SIN Vol. 20 Issue 10

NUACHTÁN SAOR IN AISCE VOL. 20 Issue 10. 26 FEB 2019

Student Independent News

USI condemns delay in enacting legislation affording more tenant rights to students By Áine Kenny On Wednesday 20 February, the Union of Students in Ireland Vice President Michelle Byrne and NUI Galway’s Students’ Union President Megan Reilly spoke in the Oireachtas about the Residential Tenancies (Greater Security of Tenure & Rent Certainty) Bill 2018.

The two Presidents were dismayed to see the delay in enacting the legislation, which would afford more rights to students living in purpose build student accommodation (PBSA).

Currently, students living in these complexes are deemed ‘licensees’ and not tenants, and therefore have fewer rights.

Rent pressure zone legislation, which caps rent increases at four percent per year, currently does not apply to student accommodations. This bill seeks to change this.

Speaking in the Oireachtas, NUI Galway’s Students’ Union President Megan Reilly said: “We have a student population of over 18,000 and our students have been affected badly by issues particularly around rent certainty and security of tenure.”

“These bills address some of the issues that stu-

dents have been facing, but really just scratch the surface of what’s going on.”

“Students cannot afford extortionate deposits of two month’s rent upfront.”

“Not only are these issues frustrating and upsetting students, they are affecting their access to education.”

Reilly also commented on the specific case of Cuirt na Coiribe in Galway, which made headlines last year for increasing their rent by €1000.

“In the SU we came out strongly against the increase, and as well as protesting, we took a case against the accommodation provider with the Residential Tenancies Board, and this is how we learned about the four percent rent pressure zones not extending to purpose built student accommodation, and the difficulties with residents in PBSA being classified as a license instead of a tenancy, and the lack of rights that are afforded to students because of this.”

“In our case, even though it was called a license agreement, the adjudication treated it as a tenancy.”

“However, we have learned from Threshold that a similar case in Cork was treated as a licensee agreement, showing the lack of clarity around how

these cases should be treated, and the anti eviction bill will go a ways towards clearing this up.” “[Our case] unfortunately failed on a technicality, but it was then we started lobbying for the caps to be extended to PBSA.” Speaking to SIN afterwards, President Reilly said there had been a private session about the bill two weeks ago, and that a TD had raised a concern that nothing had been done since this.

“We were told it should be going through in April, that’s our hope. We need to get it through now before the summer session is out as nothing will be done until next year then,” Reilly said.

Michelle Byrne, Vice President of the USI, outlined the massive need for affordable student accommodation. “On the night of the census in 2016, there were 429 homeless students in Ireland, making up over eight percent of the total homeless numbers.”

“When the Government’s student accommodation strategy was launched in July 2017, there was an excess demand in purpose built student accommodation of over 23,000 beds.”

“This is expected to increase to almost 26,000 this year. This means we are still 16,000 beds short

even if all PBSA which is projected is successfully completed,” she explained.

The USI are calling for the Residential Tenancies (Greater Security of Tenure & Rent Certainty) Bill 2018 to be passed urgently, as currently students living in purpose-built student accommodations are facing rent increases of 10-20 percent.

In University College Cork’s Victoria Mills accommodation complex, rent has increased by €900 (10 percent) in two years. In the academic year 2016/17, students paid €5,260 for a single bedroom. In 2019/2020, students will pay €6,179 for that same room.

In NUI Galway, the 140 bed Menlo Park private student accommodation prices have increased by 20 percent. That is a rise of €1,390 for a single bedroom in student accommodation.

John-Mark McCafferty, CEO of Threshold housing charity, who also attended the session said: “Threshold has long recognised that students are increasingly vulnerable in the private rented sector.”

“Many students renting are effectively ‘licensees’, rather than tenants. In other words they are living in legal limbo, without the protections of a tenancy and without recourse to the Residential Tenancies Board.”

NUI Galway choir to compete on world stage

By Martha Brennan NUI Galway’s renowned male voice choir, the Testostertones, have been selected to compete at a prestigious international festival.

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales is one of the world’s most famous festivals of music, dance and culture, and includes competitions showcasing choirs and dance troupes from across the globe.

Each year it attracts over 4,000 performers and as many as 50,000 visitors across the week.

Established in 1947, the International Eisteddfod promotes peace

and goodwill between nations by bringing performers from all cultures and nations together through music.

Competitors at the festival are world renowned, such as Luciano Pavarotti, one of the most successful tenors of all time.

This year’s festival will take place from 1-7 of July.

The Testostertones will join international competitors from all over the world, and they will perform a number of songs, including folk songs from the West of Ireland, in both Irish and English.

“This is a wonderful experience for the singers,” Choir Director and NUI Galway graduate, Peter Mannion says.

“Performing at one of the world’s great music festivals will be a highlight for both the singers and their families. Representing NUI Galway and Ireland at the festival is an honour for the group and we will be performing a repertoire to showcase choral music from Ireland, along with some music

from the greatest ever composers.”

The Testostertones won the National Male Choir Competition title last year at Cork International Choral Festival. They were the first college-based choir to ever win the title, and have also won competitions at every major Irish choral festival.

Now in its sixteenth year, the choir was formed in 2003 by Peter Mannion and currently consists of students, alumni and staff members of NUI Galway.

The aim of the Testostertones is to give male singers an opportunity to enhance their skills and the group performs a mix of acapella and barbershop music. Over time, the ensemble has become one of the most innovative choral groups in Ireland.

The group is constantly on the lookout for fresh new talent. If you would like to become part of the Testostertones, you can get in contact by emailing nuigttones@gmail.com.

2 N E WS & F E AT U R ES

SIN Vol. 20 Issue 10

INSIDE

NUI Galway History Department launches new project on Tuam Mother and Baby Home 4 Donegal Tuesday takes centre stage during unofficial RAG week 5 Minister Seán Kyne officially opens state of the art NUIG student village 6 New Domestic Violence Act protects couples that are not living together and those in same sex relationships 7 FINAL YEAR DIARIES: midterms and meltdowns 8 Journalism in Ireland: cliquey, classist and exploitative? 9 How to be a good college housemate 10 Do we really care about our environment? 11 Why transport should be cheaper for students 12 Bamboo toothbrushes – a sustainable future 14 LIVING HER BEST LIFE: Jazzmyne Robbins 15 Meet Limerick blogger Bri B Blogs 17 Three ways to style: the long skirt 18 CHILDISH GRAMMBINO: Recording Academy still can’t keep up with the culture 20 End Game documentary review 23 Prestigious Rosemount High School Band to perform in NUI Galway 24 Changes needed to end GAA fixture congestion

28

RICE FOR ENGLAND: Nothing more than a career move 29 Ireland should survive Sean Ó Brien moving to London Irish 30 GALWAY UNITED SEASON PREVIEW: A fresh start 31

By Áine Kenny Hello everyone and welcome to issue ten of SIN! It is hard to believe that it is week seven already. *Ron Weasley voice* Can we panic now?

Any other final years out there feel like they are being stretched out and pulled in a million different directions? We are supposed to be completing our degree, yet we also have to apply for masters, internships and jobs in the middle of this, and work part time to pay for fees or accommodation. It feels like an impossible task. Honestly, I’ll be so glad to finish my degree at this stage.

It makes me sad that I haven’t been able to fully enjoy my last year here in NUI Galway. The college really should look into setting up some support programmes for frazzled final year students, in my opinion.

Our front page this week is the TTones, NUI Galway’s worldrenowned all-male choral group. We also have an article about the delay in enacting the Residential Tenancies (Greater Security of Tenure & Rent Certainty) Bill 2018. Our own Students’ Union President spoke in the Oireachtas about this matter.

This bill will afford more rights to students living in purpose built student accommodation, meaning we won’t have to face ridiculous rent

hikes year after year. If something isn’t done soon enough, everyone in Ireland will be forced to commute to college, severely limiting our choices.

In other news, we have articles about heartbeat poetry, marchathons, astronomy conferences, the Hub and legal work experience. Gary has a particularly interesting article about unpaid internships, which us here at SIN can certainly relate to. We also have our regular features of Quinton’s Irish column, as well as our first year and final year diarists.

We have a stellar opinion section as usual. Topics ranging from Dave Grohl, good housemate etiquette and electric cars are covered.

In our fashion and lifestyle section, we have a brilliant article by Tarryn on hair care. I definitely need to put on a hair mask before I return to my hairdresser, or I will receive dismayed looks and a serious chop to get rid of my dead ends. We also have an interview with Brianna Barry, a Limerick blogger, as well as a three ways to style piece.

Arts and entertainment is as colourful as ever, with plenty of coverage of the Grammys and its critics.

In Sarah’s ‘If you don’t know, now you know’ column, she introduces us to King Princess, an American singer songwriter with oodles of talent. We also have our usual reviews; if you’re

Photo: Joanna Kavanagh bored with watching How I Met Your Mother on Netflix, try the End Game documentary instead!

Finally, the sports section is just bursting with such a variety of content this week, and our sports writers should be very proud of themselves!

From golf, Gaelic to athletics, we have everything a sports enthusiast needs. We have plenty of rugby and soccer coverage, and yes, we do have an article about Declan Rice… looking forward to seeing the comments on that one!

As always, many thanks to our stellar writers, and it’s never too late to start writing! Send me an email if you are interested.

Also, next Monday is when our election special issue is out, make sure to pick up a copy to get the inside scoop on candidates. It is also full of other political coverage, including interviews with local election candidates, and an interview with Senator Alice Mary H ­ iggins!

NUI GALWAY LAUNCH EVERVERSE: poetry created through heartbeat data

By Julia Tereno

EDITOR: Áine Kenny editor.sin@gmail.com LAYOUT: Shannon Reeves An bhfuil rud éigin le rá agat?

Cur litir chuig an Eagarthóir chuig editor.sin@gmail.com

Find us online:

www.sin.ie

NUI Galway launches Eververse, a platform that uses heartbeat data to create original poetry and publish it online in real time.

The project is led by NUI Galway researcher Dr Justin Tonra, from the English department, in collaboration with Waqas Khawaja from the Insight Centre for Data Analytics, David Kelly from the Moore Institute and Brian Davis from Computer Science in Maynooth University.

Dr Tonra will wear a fitness tracking device for the next year, which will gather biometric data to produce poetry and publish it in real time on the Eververse website.

“We built a poetry generating algorithm which takes in that biometric data and spits out poetry at the other end,” he said.

The Computer Science researchers created the algorithms that generate language based on non-linguistic data.

Dr Tonra said they “trained” the algorithms to understand poetry, inputting basic principles of form, language and style.

The database contains several genres of poetry and the verses created by the platform change in form and content according to heartbeat variations.

“There’s a poetic theory behind that, the line of poetry should correspond to the poet’s breath. When your heart is racing, your breath is shorter,” said Dr Tonra.

He also said that in general, the poem changes according to what he’s experiencing at any given moment.

“We use a process called sentiment analysis to take words from poetry and heighten their sentiment,” he said.

The high heart rate is then associated with intensified emotion, so the algorithm may change words like “bad” to “terrible” because it has a heightened sentiment.

Eververse also generates poetry while you are sleeping.

Dr Tonra said his fitness tracker records four sleep states: light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep or wakefulness.

“There is a type of poetry that corresponds to each of those zones. For the dream stage we have a separate

collection of poetry that is surrealist, that’s the training collection for that, so the idea is that it will generate dreamy poetry,” he said.

In the future, the researchers intend to make Eververse available for anyone to connect their fitness trackers and create their own poems.

Dr Tonra also said the platform will be released in open source format so people are able to program it however they choose.

He pointed out that the project is a collaboration between the humanities and the sciences and that part of the challenge is to enable understanding between people who work in very different fields.

“But it also ties into a broader desire in education and research to have the sciences and the humanities working together,” he said.

Eververse was launched on 14 February 2019, and Dr Tonra will continue to publish his heartbeat’s verses in real time to complete his year-long poem.

Some of his poetry is already available on the Eververse website: https:// eververse.nuigalway.ie/

N UAC HT

February 26 2019

NEWS EDITORIAL

By Martha Brennan Welcome to issue ten everyone! I can’t believe we’re already on this issue – and half way through the semester. I’m sure every student is currently feeling the mid-term panic, and I hope everyone that’s in the trenches of essays and deadlines can take a quick break to flick through our amazing new issue.

As usual, we have updates on everything going on NUI Galway for you to delve in to – including a new poetry project, new research into the Tuam Mother and Baby Home, and a University based choir that is taking the world by storm.

We also have information about scholarships for female engineers and some interesting insights into a new Leaving Certificate subject being added to Ireland’s curriculum.

I know the last two weeks have been super busy for everyone, so I want to say a special thank you to all of our writers who took time out of their crazy midterm schedules to contribute to this issue.

As things start calming back down after this week, if anyone is interested in doing some writing please let us know!

And as usual, if anyone has any news stories please drop me a message at deputy. sined@gmail.com.

FEATURES EDITORIAL

By Olivia Hanna Happy halfway! We’ve made it this far, and the next few weeks of the semester will fly by! If you feel like you’re falling behind, you’re not alone. I feel completely frazzled; it’s that time when there’s content you start to forget, and there’s more that you have to learn as you start to stare down finals. It’s a completely overwhelming time! Clearly, I’ve been behind because the features section has suffered a bit this issue! We all can be sloppy sometimes. I told Áine I’d write an article that I never got around to, sorry Áine!

As I’m writing this it is a Friday, and over the weekend I plan on re-organizing myself and taking a moment to clear my head and focus on my final weeks of college. It’s important to take some time out, distance yourself from all that’s going on, and think about longterm goals. Instead of dwelling on the assignment due next week (don’t forget about it though!), remember that it is all part of a bigger picture! I hope you enjoy this issue, and by the time the next one comes out it will be time to truly power on and finish the year strong!

OPINION EDITORIAL

By Tarryn McGuire Hello everyone and welcome to this week’s issue of SIN. We have some amazing content in this issue, including a fascinating opinion piece from Alice as to why transport should be cheaper for students. It would be so much easier to go home for the weekend if we weren’t forking out twenty to thirty euro whenever we want to go home to visit our dog.

One article that is definitely worth a read is Conor’s view on what it takes to be a good housemate. Trust me, knowing the dos and don’ts of being a good college housemate will make your college experience ten times better.

Aislinn has written a fantastic and honest piece on how much we actually care about the environment and what we are doing to protect it. Spoiler, we may not be doing as much as we think we are.

Make sure to head over to the opinion section, as there are plenty of amazing and opinionated pieces to indulge in.

Finally, I want to thank all of our writers for volunteering their time to write for SIN and I hope you all enjoy this issue!

7

GNÉ -ALTANNA

ARTS AND ENTERTAINEMNT EDITORIAL

SPORTS EDITORIAL

By Graham Gillespie

By Sarah Gill Hey there! We are back once again with another brilliant issue of SIN, so grab a cuppa tea and a comfortable chair and settle in for an evening of reading.

Where would we be without social commentary? I like to think that the arts and entertainment section doesn’t merely dissect the shiny lives of celebrities; it gives you the tools to form your own opinion. There is a lot to be said for looking at an occurrence from another angle.

From Grammy madness to Liam Neeson’s controversial statement and everything in between, we’ve made sure you stay in the know.

If you’re wondering what you should be watching, we’ve got reviews galore in our section. Add in some beautiful poetry and you’ve got yourself a damn good issue.

As always, if you feel like you could add a new flavour to the paper, throw me over an email with your ideas at artsentertainment.sined@gmail.com.

Welcome to the latest issue of SIN. The post rag week blues have coincided with a disappointing week in GAA for NUI Galway, as they crashed out at the semi-final stage of both the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cups.

The intermediate footballers also came out second best in their All-Ireland final, and Michael O’Connor has the report in this issue.

Speaking of the third level competitions, Tomás Keating weighs in on the farcical situation that saw the All-Ireland Club and Sigerson semi-finals set on the same weekend for the second year straight.

Darren Casserly discusses what to expect from Alan Murphy’s Galway United side, who started their first division campaign last Friday.

Elsewhere, we have articles on Jonny Sexton, Kyler Murray, the European Indoor Athletics Championships, and, of course, Declan Rice.

Thanks to everybody who contributed this issue, and if anyone wants to get in touch contact sport.sined@gmail.com.

*One-way only. Online offer. Ends February 24th. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.

SPEND LESS. SEE MORE.

FASHION AND LIFESTYLE EDITORIAL

*

By Molly Fitzpatrick Hello everyone and welcome to Issue ten of SIN! Not long now until the evenings are long and the daffodils are in full bloom, spring is just around the corner and it’s time to start dressing like it. For some spring styling tips turn to our one style, three ways for tips on how to wear one of the seasons biggest trends: the slip skirt.

After the harsh winter it’s likely your hair is looking a little Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone; frizzy, dry and lifeless. Follow our luscious locks guide to inject some life back into your hair and find out what products we recommend.

We also have an interview with Brianna Barry, a Limerick blogger, who talks about setting up your own business, the pressures of social media, and the importance of body positivity.

If anyone wants to write for the fashion and lifestyle section, just send me an email at lifestyle.sined@ gmail.com.

3

GALWAY TO DUBLIN

Book now online for just €7.99 one-way.

SEAT SALE Over 20 major routes nationwide

Free 4G Wi-Fi

Charging ports

Reclining leather sets

See expressway.ie

4 N E WS & F E AT U R ES Marchathon returns to NUI Galway

By Martha Brennan NUI Galway is bringing back the Marchathon Challenge again this year.

The Marchathon Step Challenge, which was highly successful when launched last year, challenges students to see how many steps they can fit into their daily activities.

The three-week challenge encourages students to exercise more frequently and get outdoors for some physical activity.

Prizes up for grabs at the end of the challenge include Garmin Activity Trackers, Me2U Shopping Vouchers, and Smarter Travel Goodie Packs.

The challenge will run from Monday March 4 to Friday March 29 and is run by Active Travel Logger.

Active Travel Logger is a website from the National Transport Authority which works with employers and third level institutions to implement voluntary travel plans and organises free walking, cycling and public transport challenges.

“This March we’re challenging you to grab some team mates, lace up your walking shoes and march your way to some great prizes!” Active Travel Logger states.

“Do you want to get fitter, lose a few pounds, or just have some good old fashioned fun with your colleagues or fellow students? Then this challenge is for you!”

All participants need is some sort of step counter – such as a phone, a pedometer or a FitBit – and a pair of good runners.

Teams for the challenge consist of three to six people, and teams can sign up online at www. activetravellogger.ie.

Those who sign up by Sunday 24 February will be in with a chance to win a €50 shopping voucher in an early registration draw.

The first 50 people to register for the challenge will also receive a free step counter.

SIN Vol. 20 Issue 10

NUIG Astronomy Society hosting Joint Conference of University Societies 2019 By Áine Kenny NUI Galway’s Astronomy Society is hosting the second Joint Conference of University Societies on Saturday 9 March.

The conference will start at 9am and take place in the Human Biology Building.

There will five speakers, Prof Andy Shearer and Dr Mark Lang from NUI Galway, Prof Niall Smith from Cork Institute of Technology, Prof Créidhe O’Sullivan from Maynooth University and Prof Stuart Reid from the University of Srathclyde.

There will be refreshments throughout the day and the event is free.

The conference is in collaboration with the Physics and Astronomy Society in University College Cork.

Prof Andy Shearer from NUI Galway will be delivering a talk entitled ‘Neutron stars: the strongest magnets and most accurate clocks in the universe’.

Rather than dying quietly, the end of a massive star’s life is a Type II supernova where the star explodes, leaving behind a cloud of debris and a very hot dense core known as a neutron star. This type of spectacular explosion happens about every hundred years in our galaxy.

The resulting neutron star has a mass about one and half times the mass of the sun and is normally rapidly rotating, up to 700 times a second. Their magnetic field can be stronger than a thousand billion times the Earth’s magnetic field.

With a rate of rotation that is very predictable they are more accurate timekeepers than the best atomic clocks. They have been proposed as

a navigational aid for interplanetary (and interstellar?) spacecraft. This talk will describe the nature pulsars.

Dr Mark Lang, also from NUI Galway, will be giving a talk on new uses for VERITAS. VERITAS is an array of four 12-metre class gamma-ray telescopes located at the Whipple Observatory in Arizona. Normally they are used to detect very-high-energy gamma radiation from exotic objects such as supermassive black holes.

In this talk, Dr Mark Lang will look at some of the other things that have been done with VERITAS, including observing stellar occultations by asteroids and searching for extraterrestrial intelligence.

Prof Niall Smith from Cork Institute of Technology will be talking about Space 4.0. Space is becoming more affordable, and the advent of small satellites and new launch vehicles is making it easier for us all to become involved.

Space 4.0 is the term given to the evolution of the global space industry and recognises “new space” (largely commercial companies and emerging countries) and “mature space” (government and intergovernmental space agencies such as ESA and NASA). The challenges that Space 4.0 are addressing include earth observation, autonomous vehicles, the future internet, rural broadband and astronomy.

At the conference, Prof Niall Smith will outline why Space 4.0 is so fundamentally important and why the astronomy community should be engaged with and excited about it.

Professor Créidhe O’Sullivan from Maynooth University will explain the use of the telescope QUIBIC. Attendees will hear about the origin and proper-

ties of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation and about what observations of the CMB can tell us about the early Universe.

In particular, Prof O’Sullivan will describe a ground-based telescope called QUBIC that researchers in Maynooth are building as part of a European-Argentinean collaboration. QUBIC aims to make extremely sensitive measurements of the polarisation of the CMB. Their team plans to deploy a demonstrator module in Argentina later this year.

Professor Stuart Reid from the University of Strathclyde will be delivering a presentation on ‘Gravitational waves – holding a microphone to the Universe’.

Back in 2015, two giant laser interferometers known as LIGO, the most sensitive instruments ever built, detected gravitational waves from the merger of a pair of massive black holes more than a billion light years from the Earth.

LIGO estimated that the peak gravitational wave power radiated during the final moments of this merger was more than ten times greater than the combined light power from all the stars and galaxies in the observable Universe.

Since then, ten black hole mergers have been confirmed, alongside the observation of two neutron stars. The neutron star merger, observed in both light and gravitational waves, has helped answer a variety of fundamental questions, including the origins of many of the elements in our Universe.

Prof Stuart Reid will recount the inside story of this remarkable discovery, which is associated with the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics, and hailed by many as the scientific breakthrough of the century.

NUI Galway History Department launches Scholarships announced for female new project on Tuam Mother and Baby Home engineering students to attend

By Niamh McGee The personal histories and experiences of survivors of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home, where over 800 children were found in mass graves, are currently being gathered by researchers at NUI Galway’s History Department under a new project launched by the university.

The project, titled ‘Archiving Personal Histories: The Tuam Mother and Baby Home’ was launched on the 7 February and is based on collecting oral accounts of those who survived the conditions of the home.

The project hopes to include both the experiences of the mothers who spent time here, as well as accounts by those who were born and grew up in the home as young children.

The launch of the project coincides with the Government’s confirmation that a full forensic investigation will take place at the Tuam site later in the year.

The launch began with a workshop involving survivors, staff and students from the University.

The attendees were also invited to attend two panel discussions based on the challenges of collecting and archiving oral histories.

Speakers present included Catherine Corless, the historian who discovered the mass graves, Breeda Murphy of the Tuam Home Survivors’ Network, activist Catríona Crowe and journalist Conall Ó Fátharta.

NUI Galway staff members Dr Barry Houlihan, Dr Sarah-Anne Buckley, Dr John Cunningham, Pro-

fessor Caroline McGregor and Dr Caitríona Clear also spoke at the event.

NUI Galway President Professsor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh launched ‘The Tuam Oral History Project’ in the new Human Biology Building on campus that evening. The oral history part of the project hopes to include oral sources from people of the local area, and feature input from anyone who is interested in contributing to that area of research.

Towards the end of the event, a screening of Mia Malarkey’s documentary, ‘Mother and Baby’ was shown, and poetry from Elaine Feeny and songs by Padraig Stevens were read and sung aloud.

The launch had an emotional conclusion, as discussions were held by survivor Peter Mulryan, Breeda Murphy from the Tuam Home Survivors Network and campaigner for survivor rights Eunan Duffy.

The project hopes to liaise with local schools and the Galway community, as well as to give University students a greater knowledge of the history and offer an opportunity for students to become involved.

“The role of historians is key to this, but also the importance of the creative aspect and the involvement of students,” says Dr Sarah-Anne Buckley, one of the lead researchers on the project. Her colleague Dr John Cunnigham is also leading the project.

The oral history collection will be housed in the James Hardiman Library on campus.

If you wish to get involved with the project, or have something to contribute, you can contact ­tuamoralhistoryproject@gmail.com.

International Summer Academy in Austria

By Marie Coady Female undergraduate engineering students can now apply for scholarships to a prestigious summer engineering academy at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, NUI Galway has announced.

The International Summer Academy in Engineering for Women (ISAE4W) is described as an “intensive programme combining theory with hands-on practical experience in engineering, informatics and natural sciences.” It is offered to only 30 female students from 15 different countries, with a maximum acceptance of four students from each institution and two students from each specialisation. The programme will take place in Wels, Austria for two and a half weeks, from 9 to 24 July 2019.

The course content is delivered through English and is based upon thematic areas of Natural Sciences, Engineering and Technology, and Computer Sciences and Informatics. Additional lectures, laboratories and seminars will cover issues such as ‘Applied Sciences in Theory and Practice’ and ‘Women in Engineering’. Students will also be offered opportunities to go on field trips to companies like fire-service vehicle manufacturer Rosenbauer, museums like Ars Electronica Center, and cultural highlights in Upper Austria. The programme is worth 4 ECTS.

Mary Dempsey, Senior Lecturer at the School of Engineering and Informatics, NUI Galway, said of the scholarships and ISAE4W: “This is a super opportunity for young female students involved in the sciences and engineering. Those interested in pursuing a career or further studies in this area get a unique chance to broaden their technical and scientific knowledge, to develop international contacts and to experience learning in a creative and fun way.”

Since 2017, six NUI Galway students have obtained scholarships from the University to attend the Academy, including Biomedical student Aoife Fitzgerald.

She said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. Coming from a biomedical background I learnt a lot about the field of engineering that I did not know before.

It really broadened my knowledge and changed the way I think about a variety of topics. I met girls from all over the world, learning about loads of different types of cultures. It is an experience I will never forget.

We visited so many different places here that I would love to return to again one day.”

The scholarships are worth €1000 each, which will part-fund the cost of participating in the Academy. The deadline for applications for the scholarships is 30 April 2019. Applicants will be notified by the University of Applied Sciences about the outcome of the review and selection process around the end of May 2019. More information about the programme in general can be found at the ISAE4W website at www.fh-ooe.at/index.php?id=6780&L=1.

N UAC HT

February 26 2019

7

GNÉ -ALTANNA

5

Donegal Tuesday takes centre stage during unofficial RAG week

By Cathriona M Coleman “It’s pretty sad actually that it’s unofficial, in the past you could raise money for charity now you can’t.”

Unofficial RAG week has come and gone, albeit with no backing from either NUI Galway or Galway Mayo Institute of Technology.

It’s 10.30am on Tuesday 12 February, on Eglinton Street in Galway City. Students have being here since 9am or earlier, anxiously waiting to kick off their day in style.

Hundreds of desperately thirsty students have gathered to get into the Hole in the Wall pub on Eyre Street, where the beat of the music can be heard around the corner onto Eglinton Street.

It’s a sea of yellow and green with students proudly wearing their Donegal jerseys and singing to whatever tune pops into their heads. They are a lively bunch, and eagerly await their place in the queue. One NUI Galway student comments: “I’ve been waiting for this day all year, I’m so excited, I already went to my lectures earlier.”

The Gardaí patrol unit is plain to see, driving up and down and keeping an eye on things. In recent years this particular event has caused huge problems, particularly for those living in residential estates.

Jack, who’s a first year Arts student in NUI Galway, says this event “is my first rag week, I think it should be controlled a lot more. Maybe Galway City

Council should have stewards around the place, it might help with the madness.”

Another young woman says “we came up especially from Limerick for the day, it’s the feast day for Donegal people, we drink all day but we don’t take it too far.”

One local bouncer added “since the colleges pulled out, there is little control with the students, in the past they had a purpose and this was to fundraise. It’s exactly like Christmas Jumper Day, when they get drunk enough we tell them to get food and come back later, they never usually do though.”

Supermacs tells a different story, with some students getting sick in the toilets while the others are asleep on tables, worn out from it all.

University College Cork to open new business school

By Harry King University College Cork is set to start building a brand new business school, which will cater for over 4,000 students.

The University already has full planning permission for its new University Business School, and has selected the Trinity Quarter site in the city centre as the location – about a twenty-minute walk from its main campus.

At the moment the University has 3,500 students that study a wide range of Business subjects, but has no designated building for the students.

However, this development is predicted to cater for over 4,000 students and 200 staff.

Alternative locations were considered for the 220,000 square foot development, including locations on the River Lee, such as Curraheen where the University owns land, and in the city’s docks district, but the ultimate decision was to build it in the city centre.

President of the University Patrick O’Shea emphasized the commitment to have the new business school facing the city.

“The successful growth of the university has required expansion beyond our historic campus and I want that expansion to integrate well into the university-city interface, and to bring additional vibrant entrepreneurial benefits and jobs to further enhance the social and economic fabric of Cork’s city and its region,” President O’Shea said.

The amount paid by the University for the site hasn’t been disclosed, but the 1.46 acres are thought to be worth in the region of €16 million.

The proposed move-in date is the academic year 2022 or 2023.

The new development is a huge boost to the Cork region. Dean of Cork University Business School, Thia Hennessy said: “The building will give us the capacity to realize our potential in terms of student numbers and to offer a world-class student and staff experience in a future-proofed learning environment for generations of business students to come.”

Amid the rising competition among Irish Universities to attract Business students, University College Cork is not the only one looking to reach its potential.

PE makes debut as Leaving Cert subject

By Marie Coady Sixty-four secondary schools around Ireland are piloting PE as a Leaving Certificate examination subject for the first time, according to The Irish Times.

The optional subject, which will officially be entitled Leaving Certificate Physical Education (LCPE), will see its first examination take place in 2020. The Department of Education stated last February that the specification and framework for the LCPE examination will be rolled out to all secondary schools by that year.

LCPE is comprised of 10 topics in two strands, which cover diverse themes such as improving exercise technique and performance, diet and nutrition, ethics, inclusivity in sport, biomechanics, and sports in the media.

LCPE will be assessed through three components: a physical activity project worth 20 percent, a performance assessment worth 30 percent, and a written examination worth 50 percent.

The program integrates ICT and multimedia skills as well as physical exercise. The Irish Times reports that students are expected to record video clips of themselves demonstrating skills and techniques, and edit them together into a package for analysis.

Meanwhile, the theoretical aspect of the course covers timely issues such as the ethics of doping and supplement best practice.

Conor Dempsey, PE teacher at Castleknock Community College in Dublin, told The Irish Times that demand has been very high for the new subject. He said: “So far the feedback has been positive and the students’ attitude to sport and exercise has been very good.”

“While they were all interested in sport and participate in it, the programme is educating them more on the importance of sport and reasons why we exercise.”

“It will reward those students with an interest and talent in sport, just like those with a talent in art or music are able to study it for their Leaving Cert.”

“The specifications are very similar to GCSE PE and A Level PE in England,” his colleague Shane Davey added.

The introduction of LCPE is part of an extensive overhaul of the Leaving Certificate curriculum in the coming years.

New subjects currently being rolled out in pilot schools for the 2020 examinations include Computer Science and Politics and Society.

Additionally, Mandarin Chinese and specialised examinations for native speakers of Portuguese, Polish and Lithuanian are also expected to be introduced for the 2022 examinations.

Existing subjects such as Agricultural Science, Art and Economics will be subject to revised specifications after September 2019.

Trinity College Dublin are nearly finished the construction of an €80 million business school on Pearse Street. Last year the Economist put the University’s Masters in Business Administration programme in the top 50 in the world – it was the only Irish course to make the list.

In a public statement at the time, Professor Andrew Burke, the Dean of Trinity’s Business School, called it: “the fastest growing school in Europe, growing 78 percent in the last two years.”

Last year it was reported that CAO application figures show that the student demand for third level courses in business and commerce has risen significantly, with first preference applications up by 6.5 percent last year.

NUI Galway’s Cairnes School of Business is one of the most popular places to study business in the country, with over 2,000 students. The current CAO entry points for Commerce in NUI Galway is 420.

6 NEWS & F E ATU R ES NUIG Students’ Union Shop wins ShelfLife National C-Store 2018 Award XL NUI Galway beat off competition from hundreds of local convenience store entrants across Ireland to be presented with the Best Impulse Offering

SIN Vol. 20 Issue 10

Minister Seán Kyne officially opens state of the art NUIG student village

By Cathriona M Coleman

T Pictured L-R: Val O’Meara BWG Foods, Gabi Astanei & Liam Buckley SU Shop, Gareth Williams CEO NUIG Students’ Union Commercial Services, Brendan Mc Brien BWG Foods

he new student village at NUI Galway, Goldcrest, was officially opened on Friday 8 February.

Minister of State for the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht and the Islands and Government Chief Whip Seán Kyne officiated the opening.

The village was built to alleviate the current housing crisis. In total there are 76 non-smoking apartments,

just a few minutes walk from the main ­campus.

William, the resident’s assistant said “there’s no immediate solution to the ongoing crises.

Goldcrest would be on the higher end, people who come from single parents or from parents that don’t work, there’s the same sort of payment scheme for those who need a bit of help.”

NUIG President Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said “this is the product of great efforts to alleviate the issue, as with Corrib village, it provides the opportunity for students of somewhere safe to live.”

Cllr Padraig Connelly commented “this was badly needed… hopefully it will help solve some

of the current issues which the students find themselves in.”

However, the story was very different when SIN spoke with some students on campus this morning.

Arts student Iarlaith had a very different take, saying “it’s opened since September and has not yet reached full capacity, the deposit is rather high and non-refundable, and it just shows that people cannot afford this amount of money.”

Another student says the new accommodation will be a huge help for those in a position to pay for it, but it would seem that this new village is only for the privileged upper class student, given all the money required to guarantee a bed.

of the Year award at the annual ShelfLife C-Store Awards in Dublin.

Congratulating the Galway store, Colm Fitzsimons, National Business Development Manager for XL said: “We extend our congratulations to Liam Buckley and his team at XL NUI Galway on winning this prestigious national title.”

“It is their relentless drive and ambition that sets them apart from their peers in a marketplace which is already internationally recognised as setting the standards in convenience retailing.

The store and staff are very deserving of this industry accolade and they are great champions for the XL brand.”

The ShelfLife C-Store Awards, now in their 18th year, was set up to acknowledge stores and individuals that set the highest of standards for the industry.

Please don’t take our Hub away!

By Anastasiya Sytnyk Aras na Mac Leinn has become one of the most social areas of the University, thanks to the muchloved Hub. The Hub has been set up for students to sit down and relax with their friends, as well as play a game of foosball or pool to kill some time between lectures.

Walking through the glass doors of the Hub you will be welcomed by the chatter of the many diverse students socializing. The laughter and cheer of the Hub are almost intoxicating, (keep in mind that alcohol is strictly forbidden in the Hub!).

Everywhere you look, you see students enjoying the company of one another, and although this may come as a surprise to some, no one is left sitting on the ground. That’s right, the Hub is beautifully furnished by leather couches as well as glass tables and chairs, perfect for board games and anything else people use tables for!

The Hub is not only a place for socializing, but it is also a place where food can be prepared. The

Kitchen has been installed for students who commute and don’t have the opportunity to go home and grab a lunch. The kitchen has ovens, stoves, microwaves, and a water boiler, which students can use to make tea or coffee. Once you enter the kitchen you will see a jar of sugar, tea bags, coffee, and biscuits, all provided by the friendly and caring Hub staff.

The Hub organizes special events each Friday starting from 5pm, where the Hub staff provides pizzas as well as various fruits and snacks. The Hub also has a massage chair, the key to which can be found at the Socs box office, where they will grant you access for one hour. This is all free!

However, our Hub does fall victim to being shut down for graduations, meaning the students that attend the Hub religiously have nowhere else to go.

The Hub gets emptied out and shut down, leaving the students with long commutes with no place to prepare and eat their meals, and no longer can students enjoy the massage chair room or the various games that the Hub has to offer.

Where do those students go? What will happen to those who pull through their entire week just to enjoy some free snacks on a Friday evening? SIN spoke to Students’ Union President Megan Reilly and the father of the Hub Niall Cloonan, who shared their thoughts on the matter.

“In the last few years the Hub has become a space for students to socialize, to take a breather between lectures, and access the kitchen,” says Megan Reilly.

“Massive amounts of work have gone in by the Societies office and others to make that much-needed space what it is.”

“We are against the Hub being used for graduations and have voiced as much at meetings regarding the issue. With such a lack of social space on campus, having such a key resource taken away for weeks is just not a fair option, and we’ll be lobbying to have another venue used for the food after conferring going forward.”

Niall Cloonan, WELL Crew Program Facilitator says; “I realize that graduation is a big event, and it is undoubtedly a time for celebration, to mark a

major milestone in an individual’s life. I also believe they would be very understanding in having The Hub left open for students to use during conferring, and would be just as happy to have tea and sandwiches in another room of Aras na Mac Leinn.”

“The ability to have a place to come and chill out with other students, make yourself a cup of tea, socialize or even just relax between lectures has become such an integral part of students’ lives here in NUI Galway. To take that away from students a few times a semester, particularly around exams, seems so counterintuitive to the current aims and objectives of the University with regards to social spaces for students.”

With the current battle for social space for the grand population of students, it feels unfair for the University to claim that they are fighting this issue, when they voluntarily shut down the most social student area on campus for conferring ceremonies. The issues around this subject are still being reviewed, and hopefully will be sorted by September.

N UAC HT

February 26 2019

7

GNÉ -ALTANNA

7

New Domestic Violence Act protects Ag Teip ar AE agus couples that are not living together ar Éirinn maidir le and those in same sex relationships Fuinneamh In-Athnuaite

By Síofra Finn The Domestic Violence Act 2018 commenced at the beginning of this year, and is a very important piece of legislation in Irish law. It provides protections for couples in a dating relationship, affords the same protections to same sex couples as to heterosexual couples, and includes the voice of the child.

The legislation now provides that all partners in an “intimate” relationship are eligible to apply for a safety and protection order. Couples do not need to be living together, and may just be in a dating relationship. The requirement that they be in a “committed” relationship has also been removed. The relationship does not cease to be an intimate relationship, even if it is no longer sexual in nature.

Safety and Protection Orders: A safety order prohibits the violent person from committing violence, or threats of violence. A protection order may be granted between the time of making an application for a safety order and the court’s determination.

The legislation now provides that all partners in an “intimate” relationship are eligible to apply for a safety and protection order. Couples do not need to be living together, and may just be in a dating relationship. The requirement that they be in a “committed” relationship has also been removed. The relationship does not cease to be an intimate relationship, even if it is no longer sexual in nature.

Same sex couples now have the same rights for protection as heterosexual couples. Those who are eligible for safety and protection orders are: spouses and civil partners, parents with a child in common, partners that are in an intimate relationship (including those who are in a dating relationship and not cohabiting), parents of an abusive child who is no longer dependent.

The Offence of Coercive Control: The new Act recognises that violence is not always physical and have introduced the new offence of coercive control, which includes threatening, humiliating and intimidating behaviour, which amounts to psychological abuse. The offence does not have a specific definition in the Act. Under section 39, the person committing the act must knowingly engage in the controlling and coercive behaviour, the behaviour must have a serious effect on the relevant person, and the behaviour must be considered by a reasonable person to have a serious effect on the relevant person.

In the UK, coercive behaviour is defined as a continuing pattern of acts of assaults, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse, which is used to harm and frighten the victim.

Further important changes from the Domestic Violence Act 2018: Section 5 sets out a list of factors the court will consider when deciding an application for an order under the Act. The factors include: a history of violence inflicted by the respondent, any conviction of the respondent for an offence relating to violence or a threat of violence, any previous orders made under the domestic violence legislation against the respondent, history of animal cruelty by the respondent, substance abuse (including alcohol abuse), deterioration of the physical, psychological and emotional welfare of the applicant or dependent person (child), which is caused by fear of the behaviour of the respondent.

Many changes may make the victim’s experience in court easier. The court may prohibit cross-examination by a respondent or applicant, evidence may be used by video link to avoid intimidation, and an applicant may be accompanied to court by a support worker at the court’s discretion.

The new Domestic Violence Acts brings important changes to Irish legislation, to help ensure the safety and protection of people in violent relationships. The inclusion of coercive behaviour as an offence, and protecting partners in dating relationships, are important steps in dealing with the prominent issue of domestic violence within our society.

If you have been affected by the contents of this article, there are many domestic violence support organisations to get in contact with, such as: • AMEN (for male victims of domestic violence): 045 9023 718 • BeLonG To (LGBTQ+ organisation): 01 670 6223 • Domestic Violence Response: 091 866 740 • Rape Crisis Centre: 1800 355 355 • Women’s Aid: 1800 341 900.

My time on legal placement

By Síofra Finn As a final year civil law student here at NUI Galway, I had the opportunity to take part in a clinical placement module this semester, and I am currently interning with a local Galway barrister, Lorraine Lally.

As a barrister, Lorraine is selfemployed, she focuses mainly on family law, employment law and human rights issues, and is heavily involved in helping migrants and asylum seekers, while also being a qualified mediator.

I usually work with Lorraine every Friday, but this can depend if she is

due in Court, or if there is a different event she would like me to attend during the week. I am just over half way through the 10 week programme, and I have gained a brilliant insight into the law in practice and what my future will be like if I decide to become a barrister.

It has not been a typical ‘boring placement’, where you would be filing documents or just printing and scanning items. I have gotten a real hands-on experience!

I have been given the opportunity to work on cases and draft appeals; I am currently doing some research

for a case involving an asylum seeker, which is something I am really interested in. I also get to attend legal meetings and have gone to the Four Courts in Dublin.

I would thoroughly recommend availing of any placement opportunity you may get throughout your degree; it is a great learning experience! It has helped me understand more about certain topics that I have learned about in lectures, especially in labour and family law.

It has been a really great experience so far and I am excited to continue working with Lorraine until the end of the semester.

le Quinton Beck Bail ó Dhia oraibh, a lucht léite dhílis.

Dé Máirt seo caite, foilsíodh dhá thuairisc maidir le hiarrachtaí an Aontais Eorpaigh i gcoinne Athrú na hAeráide.

Sa chéad tuairisc, a bhí foilsithe ag Eurostat, tugtar le fios go bhfuil an 7.5% den fhuinneamh atá in úsáid san AE ag teacht ó fhoinsí in-athnuaite, cé go bhfuil sé mar sprioc ag an AE an 20% a bhaint amach faoin mbliain 2020.

Sa bhliain 2016 bhí an 17% in-athnuaite, sa bhliain 2015 an 16.7%, agus sa bhliain 2014 16.2%.

Is léir de réir na bhfigiúirí sin nach bhfuil fás tapa go leor ag teach tar an céatadán den fhuinneamh atá ag teacht ó fhoinsí in-athnuaite chun go mbainfí amach spriocanna na bliana 2020.

Ina ainneoin sin, dúirt Miguel Arias Canete, coimisinéar de chuid an Aontais Eorpaigh um Ghníomhú ar son na hAeráide, go raibh an tAontas “ar an mbóthar ceart chun an sprioc fuinnimh athnuaite don bhliain 2020 a bhaint amach.”

De réir na tuairisce a d’fhoilsigh Eurostat, d’ardaigh an céatadán den fhuinneamh atá in-athnuaite i naoi dtír déag san Aontas Eorpach. Sna naoi dtír eile, bhí an céatadán mar an gcéanna nó tháinig laghdú air.

Tá spriocanna dá cuid féin ag gach uile thír san Aontas. De réir na tuairisce seo, tá a spriocanna bainte amach ag an mBulgáir, ag an gCróit, ag an tSeice, ag an Danmhairg, ag an Eastóin, ag an bhFionlainn, ag an Ungáir, ag an Iodáil, ag an Liotuáin, ag an Rómáin, agus ag an tSualainn.

Ach ní fheictear ar an liosta sin na trí thír is mó ó thaobh úsáid an fhuinnimh de: an Ghearmáin, an Fhrainc, agus an Ríocht Aontaithe. Agus ní fheictear ar an liosta sin Éire ach a oiread.

Tá céatadán 15.5% de fhuinneamh inathnuaite in úsáid sa Ghearmáin, ach sprioc 18%.

Agus tá céatadán 16.3% de fhuinneamh in-athnuaite in úsáid sa Fhrainc, agus sprioc 23% acu siúd. De réir na tuairisce, tá ardú níos mó de dhíth sa Fhrainc roimh an bhliain 2020 chun a cuid spriocanna a bhaint amach ná an t-ardú iomlán a tháinig ar úsáid an fhuinnimh in-athnuaite sa Fhrainc le cúig bliana déag anuas. Ós rud é go bhfuil úsáid an fhuinnimh sa Ghearmáin agus sa Fhrainc chomh mór sin, is orthu siúd atá an dualgas is mó. Ach ó thaobh na spriocanna a bhaint amach, tá an Ísíltír agus Éire ar na tíortha is measa. Tá an 6.6% de úsáid fhuinnimh na hÍsiltíre ag teacht ó fhoinsí in-athnuaite in ainneoin sprioc 14% don bhliain seo chugainn.

Agus tá an 10.7% anseo in Éirinn in ainneoin sprioc 14%.

Ar an gceathrú tír is measa ó thaobh a spriocanna a bhaint amach, tá an Ríocht Aontaithe. Ach toisc go mbeidh sí ag

imeacht go luath, is féidir a rá gur rud dearfach é chun an sprioc don Aontas Eorpach ar fad a bhaint amach.

Nuair nach mbeidh an Ríocht Aontaithe san áireamh, beidh sé níos éasca an sprioc coiteann 20% a bhaint amach.

Ach fós féin, is é sprioc na spriocanna seo srian a chur ar an athrú aeráide sa domhain mór. Mar sin, cé go mbeadh céatadán níos fearr bainte amach ag an Aontas Eorpach ar an meán, is beag is fiú don aeráid féin má bhíonn an Ríocht Aontaithe san áireamh nó mura mbíonn.

Ar an taobh eile den scéal de, tá na tíortha lochlannacha ann mar eiseamláir don Eoraip agus don domhan ar fad. Bhain an tSualainn céatadán 54.5% amach i mbliana agus an Fhionlainn an 41%—an dá thír is fearr san Aontas Eorpach.

Ansin, sa dara tuairisc a bhí foilsithe ag an eagraíocht iomráiteach Greenpeace, tugadh le fios go bhfuil an 18%–20% de cháinaisnéis an Aontais Eorpaigh ar fad ag dul go feirmeoirí beostoic.

Is tráthuil an rud é gur foilsíodh an dá thuairisc seo ar an lá céanna, mar is í an feirmeoireacht bheostoic an fhoinse is mó astaíocht charbóin san Aontas Eorpach in earnáil na talmhaíochta.

Tá astaíochtaí i bhfad níos mó ag baint le feirmeoireacht bheostoic agus leis an bhfeoil go ginearálta ná mar atá ag glasraí agus ag torthaí. Ó thaobh na sláinte de, tá an iomarca feola á ithe ag formhór na nEorpach chomh maith.

Dúirt Greenpeace: “Go bhfuil níos mó ná an leath de chaiteachas an Aontais Eorpaigh ar an talmhaíocht ag dul go dtí an earnáil bheostoic… tá sé sin ag dul díreach i gcoinne rabhaidh na n-eolaithe go bhfuil gá le laghdú suntasach ar an méid táirgí beostoic atá á n-ithe agus a dtáirgeadh.”

Deirtear sa tuairisc go bhfuil thart ar an 71% de thalamh feirme na hEorpa in úsáid ar bhealach diomailteach agus neamhéifeachtúil.

Tá agóidí móra i mbun ag daltaí bunagus meánscoile ar fud na hEorpa faoi láthair i gcoinne an drogall a meastar a bheith ar pholaiteoirí an Aontais agus ar pholaiteoirí na dtíortha éagsúla atá mar bhall de beartais dáiríre a chur i bhfeidhm i gcoinne Athrú na hAeráide.

8 NEWS & F E ATU R ES

SIN Vol. 20 Issue 10

THE IRISH HEALTH SYSTEM: scandal after scandal

By Niamh McGee In the last six months, the health care system in Ireland has been drawing substantial attention, both on a national and international scale.

Firstly, there was the revelation that cervical smear tests, carried out both in Dublin and the U.S. for Irish patients, were not carried out correctly, and revised results were hidden from patients.

This story broke when a Limerick mother, Vicky Phelan, was diagnosed with cervical cancer, three years after her smear test results were falsely clear. She is now terminally ill and took a court case against the lab involved. 221 women in total were falsely informed that their results were clear, with over 20 dying as

By Aileen O’Leary Despite being given three weeks to complete my midterms, I left all my assignments to the last minute as per usual. It can be stressful for any student.

Whether you’ve been to every lecture, or like many you’ve missed a few and are trying to catch up as soon as you see a midterm drop box on Blackboard.

I should say this: I do not condone leaving all your assignments until the last minute like I have. It is not a good idea and will leave you with an alarming amount of stress and worry.

However, college is all about new experiences so don’t spend too much time worrying about assignments or your grade average. Go out, meet new people, and make memories that you’ll laugh about when you’re old. Before you know it, you’ll be celebrating your last few weeks in college and believe me, it absolutely flies by. No one tells you the last year is the one that goes by the quickest.

Between RAG week, assignments, and more it feels like I haven’t slept in a solid month. Somehow February is almost over, and January felt like it was 72 days long. Once midterms are over, I’ll be able to sleep easy. This semester is crucial for final years, whether you’re aiming for a 1.1 or just looking to pass, this is crunch time.

We’ve all had one or two breakdowns when it comes to college, whether you’re holding back tears in the library trying to finish that 5,000 word assignment. As I sit here writing this week’s installment I have about 20 tabs open on my laptop, between Blackboard slides, final year diaries,

a result of this scandal in 2018, according to the Irish Independent.

Another public figure affected was Emma Mhic Mhathúna, mother of five who was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2016 after receiving not one, but two incorrect smear test results. She passed away in October 2018. Doctors claimed that if her results had shown she had cancer earlier, she could be here today.

The Taoiseach described this scandal as the “biggest regret of the year” and Minister for Health Simon Harris says he is considering opening a public investigation if there is “desire and need to” in 2019. Although this scandal remained in the spotlight of Irish news for 2018, it is almost hidden now, while more recent events regarding the HSE take over.

No one escaped the continuous coverage of the Nurses and Midwives strike that occurred over the last few weeks. The IMNO declared that “nurses and midwives were the lowest-paid graduate professionals in the health service” and this is why they were striking.

Over 30,000 nurses and midwives, as well as nursing students from NUI Galway went on strike on the 5 and 7 February.

The IMNO is now negotiating a pay deal in the Labour Court, and the strikes have been called off.

In March a ballot will be held where nurses and midwives vote on whether to accept the Labour Court’s recommendations.

The National Children’s Hospital is

Final year diaries: midterms and meltdowns

First year diaries: can you complain too much?

essays, presentations and assignments. There will always be enough time to get it done. Panicking won’t solve anything!

If you must sacrifice a few nights sleep, it’s worth it, because handing that assignment in on time is the greatest relief in college. It’s better to submit it on time than two weeks late because you will be penalized. So, push yourself, work hard, make the most of the time that’s left, because one day there will be no more assignments, no more deadlines, no more essays or projects and you’ll be leaving college and going out into the big bad world.

Knowing that these are the last dozen of assignments I’ve done over the years, it feels like the clock has started counting down on my days here. Before I know it, I’ll leave my last lecture, begin studying for my final exams and then I’ll be leaving Galway for the last time. It feels like I’ve only just settled into college life, that’s how life works I guess, you finally start to settle in and suddenly you’re being pulled in another direction.

Knowing how important these next few weeks will be, sleep is the least of my concerns. I know I want to make the most of every second I’m here. This is it, there is no turning back now, we’ve got our degrees in the bag, all we need to do now is get through one last semester.

To my fellow final years, see you at the finish line!

Check back in our next issue for the next installment of the final year diaries, exclusively for SIN.

By Darren Casserly

Have a final year diary to share?

Tweet us @NuigSin.

If you’re reading this, it means you’ve survived unoffical RAG week, and for that I applaud you.

Even compared to previous years, it was like someone let the patients of an insane asylum out onto the streets of Galway for a week and let them run wild.

I mean, if you’re drunk before noon life is either really good, or really bad, or its RAG week, so anything goes. Saying this, it can be some of the best nights of the year, but going out more than two or three nights sounds expensive and reckless to say the least.

I still can’t wrap my head around how some students can afford a full week of drinking, I thought the stereotype was that students never have any money, but I suppose that’s just me. On top of that I’d think that it would be hard to drop work for an entire week, it seems like people are putting themselves

another scandal in the mix, as the building, planned for over a decade, is well over anticipated costs.

Originally the figure was 450 million; by 2019 the HSE believes the cost will now be closer to 1.433 billion, 50 percent higher than the estimate two years ago.

The Government announced that they will no longer be involved with mass projects unless the cost is set and have cut over 100 million from other budgets to allocate money to the hospital.

Simon Harris refuses to answer questions brought up in Dáil sessions as to why the cost is so high and if he was aware of this earlier, he since apologised for saying he “should have given a hint last year.”

It seems that the general public cannot trust the Health Service.

under a lot of pressure for the next few weeks.

As it was RAG week it also meant that lecture halls were half empty which, depending on how interactive you like lectures to be, it was the best or worst week of the year. If you’re like me and you don’t really care, then there’s no difference at all.

On the other hand, a tutorial can be really awkward if there are only two or three students there and you’re just waiting to get out as fast as you can, especially when the tutor has a hatred for RAG week and they make you suffer for it. Did you expect everyone to show up? Did you not see the people drink bottles of Buckfast in Donegal jerseys at 10 o’clock in the morning? I know I’m complaining about nothing, but what people assume there’s going to be full attendance during RAG week?

On a very similar note, recently I was reading the last issue of SIN. More specifically an article about how complaining can be bad for your mental health by Niamh Casey. This article really made me think. If complaining is so bad for you then why does everyone do it and then I realised, it was rag week, where people are encouraged to drink so excessively it could lead to organ failure.

I, more than most people, like a good rant and if you’ve been a long-time reader of my articles you’ll know I pride myself on being able to make a mountain out of a molehill and then complain about it.

However, the end of Niamh’s article is about being able to strike a balance and to not let complaining take over every conversation, and this made me feel a little better. And anyways, no one likes a complainer…

N UAC HT

February 26 2019

7

GNÉ -ALTANNA

JOURNALISM IN IRELAND: cliquey, classist and exploitative?

By Gary Elbert ‘Journalism is in crisis’ is a familiar refrain these days. The amount of full time paid journalists operating in Ireland is rapidly dwindling. Writers are exploited, and the information marketplace is infested with ‘citizen journalism’ and desperate freelancers struggling to make ends meet, as well as bloggers, influencers and digital marketers filling the information landscape with corporatized, SEO optimised buzz posts.

Truth is secondary to click counters. The primary goal for traditional news outlets is consolidation, which means maintaining its core audience at the expense of innovation. Commercialisation rules. Market principles govern the news cycle. Investigative journalism is on its knees. No one is willing or able to fund the resources required to uncover malpractice and corruption.

The journalist’s role ideally is as a watchdog, doggedly holding people to account and keeping the public, the taxpayers and citizens of this country informed and aware of the forces wielding the levers of power. Making them accountable in an impartial, independent and professional manner.

Novelist, linguist and media figure Frankie Gaffney is an ardent critic of the fuzzy interconnections between journalists and authority in recent years.

“I’ve written a number of times about the dysfunctional relationship between Gardaí and crime journalists, whereby Gardaí offer stories to selected journalists at their own discretion, which of course encourages those journalists to push a line favourable to the Gardaí.”

“Even after all the revelations about the force this continues unabated. For example, there have been several Garda shootings in recent years, including of unarmed men, and few if any reporters scrutinised the circumstances of these cases or remained sceptical of Garda accounts of what happened.”

“This problem, however, extends into politics, where we’ve seen several mid-profile journalists secure jobs as government advisors. The fact this is now seen as a common career path may encourage further an unhealthily sympathetic

Where are the voices from the precariat and housing estates? Why are they not pursuing careers in journalism and content creation? According to Frankie Gaffney, “There are some. But to do an unpaid internship, you either own a family home or some money, so it’s less of an option for a lot of working-class people.”

relationship between politicians and journalists, aside from the fact journalists tend not to come from a lower socio-economic class,” says Gaffney.

The absence of journalists from working class backgrounds is a worrying situation. Perhaps Mary Mitchell O’Connor might consider introducing a quota similar to her legislation demanding gender equality in third level institutions? Where are the voices from the precariat and housing estates? Why are they not pursuing careers in journalism and content creation?

Gaffney reckons it’s a question of simple economics.

“There are some. But to do an unpaid internship, you either own a family home or some money, so it’s less of an option for a lot of working-class people.”

Gaffney, a staunch working class advocate, views the problem along class lines.

“With the exception of RTÉ, the media is owned by a certain class. That is reflected in the editorial lines, and the demographic of journalists who write for those outlets.”

The days of rugged and principled journalists propelled by the search for truth appear in mortal danger. Journalism courses across third level institutions now focus on SEO awareness; social media content production and algorithm manipulation.

Modules are struggling to keep abreast of social media’s stranglehold on content platforming, as experienced journalists bail out of the profession, bitter and resentful at the industry’s descent into dysfunction and irrelevance, or unable to adapt to a rapidly evolving news cycle landscape.

Needless to say, the skills involved in patient and lengthy investigative journalism cannot be readily taught over a semester. The danger is that the next generation of journalists enter the market compromised and corporatized, while churning out tiresome and clichéd social justice warrior opinion pieces in the name of innovation.

Furthermore, the now all too common practice of recruiting unpaid interns is a major bone of contention. A new organisation called Media Interns Alliance aims to address the exploitation of prospective young journalists, who trade labour for the glory of a byline.

In an official statement, the group pulled no punches in its assessment of the current predicament.

“It’s no secret that media companies in Ireland have been profiting off the backs of unpaid and low paid intern labour for many years. Time and again, we see internship listings expecting a jobready graduate journalist to fulfil the role of a full-time journalist, with little training and no remuneration.”

“The Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2011 introduced the Job Bridge Scheme and specifically provided that an intern under the scheme is deemed not to be an employee. We can prove that many interns working in the media in Ireland today are in fact employees, and deserve at least minimum wage for the work that they do.”

“Current Irish media internships are running a free labour racket, with a revolving door policy of one intern replacing another in lieu of sorely needed entry level positions.”

“This hostile environment acts as a barrier to entry, and are classist and elitist by their very nature. Unpaid or low paid internships exclude

working class people, migrant groups, members of the LGBTQI community and other marginalised groups who simply cannot afford to take work with no or little pay to further their career.”

Co-founder of the organisation and former intern Stephanie Costello shared her experience on social media recently.

“I don’t think the NUJ speaks to our generation of journalists because they are not working for them,” she stated.

“To be a full-time member more than half your wages must be generated by journalism. That’s just not feasible for the precarious nature of journalism for our generation right now.”

Costello also shared her own experiences as an intern.

She was working 7 days a week: Monday to Friday on the internship, and Friday to Sunday in a paid job.

“It’s exhausting, totally exhausting,” she stated on the Media Interns Alliance Facebook page.

“Everyone’s giving out about the lack of diversity in the media,” says Costello. “Some complain about how journalists are all very middle class, and cliquey.”

“But nobody’s looking after the most vulnerable: the student journalists and the interns,” she says. “They’re the ones that need looking after.”

Another co-founder of the Media Interns Alliance, Michael Lanigan, echoed Gaffney’s assessment.

Speaking to the Dublin Inquirer, Lanigan said the current practice “discriminates against working-class people.”

Of course, some trainee student journalists in NUI Galway were deprived of even experiencing placement internships over the last few years due to an inadequate journalism degree course, riddled with incompetence from the top down.

New head of journalism at NUI Galway Tom Felle is spearheading the restructuring of the NUI Galway journalism department. What does he think about the current standard of Irish journalism and the precarious exploitation of unpaid internships?

“Internships are a really great way to get a foot in the door, get the prized experience you need, and build up your portfolio. We all did it.

I’d distinguish, though, between an internship, which is very common across many industries – teaching students do teaching practice, nursing students do hospital placements – and unpaid work,” Felle told SIN. “If you are learning it’s an internship, if you are there to work, then you should be getting paid.

Many universities build workplace learning into their programmes, and this sort of learning is invaluable for students.”

“Once you graduate, then it’s time to get paid work. If you rang a plumber you wouldn’t expect them to fix your tap for free, and the same should be true for media graduates. If an employer is offering you a job but not offering to pay you, then politely decline. I’d question the value of that sort of experience to begin with. The time to build the portfolio and get experience is while you are training.”

Given the current state of affairs however, this writer would suggest that all student journalists get involved with the Media Interns Alliance and build a strong united movement against current and future exploitation by media outlets.

9

Dispute between The Sunday Times and The Press Council raises interesting questions

By Gary Elbert Readers of The Sunday Times may have come across a dispute between the newspaper and the Press Council of Ireland. The issue concerned centres on the tragic death by suicide of a young prisoner in Mountjoy in 2016.

The Sunday Times reported on the case and outlined the contents of a subsequent report from the inspector of prisons, which appeared to highlight issues of malpractice or inefficient monitoring of the prisoner, who had previously attempted to take his own life six times.

The details provided in the newspaper report included the method of suicide.

Headline is Ireland’s national programme for promoting responsible reporting and accurate representation of mental illness and suicide in the media.

They made a complaint to the Press Ombudsman arguing that “the level of effectiveness” used in the Mountjoy case may provoke copycat incidents.

Headline claimed the details provided in the newspaper report were unnecessary.

The complaint was upheld by the Ombudsman, and the Press Council supported the ruling. The Sunday Times editorial on 17 February claimed the ruling was a “restriction on our free press.”

Although they accepted the ruling, the paper’s team say they are “baffled and disappointed.”

Reporting on such delicate matters requires nuance and finesse, but the questions surrounding the case and the failure of prison officers to not comply “with standard operating procedures for special observation checks” means the newspaper felt they had no option but to report on the details of the case.

The question of how the man had the tools to end his own life needs to be raised to highlight apparent deficiencies in the prison service, which failed this young man.

The Sunday Times claims a precedent has been set whereby a newspaper can be sanctioned for directly reporting and quoting the contents of an official statutory report that was available to the public.

The editorial finished by stating that this ruling by the Press Ombudsman has placed an unwarranted restriction on the Irish media, which may be “unlawful.”

If you have been affected by the contents of this article, Samaritans can be called 24/7 on 116 123.

10 OPI N IO N

SIN Vol. 20 Issue 10

How to be a good college housemate

By Conor Brummell The college lifestyle is unique, sometimes outrageous and most of the time something you wouldn’t believe unless you’ve been through it yourself.

From late night parties to early morning lectures, you’re bound to meet a lot of people from different backgrounds. Be it your roommates, the guys next door or that girl who can constantly be found drinking four cups of coffee in a row in the college coffee shop, these people can make or break your time at college. Not everyone you meet will be your best mate; but sometimes good neighbours can become good friends. Based on personal experience, here’s my top five tips on how to be a good college housemate:

Clean up after yourself: Rule number one in any student house; keep the place clean. A generic one to start off with, I know,

but in the year of our lord saviour that is 2019, some people still can’t grasp this concept. Whether it be the shared bathroom, the pile of dirty dishes in the sink or the lasagne growing mould in the fridge, just clean it. Students are renowned for being grubby (as much as we’d hate to admit it), so if you have yourself a housemate who loves cleaning, keep them!

Keep the noise levels to a minimum: We all know the type: the lad who has a guitar and thinks he can sing. Whether it is in the shower, the kitchen or anywhere, ask yourself: is there a need to be singing the same one line of any given song repeatedly? This also applies to after parties and bringing people home from the pub. Is it necessary to be blaring techno at 3am in the morning and keeping everyone awake? What about those strange times when the shower starts up randomly at 5am? The horrors!

We all know the type: the lad who has a guitar and thinks he can sing. Whether it is in the shower, the kitchen or anywhere, ask yourself: is there a need to be singing the same one line of any given song repeatedly?

The

Always have a key: Student nights out can be messy and can often result in things being lost. Losing your keys has implications not just for you but also for your groggy-eyed housemate who has to get up to let you in. It happens once, fair enough.

It happens twice, it’s kind of annoying. It happens three times? Don’t be surprised if you get a butter sock straight to the side of the head as a result. (iCarly, anyone?)

journey to be a good housemate. When people can rely on you for a bit of craic but also for chill movie nights, you’re going to be in high demand. It doesn’t need to be said but being nice can go a long way!

Having people over: We all love to have our friends or romantic interests visit us.

However, where do we draw the line between someone visiting and someone living in your house rent-free? It can be extremely annoying, albeit awkward, for some people who have to sit their housemate down and tell them their friend has to go.

Make sure that the lines are always clear, and if they’re being crossed, nip it in the bud as soon as possible. Oh, and ‘if the bed board’s a banging?

Don’t come a knockin’ (also maybe see point two).

Be sound in general:

Step Challenge

4th-29th

March 2019

Sign up NOW

marchathon.ie

TEAMS OF 3-6 SHOPPING VOUCHERS AND OTHER GREAT PRIZES TO BE WON! FOR MORE INFORMATION www.marchathon.ie Email: info@smartertravelworkplaces.ie Facebook.com/STworkplaces Facebook.com/STcampus Twitter: @STworkplaces Twitter: @STcampus Instagram.com/smartertravelcampus

National Transport Authority, Dún Scéine, Iveagh Court, Harcourt Lane, Dublin 2, D02 WT20. T: 01 8798300

Whether it’s buying the milk for the house or a sharing bar of chocolate, being sound can get you a lot of mileage in the

Photo by Lisa Fotios from Pexels

What makes the ‘nicest man in rock’ so special?

By Nithu Krish If we look at the music world, there are many figures who are going to live on in the minds of people for a long time. All of us have our favourites for a variety of reasons. The main reason behind this is that music is an incredibly subjective art form.

What I like, you may not like, and vice-versa.

Given the differing tastes that we have, is it possible to say that any one artist is going to have an enduring legacy? I believe that it will happen, and my pick for that is none other than Foo Fighters frontman, Dave Grohl.

The man who is affectionately known as ‘The Nicest Man In Rock’ has been a part of two of the greatest rock bands of all time. Grohl began his career as the drummer of genre-defining grunge band, Nirvana.

After the unfortunate passing of Kurt Cobain, Grohl reinvented himself as the lead singer, guitarist and primary songwriter of Foo Fighters.

Since then, he hasn’t looked back and his band has become hugely popular as well as being influential.

So, what makes him and his legacy able to stand the test of time? Now, this may sound a little too optimistic, but I feel that rock will never go out of fashion. Sure, more people might listen to other genres but the amount of respect that rock gets is greater in my opinion.

Adding to this is the all-round demeanour that

Dave Grohl has. Going by the encounters that fans have had with him, he sounds like the perfect guy to have a beer with. Take one look at the most famous musicians right now, is there anyone else who feels this approachable?

He is great with fans, as can be seen by his antics during live shows. And, he is a damn good musician.

It almost feels like all the stardom that he has been exposed to hasn’t gone to his head. When people start taking themselves too seriously, we start to feel detached from them. And don’t get me wrong, that detachment is great for sales but sometimes it’s about the person behind the music as well.

It is incredibly difficult for anyone to have a lasting legacy, but Dave Grohl might just pull it off. It is the music that we associate with these people but if the person themselves has not left a good impression on others, it is hard to see them transcending generations.

A good example of this would be Freddie Mercury, who (even without the blockbuster success of Bohemian Rhapsody) would be an everlasting figure in the music world. Though I’m not saying that Dave Grohl is like Mercury, the similarity is simply that they are going to keep rocking forever.

We will be singing and dancing to Dave Grohl for a long time and actually miss the person behind it all when he’s no more. This is why ‘The Nicest Man In Rock’ will live on in our hearts and minds.

TUAIRIM

February 26 2019

11

Formula E and Do we really care about the future of our environment? mobility

By Aislinn Ní Chonchubhair

By Daniel Brennan I’m sure you know this by now, but it bears repeating – the world is dying.

Carbon emissions, much like scientists warned us nearly three decades ago, are tearing bigger and bigger holes in the ozone layer. The effects of the ensuing climate change has already been seen across the world, with rising seas levels, melting glaciers, and an unprecedented amount of extreme weather events globally, along with the fact the earth is getting warmer year on year. It turns out that we’ve only got until 2030 before all of this becomes irreversible, which is definitely not terrifying in the slightest.

The only solution to this problem is utilising green energy and green technologies, both in production of energy and in mobility – the latter of which this article deals with.

At the moment there seems to be only one viable alternative that can feasibly be produced in numbers large enough to dethrone petrol and diesel while also being as convenient as fossil fuel powered cars to the public – and that’s the use of electric drivetrains.

Electric cars have been the subject of criticism and ridicule for years, mainly from Jeremy Clarkson types who are stuck in the past, reminiscing about “the good old days” where you could drive a car that did four miles per gallon, and probably emitted more harmful gases than a nuclear explosion.

I believe that ultimately, the fact that we aren’t already using solely electric-powered vehicles comes down to three main factors; firstly the price of buying an electric car is much higher compared to a fossil fuel alternative.

Also, the two main stigmas held against electric cars from the beginning play a role – their range and how quickly they can be charged when they run low. Obviously, as more electric cars are made, and as companies ultimately plan to go electric-only within the next decade, the cost issue will subside, as will the range and charging issues, as more infrastructure is built to accommodate electric charging ports.

The rate electric technology is progressing at currently is best demonstrated in a place many people wouldn’t even think – through motorsports.

Formula E, the electric alternative to Formula 1, has been running for five seasons now, and the rate of technological progress has been immense. In the beginning, drivers were made swap cars in the middle of the race, as they couldn’t complete a full race distance on one charge. Now, not only can the cars last a full race distance on one charge, but also at peak values they’re

producing 70 times more horsepower than their predecessors, and running around five to six seconds a lap faster at most circuits, all while using up less charge.

There are currently eight manufacturers taking part, with the likes of Audi, Citroen, Nissan and BMW at the top – and that number is set to grow next year with Porsche and Mercedes joining the fray as they look to find new ways of developing electric tech through Formula E. The investment from the factories is no small matter too, as the top manufacturers are spending upwards of £30 million per season on developing green tech through racing, that we may see everywhere we go within the next decade.

I hate paper straws. There I said it. I tell people I care about the environment, but paper straws are just a crime against humanity.

Within the first five minutes of them sitting in my glass, they begin to fall apart slowly and little paper bits begin to swim around in my drink. After ten minutes and a quick swirl around, the straw breaks in two, rendering it impractical. So, I then have to get up and get a new straw and repeat the whole process again. In theory, they’re great but in reality, not so much.

What I am trying to say here is that we all love saying we care about the environment and that it is really important to us, but is it really? If you met me and asked me how much I cared about the environment I would tell you it is the most important thing to me and I really care about it, but is that just the latest trend?

Recently, for example, a video about the

impact of the palm oil industry took over our social media. It showed the destruction of the orangutan’s homes and our hearts broke. People vowed to boycott the palm oil industry, and some did. But now, it’s like some have forgotten about it.

Not everyone is like this though. Many people are devoted to saving the planet, including 15-year-old Greta Thunberg from Sweden who is galvanising the youth of the world. She first made headlines after going on a school strike to draw attention to climate change in her country.

Since then students all over Europe are protesting climate change, they’re ditching college or school to hit the streets.

Across 60 cities, it was estimated that 15,000 young people took part in the Youth Strike 4 Climate protest. Young people are the ones that are taking action, and action always speaks louder than words.

In her famous speech to the UN climate change COP24, Greta Thunberg

talks about how the leaders of today are leaving it up to today’s youth to fix the problems instead of them acting, and it’s clear that the young people of today are the ones taking action. However, 15,00 thousand young people won’t save the planet by themselves. But it seems like everyone else doesn’t care that much either. Some care enough to recycle a few bits and use reusable coffee cups, and this is great don’t get me wrong. But the common consensus is ‘this really won’t bother us in our lifetime, so let’s just agree that global warming is happening but let’s not give up our luxuries for it’.

Global warming is happening, and that is just a fact, it’s not just a trend we can all hop on. There is only so much we can do about it on our own though. It is up to the world leaders to set an example and do something about it before it’s too late, because 15,000 young people can only do so much.

Photo by Mikes Photos from Pexels

12 O PI N IO N

SIN Vol. 20 Issue 10

Why transport should be cheaper for students

By Alice O’Donnell I’m currently writing this article on the bus home to Cork, my purse significantly lighter than it was this time yesterday. Living away from home invokes a whole barrel of stress, and I believe having to scrape and save your already sparse budget to be able to afford going home shouldn’t be one of them. It’s an unfair reality that so many students have to sacrifice elements of student life, such as socialising, in order to simply afford to go home.

But as any student living away from home will tell you, transportation seems to be one of the most expensive aspects of student life.

Many of my friends simply cannot afford to go home as often as they would like. It costs one of my friends over €40 to go back home to Wexford for the weekend. To put that into perspective, you can buy 28 Pot Noodles, or nine Smokies’ paninis with that €40 instead. Another of my friends in the

first semester suffered from severe homesickness and went home every weekend, at a cost of €30 a trip. That added up to over €360 for the semester in total.

Although many bus and train companies boast about having ‘special’ student rates, in reality this often just means that a couple of euros are shaved off the full adult price. While of course any reduction in costs is greatly appreciated, it seems unnecessarily cruel to still be charging students so much to simply go home, especially when countless students must get multiple buses and trains in order to reach home.

Even by doing simple maths, it seems clear that these companies can afford to significantly lower student rates while still maintaining decent profits.

The forty-seater bus that is currently taking me to Cork is half-full, but by my calculations is still making around 800 euros, not even including return tickets passengers may have purchased. With such

#NUIGSU19

AN CÓRAS

CIANVÓTÁLA Mura mbeidh tú ar an gcampas Déardaoin an 7 Márta agus más mian leat vótáil i dtoghcháin oifigí lánaimseartha Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn, beidh tú in ann an Córas Cianvótála a úsáid le do vóta a chaitheamh ar líne.

Próiseas simplí dhá chéim atá ann:

1 2

Cláraigh Logáil isteach ar láithreán gréasáin Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn roimh an meán oíche, Dé Luain an 6 Márta agus cláraigh le haghaidh an Chórais Cianvótála.

Vótái Lógáil isteach ar láithreán gréasáin Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn le linn na n-uaireanta vótála Déardaoin an 7 Márta (10:00 r.n. – 6:00 i.n.). Má chláraigh tú, beidh tú in ann an Córas Cianvótála a úsáid. Lean na treoracha le do vóta a chaitheamh.

Tá an Córas Cianvótála éasca le húsáid www.su.nuigalway.ie facebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion twitter.com/NUIGSU agus go hiomlán faoi rún. www.su.nuigalway.ie

facebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion

twitter.com/NUIGSU



TOGHCHÁIN CML An rachaidh tú san iomaíocht?

Photo: William Murphy via Flickr high earnings per trip, it seems to be more greed than necessity that causes student tickets to remain at such a high price.

Many countries are moving towards making public transportation far more affordable. Luxembourg has recently vowed to make all public transport free by 2020, the first country in the world to do so. It begs the question: if countries such as Luxembourg can afford to get rid of all public travel fees, surely Ireland’s public transportation services can afford to reduce student costs.

Although Galway in undoubtedly a wonderful city and a great place to be, sometimes you just want to go home. It’s an upsetting reality that so many students stay in Galway over the weekend simply because any alternative to go home is just too expensive. Ireland already holds the second most expensive university tuition fees in Europe.

When coupled with rising accommodation costs, it’s any wonder that students have a euro to spare.

In light of this, it seems cruel and unnecessary that student transportation costs are simply so extortionate.

Have swear words lost all meaning?

By Laura Henssen When Kayne West released his song “I love it” at the end of 2018, the world went wild. The singer is known for his controversies and drastic use of certain words. Now, even though the message is undeniably questionable, the song gained huge popularity. Whether the singer meant “ho” as a compliment, it is associable to “hoe”. Which is in no way a compliment. Played at parties, in clubs and celebrated by many people – the song raised the question: have swear words lost their effect? Also, should women support a singer who gives being called a hoe a positive connotation?

The use of swear words in daily conversation has increased throughout the last few years tremendously. While it would have caused great offense just a couple years ago, today it can be a sign of appreciation. Interestingly, women especially tend to make use of various swear words, leaving the role each one of them has in the movement of emancipation and equality in question, in my opinion. If we allow ourselves to be called a hoe and perceive it as compliment, can we really raise our voice against any hate and injustice founded on the harm we caused ourselves?

Or is it a bit like a sibling relationship? I can call my sister out, but you better watch out calling her any names? Is Kayne West an exception, as he is a famous singer and is married to the queen of feminine features and confidence?

Hearing girls, especially when alcohol is in the mix, referring to their female companions as hoe or b**** is as common to hear as any other word in a club, and no one takes offense.

Not when the word is associated with being an “absolute queen”. A connection between two

things that one would have never figured can have the same meaning. Ironic. Especially in a decade in which we discuss whether we should shift our language towards political correctness, we allow people to call us such things.

Alcohol intoxication isn’t the only reason for this drastic language, making use of swear words is part of daily conversations nowadays. Boys are no better than girls in this context. In all of this – are we heading in the wrong direction by allowing people to lose respect for us? Or do we just loosen the ties of formalities in language and semantics?

I say both. Being a b**** is a matter of reference and context. While the phrase can be common in one friendship group, it can be a taboo in another. Being aware that there are boundaries and consequences when we use swear words towards one another, either in a funny or harmful way, is vital. Because how can a man calling us the same word offend us, when we called our dear friend that word just five minutes earlier? Yes, it’s a matter of context, but also of awareness.

Other swear words have come to be so common that we aren´t even surprised to hear our lecturers use them. Just too often do these words slip out when dropping something, when forgetting something in the supermarket while already at the cashier or when a slice of toast toasted for too long. We no longer use these words carefully.

Again, is this a matter of heading in the wrong direction or of simply relaxing our use of language? Being aware of one’s speech has become essential. There are several studies and theories underlining that language influences behavior.

Remember, how you use language is one key measure of who you are and how people perceive you.

#NUIGSU19

 TOGHCHÁIN CML An rachaidh tú san iomaíocht?

OIFIGEACH PÁIRT-AIMSEARTHA ✓Oifigeach na Gaeilge ✓Oifigeach na Mac Léinn Lánfhásta ✓Captaen na gClubanna ✓Cathaoirleach na gCumann ✓Oifigeach na Mac Léinn Idirnáisiúnta ✓Oifigeach um Chearta Inscne agus LADT+ ✓Oifigeach um Chearta Míchumais ✓Oifigeach na nIarchéimithe Teagasctha



✓Oifigeach na nIarchéimithe i mbun Taighde ✓Oifigeach na Mionlach Eitneach ✓Tionólaí Choláiste na nDán, na nEolaíochtaí Sóisialta, agus An Léinn Cheiltigh ✓Tionólaí Choláiste na hEolaíochta ✓Tionólaí Choláiste an Leighis, an Altranais agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte ✓Tionólaí Choláiste na hInnealtóireachta agus na hIonformaitice ✓Tionólaí Coláiste an Ghnó, an Bheartais Phoiblí agus an Dlí

Osclófar Ainmniúcháin: 10:00rn, Déárdaoin 21 Feabhra 2019 Dúnfar Ainmniúcháin: 5:00in, Déárdaoin 28 Feabhra 2019

Lá an Toghcháin: Déardaoin 13 Márta 2019 www.su.nuigalway.ie

facebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion

twitter.com/NUIGSU

www.su.nuigalway.ie

facebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion

twitter.com/NUIGSU

14 FA SH I O N & L I F EST Y L E

Bamboo toothbrushes – a sustainable future Alice O’Donnell

It is recommended by dentists and toothpaste companies alike that you change your toothbrush every three to four months. This means that the average person will go through around 240 toothbrushes in their lifetimes. Taking the NUI Galway student body as it is, almost 54,000 toothbrushes will be used and discarded by students this year.

If I had to guess how long a standard Tesco-bought toothbrush would take to decompose before I wrote this article, I’d have guessed maybe ten years. It’s not: it’s more like 400. Some authorities actually put that figure closer to 1,000 years.

It was my mother who first introduced me to bamboo toothbrushes.

She had read about them in one of those airport magazines and immediately went to work, googling profusely to find a local shop that sold them. There’s a surprising number of them. Many pharmacies and health food shops keep a selection of bamboo toothbrushes.

Bamboo doesn’t take 400 years to decompose; think closer to six months. Of course, it depends which company you buy from, but with the majority of companies the bamboo is nearly always organic and responsibly sourced; being a fast-growing plant it is also an environmentally friendly resource.

In fact, the bristles are the only part of the toothbrush which are not biodegradable. However, some companies such as Brush with Bamboo are combining the Nylon with more natural ingredients, resulting in over 60 percent of the bristle material now coming from castor bean oil.

The brushes are also remarkable affordable, in some cases actually costing less than the top brand plastic toothbrushes. For example, just a quick look on Amazon will bring up a number of four packs for around €12, less than three euros per brush. An Oral-B Pro toothbrush costs €4.89 from Tesco, and electric toothbrushes cost nearly triple that.

Many retailers in Galway sell bamboo brushes; Boots, Holland & Barrett, Evergreen Healthfoods to name just a few stores. Of course, you can simply skip the middleman completely and order from the company themselves, or from eBay which has a wide range of bamboo brushes.

In my opinion, a bamboo brush is also just nicer than its plastic alternative. There’s no manic colours, just simple soft brown wood. It also ‘holds’ nicer; there’s a smoothness to it that plastic simply lacks.

Bamboo brushes last just as long as plastic ones and can be treated and stored in the same manner.

I’d encourage everyone reading this to make the switch to bamboo toothbrushes. If you’re like me, you can feel completely overwhelmed with the issues facing climate change in today’s world. Whenever I feel like nothing I do has any lasting consequences for helping the environment, I simply think of those 240 plastic toothbrushes which will no longer be polluting our world due to the move to bamboo brushes.

If you make the switch to bamboo toothbrushes, that’ll be another 240 plastic toothbrushes no longer cluttering the oceans and landfills. Like a chain effect, with every bamboo brush we buy instead of its plastic counterpart, we take away one further piece of plastic that must wait centuries to decay.

SIN Vol. 20 Issue 10

How to achieve long luscious locks this spring

By Tarryn McGuire

We can’t deny that we all know how to look after our hair; however, it’s the time, effort and money that prevent us from having the hair of our dreams. Regular trims are an obvious essential, however as students, fork-

We’ve all scan read some ‘easy, DIY hair masks’ that only require something along the lines of one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 3 egg whites, but let’s be realistic, no student has random ingredients lying around, and we want quick and easy answers! ing out money for regular haircuts just isn’t going to happen. The same applies to using suitable heat-protection products, to keep breakages, split-ends and frizzy, frazzled tresses at bay, but again, who has the time and dedication for that? Regular protein and deep-conditioning treat-

ments are a good idea of course, but do we do it? No. What we need is a go-to quick and easy fix for when our neglected hair finally begins to knock on death’s door. We’ve all scan read some ‘easy, DIY hair masks’ that only require something along the lines of one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 3 egg whites, but let’s be realistic, no student has random ingredients lying around, and we want quick and easy answers!

Instead, I have chosen my three favourite hair care products that have most definitely saved my hair throughout my time in college (dry shampoo not included).

The first and most recommended on the list is oil treatments!

Oil helps to seal cuticles, tame frizz and restore moisture to those dull locks. Regular oil treatments will not only add shine and body to your hair, but it will also promote healthy hair growth! A few drops of argan oil can be combed through damp hair to give your mane a healthy shine and can help to prevent frizziness.

When it comes to the point that you become so fed up of your dull, dry hair that you are just one small push away from making that appointment with the hairdresser to chop it all off, then it’s time to consider a mask. Put

your PJs on, lather your hair in a nourishing hair mask, pop some cucumber slices over your eyes, and relax, because in less than 10 minutes you are going to feel like a whole new person.

The Garnier Ultimate Blends almond milk and agave sap hair mask contains 98 percent natural origin ingredients, smells divine and is an absolute lifesaver.

Finally, the last item on the list is a classic that has never let me down.

Who hasn’t heard of Aussie’s “Deep Treatment 3 Minute Miracle Shine”? This conditioner contains Australian ginseng extract and pearl powder to give dull and dry hair a glossy and healthy shine.

After shampooing, simply smooth in the deep conditioner and leave for three minutes, your hair will come out feeling brand new.

These products should help to give your hair a little reboot for spring, but it is important to remember that other factors such as diet, heat exposure and general day to day treatment of your hair are all just as important.

FAIS EAN

February 26 2019

7

NÓS MAIRE ACHTÁLA

Living her best life:

Jazzmyne Robbins

Recreating your favourite star’s boujie lifestyle on a budget!

By Amy McMahon Meet Jazzmyne Robbins, your new obsession. Jazzmyne is a Buzzfeed As Is Video Producer and with every video upload, she encourages the ten million subscribers to be strong, confident and find happiness within.

Fashion is huge part of Jazzmyne’s life. Just under a year ago she released a beret line and is now an ASOS brand ambassador (known as an ASOS Insider, follow her @asos_jazzmyne).

She inspires women everywhere to ignore the set fashion rules and find their own personal style. Regularly experimenting with bold colours, pretty pastels and clashing prints, Jazzmyne’s style is everchanging and provides endless inspiration on Ins-

tagram. Don’t believe me? Ask one of her 465k Instagram followers!

In recreating one of Jazzmyne’s looks for less, we only used size inclusive brands such as New Look, Nasty Gal and of course ASOS. There are no more excuses for designers and high-street shops not to carry a variety of sizes. In this look Jazzmyne is rocking five major trends – what an overachiever!

Finding a red leopard print midi dress was harder than expected.

Instead we have opted for a neutraltoned dress from Nasty Gal (€41), available in UK sizes 4 to 24. Jazzmyne layered with a black bodysuit underneath, available from Boohoo (€11 UK size 6-16, €14 UK size 16-24).

Berets are cute and cosy accessories this season. Try this red replica from River Island (€6). Sports luxe chunky trainers are everywhere and this Nasty Gal pair (€41) can be dressed up or down this spring.

Equally chunky belts are sneaking their way onto the high-street. This heart one from New Look (€11.99) is a lovely addition to any outfit.

Jazzmyne popped on a pair of dangle earrings (New Look, available from ASOS, €9.66) and white retro glasses (ASOS, €9.68) because more is more in her book. Add in Boohoo basic black tights (€3) and ASOS white socks (€4.15) and you’re Insta-ready.

Something Jazzmyne does on the regular shows another level of confidence. The social media influencer posts photos wearing next to nothing, celebrating her curves and thicc bawdy. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but it would definitely bring out your inner badass.

For a more PG approach to the Robbins lifestyle, change up your makeup look. Jazzmyne previously worked in Sephora and it shows.

She is always having fun and, to paraphrase the wise words of James Charles, unleashing her inner artist. A simple way to bring a new energy to your everyday makeup routine is add in a quirky lippy.

Jazzmyne has gathered quite the collection, but her overall favourite formula is the Sephora own brand liquid lipstick. She narrowed it down to her top three shades: purple, red and black. Unfortunately we can’t get our hands on any Sephora prod-

ucts in Ireland, but the NYX Liquid Suede Crème Lipstick is a close second (€9.68 from ASOS). The Jazzmyne-inspired shades are Kitten Heels (red), Amethyst (purple) and Alien (black).

If that’s not really your thing, set aside a day of relaxation and bingewatch Buzzfeed videos. Or take a couple of Buzzfeed quizzes. I’m sure you’ve always wanted to know what type of cheese you are…

15

MENTAL HEALTH MONDAYS Luan na Meabhairshláinte Starting on 28th January • Runs until 8th April Look out for the Welfare Crew on campus every Monday 1-3pm!

Bí ag faire amach don Chriú Leasa gach Luan ó 1in go 3in!

(Smokey’s Café and Engineering Building)

Knowing your Mental Health Disability & Mental Health Sexuality & Mental Health Body & Soul Gender & Mental Health Teil/Tel: Ríomhphost/Email:

Drugs & Alcohol Building a Support Network Sleep & Routine Celebration of Students!

+353 (0)91 493 570 studentsunion@nuigalway.ie

www.su.nuigalway.ie

Áras na Mac Léinn, NUI Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland. Áras na Mac Léinn, OÉ Gaillimh, Bóthar na hOllscoile, Gaillimh, Éire.

facebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion

twitter.com/NUIGSU

February 26 2019

FAIS EAN

7

NÓS MAIRE ACHTÁLA

17

Meet Limerick blogger Bri B Blogs By Áine Kenny Brianna Barry is a 21-year-old Limerick girl taking the blogosphere by storm. Brianna focuses on travel, beauty and body positivity on her blog. SIN caught up with Brianna to talk about the highs and lows of blogging, starting your own business, and the pressure social media puts on young people.

“I first got into blogging by reading other peoples blogs! I loved Suzanne Jackson’s and Faces By Grace’s blogs and reading their posts. I have always loved reading other peoples blog posts and gaining insight into their thoughts and life,” Brianna says.

“I then began writing about my own personal experiences and opinions and saving them in my notes on my phone. I mainly wrote on topics I felt strongly about or was interested in, but had no one to talk to about. I started my blog then just as a way to express those thoughts and have them in one place.”

Brianna says there are many good things about blogging. “I feel so comfortable and confident being myself as I have put myself out there so much, now I just think ‘oh well, be yourself and own it’. I have made some lifelong friends through social media who have similar interests.”

The beauty blogger also says she is quite open on her social media accounts. “I have shared some of my best and worst days on social media with people, and the response you get is crazy. There are a lot of amazing, supportive, positive, funny people out in the world.”

“I’ve gotten to go to events and talked to people that inspired me to start blogging and I never could

have dreamed of being at that stage in less than a year of blogging. Being recognised in public in my hometown especially on nights out is mad but I love it.”

“The best thing though would have to be knowing that I’ve actually helped someone feel better about themselves by something I posted,” she reveals.

However, there are some negative aspects of the digital world. “Sometimes you do feel pressured to be perfect when you see so much of perfection on your feed. Also, [there is] pressure to post to stay relevant. The pressure associated with it is the worst, but I try not to over think those things and just do things as they come naturally,” Brianna says.

Bloggers often come under a lot of scrutiny for being too image focused, and promoting products such as weight loss tea and appetite suppressant lollipops. Brianna says this is more of problem with modern society than bloggers themselves.

“I do believe society today, especially among young people who are active users of social media, are way too image focused. It really makes me sad when I think about it, because a large portion of people’s time in the day is spent on their phone, taking in all sorts of images that distract them from real life, their surroundings and what is right in front of them.”

“It also greatly impacts people’s self esteem and mental health as it sets unrealistic standards of how people should look, act and live. I don’t think bloggers help to promote this though, I feel like bloggers are often all painted with the same brush of wanting to promote weight loss tea, teeth whitening strips or tan,” she says.

“I think when people on social media or influencers are followed by thousands of people for being young, good-looking, rich or famous, people idolise that and then become image focused because they want that life or are jealous of something in that persons lifestyle.”

“It’s like being one of those Instagram models is the modern day version of ‘The Hollywood Star’. Not every blogger is the same, but with the masses following and tuning in to the aesthetic influencer’s lifestyle page, filled with materialistic things or tanned muscular bodies and no real life content, it is easy to follow the herd and become image focused.”

Brianna says this is why it is “super important” to promote body positivity. “Photos are easily edited and photoshopped nowadays and people believe that because that body type in magazines, fashion shows and clothing ads is everywhere, that they should look like the ads do.”

“I believe everyone is different and we should all embrace our individuality as a person and also embrace the body we have. We should all feel comfortable in our own skin and not ashamed of our bodies because of societal opinions and social media standards,” the Limerick native says.

Brianna also highlights how it can be tough to have good mental health nowadays. “I think it can

be difficult if you don’t know what may trigger you.

Some people become too consumed in social media and that can definitely impact your mental health.”

“I personally unfollow or mute notifications from anyone I think affects me negatively or doesn’t bring inspiration or a smile to my face. I think the way to best manage your social media for good mental health is to only follow people who make you laugh, or inspire, educate or better your life in some way,” she advises.

Brianna also has her own beauty business, where she does makeup, and provides nails and eyelash extensions. She says the challenges that came with getting a small business up and running were tough.

“Not going to lie, it was so difficult at the start.

I was naive about how much work you actually have to put into running a business and all of the associated costs. Especially because I never did business in school or anything remotely business like,” she admits.

“Now though I’m very much aware of the effort it takes. If anything, it has made me more motivated to expand the business bit by bit, starting off with learning all the skills I can use within the beauty industry.”

You can find Brianna on her blog https://bribblogs. com/ and on Instagram @bribblogs.

NUI Galway

President’s Award

2019

Applications open on: https://auth.yourspace.nuigalway.ie/index.php

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 15th March 2019 at 1 PM PRESIDENT’S AWARD CEREMONY ON: 2nd April 2019 in Baile Allen Hall

18 FA SH IO N & L I F EST Y L E

SIN Vol. 20 Issue 10

Three ways to style: the long skirt

By Ciara Brennan Longline skirts have made a comeback into the fashion scene this spring, and it doesn’t look like they’ll be going anywhere anytime soon. Cue the hideous flash backs to 90s catwalk catastrophes from Gwyneth Paltrow and Drew Barrymore *shudder*....

Don’t let that terrify you though, the once long, slouchy, unflattering, cover-up pieces of sin are now regarded as sexy figure-hugging staples that will enhance your wardrobe in all the right ways. This trend is a personal favourite of mine. Whether it’s tailored, with a side split or printed, the longline skirt can do no wrong in my eyes.

It is a versatile piece that can be styled across all occasions. Topshop in particular has achieved this trend particularly well this season and sparked my inspiration to write this article. Here are three different looks on how to wear this piece, no matter where you plan to go.

1

THE INTERVIEW:

Super sleek and classy.

This look will bring the sophistication needed to make the right impression, but also keep you bang on trend. Not only is this beautiful emerald green skirt very in this season, it will also make you stand out in that interview for all the right reasons. The black leather crocodile boots are also very on trend and will carry you through any look. This is a timeless piece that can be worn over and over again.

2

GOING OUT:

This look channels the metallic trend while incorporating the long skirt with this gorgeous Topshop sliver number. Whether it’s a dinner date with your significant other or an evening party for a wedding, this look will really make an impact. This skirt will have you feeling like a Disney princess with the intricate flower detail; you won’t want to take it off.

3

CASUAL COLLEGE STYLE:

There is nothing I love more than leopard print and graphic tees, grunge chic at its finest. This skirt is yet another piece from Topshop and is a personal favourite of mine. The slits on either side makes this a fun daytime piece that could be easily transferred to a night time look.

Maybe not ideal for this time of year, but nice to keep in mind for those warmer summer months coming just around the corner. I teamed this look with the classic Doc Marten black boot. Everyone and their mother has a pair these days, and they could not go better with this skirt. Throw on some gold layered jewellery and a little black backpack, and your casual college style is complete.

#NUIGSU19

 SU ELECTIONS

 TOGHCHÁIN CML

HUSTINGS Will you run?

An rachaidh tú san iomaíocht?

This is your chance to meet your #NUIGSU19 Election Candidates Seo do dheis aithne a chur ar na hiarrthóirí do #NUIGSU19

✓Listen ✓Tabhair cluas dóibh ✓Question ✓Cuir ceisteanna orthu ✓Decide ✓Déan do chinneadh 3pm-4.30pm Monday 25th February at Sult: Candidates for VP/Education & VP/Welfare and Equality 3pm-4.30pm Tuesday 26th February at Sult: Candidates for President 7pm-9pm Thursday 28th February in Kirwan Theatre: www.su.nuigalway.ie twitter.com/NUIGSU All Candidates hosted byfacebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion Lit & Deb www.su.nuigalway.ie

facebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion

twitter.com/NUIGSU

20 A RT S & E N T E RTAIN M EN T ERRORS AND OMISSIONS: The Recording Academy was right in some places, wrong in others

By Darragh Nolan Twitter was set alight post-Grammys by a few glaring absences from its routine In Memoriam section of the broadcast, including controversial rapper XXXTentacion. A prominent figure in the hip-hop community, he admitted he commited multiple assaults and domestic abuse, and was charged with aggravated battery of a pregnant woman in October 2016. His many fans were naturally upset, but the Academy was right to ignore the memory of a vicious, albeit troubled, abuser.

We live in a changing climate where we’re constantly wrestling between the artists themselves and the art they create. It was impossible to separate X from his music. His life was in the fast lane, the alcohol, the drugs and the abuse were centre stage in his work. ‘Sad!’, arguably his biggest hit, includes the well-known abuser tactic of threatening self-harm if his significant other leaves him. Society may normalise this; it’s played in bars and clubs most nights.

The Grammys should not folPhoto: Florida Dept. of Corrections low suit.

Even those who gloss over the abuse and justify X’s behaviour have little to complain about. He was far from an unforgivable omission, relative to some other musicians we lost this year. Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul, nominated for four Grammys with the band, didn’t feature. Buzzcocks’ frontman Pete Shelley was also left out of the tribute. Many beloved members of the music community received no recognition on the broadcast.

Their names did, however, appear on the In Memoriam page posted on the Grammys’ website before the ceremony aired. Even the divisive XXXTentacion’s name is included in the list. The social media firestorm whipped up by fans of the various absentees was much ado about nothing, considering the list fits in over 700 people. The award show is painfully long but it isn’t that long. It is that painful, but that’s another story.

The decision to leave X out of the show was a result of his own legacy, not the Recording Academys disconnect from the hip-hop scene. The inclusion of his image would have been insensitive and upsetting to many. Better to have his fans angry than victims of domestic violence.

The circumstances of XXXTentacion’s life and death were undeniably tragic; his being left out of the In Memoriam portion of the Grammys is nothing to shed a tear over, fan or not. A bona fide legend in Vinnie Paul was legitimately snubbed. X being left out was a tactful and classy move.

Why not try our new Nasty Nachos available in small, regular or the Don Julien with Spicy Chilli Beef!

CHOS

SULT’S

NA

STY A N

SIN Vol. 20 Issue 10

CHILDISH GRAMMBINO: Recording Academy still can’t keep up with the culture

By Darragh Nolan The Grammys are trying their best to catch up with the changing music culture but they continue to fall behind. Childish Gambino’s hit ‘This is America’ picked up four awards, including becoming the first track ever to win both ‘Best Song’ and ‘Best Record’. The Academy is clearly doing more to acknowledge a changing musical landscape that champions hip-hop, rap and R&B. However, with Gambino himself, Drake and Kendrick Lamar among others declining to perform at the ceremony on 10 February, there’s still a blatant disconnect between Music’s Biggest Night and music itself.

The accolades collected by ‘This is America’ are undoubtedly a step in the right direction. The song is a commentary on racial discrimination in the U.S that started an important conversation about the imagery and symbolism around African-American history. Not only did the Academy give ample praise to a song put out by a culturally relevant black artist but they also didn’t shy away from the political nature of the song itself.

It’s hard to overstate the impact Childish Gambino has had on the culture over the past two years or so. The debut of the hit show Atlanta bagged him a few Emmys and Golden Globes to put alongside those Grammys and his third album Awaken, My Love!, while a departure from his uniquely introspective hip-hop, was an impressive celebration of 1980s funk. Black artists like Gambino remain relevant in a manner that puts the Academy to shame, and they don’t give them the spotlight they deserve.

Although Drake declined to perform at the show he did surprise many by arriving to collect his award for ‘God’s Plan’. He used his acceptance speech to disparage the awards, poking fun at his previous ‘Best Rap Song’ nod for ‘Hotline Bling’, even though it isn’t a rap song. This came before the mic was muted as the

Photo: Eli Watson via Flickr

Toronto native started to riff on the importance, or lack thereof, of awards like the Grammys.

The Academy seems to be trying its best to keep up with the music industry, but they’re making a simple fix look mightily difficult. Is it really that hard to give shine to the most influential artists of the day? Baby steps are certainly being made. Cardi B taking ‘Best Rap Album’ a year after #GrammysSoMale was great to see.

On the flipside, the pop star dominating the conversation was nowhere to be seen. Ariana Grande is the name on everyone’s lips and the Grammys thought it best to start a beef with her too. Apparently making powerful enemies in Beyoncé, Jay-Z and Kendrick, among others, just wasn’t enough.

Not to advocate for stan culture, but falling out with Ariana Grande is going to annoy a lot of people in the Twittersphere. Those are the people the Academy are crying out to tune in to the show.

Music’s Biggest Night ought to celebrate music’s biggest stars. Producers shouldn’t be getting in the way of the artists. The show needs the likes of Childish Gambino and Grande an awful lot more than the musicians need it. The Grammys aren’t about the awards; they’re about the icons that receive them.

After all, this is America, not Grammerica.

She wants it, she gets it: Ariana Grande shows no signs of slowing downhn

By Olivia Hanna It’s no secret that petite pop sensation Ariana Grande has had wild ride in the limelight. Years ago she came under fire for licking donuts in a shop and saying she “hates America”, her concert in Manchester was the target of a deadly terrorist attack in 2017, her ex-boyfriend rapper Mac Miller passed away from drug misuse and her whirlwind engagement with comedian Pete Davidson ended in a very public break-up. But as Grande states in her track ‘7 Rings’, she should be a “sad b****”, and instead is a “savage”.

Grande has dominated the airwaves and streaming sites, especially since the release of ‘Thank U, Next’; a positive pop ballad in which Grande shares the lessons she’s learned from failed past relationships. ‘Thank U, Next’ features on her latest album of the same name, released only six months after her last album, Sweetener.

Small Nachos €2.50 Regular Nachos €3.95 DON JULIEN’S

Chilli Beef Nachos €5.95 Photo: Emma via Flickr

Yet what is it that has made Ariana so popular in the past month or so? As someone who had only listened to her music when it happened to be on the radio, I must confess that I have had Thank U, Next on repeat since the day it was released. My personal favorite tracks are ‘Bloodline’, ‘7 Rings’, ‘Breakup with Your Boyfriend, I’m Bored’ and ‘Bad Idea’. For me, the appeal of the songs is the blatant message of female empowerment and Grande’s unapologetic self-love and confidence.

‘7 Rings’ is an especially unique track. She sings about buying diamond rings for herself and her best friends, buying Louboutin shoes (apparently they’re the same price as happiness), and getting what she wants. She embraces femininity and uses it to own her power. Women traditionally aren’t encouraged to seek wealth (and if we are, it’s to marry into it), but Grande flaunts her self-made fortune to a dangerously infectious beat.

But one of the greatest feats of the album is that it doesn’t seem as if Grande has set out to write a feminist album, it has simply arisen from her own experiences. Any young woman with a taste for good music and a dream to be successful can relate to at least one of the tracks. Even my boyfriend is guilty of dancing to the catchy choruses.

Some might think Ariana is overrated, but I prefer to applaud a woman who is achieving success by capitalizing on her real experiences of heartbreak, loss, fame, and finding her own power in difficult circumstances. She sees it, she likes it, she wants it, she gets it. Deal with it.

OPENING HOURS Mon - Thur Friday

8.30am - 11.30pm 8.30am - 12.30am (half past midnight)

Between Áras na Mac Léinn and the O’Donoghue Centre

Main Concourse of the Arts/Science Building

Mon - Thur Fri Sat Sun

8.30am - 9.00pm 8.30am - 7.00pm 9.00am - 5.00pm 11.00am - 4.00pm Mon - Thur Friday Sat Sun

8.00am - 8.00pm 8.00am - 6.00pm 10.00am - 4.00pm CLOSED Main Concourse, James Hardiman Library Building

Mon - Fri Sat Sun

Caife

Mon - Thur Fri

8.00am - 7pm 9.00am - 3.00pm 11.00am - 3.00pm

8.30am - 3pm 8.30am - 1pm Áras na Gaeilge

University Sports Centre, beside the Quincentennial Bridge

NUI Galway Students’ Union

Seomra Cótaí SAOR IN AISCE Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn

S

SU CLOAKROOM

FREELife Skills OPEN

Thursday & Fridays

SU

09:00-18:00 Only

Ar Oscailt Déardaoin agus Aoine 09:00-18:00 Amháin

www.su.nuigalway.ie

facebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion

twitter.com/NUIGSU

www.su.nuigalway.ie

facebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion

twitter.com/NUIGSU

C U LT ÚR

February 26 2019

End Game documentary review

By Ameya Godse Amidst the multi-million dollar budget movies that recently hit the screens, and the star-studded actors that turned them into global blockbusters, a 40-minute documentary made its silent appearance on Netflix. The documentary has been nominated for an Academy Award in the ‘Best Short Documentary Feature’ category. It talks about the most unbiased, unprejudiced and predictable outcome of all mortals: death.

Topics like cancer and terminal illness are showcased in their absolute rawness. It talks about all those conditions, the sufferings and associated trauma that they bring along with them, which would have otherwise been buried exclusively in innumerable medical books. While there are various scenes in the documentary which are emotionally distressing, the viewer makes an inexplicable connection with the individuals, only to realize that each and every single patient in the documentary ultimately rests in peace.

CREATIVE CORNER FIRST LOVE

By Nithu Krish To the first girl I loved, You may not be the prettiest girl in the world But to me you were the world

SIAMSAÍOCHT

23

The 9/11 truthers and conspiracy theories

By Niamh McGee

The harsh reality of life is that the behemoth breakthroughs we have made in medicine are only capable of adding a few years of living respite. There comes a point in time where we have to accept the ultimate fate awaiting us, and that is something which is brilliantly showcased in this documentary.

Nobody is prepared for the final outcome that is destined for us.

We, as mortals and inventors, rely heavily on science and technology, and have always taken a logical and rational perspective by looking at everything. But the harsh reality of life is that the behemoth breakthroughs we have made in medicine are only capable of adding a few years of living respite.

There comes a point in time where we have to accept the ultimate fate awaiting us, and that is something which is brilliantly showcased in this documentary. Dr BJ Miller’s example is stunning. After being accidentally electrocuted, Dr Miller lost both his legs and left hand.

But his determination and outlook towards life has made him a global inspiration to millions across the world.

There are multiple ways of digging deep and finding answers to the question ‘what happens when we die?’ But more often than not, the question and its associated sub-questions find answers via religion and philosophy. It almost resonates with the box in the closet that is closed, locked and kept in isolation. The fear of the unknown and

7

Image: Netflix the mere thought of “befriending” the harrowing thing called death is unfathomable.

But making small alterations in our perspective of death, no matter how ridiculously impossible they might sound, is a takeaway from this documentary. The constantly swinging pendulum of thoughts leads us to try and come to terms with multiple feelings of grief, pain, sorrow, disbelief and trauma.

But making a miniscule attempt of giving ourselves a reality check would make us introspect even further; the hard-hitting fact that someday, there will be an end to our game as well; that nothing is destined to be permanent; that our current state of consciousness is the greatest gift at our disposal which we have to enjoy to the absolute fullest.

Watching End Game is a highly emotional experience and not for the faint-hearted. It is a brilliant attempt at conveying a very simple message: that death is very much a part of our beautiful yet limited life.

Gather

By Paul O’Malley Amid autumn air on a lover’s hill, There you will find quite a churning chill.

It suits the crevasse with a touch so narrow, And grinds the bone right down to marrow.

Feel this breeze squeeze itself through the gap, Do you quiver?

Maybe you feel attacked.

To the first girl I loved, You may not have spoken much to me But I treasure each word we shared

You, young man, with a face turned to stone, Does this define the feeling, alone?

Or does something else fuel your words here tonight?

The need to outlive the need to survive.

To the first girl I ever loved, I may not have meant much in your life But to me, you gave meaning to the word life

“I told you, I told you, I’m patient”, he cried, “A lifetime uncertain” “Is still certainly life.”

When it comes to some of the world’s most contentious events, we often are impelled by conspiracy theories, questioning media, academics and ourselves. Who do we trust, and to what extent, and why do we believe theories with such scarcity of proof ? What attracts us towards them, do we just presume authorities or the media are correct with their information because of their status and popularity?

On 11 September 2001, two planes crashed into the Twin Towers, one into The Pentagon and another fell into a field in Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 people were killed as a result.

These events, which became known as ‘9/11’, prove to have the most opinionated and researched conspiracy theories that stand today, with numerous theories on the event.

The most prominent division was that the attack was one of terror, involving hijacked planes by al-Qaeda, or was it all a so-called ‘inside job’ by the US Government on its own people?

So, what are these theories that draw such attention and debate? The most substantial is the belief that explosive devices were placed within the buildings by US Government agents, that were timed in accordance with faked hijacked planes, to paint the image of a terrorist attack. This theory began only hours after the Twin Towers exploded into flames. An American software engineer David Rostcheck immediately emailed an online forum while watching footage closely, ‘did anyone else recognize that it wasn’t the airplane impacts that blew up the World Trade Centre?’. Initially engineers and architects were wary of such a claim, but a large amount did admit that the format in which the towers fell could not match the angles that the plane struck the towers at, and formed a group called ‘Architects & Engineers for 9/11’. Within hours of this atrocity, the conspiracy genie was let out of the bottle.

Another theory was followed by over four million people within months of its origin, in the film series Loose Change 9/11: An American Coup. These films portray the American Government orchestrating these plane attacks and hiding all involvement. These theories became known as the ‘inside job’ and generally broke into two separate theories.

One is that the US Government completely planned the attacks successfully and in secrecy. The other is that the US Government was warned but allowed it to happen cynically.

But why would the US Government aim to murder so many of their own citizens?

‘Truthers’ believe the inside job claim that the attacks were staged to justify the subsequent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and that this event was a dramatic distraction as the US waged war abroad. There are even more radical beliefs that the Government simply were evil, and that the event genuinely did not occur at all, or did not kill as much as it claimed, that the Government agencies ‘planted’ human remains at both sites for dramatic effect and sympathy word-wide, again to distract the world from war.

Although the Twin Towers were the spotlight of these events for all footage and media at the time, and still are today, some theories did originate on the crashing of the plane into the Pentagon in Washington DC. ‘Truthers’ believe that what crashed into the Pentagon was not a plane (and therefore not a hijacked one) but a US missile, making it another inside job. Regarding the almost forgotten plane that fell into a field in Pennsylvania, it is claimed that a white US missile fired the plane down and got away immediately, deliberately to crash the plane in order to make it appear as if the plane was hijacked randomly and therefore crashed in a remote area.

All of these confusing and contradicatory theories have never been proven, albeit the ‘truthers’ out there will espouse the veracity of their claims.

24 A RT S & E N T E RTAIN M EN T

SIN Vol. 20 Issue 10

And if you don’t know, now you know: King Princess

By Sarah Gill After Ariana Grande’s ‘Break Up With Your Boyfriend, I’m Bored’ music video, and Dua Lipa and St Vincent’s steamy Grammys performance, the internet went wild with cheers for “20-bi-teen” and accusations of “queerbaiting”.

Whichever side you’re on, it’s clear that in a time where “queer-anthems” and “queer icons” are held to high esteem, despite their lack of LQBTQ+ membership, it’s artists like Hayley Kiyoko, Olly Alexander and (less notably) King Princess that deserve to hold the torch.

King Princess, born Mikaela Straus, is a Brooklyn bred singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. KP came across the oxymoronic pseudonym by chance, stumbling upon it while describing the feel of her music. “King Princess” brings together two divergent characters and

combines them in a fresh and unique way. It plays with the concept of gender, giving it an unfixed and boundless quality. KP starts a conversation before she even opens her mouth.

Having grown up in her father’s recording studio – Brooklyn’s Mission Sound – music was always in KP’s eye line. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Mikaela noted that, “the studio was just a wonder-

land” for her from an early age. Brushing shoulders with some of the greats and observing their talent progress allowed her to mentally map out a future of success.

But when a record deal came knocking at the tender age of eleven, KP and her father decided to shoo away the industry vulture until she grew into her niche.

Lucky thing she did, because in 2017 the multi-talented Mark Ronson persuaded King Princess to become the first artist to sign with his new label, Zelig Records. So begins the ascent of KP to alt-pop stardom.

Leaving New York to start a life in LA, Mikaela began writing ‘1950’, which became her debut single in February 2018. The tune is inspired by Patricia Highsmith’s 1952 book, The Price of Salt and is an ode to unrequited lesbian love.

The beautiful song rocketed King Princess into the public eye, majorly boosted by Harry Styles tweeting some of its lyrics.

Straus explained in a Genius Verified video, “Queer love was only able to exist privately for a long time, expressed in society through coded art forms. I wrote this song as a story of unrequited love in my own life, doing my best to acknowledge and pay homage to that part of history.”

The single was followed by a fivetrack, self-produced EP entitled Make My Bed, released later that year. Each song highlights KP’s immense lyrical talent, superior production abilities and blatant sexuality. Each song is gendered, and rightly so.

King Princess wants to create a new normal; a society where young people can openly accept and love themselves.

In an interview with i-D Magazine, KP said, “A lot of the music I like from the 60s and 70s is protest music – it’s talking about issues and fighting for a cause, and

I love the idea that being open about your queer identity is a way to make art send a message again.”

King Princess followed the EP with another phenomenal single ‘Pussy is God’, which follows the same lines as her earlier song ‘Holy’, portraying sexuality and relationships through religious and sacred imagery. This is an artistic device utilised by pop artists throughout history, from Madonna to Freddie Mercury.

The intersection of religion and sexuality in KP’s music has an almost amusing, compelling effect. The intrigue of being the antithesis of a belief system while employing the imagery associated with it sends a unique and poignant message.

Creating a new status quo with an effortless confidence, King Princess creates art to be appreciated by all and music that will inspire generations to embrace their innermost self.

Why Green Book will win an Oscar for Best Actor

By Nithu Krish The Oscars are not very far away and as always, there is a lot of controversy around it. This includes the nominees that are and aren’t a part of the shortlist.

While there is a lot to talk in that regard, I would like to talk about one category in particular – Best Actor.

If we take a look at the five nominees this year, we have: Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Willem Dafoe, Rami Malek and Viggo Mortensen. Before I give my reasons to justify the title, there is one

aspect that seemed interesting to me.

Four of the five characters played by these men are based on real people.

This also ties into the idea that many people have about the Oscars; they prefer stories about real people. In fact, take one look at the past winners and you will find some truth to this statement.

So, coming back to this category, here’s why I think Viggo Mortensen will win the coveted honour. For one, if you are unfamiliar with his work outside of the Lord of The Rings franchise, you are really missing out.

Prestigious Rosemount High School Band to perform in NUI Galway The Rosemount High School Band from Minnesota, USA will be performing an evening concert in the Bailey Allen Hall on Monday 25 March at 8pm.

Admission is free and all are welcome.

Also performing on the night will be NUI Galway’s very own Choral Society, who will be performing their own repertoire, which ranges from classical to pop.

This concert is part of Rosemount’s 2019 tour of the UK and Ireland, which also includes performances in Belfast and Drogheda.

The Rosemount High School Band is a multi award-winning group, and they are touring with 150 musicians.

Expect to enjoy a fantastic spectacle of music from these young and talented performers.

He is a fantastic actor who can seamlessly slip into any character as well as genre. Also, I am a big fan of the man. As much as I like the other people on the list, I feel like this is the last chance that Mortensen might have.

Having been nominated twice already, this could and will be the year where he becomes successful. Apart from a personal preference, he is also the least controversial choice for the Academy.

Giving the award to Rami Malek would mean that the Academy is seen to be endorsing a film that is associated with

Bryan Singer. The director has been hit with sexual assault allegations and withdrew from directing Bohemian Rhapsody.

Christian Bale is the closest competitor to Mortensen and his portrayal of Dick Cheney might be awarded to stick it to Donald Trump. Now, whether the Academy will become this political is a matter for another debate.

Bradley Cooper has an outside chance, but I expect A Star Is Born to pick up other honours and not this one.

Willem Dafoe too has a chance, having been brilliant as Vincent Van Gogh in At

Eternity’s Gate.

Green Book is a huge crowd pleaser and we all know how much the Academy loves films such as this. Due to the controversy surrounding the film’s writer and the inflammatory remarks he made, I expect this to be the only award that the film will get.

Perhaps you think that someone else is going to win and you may be right, but I have a feeling that I will be proven right with this prediction. Let’s see what happens on the 24th and may the best man win.

Liam Neeson isn’t racist, he’s just white

By Vannessa Marovatsanga There are these things I like to call the 4 D’s. If you are a person of colour, undoubtedly you have met them. If you are a woman of colour, they are old friends.

They usually appear whenever the topic of gender or race is discussed. They are: Dismissal, Denial, Deflection and Derision.

Not necessarily in that order of course.

No, the use of the 4 D’s is as varied and creative as the number of majority ethnic individuals there are to use them. I say majority ethnic rather than just white because of an interesting conversation I had about tribalism in Africa the other day. But that is a story for another day.

Also, much like Gamora’s hairline, we do not talk of it to outsiders.

However – I have got to say this Liam Neeson business is the first I’ve ever seen white people (being the majority ethnic folk at the centre of this) use it on one of their own. I mean if it were the late 19th Century, before Irish folk fought their way up the racial hierarchy to be considered white, it’d make sense, right? Or am I just a cynic? Because it seems to me that for every person who read the actual article, fewer made it past the headline. Even less listened to

the freely available audio. Was he misquoted? No. On 4 February Liam Neeson, when asked to talk about his latest film which deals with revenge, freely shared the following with The Independent: “I went up and down areas with a cosh, hoping I’d be approached by somebody – I’m ashamed to say that – and I did it for maybe a week, hoping some [Neeson gestures air quotes with his fingers] ‘black b******’ would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could… [another pause]… kill him.”

Neeson clearly knows what he’s saying and how shocking it is, how appalling. “It took me a week, maybe a week and a half, to go through that.

She would say, ‘Where are you going?’ and I would say, ‘I’m just going out for a walk.’ You know? ‘What’s wrong?’ ‘No no, nothing’s wrong.’”

He deliberately withholds details to protect the identity of the victim. “It was horrible, horrible, when I think back, that I did that,” he says. “And I’ve never admitted that, and I’m saying it to a journalist. God forbid.”

Twitter was ablaze! Condemnation ran thick. But you know what didn’t, in my opinion? Self-reflection. That’s why I called up the 4 D’s. For every majority

ethnic individual who read the full thing and the follow up GMA interview and still managed to condemn him, understanding it was 40 years ago, and that obviously from the interview he gave he no longer thinks in that way; so many more didn’t.

So many refuse to accept the journey he took to get from that to here, to use it to understand not just his art but human nature. No. Far too many would rather just scapegoat him. Make him a whipping boy for their own racism or racist beliefs.

Is Liam Neeson racist? No, he is not, problematic in many other aspects as he may be. The vast majority of this outrage is nothing more than performative sympathy for people of colour made by those who still clutch their bags a little tighter when people like me walk past, still call a lone black woman on the streets during RAG week a “black b****” then come back sober to say they didn’t mean anything by it. It is literal virtue signalling, spread like a meme, that does nothing for any of us.

The fact that many are revolted by his comments is grand stuff altogether, but that so few took the time to actually hear his story and that fewer still, even mentally, will take that journey is deeply problematic.

Just Read

Ag Lorg Laochra Léimh

Do you need anything more than a good book? The key to happiness is finding a good book and reading it.

Níl dada níos fearr ná leabhar maith.

Is iomaí duine a fhaigheann sonas i leabhar a aimsiú agus a léamh.

Join the SU Education Officer for books and more in Group Study Room 1 on the First Floor of the Library, 1pm-2pm every Tuesday.

Tar le chéile le hOifigeach Oideachais an Chomhaltais i gcomhair leabhar agus tuilleadh i Seomra Group Study1, Áras Uí Argadáin ó 1 i.n. go 2 i.n. gach Máirt.

More information from su.education@nuigalway.ie

Tuilleadh eolais le fáil ó su.education@nuigalway.ie

www.su.nuigalway.ie

faceboo acebook.com/NUIGalwayS wa tudent wayS tude sUnion

twitter.com/NUIG m m/NUIG SU

26 SPORT Meet Rachel Fitz... One girl... 3 Codes & performing at the highest level FULL NAME: Rachel Fitzmaurice HOMETOWN: Fuerty, Roscommon COLLEGE: NUI Galway COLLEGE COURSE: Mechanical Engineering SPORTING CODES: Gaelic Football, Camogie, Soccer POSITIONS IN SPORTING CODES: Gaelic Football - Forward, Camogie - Mid Field, Soccer - Mid/Striker FAVOURITE FOOD: My mum’s Lasagne!

FAVOURITE TV PROGRAMME: Friends, Ireland’s Fittest Family MAIN SPORT ACHIEVEMENT: Playing in Croke Park in an All Ireland Camogie Final in 2015, receiving a Soaring Star Award for camogie that year too, playing on the Irish Schools soccer team in 2013, playing for Connacht in the Post Primary Schools Interpros 2015-2017 AMBITION IN SPORT: To be part of teams that bring success to my club, college and county, to remain injury free and to be a good role model for other girls interested in sport How do you balance your 3 codes, college, work and social life?

I have figured out a balance at this stage after playing 3 sports right through secondary school. I also play for Roscommon for camogie and football too so I know when I’m doing too much and what trainings I am able to do in a week. My course is very demanding so keeping a good balance allows me to do some study or get homework/ assignments done on time. I work in George Bannon’s Sports shop in Roscommon town on Saturdays during college term and full time during the summer. Even after all my trainings I still spare a few hours to go out with my friends. I personally don’t take a drink but still love to have the craic! I have got a lot from being involved in sport, I know the feeling of both winning and losing and I know either way I have continuous support from my parents and family. I have met some great coaches, mentors and friends along the way and I hope this continues for many more years!

SIN Vol. 20 Issue 10

#NUIGSU19

REMOTE

VOTE

If you will not be on campus on Thursday 7th March and wish to vote in the students’ union full-time officer elections you can use Remote Vote to cast your vote online.

It’s a simple two step process

1 2

Register Log on to the students’ union website before midnight on Wednesday 6th of March and register for Remote Vote.

Vote Log on to the students’ union website between 10am-6pm Thursday 7th of March

Remote Vote is easy to use and is www.su.nuigalway.ie facebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion completely confi dential. www.su.nuigalway.ie

facebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion

 SU ELECTIONS Will you run?

twitter.com/NUIGSU

twitter.com/NUIGSU

28 SPORT

SIN Vol. 20 Issue 10

Changes needed to end GAA fixture congestion

By Tomás Keating This time last year, the whole issue of fixture congestion in the GAA seemed like it had hit a boiling point, where fans had finally had enough of the overlapping of competitions, which is taking its toll on players.

Every year inter-county level is becoming more and more professional, and the demands on the players become greater.

Last year, we saw Dublin forward Brian Howard refuse to play for DIT in their Sigerson Cup quarterfinal victory over Tralee IT, despite being on a scholarship. Howard’s reasoning was that the Dublin senior football team had a National League game against Donegal, and he was afraid that he would get lost in the shuffle of possibly the greatest team of all time.

It can be argued that Howard made the right decision as he started against

Donegal, and he started in the All-Ireland Championship in the summer. He would go onto win the All-Ireland with Dublin and become an All-Star in the process, with some particularly impressive performances for a man his age. Howard came back for the Sigerson Cup semi-final defeat to NUI Galway, but surely one could argue that Howard should not have had to risk his scholarship to play for his county?

It is one thing having to choose between county and college, but imagine having to choose between your local GAA club, who has nurtured you since you were under eight, and your college. The Kieran Molloy debacle enraged every GAA fan, and it could have been so easily avoided.

Molloy plays for Galway club Corofin, who last year were playing in the All-Ireland club semi-final against Kildare and Leinster champions Moorefield in O’Moore Park in Tullamore, Offaly on Saturday,

Students prevail in second annual NUI Galway staff v student golf match

By Jack Leech On Saturday 16 February, Galway Bay Golf Club hosted this year’s NUI Galway staff v student golf match. In what was only its second year, the tournament proved to be a great success.

Having won the inaugural tournament last year, the staff were in a confident mood going into the match. This year however, they relinquished their title with the students coming out on top, in what was a tight affair.

The day brought decent weather conditions for golf considering the awful conditions throughout the week in the build up to the event. With more participants than last year, the tournament is bound to continue to grow in popularity amongst students and staff alike.

The format for the match was as follows: teams of two with the final result calculated by taking the top five scores from each side (four ball better ball). Below is the result from the top five counting cards on each side:

STAFF

STUDENTS

Tony Hall & John Morrissey: 41

Luc Doyle & Johnny Armstrong: 41

Derek Morris & Gary Donoghue: 39

Aodan Comerford & Anton Brennan: 39

Damien Griffin & Trevor Markam: 36

Eoin Griffen & Michael O’Farrell: 38

Gearoid O’Broin & Triona Lydon: 34

Cathal Nolan & Michael Kennelly: 38

Jim Ward & Tom Cunningham: 32

Mikey Burke & James Costello: 37

Total: 182

Total: 193

Special mention must go to Peter Crampton who put a lot of effort into organising the entire event and Noel Hackett from New Ireland Assurance who kindly sponsored the prizes on the day.

Prizes were given out for winners in a number of different categories including: best and second best pair from each side, closest to the pin (winner hole 9), longest drive hole 18 as well as a number of spot prizes.

17 February at 14:00. Why is this strange might you ask? Molloy’s NUI Galway, who had defeated the aforementioned Howard in the semi-finals, were playing in the Sigerson Cup final against UCD on the same day in Santry Avenue in Dublin.

Molloy’s club mate Liam Silke was also in the same predicament, as he played for UCD. After winning their encounter with Moorefield 1 – 06 to 0 – 06, Molloy travelled up to Santry and came on in the NUI Galway match (Silke did not travel due to injury), despite having played a full 70 minutes for his club. Unfortunately, NUI Galway lost 1-13 to 2-09, and it was just grossly unfair on Molloy, who showed terrific commitment to both club and college.

Fast-forward exactly a year and it’s Groundhog Day. Molloy’s Corofin, the reigning All-Ireland champions are playing Donegal and Ulster champions Gaoth Dobhair in the All-Ireland semi-final on Saturday in Carrick on Shannon, Leitrim, at 13:30. And you won’t believe it – the Sigerson Cup semi-final between NUI Galway and UCC was fixed for the same day in Mallow! Making Molloy pick between club and county, but this time it appeared as if he would not make it to the college match.

Since then, there has been uproar from many GAA fans, and the NUI Galway tie was moved forward 24 hours to Sunday.

Although Molloy can now play for both teams, it is still extremely unfair having to play two big games in the one weekend, and not even getting to enjoy a night out with his club mates after the match on Saturday.

Last year, the GAA introduced a month where inter-county teams were to cease operations and release their players to the clubs, presumably to play some club championship and leagues matches. In my opinion, the initiative has been a complete disaster. Some counties were not willing to release their players because the All-Ireland Championship was in May, and teams did not want to go into championship without training together for a whole month. It was on all fronts counter-intuitive.

If I had to power to make decisions in the GAA, I would make a few minor changes to the fixtures. This is my grand plan: Scrap the pre-season tournaments at the start of January, the FBD League, O’Byrne Cup, Dr McKenna Cup, and McGrath Cup, and the Walsh Cup in Hurling. I know they serve a purpose in allowing players to get game-time, and try to impress their manager before the dawn of the National League. I just believe that these competitions clog up the fixtures. If you are a strong advocate for these tournaments, I’ll extend an olive

branch, play the fixtures in the month of December. With these tournaments no longer in existence, the National League could start earlier.

For the love of God, stop putting the Sigerson Cup on the same weekends as the All-Ireland club semi-finals. It should be called the ‘Molloy Rule’.

Maybe play the All-Ireland club semi-finals in the middle of January, and have the final in February? It is a long wait from the provincial final to the semi-finals, which is why I believe you could utilise January.

It would be tough to do this, as the GAA want to have the All-Ireland club finals on St Patrick’s Day. I would make it illegal for county managers to demand that their players play county while the Higher Education competitions are on. I believe this needs to be done for player welfare, and the healthiness of the Sigerson/Fitzgibbon Cup. They are two fantastic competitions and should not be undermined by county managers.

It is becoming especially difficult with colleges providing scholarships for these players to play.

It is not easy to remedy, and in both sports, there are three major competitions inhabiting the same space, but if the GAA made a slight few tweaks over the coming years, it would make a massive difference.

Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Plenty of Irish interest at 2019 European Indoor Championships

By Harry King The European Indoor Athletics Championships will start this Friday 1 March and conclude on Sunday 3. With twenty-six different events, there are lots to look out for from the Irish contingent, to the high quality of the field events and the competitiveness of the track events. Glasgow’s Emirates arena will host the event.

The last time Glasgow held the European Indoor Championships was 29 years ago when Domina Melinte (1500m), Rodin Gautlin (Pole Vault) and Heike Henkel (High Jump) were among those with a gold medal around their necks. The event still remains a huge attraction to some of Europe’s top athletes.

Among the potential medal prospects for Ireland include Ciara Mageean, Phil Healy, Mark English, Thomas Barr and many more. Last month in Athlone, Mageean smashed the indoor record for the 1500 meters with an impressive time of 4:06:78.

This is a significant improvement on her previous best of 4:08:66. Complementing this, she also broke the indoor mile national record with a time of 4:28:31 at the Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston.

Phil Healy is in promising form ahead of the championships as she recently won the 400-meter event at the Vienna International Indoor meet. She recorded the fastest time by a European this year thus far, with a staggering time of 52.31. This is also the second fastest time in the world this year.

Thomas Barr, an outdoor European Bronze Medallist, is gearing up for his first indoor running Championships. He usually prefers to prepare for the outdoor season. However the World Championships in Doha this year will be held later due to the concern over high temperatures.

Speaking with RTE, Barr said “it’ll be my first time doing an indoors where I’m going to a championship, and I love going to championships so I’m hoping that brings the best out of me on the flat.” Barr, who came in a nail biting forth in the Rio Olympics, is focusing on the flat.

Mark English recently won an 800-meter event in the Athlone Arena. The man from Letterkenny dominated with a time of 1.46.94. He hit the qualifying time for the Glasgow Championships in impressive style.

In any European Championships, whilst the sprinters make the headlines it is probably the field events that really shine in terms of quality. In the Pole Vault, reigning Olympic Champion Katerina Stefanidi is looking to retain her title with the likes of Nikoleta Kyriakopoulu and Britain’s Holly Bradshaw. On the men’s side there is sure to be a high-flying battle between the Polish World Championship Runner Up Piotr Lisek and former Olym-

Thomas Barr. Photo: C messier via Wikimedia Commons pic Champion Renauld Lavillenie. That’s just the Pole Vault.

Other international stars include Laura Muir, Jacob Ingebrigtsen, Arthur Abele and Paulina Guba, all world-class athletes competing on the European scale. With the World Championships at the end of September and the Olympics next year in Tokyo, these Championships mark the start of a very important year for all athletes hoping to compete in Doha and in Tokyo.

SPÓIRT

February 26 2019

29

RICE FOR ENGLAND: Nothing more than a career move

By Markus Krug In a matter of minutes, Declan Rice went from the hope of a nation to a traitor in the eyes of many Irish football fans. When he issued a statement on his social media accounts on 13 February, informing the public that he would transfer his international registration from the Republic of Ireland to England, many were stunned but even more people were outraged by the 20 year old’s decision.

First of all, it should be clear that some of the statements made by so called “fans” on social media were simply appalling and out of place. Not even the strongest emotions in connection with sports warrant the language and imagery used by some to insult and threaten the young footballer.

That being said, a certain disappointment with Rice’s decision is understandable when you look at his past with the Irish national team. Rice has played for Ireland at youth level since his first appearance for the Under-16 team back in 2015.

Since then, the West Ham player has been part of all of Ireland’s youth teams and even appeared in three games with the senior team.

Rice, born and raised in London, was eligible for the Irish team because of the so-called “Granny Rule” that allows footballers to play for the country

of any of their ancestors up to their grandparents.

And with the English youth teams not too interested in the Chelsea academy product, he was only too happy to play for the country of his paternal grandparents, who were from Douglas, County Cork.

After a fairly successful career with Ireland at underage, he was called up to the senior team in 2018 and played in three friendlies against Turkey, France and the USA. But after he was originally called up to play Wales in the 2018 Nations League, then-manager Martin O’Neill omitted him from the squad, stating that Rice was considering switching to play for England.

After a period of contemplation, new Ireland manager Mick McCarthy and his assistant Robbie Keane, sat down with Rice and talked to him about his possible future as the centrepiece of a new, young Ireland squad. Regardless of their efforts, Declan Rice has now finally declared for England.

His decision was not one of conflicting loyalties, like the one many players with two nationalities are struggling with. Even in his prepared statement on Twitter, Rice emphasises his connection to both his country of birth and the country of his grandparents. In the end, he called his decision one that he made “based on what I believe is best for my future.”

This career move has now led to a discussion about both Rice himself as well as the Irish recruiting system and the grandparents rule that it is based on. Former players like Kevin Kilbane, who was facing a similar situation during his playing career, questioned Rice’s statement about being “a proud Englishman” after taking advantage of the Irish youth system for many years.

Others took the opportunity to campaign for a change in the registration system that allowed Rice to switch from Ireland to England after already being capped three times for the Irish senior team, albeit in friendly games. Former Ireland defender Gary Breen stated that “the decision should be made when you sign your professional contract at 18” and before playing games of any kind for the senior team.

Declan Rice has expressed understanding for the emotional reaction that his decision would evoke with the Irish fans. He will face a higher level of scrutiny throughout his international career from

both the disappointed Irish fans as well as English fans that might question the loyalty of a player that has played for a rival country for so many years.

When looking at his abilities as a player, Rice’s decision is definitely a massive loss for the Irish team. But in the long run, it is a chance for the FAI to focus on young, homegrown players that truly wish to play only for the Irish national team. It is also a good point in time to reevaluate possible changes in the transfer system between nations and the specifications around friendly games.

From heroes to Coke Zero

By Paul O’Malley In the era with rising accommodation costs and ludicrous college fees, where would we be without meal deals? We can live like kings and queens for a low cost and never feel guilty because we feel like we’re getting our money’s worth. No packed lunch? Meal deal.

Hungover? A meal deal is a scientifically proven cure.

Sult offers a lovely €5 meal deal for holders of SU cards. A roll, a wrap or a sandwich along with a drink of your choice and a bag of crisps. Not just any crisps; fancy crisps. Crisps with notions. McDonnells or Keoghs, innovators of the lightly salted crunchy snack.

This writer recently availed of this deal. It was a hearty feed consisting of a toasted chicken roll, smothered with cheese and sprinkled with red onion, a bag of Keogh’s Shamrock and Sour Cream crisps with extra notions and a can of ice-cold Coca-Cola Zero.

What caught my eye amid this feast was the sponsorship carried on the side of the Coke Zero can. “Be the 12th,” it said. Calling all supporters.

Come stand behind your favourite club in the name of sugar-free soft drinks. The connection is a little bit of a loose one, but when you open the can and the excess carbon dioxide escapes the can, the sound is kind of comparable to a referee’s whistle.

What stood out about this campaign is the diverse level of representation of teams on the can. When CocaCola launch a sponsorship with the Premier League, you’d expect the very best to represent the campaign.

This is how it usually goes when it comes to these big companies in sports sponsorship. Pepsi’s latest World Cup line-up was fronted by Lionel Messi.

Jurgen Klopp advertised Opel’s newest range in his typical bombastic style. Thierry Henry promised Renault customers “twice the va va voom” in the mid-2000’s and David Beckham has headlined countless ad campaigns over the years.

It has been an exclusive club of sorts, and this is particularly true in the case of Joe Hart. Hart was the face, or rather the hair, of a Head & Shoulders ad campaign

while he was first choice goalkeeper for Manchester City and England. As soon as he found himself down the pecking order, and sought a loan to Torino of Italy, Head & Shoulders decided to let his sponsorship deal expire and they dropped him almost as quickly as his manager at Man City Pep Guardiola did.

In the context of this new Coke Zero/Premier League campaign, the expectation would be to see the stars of the top six receive the top billing, who are: Liverpool, Man City, Tottenham, Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Surprisingly, the players featured on the side of this can were Callum Wilson of Bournemouth, Shane Duffy of Brighton, Aron Gunnarsson of Cardiff and Shane Long of Southampton. Not exactly a set of household names, or a group you’d call upon to make up the rest of your dream five-a-side team, but it sets a wonderful precedent going forwards.

The placement of ones’ heroes in advertising loses meaning as one gets older with the ever-growing onset of financial cynicism. Seeing Harry Kane pop up in a Nike advert does nothing for me as a Tottenham fan, unless he failed to score for a long period of time. In which case, anger towards him for wasting his time on such ventures overthrows rational emotions, a quaint summary of the life of a sports fan.

But if I was a young kid, with hope in my heart and a gleam in my eye, seeing my hero Harry Kane in a Nike advert would make my whole week. Just as seeing Callum Wilson on a Coke Zero can would for a young Bournemouth fan. These adverts were usually saturated with players from the historic big four of Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Man United throughout the years, so this is very welcome.

We can sit here and debate the ethics of Coca-Cola as an all-consuming corporate entity all day, but no one can deny that this ad campaign is a great idea.

It sets an excellent precedent for sports sponsorship moving forwards and gives the heroes of historically less-renowned clubs a platform on which they can shine just a little bit brighter for those who look up to them.

Students’ Union Shop Wins National Award Congratulations to all the team in the Students’ Union Shop, winners of the ‘Best Impulse Offering’at the Shelflife C-Store Awards 2018

30 SPORT Ireland should survive Sean Ó Brien moving to London Irish

By Owen Kennedy It was announced on 8 February that Irish flanker Seán Ó Brien signed a three-year contract with London Irish, reported to be worth €420,000 per annum. The Tullow Tank will be leaving Leinster after this year’s World Cup. After his signing, Ó Brien said: “This is one of the hardest decisions that I have ever had to make. I have played all my rugby in Ireland. With Tullow, with Leinster and with Ireland, and to move from the place I call home and that I love so much, was not easy.”

“That being said, I feel that the time has come to explore other opportunities, to challenge myself at a new environment, in a new city, with a new club and against different players and teams on a weekly basis.”

Many fans have been concerned over this signing however, especially considering how modern Irish Rugby treats players who play for non-Irish teams (see Simon Zebo). The move is unlikely to affect O’Brien’s World Cup prospects, as he is centrally contracted to the IRFU until the conclusion of the tournament. O’Brien’s situation is similar to Paul O’Connell ahead of the 2015 World Cup, when the then Irish captain had agreed to join Toulon ahead of the tournament.

However, while there is no official policy regarding the selection of players based outside Ireland, it is unlikely O’Brien will be considered for the 2020 Six Nations by Andy Farrell, who will replace Joe Schmidt as Ireland head coach after the World Cup. Seán Ó Brien has contributed a lot to the Irish team, with his 54 Ireland caps as of the game against Scotland. Six tries in total for Ireland and two man of the match awards are impressive and shows Ó Brien’s contributions to the squad.

His absence will undoubtedly leave a gap in the team but, naturally, we have young hopefuls in our current Under 20’s squad who could fill Ó Brien’s place within the next five years, like Niall Murray, Charlie Ryan and JJ McKee. In terms of current squad members, Connacht’s Ulan Dillane is the most likely to step up after Ó Brien’s departure. Dillane has shown his impressive skill in the scrum and line-out whilst playing on a provincial scale. Despite only having 12 caps for Ireland and a single try in last year’s Six Nations, he’s been pulling more than his own weight with Connacht: 15 games for Connacht and over 1,000 minutes of total play time.

So, as it stands, Ó Brien leaving for London Irish will sting for both Leinster and Ireland. However, I’m willing to put my hope in Dillane to fill in the shoes of the Tullow Tank.

SIN Vol. 20 Issue 10

ALL IRELAND THIRD LEVEL INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL FINAL:

St Pats win thriller as Faheyled NUI Galway denied St Pats Dochas Eireann 2 – 8 NUI Galway 1 – 9

By Michael O Connor A heartbreaking last minute defeat, or a stunning smash and grab victory? Two perspectives on what was an extremely entertaining college intermediate final, played in Mallow on championship weekend.

NUI Galway had executed a two-point win over UCC in the penultimate round, as St Pats Dochas Eireann overcame their sister college with a bit to spare to set up this intriguing contest. The final was dominated in the opening half by the strong wind that eased somewhat in the last twenty minutes.

NUI Galway had the first attack sent wide by Iarla O Sullivan, as the Galway college were aided by what could be described as a strong wind at their backs. St Pats defended in depth and had one scoring chance in the fourth minute that was blocked out by the William Finnerty from Salthill Knocknacarra.

St Pats were awarded a free in the seventh minute with their goalkeeper Conor Forde coming all the way up to the NUI Galway 45 to take it. The effort went wide at the near post, but one could suggest that it was killing momentum for NUI Galway having the Dublin College’s goalkeeper taking frees.

Donovan Cosgrove from NUI Galway won a free in the eighth minute that Roscommon sharpshooter Callum Fahey made no mistake for the opening score.

Indeed, the Roscommon native had a productive hour from play and frees.

Tony Smith won a hard earned free in the twelfth minute, which was sent over once more by Callum Fahey. Fahey, however, would be wide of the mark from play with the next attack. Indeed, in both halves NUI Galway missed six scorable chances, and that did keep their opponents in the game.

An eight-man movement from St Pats commencing with Conor Forde ended up with Allan Kieran kicking to the net in the fourteenth minute as the Dublin college went 1 – 0 to 0 – 2 ahead, with the wind acting as the biggest enemy to football.

Seamus O Donnell added a minor soon after for Ronan McDonald’s side, now the impetus seem to swing somewhat to St Pats at the end of the opening quarter in Mallow. Tempers were frayed somewhat at this juncture, as NUI Galway began to bring on replacements.

NUI Galway had to defend in depth, as St Pats appeared the more threatening side, even though NUI Galway hit four wides between the seventh and nineteenth minutes. St Pats used their netminder Conor Forde as a playmaker with some positive effect.

Paddy Loftus in the Galway goal was hero of NUI Galway as he saved a 22nd minute penalty from Alan Kieran. Indeed, Paddy is grandson of multiple

Sigerson winner and GAA President Mick Loftus.

From the kick out, Eoin McFadden scored a great goal as Conor Brady, St Pats responded with a point with Sligo man Conan Marren now at full forward for NUI Galway. Some of the stronger performers for NUI Galway were beginning to labour due to the contest the previous day in the Mardyke.

After a super solo run by James O Brien, NUI Galway ended with the lead point, 1 – 3 to 1 – 2 as the western side were having a second coming, especially when Callum Fahey sent them two clear as half time closed in.

NUI Galway forwards Iarla O Sullivan and Callum Fahey ended the half with two scores to lead 1 – 6 to 1 – 2, but it would be all needed with St Pats aided by the second half wind. In the final analysis, NUI Galway required a six point plus interval lead to ensure a secure passage to the championship crown.

St Pats had the first attack of the new half, but for all the effort in a three-minute spell, all the return was a speculative effort wide. Against the

back into the game. Callum Fahey did just that with another free to restore a four point advantage, 1 – 8 to 1 – 4 entering the final ten minutes.

One of the scores of the day came from Hanratty, quickly followed by Stephen Carton to leave just two points in it with 9 minutes to play. Hanratty, who was the focal point, struck a stunning effort off the left foot in the 55th minute. NUI Galway were defending in depth as St Pats were now in control.

It was a level game at the 56th minute as Stephen Carton popped up with a superb effort.

When it appeared that Paddy Moran’s charges might submit under the constant barrage of attacks, they broke upfield and James O Brien appeared to get the winning score as the game entered injury time. However St Pats had one last effort, and somehow Padraig Finnan sneaked the ball in at the near post and St Pats were champions.

Best for the champions were Conor Forde, David Bolger, Seamus O Donnell, Darragh Conlon, Padraig Finnan, Conor Brady, Allan Kieran, Fergal Hanratty and Stephen Carton. NUI Galway were served well

wind NUI Galway began to run the ball down the centre and it was Callum Fahey who sent over a 33rd minute free.

William Finnerty won a great free that Patrick Halpin sent inches wide. During the course of the second half Halpin, against a strong wind, sent three frees wide but each one was difficult to convert.

NUI Galway were now on top as William Finnerty was having a positive influence on proceedings. St Pats were struggling to get out of their own half of the field, yet the Galway college were not turning possession into scores, leaving St Pats in the event.

St Pats mounted a fightback with a 41st minute from Fergal Hanratty to reduce their deficit to four points. Hanratty hit over a 47th minute effort to leave just a goal between the sides. It was now time for NUI Galway to hit a purple patch, or else they would struggle in the final minutes.

NUI Galway were required to get back on the scoreboard, as the Dublin side were slowly getting

by Paddy Loftus, William Finnerty, Ciaran McCloskey, Eoin McFadden, Donovan Cosgrove, Iarla O Sullivan, Callum Fahey and James O Brien.

St Pats Dochas Eireann: Conor Forde, David Bolger, Paul McArdle, Seamus O Donnell (0 – 1), Stephen Finnegan, Darragh Conlon, Loran Kilpatrick, Padraig Finnan (1 – 0), Conor Brady (0 – 1), Shane O Neill, Allan Kieran (1 – 0), Aaron Courtney, Kevin Sheridan, Fergal Hanratty (0 – 4), Robbie Cunningham, Subs: Seamus Sweeney for Sheridan, Michael O Dowd for O Neill, Stephen Carton (0 – 2) for Cunningham.

NUI Galway: Paddy Loftus, Tom Lynch, Ciaran McCloskey, Patrick Halpin, William Finnerty, Eoin McFadden (1 – 0), Jason McMahon, Donovan Cosgrove, Conan Marren, Barry O Donnell, Iarla O Sullivan (0 – 1), James O Brien (0 – 2) Niall McManamon, Tony Smith, Calllum Fahey (0 – 6). Subs: Paul Dunne for Smith, Fionn Gallagher for Brian O Donnell, Owen Deely for Gallagher, Max Payton for J McMahon, Paul Butler for Marren.

Referee: Richard Moloney (Limerick).

SPÓ IRT

February 26 2019

31

Ireland must look away from Sexton and towards Carberry for remainder of Six Nations

By Paddy Henry Ireland’s 22-13 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday was as crucial as it was unconvincing. The men in Green showed flashes of brilliance in periods throughout the game, but seemed to lack the killer instinct from 2018 where a nation dared to dream of World Cup glory in Japan this autumn.

Perhaps central to Ireland’s off colour start to the current Six Nations campaign is Joe Schmidt’s reliance on reigning World Player of the Year Jonathan Sexton.

Sexton returned for Ireland’s humbling loss to England last week, following a long layoff due to a knee tendon injury, and did not look fit during the clash at the Aviva.

In the showdown against the Scots yet again he didn’t seem to be at the scintillating peak of his powers, going off after failing a HIA in the first half and being replaced by Munster number 10 Joey Carberry.

Carberry looked fitter, more dynamic and more energetic and despite a nervy start he grew into the game, setting up Keith Earls with a pinpoint long-range pass to seal Ireland’s victory

over a dogged Scotland.

His foray onto the field in Edinburgh may yet prove to be the New Zealand born out half’s most pivotal test to date, and his performance coupled with Sexton’s injury woes leads me to beg the question.

Should Joey Carberry start the remaining Six Nations matches?

All logic and rationality dictates that he should.

2019 is set to see a major change in Irish rugby. How we weather the rocky seas of Schmidt’s departure and navigate the inevitable retirement of the old guard after their Japanese swansong will set the tone for Ireland’s bright, upcoming generation of rugby players such as Joey Carberry.

Irish fans need to face the reality. A rugby player’s career is short in the modern game, and at 33 Sexton is by no means the wily young 10 who carried the torch passed on by the legendary Ronan O’Gara nearly 10 years ago.

Plans need to be made for when our star player hangs up his boots on the international scene, whether through injury or of his own volition. We need to acknowledge that that time

may be sooner rather than later, and perhaps most importantly we need somebody who can fill his boots with perfectly seamless transition.

Ireland’s over reliance on Sexton and his genius from the boot means a huge void will be left at 10 when he decides to call it a day. His brilliance has led to the numerous understudies throughout his career being consigned to relatively meaningless autumn internationals against tier two nations, which don’t equate to the magnitude of even the most trivial of Six Nations fixtures.

It is for this reason Carberry needs to be trusted for Ireland’s remaining Championship fixtures.

An unfit Sexton is no use to Ireland’s lofty ambitions ahead of the World Cup in autumn. A serious injury may signal the end of his glittering career thus far. Conversely, an inexperienced Carberry is of no use to Ireland should anything happen to our star man, and indeed in future seasons when Ireland will face the reality of a starting 15 devoid of the Leinster legend.

This current Six Nations is the ideal time to prepare for this.

Realistically, Ireland’s chances of retaining their crown have been dealt a critical but non-fatal blow following humiliation against the English in Dublin, and failure to secure a bonus point at Murrayfield. Faint prospects lie in the hope that a resurgent Wales steal a march on an English team, playing with the effortlessness and ease of their Irish counterparts 12 months prior.

Focus should now be turned, albeit prematurely, to the World Cup where the men in green need their best players at their very best to deliver the success Joe Schmidt, Andy Farrell and indeed the whole island crave. Johnny Sexton, as one of those key players, cannot be risked in a Six Nations that, in the eyes of many, was over at full time against the English.

Playing Carberry for the remainder of the series is a no brainer. In playing the 23 year old, he gets the experience that will serve him and Ireland well when the kicking tee lies before his feet in a few years’ time. In turn, it allows for Sexton to come into the more important tournament refreshed, fit and back at the peak of his powers to lead Ireland in their quest to lift the Webb Ellis Cup on 2 November.

GALWAY UNITED SEASON Kyler Murray chooses NFL over MLB, but will he succeed?

PREVIEW: A fresh start

By Darren Casserly The 2019 season will be a new beginning in many aspects for the tribesmen. Having announced Alan Murphy as full-time manager, there has been a complete makeover of the squad. Murphy has let a lot of experienced players go such as Ryan Connolly, Robbie Williams and Danny Furlong who were all guilty of underperforming for large parts of last season.

Unfortunately, United also lost some of their top performers from last year, like keeper Tadhg Ryan and winger Carlton Ubaezuonu who were two bright sparks in an otherwise underwhelming season.

Recruitment for Galway has been different from the past with Murphy launching “Project DNA” which focuses on bringing in local players and promoting youth team players who have a genuine connection to the club, and see it as more than just a stepping-stone. This has resulted in promoting exciting young players like Colin Kelly and Donal Higgins, who saw some game time towards the end of last season. Whilst both representing the Irish Schoolboys they played a pivotal part in United’s 17’s team last year with Kelly scoring 30 goals in league and cup.

Along with this, Murphy has added a strong local core with fan favourite Vinny Faherty returning for his forth spell with the club as well as ex-tribesman Iarfhlaith Davoren in a player/ coach role that brings more leadership and experience to a young squad.

Murphy has also focused on untapped junior football talent, holding open trials and from this he has recruited several players such as Joe Collins and Cian Murphy. These players are an unknown quantity and it will be interesting to see if they will be able to adapt to the first division and contribute to United.

One question that remains over the club is will they be able to find some consistency that they desperately lacked last season. This is especially important with an even younger squad that is not rated as highly as the previous one. Add in the fact that there is a young manager who is unproven at this level and the season is very hard to predict for the tribesmen.

If Murphy can get the team playing his brand of football and have key players such as talisman Conor Barry playing to their full potential, this could be a promising season for the young squad.

However, inconsistent form is evident from a 0-0 draw with Shamrock Rovers, to only beating the Galway Junior side 3-2 and losing 3-0 to local rivals Sligo Rovers. These results suggest there could be a fear of repeat performances from last season.

The competition in the First Division will be fierce again this year with Shelbourne and Drogheda strengthening greatly, and with sides like Limerick and Bray retaining most of their Premier division experience and talent. Factoring in an improving Longford side and an Athlone Town who have put match fixing players and disgraceful club running from years past behind them. Even whipping boys Wexford and Cabinteely have improved for this year. Albeit none of this matters until a ball is kicked, and as we know from last year you don’t win the title in January.

By the time this piece is published Galway will have played their first game of their season against league favourites Shelbourne, which will give us a good indication of where the season will go. No doubt the players will work hard and fight for the badge under Murphy’s stewardship.

Whether the difference in resources will show is another question. If its anything like the last game against Shelbourne, a 3-0 loss away from home, it could be a long season for the team.

By Danny Casserly As Kyler Murray’s name was announced as the 2018 Heisman trophy winner, the award given to the best player in college football, speculation persisted whether he would even play a snap in the NFL. Murray had been drafted by the Oakland A’s in the MLB draft some six months earlier.

He was following in the footsteps of quarterbacks such as Michael Vick, Russell Wilson and Tom Brady, in being courted by teams from both sports. However, he is the first player that will likely be drafted in the first round of both drafts. He was drafted ninth overall in the MLB draft, and he will likely be drafted somewhere in the first round of the NFL draft.

The rumours surrounding Murray’s future were put to rest when he confirmed his intentions to be an NFL quarterback via social media. He also confirmed he would attend the NFL combine, where potential draftees complete a series of drills, with NFL head coaches in attendance. His decision to attend the Combine has raised some eyebrows, with Murray’s below average frame (5’9 and 194 lbs) possibly deterring some teams from drafting him.

Despite this, his arm strength and his ability to throw and run the ball makes Murray one of the top QB prospects in this year’s draft class. His background in baseball gives him a dynamic that most quarterbacks don’t possess; Patrick Mahomes is an example of someone whose baseball background allows him to make incredibly accurate throws under duress.

So, what happens with Murray and the Oakland A’s now? Those inside the organisation were not shocked to hear Murray’s declaration, and general manager David Forst says the team does not regret the decision to draft

Murray, knowing throughout the process that this situation could play out. Murray was paid a $4.66 million signing-on bonus by the A’s, which he now must forego. That sum will pale in comparison to the $18 million that he will earn if he is drafted in the top 10, which he is likely to do.

There are several pros and cons that can be argued for playing either sport, further escalating how difficult the decision was for Murray. Obviously, there is far less physicality in baseball, with the threat of being tackled by a 300-pound defensive lineman being nil.

On the other hand, choosing baseball would result in spending the first few years of his contract playing in the minor leagues, earning the league-minimum salary. In the NFL, your first game could be a primetime game, with millions watching all over the world. If Murray no longer wants to play in the NFL, or if his career doesn’t play out as hoped, he can return to baseball.

Some of the NFL’s biggest stars have turned their hands to baseball with the most notable examples being Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders.

So, as the Kyler Murray saga comes to an end with his decision made, eyes now turn to the NFL draft in April. In a draft class dominated by defensive talent, Murray stands out as one of the most exciting offensive players coming out of college. His Heisman trophy proves he can win a game all by himself. However, his size as a quarterback is unprecedented in the NFL, possibly limiting the number of teams willing to draft him.

Come 26 April, Murray will know whom his NFL career will begin with. Whoever it may be, that team will be acquiring the services of an accurate, agile player that is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks ever seen in college football.

#NUIGSU19

 SU ELECTIONS Will you run?

PART TIME OFFICERS ✓Irish Language Officer ✓Mature Students ✓Clubs Captain ✓Societies Chairperson ✓International Students Officer ✓Gender and LGBT+ Rights Officer ✓Disability Rights Office ✓Postgraduate Taught Officer

Nominations Open: Nominations Close:



✓Postgraduate Research Officer ✓Ethnic Minorities Officer ✓Convenor of the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies ✓Convenor of the College of Science ✓Convenor of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences ✓Convenor of the College of Engineering and Informatics ✓Convenor of the College of Business, Public Policy and Law

10:00am, Thursday 21st February 2019 5:00pm, Thursday 28th February 2019

Election Day: Thursday 13th March 2019 www.su.nuigalway.ie

facebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion

twitter.com/NUIGSU

www.su.nuigalway.ie

facebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion

twitter.com/NUIGSU