University Express Vol 25, Fresher's Issue

University

Express

Volume 25 | Issue 1 | Tuesday 14th September 2021

UCCExpress.ie

Campus To Re-Open with Restrictions CIARA BROWNE Deputy News Editor In line with the government guidelines, UCC is reopening its gates on 13th September.

The minister of Higher and Further Education has stated in the Irish times, he is excited about the reopening of college campuses. Simon Harris has stated that Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has endorsed the plan for students to return safely to campuses. Mr Harris has said after meeting with the Health Service Executive, that every effort has been made to make the return as easy and as safe as possible. It has been eighteen months since students stepped foot on campus grounds and availed of the Campus facilities, the Boole Library being one of the most significant losses to students over the last academic year.

With the global pandemic still being a considerable hurdle, UCC will have strict guidelines and rules in place to ensure a safe return for staff and students.

Third year undergraduate students will be returning to the UCC campus they last attended in March 2020, during their early weeks of semester two in first year.

Incoming first and second-year undergraduate students will be stepping onto UCC campus for the first time, experiencing the Boole library, lecture theatres and tutorial groups.

Face to face teaching will return with only 80% of the normal pre-Covid room capacity. In large lecture theatres such as the Boole, , a 200 attendee’s capacity is implemented, including

the lecturer. In addition to this, students must wear face coverings throughout lectures, to ensure student as well as teacher safety. All lectures on campus are reduced to 45 minutes, allowing time for a changeover, and avoiding congestion in the hallways and theatre exits. The minister stated that these current health measures in place in lecture halls will be reviewed at the end of October as restrictions are eased in Ireland.

The Boole library will reopen its doors and seating areas for students. Alongside the Boole library, UCC Brookfield Library will also operate at 80% capacity this term to allow students to use reading rooms, study pods, and computers. Face coverings

are mandatory whilst in the libraries and the current pre-booking system will remain in place for the foreseeable academic year. UCC has added extra library hours for the upcoming academic year to ensure greater access to the facilities.

The return to campus is a step towards normality. The Irish Times released that ‘it hasn’t been easy. Last year was the most challenging faced by the education sector since the foundation of the State. Academic programmes had to be adapted to utilise new learning techniques, while students experienced severe disruption surrounding their studies and end-of-year exams.’

Continued on page 3

University Presidents are joining together to call on college students to get vaccinated for university

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s (DRCC) 2020 report details statistics on sexual crime victims.

National Campaign for UCC Bystander Intervention Programme in Higher Education Ireland Launched

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EDITORIAL

Issue 1 | TUESDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 2021 | University Express

Editorial Team Editor-in-Chief – Imasha Costa (Editor@UCCExpress.ie) News Editor – Samantha Calthrop (News@UCCExpress.ie) Designer – Aoife E Osborne (Design@UCCExpress.ie) Features Editor – Maeve O’Keeffe (Features@UCCExpress.ie) Sports Editor – Sam Curtin (Sport@UCCExpress.ie) Opinion Editor – Claudia Zedda (Opinion@UCCExpress.ie) Eagarthóir Gaeilge – Caitríona O’Connell (Gaeilge@UCCExpress.ie) Online Editor – Edel Lonergan (Online@UCCExpress.ie) Marketing Executive – Imasha Costa (Marketing@UCCExpress.ie) Photographers – Méabh Lonergan; Jack Murphy (Photographers@uccexpress.ie) Byline Editor – Jack Coleman

This Is It! We Are Back in Print!

We have made it, we’re here. I actually cannot believe that we have gone into print, finally (after a long 18 months). I remember when I was the Arts and Literature Editor for the Express last year, I wished I could have seen my name in print and eventually had shown it to my mother.

However, I never did get to see my first piece in print, but today, I get to see this whole paper in person and cherish it. It has always been a dream of mine to work alongside an amazing team and bring the paper back to life. I am so grateful to work with every single one of them (you). This is going to be a fantastic year.

This Fresher’s issue brings you back to a sense of nostalgia and reminiscing of the before. But it also brings about the importance of having something to chill to, things to do and things to enjoy during this Freshers week. With the return of students back to campus, the city is coming back alive. The Guinness Jazz Festival in Cork has been given the green light to come back and once again serenade the streets. It’s little things like these that make me think that we are coming back to a sense of normality, although everything is not entirely normal, it is getting there.

Running the Express this year alongside my final year is really making me feel that the slow start to the end is almost near. It is only the first week of the academic year, and here I am bawling a bit as I write this editorial. I am sitting in my office, with a plant that is named after a friend of mine (you know yourself ), and the rain just lashing outside. I am excited for the laughter and smiles that are going to fill up this Newsroom, and the little chats that you can have with each other, before diving back into the grind of writing away. For me, it’s not just the articles that come out, but it is also the friendships that are made, the ones that could last a lifetime.

I also want to give a massive shoutout to Fiona Keely, the former Editor-in-Chief. Thank you so much for having the faith you have in me and electing me into this role. I also want to thank you for such an amazing year, last year and for everything you did. You made our time in the Express a spectacular one, and I hope to be able to do the same for my team this year.

This issue, I do not even have the words to explain how I feel about it, but I know it is with great excitement and pleasure that we have put it together. I wish that all of you continue to read us, the Express, in print and online.

Sincerely,

Imasha Costa

editor@uccexpress.ie

Editor-In-Chief

(Byline@UCCExpress.ie) (Deputy Editor) Food & Health – Nathan Carey (Food@UCCExpress.ie) Arts & Literature Editor – Cian Pierce (Arts@UCCExpress.ie)

How to Give Up

Gaming Editor – Chloe Barrett (Gaming @UCCExpress.ie)

I haven’t written an editorial since 2019, which was the last time I was the News Editor.

Coming up with these things, especially when I’ve already written a heap of them, isn’t always easy. But this particular editorial is an easy one for me: let’s talk about giving up.

Music Editor – Florrie McCarthy (Music@UCCExpress)

Giving up is a passion of mine. I could win an Olympic Gold for giving up. Halfway into Year 3 Semester 2, I gave up on college and took the next year off. In that year I gave up two QQI courses, then made it just one month into working at Burger King before giving up. Then, having given up on going to college and

Fashion Editor – Claire Watson (fashion@uccexpress.ie) Film & Television Editor – Cormac McCarthy (Screen@UCCExpress.ie)

deciding to support myself from now on, I changed my mind and gave up my job and my house in the North Side to come back to UCC.

Sexpress Editor – Emily Osborn (Sexpress@uccexpress.ie)

Here’s a secret: giving up seems like the easy option, but it rarely is. Giving up something is far more difficult than starting it. Giving up runs the risk of the alternative being worse. Giving up is risky, daring, and requires a bit of hope and optimism - and those aren’t exactly going around in abundance these days. Giving up is the act of realising you have a problem, or the relationship has to end, or that you can’t keep doing what you’re doing.

Deputy Features – Roisin Noonan (Deputyfeatures@uccexpress.ie)

Some things are worth fighting for, of course. But lots of things aren’t. You very rarely hear people say, “I wish I’d kept that horrible job at Centra for seven more months”. Or, “I wish I’d stayed living with that toxic roommate”. And trust me: leaving Burger King meant that I could get the best job I’d ever had up to that point. Giving up that great job and going back to finish college? I guess time will tell, but I feel good about it - which already puts me ahead of 2019 Samantha.

Deputy News – Ciara Browne (Deputynews@uccexpress.ie) Staff Writer: Billy O’Connor

College is often a time for starting new things. Not everything you start here will suit you, and if it does, that doesn’t mean it’s the right time for you. Remember, you’ve always got an emergency exit. You don’t owe the world anything.

Sincerely,

Samantha Calthrop News Editor

news@uccexpress.ie

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Issue 1 | TUESDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 2021 | University Express Cover Story Continued In order to keep the UCC gates open, there have been many facilities installed to ensure a safe year. To reduce the risk of Covid-19 and transmission between students and faculty, we are encouraging you to make use of the installed facilities. The UCC Covid Tracker and Day pass App can be used by staff members, and UCC registered students. The App will provide information on whether it is safe for students to attend campus, based on a series of questions and answers provided by students. A RED Daypass confirms it is not safe for a student to attend, and a GREEN Day-pass confirms it is safe for a student to attend. Rapid antigen testing is also available to students and faculty. Rapid antigen testing is a quick diagnostic test that will directly detect the presence or absence of Covid-19.

Incoming first years and second year students are being ensured the best possible college experience this academic year with the return of campus clubs and societies.

For second year students, it is their first time on campus, attending lectures that are not remote learning, and adapting to the college lifestyle. Club activities, inperson events for college and societies are permitted within the structure of national public health guidelines. Simon Harris has confirmed that the number of college places has significantly increased this year, and also adds that he believes that the level of grade inflation in this year’s Leaving Certificate will be much higher.

With the release of Leaving certificate results on Friday, September 3rd, it is clear that UCC will see a rise in incoming firstyear students as opposed to other academic years.

Students have had to adapt rapidly to remote learning, with the Global Pandemic shutting down colleges back in 2020, there was no time for error. Moving forward, students must adapt back into campusbased learning. While students will have to adapt to wearing face coverings, social distancing, and new approaches to college, right now hopes are high for some guise of normality.

CIARA BROWNE

NEWS

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Calls for Remaining Students to Vaccinate SAMANTHA CALTHROP News Editor University Presidents are joining together to call on college students to get vaccinated for university, together with the heads of the IUA (Irish University Association), THEA (Technological Higher Education Association) and HECA (Higher Education Colleges Association).

Over half of 16 to 29-year-olds are fully vaccinated, with about 80% registered to be vaccinated.

“It is gratifying to see the enthusiastic take-up of vaccines by university students for the public good,” said Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of NUI Galway. “Their positive action to protect themselves, their families and fellow students is a key ingredient for the safe reopening of third-level institutions. We encourage all remaining students to register now for the vaccine.”

Vincent Cunnane, President of LIT, echoed the same sentiment. “The desire to realise a safe and more engaged academic year is one shared by staff and students. That appetite is already evident in the admirable take-up of the vaccine and, as this is very much a social compact, we strongly encourage all students and intending students to avail of the vaccine.”

UCC’s own Interim President, Prof. John O’Halloran, sent a mass email in August that was quickly recalled and re-sent again, much to the confusion of students. The email was actually much the same, but the wording had been adjusted to more firmly tell students to mask up.

We can assume he would similarly praise UCC students for continuing to help others and get their vaccines.

New CACSS Rep To Be Announced SAMANTHA CALTHROP News Editor The UCC Students’ Union has selected a new Representative for the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences (CACSSS) from a pool of applicants after the elected Representative resigned.

Elected CACSS Representative Daniel Cunningham won by 65 votes on the third count, and was one of three candidates. No reason for his resignation was given by the Students’ Union.

According to Article 40 of the UCCSU’s Constitution, the SU Executive can vote among themselves to fill the empty position.

Applications closed on August 19th.

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NEWS

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“Never seen such levels of stress and anxiety”

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre report on sexual violence in 2020 SAMANTHA CALTHROP News Editor

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) has released its annual report for 2020, which details - among other things - the amount and demographics sexual crime victims who approaches the centre.

Despite the ongoing Pandemic, the DRCC was approached by 13,438 people, 6451 of whom were contacting them for the first time. In contrast, the Centre saw 14,159 people in 2019 - a very similar amount despite the various lockdowns that took place over 2020.

The DRCC’s CEO, Noeline Blackwell, said that the Pandemic had an “very damaging” effect on victims, isolating them from their coping mechanisms and intensifying their anxiety.

“Our counsellors and therapists have never seen such levels of stress and anxiety,” she said, “Our callers and clients needed much more support to heal or even stay where they were. We must note the resilience of all those who feature in our report – of the survivors who sought support and stayed the course in a very difficult year, and also of our extraordinarily committed staff and volunteers – as well as all those who supported our work throughout 2020.”

Of those who approached the Centre for support, 63.7% were from the Dublin region and 36.3% from elsewhere in Ireland.

The report was launched by TD Josepha Madigan on September 7. DRCC Chairperson Ann Marie Gill thanked donators and supporters for keeping the organisation afloat over 2020.

“We must acknowledge the generous support we received from the public in 2020, which gave us great heart and determination to continue our work. We are grateful for state support, including from Tusla and the Department of Justice, that allowed us as a frontline organisation

“Working with victims/survivors fulfils part of our mission. As we move forward this year and in the coming years, we also need to build our mission to prevent the harm of sexual violence in the first place.”

to maintain our support and advocacy for survivors and to continue to drive reforms that tackle sexual violence and its aftermath.

“Working with victims/survivors fulfils part of our mission. As we move forward this year and in the coming years, we also need to build our mission to prevent the harm of sexual violence in the first place. This will involve our ambitious intention to build a wider understanding of consent at national level. We must reduce society’s tolerance for non-consensual sexual activity. If we do that, we will have a healthier society.”

“And we remind everyone that the National 24-Hour Helpline is there for anyone who needs support or information at any time – call 1800 778888 for free and confidential support,” she concluded.

At least 1,900 sexual offenses have been officially reported in Ireland in the past ten years, with over 3000 sexual assaults being reported in 2019.

Image Credit: Dublin Rape Crisis Centre

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NEWS

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National Campaign for UCC Bystander in HEI Launched IMASHA COSTA Editor-In-Chief Image Credit: UCC Bystander Intervention

On Friday the 3rd of September, UCC’s Bystander Intervention Programme launched its national campaign as training initiatives for staff and students across Irish Higher Education Universities. UCC’s Bystander intervention aims to raise awareness of not only the importance of safe and effective interventions, but also encourage staff and students to become active bystanders and develop the skills and awareness to address sexual violence harassments across third level institutions. This event was launched by Professor John O’Halloran, President of UCC. The speakers featured in this event, that took place via Microsoft Teams, were Prof Louise and disability, providing an unprecedently applied and intersectional view of sexual violence and harassment in the Irish college experience. The outcome of this survey demonstrated that 29 per cent of females, 10 per cent of males, and 28 per cent of non-binary students reported non-consensual sexual experiences. Just over half of first-year students reported experiencing sexual harassment in the form of sexual hostility since the beginning of college. This number rose for second-year students to 62 per cent and 66 per cent for third-year students in their Alongside the launch of the campaign, UCC Bystander undergraduate degree. The USI website also reports that sexual hostility was the most reported released a 15 minute starter video that includes key form of harassment experienced by all student groups, ranging from 46 per cent for Asian concepts on how to become an active bystander. This students and 70 per cent for Irish students. video introduces students to practice becoming a pro-social bystander and also identify and challenge perceived norms of unacceptable behaviour. This video features Prof Louise Crowley, the director of The outcome of this survey demonstrated that 29 UCC Bystander intervention, as well as students and alumni (student ambassadors) that have undergone per cent of females, 10 per cent of males, and 28 per the Bystander programme and therefore share their cent of non-binary students reported non-consensual experience and knowledge of becoming an active bystander. A key concept within the 15 minute video sexual experiences. Just over half of first-year students identifies that to be a pro-social bystander, consent has reported experiencing sexual harassment in the form to be practiced at all times.

Crowley, Claire Austick, President of the Union of Students Ireland (USI), Dr Ross Woods, Senior Manager for the Centre of Excellence for Gender Equality in the HEA, Margo Noonan from Cork SATU and Asha Woodhouse, President of the UCC SU.

Also highlighted in the 15 minute starter video is The of sexual hostility since the beginning of college.

Sexual Experiences Survey that was conducted in 2020 by NUIG and USI that uncovered damaging and dangerous statistics. This is the first national survey that addressed university students’ sexual experiences in eight years. According to the USI website it is an ‘inclusive “campus climate” survey that assesses The full Bystander training programme continues to be available to all Higher Education experience of consent education and help seeking Institutions and is accessible via their own institutions Virtual Learning environment. It has also transitioned onto UCC Canvas Catalogue site which allows other institutions education, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity,

to enrol their students as external users.

Bystander has also launched a pilot programme with a modified version of the Bystander Intervention programme for second level, with its first launch at the Cork Life Centre which is a voluntary organisation that offers an alternative learning environment to young people that find themselves outside the mainstream education system.

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FEATURES

Issue 1 | TUESDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 2021 | University Express

Bystander Intervention in UCC: How we can all stand against sexual assault, harassment, and violence.

MAEVE O’KEEFFE Features Editor An unfortunate reality of university life at present is the prevalence of sexual assault. According to a 2020 study of sexual experiences, 29% of females, 10% of males and 28% of non-binary students reported non-consensual penetration during their time in college. A 2018 survey completed in NUIG reveals staggering percentages of students reporting sexual harassment and hostility during their time in university, particularly women. Given how startling the statistics surrounding the prevalence of sexual assault and harassment in university are, one may be left wondering how to combat these issues on campus.

Sadly, much of the messaging we are exposed to places responsibility predominantly on the woman.

Women are told not to walk home after dark, not to get too drunk, not to dress “provocatively,” or even wear certain shades or styles of underwear, as a 2018 rape trial on our doorstep in Cork revealed. It is distressing to still encounter rape myths masquerading as warped justifications for sexual assault.

Despite a growing recognition of the unfairness of the behavioural double standards for men and women, many of these expectations are still adhered to by women. And still sexual assault occurs.

Thankfully, Dr Louise Crowley of UCC Law developed the Bystander Intervention Programme here in UCC. Initially piloted to students of Law, Nursing, Midwifery and Applied Psychology in UCC, this programme aims to address the prevalence of sexual harassment and violence both on and off campus by empowering students to recognise unacceptable behaviour and to intervene accordingly. Registration for the Bystander Intervention programme is now open to all staff and students in UCC. In fact, on the third of September, the UCC

Despite a growing recognition of the unfairness of the behavioural double standards for men and women, many of these expectations are still adhered to by women. And still sexual assault occurs.

Thankfully, Dr Louise Crowley of UCC Law developed the Bystander Intervention Programme here in UCC. Initially piloted to students of Law, Nursing, Midwifery and Applied Psychology in UCC, this programme aims to address the prevalence of sexual harassment and violence both on and off campus by empowering students

to recognise unacceptable behaviour and to intervene accordingly. Registration for the Bystander Intervention programme is now open to all staff and students in UCC. In fact, on the third of September, the UCC Bystander Intervention Team launched a national campaign to implement Bystander Intervention training in all higher education institutes (HEIs) across Ireland. Adapted versions of Bystander training are also in the pipeline for secondary schools, with Dr Crowley continuing to work hard to spread the positive influence of the Bystander Intervention initiative.

“Women are told not to walk home after dark, not to get too drunk, not to dress “provocatively,” or even wear certain shades or styles of underwear.”

The urgent need to combat the prevalence of sexual assault and violence in higher level institutes nationwide was addressed in the 2020 National Framework for Consent in HEIs. The core vision of this framework is the promotion of “an institutional campus culture which is safe, respectful, and supportive.” Dr Emer Clifford is the Sexual Violence Framework Project Manager with Bystander Intervention here in UCC, and she emphasised how the vision of the National Consent Framework places the onus firmly on the educational institution to “mandate a zero tolerance of all unwanted sexual violence, harassment, and misconduct.”

UCC’s Bystander Intervention Programme is identified within the national framework as a targeted initiative that can be employed to “foster a campus culture that is clear in the condemnation of unwanted and unacceptable behaviours.” This sentiment is echoed by Dr Clifford, who identified how the Bystander Intervention

“strives to educate and empower participants to contribute to a positive third level experience through safe intervention.”

A vital component of Bystander Intervention is the recognition of the individual and collective responsibility we all have in tackling sexual harassment, violence, and misconduct, as well as other forms of discrimination and exclusion. As humans, we can be inclined to adopt a passive mindset, assuming that because we are not directly violating another individual, then we are not responsible for the actions of others, however inappropriate, hurtful or potentially dangerous they may be. As we form new friendships in university, the desire to “go with the flow” in social situations is natural. We may be reluctant to stand out from the pack by challenging the attitudes and behaviours of peers, and we may feel as though it is not our place to do so.

However, Dr Clifford highlighted the scope of the Bystander Intervention initiative in transforming this all-too-common passive mindset when it comes to taking action; “I believe that this programme is a powerful tool for generating social change – whilst undertaking it participants soon realise that when faced with an uncomfortable situation, their opinions and feelings are most often shared by the collective.” The Bystander Intervention Programme is eye-opening in exposing how discrimination can manifest itself in a multitude of ways, each of which feeds into a potential perpetrator’s false consensus that their behaviour is acceptable.

By laughing off a sexist remark, or turning a blind eye to inappropriate content in a group chat or social situation, for instance, we fail to rectify the perpetrator’s misguided beliefs about what is and is not acceptable. This merely validates the sense of entitlement held by the minority of individuals who hold these discriminatory attitudes and

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Issue 1 | TUESDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 2021 | University Express

beliefs, leading them to (incorrectly) assume that the majority share their intolerance and disrespect.

Initially, one might imagine that to intervene in unacceptable and potentially dangerous situations, bystander intervention must involve a dramatic confrontation. One might envision a showdown on a dark, sinister alleyway, where a malevolent perpetrator must be tackled, or even social exclusion for conveying their aversion to sexist jokes in a group setting.

However, one of the vital aspects of the Bystander Intervention Programme is how it highlights how subtle an intervention can be. Intervention can be as simple as changing the subject in an inappropriate or offensive conversation, distracting the potential perpetrator, not laughing at certain jokes, or pretending to know the individual in a potentially unsafe situation, among a host of other options.

Through the role-plays, videos and resources of the Bystander Intervention modules, participants learn how easily the trajectory of a harmful situation can be changed. The golden rule of Bystander Intervention is that the active bystander should never put themselves at risk. Many of us are unaware of the potential impact even the most subtle, discreet interventions can have, but the Bystander Intervention Programme equips participants with the knowledge of how and when to safely intervene.

Much more than simply providing a “how-to” guide to intervening, the Bystander Intervention Programme seeks to challenge the culture that enables sexual harassment and violence to occur. Sexual assault and misconduct do not begin the minute one rogue “bad apple” violates the body and consent of another individual. It can be deep-rooted, arising in commonplace rape myths, sexist jokes, “lockerroom talk,” and shaming comments about others. It is enabled by cultures of victim-blaming, lad culture, ignorance about what constitutes consent and sexual assault, and systems that do not treat the testimonies of victims with sufficient urgency or credibility. There is a long way to go before these issues are eradicated on our campuses, but huge progress is being made in heightening awareness around sexual misconduct.

During the summer, for instance, Bystander team members and UCC graduates Maeve McTaggart and Alana Daly-Mulligan examined bystander intervention themes and issues in the context of the popular reality TV show Love Island. By exploring issues of slut-shaming, negging, alcohol and intervention, and online harassment, McTaggart and Daly-Mulligan sparked conversations about common relationship red flags and toxic behaviours. In applying some of the core teachings of the Bystander The University Express team are delighted to collaborate with Bystander Intervention this year to continue to raise awareness of the factors that contribute to sexual assault, and how we, as a community, can combat these issues in UCC. If you’d like to contribute any ideas or articles to this column, or the Features section generally, don’t hesitate to get in touch via email at features@universityexpress.ie.

FEATURES

Intervention Programme to a show as pervasive as Love Island, they drew attention to unacceptable behaviours in relationships, and empowered the UCC Bystander Intervention Programme’s social media following to think critically about how normalised this behaviour can be. These posts can be viewed on the Bystander Intervention’s Instagram or Twitter page (@bystanderucc).

The bystander intervention initiative is crucial in heightening our collective awareness of the issues of sexual violence and misconduct, as well as our collective responsibility to intervene when safe to do so. Vital to the transition from passive to prosocial bystander is what Dr Clifford refers to as “the lightbulb moment” of realisation that the majority of people are not comfortable with the sexist behaviour or so-called “locker-room talk” that can permeate campus culture. The programme empowers participants to challenge these commonplace behaviours and beliefs before they escalate into even less socially acceptable manifestations of misconduct. According to Dr Clifford, “This lightbulb moment needs to be experienced by everyone because only then will we as a community, be empowered to stand up against all forms of sexual and gender-based violence and harassment.”

The more students who register for and complete the Bystander Intervention module on Canvas, the closer we get to eliminating sexual harassment and violence on and off campus. Dr Clifford stressed the potential impact of widespread participation in the Bystander Intervention Programme, imagining “the rippleeffect it would have if every member of our UCCcommunity undertook this programme.”

All UCC students and staff can complete the module on Canvas. The module consists of four online workshops, which are designed to be self-directed and completed at an individual pace, as well as an interactive workshop which can

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be completed on Microsoft Teams or in-person this semester, in line with the current Covid-19 guidelines.

These workshops explore the stages of intervention, the necessity to intervene, and the means to intervene in a safe way. As well as this, the complex dynamics of relationships are broached in a way relevant to student life, with insights into sexual coercion, consent, toxic masculinity, and rape myths. Following on from these workshops, participants are expected to complete a personal reflective response to the experience of the module. This submission can be completed in a format of the participant’s choosing, be it poetry, artwork, or an essay.

You can register to become an active bystander through Canvas, or by getting in touch with the team by emailing bystander@ucc.ie. Full details of how to access the course content are available on the UCC Bystander Intervention website. Upon completion of the module, participants are not only equipped with a knowledge of intervention strategies and a greater understanding of the factors contributing to discrimination and gender-based violence, but are also awarded a Digital Badge by UCC. These Digital Badges are a recognition of an individual’s commitment to exerting a powerful positive cultural change in the university, and can be uploaded to LinkedIn. Regardless of the fact that you may not, consider yourself to be contributing to the significant problems of sexual assault, harassment, and misconduct on campus, you can be part of the solution. Everyone can set aside the short amount of time needed to complete the module. In completing the programme, you will be promoting a positive change in campus culture so that we can all enjoy a more safe, supportive, and respectful college experience, to reiterate the vision of the National Framework for Consent in HEIs.

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College In A Time of Covid ROISIN NOONAN Deputy Features Editor And so, begins another year. “La rentrée” or the return as the French say.

Classes, timetables, assignments, exams. In previous years these words induced a sense of dread and fear perhaps, of wishing they would just up and disappear. End of summer thoughts creeping in like that Sunday night Glenroe theme tune.

The Students Union along with Student Health are running many campaigns and initiatives this year to help students to have a safe and healthy return to campus. Unicov is one of these initiatives. This is a pilot study on antigen testing which is being conducted across several Irish universities this year and UCC students are being encouraged to sign up. Participating students will antigen test themselves at different intervals throughout the semester and upload the results to an app that has been formulated to accompany the study. The main aim is to analyse the feasibility and capability of people to self-test and to interpret test results themselves. The study is being used as a key element to help to implement a safe and sustainable return of students to campus.

But this year, a very different vibe is being felt across campus. One of excitement, maybe a nervous excitement. A kind of giddiness at returning to campus and in person classes and lectures for the first time in 18 months. An RTE radio programme last week interviewed Students Union’s from around the country, including our own SU President Asha Woodhouse. All of the people interviewed spoke of the unusual and unique semester that lies ahead of us and they all expressed their unbridled joy and relief to finally be back The UCC covid tracker app is designed to help students monitor and on campus again. recognise symptoms of covid 19 and is another measure being encouraged Between people coming to campus for the first time ever and others for the by UCC to help with the return to campus. More information on both of first time in a long time, there really is such a mix of different experiences these campaigns is available on the UCC Students Union and UCC Keep happening for everyone this semester. There are first years experiencing Well social media pages. college for the first time in a completely unique way to anyone who has stepped through the 3rd level gates before them. There are 2nd years having a 1st-year experience. Despite having completed a year of college online, many are setting foot in UCC for the first time ever as students. Some students like myself, are returning from Erasmus abroad last year. I left Cork in March 2020 as a second year and now return to campus and to Cork for the first time in 18 months as a fourth year!

As we enter into the unknown of this new college experience, we should remember that we are all coming back to UCC as very different people to those who left two years ago. We have all changed and grown and had very different experiences over the last two years. Give people a chance. Give yourself a chance. Don’t put pressure on yourself to try to slot back into what your college life was pre covid.

Reminders to look after yourself and your mental health this year are ever more pertinent. Go easy on yourself. And go easy on your friends and classmates. Some students and staff may be worried for themselves or for family members in their care. Not everyone will be ready to up and move forward and out into the world again at the same pace or the same time.

From first-year nerves to final year stress, we are not all in the same boat This in turn means a very different student experience from the one we were but we are treading the same waters and respect for each other is key. used to when we all left campus in early 2020. Meeting up with friends, nights out, clubs and socs events, RAG week and freshers are all going to look very different to how they did before.

The nature of college will be so very different for everyone this semester.

With split lecture groups, reduced capacity classes, and the blended/hybrid system of in person and online teaching. Without a doubt, it will take some getting used to and will probably be open to change or modification as the public health situation is likely to change over the coming months.

I found myself making reservations with my friend group for Fresher’s week. Reservations. Yes indeed. If you had told me that in my First year, I would most certainly not have believed you. It makes a huge change from the queues outside nightclubs and bars that we were all too familiar with.

Gone are the days of hopping from one nightclub to another or running to join another queue after the bouncer had decided that the person in front of you had just managed to tip the cut off point for filling the nightclub.

While some may look at these changes with a pessimistic outlook, others including myself will welcome them. Our lectures may be smaller and it may take a while to get used to the hybrid way of teaching but the mix of online/ in person may prove to be a more effective way of studying for some people.

Especially for those whom the work from home or pre-recorded lectures were more accessible or beneficial. Our nights out will look different, but maybe they will turn out to be more enjoyable too, with better chats and conversations over dinners or drinks. Don’t get me wrong, I am dying for a good boogie on the dancefloor as much as anyone else, but I guess the message is patience, slow and steady. It will all come again in time. We just have to approach it all with a glass half full mentality for the moment.

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COVID FOMO BILLY O’CONNOR Staff Writer

In the weeks and months preceding the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, social engagements and activities have never been more in vogue. For many, this transition at such a warped speed has been difficult to adjust to. There is a myriad of reasons as to why this transition has been very bittersweet for people including the increasing number of cases as these activities become larger and more accessible, the possible lack of a social circle to enjoy this newfound freedom with; but I have noticed, personally, that my main inhibition surrounding the easing of restrictions is the pressure of having to consistently ‘make the most’ of every waking moment of your free time.

many people I have spoken to have, due to the sheer simplicity of every minute thing. While the abrupt pace change of general life was definitely daunting and a major adjustment for most, if not all, of us; overtime it was a major sense of comfort for many to be able to resort back to hobbies and everyday tasks that once made their life meaningful but had gotten lost in the turbulence and ferocity of the working world. For many, the ability to take solace in the simple things again like going for a walk or seeing one or two friends after a period of major isolation was uncharacteristically gratifying as these tasks had once seemed so menial and obsolete. I think the main point It seems the fear doesn’t necessarily stem from the jealousy of others of contention among myself and many of my peers is the newfound having a good time while you aren’t, but more from the pressure sense of pressure to be consistently and mercilessly occupied at every exerted onto us that these are our ‘golden years’ and it is intrinsic to our waking moment in order to wade off the impending waste of our youth. growth and maturation as human beings to have as many experiences However, it is important for us to regain perspective in these times of and meet as many new people as possible. In a way, we are forced to hysteria and remind ourselves of how much of our youth we truly have make up for lost time due to one of these years being relatively null left, and to be kind to ourselves by taking satisfaction in the little things and void due to the heightening of the pandemic. However, I don’t we once relished in, no matter how insignificant they may seem. believe that time spent alone is necessarily time wasted. I look back on the first lockdown with real heartfelt nostalgia, like

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FEATURES

Issue 1 | TUESDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 2021 | University Express

Resilience, Recovery, and a Return to Campus Life MAEVE O’KEEFFE Features Editor In March 2020, if you’d told me that my Thursday afternoon tutorial would be the last hour of ‘in-person’ college I would have until September 2021, I would have cried. Whether naivety, ignorance, or optimism was to blame, I had anticipated a mere fortnight of lockdown with my family in rural Kilkenny. The detox from my hectic schedule as a fresher was novel, though naturally I was reluctant to part with my budding friendships for even two weeks. Little did we know what we were in for, right?

A year and a half later, envisioning walking into a lecture theatre once again is almost exhilarating.

Even getting to hold a physical copy of this paper is refreshing following an academic year of relentless exposure to laptop screens. Though I am well aware that the pandemic is not over, a return to campus is more than welcome. It is necessary. Seeing the masked faces of our classmates will always trump the anonymity and coldness of initials presented in neat boxes on a Microsoft Teams call. The camaraderie that characterises the university experience will once again be facilitated by access to campus, and our learning can return to a more engaging, interactive format.

As we re-emerge from our enforced hibernation from all things UCC, I’d like to commend you, reader. How resilient have we been to get this far? College students were, at many points during the past eighteen months, almost entirely neglected by the government. Studying from home, often without adequate space or resources, social interactions from behind a screen in your childhood bedroom, and a bleak exam season with little light at the end of the tunnel saw many students struggle with mental health issues.

Accompanied by stress and anxiety surrounding restrictions and the wellbeing of loved ones, the feeling of watching our youth slip away like sand in an hourglass while we idly ‘stayed home’ was challenging to overcome. But we did it.

To second year students, I’d particularly like to applaud your resilience. The uncertainty and stress surrounding your leaving certificate, followed by an altogether underwhelming and isolated entrance into third level cannot have been easy. Trust me, it gets better.

And to freshers, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to UCC. I can only be envious of the journey that awaits you in university here.

Embrace it. Get stuck in to as many activities you can, and take the chance to try out that club or society that piques your interest, even if

your friends aren’t bothered. You’ll soon find a network of likeminded individuals, and realise that the social scene in UCC is almost parochial in how easy it can be to form connections.

The past eighteen months have been immensely taxing, as our normal routines were discarded.

We were forced to adapt to drastic lifestyle changes, and suddenly obscure terms like “close contact,” “quarantine,” “self-isolation,” and “social distancing” became embedded in our everyday vocabulary. Without wishing to dismiss the horrific experiences of loss and loneliness that haunted some of us during the pandemic, a return to some version of our former existence as a community on campus is a source of hope now.

The truth is that despite how bleak the reality of living, studying, and working during a global pandemic has been, clinging to the idea that one day, this would all be over, allowed us to imagine a brighter future. Finally, this brighter future is feeling more tangible as we move towards a full reopening of society.

In psychology, there is a concept called affective forecasting. Affective forecasting refers to how we, as humans, predict our future emotional state.

Imagine if you won the lottery, for instance.

Imagine how happy you’d feel, knowing that you need never face financial hardship ever again, that your family and friends would be well looked after, that you could finally take the holiday of your dreams, and never have to work again if you didn’t want to. You may be envisioning a life of eternal bliss, with the expectation that your

ecstasy at winning the lottery would not be dulled. Conversely, if you were to imagine losing the use of your limbs in a terrible accident, you may presume that your life would feel empty and unfulfilled forevermore.

However, studies exploring affective forecasting have revealed that generally speaking, we are atrocious at predicting how future events will affect our moods. Specifically, we tend to grossly overestimate the extent to which our moods will be affected by possible future events.

Psychologists have termed these biases in our forecasting of future emotional states “impact bias” and “durability bias.” Essentially, when anticipating how future events will alter our moods, we have an exaggerated perception of both the length and intensity of our emotional states. We imagine future events hold more power to cause us distress or elation than they actually do. ecstasy at winning the lottery would not be dulled. Conversely, if you were to imagine losing the use of your limbs in a terrible accident, you may presume that your life would feel empty and unfulfilled forevermore.

However, studies exploring affective forecasting have revealed that generally speaking, we are atrocious at predicting how future events will affect our moods. Specifically, we tend to grossly overestimate the extent to which our moods will be affected by possible future events.

Psychologists have termed these biases in our forecasting of future emotional states “impact

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FEATURES

bias” and “durability bias.” Essentially, when anticipating how future events will alter our moods, we have an exaggerated perception of both the length and intensity of our emotional states. We imagine future events hold more power to cause us distress or elation than they actually do.

psychologists have suggested that we overestimate the intensity and length of negative mood states because we fail to acknowledge how positive events may ameliorate the effects of these setbacks. Even small gestures or comforting activities can facilitate our bouncing back from

Even the most agonizing of heartaches can subside in time, even if initially, returning to happiness seems an insurmountable feat.

hard times. Unfortunately, we are sometimes inclined to overlook these positives, leading us to make more dramatic predictions about the intensity and durability of our bad moods.

In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, this gives us food for thought. It would be an understatement to point out that the pandemic has dramatically changed our lifestyles, behaviours, and emotions. Initially naïve to the extent of the crisis we were facing in March 2020, we faced long months of isolation and loneliness, largely in the dark about how long we would have to endure such a restricted existence. I remember sitting in the passenger seat having been collected from Cork back in March 2020, and my father warning me that “we could be in this until Christmas yet, you know.”

I dismissed my old man as being melodramatic, but I cannot help but wonder now, how I would have reacted had I known just how long it would be before I saw some of my friends and family again.

Applying the research regarding affective forecasting to this experience, however, I can assume that even if I had been aware of the severity of the pandemic, my anticipations of my emotions during more than a year of lurching from lockdown to lockdown would have been misguided. Though many of us were confronted by overwhelming negativity and sadness during seemingly never-ending lockdowns, we have also soldiered on, and made the most of the reopening of outdoor dining and easing restrictions this summer. During a time when we were largely preoccupied with boosting our physical immune system with vitamins and handwashing, we may have neglected to factor in the powerhouse that is the psychological immune system.

Perhaps the concept of a psychological immune system sounds somewhat nebulous, but hear me out. Though it may not always feel like it, we are remarkably resilient creatures. We are hardwired to recover from all manner of setbacks, and yet we continue to doubt our abilities to do so. In psychology, this intrinsic resilience is known as the “psychological immune system.” Our psychological immune system enables us to bounce back after challenging experiences and difficult emotions, protecting us against the stressors and negative emotions in our daily lives just as our physical immune system is responsible for guarding us from infection and illness.

So why do we underestimate our abilities to recover from setbacks in life? Well, some

Looking back, there is a lot to be said for the ways in which we somehow managed to cope with the flux of change that we were confronted with in March and April, 2020. Think back to how we compiled those Zoom quizzes in an attempt to nurture a sense of connection with friends and family, or how we all took on social media challenges ranging from runs in aid of charity to bizarre raw egg-swallowing, to emulate the unity of interpersonal engagements. We watched Normal People on RTE and collectively cringed at the thoughts of watching Marianne and Connells’ sex scenes with family members. We even got to enjoy not one, but two surprise albums from Taylor Swift while helping out neighbours with their grocery shopping, experimenting with sourdough starters, and discovering the joys of a nice walk to relieve stress.

With each lockdown, the novelty of spending time alone subsided, and our optimism about the effectiveness of the guidelines waned a little. Still, we found ways to continue. Some of us facetimed others while studying for exams, to inhibit the loneliness and stress that can accompany facing exams and assignments alone. Many of us stopped watching the news, or muted notifications on Twitter, just to block out the negativity for a period. Even though the lockdowns were grim, and our resilience was tested, we found new ways to stay going through the most taxing of circumstances.

When we look at these shared experiences from our periods of isolation, core components of the “antibodies” of our psychological immune system are evident. Connectedness is one of the most vital aspects of our psychological immune system as identified by psychologists, and in our Zoom calls with friends and efforts to help out the vulnerable of our community, this is apparent. Mindset is another important antibody in our psychological immune system’s reserve, as we learned to accept that we cannot control the uncontrollable, as much as we might like to. We distracted ourselves from the distressing situation we found ourselves in with creative projects and media. Above all, we nurtured a sense of hope that one day, we would return to normality.

As this return to normality is just around the corner, we are confronted by new complex

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emotions and anxieties. Just as the transition

to living under strict lockdown measures was challenging, the return to some shade of normality may also be difficult, as we re-adjust to our old routines and obligations. So if you’re feeling a little bit anxious, take it easy. Have faith in your resilience. It’s looked after you well so far.

Naturally, the research about affective forecasting and our psychological immune system cannot be used to dismiss the challenges faced by individuals suffering from depression or mental health issues.

Though the research proposes that we are predisposed to bounce back after encounters with adversity, the truth is that our resilience may be eroded over time by a complex web of individual and social factors.

If you are in need of support, UCC’s student counselling service provides free counselling sessions as well as a range of helpful online therapeutic programmes and resources. To get in touch, send an email to counselling@ucc.ie.

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OPINION

Could COVID-19 Be Our Reset Button?

CLAUDIA M. ZEDDA Opinion Editor

If two years ago someone told you the entire world was going to shut down completely for months, nobody would have believed it.

Despite this, today we are just after coming out of three lockdowns and a brand new lifestyle that did not really belong to us.

Masks, sanitisers and social distancing were definitely not part of our everyday vocabulary, while now that is all we hear about. We are a lot more conscious of things such as disease transmission, symptoms, cases and deaths, that we almost find impossible to chat about something that does not concern Covid-19.

As students, we might all agree to say that these past two years majorly affected our physical and mental health. We missed an entire year of on-campus college and replaced it with online learning, and we have met new fellow college students through screens. The rooms we sleep in have never looked so small, and going for a 5 km walk has never been so exciting. It has been a rough time for everyone, but here we are today. Quarantine might

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have been horrible, but it gave us the most precious thing of all: time. We have all been so caught up in our own routines that we never realised we did not have time. Time to reflect, decide and act. How many times have you said to yourself “I wish I had more time”? And how many times did you just take a day for yourself without having to work or study?

forgetting what it was like before. If you are scared or anxious about going back to a “normal” routine, just know you are not alone. We have all been through isolation and loneliness, apart but together.

Despite being the most uncertain years of our lives, let’s not forget the positive outcomes that quarantine has brought to us. From picking up a new hobby to learning a new language, from going for a morning jog to meditating, all of us have finally dedicated some time to ourselves. We should not underestimate how meaningful that is. A generation of people that had it all in the comfort of their own home, but recognised the importance of social, physical and emotional connection.

We have reconsidered doing all those things we always wanted to do but were never on our to-do lists. Gardening, playing the guitar, doing origami, running, drawing and maybe even reading the book that has been on the shelf for ten years. We finally had time to reflect on ourselves, and many even realised that what they were doing did not really suit them anymore. We changed our mindset, jobs UCC is ready to start again and welcome and friendships. We cut our own hair and all of you back to campus, in a place where appreciated sunsets more than ever before. diversity is celebrated, and ideas are discussed In college, many students felt like they and brought to life. As Opinion Editor of the needed to be more connected with others. UCC Express, I want to let you know that your Societies and clubs have played a huge role opinion is precious, no matter who you are or in connecting people with similar interests, where you come from. If you think you would particularly when it was so hard to casually like to share your opinion and write your own meet up on campus. Even if we almost felt piece, please email opinion@uccexpress. sick looking at the screen for so long, we ie and help us represent as many students as truly appreciated its power for the very first possible. I cannot wait to hear what you have time. We did not let quarantine stop us: we to say and get your name published out there. kept holding events, discussion panels and conferences. We managed to invite speakers from other parts of the world to talk for UCC. We held social nights and had virtual cheers together (and it was probably the highlight of our day). Even though we did feel lonely and uncertain about the future, we always had the possibility to reach out.

After all, we have been through, going back to campus will be a piece of cake. Even if we might feel a bit agoraphobic at the beginning, it will feel like going back to where we belong. Seeing so many people at once might be scary at first, particularly if your cactus was the only close contact you have had in a while.

On the other hand, sitting down between your classmates and feeling like you are actually learning something is priceless. We are going back to college with a different mindset and willing to start again

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BYLINE VOL. 7 ISSUE 1

Welcome Back!

Editorial

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HELLO THERE! Welcome to the Freshers Edition of the University Express! Consequently, this is also my first edition as Byline Editor. I’ve been participating in student media for the last three years, first as the Gaming Editor of the Express and then last year as Entertainment Editor (and then Head Staff Writer) of Motley Magazine. I’m beyond excited to take on the new challenge of managing Byline this year. Yes, I still don’t have a proper headshot after three years in student media even though Méabh Lonergan, my good friend and Express photographer, has offered to take them (maybe next time I’m on campus!).

Being a part of student media has been an amazing experience and I’ve met many great friends during my time on the Express and Motley. I wholeheartedly recommend anyone interested to get involved, both the Express and Motley take submissions year-round so get in touch with the relevant editor to get started!

I suppose I should welcome you all back to campus! And for the first years (and some second years) who will be joining us for the first time, UCC can be a wonderful place if you choose to make the most of it. Of course, partying will be part of your college experience but I encourage everyone to get involved in at least one club or society. You’ll meet new friends and broaden your horizons. I tried a few things in first year but eventually, I settled into a nice niche within student media. UCC has a society for basically everything, ranging from broad subjects to very specific topics so there is something for everyone.

And clubs are a great way to stay active and hone your skills! I think any college student who has gotten involved in this aspect of student life would recommend it to incoming students. Also go to at least a few classes, it will probably make your life easier in the long run (honestly they should just remove 9am classes though for real).

As for this edition’s Byline, our editors have done a fantastic job in guiding you through their respective areas. Whether you want to know where Cork’s music scene is concentrated, how to make a mean bolognese or which video games can help you through a stressful college year, our editors have you covered! And as always, if you would like to submit to Byline then my email and our editors’ emails are available at the beginning of the paper.

Jack Colemanbyline@ Byline Editor

BYLINE@uccexpress.ie

Gaeilge

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Fáilte go Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh!

CAITRÍONA O’CONNELL Eagarthóir Gaeilge Tá súil agam go bhfuil sceitimíní oraibh tosnú ar an ré nua den saol atá idir lámha agaibh sna chéad chúpla seachtain anseo sa choláiste. Is féidir an Ghaeilge a fheiscint, a cloisteáil agus a úsáid timpeall an champais, agus léireoidh mé na háiteanna agus áiseanna difriúla atá ar fáil trí Ghaeilge sa choláiste.

Ionad na Gaeilge Labhartha:

An Cumann Drámaíochta

Ba cheart duit aghaidh a thabhairt i dtosach ar an Ionad, an príomh áit le Gaeilge a chur chun cinn. Cuirtear ranganna Gaeilge ar fáil do scoláirí ar gach leibhéal líofachta, chomh maith le ranganna gramadaí dóibh siúd go bhfuil suim acu iontu. Cuireann siad turasanna chuig an Gaeltacht ar fáil chomh maith, agus tá scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta ar fáil do thart ar chéad mac léinn an choláiste, ionas gur féidir leo fanacht i gCorca Dhuibhne ar feadh seachtaine. Cuirtear lóistín ar fáil agus eagraítear roinnt imeachtaí dos na mic léinn mar chuid den scoláireacht. Eagraíonn Ionad na Gaeilge Labhartha Gradam na Gaeilge do mhic léinn atá ag déanamh a ndícheall chun an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn timpeall an choláiste.

Roimh an bpaidéim, chuir an Cumann Drámaíochta drámaí ar siúl i rith na bliana. Le linn 2020 agus 2021, faraor, bhí orthu smaoineamh as an nua. Scríobhadar agus léiríodar dráma go hiomlán ar líne darbh ainm Rún Ar Zúm agus dheineadar dhá dhramaí raidió – Cruachás le Celia de Fréine agus Rogha gach Díoga de chuid Alan Titley. Bíonn ceardlanna eile á rith acu chomh maith i rith na bliana, le haoichainteoirí mar gheall ar gach gné den ealaín ó scríbhneoireacht go scileanna aisteoireachta. Is féidir forbairt a dhéanamh ar do chuid scileanna aisteoireachta, agus cabhair a thabhairt ar chúl an stáitse chomh maith. Scríobhann siad a gcuid drámaí féin agus is féidir an-spraoi a fháil as a bheith páirteach sa chumann spreagúil bríomhar seo.

An Chuallacht Tá An Chuallacht mar Chumann Gaelach an choláiste agus cuireann siad imeachtaí ar siúl do gach saghas suim agus leibhéal líofachta.

San am a chuaigh thart, bhíodh tráth na gceist, díospóireachtaí, ceardlanna fostaíochta, Pop-Up Gaeltacht, agus dár ndóigh na Ciorcail Chomhrá ar siúl, inar féidir labhairt go neamhfhoirmeálta le mic léinn eile trí mheán na Gaeilge, do scíth a ligint agus cairde nua a dhéanamh. Ócáid mhór san fhéilire do mhuintir na Chuallachta is ea Seachtain na Gaeilge, a bhíonn lán d’imeachtaí spreagúla agus suimiúla do Ghaeilgeoirí de gach leibhéal líofachta. Bhí an-chuid comhoibriú anuraidh leis na Cumainn Ghaelacha i gcoláistí eile timpeall na tíre, go háirithe i gCogadh na gCumann agus táimid ag súil le himeachtaí iontacha eile i mbliana!

Cuireadh an chéad iris le chéile go hiomlán as Gaeilge Breac, le tacaíocht ón gCuallacht, ag clúdach tuairimí agus réimse alt faoi fhaisean, chúrsaí reatha agus siamsaíochta. Glacann muintir na Chuallachta páirt i nGaeilge 24 le Conradh na Gaeilge, ina labhraítear Gaeilge amháin ar feadh an lá ar fad. Bíonn muintir na Cuallachta le cloisteáil ar Raidió Champais 98.3FM agus is iontach an rud é an Ghaeilge a chloisint díreach ó bhéal na mac léinn i gcaitheamh an lae.

Áras Uí Thuama Seo scéim lóistín do mhic léinn Choláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh dóibh siúd a bhfuil suim acu an Ghaeilge a labhairt go laethúil. Tá Áras Uí Thuama suite in University Hall, faoi stiúir Ionad na Gaeilge Labhartha agus tógadh é in 2006.

Ainmníodh An tÁras in onóir do Sheán Ó Tuama, a bhí ina ollamh agus ina ghobharnóir ar Choláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh.

Tá sé ar fáil d’aon mhac léinn fochéime agus “Gaeltacht na hOllscoile” a ghlaoitear air. Tá spás do 27 mac léinn san iomlán san Áras agus bíonn árasáin do bheirt, do thriúr nó do cheathrar ar fáil. Tugtar scoláireacht €500 do mhic léinn a chomhlíonann na coinníollacha agus a labhraíonn Gaeilge ann don bhliain acadúil ar fad agus iad ina gcónaí ann.

Cuirtear mic léinn le daoine atá sa bhliain chéanna sa mhéad is gur féidir, ionas gur féidir cairde nua a dhéanamh i do bhliain féin. Cruthaítear pobal iontach Gaeilgeoirí laistigh den choláiste agus bíonn an-chraic agus an-spraoi le baint as a bheith i do chónaí ann agus a bheith páirteach sna himeachtaí a eagraítear do mhuintir an Árais, mar shampla babhláil, tráth na gceist nó bricfeasta ar maidin le gach ball den Áras. Cruthaítear atmaisféar fáilteach taitneamhach san Áras agus déanfar cairde buana don tsaol ann.

Mar a luaigh mé thuas, tá an-chuid áiseanna agus áiteanna chun do chuid Gaeilge a úsáid agus a chur chun cinn. Úsáid do chuid cúpla focal agus bain taitneamh as an mbliain atá romhainn!

Film & T.V.

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Forgotten Childhood Films CORMAC MCCARTHY Film & TV Editor As we are all settling back into college, the jolting memories of timetables and citations will hit us all like a brick wall. In these few starting weeks, we all need something to just take our mind off everything. However, before you watch The Office for the 10th time why not dip into something else that you have definitely already seen; a long lost film from your very early childhood.

It seems someone in the marketing department in Hollywood couldn’t be bothered to work one day and simply wrote “Ants” on the board in a meeting and accidentally made upwards of 300 million dollars as a result.

It’s only a matter of time before the studios see this article and realize that there are still a few more franchises that they haven’t yet revived.

A few that I hope they keep well away from modern audiences are the Now I don’t mean a timeless film that has not yet superseded the myriad of live-action films starring child actors that have inevitably ended generational gap such as The Lord of the Rings or The Matrix. I very up on internet lists with titles such as “You won’t believe what the girl from much mean a film that you nor I have heard of in a very long time.

Bridge to Terabithia looks like now.” Spoiler alert: She looks like an older These kinds of films came out only on DVD and wouldn’t be seen dead version of herself. on a Netflix selection. These are the kinds of films that have the music of Films included on this list that are definitely worth the watch include Holes, the “You wouldn’t steal a car” DVD Piracy ads permanently embedded which such timeless characters as Madame Zeroni, Stanley Yelnats and into the backs of everyone’s minds.

Zero. Also worth a watch is Charlotte’s Web, where Oprah Winfrey and These are the kind of films that you may have watched once at a cousin’s Andre 3000 provide the voices for a goose and a crow respectively. house on a rainy afternoon or perhaps in primary school when your The reason I suggest that these films is a good one. In a time in our lives teacher may have gone a little out a little bit too hard the night before when many of us are experiencing the highs and lows that adulthood brings, Let’s have a few examples that I’m sure are bound to get the memories there is often a tendency to yearn for a simpler time when everything was jogging. clean, bright and faultless. These films really are none of these things.

They are part of a time gone by. The reason we often associate them with Do you remember Chicken Little? Mr. Bean’s Holiday? What about being of a higher quality was because of the happy state we were in when the DreamWorks classic, Over the Hedge? Anyone for Marmaduke or we watched them. Sit down to one of them and you will chuckle to yourself Ratatouille? If we dig a little bit deeper, we get films such as Dr. Dolittle and wonder at how you could possibly be entertained by these films over starring Eddie Murphy, or maybe even the sequel Dr. Dolittle 2, also and over again. I hope that at least one of these films has brought up some starring Eddie Murphy where he tries to rehabilitate a dancing bear after sense of nostalgia for the reader and that by watching them that nostalgia, a disastrous accident occurs at a show, leaving him out of a job. The flutters away. bear, not Eddie.

Oh, the things that passed for children’s entertainment in the early noughties. I’ll bet you remember Garfield. You know? The 2003 film about the strikingly orange cat voiced by Bill Murray? I’ll bet you don’t remember the fact that the main plot of the film involves a television personality putting an electric shock collar on a dachshund in order to get onto primetime tv. I’m not making this up.

Why not give Matilda a go? I’m sure you remember the precocious little girl who defeats the wicked principal in a satisfying finale. But do you also remember that Danny Devito has Blonde hair for a large part of the film and that there is a six-minute long scene in the middle where we watch a ten-year-old boy eat a grotesquely large chocolate cake? There was no reason at all to make the scene that long but it’s there and it’s certainly not going away any time soon.

Why not dip into the most bizarre sub-genre of films to ever emerge from Hollywood; films about colonies of ants fighting for survival against a powerful enemy. And there are a lot of them.

There’s Antz, a film about a weedy but ambitious ant who realizes that the colony is stronger when they work together. But if that’s not to your taste there’s also A Bug’s Life, a film about a weedy but ambitious ant who realizes that the colony is stronger when they work together. There’s also The Ant Bully which is completely different to the other two because it is about a weedy but ambitious ant-sized CHILD who realizes that the colony is stronger when they work together. Completely different films.

Food and Health

17

Let’s Get Started: Cooking Up a Storm in College NATHAN CAREY Food and Health Editor

My name is Nathan and I’m heading into my final year as a Neuroscience student. I’ve always had a love for food but living away from home in my first year of college really helped me to hone my skills and become efficient at cooking my own meals. Through studying the brain and its interactions with the rest of our body over the years, I’ve become even more enamoured with how we fuel ourselves. I hope that through the food and health section this year I can teach you a few things about cooking effectively as a student and just how important food is in influencing our mood and behaviours.

When you walk through the gates of college for the first time, one’s mind can run wild with all the possibilities that starting this new life can bring.

Studying your passion, making friends for life and creating lasting memories. However, this new beginning can also bring stress. You may be moving into accommodation with people you don’t yet know, you might be away from home for the very first time and need to quickly learn to adapt to a new way of living. One thing that can ease you into the college experience is learning how to cook your own meals. To kickstart your culinary journey in college, it’s wise to gather some essential kitchen tools and gadgets. A medium-sized saucepan is always a great shout as it can be used in any number of ways to braise, stew and simmer. A frying pan is also an essential piece of kitchenware that can help you to fry up meats, eggs and veggies. While often overlooked, kitchen scales can go a long way in levelling up your cooking. You can find decent scales online for only a couple of euros, but the difference they make is astronomical. Whether you’re counting macros or baking up a storm, scales can take the guesswork out of your cooking. They also make clean-up a breeze as you can measure right into the mixing bowl, no more cups or spoons to clean! Another tool that I love to use in the kitchen is an immersion blender (also known as a stick blender). This small kitchen gadget allows you to create silky-smooth sauces and soups with the push of a button. If you know that time will slip away during a busy week, why not make a big batch of soup at the weekend and keep it in the fridge for a quick midweek lunch. Simply reheat and serve with a fresh slice of bread slathered in your favourite butter, it can’t be beaten!

With these tools in your arsenal, you will be serving up quality dishes in no time! If you’re sitting in your new accommodation right now fired up to start cooking I’ve got you covered. Below is my recipe for the best Bolognese around. It uses some of the techniques I’ve mentioned above but don’t worry if you can’t get your hands on an immersion blender, the sauce will be just as nice when left a bit chunkier!

Bolognese Recipe:

Place a medium-sized pot on medium-high heat until hot.

This recipe makes 4 hearty portions, you Crumble in beef mince and break up using a wooden spoon/fork. The aim of this step is can always save the leftovers in the fridge to brown the mince so don’t worry if the beef isn’t fully cooked through yet, it will finish cooking in the sauce. for later!

Remove the beef from the pan and set to one side

Ingredients:

Turn heat down and add 1 tbsp of olive oil to the beef fat in the pan.

Finely chop the onion and garlic and add them to the shimmering oil

500g pack of beef mince (5% fat keeps Gently fry the aromatics until they are almost soft. Be sure to keep them moving so they the calories low and protein high) don’t stick – this should take about 5 minutes.

1 tbsp olive oil 1 onion 5 cloves of garlic 2 tbsp tomato paste/purée 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Red chilli flakes (if you like some heat) 500g tin of chopped tomatoes Parmesan and basil for serving

Add tomato paste and fry for a further minute. This step cooks out most of the raw tomato flavour from the paste and allows it to caramelize a little. If you are using chilli flakes, add them at this stage.

Add the whole tin of chopped tomatoes along with half a can of water, Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper to taste Gently simmer the sauce for 10 minutes.

At this stage, you can leave the sauce in a chunkier state or if you prefer you can blend it smooth using an immersion blender.

Add the browned beef back into the sauce and pop a lid on the pot.

From here you can let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes and even up to 4 hours!

When you are ready to eat, serve this Bolognese up with your favourite pasta and top with freshly grated parmesan and some torn basil leaves.

Music

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Music in UCC & Beyond FLORRIE MCCARTHY Music Editor

Well, I suppose I’d better welcome everyone back to the start of a fresh academic year on behalf of the music community in UCC and give a normal, proper welcome to those who are only coming to UCC now. This is the music column of the Express. Here you will find updates on upcoming Irish artists, musings on the state of certain elements of music in society, interviews, album reviews, you name it - the scope is nice and wide, as long as it’s around music (you can, in fact, contribute yourself if you like, if you’re into writing as well: my email is music@uccexpress.ie ). Actually, it’s my first time writing - but please don’t let that put you off. I like to think I know a thing or two about music and if you have any inclination towards a few good tunes, or you can hold a tune, or you have perfect pitch and are a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist. I am here to point you in the direction of your people. As if the trope of coming to college and finding outlets and opportunities to really dig into and grow your passion wasn’t already true enough, UCC and Cork City have more than enough places in which you can fall deep into the circles of people who share your interest, be it discussion or creation or anything in between, and just get lost in the music.

I couldn’t write this article starting with anything else but the UCC Music Society. This is the main epicentre for those of us who love to sit around all day vibing to their favourite tunes, talking rubbish about their top three albums or jamming new ideas, be it dodgy and flowering or effortless and inspired, or all of the above. Bands have been formed here. Lifelong friendships. Beautiful songs have been written. Mixing with others is without a doubt a brilliant way to transform your musical mindset, to open yourself up to a vast, multidimensional field of mixing perspectives. Here you can fall in love with new genres or meet culture nerds who know even more about your favourite artist than you do. The society organises many wonderful events for the members to make new friends and enjoy music with old ones. Although a lot of these were online last year I think we can look forward to seeing more in-person meets this year. The most iconic of these is definitely the battle of the bands and the singer-songwriter competition. The same concept but for different amounts of people, these events are great ways for those who like to make music to put themselves out there to the people of the society and take a stab at exposing their creations to other music people, perhaps gauging their own potential on audience reaction and the levels of success reached in the competitions. Not that it’s all about being the best musician or seeing if you’re ready to take it seriously, not at all - the baseline mentality of coming to the society should be all about the craic, and remembering the definition of the word: play - but it is whatever you want it to be and if you like, that can most easily be a pool of creativity, from which a wealth of fun adventures and life-changing music can come.

This is only one of the many events the society organises. Others range from collaborations with the foodie society to have culturally themed event nights to guitar lessons for those who keep meaning to start trying but never do. They also like to promote the members who do play with videos of covers submitted, so if you make covers you could easily submit one and get featured here. This is not unlike the trad music society’s social media page. Yes, there is also a whole society for Irish trad music, who have many events they organise themselves. Their Instagram page is a star-studded highlight reel of people with the fastest fingers in the West, East, North and South. For those who spent their childhoods in ceoltas, this is highly recommended.

But I can’t just talk about the opportunities that come straight out of UCC. For those just coming to Cork for the first time, you’d be pushed to find a richer, more downto-earth scene for gigs and gigging musicians. Yes, the intimate, vulnerable, magical picture of a crowded room of music lovers hunched in toward a jazz combo or a singer with a guitar is one to which Cork is absolutely no stranger.

Winthrop Avenue, Cyprus Avenue and the famous Kino, the latter having recently undergone a fairly monumental change, are the old greats of Cork, offering shelter to the sapling musician with three chords and the truth and any bit of moxy from the vicious, wanton storm of the outside world. There are others, more normal pubs, and one gets to know the best haunts after a while. But for those who’ll go to anything on the website www.corkgigs.com is very well maintained.

So enjoy. Whether you love to listen to music, write music, play it, it doesn’t matter. There is something for everyone.

GAMING

19

Kick Back and Chill With These Relaxing Games CHLOE BARRETT Gaming Editor Ah, September. The busy, tumultuous, often difficult time of year as students settle into a fresh term of academic bliss. Oftentimes, it can be very stressful, and even talking about the pressure you are under can make a huge difference. Some turn to familiar hobbies to unwind and escape from the hectic nature of life, even if it is just for an hour. While there are other leisurely hobbies out there, gaming happens to be my speciality. Fighting games can be a great way to blow off steam, but I am here to recommend some lovely, relaxing ones.

First up is a cult classic: Animal Crossing. I am sure many have heard of this bestselling franchise, especially as its latest addition New Horizons took pandemic players by storm (when people were wishing for time off work to devote to this game, they did not mean over a year-long pandemic!). There are five Animal Crossing entries to the series, not counting the designer and board game versions, and they span on every major Nintendo console apart from the Wii U, which gives you plenty of variety. The focus on each game is similar, you are a human coexisting with animals in a town or island, and as you grow your friendships with them, you also develop your house and the surrounding areas. There is no pressure within the game, you simply take it at your own pace and do whatever you wish. From decorating to discovering new flower hybrids, this series has something for everyone within it. A multiplayer option also exists within most versions, so if you have the urge to visit your friend’s world for some chill time, or even a random player to trade items with, it is simple and fun to do.

Stardew Valley, designed by Eric Barone, is a farming simulator available on all consoles, pc and mobile. After inheriting your grandfather’s farm, your goal is to turn it into a farming wonderland, complete with crops and animals. You can live an entire life through it! Get married, perhaps have children, or prioritise your farm, you choose. If you want to be adventurous, take a detour to the nearby mine and fight some little pixel monsters, you have all the freedom.

With twenty-eight days in each month, there is no pressure to be particularly active one day, you can devote days to just crop farming and tending to your livestock. There are also regular events you can participate in to meet the locals and hobbies to indulge in, such as fishing. It is a great, relaxing, cute pixel adventure. Plus, the soundtrack itself can relieve some stress and calm your mind, which is always a plus.

Indie-esque titles are often known for being aesthetic, reasonably priced hidden gems which can easily provide hours of entertainment.

Usually available digitally on most major platforms, they are incredibly simple to download, pick up, and delve deep into. Donut County, developed by Ben Esposito, is a puzzle game where you are an expandable hole in the ground, intent on swallowing everything you can into your abyss. I will admit, it sounds strange, perhaps a bit off-putting by my description too. But, it is a fun and certainly unique game. The graphics are quite adorable and there are tons of wacky scenarios you can get yourself into. It is often on sale, and for the bargain price of a few euros, it is a worthy investment. After all, who doesn’t want to swallow towns whole in a relaxing, puzzling fashion?

The second indie title which I am recommending is brought to you by a Canadian studio called Thunder Lotus Games. It is none other than Spiritfarer. Now, an earnest warning, it can be a tearjerker. Playing as Stella, your job is to transport the spirits of the deceased into the afterlife. You build your boat, take care of kind spirits, and participate in lots of activities such as cooking, harvesting, fishing and more.

Grief is a big feature in this game, particularly the aspect of letting go and saying goodbye once you grow to love and care for someone.

Regardless, it is a truly gorgeous game, one that you will not forget anytime soon. If you’re in the mood for a possible cry, this is sure to trigger it, so bring tissues.

Want even more relaxing games? Check out the popular franchises of Minecraft, The Sims, Harvest Moon, or even some other indie titles, such as House Flipper, Alto’s Adventure, Kind Words, Coffee Talk, Planet Zoo, My Time At Portia, Calico and Hidden Folk. Countless amazing titles would appreciate your playtime while helping you chill out after these busy college days, so I do hope at least one of them helps you unwind.

SEXPRESS

20

QUARANTINE AND CHILL? EMILY OSBORN Sexpress Editor

Ireland is finally starting to emerge from lockdown. With the world being advised to avoid physical contact at all costs, it would have been expected that society’s collective sex lives would have died of neglect. But with all that time spent indoors, people had to do something (or someone) to fight their boredom. Sex during a worldwide pandemic was something very new to us all.

At the very beginning of the outbreak in the western world, The Department of Health in New York issued this advice on what to do if you’re feeling frisky: “the safest sexual partner you can have is yourself”. In a year where business for many companies was poor at best, sex toy sales were at an all-time high during April 2020. It seemed like people were taking the advice pretty well. At-home workers found new gaps in their schedule that needed to be filled, and most people stuck at home for days on end needed a proper dopamine boost, which is easily attainable when masturbating.

Another popular lockdown pastime was sexting- Before the lockdown, cybersex was usually a lot harder to initiate than simply meeting someone on a night on the town. Post-pandemic, however, people were making the most of their new Zoom accounts by using their webcam in ways the creators of Zoom probably never intended, and article after article was written on how to up your sexting skills, and the best angle to take nudes from (as could be seen in an Express article from last year “You Up? A Guide to Taking Nudes”).

Similarly, to this, views on porn sites also got an unexpected boost after April 2020. Pornhub reported 115 million different visits per day, which was well above their average in 2019.

Websites like OnlyFans became household names during the pandemic, with many sex workers opting to move online rather than provide in-person sessions, which now went against public health advice. People with regular sex partners were also affected by the pandemic and its restrictions. While you can’t contract Coronavirus solely from having sex with a partner, it was heavily ill-advised in the early months of the outbreak, unless both parties were 6 feet apart and wearing masks at all

times. One press release even sought that couples choose sex positions that weren’t face-to-face, as if reverse cowgirl could stop the spread of Covid-19. For some, sex was a great coping mechanism to ease lockdown blues and pass time. However other couples were (or weren’t) feeling the squeeze, with many reporting that increased anxiety and stress levels forced their libido into the gutter. A survey by sex toy company LoveHoney found that 19% of respondents who were isolating with their live-in partner were not having sex at all following the lockdown.

The stress of the pandemic affected people’s mental health massively, and many people felt that getting in the mood was the literal last thing on their minds during what felt like the end of the world.

All forms of socialising basically ceased to exist over the span of a few months, and casual sex and one-night stands felt as if they could be a thing of the past as well. However, many people were still trawling through dating apps and online forms looking for partners to safely hook up with, and one dating website marketed to people who are already in relationships reported a 10% increase in use during the pandemic. People who categorise themselves as thrill-seekers may have found breaking lockdown restrictions in order to get down and dirty an exciting and arousing experience. Others felt that the long-term abstinence that came with lockdown to be detrimental to their mental health and found the relief of human intimacy to be a welcome break from their own company. While we don’t condone breaking lockdown rules for any reason, it’s clear that not even a worldwide stay-at-home order and pandemic can stop people from getting off with each other.

Hopefully sooner rather than later, Covid-19 will feel like a distant memory. People will inevitably resume their normal sexual habits, and a return to on-site work for many will mean no more watching porn during your lunch hour. In time, we can fondly look back on our sex lives (or lack thereof) and remember what it was like to be stuck at home in 2020.

Fashion

21

A WARDROBE RE-FRESH CLAIRE WATSON Fashion Editor

Just because it’s a new term, doesn’t mean our clothes have to be too.

Why not step out onto the quad in a refreshed, vintage fit. With the Fashion Society’s recent thrifting event, it’s clear that the students of UCC love vintage. A love for vintage has swarmed popular media, and there’s no doubt that the hit period drama Bridgerton and trends like “cottagecore” and “royal-core” have influenced our wardrobes, with corsets making a belated comeback. Whether we’re rocking mullets and flairs, gogo boots and twiggy earrings, waistcoats and flashy prints, the consumer has never been fonder of the past.

But what is vintage? The term vintage is not always accurate, so buckle up Depop, resellers. Cambridge describes vintage as “clothing, jewellery, etc. that is not new, especially when it is a good example of a style from the past.” More accurately, vintage is at least 20 years old. So yes, Depop, Y2K is vintage. However, vintage ‘looking’ clothes are not. Rather, these are retro. Then there’s antique, any item that was “made in an earlier period and considered to have value because of being beautiful, rare, old, or of high quality.” -anything over 100 years old.

The power of online connections has allowed subcultures of fashion to thrive, with many artisans and collectors now engaging with a global audience. There is a whole online community behind vintage fashion, with many influencers sharing their antique wardrobes and retro lifestyles.

Karolina Zebrowska is a YouTuber that specialises in vintage apparel.

While most of her content is her creating memes in antique apparel, she also offers advice to those new to the community. For example, she warns new wearers to be ready to do some sewing. It is hard to find a secondhand item in perfect condition, but most issues can be fixed with some needle and thread. Still, it is good to gauge your sewing skills before buying.

Many vintage wearers go a step beyond fashion and frame their lifestyles around a certain aesthetic or era. Jasmine Chiswell, a famous TikTokker, is not only known for her recreation of the Monroe look, but for her mannerisms and interior design choices. She’s been on a mission to style her home in authentic 50s furniture, sharing her hunt for the vintage couch of her dreams with thousands.

Zack Pinsent is a wearer and tailor of antique (or retro), period clothing and uses his platform to discuss social issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, mental health, and climate change. His company website, PinsentTailoring, details their efforts to protect the environment by using recycled material and locally sourced fabrics where they can.

Collecting second-hand clothes can often be like looking for a needle in a haystack, or, like looking for the dress of your dreams in a stack of faded dad shirts.

Charity shops and Depop are the most accessible spots, but it can be hard to find authentic vintage in good condition. Depop has recently come under fire for its part in the “gentrification of charity shops.” Still, there are many top-notch, independent sellers such as ApparationVintage, CatchinCacti, and Wild & Romy to be found on the app.

Flea Markets guarantee vintage and antique items, though not all have clothes sellers, they are the best spots for authenticity.

Mother Jones’ Flea Market is a great spot for collectors, though most stalls aren’t clothing orientated, stock changes regularly and there is always a small but zany collection of bright clothes waiting to be rehomed. While not all are necessarily vintage, it’s a great place for one of a kind items.

Kilogarm sets up regular pop up events across the country, often setting up in Clayton here in Cork City. There, clothes are priced by weight and so the prices attached to brands are thrown out the window.

Across the country shops that specialise in vintage apparel are popping up, such as Nine Crows in Dublin, Dublin Vintage Factory, and Old Soul Vintage in Waterford. Vintage boutiques are now fighting against singleuse clothes, particularly party wear. These include No.8 in Galway and the three SiopaElla shops in Dublin.

The rise in popularity of vintage, retro and antique fashion is no doubt attributed to the change in consumer attitudes. Thrifting is one of the best ways to act against fast fashion, and mass-produced labels. While there is nothing wrong with wanting to stay on trend, the industry is manufacturing new trends at such a fast rate that consumers can’t afford to keep up, thus we all feel as though we’re behind the times. So, why not get even further behind the times? Vintage fashion challenges this hierarchy.

Whatever your style or whatever is your reason, there’s a vintage (or perhaps retro or antique) item waiting to be rehomed by you.

Arts Literature ARTS &AND LITERATURE

22

coming together again CIAN PIERCE Arts and Literature Editor

This September classes and events will return to being held on campus for the most part. While the past year introduced many new creative solutions and outlets for students to share their appreciation for and engage with art and literature, for example, UCC Dramat Society’s “Wish You Were Here”, UCC Musical Theatre Society’s production of “Mean Girls” and book clubs hosted by a variety of societies. As appreciative and impressed as we all are by the Societies and students’ dedication to keeping the arts alive in our brief venture into the digital world, it is about time we returned to our rightful place on campus so we can ensure that UCC’s creative spark never goes out and that the arts thrive once again in our university and city at large.

To start our return to campus out on a high note and to give incoming students a taste of college life, “Give it a Go Festival” will be on from the 13th September to 1st October. The festival is open to all students of UCC, we highly encourage you to meet members from 106 of the active societies in UCC and get involved in their activities. The Festival is a great way to meet new people, connect with all our societies in UCC and learn something fun while you’re there!

The events will be held in-person and online throughout the three weeks.

Some events being run by the Social Societies include the LGBTQ Society’s “Gaymes Night”, which will be held online; Southeast Asia Society’s “Taste of East Asia”, which will be held in-person; and Sci-Fi Society’s “How to be a Geek 101”, which will be held in-person. Some events held by the Political & Activism Societies include Feminist Society’s “Sleepover Club – Movie Night: Little Women”, which will be held in-person; Cooperative Society’s “Activist Evening” which will be held in-person; and Disability Activism & Awareness Society’s “Introduction to Disability Activism & Awareness Society”, which will be held in a blend of online and in-person. Some events held by the Cultural & Debating Societies include Psychological Society’s “Mind Yourself Now: Self-Care Techniques with Psych Soc”, which will be held in a blend of online and in-person; and An Chuallacht Society’s “Bingó leis an gcuallacht

” which will be held both online and in-person. Some events from the Creative Societies include Choral Society’s “Speed Choir”, which will be held in-person; and Scribble Society’s “Scribble Sesh” which will be held online.

For more information, the full events guide and sign up for events, visit the UCC Societies’ website or social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The Festival will be a great way to familiarise yourself with Campus, society events and the thriving artistic culture that the University has to offer!

The annual tradition of Culture Night will be in full swing on Friday 17th September. This will be the sixteenth edition of Culture Night, brought by the Arts Council in partnership with local authorities and cultural organisations that all seek to elevate and celebrate the resilience and creativity of the Rebel County. The full evening of cultural activity will be onwards from 4 pm to midnight. Over 100 events have been created, truly a testament to the fervour of the artistic community in Cork. Many events will be held online – through live streams, file footage or pre-recorded content; but there will also be plenty of live events in-person across venues in the city, both indoors and outdoors.

Some events to look forward to include five temporary public artworks that will be put up throughout the city; “In Habitat, In Transition”, a solo exhibition

by Deirdre Frost in St. Luke’s Crypt; Slow Puncture, a solo exhibition by Lily O’Shea: A series of reflections on precarious labour and the experience of burnout; “A Night of Culturally Diverse Communities and Performance”, based on the theme of diversity and inclusion this will take place in the Historic Spine of the City; and “My Chronic Pain Diary”, a Cork city art trail chronicling life with chronic pain for September – Pain Awareness Month.

Along with street art festivals and outdoor band rehearsals, this Culture Night will be one to remember! For more information visit culturenightcork. ie or follow the official Culture Night social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

SPORTS

Issue 1 | TUESDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 2021 | University Express

23

One Year later, UCC clubs finally return SAM CURTIN Sports Editor

It’s been a long time coming but college life slowly begins to return to normal this September. While the past year has been unusual inside the classroom, the same can be said for outside. It has been eighteen months since sport has been played on university grounds and for many, it is a year overdue.

For second years it will feel like a fresh start when their college life finally begins in earnest while incoming first years have had their own challenges to deal with. Over the coming weeks, the hustle and bustle of clubs and socs fairs will resume in some shape or form and students will finally get to have their pick of the lot. Some looking to continue where they left off, others for the very first time. An experience which is arguably a rite of passage for all students attending the skull and crossbones.

For the clubs themselves, the upcoming year represents a chance to make up for lost time and long goodbyes have become longer reconnections with members who may have lost contact over the past eighteen months. What’s truly incredible is the vast array of options available to students with the current range of clubs arguably larger and more diverse than it has ever been. There are over 50 clubs in total in UCC, some of whom have only been in existence for a couple of years and may have felt the burden of pandemic more than others as they attempt to establish themselves among students and the wider public.

Not only this but from my own experience, the clubs that I am involved with such as tennis and rugby are delighted to be back and are almost welcoming the administrative work normally has to be done as it is a sign of a return to normality, something which hopefully will not be out of reach over the next few months. Some clubs such as rugby and soccer are already back in pre-season and playing games in preparation for the year ahead. It has been refreshing to see the farm in Curraheen being a hub of activity once again having been dormant for so long.

Along with the Farm, the Mardyke is a must visit place for incoming students as the sporting year begins to gather pace. Sports such as rugby, hockey, GAA and basketball are all to be played out within yards of each other. That’s without even mentioning the dozens of other clubs dotted around the surrounding suburbs awaiting the chance to showcase themselves as the club to be with.

One important initiative which should help incoming students is the “Find Your Sport” campaign which is starting on the 20th of September.

It is designed to help both clubs and students find the right club for them in order to make new friends, try a new activity and help bring the vibrant atmosphere back to extra-curricular activities which have been long missed.

Another hugely important initiative is the return of the UCC Quercus sports scholarship which will have a huge impact for its recipients and for the profile of sport in UCC. Notable current scholars include Olympic gold medallist Paul O’Donovan.

The scholarship can transform the lives of a student who may struggle with balancing their academic and sporting careers.

The financial assistance along with the opportunity to access the very best of facilities gives students every opportunity to achieve on and off the sporting field without the extra stress of external issues such as accessing accommodation, paying fees and time management.

Overall, this upcoming year can’t come soon enough. The return of clubs and what they bring to student life is the perfect antidote to the past 18 months. One only truly appreciates something when it’s gone and to have sport back should make this extra special on and off the pitch.

As the saying goes, good things come to those who wait. It’s good to be back.

University

Volume 24 | Issue 10 | Tuesday 30th March 2021

Sports

UCCExpress.ie

UCC Sport on The Global Map after Tokyo SAM CURTIN Sports Editor

It was long time coming around, but the delayed Tokyo Olympics did not disappointed. Not just from a team Ireland perspective but also team UCC which featured 11 athletes who are either current students or graduates from the skull and crossbones. Seven are current undergraduates which made the university the most represented third level institution on the team.

On the eve of the Games, hopes were high that Ireland could come home with a record medal total. While perhaps 4 medals is a slight underachievement considering the quality within the team, there were many highlights from a UCC perspective. On that note, there is nowhere else to start but, on the water, where our rowers showed that they are the new global superpower in the sport. The women’s four got proceedings off to a flier by winning bronze which featured both Emily Hegarty (current) and Aifric Keogh (graduate) alongside teammates Eimear Lambe and Fiona Murtagh. They became the first Irish women’s crew ever to win a medal at the Olympics. A mention must also go to current student Tara Hanlon who was reserve for the crew and put in a huge amount of work to make it this far.

This medal was not the only evidence of the strength of women’s rowing in Ireland with Aoife Casey and Margaret Cremen finishing a very respectable 8th place in the Lightweight doubles’ skulls. This is a terrific achievement for such a young crew and Paris 2024 promises to be even better. UCC student Lydia Murphy was reserve for this crew.

Onto the men’s and there is no where else to start but with the dynamic duo of Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy, arguably the poster boys for UCC and Ireland going into the Olympics. They did not disappoint living up to their status as gold medal favourites by powering to gold in the lightweight doubles’ sculls. They are still unbeaten as a pair and Paris could beckon them to legendary status if they manage to repeat the feat. Unfortunately for fellow UCC student Ronan Byrne and partner Philip Doyle they could not replicate their form going into the Olympics and only managed 10th in the men’s double sculls. They are a young crew with huge potential however and will go into Paris as possible medal contenders with this experience hopefully standing to them.

From the water to the track and once again UCC was well represented in athletics. Phil Healy played out her Olympic dream by running her heart out in the inaugural 4x400m mixed relay event which saw Ireland qualify for the final. Although, the UCC graduate could not repeat the feat in the 200m and 400m, she did admit afterwards that the relay was her priority. Healy also became the first Irish athlete to compete in three events at the same Olympics on the track. Fellow graduate Louise Shanahan also exited in the 800m heats in what is arguably the most competitive event currently in women’s middle distance running. Aoife Cooke ran in the women’s marathon with the horrendous conditions in Sapporo taking its toll on the UCC graduate who unfortunately failed to finish. Having said this, the 34-year-old only ran her first marathon in 2015 after years of injuries which shows how far one can go if they have the belief and work ethic to achieve their dreams.

Overall, it was a very successful games for the university and with such a young team, Paris could be even better. Interestingly UCC would have finished 59th in the medal table if competing as its own team which shows the quality of athletes present on Leeside.

Finally, a huge mention must be given to UCC athletes who competed at the Paralympics just a couple of weeks later. Current student and shot putter Mary Fitzgerald along with alumni Patrick O’Leary (canoeist) and Niamh McCarthy (discus) represented Ireland in Tokyo. McCarthy finished just shy of the medals in 5th in the F5 women’s discus while O’Leary matched this result in the men’s VL3 event. Fitzgerald who was making her debut at the games finished a respectable 6th in the F40 shot put in difficult conditions.

Fingers crossed we see all of them along with even more athletes in both sets of Games compete in 2024. One thing we know for certain is that the future is bright for sport in UCC. Paris here we come!