i-Ink Special Edition 2024

We’re back!

The Ink Team Returns with a Special Edition Newsletter

i-INK Editor

We are thrilled to present to you this special edition of i-Ink, a newsletter crafted by the students of the BJMS (Broadcast Media and Journalism Studies) class here at our CFET college. In this special edition, we are excited to showcase a myriad of events that have unfolded throughout the year within our college community. From captivating articles to insightful features, we aim to provide you with a mix of content that reflects the vibrancy and diversity of our college life.

We hope you’ll enjoy reading our reviews on sports, music, holidays, insights into reality TV, and much more. Our team has worked tirelessly to curate an array of engaging pieces that are sure to pique your interest and spark your curiosity!

Message from the Principal Embracing Success and Support at CFET

Reality TV Realities

Behind the Scenes of First Dates

2024 NBA All-Star Weekend

A Tale of High Expectations and Disappointing Performances

Chilling Out

The Cold Water Swimming Craze Explained

Simple and Delicious Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies

Discover the Magic of Centreparcs Your Ultimate Family Getaway

CFET takes the Green Route

Embracing Smarter Travel for a Sustainable Campus

Artic Monkey’s Concert Review A Musical Journey

Irish Boxing Talent Ones to Watch in 2024

Missing

Photo: Aine Flynn

Message from the Principal Embracing Success and Support at CFET

Pincipal: Shane Cullinane

As the Principal of the College of FET, Mulgrave Street and Kilmallock Road campus, it is with great pleasure that I address you all through this newsletter. It’s wonderful to see our newsletter back in circulation and I would like to commend the Broadcast Media and Journalism class for their hard work in producing this.

I am thrilled to witness the energy and enthusiasm you all have brought to the campus this year. Your decision to join us is not taken lightly, and as a staff team, we are committed to making your time here enjoyable and successful. Your goals are our goals, and as educators, we are privileged to play a direct role in shaping your lives during this important period.

It’s been a busy year filled with numerous events, including Field Trips, Sports Tournaments, Erasmus Programs, Intercultural Days, and much more. I hope you’ve found these occasions enjoyable and captivating, fostering and enriching your learning adventure here at CFET, MSC KRC.

Undoubtedly, this year has presented its challenges, with its share of ups and downs. As we approach this critical juncture of the academic year, it’s possible that you may feel pressured and

overwhelmed. My advice to you is simple: don’t hesitate to reach out to your teachers, course leaders, or any of our support services. They are here to assist you. Engage to the best of your ability and participate actively.

As we move forward, I want to wish you all the best for the remainder of this term and in your preparations for the upcoming exams at the end of the year. To all of you, I extend my heartfelt wishes for a successful few months ahead.

Reality TV Realities Behind the Scenes on First Dates

Ellie Dunne

Idecided to write about experiencing what it is like to be involved in working with RTE as part of reality dating shows and how it affects a person’s mental health. I chose this because it is a topic I love talking about, and I would like to share my view on it with those reading. I also chose this because I do get a lot of questions asked online via TikTok and Instagram about my personal experience, why I chose to do these shows, how I got contacted, how I deal with negative comments regarding the way I look and my personality, etc. Hopefully, you readers will enjoy this piece!

Love in the country

I filmed RTE’s Love in the Country back on February 12th, 2023, filmed in Wexford. Even though it was another dating show I participated in, it was a completely dissimilar experience to First Dates.

The people were different, the cameras were not hidden so it was added pressure! I felt like because the others were aware that I had done First Dates, they would expect me to be full of confidence and to know what to do and say in front of the camera. The show was presented by Anna Geary, I was a fan of hers, so I was excited to meet her. I made

Shane Cullinane Principal at College of FET, Mulgrave Street (MSC) and Killmallock Rd. (KRC) Campus. KRC

some life-long friends along the way. We filmed the show in two different locations, Orlagh house Dublin a beautiful wedding venue where the first episode was filmed, the second episode was filmed in Wexford where I stayed in a cottage in Gorey.

First Dates

My first experience working with RTE was back in August 2021 when we filmed the episode of First Dates in Dublin, at the lovely Gibson Hotel. I traveled that morning from Limerick to Dublin with my friends. It was such a stressful experience doing my own makeup and hair on the train, not so glamorous. It was such a weird experience; I had been a huge fan of the show

“ It was such a weird experience; I had been a huge fan of the show and watched it every Thursday evening with my family and friends, so the idea of me being on the show was surreal.”

and watched it every Thursday evening with my family and friends, so the idea of me being on the show was surreal. I never realized how much work and how many people it takes to run a successful TV show. That day of filming, I met so many people who were behind the scenes.

Every 20 minutes, I would be passed onto a different person taking me from A to B. The date was amazing, and I am still good friends with him now. Sadly, I am still on the hunt for a man! I would love to do this experience all over again because I loved coming out of my comfort zone, meeting new lifelong friends, and making memories! (and obviously soaking up my few minutes of fame).

Even though I love talking about all the positives about being on TV, a big negative would be the backlash I received from individuals online. I remember RTE 2 shared a preview before my episode was aired on Instagram; they have 48.5k followers, a lot of people. The first comment made reflected my looks and personal insecurities. I was in the canteen at college at the time and I

ran straight to the bathroom and rang the producers to see if they could take it down. There was a handful of negative comments on the way I looked left by accounts with no username and profile picture and the rest made by older men, who were pictured with their kids, which baffled me. I thought in my head why would any unknown individual or any man who has a family comment about a teenage girl’s looks. I did not turn up

“ I felt so embarrassed knowing that friends of mine and other students would have potentially seen these comments”

to college for a week because I felt so embarrassed knowing that friends of mine and other students would have potentially seen these comments that were left on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. A week later RTE contacted me; they were super thoughtful and kind. They rang to check up on me and to offer me any counseling if I had been affected by the negativity. The producer then reminded me on the phone that the good outweighs the bad and that there were thousands of positive comments when all I did was ignore them and focus on the negative. It did affect me personally; my confidence was knocked, and I started to listen to the compliments and try to change my appearance to impress others, but I soon learned that someone out there will always have something negative to say but you must not rise to it!

Ellie Dunne Photo by RTE

2024 NBA All-Star Weekend

A Tale of High Expectations and Disappointing Performances

Adam Moore

The 2024 NBA All-Star weekend has concluded, leaving behind one of the more peculiar editions of the traditional weekend. Held in Indiana, the event was particularly fitting given the strong representation from the Indiana Pacers following their surge in form this season. With a significant rivalry brewing over the MVP race, numerous 70+ point performances, and stacked starting lineups already confirmed, the Indiana All-Star weekend seemed promising. But what transpired?

The weekend’s events kicked off on Friday, February 16th. Day one featured the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame News Conference, the

“ Many expressed frustration with the lack of effort, prompting discussions on how to improve future events.”

NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, and the Rising Stars Game. Saturday hosted a press conference with Adam Silver, the NBA Skills Challenge, and the NBA 3-point contest, won by Damian Lillard for his second consecutive win. The Steph vs. Sabrina 3-point challenge lived up to the hype, with Stephen Curry clinching victory over Sabrina Ionescu with a final score of 29-26. To conclude Saturday, the Slam Dunk competition felt lackluster this year, marked by a lack of originality and controversy over judging decisions, notably Jaylen Brown’s dunk over 5’3” Kai Cenat scoring higher than Jaime Jacquez Jr’s dunk over 7’1” Shaquille O’Neal.

Sunday marked the final day of All-Star weekend, featuring the NBA Legend awards, the G League Next Up game, won by the G-league team who upset Victor Wembanyama and company, and the 73rd NBA All-Star game at Gamebridge Fieldhouse.

The confirmed starters for each conference were released, with captains Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James leading their selected teams. The East’s lineup included star guards Tyrese

Haliburton and Damian Lillard, supported by Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, and Jayson Tatum. In the West, guards Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were joined by forwards LeBron James and Kevin Durant, along with center Nikola Jokic.

Despite high expectations for a competitive game, the All-Star match fell short, with the Eastern conference dominating and leaving little excitement. Many expressed frustration with the lack of effort, prompting discussions on how to improve future events. Suggestions include adding a 1-on-1 or 3-on-3 tournament to replace the 3-point and slam dunk competitions.

Looking back, the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend showcased both the league’s entertainment prowess and areas for improvement, leaving fans eager for next year’s event. Images

Chilling Out The Cold Water Swimming Craze Explained

Rhiannon Mc Mahon

In recent years, cold water swimming, or ice water swimming, has become increasingly popular. But what’s all the hype about? And are these life-changing benefits real? After conducting research, I discovered that many sources, from holistic blogs to scientific journals, along with numerous pro-athletes and doctors, agree: coldwater swimming can significantly improve our bodies and lives.

So, what are these benefits?

Well, to start, cold water swimming can have a massive impact on our mental health. When we immerse our bodies in cold water, our fight or flight instinct kicks in, urging us to get out of the water as fast as possible. This reaction is caused by the production of our stress hormone cortisol, which is also released in stressful situations like exams or arguments.

“In addition to stress management, cold water swimming helps with focus.”

However, as our bodies adjust to the water temperature, our ability to handle this hormone improves. Many cold water swimmers have reported that with each swim, this adjustment period gets shorter, enabling them to deal with stressful situations in a calmer manner.The temperature shock forces our brains to reach maximum capacity, allowing us to be more present and think less.

What about the physical benefits?

Cold-water swimming aids our respiratory system by improving lung function through the shock of cold water. It also enhances circulation, as the heart works

harder to pump blood around the body, akin to a cardio workout. Additionally, the redirection of blood from limbs to organs helps alleviate inflammation, boosts the immune system, and promotes faster healing. Moreover, cold water is beneficial for the skin, enhancing elasticity and circulation.

Despite the initial challenge, regular cold water swimming builds mental strength, dedication, and concentration, which can be applied to other areas of life.

Start in shallow waters and gradually immerse yourself. Always swim in safe areas and preferably with a companion. After swimming, ensure to warm up and dry off thoroughly. Many swimmers ease into the practice during warmer seasons, allowing their bodies to acclimate naturally.

If you have medical concerns, consult a doctor before trying cold water swimming. Remember, while it offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to avoid prolonged exposure to cold water.

As for my personal experience, my partner and I have been swimming in a local mountain river near our house, and the benefits have been astounding. From mental clarity to improved circulation, cold water swimming has transformed my life.

So, before taking the plunge, remember to be safe, stay warm, and enjoy the invigorating experience of cold water swimming!

Image by freepik.com

Image by freepik.com

Simple and Delicious: Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies

Lilly Cassidy

Baking is an enjoyable activity that can not only be used as a stress relieving activity, but also rewards you with delicious treats. If you’re looking for an easy yet delicious baking recipe, homemade chocolate chip cookies are a classic. In this article, I will explain a stepby-step process to create these cookies.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is ready to go once your cookie dough is prepared.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for this step if you have one.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

5. Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. You can use semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or a combination of your favorite chocolate chips.

6. Form Cookie Dough Balls: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between each one to allow for spreading during baking.

7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.

8. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you may enjoy the cookies!

Slowly Dying

by Kate McCarthy

Everyone tells me that I am fine that I am not going to die I am a young girl and I got to live my life…

What they don’t know is that inside my mind has slowly died they don’t see or hear what I think, and my brain is slowly running out of ink one day my brain will stop and unfortunately, I may drop....

I may go up to the clouds and see all the angels and up there they may have some bagels. So do not be sad about kicking the boot in when you can live and have some gluten.

Discover the Magic of Center Parcs Your Ultimate Family Getaway

Robert Cusack

Center Parcs is a short holiday village located in Longford, Ireland, set up in July of 2019. It can accommodate around 2500 people with approximately 443 lodges available in three types: Woodland, Exclusive, and Executive, all of which are pet-friendly.

Center Parcs offers a wealth of activities for families to participate in, including archery, zip lining, aerial tree walking, and many more. For those seeking relaxation, the village provides options like the spa, yoga, or leisurely walks through the beautiful surrounding woods and lake scenery. The central swimming pool features multiple rides for both kids and adults.

“I believe Center Parcs offers a unique forest experience with friendly and helpful staff who promptly address any issues that may arise.”

Additionally, Center Parcs boasts various dining options ranging from American, Indian, to Italian cuisine, ensuring there’s something for everyone. However, if you prefer cooking, the Parc Market offers groceries, and lodges are equipped for selfcatering. Bicycles are available for rent, catering to both children and adults, and the facilities are accessible for people with disabilities.

From my personal experience, Center Parcs can be quite expensive, especially considering the high prices at the Parc Market. Additionally, popular activities often require booking months in advance. However, overall, I believe Center Parcs offers a unique forest experience with friendly and helpful staff who promptly address any issues that may arise.

Photo by Robert Cusack

CFET Takes the Green Route

Embracing Smarter Travel for a Sustainable Campus

Audrey Fitzgerald speaks to i-Ink

College of FET, has green on the agenda. While we are promoting many sustainable projects at the moment, in this article we would like to focus on our ‘smarter travel’ initative. University and college campuses are generally viewed as positive environments for the application of a travel behaviour change initiative. Mirroring the growth in vehicle ownership and use in broader society, campuses have faced increasing pressure to mitigate the effects of this traffic and, if possible, restrict it.

At CFET we wish to promote a smarter travel attitude throughout the college. We encourage everyone to get involved and think about how they commute. Together we will make a difference. Walking, cycling, carpooling and using public transport are all easily accessible ways of commuting to and from our campus.

Active modes of transport like walking, cycling, and public transportation are all opportunities for people to integrate healthy lifestyles into their daily lives. Being a city centre campus, we are in a unique position to travel smarter. So please choose a smarter travel option to suit your needs.

By Bicycle

• Visitor bicycle parking provided on-site.

• Bicycle pump and repair kit available to visitors or learners if required.

• TFI Bike stations are located close by. (3mins walk) Please visit Limerick - TFI Bikes (bikeshare.ie) for more information.

• College of FET, Mulgrave Street Campus - Google Maps

By Foot

Easy access to city centre. 10mins from Campus to Penneys O’Connell St. (Band maps are provided on our travel noticeboard)

By Bus / Train

• Easy access to Limerick Colbert Station, Bus station

• 5 minute walk from Campus

By Taxi

• 5 minute walk from Mulgrave Street Campus to William St. Taxi Rank.

By Carpool

• The college operates a Carpooling service, please see the travel noticeboard to see if your area is facilitated.

Created by Muireann McMahon, Art & Design Portfolio With Animation & Illustration. Past student 2022. National Winner in the Smarter Travel Student Awards competition.

Arctic Monkeys’ Concert Review

A Musical Journey

Grace MacGregor

The Arctic Monkeys’ latest concert was a trance-inducing journey that showcased the band’s evolution through music. The band took the 3Arena stage with an electrifying presence, completely indulging the sold-out arena and its 13,000 audience members with thrilling energy. They opened with ‘Sculptures of Anything Goes,’ a song from their latest album ‘The Car,’ released in 2022, followed by their classic song ‘BrianStorm’ from their second album ‘Your Favourite Worst Nightmare,’ released in 2007. This created a seamless fusion between old and new songs throughout the show.

“Frontman Alex Turner’s stage presence was energetic and hypnotic, engaging with the audience throughout every song”

Frontman Alex Turner’s stage presence was energetic and hypnotic, engaging with the audience throughout every song. After causing devastation to Irish fans by cancelling their only show during the summer, it was well owed to bring an electric presence to the stage. Turner’s ability to take the audience and build a connection with himself was admirable.

The Arctic Monkeys demonstrated their versatility and ability to shift between their old indie rock and roll to new sounds. Incorporating lighting and visual aspects, the use of the main visuals was a camera giving a 70s theme to the gig. The lights were low, and when they played songs such as ‘505,’ a Mirrorball dropped, filling the arena with light as it bounced back off the Mirrorball. The visuals and lighting really brought together the whole experience, setting in stone the theme of the concert.

One highlight of the night was a surprise guest appearance of Miles Kane, Turner’s best friend and fellow band member of ‘The Last Shadow Puppets.’ Kane came on stage for the longawaited return to play ‘505.’ The audience was truly amazed and surprised.

From the first note to the final encore, the band’s charisma, musical prowess, and the energy from the audience will be forever etched in my mind as something I will never be able to forget. As a typical live performance goes, this excelled beyond any of my expectations. From being let down in June due to frontman Alex Turner’s sickness leading to Ireland’s one and only show being canceled, to getting four shows in Dublin to end their tour, it was flawless.

“The lights were low, and when they played songs such as ‘505,’ a Mirrorball dropped, filling the arena with light as it bounced back off the Mirrorball ”

In terms of production, the 3Arena did an amazing job flawlessly executing the concert, with amazing security that was helpful. The sound quality and stage setup complemented the band’s aesthetic. The Arctic Monkeys really left their mark on Dublin over the three nights, leaving all the Irish fans anticipating their next arrival.

Photo by Grace MacGregor

Irish Boxing Talent

Ones to Watch in 2024

Mya Price

In the cruiserweight division, Belfast’s Tommy McCarthy is scheduled to fight Britain’s Cheavon Clarke for the WBA InterContinental title on January 27th at the Ulster Hall in Belfast. The 33 year old is a former WBC International and EBU titleholder. McCarthy is coming off a defeat, he was stopped in the seventh round by Poland’s Michal Cieslak in November. McCarthy’s has a professional record of 20-5-0 (5 KO’s).

In the super middleweight division, Belfast’s Padraig McCrory faced the undefeated Puerto Rican-American boxer Edgar Berlanga on February 24th at the Caribe Royale in Florida. The 35 year old is a former WBC International Silver super middleweight and IBO light-heavyweight champion. McCrory’s most recent bout was in August, versus Britain’s Steed Woodwall. McCrory won the WBA Continental title after obtaining a unanimous decision victory. McCrory boasts an undefeated record of 18-0-0 (9 KO’s).

In the middleweight division, Monaghan’s Aaron McKenna put on an impressive performance in June versus Angola’s Uisma Lima, to win the vacant WBC International middleweight title vi unanimous decision at the York Hall in London.

“2023 was an exciting year for Irish boxing, there are several boxers and promising prospects to watch this year in 2024”

McKenna won his most recent bout against Britian’s Mickey Ellison by way of TKO at the Echo Arena in Liverpool. This elevates the 24 year olds professional record to 18-0-0 (9 KO’s). Derry’s Connor Coyle will challenge America’s unbeaten Austin Williams for the IBF North American middleweight title on February 2nd at the Chelsea Ballroom in Las Vegas. Coyle is a former ABF American West middleweight title holder and he has held the NABA middleweight title since 2022.

Coyle defeated America’s Joey Bryant in his last bout, by TKO in the fifth round. Coyle, who is 33, has racked up a professional boxing record of 200-0 (9 KO’s).

In the super welterweight division, Belfast’s Caoimhin Agyarko holds the WBA International middleweight title. Agyarko claimed the belt after defeating Mexico’s Noe Larios Jr in 2021 by way of TKO at the Echo Arena in Liverpool. Agyarko’s most recent bout was in December, when he took on the ex-British junior middleweight champion, Troy Williamson at the SSE Arena in Belfast. Agyarko put on a spectacular show to win the bout on the scorecards by way of split decision. Agyrako, who is 27, has a professional record of

Image by freepik.com

18-0-0 (7 KO’s). Limerick’s Paddy Donovan is steadily climbing the pro-ranks, he is set to fight Argentina’s William Andres Herrera on January 27th at the Ulster Hall in Belfast. The 25 year old is trained by Andy Lee, the former WBO middleweight champion, who also hails from county Limerick. Donovan won the WBA Continental title in November after he defeated Britian’s Danny Ball with an exciting fourth round stoppage victory, which took place on the undercard of Taylor versus Cameron two. Donovan’s professional record is currently at 12-0-0 (9 KO’s).

In the women’s lightweight division, Wicklow’s Katie Taylor is a household name in Ireland. Taylor defeated the former WBC world lightweight champion Delfine Persoon in 2019, and she beat again in the 2020 rematch, the next year she defeated her former Olympic rival Natasha Jonas in the pro-ranks, and in 2022 she defeated the unified featherweight champion Amanda Serrano, breaking a women’s boxing viewership record in the progress, when 1.5 million people tuned in to witness the historic boxing match live. Taylor went the distance against Britian’s Chantelle

Cameron in their legendary showdown at the 3Arena in June, with Taylor avenging her defeat to Cameron by way of majority decision. Taylor was crowned the undisputed champion in the super lightweight division, and in a monumental feat she became an undisputed champion across two weight classes. The 37 year old vacated her IBF title in January and a trilogy fight at super lightweight is still on the cards. Taylor’s professional record is currently 24-1-0 (6 KO’s).

In the super featherweight division, Belfast’s Anthony Cacace beat Italy’s Michael Magnesi by split decision in 2022 for the IBO World Super featherweight title. In Cacace’s last bout, he defended his IBO title against Poland’s Damian Wrzesinski, winning the bout via a unanimous decision victory. Cacace, who is 33, is set for the biggest fight of his career thus far, which will take place in February the 17th at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia, where Cacace will face Britian’s undefeated Joe Cordina for the IBF world super featherweight title. Cacace’s professional record currently stands at 21-1-0 (7 KO’s).

Image by freepik.com

EVENTS

College Events and Updates Stay Informed and Engaged

Resulting from a collaboration between Level 5 learners in our Sports & Recreation course and FAI learners at KRC, we now have a College of FET soccer team competing in the National Challenge Cup, which is the 2nd tier of competition involving all Third Level Colleges across the country. The team has reached the final after going through some tough rounds against other colleges, and I am sure we all wish them the best in March when they take on either Carlow or Tallaght in the final at Athlone Stadium.

Just a week or so ago, Robert Dawson (from Music Technology) was on Spin Southwest on Saturday morning. His latest release, “Scared” (which was recorded in our studio as part of his coursework), was chosen by Spin as their “Track of The Week.” Well done Robert!

Erasmus Plus Programme – Just prior to the midterm, we had 30 learners completing a twoweek work placement in Malaga. A fantastic opportunity in your first year post-leaving certificate or as a mature learner to access a work placement abroad. A lot of work goes into the organization, traveling out, and managing of a group abroad so a major thank you to all.

Our Pathways from Schools series continues weekly in Hairdressing, Beauty, Sports &

Creative Media, with post-primary students accessing teachers, courses, and learning opportunities at MSC.These pathways play a crucial role in expanding access to FET for prospective learners Every Wednesday, nonnationals on our Level 3 & 4 courses partake in our Living and Working In Ireland program. This provides those new to Ireland the opportunity to access local cultural experiences and find ways to integrate into their new home.

This year’s Lifelong Learning Festival will be launched here on Friday, March 22nd, and I would like to encourage you all to engage with the workshops or events run throughout LLL week.

We plan to have a Campus Open Day on the 12th April from 10am to 1pm.

Photo by Ronan Foyle

In addition, the team behind our Arts Festival is gearing up again for another significant event on the 23rd and 24th of April. Please do come along and see the wonderful work produced during the year.

Photo: Creative Media Department

Our renowned Intercultural Day at KRC is planned for March 6th.

The College Community Council are organising a series of social events from the 19th - 22nd March with live music, nights out, workshops, a Swap Meet, video game tournaments as well as Giant Games, free ice-cream and more. Talk to your Class Rep about how you can get involved! At this week’s National FET Conference in Athlone,

our Mental Health and Wellbeing Teams at both campuses received accreditation under the ETBI/ Jigsaw FET Learner Mental Health and Wellbeing Accreditation Initiative, which was launched on October 10th, 2023. We are delighted that our work in this area has been acknowledged nationally.

Photography Tour – The photography course and Creative Media department headed off to Athens on their annual photography tour for a week-long field trip. Check out some of the photos below!

Our Interior Design Skills and Portfolio class recently explored the acclaimed International Rugby Experience, designed by Níall McLaughlin Architects and recognized by the RIAI Irish Architecture Awards 2023. During the visit, our Interior Design learners immersed themselves in the the space,analysing its materials and design elements within the context of Limerick city. A great day out was had by all!

Photos by Photography Department

Photo by Taqwa Arebi

Ireland’s Women’s Football

From Qualification Triumph to World Cup Reflections

Kate McCarthy

The Irish women’s national team qualified for the women’s 2023 World Cup against Scotland when Amber Barrett came off the bench and onto the field in the 66-minute due to Heather Payne being injured it just took 7 minutes for Amber Barrett to be on the field for her to score and write her name in record books.

It was a big achievement when the girls in green qualified for the tournament as it showed how far the Irish football team has come in a few short years.

Unfortunately, during the summer when they participated in the World Cup in Australia, they didn’t make it out of the group stages due to being beaten 1-0 by Australia, the hosts in their first match and beaten 2-1 by Canada in the second match but they did get their first goal of the tournament from Captain Katie McCabe while against Canada and got their first point of the table when they drew against Nigeria in their final group stage match.

But regardless of the results, what type of impact will Ireland’s participation in the Women’s World

Cup have? Are we witnessing a change moment for women’s sport, or will old issues still weigh them down? What does their performance say

“Are we witnessing a moment of change for women’s sport, or will old issues still weigh them down”

about how the future of the team? And did they catch the public’s attention enough to keep the fanbase growing from here? And more widely, is enough being done by sports organisations to support women in sport? ‘Only time will tell but there’s no doubt in my mind. COYGIG!

Excitement Builds for UEFA Euro 2024: A Preview

Key Players, Hosts, and Matches to Watch in the 17th Edition of the European Championship

Robert Cusack

This year UEFA are holding the 17th edition of the European championship being held around Germany from June 14th to July 14th with the Final being held in the capital of Berlin, as the 24 best teams in Europe battle it out to claim to be the best team in Europe.

Current Champions

Due to the Pandemic Euro 2020 was postponed to 2021, In which Roberto Mancini’s Italians were

crowned champions after defeating England on penalties 3-2 becoming champions again for the 2nd time since winning on home soil back in 1968.

Italy was drawn into group C with Euro finalist England, Ukraine, North Macedonia, and Malta this group was quite predictable, but for the champions it was not ideal as they were unable to beat England starting the qualifiers with a loss to them 2-1 as Harry Kane silenced the Italian crowd.

Photo by freepik.com

Wins against Ukraine and Malta were vital as Ukraine were battling hard for that 2nd place spot as England steam rolled the group as they defeated Italy in Wembley, the Italians finally got revenge as they trashed North Macedonia 5-2. On the final Matchday, Spalletti’s men faced Ukraine in an important game Ukraine were sat in 3rd and Italy 2nd tied on 13 points with Italy ahead on goal difference. Lucky enough they drew as Italy and England qualified to go to Germany with Italy being put in group B with Spain, Croatia, and Albania.

Current hosts

Germany have been in quite a rut recently due to them being hosts they do not have to qualify but they still play friendlies. Since winning the world cup back in 2014, Die Mannschaft has struggled in international competitions getting to the round of 16 in Euro 2021 and getting eliminated in both world cup 2018 and 2022 groups. Since their quick exit for the world cup the Germans have only managed to get 2 wins and draws compared to 6 defeats as sides like Turkey and Austria have halted the momentum of German manager Julian Nagelsmann who is looking to avenge the German and bring them some much needed gold. They will be stuck in a group with a reformed Scottish side, Switzerland and Hungary.

French favorites

especially Gibraltar as they trashed them 14-0 and only conceding 3 goals in the entire group stage averaging an expected goal of 2.57 per game which is the number 1 rank in Europe comparing this with a strong team like England who have an expected goal of 1.56 France will be in Group D along with fellow Group B qualifier Netherlands, Austria and the winner of the Path A playoff will be placed in that group.

Matches to Watch

This French side is one of the best international teams of all time keeping the quality from the 2018 world cup winning team with players like Griezmann, Giroud and PSG superstar Kyllian Mbappe. Combined with the new upcoming French talent Camavinga, Tchouaméni and many more that helped French get to the 2022 world cup final in a defeating effort to Argentina and ever since then they haven’t slowed down picking up 7 wins out of 8 as they stomped Group B and

Several key matchups promise thrilling competition in Euro 2024. The clash between Austria and the Netherlands on June 25th will determine the second qualifier from Group D, with both teams showcasing formidable talent and determination. Additionally, the showdown between Spain and Croatia holds intrigue, as both teams seek redemption and advancement in the tournament after previous disappointments.

As excitement mounts for UEFA Euro 2024, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing the drama, skill, and passion that define this prestigious tournament.