment such as counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy. “When a person is not functioning, they come in to me and say ‘I can’t sleep, I can’t eat, I can’t concentrate, I’m struggling through every day, I’m having suicidal thoughts.’ You can certainly do lifestyle changes with them, but the problem with therapy and trying to talk to them is that they just can’t concentrate, they don’t have the energy.” Leslie Shoemaker also says that drug therapy can play a very important role in the treatment of depression. “Research has shown that a combination of medication and therapy can be very effective in dealing with depression and in the prevention of further episodes.” “In regards to the role of medication, it can be extremely beneficial in relieving the symptoms of the depression which can help make life a bit easier to manage and therapy even more effective.” However she too emphasises the need to also use other forms of treatment to deal with long term problems. “In some instances the down side of only taking medication means that the person never really looks at how and why the depression developed. I think it is important to remember that depression impacts how we view ourselves, others and the world.” “Sometimes therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), is needed to re-balance these unhelpful thinking styles in order to help the low mood shift. Also, another advantage of CBT is that it assists people in becoming aware of how their behaviour, such as staying in bed too
much or drinking too much, is contributing to the mood problem.” When asked if the over prescription of anti-depressants is a cause for concern Shoemaker replied, “Please don’t forget how medication goes through quite a rigorous testing process that often takes years before they can be released to the public.” “Perhaps what is more of a concern to me is if there are a large number of people who are being prescribed antidepressant medication for long periods of time and there is no therapy that is part of the treatment process. I would worry that once the person stops taking the medication that they may relapse into another depressive episode.” Dr. Barry criticises those who refuse to entertain the notion of anti-depressants as a useful treatment of depression and points out the damage that these claims may cause. “Every day I am hearing about young people taking their own lives and it’s been beaten into their brain that anti-depressants are bad for them.” “So they are now thinking ‘Well I cant use drug therapy because I’m told that’s no good for me, there is no point going go for that kind of help, and they just get worse and worse and eventually take their own lives. And remember 60,000 people, mostly young, mostly girls,
attempt to take their own lives every year.” Dr. Barry concludes by saying that the most effective way of helping this vast number of people is not by arguing over the various forms of treatment but reaching them in the first place. “Four out of five young people who com-
mit suicide do so without seeing any body. So while we are arguing about whether to use drugs or counselling, they are quietly dying. We are talking about the wrong thing. We need to get people coming for help and then we can talk about the appropriate treatment.”
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College Tribune
Features
November 17th 2009
Travel
13
A little taste of history
Discovering the cultural beauty of Southern Spain, Sisi Rabenstein reports on the sights and sounds of Granada
Located in the Andalucian region of Spain, this gem of a city is the home of Flamenco dancing, Moorish architecture (most obviously La Alahambra) and the gypsy/hippy culture mostly unseen in the ethnically drained Costa Del Sol. The city is dominated by it’s intricate history of repeated conquest, and everywhere you look, the influences of Arabic culture can be seen. Granada can be reached through Malaga on both Ryanair and Aer Lingus, or Seville, Murcia and Alicante, the smaller airports. Obviously, avoiding the tourist rush to these areas is recommended, for mental health and financial reasons. Travel is relatively easy, using RENFE (the rail system), and along with accommodation and living expenses, is quite cheap. The best choice would be hostels or if you’re lucky, you could “get the keys”
to holiday apartments owned by Irish people who’d love you to give their place an airing out. Alternatively, a local tradition of living in caves carved into the mountains is a lot cosier than it sounds. Modern appliances, heating and running water mean that these cave dwellings are more than appropriate for any backpacking student. The aforementioned Alahambra is without a doubt, the main attraction of this visit. This 14th Century fortress complex, home to the Moorish rulers of the time, resides several hundreds of metres above the city proper and provides a stunning backdrop to a fascinating city. Inside the complex, a plethora of historic, architectural styles makes a mockery of our Georgian pride in Dublin. Fountains, manicured gardens and amazing archways lead to stately rooms and halls
that have legends told about them. Stories of love, power, politics and slaughter make this one of the most amazing places in Europe. Nearby, the Sierra Navada mountain range is host to Europe’s most Southerly ski resorts and some stunning views of the plains below. During a visit to a village in these mountains, this writer witnessed a ten degree drop in temperature and snow on the palm trees. On the culture side, Granada is the home of Flamenco dancing, with hundreds of shows everyday, however, this may be the one tourist trap in the city. Be careful where you choose to see your show as many places severely over charge and some are even places
that operate to aid thieves. I would recommend going to one of the more out of the way, smaller places in the original gypsy area. On the complete other end of the spectrum, there are two theme parks relatively nearby, Terra Mitica near Benidorm and Isla Magica in Seville. Also, shopping in Granada falls into three different categories, department store, boutique and lovely little shops that sell mostly nick-nacks. Finally, the nightlife in this area is, like most of Spain, a bit mad. The Spanish people tend to eat late, leave late and party late. It is not unusual to see Spaniards heading home or eating breakfast in their gladrags, on your way to work but remember girls, gladrags in Spain just means a little nicer, not Topshop trendy.
Brighton on a budget Exploring the gay capital of England on a shoestring, Sisi Rabenstein could tell you some tales The South coast of England is often compared to Northern France, for its weather and natural beauty. Completely ignoring this, its nightlife, shopping and resort-like atmosphere is very noteworthy. Brighton is the unofficial capital of the South and is not going to break the bank. This bustling, metropolitan city, bordered by the white cliffs (so famously attributed to Dover) and the rolling hills of the National Park can only be described as magical. One of the more studenty cities, Brighton has hundreds of different pubs and clubs and is not restricted to the gaybars and nightclubs. Theme nights and stag/hen dos are rife, so don’t expect a lovely glass of wine and a discussion of Descartes. Getting there is simple, a flight to London and a train down, cheap but affective. Brighton Pier could kick Blackpool’s ass; with rides like the ‘Super Booster’ that throws you 125 feet into the air at 0-60mph in three seconds right over the sea, cheap chinese food, dance machines, funny picture opportunities and
Karaoke bars. Staying in Brighton should also be quite cheap, there are more hostels than you could count and most B&Bs are really hostels. Shopping in the most fashionable city in South England is an experience. The Churchill shopping centre would be a good start, but ‘The Lanes’, the adorable boutiques and cafes, are definitely next, including the locally loved ‘Shake Away’ milkshake shop. Here, they can make you a milkshake from anything including Farley’s Rusk, Parma Violets and After Eights. However, girls may have to up the ante with their style, as Brighton is famously trendy. The oh-so important cultural input is ever present. The beautiful Royal Pavilion is a great example of the outrageous spending by the English Royals, with aesthetic influ-
ences from the far east. The style inside is critically acclaimed as one of the best examples of ‘chinoiserie’ decorating. But back to the essentials, Brighton has a lovely, albeit stoney, beach, a huge cinema, some amazing music venues (like the Conchord II), a great park and the drink is as cheap as the fish & chips. For example, a student night at a bar, could offer £1 pints and you would never pay more than a fiver for a drink with mixer.
14
Opinion
College Tribune
Comment
&
November 17th 2009
Debate
Euthanasia: An enemy of human rights Euthanasia can only be classified as the abandonment of caring and compassion for vulnerable patients and instead supports a policy which deliberately takes a human life. Human life is inviolate, and should be respected as such. Euthanasia is an enemy of human rights. The great human rights document of our time, the UN Declaration of Human Rights, was a direct response to the abuses perpetrated in Germany during the 1930’s and 40’s. Among these abuses was euthanasia - an act, which is directly counter to the right to life of every person: a right not to be killed. In societies which have legalised euthanasia, such as the Netherlands, calls for the euthanasia of severely disabled infants or people who are not terminally ill quickly followed. Where euthanasia is legalised it invariably results in people being euthanized without their permission. According to the Dutch Remmelink report over 10% of all euthanasia cases are involuntary euthanasia, which amounts to three per day. The “right to die” slogan is often used as a rational for legislating for euthanasia However, everybody dies, and no one is trying to eradicate death. What supporters of euthanasia are looking for is the right for a medical practitioner to take the life of a patient. The duty of any medical practitioner must be the preservation of human life. By any modern standard a person who expresses a wish to be killed or to kill themselves should receive the professional care of a counsellor or psychotherapist and should not simply be condemned to die, because this is what euthanasia does - it ignores the psychological pain of vulnerable patients by “doing away with the problem”, rather than treating the underlying causes of the desire to take one’s life. When dealing with human life, expedi-
ency should not be the issue. One of the primary concerns of those who oppose the legalisation of euthanasia is the fear that the practice would become the norm, as it would be cheaper and easier than other forms of end-of-life or specialist healthcare. Indeed, in these difficult times where resources are limited, vulnerable patients who require specialised or end-of-life healthcare may find that the state or health insurance companies are no longer willing to provide such expensive care. Palliative care attempts to improve the quality of life for patients facing a life threatening or life limiting illness through the prevention and relief of pain. I would suggest that sufficient resources be put into palliative care to allow people live and die with dignity and which offers support and counselling to family and friends rather than into legislation whose sole purpose is the destruction of human life. While euthanasia is usually associated with terminally ill patients, there have been suggestions that voluntary euthanasia might also be relevant to elderly individuals who have “passed their usefulness”, individuals with chronic or degenerative illness or even individuals with mental health problems. Where does this genetic engineering end, are we to have a homogeneous society, where everyone looks and acts alike and no one experiences pain or loss. It is estimated that the entire stock of human knowledge doubles every four years. A child born today could quite easily live to see the 22nd Century, witnessing and experiencing things we can’t even imagine. Advances in technology, research and healthcare over the next few decades will turn many of the life threatening illnesses of today into the chronic illnesses of tomorrow, improving
the quality of life for many of those that may have been destined for euthanasia. There is a legitimate concern that legalising euthanasia will lead to a decline in research into some of our most aggressive illnesses, delaying improvements in care, leaving many sick and vulnerable patients to choose between living with an illness or dying with euthanasia. For more than 25 years now, Ireland as a country has stood opposed to capital punishment and to the state sponsored taking of human life. Legislating for euthanasia is simply another form of state sponsored destruction of human life and should be rejected by all right thinking individuals; the preservation of human life should form the basis of any modern civilised society. Many of the arguments advanced by those who support the legalised taking of human life are spurious in the extreme. What is at issue is whether we ought to respect and defend human beings at every stage of their lives – it is about the nature of human dignity and the equality of human beings. Life is a continuum from conception to natural death and nobody, including the state, has the right to interrupt that continuum at any point. The right to life is the most fundamental of all human rights Jim Walsh Senator Jim Walsh is currently a Fianna Fáil Senator. He was a member of Wexford County Council and he served as spokesperson on Environment and Local Government in Seanad Éireann. He is Spokesperson for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and a Member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality & Women’s Rights
An alternative too awful to consider Can euthanasia be justified in 600 words? No. The issue is possibly the most complex one in applied ethics, and it is ridiculous to even try to summarise one side in 6000 words, let alone 600. But because the Forum on the End of Life in Ireland is finalising its formal listening process (see the editorial of Saturday 14 November in the Irish Times), and because I believe in the philosopher’s duty to engage on these important matters of public lives, I have reluctantly agreed to put forward one particular line of thinking. The attitudes to the infirm elderly in the modern West, and here I am speaking mostly of my experience in England, but have no reason to believe that things are much different in Ireland, are an utter disgrace. Families are more and more reluctant to look after their ageing parents at home, to deal with their growing dependency, their memory loss, their embarrassing quirks and smells. Staterun nursing homes and social services are underfunded and understaffed to a degree that criminal negligence is all but inevitable. Palliative medicine is one of the least popular for medical students, and the hospice movement is still a relatively isolated phenomenon. Unphotogenic elderly faces are almost absent from the media, despite the increasing proportion of the population in retirement. God knows what further ills will be visited on the elderly in the December budget, since they lack any strong political voice. The Irish Times editorial stated one of the conclusions of the Forum’s listening process is that: “most of all,
everyone who influences or works in arenas touched by death should be sensitised to the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of dying people and their relatives.” That the editors felt that something as obvious as this (and other equally obvious things) needed to be said reflects the nature of the catastrophe at hand. And yet the irony is that all of us presently youthful or middle-aged will grow old, will become infirm in one way or another, and will die. It is thus not only a catastrophe for all of us, but for each of us. One would think the topic of ageing and death would merit serious and sustained concern in every civilised society, by every government, by for every newspaper, a concern far beyond the morbid fascination with celebrity drugdeaths. There should be no need for a special Forum on the End of Life. I’m not going to try to justify euthanasia by any of the hackneyed formulae. I’m not going to talk about the Netherlands and Belgium, since the experience there seems to allow for contradictory interpretations. I’m not going to downplay the risk of the slippery slope and of abuse by greedy relatives. I’m not going to speculate on what a just and loving God would or would not allow. And I’m not going to hide behind the figleaf of autonomous choice. My only point will be to say that it should not be at all surprising if many consider suicide or seek euthanasia when the alternative is so bloody awful. If the politicians cannot provide the resources to die gracefully in decent
establishments, if the media cannot protest stridently at the treatment of the elderly, if the working population cannot tolerate a tax increase to improve the state pensions, if the schools cannot have a mature discussion about old age and death with children, then we might as well offer euthanasia to avoid the sheer hypocrisy of it all. Of course euthanasia is an affront to human dignity, of course no civilised state should deliberately take the life of its citizens (either as euthanasia or as capital punishment), of course the medical profession should be in the business of saving lives, not ending them. But if there is any euthanasia ‘debate’ in society, it is being driven by despair: the despair of the elderly, faced with a terrifyingly bleak future, and the despair of their younger relatives, who have to watch the decline, the frustration, the dispiriting boredom and humiliation of it all. It should not be at all hardly surprising that some of us who have watched our parents die occasionally think to ourselves “better to be put down like an animal than go through that.” Christopher Cowley, BA (London), MA (Montréal), PhD (Bristol). Christopher Cowley is a lecturer in the School of Philosophy at University College Dublin.
College Tribune
Editorial
November 17th 2009
Tribune
15
Editorial
The difference is we’re independent
The College Tribune, now running for 23 years, is and always has been UCD’s only independent student newspaper on campus. This means that we do not rely on funds from either the university or the Students’ Union. We survive solely on the advertising that is procured by those involved in the newspaper. While this is challenging, particularly in the current economic climate, our financial independence means we have complete editorial freedom. This leaves us free to pursue any story that could be deemed relevant and of interest to UCD’s student population. The current ethos of the College Tribune is to create transparency in the University so we can report the facts and let students decide for themselves. The writers and editors do their best to remain independent and balanced, to offer students a fair view of the University. The paper is not a vehicle for other people’s agendas, not UCD staff, students or members of the SU. We endeavor always to report fact. The College Tribune team makes every effort to engage in factual and accurate reporting; however like every other newspaper we unfortunately make mistakes. This can be down to human error, miscommunication or even the pressure of a looming deadline. If an error is made on our part we will do our best to correct it in a Corrections & Clarifications section. If you have found a reasonable error please address us in writing or by email. Feel free to contact us directly at collegetribune@gmail.com However while we are more than happy to correct inaccuracies, as mentioned earlier we rely on advertising income to survive. Therefore we are not in the business of offering free advertisement as a corrective measure. Firstly, this does not correct the inaccuracy. Secondly, an independent student newspaper cannot survive by offering free advertisement for minor mistakes. Heretofore we have tried to foster good relationships with the university entities that we have interacted with. However, this should not affect journalistic integrity nor should it stop us from reporting the truth. We do not intentionally set out to demonise or applaud any of those we write about, we simply report what happens.
More apparently means less
As stated in The Irish Times, there are now more students than farmers in this country. However, as students multiply, funding in the college seems to deplete. With a record number of students having returned to third level education, we can look forward to a more educated and subsequently more valuable population. A large output of learned students is an appealing characteristic for foreign companies looking for useful and talented employees. Even as this increase in university goers is a result of one of the worst economic downturns since the 20s, every cloud has a silver lining. The dramatic increase in third level students should be seen as such. It is an opportunity to generate a skilled and educated workforce for our country. So it would seem ridiculous that at a time when we have huge influxes of new students and possible opportunity, Colleges and universities are cutting back at every possible corner. Cutbacks in library opening times, the recruitment freeze and even the reduction of contact hours within the School of Languages is very regrettable as it will only harm the students’ skill and ability and therefore, the universities reputation. Now is the time, while eager students are plentiful, when money should be invested in our education system to ensure a high standard of graduates.
The drugs don’t work, neither does the society 40% of the student population have no problem with drug use, on the face of it that is hardly a surprising statistic. The truth of the matter is that most students who experiment with narcotics in University will go on to have normal lives, without ever developing a real dependency. This is not where the drug problem in our society is found. If you were to walk into Mount Joy prison this afternoon and profile the people imprisoned there, you would likely find that most have either been found guilty of a crime that is drug related or one that was perpetrated to get money to buy them. You will also find that most have never been to University or ever had any really hope to go. During the recent anti tuition fee protests, education is a right not a privilege was a cry heard often. Yet if it is a right, why have so many never had a realistic chance of attending a third level institution. During the affluence of the last decade, it has been easy to forget that not everyone has the same advantages that the majority of the UCD student population has availed of.
Letters
Editors,
We wish to clarify a point made in the article ‘Ryan’s future in SU uncertain’ in The University Observer issue dated 10 November 2009. At the end of the article, on page three, it is stated that: “members of the Union Executive, minus the sabbatical officers, will meet to discuss what, if any, course of action they may take regarding Ryan’s performance in the role of Campaigns & Communications Vice-President.” This is incorrect. The part-time officers of the SU met after the meeting of SU Council on 9 November to informally discuss a proposal to improve crossover training provided to part-time officers upon their election. Sincerely, The Executive & Programme
Officers of UCD Students’ Union
A Chara, Bhí breis is 30 botún teanga; cinnn ghramadaí, litrithe agus eile san alt “Tá Gaeilge agam, ní Gaeilgeoir mé” gan trácht ar easpa struchtúir nó mórchiall bheith easnamhach tríd síos. Ní fhoilseofaí a leithéid as Béarla. Is breá liom an t-alt Gaeilge a bheith ann ach coinnítear ardchaighdeán ann le bhúr dtoil. Go raibh maith agaibh. The article “Tá Gaeilge agam, ní Gaeilgeoir mé” contained no less than 30 grammatical, spelling and syntactical errors, never mind lack of structure
or overall cohesion. There is no way this would have been printed in English. I really enjoy having an article in Irish but please keep standards high. Thank you. Le meas, Eoin Ó Murchú Mac Léinn Scoil an Leighis agus Eolaíocht an Duine A Eagarthóir, Bhí an díoma orm ag léamh ailt Cian Taaffe “Tá Gaeilge AgamNí Gaeilgeoir mé” sa pháipear dhá sheachtain ó shin. Masla a bhí ann ar an obair ar fad atá déanta ag an-chuid daoine chun stadas na teanga a ardú ar an gcampas.
Ní raibh orm ach siúl tríd an champas inniu le breathnú thart ar phóstaeir de 3 imeacht iontacha eagraithe as Gaeilge an tseachtain seo- ní dóigh liom gur tharla sé sin riamh nó go raibh stadas na teanga ar champas chomh h-ard seo riamh. Cuireann sé múisc orm nuair a bhíonn daoine cosúil le Cian Taaffe ag cáineadh oibre déine mar seo. Conas gur féidir leis a rá go bhfuil club rúnda i gceist nuair a bhíonn “Gaeilgeoirí” ag eagrú céilithe (imeachtaí phoiblí) agus ag tabhairt amach sticéir (deiseanna le labhairt le daoine as Gaeilge). Ní thuigim é sin- bheadh club rúnda i gceist dá bhfanfadh daoine le Gaeilge dóibh féin gan iarracht mar seo a dhéanamh. Conas a cheapfadh daoine gan morán Gaeilge go bhfuil drochchaighdeán ag “Gaeilgeoir”? ní bheadh fhios acu cén caigh-
deán atá ann muna mbeadh ach morán Gaeilge acú. B’fhearr liomsa Gaeilge bhriste ná Béarla cliste. Ar aon cuma ní féidir leis an scríbhneoir bheith ag gearán faoi chaighdeán Gaeilge na “nGaeilgeoirí” nuair nach mbíonn an aimsir láithreach i gceart aige. Bheinn ag siul le caighdeán níos airde in iriseoireacht an nuachtáin seo..An t-aon teachtaireacht ar éirigh leis a chur trasna go h-éifeachtúil ná nach maith leis stickers. Is mise le meas, Aodhán Ó Deá Oifigeach na Gaeilge, Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn
If an error or omission is made in this newspaper, please contact us at collegetribune@gmail.com and we will endeavour to clarify and mistakes made
Inside
It’s Satire Stupid! ks n i r d s lan p n e w Co lus u m i t s ry t s u d n i e g a k c a p
Piano falls down mineshaft leaving A flat minor Billionaire’s will was dead give away Judge to rule on nude beach Man gets nine months in violin case Storm rips through graveyard; hundreds lie dead Politician who got too big for britches was exposed in end Cowen wins on budget, but more Lies ahead Woman repossessed after not paying exorcist
SU’s five-year plan The recent spate of cold weather isn’t the only similarity between UCD and Stalinist Russia. It seems the Soviet, oops, Student Union has finally succeeded in its mandates of absolute sycophancy and total dictatorship. Students have reacted with fear now that the SU President Gary “puts the Red in Redmond” is part of a ‘Senior Management Team committee’. It has become apparent that the Redmonites have just made a deal with the college authorities to impose a complete dictatorial regime upon the University. The SU are now taking steps to cleanse its ranks of anyone with the audacity to disagree with it, or fail to fit into the strict criteria of unquestioning devotion. Out with those who believe it’s for the students! In with those who uphold the ideals of a boy’s club, with their ignoble links to Fianna Fail, the birth giver of all corruption. When bored of motions of no confidence,
the Union likes to bring forward motions of some confidence. Attendees at one council meeting were informed that “Gary Redmond defeated fees”* by one Officer who was able to remove his head from Redmond’s sphincter long enough to speak. Surely the Greens would take issue with this view? The same Officer, who ought to be concerned with looking after the welfare of students, seems to be more interested in offering students the chance to squeeze his rubber balls. Stress relief indeed. The only thing those balls will be busting is the Union’s budget. (Not to be confused with the €5,000 for pens and pencils eh, lads?) The Turbine recommends that the SU wake up and smell the donkey shit, as it appears they will soon fall from their high horses with chants of ‘Glorious Union’ ringing in their ears. *Fact
SS to deal with underground infestation UCD President, Hugh Brady, has called in the elite SS paramilitary group, the Einsatzgruppen, to deal with the growing Dramsoc members in UCD’s underground. Plans reveal members are to be rounded up and forced into a ghetto on the campus. This ghetto is currently being built near the sports pitches. Its construction has been masked as a new student centre in order to catch Dramsoc by surprise. It is to be surrounded by high walls in order to spare students the misery of facing the enthusiastic thespians, as they go about their daily business. Students are to be educated in order to help them recognise members of Dramsoc. If any are sighted around the campus, their presence is to be
reported immediately to the authorities so they can be extricated to the ghetto. Members of Dramsoc share certain characteristics, which make them stand out from normal students. Chief among these is their overriding enthusiasm about everything. This is normally demonstrated by clownish smiles and a tendency to run towards fellow members screaming, only to spend a worrying amount of time hugging each other. This is believed to be part of their secret communication methods as is the curious language they speak to each other, which consists almost entirely of nicknames and nonexistent words. Dramsoc predominantly inhabit ar-
eas in the underground of the Arts block where they can be seen surrounding male members who play guitar, while others sing bothersome songs. This is believed to be part of some bizarre mating ritual; they are known to be extremely incestuous in their relationships. They also spend copious amounts of time rehearsing for plays they put on in order to hypnotise unsuspecting students with the aim of adding them to their ranks. Dramsoc are considered very dangerous; it is requested that students beware of them. Their confinement is welcomed by all rational thinkers in the university. This is not Halloween, this is Christmas.
College Tribune
Sport
November 17th 2009
17
the college tribune
Sport
The College Tribune 17.11.09 ucd.ie/tribune/sport
Super League It’s super
Down the Line
We sent our newest football correspondent back out into the wilderness of that league that’s, well, super; the Superleague The 2:00pm Superleague cup match between Gary Glitter U16s and Scratch Arse SFB proved a victory for the latter team. Gary Glitter U16s seemed to have difficulty producing good team play in the first half of the match. They were, without doubt, the most stylish players and individually showed great skill and ball control. They did not however produce an effective team effort to see off the purely dogged, determined play of the opposition. Their lavish play, which at times resembled Ballet, may well have been their ultimate downfall. It seems unfortunate that their valiant efforts did not produce a much longed for win. Itching to start, Scratch Arse began the game with their swift targeted play and superb control of the ball. Glitter rarely got a touch of the ball without Scratch Arse being all over them like a fly on cow shit. They opened the scoring just two minutes into the match when a superb run down the right side resulted in a nice score. This gave them the psychological lead which they seemed to hold for the entire match. They held on to the ball well throughout the match and though Glitter made several attempts to score in the opening of the game, they were denied by some masterful Scratch Arse defending. Twenty-four minutes into the match Scratch Arse landed yet another goal as one of their Team declared “I’ve got cup fever.” Gary Glitter came back in the thirty-fourth minute of the game when a free kick resulted in them planting the ball in the net. This was presumably much to the relief of their rather vocal manager, who had turned up very well dressed sporting a tie in the team colours. After half time Gary Glitter came back fighting after what was presumably an inspiring pep talk. They showed great play in the opening ten minutes of the second half but overall failed to get the comeback they needed. As the second half went on they seemed to have given
up on their dreams of glory. The game became somewhat monotonous and messy with a yellow card being handed out to one of the Scratch Arse team. The result of the game was a win for Scratch Arse, though the skills of the Glitter lads can’t be understated. Good passing on the Scratch Arse side allowed them to plant a number of thunderous goals. The game proved that individual panache cannot match solid team play. The Superleague premier Sunday match at 3:45pm was between Vagestic Adventurers FC and Joey Barton and ended in a 6-3 win for Vagestic. Throughout the match Joey Barton had a majority of possession, but failed to turn this into anything impressive score wise. The match opened with exciting play as both teams seemed equally determined to win. This was surely what they call good football. Barton showed themselves apt at strategically passing the ball, but the superb defending of Vagestic held them off each time. Twenty-four minutes in and Vagestic once again slipped the ball past the Barton players resulting in their second score of the match. Thirty-six minutes in Barton sent the ball sailing over the keeper’s hands, resulting in a score. But this was soon followed by a counter attack from Vagestic who planted the ball, well, Vagestically in the net. The second half opened with some good tackling on both sides but continued in much the same pattern as the first half, with Barton having great possession of the ball but unable to break past the Vagestic defenders. Vagestic took the ball right up centre pitch as Barton seemed to have given up on the game slightly. Barton did however comeback slightly in the close of the game when they achieved a wonderful score from a corner shot. The Vagestic defence stole the day however, routing the Barton players each time. Another week of Superleague, another set of broken hearts.
Contrasting fortunes for the boys in green With one win, one draw and one loss for Irish sport this weekend, Eoghan Brophy looks at the fighting spirit which is still evident among our Irish sporting stars We should be out. Andre-Pierre Gignac somehow ended up putting the ball out for a throw-in after a poor Kevin Kilbane backpass had let the Toulouse striker with a near open-goal. It was an unbelievable miss, and luckily, we still have a chance. It is clear to see the organisation that Trapattoni has brought to the Irish side with two banks of four constantly halting the French progress and limiting them to half chances. Unfortunately, it only took one horrible deflection off Sean St. Ledger and now we face an uphill task in Paris on Wednesday night. But then again, we are still in it. Like the French, we only created half chances, the best of which fell to Liam Lawrence in the first half, replays showed a great last ditch challenge from Manchester United’s Patrice Evra prevented the ball from going in. Watching the game, you got the feeling that we needed to take one of those half chances to put us in the driving seat. As it is, we must hope two chances come our way on Wednesday and we take them both. France may have had the majority of possession, but Eric Abidal’s slip almost led to a crucial goal in the dying stages of the game for Ireland. That error has shown that we should get chances there on Wednesday night, while the handbags after the final whistle between Keith Andrews and Lassana Diarra proved there is still some fight left in the Irish.
The conflict with Les Bleus continued later on Saturday evening. Shortly before midnight, we did get at least one over on the French in the form of Andy Lee’s 99-92 points victory over Affif Belghecham in the University Arena, Limerick. He passed through most of the contest with ease, keeping Belghecham at bay with his right jab for 8 out of the 10 rounds. The Frenchman, known for being “durable” came into the fight in the last two rounds and afterwards regretted not getting into it sooner. Lee showed maturity in keeping the European Union champion at bay and not getting dragged into a close quarters fight, which had been his undoing against Brian Vera. With the EU champion, Matthew Macklin, watching on Lee would have wanted to put on a performance. Unfortunately that was not possible with the guard of Belghecham. The final rounds did produce a bit of a scare. One wonders if he would have lasted another two rounds or was he just letting his guard down in the last round because he knew he had the fight won. Whatever it was, it nearly proved Lee’s undoing. The fact that he survived the late onslaught and won the fight will have been a huge plus for the Lee camp with valuable experience gained for the Limerick man. The fighting Irish was evident again in Croke Park, this time last Sunday when Ireland faced Australia. It was UCD’s own Bri-
an O’Driscoll, slipping in for a last minute try against the Aussies and a Ronan O’Gara conversion with literally the last kick of the game, that saved the day. It was the first Irish draw since 2000 against Canada but more importantly it kept up the 10-game undefeated streak that Ireland have clocked up under manager Declan Kidney. A disastrous start gave the Wallabies a seven point head start as a miscommunication between O’Gara and O’Driscoll allowed Drew Mitchell in to score a try after only two minutes. If it wasn’t for a couple of missed kicks from the usually reliable Matt Giteau, Australia could have ended the match in the first half. But like the French the night before, Australia never killed off the game against a dogged Irish side. Impressive debutant Cian Healy turned the game with a determined charge following a Rocky Elsom try, and this provided the team the lift they needed. Despite what would have been a second try for Tommy Bowe being denied by the television match official, Ireland didn’t give up and got their reward at the end. The first game of the autumn series ended in a positive result, but shows there’s plenty of room for improvement. However, the display that the Irish produced last weekend shows that the spirit and fight we are well known for is still there.
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Sport
College Tribune November 17th 2009
Fahey flying the flag for League of Ireland
With all the talk of gloom and doom surrounding our national league, Birmingham City and former League of Ireland and PFAI player of the year Keith Fahey talks to Colman Hanley about his success in England November 7th 2008, two flashes of brilliance from Saint Patrick’s Athletic Keith Fahey defeats a relegation doomed UCD side 2-0. Twelve months on, Fahey’s come a long way as he now ply’s his trade with Birmingham City in the Premier League. “Since I’ve come to Birmingham, I’ve done very well. I came over in good shape and
made a good first impression. There were difficulties in getting my debut. I was suspended, my registration didn’t clear and games were postponed, but it gave me a few extra weeks training. With it being a massive step up in standard, I just wanted to get in around the first team.” However the 26 year adjusted from the
League of Ireland instantly. After making his full debut against Derby County, Fahey only missed two other games. Needing a win for promotion on the final day of the season at Reading, Birmingham won 2-1 with Fahey scoring the opener and setting up Kevin Philips to net the winner. Modestly, he claimed, “I had a good game that day”. However things have not always been rosy for the Tallaght man. Fahey moved to Arsenal aged fifteen, and at eighteen years old, transferred to Aston Villa for £250,000. Playing with the reserves, Fahey looked destined to break through. But having struggled to settle off the pitch, he returned home. “I never really appreciated my first time in England. Going over at fifteen is hard. Other kids can be different, it’s not the same for everyone, but I struggled over there. I was grand in training, but outside, I just missed home and always wanted to be with my friends and family. But this time around, I definitely appreciate things a lot more.” Fahey joined nonleague Bluebell United before joining Saint Patrick’s Athletic and displaying his talent immediately. On his debut away to Waterford Keith Fahey celebrates the crucial win over Reading with Kevin Philips as Birmingham win promotion
United, Fahey netted a 45 yard free-kick. It may have been disallowed (due to the poor standard of referees in the League of Ireland), but it was the first sign of a star arriving in the League of Ireland. Fahey accredits his return to England to his time in the League of Ireland with the Saints. “My six years in the League of Ireland gave me good experience, it made me realise how tough things can be.” “It got me back enjoying my football and playing with my local side. I’m glad the way things happened. I got to spend a few years back at home and luckily I got another chance in England, not many get a second chance to play at the top level.” Fahey returned to pre-season training last summer with issues off the pitch on his mind. “It was hard coming back over as my dad was very sick. But I came back and got stuck into things in pre-season.” “I was leading all the running and fitness work in training, and then when it came to games being played, I managed to stay in the team. I started our first game against Manchester United in Old Trafford, it was some experience. Since then, I’ve started every game that I’ve been available for.” Sadly, Fahey’s father passed away in August. The bereavement and some injuries have meant Fahey has missed a few games. Thankfully, Fahey made his return as a
substitute for the final 30 minutes against Manchester City three weeks ago. He admits he will have a battle getting back in the team. “The lads have done really well recently, so it’ll be a test to get back in. It’s good to test yourself like this as you can take things for granted so I’ll be working hard in training to get back in the side.” “Hopefully I’ll have a full week of training, and get into the side for the Fulham game this Saturday. If not, I’ll work extra hard next week to get my place back.” Fahey’s name has been linked with the Ireland team. It’s something he is keen to play down, but admits it’s in the back of his mind. “Everyone wants to play for Ireland, I’m no exception.” “ If I keep doing my work, hopefully I’ll get a call-up. They came to watch me a few months ago so we’ll see. But it’s something I don’t lose any sleep over. It would be another achievement in my career and I’d be over the moon. But I have to concentrate on club level first and see where that takes me.” Fahey is a prime example of a young person never giving up on your dream. Despite being knocked back at a young age, he kept striving to achieve his goal. At a time when young people seem to be lacking role models, Fahey’s character and story is a beacon to all.
Fahey scores a crucial goal which helps Birmingham get promoted
Mixed fortunes for UCD GAA Colman Hanley UCD’s senior GAA side’s had a mix of bad and good luck last week. The week began well with a victory for UCD’s senior hurlers over University of Ulster Jordanstown (UUJ) as they comfortably defeated their northern opponents in Belfield. However, two days later and Jordanstown had their revenge. This time, with the tie taking place in Belfast and it being in football, Jordanstown outperformed the southerners to win 2-10 to 1-09. A dominant performance in the first half and early in the second half saw UUJ lead UCD by eleven points at one stage. However, UCD fought back in the second half. A Paddy Brady goal and several scores for Frances McGee earned UCD a respectable scoreline, but they had left themselves too much to do. The result now means that UCD’s senior football side have no competitive fixtures till the O’Byrne cup tie versus Kildare in January. On the same day, UCD freshers pro-
gressed to the semi-finals of the Fresher football competition, defeating DCU 1-15 to 0-10. Having overcome the threat of Mayo senior full-forward Aidan O’Shea in the last round, UCD this time overcame a Michael Murphy lead DCU. While the goalscoring performance by UCD full-forward Donie Kingston, the 0-3 notched by John Heslin and the eye-catching form of corner forward Niall Kilroy stood out, no player on the UCD side from one to fifteen could have been faulted. The efforts of GAA young footballer of the year Murphy of Donegal, who recorded the vast majority of DCU scores, did cause UCD some problems. However, the one man DCU side were eventually kept under control and UCD eased to victory. The freshers now face Queen’s University Belfast in the quarter finals in UCD on Wednesday at 4:30pm. The side’s progress has been impressive and should they maintain their form, a semi-final could be on the cards.
College Tribune
Sport
November 17th 2009
On the 4th of October, a memorial mass was held to commemorate the tenth anniversary of former UCD Director of Sport, Tony O’ Neill. The impact ‘The Doc’ had on UCD sport was showcased once again just over a month later as UCD’s soccer team lifted the first division trophy, gaining promotion back to the premier division at the first time of asking. It is a fitting tribute, one that everyone involved in UCD wants to point out. Vice President for Student’s Martin Butler claimed it to be a huge achievement. “The scholarships schemes started off with Dr. O’ Neill and this is just an example of what students can do and what the scholarship system can do. A lot of hard work went into that. We wish them well next year and it’s just a great achievement. “ These sentiments were shared by Brendan Dillon, former chairman of the League of Ireland and UCD’s Strategic Development Officer. “Dare I say, I’m sure the Doc is looking down, I’m sure he’s a very proud man. The club is in extraordinarily good healthy standing. Our Under 20’s are in the semi final of their league campaign so that shows the strength in depth of this club is fantastic. The great thing about this team is they are virtually 100% scholarship players, so I think the Doc would be very proud. “ But Dillon was quick to heap praise on the man who guided UCD to promotion in his first season of manager, Martin Russell. “I think you can’t underestimate the job Martin Russell has done. He’s done an incredible job and in the last third of the season the club just went on to a different level, really turning it on in the final third of the season and fully deserved to win the first division.” Russell himself is staying modest and pays tribute to his backroom staff. “Everybody has played a big part and we’ve had a good team on and off the field that helped us to achieve promotion.” At the start of the season everyone was talking about Sporting Fingal’s spending power and the challeng-
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A Fitting Tribute
Ten years after the passing of Dr. Tony O’Neill, Martin Russell has lead UCD back to the top flight. Eoghan Brophy takes a look at the impact of both men on the student’s triumph
UCD celebrate winning the divison title, and with it, promotion to the League of Ireland Premier Division es of Shelbourne and Waterford United. UCD were barely given a mention. Once again the students have rubbished their ‘underdog’ status and claimed promotion to the top division in Irish football. The start of the season was a great confidence booster but it was the games against the big teams that Russell points to as turning points in the Students season. “We went down to Waterford and needed to win it to stay in the pack. We played very
well in the first half with eleven men but we actually won the game in the second half with ten men. To come away from that game with three points really buoyed everybody up.” Only a few weeks ago it looked like UCD were going to fall short, but they again fought back against the odds. “We went to Shels and were 2-1 down with 10 men”, comments Russell. “We managed to score an equaliser which kept us within touch-
ing distance.” It is performances like this that won College the first division crown. UCD have stuck with their philosophy of blooding the youngsters and Russell paid tribute to their commitment which shined through with the last minute goals and big performances when needed. “They never gave up. They were incredible with their effort that they gave, not just in their games but in their training, they were a fantastic group to work with.”
photography by Daire Brennan However, UCD’s season is still not over. The under 20’s and college team are into the semi and quarter finals of their league campaign’s respectively. The strength in depth is evident. With such a young squad, many committed to the scholarship system for another couple of years, the future is looking bright for the Students, just as ‘The Doc’ would have wanted.
The mental approach With psychological preparation being so vital in sport, UCD lecturer and the IRFU’s National Sport Psychology Manager, Chris Lonsdale, talks to Colman Hanley From Tiger Woods to Geovanni Trapattoni, all sports people emphasise the importance of Psychology in sport. Padraig Harrington famously puts in huge work to mentally prepare for each competition with his guru Bob Rotella. With margins being so tight between winners and losers, most teams or individual competitors look to psychology to gain that extra edge. As New Zealand assistant rugby coach Wayne Smith recently said in the lead up to a game against Wales, ““The mindset is an important thing. Most professional teams use mental skills coaches. It’s just part of the landscape.” “If the game is decided through decision making, mindset, how to handle pressure, then surely you’d like to train those things. It’s a worldwide trend in international sports.” New Zealand beat Wales 19-12 in Cardiff. Chris Lonsdale, a lecturer in the Physio and Performance Science department here in UCD explained more about the field. “Sport and exercise psychology, like anything, is multi-faceted. It looks at the factors why people participate in sport, as in what are the factors that influence the quality of your participation, from both a performance and an enjoyment perspective”. “It also looks at the influence of sport on
the person, how it affects the development of your life skills and character, and how it affects mental health, reduces depression and anxiety, and also increases wellbeing.” Interestingly, Lonsdale has carried out studies on athlete burn-out and motivation. The study examines the factors which athletes feel when they are fresh or burned out. It has produced some fascinating results. “The less-burned out athletes generally feel a sense of control in their sporting environment. They also feel more competent in their sport, and to a lesser degree, feel more connected to other athletes in their sport and have better social relationships”. “People who fulfil those three criteria are more engaged and motivated in their sport. This is in comparison to burned out people, who, when exhausted, will start to think sport is less worthwhile and possibly even leave that sport.” Lonsdale combines his work in UCD with his role as National Sport Psychology Manager to the Irish Rugby Union, working with players aged 18 to 22. “Basically, we’ve developed a curriculum of mental skills training that involves some group training and some individual training. My job is to work with the academy managers to recruit people to deliver the
programme and oversee the implementation of the program. We’re in the process of rolling that out across the four provincial academies.” Lonsdale pointed to one scenario that is constantly worked on with players. “One of the key things we work on, is how players react when they make a mistake. For example, when you knock the ball on, what do you after? Do you berate yourself? Go into an emotional spiral in which your performance is going to suffer? Or, can you able to put those mistakes behind you and concentrate on what needs to be done next? That’s a big challenge for a lot of players and something we work on a lot.” Finally, when asked how any sportsperson could develop their performance, Lonsdale urged people to study the topic of sports and exercise psychology in detail as it prove rewarding. “If you understand the mental aspects of sport, then you can employ various techniques. We’re all individuals, what works for one player, won’t necessarily work for everyone. Develop an understanding of the core principles, and then practise the various strategies, and then use the one’s that best suit you.” If it works for Tiger Woods, it’s surely worth a look into.
Premier Class
Champions Students celebrate league win
Keith Fahey speaks to the College Tribune
Report Page 19
Interview Page 18
the college tribune
Sport
The College Tribune 17.11.09 ucd.ie/tribune/sport
Photography by Philip Connolly
Students return to winning ways Colman Hanley Belfield UCD 13 Clonakilty 6
UCD returned to winning ways at the Belfield Bowl last Saturday with a deserved win over their southern opponents from Cork, Clonakilty. A try from Terry Jones, and two penalties and a conversion from out-half Niall Earls in the first half was enough for UCD to win the points. It proved a highly successful 24 hours for the young UCD back Jones. On Friday night, in the torrential wind and rain, Jones scored a crucial penalty for UCD’s under 20 side as they gained the bragging rights in their 6-5 victory in the co-
lour’s clash against DCU. A mere 24 hours later, and Jones scored what proved to be a decisive score in this AIB League Division two game. The fact the game went ahead at all was lucky, as the pitch had taken an awful lot of rain the night before, in weather that can only be described by this reporter as monsoon conditions. Nevertheless, when the game kicked off, it was UCD who began brightest. With only two minutes on the clock, and having somehow dried himself off from the rain the night before, it was the soon to be 21 year old Jones who ran in what proved to be the only try and decisive score of the game. Niall Earls completed the formalities after, and Clonakilty straight away found themselves seven behind. To their credit, the Corkonians, managed to record the next score with a penalty of their own.
But UCD, who played against a slight breeze in the first half, killed any kind of momentum that Clonakilty were attempting to put together. Two penalties from Earls on 21 minutes and 34 saw UCD lead by 13-3 at the break. Coming out in the second half with the breeze now behind their backs, it was hopeful or even expectant to assume that UCD could take charge of the game and ease to victory. A bonus point win was even a slight possibility. However things failed to materialise for UCD in the second half. Despite the breeze, UCD were held scoreless throughout the entire 40 minutes of the second half. For their part, Clonakilty managed to register one penalty to reduce the margin to seven points. But despite the score, Clonakilty’s narrow play proved fruitless as they failed to get any width into their
play. By contrast, UCD looked to get the ball wide. But despite their good line-out and flair, UCD had no substance to their play which was littered with simple errors. In the end, the game faded badly. As a contest, UCD weren’t made to work hard for victory, and as a result, they needed to expend little energy in securing the win. For their part, Clonakilty made the trip home with a losing bonus point. UCD now lie sixth in the AIB League Division Two table and because of their exit in round three of the AIB Cup to Galwegians, they now stare into a three week break of no competitive action. The action resumes again though against Limerick side Old Crescent on December 6th.
Marian seniors out of National Cup UCD Marian’s run in the men’s Senior basketball National Cup came to an abrupt end last Saturday in a comprehensive defeat away to Maree. In a tough physical game, UCD were simply beaten by the better outfit. Trailing in each quarter, UCD never managed to gain an upperhand on the scoreboard. Incurring the wrath of the referees in the final quarter of the game, a stream of technicals effectively killed the game off in the last couple of minutes. A procession of free throws from Maree’s Danny Finn and a late Colm O’Hagan basket sealed Marian’s fate. Elsewhere, in more positive news for Marian over the weekend, the under 20’s successfully began their defence of their Under 20 title by beating Saint Vincent’s 56-43. As ever, Daniel and Conor James starred. The twins managed to score 25 and 14 points respectively in what was a full deserved victory. Colman Hanley