SIN Volume 25 Issue 2

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Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

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Winner: Best Newspaper at the National Student Media Awards 2019

Student Independent News Nuachtán saor in aisce · Vol. 25 Issue 02 · 06 Nov. 2023

Photo by Micheline Sheehy Skeffington

Micheline’s Three Conditions, a fight for gender equality in the University of Galway By Caoimhe Looney Micheline Sheehy Skeffington and Rose Foley have released a book about their gender equality campaign against the University of Galway. The campaign began in 2014 when Micheline successfully won an Equality Tribunal case against the University of Galway. The case was taken after Micheline was passed over for promotion on multiple occasions, despite being deemed suitable and meeting the criteria. After being denied the promotion Micheline sought action against the University over the lack of female promotions to senior lecturer positions. She brought the case to the Equality Tribunal in 2013, and in 2014 was rewarded with a win, during which time she had been passed over for promotion in another instance in the University. Following Micheline’s tribunal win, she was awarded €70,000, which she gave away to the other five women who had also been passed over for promotion.

Speaking on the donation, Micheline said, “it put down a marker and it did obviously give the women, a bit of a boost, but it’s their courage that went forward. So, there was from then on that we thought, well, we’ve got to support them.” Rose Foley, Micheline’s co-author of the book and who also took part in the campaign, described creating a Change.org petition to support the five women, “that petition, we saw more than 800 signatures in just a few days and people wrote very impassioned responses about discrimination that they had faced and they were behind these other five women who should have been promoted and so that from that the campaign really grew.” Micheline said about students’ reactions to the campaign at the time, “they really felt that the students were behind what this is all about. It wasn’t just an academic thing. It very much affected them. And female students, probably more so because it resonates right down.” Speaking on the book, Rose said “We started writing the book in 2018. This was just months before the women finally were promoted so that campaign took four years from 2014 to 2018.

“Writing this book is the right thing to do. It’s to document that injustice and the fight against it, and it’s written down in black and white from the viewpoint and perspective of all the people in the campaign, and I think that’s important. It’s the women’s voices and men’s voices who were fighting this and standing up to the system and winning and that’s the exceptional thing. “And I like to say that, you know, there’s a statistic that as even as late as 2019, there had never been a female president of a university in Ireland. Now there are seven of the 12 universities led by women, and that’s due to this campaign gender equality. It really put it on the minds of all the universities in in Ireland, not just Galway.” Micheline commented on the Athena Swan award for gender equality established by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), “I think that’s something we should monitor and see are the HEA going to continue complying with this? Are they keeping publishing statistics showing where the percentage of women are in the Continued on Page 2


News · Nuacht

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Editorial By Caoimhe Looney

Editor

Hello everyone, welcome back to the second issue of SIN for this academic year. A special thank you to all the sub-editors and writers for putting together this thrilling second issue, we’re delighted at all the involvement. This issue is full of interesting stories over all of the sections. In News, Emma, Eimear and Matthew have some great news takes on some stories like the new Saolta Radiation Oncology Centre at University Hospital Galway, and over in Features Rachel and Alexander have some exciting galway based features to give you an insight into businesses around town. In Opinion there are some really interesting takes on travellers mental health and the Salmon Weir bridge, and in Arts and Fashion we have some reviews on current songs and movies to give you something to watch. Over in Health and Lifestyle we have tips on the best vegan places to eat, and in Cainte there is a piece on the budget funding for the irish language. In Sports we have pieces about the university’s intervarsity volleyball. Finally in Photography Michelle and Hannah have continued with the student showcase section and have some snaps from events and societies meetings. Feel free to email photography.sineditor@gmail.com if you want your photo featured in the next edition! If you would like to get involved with SIN, follow the Instagram page for all the latest information and updates. You can also get in contact with any questions or ideas by emailing me at editor.sin@gmail.com. You can also find us over on X/Twitter and Facebook to see what we’re up to! For now, enjoy the second issue!

An bhfuil rud ­éigin le rá agat? Cur litir chuig an Eagarthóir. Editor: Caoimhe Looney – editor.sin@gmail.com

@sin_newsug @sin_newsug

Find us online:

www.sin.ie

Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

Micheline’s Three Conditions Continued from Page 1 universities? Because at the moment they’re not so accessible.” A spokesperson for the University of Galway said: “University of Galway has made considerable progress on gender equality, including receiving an Athena Swan Bronze award in recognition of our initiatives and improvements. “For example, we were the first University to appoint a Vice-President for Equality, Diversity, Inclusion; our School of Engineering became the first faculty of its kind in Ireland to achieve an Athena Swan Silver award last year, and secondly the University was awarded a special €1 million government fund in 2021 to drive strategy and improvements in equality, diversity and inclusion in direct recognition of our advancements in gender equality. “The representation of women in senior academic roles has also improved significantly, with the proportion of female staff holding the role of senior lecturer increasing from 33% in 2016/17 to 47% in 2020/21; and the proportion of female staff holding the role of personal professor increasing from 16% to 28% over the same period. “Our University community commends all those who contributed and contribute every day to our progress on this journey. We are a different place, and a better place because of it.” The book is available in the University of Galway bookshop, as well as most bookshops in Galway and around the country. It’s also available online and on the campaign website Micheline’s Three Conditions. Conditions

A huge thanks to our team! Caoimhe Looney Editor

Eliash Eze Opinion Co-editor

Chloe Richardson Deputy Editor

Rebekah O’Reilly Arts & Fashion Co-editor

Emma van Oosterhout News Co-editor

Scott Stephens Arts & Fashion Co-editor

Eimear Eastwood News ­Co-editor

Michelle Geraghty Photography Co-editor

Matthew Coggins News ­Co-editor

Hannah Martin Photography Co-editor

Rachel Garvey Features Co-editor

Megan Connolly Health & Lifestyle Editor

Alexander McCormac Features Co-editor

Sadhbh Clancy Cáinte Editor

Holly Leech Opinion Co-editor

Dylan McLoughlin

Sports Editor


News · Nuacht

Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

INSIDE this issue... News IBTS appeal for more donors as supplies plummet

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University of Galway Law Review Volume II Launch

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Cosmetics shop Inglot returns to Galway City 8 Minister for Health opens new Saolta Radiation Oncology Centre at Galway University Hospital

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Features Slingsby’s The Boy Who Talked to Dogs opens big in Galway

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The expansion of the Sub-City empire

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Opinion Research shows the importance of travellers’ mental health in Ireland

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‘Sleep out for Simon’ in the Quadrangle in aid of the Simon Community 5 Features 5 of the best student pubs in Galway 10 Opinion Building bridges in the wrong places 15

Have concert films ever made sense? A new era 19 Photography

Arts & Fashion Irish classics to look out for

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Killers of the Flower Moon – a beautifully important film

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Are movies getting too long?

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The planchette remote control

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A haunted library

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Photography Events, Societies and Clubs

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Student Showcase

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Protest for Palestine

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Health & Lifestyle Celebrate World Vegan Day with a Plant Based Meal

News

Arts & Fashion

The void-like echo chamber of social media 16 Would you pay to post on social media?

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Sport University of Galway volleyball intervarsity preview

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Fight or Flight Review

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International Dance Evening (Mexican Society) 28 Health & Lifestyle

The rise of the matcha latte

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Cainte

Buiséad 2024 agus an Ghaeilge 34 Sport

Portmarnock to host a major?

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Minister O’Gorman’s plan to allow women in cancer treatment to delay maternity leave welcomed by Irish Cancer Society By Emma van Oosterhout The Irish Cancer Society has welcomed Minister Roderic O’Gorman’s announcement today that he will legislate to enable women with cancer to defer their maternity leave until the end of their treatments. The announcement was made at the Green Party convention on 21 October in Cork. The need for this change was highlighted in the two-year ‘Leave Our Leave’ campaign by the Irish Cancer Society. At present, men can defer paternity leave if they fall ill, whereas women do not have the same right. The Maternity Protection Act 2004 stipulates that anyone with a cancer diagnosis, or any other serious illness during pregnancy must use their maternity leave to cover their treatment. Maternity leave can only be postponed in cases where the child is hospitalised, this means that all or most of their maternity leave is spent in hospital receiving life-saving treatment. Averil Power, CEO at the Irish Cancer Society responded to the announcement: “Every week, a woman somewhere in Ireland is diagnosed with cancer while pregnant or with a young baby. “As a result, they are separated from their little ones while in hospital and are often too sick to care for them when they are at home. “Right now, they cannot defer their maternity leave until their treatment ends,” continued Ms Power. According to the Irish Cancer Society’s website, 60 women are diagnosed with cancer whilst pregnant in Ireland every year. This is more than one woman each week. Minister O’Gorman plans to bring a bill to Cabinet before Christmas. “I’d also like to thank the many women and their families who have supported the ‘Leave Our Leave’ campaign, especially Erica Tierney, Mary Canavan and Emma McGuinness,” said Ms Power. “By bravely sharing their stories, they have highlighted how awful it is to go through cancer while pregnant or with a young baby and how cruel it is to be unable to postpone your maternity leave until you are better. “Thanks to them, when this change is implemented, other women will be spared that heartbreak,” concluded Ms Power.

News · Nuacht

Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

IBTS appeal for more donors as supplies plummet areas over the coming weeks, with clinics in Oranmore, Terryland and Knocknacarra in November and into December. News Co-editor There will be blood donation clinics in the University of Galway in March, The Irish Blood Transfusion Service are according to a spokesperson for the IBTS. seeking the public’s support to help the Clinic information can be found on national blood supply, as supplies fall low. www.giveblood.ie www.giveblood.ie. New donors can register The IBTS described Sunday 29 October under the ‘Become a Donor’ tab and register how some stocks have fallen to just three their details. A text will be sent with more days’ supply. They aim to always have information once your details are received. seven days’ supply on hand. Those interested can also take the eligiThey are especially urging those with bility quiz available on the website, in the blood groups O-, A- and B- to donate blood. ‘Can I Give Blood’ section of the website. High demands from hospitals, an increase Donors must adhere to certain in illness among some regular donors, and requirements, such as age, height, weight, the recent poor weather conditions all have medication, travel history and tattoos or contributed to the blood supply shortage. piercings, so it’s best to check eligibility. Paul McKinney, Director of Donor Services and Logistics says; “A pre-amber alert has been issued in line with the National Blood Shortage Plan for the Rh- Negative blood groups, which requests conservative use of blood by all hospitals.” “All donations are needed to avoid any impact on our hospital system,” continued Mr McKinney. Blood donations are extremely important, as it can save lives in a number of different scenarios. Complications in childbirth, people with anaemia or cancer, surgeries, and car accidents are just some of the reasons people may need a blood transfusion. There will be several donation clinics in Galway City and county and the surrounding

By Emma van Oosterhout

The IBTS described Sunday 29 October how some stocks have fallen to just three days’ supply. They aim to always have seven days’ supply on hand. They are especially urging those with blood groups O– , A– and B– to donate blood.

Image by Annett Klingner from Pixabay


Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

News · Nuacht

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‘Sleep out for Simon’ in the Quadrangle in aid of the Simon Community By Tom O’Connor In October, 20 University of Galway students gathered in the Quadrangle for the first ever ‘Sleep Out for Simon’ to take place on the University’s campus. The goal of the initiative was to fundraise for the Simon Community, which is an Irish charity helping homeless people. Auditor of the University of Galway Simon Society, Dara Golden, said that the organisation’s work “is not just about providing emergency accommodation, it’s about providing long-term pathways out of homelessness.” Treasurer of the Society, Sadhbh O’Riordan, first got involved with the Simon Community by working in one of its charity shops and emphasised that the organisation focuses on three primary areas: homelessness prevention, providing housing, and helping people with their health and wellbeing. The Sleep Out got off to “a good start,” according to Rory O’Flaherty, who is Vice Auditor of the Society. Rory led some ice breaker games and a student trad group, Fiántas Ceol, played songs throughout the evening. After an intense round of ‘rock, paper, scissors’ in the Quadrangle, one of the participants, Anna Sheehy, outlined why she decided to do the Sleep Out. “There’s a lot of homelessness in Galway,” she said, “and it’s getting more evident.” “I’m in a position of privilege having somewhere to sleep and having a home to go to,” Anna continued, “I thought it would be nice to get involved and help out.” Early the next morning, Rory felt that it was “an enjoyable night.” He said that “we had a camaraderie there” and “we were all in it together.” Despite it being 6 am on a Saturday morning, Dara was equally positive and said “the most important thing for me was the sense of community.” Rory highlighted that the “sense of community is lovely but that it is something we were lucky to have. It’s something that, unfortunately, many of the people who find themselves in the circumstances we were simulating don’t have.” Sadhbh believed that the Sleep Out went “really well.” She said that she experienced an “enlightening [and] strange feeling” when she woke up in the middle of the night feeling cold. “There is only so much you can do about it,” Sadhbh stressed. She pointed out that she could avail of the tea and coffee available in the Quadrangle “but that isn’t a resource for everyone else.”

The ‘Sleep Out for Simon’ in the Quadrangle has already raised over €5,000 in aid of the Simon Community. Donations are still being accepted and can be made here until the 1st of December. You can learn more about the ‘Sleep Out for Simon’ discussed in this article by listening to Tom O’Connor’s radio report from the fundraising initiative here here.


Comhairle Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn 3 Class Reps Council 3 18:00 Monday 13th November | Dé Luain 13 Samhain Colm O’hEocha Theatre, Arts Millennium Building All Class Reps are asked to attend

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UniversityOfGalwayStudentsUnion www.su.nuigalway.ie


Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

News · Nuacht

University of Galway Law Review Volume II Launch

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Image by Léa Heuillet

By Caoimhe Looney The University of Galway Law Review launched its second publication at an event in the Harbour Hotel on 17 October. The event was attended by two judges of the High Court, members of the University of Galway School of Law, and students of the University. Speaking at the launch, Mr. Tom O’Malley SC said, “When you read the articles in this journal, I think one of the things that comes through is that the authors are writing about topics not just that they are interested in but more importantly that they actually care about.” The Hon. Mr Justice Rory Mulcahy of the High Court regarded that “the thoughtful analysis contained within this journal is in my view a credit to the authors and it’s also a credit to the editorial team.” Volume II of the University of Galway Law Review was co-edited by Róisín Elizabeth Cowan and Rhiannon Mulcaire. Welcoming the launch of the journal, Cowan said that “the crafting of a law review requires a great deal of love and passion for what you are doing.” She thanked the publication’s sponsor, William Fry, for its “generous support,” and all of the contributors and editors who were involved in the second volume of the law review. Two final year law and human rights students, Emma Halpin and Tom O’Connor, were appointed as co-editors-in-chief of Volume III of the University of Galway Law Review. Ms. Halpin described the launch event as “an enjoyable evening with many interesting contributions” and said that preparations for the next edition are well underway. Volume II of the University of Galway Law Review is available online at on the Law Review Website. The theme of Volume III of the University of Galway Law Review is ‘Progression or Regression: Navigating an Uncertain Legal Landscape’ for which articles of 5,000 words or more are invited until Spring 2024. Those interested in submitting an article or learning more can email lawreview@universityofgalway.ie. lawreview@universityofgalway.ie

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News · Nuacht

Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

Image by Katrina_S from Pixabay

Cosmetics shop Inglot returns to Galway City By Fiona Zokou

The addition of pop-up shops such as the one in Galway, allows for a wider range The Polish cosmetic company, Inglot of products to be purchased that cannot opened a pop-up shop in Eyre Square always be found in smaller collections. Shopping Centre, on Saturday 21 October. Originally founded in Poland in 1983, Speaking to employees, the opening Inglot says that during the 2009 recesday was described as being “quite busy sion was when the company first came and there was a nice little queue from [the to Ireland by the Swarbrigg family from entrance], so there was a big demand for Mullingar. [Inglot].” Around Ireland and the UK, Inglot prodPeople can find the shop located on ucts can be bought in over 230 pharmacies the first floor, across from Fonez, and and the number is quickly expanding the first fifty lucky customers received worldwide. a free goodie bag. Inside, several items In addition, the cosmetic company is such as eye glaze from Rosie’s collection, endorsed and has collaborated with major several pigments and skin testers could celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and be found. caters to a wide variety of people. While there are numerous Inglot stands Inglot places a strong emphasis on the in a number of pharmacies, such as in Bri- company’s beliefs in vegan, cruelty-free, arhill and Knocknacarra, the city centre and halal products while having numeris Inglot’s newest location since its 2020 ous make-up products for a diverse range closure. of skin tones. Located before in Corbett Court, an According to Inglot’s website, they do employee stated that many shops closed not participate in animal testing, they are during the pandemic because “there was “proudly PETA listed and cruelty-free. 60% no demand for makeup in Galway, so of Inglot’s collection is vegan and certified they shut all their permanent stores just with the globally recognized V label.” as COVID hit.” Between the many different third level

institutions in Galway, the University of Galway website states that “students [make] up 20% of the [Galway city’s] population.” This is why it is important to note Inglot’s discount. Any beauty student in third level education can sign up on the website with proof of ID and college attendance to receive a 10% discount off purchases. Furthermore, makeup artists can also receive a deal from 15 to 25% off whether they are a trainee beauty student, qualified in the beauty industry or a qualified makeup artist. As the Christmas holidays quickly approach, Inglot is a welcome addition in Galway for many. The company’s special 2023 Christmas collection contains 15 new products from lip glosses, beauty tools, and makeup cases which make for perfect gifts. Posted to their website is a statement that reads: “Drop into Inglot’s New Pop-Up shop on Edward’s Square and take advantage of 50% or more off hundreds of products.” The pop-up shop will be open until Christmas eve, so it is best to visit soon.


News · Nuacht

Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

Image by 1662222 from Pixabay

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Postgraduate Open Evening Our Postgraduate Open Evening takes place on Tuesday 7th November from 4:00–7:00pm in the Bailey Allen Hall.

This informal networking-style event will showcase the suite Minister for Health opens new of full-time and part-time postgraduate programmes available, including taught and research masters, as well as doctoral Saolta Radiation Oncology Centre research options. Flexible, online, and blended learning options are also on offer. at Galway University Hospital

By Eimear Eastwood

News Co-editor

College representatives will be available to talk to prospective students about these courses, and postgraduate support staff will be on hand to discuss careers, applications, admissions, and fees. Our schedule of talks (taking place upstairs in The View) will include a ‘Postgraduate Panel’, featuring experts on ­employability, fees and funding, and application information, and ‘Research Studies’ which will provide information on research funding and scholarships.

Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, today opened the Saolta Radiation Oncology Centre at Galway University Hospital (GUH). This new radiation oncology centre began to accept patients in Q2 2023, with October 20 marking the official opening of the facility. This new centre brings huge improvement to the hospitals Come along and meet college representatives, as the annual budget allocation for GUH has increased by €77.8 attend our talks, and enjoy some light refreshments. million since 2019 to just over €441.7 million for 2023. The workforce for hospital grew by 606 staff, meaning a current You can pre-register for the Open Evening now at total of 4,393 workers. This increase in staff was funded mainly by www.universityofgalway.ie/postgraduate-open-day €40 million additional funding for national cancer services provided in 2021 and 2022 and supported the recruitment of 35 additional staff across a range of specialties to radiation oncology services in Galway. The overall cost for the centre was €70.7 million, including construction costs and equipment. The three-story centre located at UHG aims to provide state of the art treatment and it is hoped that the new centre will improve waiting times and ensuring equal access to cutting edge therapies for patients throughout Ireland. Most have welcomed this development. Upon the announcement the Minister for Health stated; “This centre is the result of a commitment set out in our National Cancer Strategy to expand radiation oncology facilities in Galway, Cork and Dublin. It is important that we build additional capacity in our radiation oncology centres to deal with increased demand. “This centre was delivered as part of our National Plan for Radiation Oncology. This plan looks at our radiation oncology services in a strategic way and ensures that the vision for these large projects can be delivered. “Further investment and major developments are planned in Galway. This includes a new Emergency Department (ED) and a Women and Children’s block, which will deliver modern fit-for-purpose facilities for emergency care, maternity, paediatrics, and gynaecology. “A new Surgical Hub is also planned, which will improve waiting times for patients. A new cancer centre for Galway was featured in the National Development Plan and is currently at the design feasibility stage under the HSE Capital Plan, to be progressed further next year.” As well as this Bernard Closter, Health Service CEO, attended the opening of the centre and stated; “This is a critical development which will further support the delivery of cancer services in the West and Northwest and is a very significant investment in cancer services in the region. This new centre will ensure that patients receive their treatment in a state of the art, modern purpose-built facility that has been developed in a way to allow for future expansion. This new facility will allow the cancer team in Saolta increase the range of treatments, staffing and capacity over time.’’

University of Galway

Postgraduate

Open Evening 7 November 2023 4–7pm

Register Now universityofgalway.ie/ postgraduateopenday


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Features · Gné-altanna

Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

5 of the best student pubs in Galway By Aoife Hynes Galway boasts many great places for students, but my personal favorite has got to be the pubs. There isn’t a street in Galway without one it seems. Irish pub culture has so many amazing elements from the trad sessions to the craic, so there’s no wonder why so many of us students love going out in them. I’ve rounded up some of the best bunch of student bars Galway has to offer.

An Púcán - best for sports

Starting off with an Púcán on Forster Street this pub right in the middle of town doesn’t disappoint. I’ve rated them best student sports bar because of their amazing beer garden which hosts a variety of screens showing all the matches of the day. During Irelands short lived rugby appearances, the place was wedged but still managed to maintain a good atmosphere. It’s the classic roaring and shouting at the ref on the screen that you’ll find hard to get anywhere else that makes an Púcán the ideal place for a student sports fan.

Seven Bar – best cocktails

Seven Bar in the Latin quarter of Galway, and its cocktails are the best in town. They’ve got a large menu with everything from a frozen strawberry daquiri to a coconut mint margarita. Seven has lots of quick bites too, and I’m told the chicken wings are to die for by many fellow students. It’s a great place to catch up as it has lots of booths scattered throughout the pub. Vinny from Seven tells me they also “have specials for just students from Monday to Wednesday.”

Roisín Dubh – best student events

Seven – Michelle Geraghty

Roisín Dubh is by far the best place for student events. The silent disco on a Tuesday and Wednesday – Sisco never disappoints. The silent disco has two channels so everyone’s happy and dancing away.

An Púcan – Hannah Martin


Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

Features · Gné-altanna

Róisín Dubh – Michelle Geraghty The Galway comedy festival also has a lot of upcoming events there, which I think will be good nights for students. It’s a great atmosphere with lots of students from both colleges. The Roisín Dubh always thinks of something new, like their recent Harry Styles event, which really sets them apart for me from anywhere else.

Buskers - best atmosphere

Busker Brownes is an amazing gastro pub. It’s always full of students. The downstairs area has lots of seating and lots of extra

Buskers – Michelle Geraghty

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Tigh Neachtain – Michelle Geraghty

touches which make for a great atmosphere. lovely interior. A blue building you can’t Its interior is dark but with lots of personal- miss on your way to Eyre Square has a ity. Although the line for Buskers is never lot to offer, with lots of spaces to choose short, it’s well worth it once you get in. They from inside. It’s got plenty of areas to catch often have live music at the front, making up in and overall is a lovely addition to the place feel lively. The staff here are very the list. quick and helpful, and one of the best things about going to Buskers is the pizza slice after All in all, Galway’s student bars are alive in the pizzeria – Pizza & Pasta Napoli. and well. With so much to offer from sports to cocktail parties Galway’s where Tigh Neachtain it’s at when it comes to student night life. I couldn’t go without mentioning Tigh Even if the weather is always unreliable Neachtain – this place was recommended there are always plenty of places to have to me and I have to say it has got such a a good night.


Features · Gné-altanna

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Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

Slingsby’s The Boy Who Talked to Dogs opens big in Galway By Alexander Lopatin GALWAY – The Boy Who Talked to Dogs, a show by the renowned Australian theater troop Slingsby, premiered in Galway on Wednesday as part of the Baboró International Arts Festival for Children. The show follows Martin, a 13-year-old boy plagued by hardship at home and in school, who chooses to run away from home and live on the streets in the company of stray dogs. “I think it was great. I think the dad was pretty mean,” said a student from the Radharc Na Mara Primary School. “My favorite part was when [Martin] met all the dogs.” Primary school teacher Roisin Moran agreed that the children were having a good time; “They’re laughing a lot, and I think they liked the actors, too.” The troop performed at the Black Box theater to an audience of 200 people, which venue manager Midie Corcoran called maximum capacity with the current seating structure. He credits Slingsby with bringing people into the theater. “Bums on seats is where it all counts. You sell out the show, and it’s good publicity for the festival. When you have to turn people away—that’s the best publicity that you can get,” said Corcoran. Slingsby is an internationally renowned theater troop based in Adelaide, Australia, whose original productions have toured in over ten countries, including the USA, China and India. Their rendition of The Boy Who Talked to Dogs won the 2021 Ruby award for Best Collaboration.

Playwright Amy Conroy adapted The Boy Who Talked to Dogs from Martin McKenna’s memoir, where he described running away from his family’s house in Garryowen in the 1970s. In a Q&A session after the premiere actor Bryan Burroughs, who portrays Martin in the show, spoke to what he found most resonant about the story. “Whatever is in your soul that you’re attached to, that makes you feel like your life has meaning: a human being, and animal, your passion, whatever you’re into. To have that stripped away from you, and then to be told that’s your fault, is devastating. (…) How do you live in the world when what you love is gone? And can something else come in and fill that?” he said. “When we opened the show in Adelaide I was speaking to Martin,” said director Andy Packer, “and he said that he had wished when he was a child, sleeping under the tracks in the freezing cold Irish winter rain, he wished that somebody would reach out and tell him it would be okay. You’ll be warm one day.” The Boy Who Talked to Dogs ran until Friday 20 October at Galway’s Black Box theater, before moving on to Castlebar and Wicklow. Baboró International Arts Festival for Children is an annual charity event that brings performance arts, literature, and digital arts to children. The money donated goes towards subsidised tickets for schools, and free tickets for teachers, special needs assistants, as well as children and parents from disadvantaged communities. The festival ran in Galway from Friday 13 October until Sunday 22 October.

THRIFTMAS

Market Tíosmhargadh na Nollag 11:00-15:00 Thursday 30th November Déardaoin 30 Samhain

Student Business Stalls Áras na Mac Léinn Foyer

Galway Simon Community Second Hand Pop Up in The Cube

Image by Anita Murphy

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Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

Features · Gné-altanna

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Image by Hannah Martin

The expansion of the Sub-City empire By Hannah Martin Comic books, figurines, t-shirts, collectibles and every other kind of merchandise related to the comic world that you can imagine line the walls of the only dedicated comic and loot store in the West of Ireland, Sub-City Comics. Taking the time away from unboxing new stock, the owner of Sub-City Brian Curley spoke with SIN about his existence among comic books. Starting in his childhood in Dublin where he swapped his Christmas annuals for comics books; “myself and my brother we had a really good collection and one summer, my brother started to check what we had and we realised that we had really good, really rare comics. So then we set up a market stall in Dublin, Grafton Street Flea Market, and we built from there. We opened up our first shop in 1994.” Continuing to his latest expansion of the Galway branch of his comic book store, Brian has managed to turn his passion into a booming career. When asked if it bothers him how certain people might perceive the comic book world and its connections to Sheldon in the series ‘The Big Bang Theory’ and the Comic Book Guy from ‘The Simpsons’, Brian said; “that’s what we do, that’s what we are into, don’t care if some scruff walks past you “oi nerd”, you know it’s not a big deal. I just ask them to spell it, and they usually keep walking on. If anything, it adds a bit of fun to it. You don’t take it too seriously.” This mindset has led Brian to an extremely successful business operation in Galway City spanning over 25 years. With the expansion of the Sub-City store, they have moved from their smaller space in the downstairs area in Corbett Court Shopping Centre to two doors down, creating the space to bring in more and more comic books and loot; “it’s great to have a new store, with all of this space. I can guarantee you within 6 months we will have it full again. We just constantly re-order and get new stock in, and restocks and all that.” With this new store comes new possibilities and Sub-City are looking out for ways they can bring the comic community in Galway together; “we are going to start doing events, but we have to get Christmas out of the way. We ran the first comic conventions in Dublin, you know, before they were cool. We’d love to get back to doing something like that. You get lots of people coming in here that would literally only meet here, or at a Comic Con. So it’s always good to have.” If you’re looking to get into comic books and everything that comes with it, Sub-City is the best place to go. Brian has gathered

a team of staff that have all the knowledge to lead you down the path to the comic world that suits you the most; “We have it, whatever you’re into. When someone comes in and they say ‘I want to start’, then we ask what TV shows do they watch and we figure it out from there. There is loads of stuff.” Brian had just a few parting words for students in Galway from the Sub-City community, and those were to; “Just call in and have a look, I’m sure they’d like it.”

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Opinion · Tuairim

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Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

Research shows the importance of travellers’ mental health in Ireland By Latisha McCrudden As a member of the Traveller community, suicide and mental health is a major factor for deaths within the Traveller community. Suicide is seven times higher than the national average in the Traveller community as of 2023. Every year, suicide is the cause of 11% of all traveller deaths and 82% of Travellers have been directly affected by suicide. The release of ‘Research on Travellers’ views about mental health and suicide’ on 23 October of this year by the HSE, showcases that our community needs more action rather than talk at this stage. The research discusses that the need of “curbing discrimination” is essential. Discrimination and racism that is projected upon a community has a direct consequence on the mental health of all members of the community. Racism is an insidious health and social determinant that systematically dehumanises the lives of Travellers in Ireland. Racism systematically places a higher value in Graphic: Traveller opportunities in the hands of a specific Mental community and as a direct consequence, Wellness unfairly disbenefits another minority comContinuum munity such as the Traveller community.

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Instead, there needs to be a ‘celebrating and reviving Traveller culture’ initiative and improve the access to culturally appropriate mental health care as it is said in the report. There also needs to be consequences for discrimination that does take place against these communities. For the Traveller community, the stigma of opening up about mental health needs to be reduced. Conferences, workshops and training about mental health with Travellers need to happen on a regular basis. I spoke at a conference on 10 October at Sligo Park Hotel with partnership with Sligo Traveller Group and the HSE and to be able to openly discuss mental health is and what is needed in the future. It was an empowering and eye-opening day and there was no stigma or shame about mental health. Professor Margaret Barry from the Health Promotion Research Centre at the University of Galway commented that “the study findings provide an important basis for advancing the promotion of Traveller mental health and wellbeing as an urgent policy priority, including and developing a continuum of Traveller-led services embracing mental health promotion, prevention, treatment and recovery.” In addition, some Travellers only feel safe talking about mental health or personal issues with another member of the community. Due to the lack of opportunities that travellers are given and the discrimination that is projected upon them in the workplace where Travellers hide their identity to secure a job. This cannot go on. In the future, Travellers need to hold jobs in the mental health and wellbeing sector so that Travellers can feel that they are in a safe environment and can express themselves.

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The research discusses that the need of “curbing discrimination” is essential. Discrimination and racism that is projected upon a community has a direct consequence on the mental health of all members of the community.

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Overall, the research is a step forward in the right direction but funding, accessibility and awareness around travellers’ mental health and wellbeing needs to happen now rather than later. The number of members from the Travellers community that have lost their lives in the last few years, even children, is outrageous. Change is needed before more lives are lost. The need for Travellers to be looked at as equal citizens of this country, to be embraced and accepted by the rest of the country is the step that is needed. It must be remembered that one person’s actions do not represent an entire community and the painting of all Travellers with the one brush needs to change now.


Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

Opinion · Tuairim

15

Image by Paula Healy

Building bridges in the wrong places

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Despite the Corrib’s formidable reputation as the second fastest river in Europe, we only have four crossings. Naturally, a new one caused considerable excitement. But would it have killed them to put it in the right place? Though many people with a lot of free time consider the placement of the bridge to be a crime against pedestrians, I must admit I think the whole affair is hilarious. Irish government bodies tend to make questionable decisions, but this one takes the biscuit. To solve the problem of students crossing the Salmon Weir Bridge to get to college, a new pedestrian bridge was built- on the same side of the road they were crossing from. Three million euro later, and students now no longer have to cross at the courthouse. Instead, they can do it at the cathedral, on a much safer chicane bend. I’m not sure about the rest of you, but as a pedestrian I feel seen and heard. This decision wasn’t a total failure. I don’t have to try and overtake American pensioners overdosing on Irish culture anymore as I rush to the 424 bus at the speed of a sprinting toddler. Instead, I can bound over the bridge, as I skip home after a day of not listening in lectures. Despite this, I still feel as though if the Republic of Telly (rest in peace) had presented this project in a skit about Irish planning, they would have been told to be more subtle with their ridicule. I’m no engineer. I’m sure there’s a few “uh actually…” types of reasons for them not building it on the other side, and knowing engineers I will hear these reasons whether I want to or not. Have you considered though, that it’s more fun to point and laugh? All this being said, I’m quite pleased we got a new bridge. I’m sure it’ll wear off, but for the moment the novelty of it keeps me going and directs my gaze away from the already shattered glass at the west end of it. I mean, what else would they have spent the money on? More buses to the college? Ah now, cop on.

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Opinion · Tuairim

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Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

The void-like echo chamber of social media By Holly Leech

Opinion Co-editor Whether it’s the conflict in Gaza, the overturning of Roe v Wade, or the death of Matthew Perry, there is always a constant stream of news circulating around our timelines. I wonder if it is possible to pinpoint the moment when our social media platforms became so heavily saturated with current world affairs. If I were to hazard a guess, I would say the most notable shift occurred during lockdown, following the rapid growth of the Black Lives Matter mass media campaign. This constantly rotating roster of reports that fills our feeds can sometimes be overwhelming. Often, information is presented in a way that is intended to be attention grabbing and surprising. This way of sensationalising news can cause the information to be compacted so that it is easier to understand. This caters towards the model, that social media platforms adopt, of encouraging consumption in a way that requires a shorter attention span and less focus. We’re seeing a huge increase in people are using platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X to educate themselves on recent events, rather than reputable news sites. While this can be beneficial in the way that someone who would not usually seek out information about broader topics can do so in a more accessible way.

Over-reliance on these platforms as people’s primary source of news is leading to passivity and the spread of misinformation. The condensing of a news piece can cause crucial information to be omitted. Posts will usually just be the heading or a summary of the piece. The fact that news is frequently presented in such a way also means that people are not bothering themselves to read the full articles as they are becoming accustomed to this newer form of presentation. If people do not read the article, they are missing large portions of context that may be important, particularly when discussing more nuanced topics. Issues that impact large communities of people are usually larger scale social, economic, or political issues. These issues are not going to change overnight. They aren’t going to change because people are posting on their private Instagram feeds for just their followers to see. The argument is that this can be seen as performative or as virtue signalling. There is a huge pressure nowadays for people to be seen using their platform to vocalise their opinions and express their political preferences. It is seen as a strength to be educated on social issues and to be able to formulate coherent and articulate thoughts on them. There’s also huge privilege in being ignorant or unaware of these issues that

so many people are unable to escape as it is their day-to-day reality. The benefits of social media should also be noted. Often, spreading awareness and gaining support for causes further action to be taken. This is exemplified in instances where people are seeking charitable donations, campaigning for change or accountability, or endorsing particular ideologies. There is much good that can come from sharing on social media. The power of the masses must not go amiss. At the end of the day, most of us are not superstars with huge followings who are acting as an influence in the public eye. Many times, it can be difficult to log on and immediately be bombarded with the plethora of negative news posts that litter these platforms. This can particularly be demoralising when it seems that many are blindly posting on issues that are broader than the one statement that they’re reduced to. It seems that any sort of posting or commenting on current affairs will get lost within the fray. It is important to focus on the good that we can see, even when it can seem discouraging at times. It is possible to shift the algorithm, in more ways than one. Posting positive stories, campaigning for genuine causes, and sharing informed and educated opinions on topics is one way to impact the seemingly all-consuming discourse.

Image by Erik Lucatero from Pixabay


Opinion · Tuairim

Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

17

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Would you pay to post on social media? By Eliash Eze

Opinion Co-editor With the commercialisation of the social media space becoming more prominent, it is starting to get difficult to view content online anymore. Elon Musk’s recent endeavours in October to add a paywall amongst other features behind X (formerly Twitter), a dystopian future of restricted freedom of information is approaching slowly but surely. This is another step in Musk’s process to remove bots from his platform. Even if it will only cost a single dollar to use the platform, the domino effect that it could have on other social media platforms is shuddering to consider. If X’s subscription plan works out, then every other social media platform across the world will follow suit. As a result, the users of these platforms could be prevented from posting and receiving information. If the common

users are being neglected information, monthly subscription could easily add up then misinformation could become more on top of your other subscriptions – like rampant than ever. streaming services and memberships. The manoeuvre to remove the headAs students, there are other factors that phone jack is an example in recent years they need to worry about as well, such that has successfully overtaken the entire as travel expenses, foods and pub money. smartphone market thanks to Apple. If There shouldn’t be another expense that X is able to create a similar impact, the they have to pay on top of that for being internet could become unrecognisable informed or sharing content. Thankfully, in the near future. the European Union is hindering Musk’s The action of spending money to have various plans – from his attempts at the ability to post, share and communi- monthly subscriptions to information cate, which have been basic functions on regulation. media platforms since the late nineties, Social media has always been about the brings a worrying future to the internet user, whether it is about posting content as a whole. or reaping the rewards of their content Many people use social media to post – financially or otherwise. If the users of about their lives, interact with others from the platform allow such features, like the a distance or lurk other profiles. Creat- monthly subscription to post to proceed, ing a border between those people could then it may become more difficult to severely damage the number of online share information online. users on their platform, as Musk is proThe monthly subscription of a euro ceeding towards, since his acquisition of may seem like a small donation to view the social media company. content, but could easily ramp up the Having to add another necessity to your monthly costs of everyone on top of the monthly expenses is not a welcoming expenses that people, especially students, thought either. That one dollar (or euro) need to pay for.


18

Arts & Fashion · Cultúr 7 Faisean

Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

Irish classics to look out for By Rachel Garvey

with your tea as it may spill when you laugh too loud. Mrs Brown’s Boys is growing to be a general all-year classic, but during Christmas time it becomes a Christmas ritual especially with the strange Christmas trees she has perched in her sitting room every year. Do not disappoint her by not watching the Christmas special series or she’ll be hurling insults at you. That is a joke. Or is it?

November is highly exciting for a sheer number of individuals in all age groups. It is a time when Galway’s Christmas Market returns with its dazzling lights, it is a time when Christmas music hugs our cold ears and Christmas card & present lists are written for family and friends. There is something to do for everyone; those who love to spend time on the outside admiring the lights and wrapped in their winter scarves and those who love to spend time in their comfort of their The Snapper own home with a blanket draped over their lap and the television on awaiting a choice of Christmas specials that air during winter season. “Are ya alright, Sharon.?” This Irish classic is one of a kind in the comedy department as Colm Meaney plays father to the Curley family, but when their 20-year-old daughter becomes Father Ted’s Christmas Special pregnant, gossip circulates the neighbourhood because she refuses to name the father. This movie is Irish humour at its top A widely loved Irish series that brings us to the remote island of level, audiences often relating to such settings and situations Craggy Island, home to three priests that we love watching on our growing up or relating to neighbourhood gossip and circulating television screens; Father Ted Crilly, Father Dougal McGuire and rumours about this family and that family. Father Jack Hackett and their tea-mad housekeeper, Mrs Doyle. This favourite television show not only broadcasts the general episodes from the various seasons, but there is a traditional Christmas epi- The Commitments sode too. Christmas spirit wants to reach the mainland all the way from Craggy Island, lets welcome it in with open arms. Roddy Doyle is at it again with another film adaption, but audiences can expect mini concerts in this Irish classic. Colm Meaney stars in this film again as he plays father of the Rabbitte family. Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas Special His son, Jimmy is in the process of setting up a band that will play ‘Dublin Soul’, but as tensions sky-rocket in his assembled Do you hear that familiar comedic laugh echoing from the kitchen? band and egos grow to sizes they shouldn’t, their true colours Everyone’s favourite granny is just waiting for you to sit down with start to show. Packed with a tonne of Irish humour and the dos a steaming cup of tea and biscuits, but as a disclaimer, be cautious and don’ts of putting together a band.

Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay


Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

Arts & Fashion · Cultúr 7 Faisean

19

Have concert films ever made sense? A new era By Darragh Lawlor Crowds were pulsing with energy as they pranced around the seats of cinemas worldwide. Possessed by some form of magic, tickets for these cinema screenings sold out weeks in advance. Social media was gripped in a fervour of some kind. As I walked into the same screen in my local cinema here in Galway with a week’s difference, two completely different groups of people walked in with me. But both groups shared the passion, dressing up to see one of their favourite artists on the silver screen. Big suits in one hand, clean cut but anxiety captured as they emulated what was happening on screen. The other group, clad head to toe in pink and garish colours. Taylor Swift and the Talking Heads both captured attentions worldwide by featuring in two different concert films. But despite the musical differences between 1984 and 2023 pop charts, it’s very clear that these emulate true art. Stop Making Sense was originally released in 1984 with a shoestring budget of $1.2 million (a budget of $3.6 million today), raised by the band Talking Heads themselves. It was a recording of four nights of performance of the 1983 Talking Heads tour to promote their Image of Taylor Swift Ears Tour movie poster Image of Stop Making Sense movie poster new album Speaking in Tongues. It grossed over $10.5 million (over $31 Ca million in today’s money) and is now revered as a cult classic in both m Live 7 pe the music and film world. Described as “exhilarating” by critics, it s rv e an Dj’s has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It is known for expanding ag s St and innovating digital and analogue recording of live music. Taylor Swift has come a long way from a simple country singer, sat We on a stage with a guitar, to being probably the 21st centuries most welllln e known pop icon. I don’t think there bears a need for me to explain Are ss a who she is, judging by the fact that Swiftie fan clubs are everywhere, with University of Galway having our own ‘Swiftie Society’. The film documents the Eras Tour, Swift’s 2023-2024 concert Gla tour of her entire discography. With a budget of $10-20 million, g mp pin ing m its so far grossed over $178.7 million, with $92.8 million alone a C on the opening weekend. Featuring all 10 of Swift’s “Eras”, it become the highest grossing concert film in history. 31 ST M AY - 2ND J UN E - J UNE BA NK HO L ID AY W EE KE N D I’ve never been a big fan of Taylor Swift, but when I walked into the cinema with my friends, all dressed up, with a couple Celebrate the end of year of pre drinks, I had the time of my life. It’s very clear why there Yog a at Wild Roots is such a demand for concert films. As humans, we may not have the budget to travel substantial 7 stages Enc distances to see our favourite musicians live, but when we have Live Dj’s g han min a local cinema, we don’t need to. Humans love to have fun, and r te o F f Beach Bar o r e s res d P what’s better than being with your friends listening to your Art t Boat parties and more favourite music with a bunch of people, friends, and strangers, Check it out on the QR code below all entangled within the energy and passion of the crowd. Bollywood has shown us for decades that the demand for this type of cinema is there. We just want to listen to our favourite music. I went ft Cra ge to a couple of Bollywood screenings with some Indian friends of mine, a l l Vi not knowing what to expect as a naïve Irishman who’s never experienced this form of art, but it shows that the human instinct is there. Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Sho A film may not be experimental, not set out to be a blockbuster, p but just to show us as humans our desire for music. That’s what BU Y Y OU R WEEKEND C AM P IN G T IC KET S NO W S t r F O R J U ST € 1 6 5 OR 3 MON T HL Y IN S TAL LMENTS eet concert films do for us. They let us listen to what we want, lets us OF € 55 dance, lets us be ourselves. I expect concert films to explode in Buy y popularity in the coming years, with Taylor Swift and a re-release in f our t T IC KET ON SA LE N OW ick ull of Stop Making Sense leading the way. et D b

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Arts & Fashion · Cultúr 7 Faisean

20

Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

Killers of the Flower Moon

– a beautifully important film Emma van Oosterhout Martin Scorsese returns to direct Killers of the Flower Moon, four years after his second most recent film The Irishman, which earned ten Oscar nods, including Best Picture and Best Director. Killers of the Flower Moon is set against the backdrop of the Osage Nation in Oklahoma in the 1920s.

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In Killers, Scorsese reunites the genius pairing of Leonardo DiCaprio (The Wolf of Wall Street) and Robert De Niro (Taxi Driver), who all worked together on Scorsese’s 2015 comedy short film The Audition. The duo plays nephew Ernest Burkhart and uncle William King Hale, respectively. Lily Gladstone also stars as Mollie, Ernest’s Native American wife. The film is adapted from a book of the same name, written by David Grann. The book is based on the Osage murders from 1918-1931, a series of murders in which between 60 and 150 Osage people were murdered after oil was found on their land. The murders were the first major criminal case investigated by the Bureau of Investigation, which later became the FBI. The breath-taking backdrop of rural Oklahoma sets the scene for a visually pleasing film with the scenery enhanced by cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto’s (Brokeback Mountain) stunning work. The costumes were magnificently designed by Jacqueline West, who previously worked on The Revenant, Dune and The Social Network. The film opens with the Osage people discovering oil in their reservation. The tribe become wealthy after selling the oil and exploiting it. However, the reservation laws require white guardians to manage their money. When Burkhart arrives in Osage territory, he falls in love with Mollie, and simultaneously, the oil beneath her feet. He becomes increasingly involved with Hale, who aims to remove the Natives from the equation so he can become a wealthy oil tycoon, a story which is all too common throughout history. Scorsese’s direction and screenplay could be described as a defining career move. The film is emotionally intelligent, with the score delivered beautifully by Robbie Robertson. Robertson has worked with Scorsese on a number of films, including Shutter Island, The Wolf of Wall Street and Gangs of New York. Killers of the Flower Moon is the last score of Robertson’s career, as he passed away in August of this year. The film is dedicated to his memory. Killers of the Flower Moon is a beautifully sentimental film, with performances from Lily Gladstone and Tantoo Cardinal leaving the viewer wanting more. It also serves as a stark reminder of what can happen when minorities, and the earth, are exploited for the sake of money. This film is surely one to keep an eye on as we make our way into the awards season.


Arts & Fashion · Cultúr 7 Faisean

Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

21

Are movies getting too long? Scott Stephens

Arts & Fashion Co-editor

It’s a question we hear and think about all too often these days. That said, it is an entirely fair one. Is it reasonable for a movie to have a runtime longer than the time it takes to drive from Letterkenny to Dublin? Martin Scorsese certainly seems to think so, with his new film Killers of the Flower Moon clocking in at a whopping 206 minutes. Killers is a perfect film to use as a lens in which to try answer the question of can a movie be too long. When we think of a film with an extraordinary runtime, are we merely reducing the purpose of a film to alleviating boredom? Would we be as inclined to make this sort of provocation about other art forms? That is not to say that entertainment is an optional trait in a good film at all. Just because a film tells an important story does not mean that it’s automatically great, especially if you’re left bored the whole time. It should just be noted that film is,

Image by Igor Ovsyannykov from Pixabay

at the end of the day, art, and entertaining is not an artist’s only job. Runtime would barely make my (short) list of critiques of Killers of the Flower Moon. Sure, you need to make sure you go to the bathroom first if you’re seeing it in the cinema, but that is pretty much its only fault regarding its duration. One of the things that Scorsese’s newest feature shows us is cinema’s role in telling stories that need to be told. Many have referred to Killers as the director’s “most important” film, and it may just be. What is interesting about it is that it demonstrates just how stories, which have not reached as many people as they perhaps should have, can be spread through the art from of film. Of course, the human brain does require a certain amount or entertainment or interest. It is completely fair to say that it is easier to tolerate 90 minutes of a bad movie rather than 190. A film must earn a long runtime. Some movies only need a short amount of time to tell their stories, but some need far longer, and these films are left with the uphill task of keeping the audience engaged for an extended period of time.

The dismissal of a movie simply because it has a long runtime is an unfair one. The argument can also be said the other way. Short films are just another form of telling a cinematic story. While they don’t attract the same amount of ridicule for their runtimes, they are certainly not as popular as normal feature films. Recently, Wes Anderson, when adapting a set of Roald Dahl books to film, identified short film to be the best option as it allowed for the best retelling of the stories. Indeed, a movie can also be too short. The simple fact is that movies are stories. Stories will vary wildly in how long they take to tell. It is up to the creators of the films to determine how long that is. And often, the conclusion they come to will lead to much criticism. However, it is unfair to chastise a film for being too long based on length alone. Instead, after seeing a movie, we should ask ourselves “did they need all of that time to tell that story?” As the American film critic Roger Ebert said, “no good movie is too long, and no bad movie is short enough.”


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Arts & Fashion · Cultúr 7 Faisean

Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

The planchette remote control By Rachel Garvey There are two types of people during Halloween season; those who watch horror movies all year round, but double it during spooky season and those who only watch horror movies during Halloween month. This movie recommendation list is for everyone, each recommendation specially chosen to enhance your spooky season experience and spread Halloween spirit to all.

Scream VI

The newest addition to the Scream franchise graced our cinema screens with its ghostly presence in the beginning of this year. Set in the bustling city of New York, the storyline follows the two Carpenter sisters as they try to continue on with their lives after the Woodsboro tragedies. The setting is perfect as it is set during Halloween festivities with a lot of characters in costume paying homage to other horror movies; Ready or Not, Halloween, Hellraiser. The film is packed with a chilling storyline that loyal Scream fans have been following since 1996, brutal kill scenes and respectful references to the other movies in the franchise. Ghostface is dying for you to see him in action once again.

Hell House LLC.

Trick ‘r Treat

Bred and birthed from the mind of director and producer, Michael Dougherty, comes his physical embodiment of Halloween spirit; Sam. Our favourite child-like character is derived from the Celtic word Samhain, the true word for Halloween. His rules must be followed: Always check your candy, wear a costume, hand out candy and never blow out a jack-o-lantern before Halloween is over. The film is set in the town of Ohio on the special day of Halloween; our attention bounces between various residents in the sleepy town, each story following or over-lapping with one another during the night’s spooky shenanigans. This movie tops the charts when deciding on a Halloween movie; it is highly recommended it be on everyone’s watch list. Perhaps it’s one of Sam’s secret rules too.

Hell Fest

This film is packed with every Halloween lover’s fantasies; scary mazes snuggled in a gigantic horror theme park, a killer with an interesting motive who hums Pop Goes the Weasel and a score that will have you adding the soundtrack to your liked songs on Spotify. Horror lovers will be slightly disappointed in our final girl because of her unappreciative attitude towards everything the park stands for; horror and scares. However, the film is packed with scenes that will make you think you’re in the middle of the haunt maze waiting for someone to jump out at you.

There is a lot of mixed reviews about found footage films. However, this movie, the first of three movies in the trilogy, grabs your Halloween 1978 attention and does not let it go until the end. We follow a team We are taking it back to one of the best classics in horror history; of five who build and create Halloween haunts and now they’ve Halloween 1978. This movie brought one of the most infamous ended up in the town of Abaddon in the Abaddon Hotel that serial slashers to the big screen; Michael Myers and the infamous is rumoured to be haunted; if only the Hell House team knew murder of his 17-year-old sister when he was just six years old. the specifics of the haunting, they never would have agreed to After 15 years in a mental institution, Michael escapes and his utilise the building. The trilogy has now birthed a new addition, deadly game of cat and mouse with local Haddonfield resident, Hell House LLC Origins: The Carmichael Manor, and we all know Laurie Strode and her friends, is a game that leaves final girl every story starts somewhere and why the story is the way it is. fighting for her life and the children she is babysitting. This first Found footage is fifty-fifty with a lot of horror watchers, but movie is one of the longest running franchises with the final this is one found footage you need to watch. movie, Halloween Ends, out back in 2022.

Image by Stefan Keller from Pixabay


Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

Arts & Fashion · Cultúr 7 Faisean

A haunted library

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Image by Pexels from Pixabay

By Rachel Garvey Books can be deadly, absolutely deadly especially for Halloween season when all the pages want to shred you up and take you into their world. Funny things, books are, but we love them regardless. Here are some spooky 3D rectangles to keep your eyes out for; that is if your books have not devoured them already.

The Exorcist

A major motion picture that shocked audiences across the world and taught them that evil lurks near the most innocent of souls. William Peter Blatty’s novel takes us on the same journey that the movie took us on with the added bonus of more in-depth scenes, detailing every ounce of good vs evil. A fitting recommendation for the recent release of the new The Exorcist: Believer. Blatty’s novel is terrifyingly intriguing as he tells the story of Regan and Pazuzu’s possession of the little girl and how a mother will stop at nothing to save her daughter’s soul from burning in hell. A true seventies classic deserves to be read by all book lovers.

Dracula

Bram Stoker’s classic masterpiece always makes a spectacle in bookstores during Halloween season and even before and after. Although the text is heavy, it is well worth the read and the story proves to be remarkable yet horrifying. A beautifully written and sublime story of evil travelling across seas and spreading its venomous poison to the most unsuspecting characters. It is a well-loved work of literature amongst the cold-bloods and the warm-bloods. Count Dracula even has a copy in his library.

The Trees Grew Because I Bled There

This book is comprised of a collection of short stories by Eric LaRocca and it is truly one of his best short story works. The book simply cannot be closed or put down until you reach the very end because every story grabs you and holds your attention while simultaneously creeping a chill into your bones. There is a little something for every horror fan in his book; body horror, kidnapping, grief, death and harsh reality. His other books, Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke and Everything The Darkness Eats are subject to rave reviews and people wanting more of his writings.

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Revival

The king of horror is mandatory for this list of recommendations with one of his hundred books, Revival. The main themes stem from addiction, fanaticism, and the terrifying possibilities of what might be waiting for us on the other side. It gave me nightmares when I reached the end of the book because the imagery and King’s idea of what lies on the other side is disturbing enough to keep you awake at night and to haunt your dreams. Stephen King is famous for his scary stories, but this one is where nightmares come from.

The Demonologist: The Warren’s Case Files

The case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren sit haunted in this book like Annabelle in her case. Ed, a demonologist and Lorraine, a clairvoyant is sharing their story through this first book of theirs. We learn about the Amityville Horror, the hauntings at West Point and various other hauntings in places, this book deserves to be on everyone’s book shelf, sceptics included. Readers are given insight into how this paranormal couple found each other and their childhoods experiencing the supernatural and their dedication to helping victims of the paranormal.

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Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

Photography · Grianghrafadóireacht

25

Lit‘n’Deb Debate

University Sailing Club – Lauren Murray

Granny Soc – Hannah Martin

SU at Enlight Conference in Bordeaux – Lorraine Tansey

Events, Societies and Clubs

Swim in Pink 3 – Zoé Larroque

HarryWeen – Joanna Brophy

University Sailing Club – Brendan Conboy safeTALK Training – Faye Ní Dhomhnaill

Self Defence Course – Claire Harte


Photography · Grianghrafadóireacht

26

Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

UCH – Mayank Gajbhiye

Galway Cathedral – Mayank Gajbhiye

O’Shaughnessy Bridge at Night – Michelle Geraghty

Robin – Hannah Martin

Pumpkins - Michelle Geraghty

Student Showcase

Lovers in front of St Mary’s Church, Claddagh – Léa Heuillet

Claddagh Basin – Léa Heuillet Autumn at the University – Mayank Gajbhiye The Quad – Mayank Gajbhiye


Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

Photography · Grianghrafadóireacht

Protest for Palestine Photos by Yue Qiu

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Photography · Grianghrafadóireacht

International Dance Evening (Mexican Society) Photos by Angelo Joel Joy

Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023


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Image by Silvia from Pixabay

Health & Lifestyle · Folláine 7 Nós Maireachtála

Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023


Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

Health & Lifestyle · Folláine 7 Nós Maireachtála

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Celebrate World Vegan Day with a Plant Based Meal By Hannah Martin

Switching to a vegan diet can be beneficial to both your body and the environment, and with World Vegan Day on 1 November there has never been a better time to give a vegan diet a try! According to PETA, the largest animal rights movement in the world, meat is not environmentally friendly, and when you consume it, you are adding to one of the biggest causes of climate change our Earth is currently suffering. “By some estimates, animal agriculture is responsible for more greenhouse gases than all of the world’s transportation systems combined. According to the United Nations, a global shift toward a vegan diet is vital to combat the worst effects of the climate crisis” according to PETA. With this being said, it can be hard to transition to a vegan diet. There is the cost of vegan food produce and the fact that most of us might not even know where to begin. To try and make things a little easier for those considering making the switch, SIN has compiled a list of some of the best places in Galway City offering vegan options.

First up, Greens & Co. located on Henry Street are a plantbased eatery who serve fresh food and drinks. Their entire menu, including the milks and cheeses, are 100% plant based and vegan. Serving breakfast, all day brunch and all-day lunch options from 10:30am – 5:30pm every Monday to Sunday, they have the means to encourage a meat-free diet. Sunday roast, hotdogs, pancakes and an array of sweet vegan treats are all on offer at Greens & Co. Next, The Lighthouse Café on Abbeygate Street has been serving Galway vegan and vegetarian options since 2017. Mark Legh, who runs the cafe with Kerry Legh, works with as many local suppliers as possible; “We believe that eating vegetarian/vegan food shouldn’t mean compromising on flavour, or replacing meat with heavily processed fake meat alternatives, our dishes are made using fresh veg, nuts, legumes, spices and seeds.” With a breakfast, lunch and drinks menu full of vegan options, including a full vegan fry-up, a sweet potato & white bean burger, a daily plant-based hotpot, and oat milk pancakes, they have covered all the vegan bases that you might want. The wildly popular Dough Bros on Middle Street have been voted 37th for the Best Pizzeria in the World for 2022, number one in Ireland for 2022 and 16th in Europe 2022, and the numbers really do speak for themselves. If you want to stick to your new vegan diet on a night out, then Dough Bros wood fired pizza have options for everyone. Vince Vega-N, Legalise Marinara, Hey Pesto, Vegan Bros’Chetta, and their Vegan Garlic Dip are all of their vegan options that are just as tasty and environmentally friendly. Xi’an Street Food on Quay Street have a goal to remain real and authentic by honouring the thousand-year-old culture and taste of Xi’an. Their famous spice bag has become a staple of Galway City cuisine and they have created a version that deserves just as much popularity, but with a vegan twist. The Veggie Spice Bag has deep fried tofu, veggie balls, chips and their spice mix and this can be purchased with a dipping sauce and drink of your choice for €12.50. They also serve a Handmade Veggie Mixed Salad, which is a fresh salad mixed with greens, veggie balls and a sauce of your choice. A bite of China, but make it vegan! With this list in hand, there is no reason to not at least try a vegan meal, if not for yourself then for the environment. Go on, get ready for Veganuary and start this month!


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Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

Health & Lifestyle · Folláine 7 Nós Maireachtála

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Image by dungthuyvunguyen from Pixabay

The rise of the matcha latte

this green drink, as she shared an Instagram post of her matcha tea back in 2015. The world believes this post ignited the slow TAISCEADÁIN By Megan Connolly climb to fame for matcha lattes and teas alike. Making its way AN CHOMHALTAIS Health & Lifestyle Editor from America to Europe over the years. The matcha industry is expanding year after year, it has SU LOCKERS SU LOC Move over pumpkin spice; matcha is taking the spotlight this winter! already made its way into cakes and pastries. Chefs and baristas Pssst! Haven’t you heard? We should all be drinking matcha are getting creative with this green superfood. If you haven’t SU SU lattes by now, they’re on the rise! already, be sure to give matcha a try! SEOMRA CÓTAÍ SU CLOAKROOM AN CHOMHALTAIS SU CLOAKROOM Matcha lattes, aka ‘the green tea latte’ is becoming increasDIANCHEACHTANNA REGISTER ingly popular. Despite the ‘pure matcha latte’ being introduced R AN CHOMHALTAIS to Starbucks in 2019, it is progressing further into the UK and SU SU Ireland, becoming influencers new ‘go-to’ drink. Clár Scileanna Saoil Life Skills Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn Life Skills Coffee drinkers are recognising the many health benefits to adding a little green into your life. It can be difficult to make health changes when the traditional caramel and vanilla additives taste so good! However, this shouldn’t be a Students’ Union Students’ Union problem with a matcha latte; they have the same great taste, Siamsaíocht as well as providing your body with essential nutrients. It is Second Hand SIOPA LEABHAR an Chomhaltais BOOKSTORE ATHLÁIMHE a natural and healthy alternative to traditional energy drinks an Chomhaltais and caffeine sources. It is certainly overwhelming trying to keep up with the constant emergence of new casual beverage recipes. Therefore, you may be wondering, what exactly is a matcha latte? Well, let me tell you! Matcha itself is a powder made from ground-up green tea leaves originating in Asia. Traditionally, it is mixed with hot water to make a tea, featuring in the Japanese tea ceremony. Over the years it has been reinvented into a latte with steamed milk, similar to the classic latte with coffee. If you prefer a cold drink, opt for an iced matcha latte! So, should we ditch coffee for this green tea elixir? What can it do for our health? According to Healthline, here are three benefits to including matcha in your diet! May help lower your risk of certain diseases. Matcha is naturally high in antioxidants. Antioxidants help our body fight off free radicals which can cause harmful illnesses like diabetes or cancer. Promotes brain function. The ingredients such as chlorophyll 6.30pm-7.30pm • Monday 13th November and caffeine support brain function, highlighting alertness and memory performance. This could certainly persuade students – Monday 18th December to switch to matcha! Matcha is good for skin health. Antioxidants also help reduce Instructor Marie Hegarty damage to skin cells caused by UV rays. You may see an improvement in your skin if you’re a regular matcha drinker! Are you inspired to go pick up your daily matcha fix? Maybe Live on Zoom we should thank Gwenyth Paltrow for the spread in popularity of

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Image by Alexander Stein from Pixabay

Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

Buiséad 2024 agus an Ghaeilge Le Sadhbh Clancy

Cainte Editor

Ar an 20 Deireadh Fómhair 2023, d’fhogair Aire Stáit na Gaeltachta Patrick O’Donovan T.D méadú 20%, is ionann go €900,000, do bhuiséid pleananna teanga san áireamh i mBuiséad 2024. Bíonn sé sin ag baint le feidhmiú pleananna teanga sna Limistéir Phleanála Teanga (LPT) Gaeltachta agus sna Bailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta (BSG). D’eirigh na LPT agus BSG le hAcht na Gaeltachta 2012, nuair a aithníodh 26 LPT agus na BSG. Is aidhm don Acht na Gaeltachta ná an Ghaeilge a láidriú mar theanga teaghlaigh agus mar theanga

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pobail. Bíonn ar ardú seo an-tabhachtach do Cheantair na Gaillimhe agus í le 10 LPT ar fud an chontae. Le Buiséad 2024, agus an ardú do bhuiséid pleananna teanga, beidh na 26 LPT, a hocht BSG agus a trí Líonra Gaeilge atá ceadaithe go foil ag baint tairbhe as an ardú. Chomh maith leis sin, beidh postanna nua mar Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga ar fáil sna Limistéir ina bhfuil Oifigigh Cúnta Pleanála Teanga ann faoi láthair. Beidh tacaíocht bhreise ar fáil i Mhaigh Eo Thuaidh chun an LPT sin a chur ar

D’fhogair Aire Stáit na Gaeltachta Patrick O’Donovan T.D méadú 20%, is ionann go €900,000, do bhuiséid pleananna teanga san áireamh i mBuiséad 2024... Bíonn ar ardú seo an-tabhachtach do Cheantair na Gaillimhe agus í le 10 LPT ar fud an chontae. chomhchéim le Gaoth Dobhair, Rann na Feirste, Anagaire agus Loch an Iúir; chomh maith le Cois Fharraige, Conamara Láir agus Ciarraí Thiar. I preaseisiúint, dúirt an tAire Stáit O’Donovan: “Is aitheantas é an t-ardú 20% atá cead­aithe agam do bhuiséid na bpleananna teanga ar an obair thábhachtach atá ar bun faoin bpróiseas pleanála teanga agus cuirfidh sé le cumas na gcoistí dul i ngleic leis an ardú atá tagtha ar na costais mhaireachtála le cúpla bliain anuas. Ciallaíonn sé seo go mbeidh méadú bliantúil d’ós cionn €1m á infheistiú ag mo Roinn sa bpróiseas pleanála teanga nuair a bheidh na pleananna uile á bhfeidhmiú.” Ina theannta sin, tabharfar tacaíocht níos láidre do mheáin Gaeilge; go háirithe TG4 agus Cúla4 (staisiún nua do phaistí ag TG4). I ráiteas mar fhreagairt ar an bhuiséad, d’fháiltigh an AMLÉ an méadú sin ach chuir an t-aontas in iúl níor thug an Rialtas aon cheann de na moltaí a chuir siad i bhur aighneacht Réamhbhuiséid. Dúirt Leas-Uachtarán don Ghaeilge le AMLÉ Bláithín Nic a t-Sithigh: “Tá géarchéim sa Ghaeilge ó thaobh chaomhnú na Gaeltachta agus an teanga féin agus is cosúil nach n-admhaíonn an Rialtas é sin. Má táimid chun a chreidiúint go bhfuil mianta ag an Rialtas seo maidir le todhchaí na teanga, caithfimid beart tapaidh a fheiscint.”


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36

Sport · Spóirt

Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

Image by Uni of Galway Volleyball Club on Instagram

University of Galway volleyball intervarsity preview By Tristan Friel

“We are excited to bring the biggest volleyball tournament in Ireland to Galway Friday October 27 signals the start of this this weekend. Our teams have prepared year’s Volleyball intervarsity. I decided well, both men’s and women’s teams. Most to go down and visit their training last of all, we are looking for a big performance Wednesday. as the host university and, of course, to Upon entering the Kingfisher Hall, I was defend our title as men’s champions. greeted with a raucous atmosphere. It was “The women’s team have put themselves clear they were already in complete prep in a position to compete for the gold and for this weekend. look forward to a weekend of high-level This year, our college has been chosen volleyball, and hopefully, we can come to host this fantastic tournament. It will out on top,” said Uniacke. feature the top 12 volleyball teams in IreThere is a true sense of something land for male and female categories. Initial exceptional happening within this club. predictions expect more than 300 of our As impressive as their performances on best athletes from around the country the court have been, the most striking participating. thing about the entire experience was The club is in high spirits, with both the sense of fun. teams entering the tournament in scinThis club focuses on having fun and tillating form. The women are just off the looking after one another before all else, back of winning the SSI league, while the something very commendable. In an era men’s team come into the tournament where sports clubs are often solely driven as defending champions. Last year, by success, witnessing a club that places its they made history as they became the members first and values the experience first team from our college to win the more than the results was exceptional. tournament. As men’s team captain Peter McGHead coach Luke Uniacke believes that lynn said, “This club has something for success for both teams is very much on everyone. Whether you’re a beginner the cards, mentioning that a spot in the or an experienced player, we all get the European championships would poten- chance to play volleyball in a welcoming tially be up for grabs this weekend. environment.”

“You can feel the sense of camaraderie in the club and the togetherness within both teams. There are no egos involved. These are two teams solely focused on achieving success together.” “I love how it feels like a family. You join and make bonds you didn’t think you’d get the opportunity to have.” said club captain and women’s team captain Danny Bowers. For many of the players, this weekend could play out to be the greatest weekend of their sporting lives. A victory in varsities is rare, but a shot at winning it at home in front of your friends and families is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. This weekend promises to be a momentous occasion, and the club hopes it will put on a sensational show and hopefully get their hands on both the men’s and women’s cups. We must show both teams the support they deserve. I cannot speak highly enough of the club; their love for their sport is infectious, and their attitude and work rate in the lead-up to the tournament has been exceptional. However, no matter how the tournament goes, they have earned my utmost respect. If you want to follow the action this weekend, check out their Instagram page.


Vol. 25 #02 06 Nov. 2023

Sport · Spóirt

37

or Flight Portmarnock to host a major? Fight Review despite these two reasons, Derek admitted that his stance softened. By Dylan McLoughlin But it wasn’t the first time that women Sports Editor were poorly treated. Muirfield was removed from the rota because it did not allow memThe announcement about Portmarnock bers. It lifted that ban purely and simply to wanting to host a major comes after the get back on the rota. Royal Troon did the club said it had contacted the R&A to say same thing ahead of the 2016 Open. “And that it wanted to explore the possibility of they are not alone in their historically dreadhosting either major, or it is now looking ful treatment of women,” Clements added. Irish Sports Minister Catherine Martin and Minister of State for Sport Thomas Byrne have issued a joint statement saying they “welcomed the contact between Portmarnock Golf Club and the R&A regarding a possible future hosting of The Open and the Women’s Open.” “This exciting news has clear potential for sport and tourism on the island of Ireland, and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media is open to engaging with the club to assess whether government support would be required to underpin a bid by the club to host such events.” A major has never been held in the Republic of Ireland, but it would be huge if it were to happen as it brings a huge and passionate crowd as it did when Shane Lowery won it in 2019. Portmarnock has held big golf competitions in the past, and it will be hosting the Women’s Amateur Championship, having previously held it in 1931. Phil Anderton, Chief Development Officer at the R&A, said, for support from the Irish Government, “Portmarnock has a rich history of staging something that seems inevitable. world-class championship golf, and we look Golfshake’s Derek Clements had two main forward to returning to the iconic links next reasons for Portmarnock not to host either year to stage the Women’s Amateur.” major. “Yes, it is a world-class golf course, So why can’t Portmarnock host The but it is in the Republic of Ireland, which is Open and the Women’s Open in the not part of the United Kingdom, where both coming years? majors have always been contested”. As Derek Clements said when discussAnd lastly, “it banned women from join- ing his reasons, “However, maybe it really ing the club until as recently as 2021.” But is time to move on.”

Irish Sports Minister Catherine Martin and Minister of State for Sport Thomas Byrne have issued a joint statement saying they “welcomed the contact between Portmarnock Golf Club and the R&A regarding a possible future hosting of The Open and the Women’s Open.”

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

By Dylan McLoughlin ‘Fight or Flight’ is a book about Limerick & Irish sporting hero Keith Earles. Keith Earls grew up in one of the most socially disadvantaged housing estates in Ireland in Moyross. The community was blighted by crime and violence and he did not escape unscathed from the surrounding fear and trauma visited upon his beloved community. Despite the odds he became one of the biggest names in Irish rugby and enjoyed a hugely successful career. The award-winning book ‘Fight or Flight’ was published in October 2021 and gives us a brilliant insight into Keith’s extraordinary determination to make it to the top, his incredible bravery and his massive work ethic. Keith started out in senior rugby as a teenage star and during his long career, became one of the most admired and respected players of his generation. He retired from rugby after Ireland’s RWC 2023 exit against New Zealand. He won 101 caps for his country and played over 180 games in the famous red of Munster. He started every match in the 2018 Six Nations Championship that culminated in an Irish Grand Slam victory. He’s also played for the British and Irish Lions. I’m a big rugby fan and hugely admire Keith so I really enjoyed the book. There’s a specific moment in the book that shows that rugby isn’t everything to the Munster and Irish star when shortly after his daughter Ella-May was born, Keith had to rush to the hospital to be by her side and ended up missing a Six Nation’s match against Wales. He later explained that his little girl had been born with a rare heart condition. “As a father of a child with a serious respiratory lung condition and many others like her, I urge the public to please listen to the professionals,” he said. “I will do everything possible to protect her,’ he added. I recommend this book to anyone who loves rugby and to anyone who wants to read a fantastic story about one of Ireland’s greatest players. And even though Keith came from a disadvantaged area, it just shows what you can achieve with hard work and the right attitude, regardless of what might be holding you back. Star rating 4/5


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