An Focal (Vol. XXV Edition 6)

Vol. XXV • Edition 6

November 2016

New Journalism Professor

Drug & Alcohol Awareness Week

World-Class Cormican

UL Reacts to President Trump

By Nicole Glennon

When Donald Trump formally announced his candidacy on the June 26th 2015, politicians, journalists and many American citizens, were convinced it was a joke.

Last week, the billionaire businessman shocked the world, including the students and staff of UL, when he won the US Presidential Election.

“When I woke up and saw on my phone that he had won I genuinely couldn’t believe it,” first year Law Plus student Shannon Freaney said.

“The fact that so many people could vote for a man who incites so much hate. Up until then it had been a joke because I never thought he’d win, but it’s just not funny anymore.”

Fourth year student Seamus Toomey said he was disappointed in the American people for electing Mr. Trump.

“America will survive but social issues, environmental issues and foreign relations will suffer for the next four years.

“I can’t imagine that this is the best American has to offer or anywhere within the realm of close,” he added.

Many American students in the University were equally horrified

to wake up to the news that Mr Trump had succeeded in his campaign for the United States presidency.

Hannah Nelson, an international student from Boston, said she would have been onboard with the president-elect’s take on economics but his “outrageous comments” about women, homosexuals, Mexicans, immigrants and other candidates made it “harder to see him as President.”

“I am worried about what he will attempt to do with our civil rights,” Hannah said.

“I am worried to see what our foreign affairs will turn into, and

I am worried about the general welfare and happiness of my fellow Americans.”

Maddie Ybarra, a student from California, believes the election has finally shown “all the hate that has been brewing in America.”

“This election season really showed the worst of people on both sides,” she said.

“In my opinion, America elected hate and ignorance to be president. There are definitely many people in the US who are racist, misogynistic, xenophobic, homophobic - you name it.

“But there are so many other people who are afraid after this election

because these hateful beings finally feel like they have validation to be truly awful people.”

“This entire election season felt like a joke and now we have a joke as a president,” the Californian added.

The outrage expressed by many after Tuesday’s election was widespread, but Trump has clearly got many supporters, both in the US and even in UL. Music, Media and Performance Technology student Tadhg O’Connor here in UL believes America got the candidate “that actually cares about the country and cares about the people.”

“To the people that are worried – don’t be,”

he said.

“If you’re not a terrorist and if you’re not in the country illegally then don’t be, if you’re not a dirty politician don’t be. But if you are, be worried. Be very worried. The day of reckoning is coming and trumps about to clean house.”

First year student Ryan Hanton believes people are reacting emotionally to Trump but it is essential for people to be “pragmatic.”

Mr Hanton wouldn’t label himself a Trump supporter but argues that there could be positives to his victory.

“Americans can’t get jobs and services as a

result of immigrants and a sizeable amount of them are illegal. He’s talking about getting companies to stay in America.

Globalization is a major problem these days. That makes economic sense for America..

He also added that he doesn’t think Trump supporters should be vilified.

“Brexit and now Trump - It’s not an effort to be bigoted, it’s an effort by people to change things. And things need changing.”

International Relations lecturer Scott Fitzsimmons said this election was “extraordinary.”

“American’s were asked to choose between a highly experienced, if uninspiring, woman, and a man who had not only never held political office but also repeatedly demonstrated that he lacked the intelligence and moral character to lead the most powerful country on Earth.”

Dr Fitzsimmons believes that the “shocking outcome” signals a need for both the Democratic and Republican parties to “reform their candidate selection process to ensure that no one as unqualified as Donald Trump ever gets close to the White House again.”

November 2016

2

A Message from Your ULSU Academic Officer Donal Foley Donal Foley commented on campus crime in edition 5 of An Focal on November 2nd.

He spoke with An Focal again after persons associated with UL and Limerick city objected to the content of one of his comments.

CONTRIBUTORS: Ciara Barry Mark Boylan Camille Brown Carrie Burns Annmarie Campbell Rowan Coleman Eilish Condon Ciara Ferguson Nicole Glennon Kaylee Hardiman Ciara Maria Hayes Marie Heguy-Urain Paul Jordan Kevin Kinane Rebecca Laffan Martin Lennon Shannon Lowe Atty McLellan Aisling Moloney Aisling O’Connor Dara O’Dwyer Sonya Ramondino Yash Sanghvi Kiera Thornton Emil Trahan Katharina Wallenfels Conor Whelan Maeve Wrixon Baoyan Zhang

By Martin Lennon

Aotearoa

In the land of the long white cloud A warrior dance gets a crowd

I would like to apologise for the sweeping statement that was made in the last edition of An Focal.

My comment was unfair and elitist.

I should not have stereotyped people based on appearances or where they are from.

I accept I was wrong for this and I am sorry.

- Donal Foley

EDITOR: Paul Saunders NEWS: Evie Kearney SPORTS: Caoimhin Reilly DESIGN: Hannah Carr-Murphy COPY: Naomi Deevy

Limericks from Limerick

Whether on the marae Kiwi star scores a try Maori culture is strong and proud

An Focal Crossword Test your knowledge of this week’s edition!

ACROSS 1. Donald _______ was elected President of the US 4. Name of UL’s American Football Team 7. Item students want on the north side of campus 9. The answer to all our social problems 10. Last name of a UL singer/songwriter 12. The topic of the workshop held in the SU 13. The name of the latest Drama Soc production

@AnFocal_UL

DOWN 2. Out in UL hosted ________ week 3. John McGrath’s county team 5. Week 11 is Drug and _____ Awareness Week 6. Club that will be merging with Krav Maga 7. Location of the ESB competition 8. Club that hosted a fundraiser on campus 11. Name of UL’s latest sculpture

An Focal

AnFocalUL

November 2016

3

Students Warned Over Stolen Laptops

By Paul Saunders

Students are advised to be on high alert as numerous laptops have been stolen from the library in recent weeks.

Last week, two Apple MacBook’s worth over €2000 each were stolen when students left their belongings unattended for a few short minutes.

The majority of students leave their belongings unattended in the library during long study sessions and are now being warned against such behaviour by campus security.

Niamh Cronin was working on her friend’s laptop when she took a short break and returned to find the laptop gone.

Ms Cronin said her friend was so distraught that she couldn’t speak when she found out her laptop was stolen.

“The laptop is worth €2,300 right now and her FYP and all her family photos and VCR videos that have been converted to files on her laptop as well and it’s been stolen, she’s in a heap.”

Mia Fleming, the

owner of the laptop, backs up her essays on it every two weeks and has lost all of her recent work on her FYP. Ms Cronin has said she has lost faith in security around campus in light of recent events.

“You obviously think you’re safe in the library, you’re in a place full of all your peers and there’s security on every floor, you’re there to study and the library is supposed to facilitate that.

The last thing you’d think is that someone, who is supposed to be there to study like you, would take your things,” she added.

Ms Cronin and Ms Fleming said that talking to the Gardaí and campus security was “the biggest waste of time.”

The library is patrolled by security on each floor and has CCTV cameras around the building.

However, no camera was on the first floor where Ms Cronin was sitting and no footage of the thief was recorded.

“There’s nothing

they can do, there’s no CCTV footage around where she was sitting.

The security asked people sitting near her and they saw nothing.

“It could be anyone they obviously put it in their bag before they walked out.

“The library is a place that holds so many valuable books and machines and has security everywhere that stand and chat and do nothing and not one camera there to identify the person stealing another person’s belongings,” Ms Cronin added.

Both girls have no interest in pursuing charges against the students that stole the laptop.

“I don’t care who took it at all. I’ve no interest in knowing who they are. I won’t press charges or anything I just want it back, frankly.”

Second year law student Rachel Hanley also had her MacBook stolen when she took a short break to go to the bathroom.

Ms Hanley lost a lot of course work when her laptop was taken and is offering a reward for

the return of her laptop.

“I’m not so much concerned about the laptop itself more with all the work I have on it for my exams.

“The content of the work is far more valuable to me than the laptop itself and I would be willing to offer up to €500 for anyone who finds it or hands it in,” she said.

Students Union President Sarah Dunphy is telling students to be wary of their belongings.

“Do not think that yours won’t be stolen

or targeted. Expect the unexpected. Please be vigilant.

“It is terrible to think students are stealing from other students but it is happening. Laptops are expensive but what is worse is many FYP’S or assignments are on these laptops and with deadlines and exams approaching,” she added.

“If you see criminal activity of any kind, on or off campus, report it immediately to security or the Gardaí. It is the only way we can tackle this problem.”

Lack of Feminine Hygiene Products on Campus

By Katie Martin & Aimee Wells A lack of easily available feminine hygiene products on campus is causing concern among the female student population.

Research has shown that across the entire campus of UL, there are only two feminine hygiene vending machines available, located in the Foundation Building and in the library.

For confirmation that this, in fact, is the case, an email was sent to the

relevant section, but unfortunately no comment was given.

“I’ve seen my girlfriend being asked three or four times for a tampon around college,” said second year student Jack.

Of the two vending machines that are available, the one in the library has been out of order for a number of weeks.

A member of the library staff stated that she was unaware the machine was not working.

However, the staff

member did commit to organising repair of this machine and the placing of an extension number to contact in the event of it not functioning correctly in the future.

The second machine is located where it can be easily accessed by members of the public attending events, but less likely to be accessed by the student population.

It would seem a no brainer to have smaller vending machines in every female toilet block as you would

find in most large retail stores.

This would also be a source of revenue for the college.

“I think it is definitely a basic need for ladies to have this and it is something that we’ll have to cater for, both here in the students union and in our new students centre down the line,” said Student Union President Sarah Dunphy.

The SU provides three condoms for €1 but does not cater for feminine hygiene.

When asked about

the possibility of selling these products in the SU, Sarah said: “It would be a very good idea.

“If we can sell condoms, I don’t see why it couldn’t be done.

“It’s a necessity girls have access to these facilities on campus,” she added.

First year Ryan said: “I wouldn’t be advocating for the supply of condoms on campus before the supply of tampons so if they can supply one, they can supply the other.”

Most of the female

students who participated in this research indicated that they would carry their own supply but there is always the possibility to be caught unaware.

“I’d always have them in my bag,” said second year Ciara.

“I’m sure there are other people who aren’t as organised,” said student Ruth.

Sarah Dunphy said: “For people who are studying or need them in a crisis situation, it’s absolutely terrible to think they would have nowhere to get them.”

November 2016

4

Daily Star Editor Joins UL Faculty

By Aisling Moloney

The former editor and managing director of The Irish Daily Star has joined the UL Journalism Department as an adjunct professor.

Ger Colleran graduated from UL in 1993 currently in his second year of studying law with Kings Inns.

Journalism students will get a chance to learn from Mr Colleran’s master classes throughout the year where he will give his interesting views on industry affairs and the future of journalism.

“The one thing young student journalists need to set aside is the cloud of fear that has hit the media industry over the past 10 to 15 years because of the massive disruption caused by digital technology,” Mr Colleran said.

“Whether it’s stone tablets from Mount Si-

nai, gossip at the end of the medieval village, print, telephone, television or digital - it is immaterial.

“People are still interested in stories about people and the world around them.

The delivery vehicles may alter, but there are

certain basic standards that need to be upheld: accuracy and integrity, and the need to challenge and question. That sort of rigour needs to be encouraged.”

The Daily Star head has an abundance of experience in all fields

of journalism to pass off to the UL trainee reporters, after he changed from print to broadcasting late in his career.

Mr Colleran has been a TV3 presenter and newspaper columnist, co-authored a book on the Kerry Babies case

and played a central role in the political negotiations on the new Defamation Act. Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Professor Tom Lodge said the appointment of Mr Colleran would significantly expand

the range of experience that UL can offer its journalism students.

Head of UL Journalism Fergal Quinn said: “He will be teaching occasional classes with a core focus on print journalism and give his history as a newspaper editor.”

Mr Quinn said that having adjunct professors like Mr Colleran and RTÉ’s Brian Dobson gives the chance to students to interact with people at the top of their profession.

“He is an interesting and provocative commentator on the role of journalism, in particular ‘popular’ journalism. He will put an emphasis on core journalism values.

“All of our students will have an opportunity to have a class with him. I’m sure he’ll enjoy learning from the students and they will enjoy learning from him.”

Students to Represent Ireland in International ESB Engineering and Commerce Competition

By Rebecca Laffan A group of UL engineering and finance students will represent UL and Ireland in an international engineering and commerce competition in Montreal next year.

The team qualified after winning the ESB Inter Colleges Challenge, beating eight other colleges on November 3rd and 4th in the Irish Management Institute (IMI).

The teams were tasked with researching and designing a solution to a difficult engineering and financial energy challenge in just seven

hours before presenting it to a panel of expert judges.

“It was a very challenging competition,” said team member Darrren Fehilly.

“When the briefing finished you could hear a pin drop, nobody even had any questions because we were all trying to take in the magnitude of the challenge.

“Once we got to our boardroom we began firing out ideas and fleshing out a full scale business model. As the day went on the pressure increased solely due to the time constraints that were placed on us but we

were confident that we had a very good model that had the potential to impress,” the second year Mechanical Engineering student added.

Chief Executive of ESB Pat O’Doherty said: “I warmly congratulate the University of Limerick team who won out in the face of such stiff competition.

The high level of skills and creativity showcased by all teams was exceptional, as too was their understanding of the needs of the energy market and consumers.

“I commend each of the students and their mentors for the time and effort they invested

in this competition. I wish the winning team the very best as they represent their college and the country in the international competition in Montreal next March.”

The runners-up spot was claimed by Waterford Institute of Technology who received a summer placement in ESB. The competition, which has been hosted by ESB for the past three years, offers teams composed of three engineering and one finance student the opportunity to apply their skills to create innovative and commercially

focused solutions to real life energy-focused problems.

ESB is sponsoring the team’s participation in the international competition in Montreal in 2017, with the UL team also receiving placements in the organisation.

“I suppose the plan for Montreal is just to get as much research done as possible in terms of renewable energies, materials, emerging technologies. To keep practicing problem solving as a team so that we are as prepared as we can be,” Darren said.

“It’s difficult to prepare

fully for an unknown challenge so all we can do is make our knowledge of possible topics as broad as possible.

“Teamwork is the most important factor in these situations, I’m sure the rest of the lads will agree with that.

Despite the fact we didn’t even know each other a few weeks ago, we’ve managed to gel quite well.

“I feel there isn’t much they can throw at us that we won’t be able to handle really, I’d be very confident in our abilities and we will certainly do ourselves proud over there no doubt.”

November 2016

5

A Letter to the Eighth

By Dara O’Dwyer

For the past few issues of An Focal, we have all read the various letters written and addressed to the 8th Amendment.

This has been really interesting as we have heard the voices of some students, listened to their concerns and views on the issue.

We have heard students speak up in defence of the 8th, and those who are longing to see the back of this provision.

We can keep writing letters to the 8th, but I felt that I should bring your attention to another means of expressing your views.

The 8th Amendment is merely a provision in the Constitution.

Article 40.3.3° will not change itself, it cannot change itself, and un-

fortunately, our letters to it aren’t yet able to change it.

While our letters to the 8th can inform the students of this university, and encourage them to stand up and make their views known, we cannot change anything.

We do not yet have the power to make this change by vote, as we have not been given the opportunity to have our voices heard through a referendum.

We can keep writing to the 8th, but our words still can’t make a difference.

The decision is not yet within our reach. The people of Ireland are calling for a referendum, but we are unlikely to be granted this request any time soon.

Why? Because of the formation of the Cit-

izen’s Assembly – 99 citizens of Ireland gathered together, chaired

by Justice Laffoy to consider a number of issues.

One of these issues is the 8th Amendment.

They will deliberate on the amendment, hear submissions to aid them in their discussion, and later report to the government on the matter.

This Assembly, while it may be a stalling tactic on behalf of the government, a government not yet willing to put the question to the people of Ireland, it is useful.

The outcome of this Assembly will hopefully provide a resounding opinion on the part of the people as to what they want.

This could pave the way to a change, if the

Assembly finds that this is the wish of the people.

And this is where you come in. It’s time to address the Assembly, it is time to make them aware of what you think.

For the last semester, we have taken the opportunity to put our views forward, because An Focal have given us the platform to do so.

But what we also need is the opportunity to speak to those who will be making the decisions regarding the future of the Amendment.

If you feel strongly about the 8th, now is your chance.

The Citizens Assembly has begun their work and are now calling out to us.

They want the people of Ireland to have their voices heard on the

matter, they are inviting us to make submissions.

I’m not writing this article to advocate a side, I am writing this to let you know that it is time to have your say.

We have not yet lost our voice, we can still contribute to the discussion.

Until December 16th 2016, the Assembly will be receiving submissions.

You can do this online (the easy way) via citizensassembly.ie.

Or you can write to them at: Citizens Assembly, 16 Parnell Square, Dublin 1.

I encourage you to take this action if you feel strongly on the matter.

Personally, I will be writing to the Assembly myself, to let them know of all my reasons

in favour of repealing the 8th Amendment, and I think it would be fantastic if all of your opinions could be heard too.

If you care about the matter in such a way that you have been writing a letter to the 8th, then please use that passion and also direct it towards the Assembly.

We are being given the opportunity to speak out through An Focal and to speak to the Assembly itself, there is no excuse to stay silent anymore.

We all need to take a little time and contribute.

Have your voice heard by the people making the decisions, have your say.

It’s time to also write about the 8th, not just to it.

UL Animal Welfare Society Responds to Students’ “Night at the Dogs” Criticism

By Christina Foley-Ellis As chairperson of the UL Animal Welfare society, I consider myself lucky to be a part of something special that aims to help those that can’t help themselves.

We are a voluntary, student led society with limited manpower and even more limited resources and funding, but we do what we can to help our furry friends!

Our society was founded with the aim of promoting a positive attitude towards animals and educating everybody involved on animal welfare issues.

We try to create an environment where likeminded people can come together and discuss their thoughts and feelings on issues that capture their attention, and build friendships based on a mutual interest.

So to reiterate, we’re a small group of volunteers, with a common goal: to educate.

We are not activists, we are not extremists.

We have never, nor will we ever, stand anywhere with pickets or banners and tell people what to do.

We will however, try to inform people, and allow them to come to their own conclusions.

On the 17th of November, the UL Student’s Union are hosting an event, “UL Wolves Go To The Dogs.”

To set the record straight to both students and the greater public alike, we were not aware of this event until it became public knowledge.

We were not given any forewarning about such an event and we had nothing to do with the organising of it.

We will not tell people not to go, and we certainly will not try and prevent students from going, but we will ask people to inform themselves before they make

the decision to do so.

Since the event was published we have received an inordinate amount of abusive emails and messages.

Students have been demanding that we do something about this “disgusting event,” and members of the public have been telling us we should be ashamed of ourselves.

We have been called “uneducated,” by commenters who assume that we as a society intend to protest these events, that this is what we were set up for.

Personally, I don’t support this event and am disappointed in the SU for organising it.

As a society we will not support, and we will not be attending.

We made a statement to that effect on our Facebook page following the hateful, accusatory messages we received, which some felt did not go far enough.

I am sorry that we can’t please everybody, but we are just a small bunch of students trying to juggle schoolwork and jobs, all while trying to save the animals.

We are doing our best.

So while we won’t tell anyone not to go, we will ask you to just do a little bit of reading or research.

How many grey-

hounds disappear every year? Why? Where to?

What happens to them when they “retire”?

How many greyhounds get exported illegally annually?

If you can read all that, educate yourself and still suit up and go then that’s fine.

We’ll have done our bit and at least you’re making an informed decision for yourself.

To students we say: get reading!

To the general public we say: please don’t be so quick to judge and make assumptions about the greater student body.

November 2016

6

Sculpture Finds “Niche” on North Side

By Ciara Barry The University of Limerick this week unveiled its first public sculpture in more than 10 years, a piece entitled “Niche” by artist Orla de Bri. The sculpture is placed by the oak trees outside the Graduate Entry Medical School (GEMS) on the north bank of campus.

Niche, which depicts a crouched figure with a tree branch in each hand, took Orla 11 months to create, and is one of 20 pieces of public sculpture in her portfolio.

The figure itself is bronze, while the base

is made from corten steel - a type of steel with increased weather resistance.

“It’s about finding your own place in the world,” Orla said of her vision for Niche.

She said that UL is a fitting place for such a piece of sculpture, as college is all about finding your own path, and the sculpture signifies a deep desire for personal growth.

Head of GEMS Professor Michael Larvin agrees that Niche is a fitting addition to the landscape of the north bank, and that “it fits nicely with the GEMS philosophy.”

He said: “We include a compulsory humanities project whereby students create a piece of artwork, sculpture, poetry or music inspired by a patient they have met. This helps them think about emotions and feelings, of patients and themselves.

“No one told GEMS this was coming, so it was a bit of a surprise. I love it,” he added.

This piece joins an impressive list of sculptures already on campus, with Orla joining the likes of James McKenna (Resurgence), Tom Fitzgerald (Leaf Litany) and Alexandra Wejchert (Geometric

Forms).

Manager of Visual Arts in UL Yvonne Davis hopes that the addition of Niche will continue enhance the role of public sculpture on campus.

“It plays a part in our evolving culture and our collective memory.

It enhances our environment, transforms a landscape and chronicles our journey,” she said.

“We hope that the addition of Niche to our Outdoor Sculpture Collection will give a focal point for gathering and instil a sense of contemplative solace and inspiration.”

Student Union Host Millstream Coffee Consent Workshops

By Aisling O’Connor

By Rebecca Laffan Rape Crisis Midwest Executive Director Miriam Duffy spoke to UL students on the pressing issue of sexual consent last Monday.

The talk, organised by ULSU, aimed to normalise speech around consent and encourage students to know their rights around bodily autonomy.

Ms Duffy broke down the issue that many find difficult to discuss.

Speaking energetically about how to approach the topic of consent, she encouraged the students to share their views and own queries.

She explained how consent is often a grey area, something that is often sought and communicated indirectly.

Ms Duffy, who has worked with sexual violence victims for over 14 years, also discussed

how to support somebody who has fallen victim to sexual crimes.

The general talk was given in preparation of UL teaming up with NUIG Smart Consent to provide students with consent workshops during the second semester.

“The idea behind these workshops is to highlight the issue of how narrow the line is for consensual sexual activity,” said UL Welfare Officer Caolan O’Donnell.

“Something that may seem so harmless may scar someone for a lot longer than you think.

“After meeting the staff in Rape Crisis Midwest, I learned of how these distressed feelings can be brought up by other stressful situations such as FYPs and exam times. I learned that the numbers of calls from students increases

quite a lot around these times as students become overwhelmed by everything and finally decide they need to talk to someone.

“Sexual assault is not often a stranger down by the river grabbing you as you run past. Often it’s those closest to us. A friend, boyfriend or girlfriend. Those we least expect and care most for,” he added.

“This is why we need to address consent workshops. We need to be able to make sure that we know what consent is so that we can stop those we care about most being hurt.

“Because a drunken mistake to one person may be an irreparable pain to another.”

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please contact Rape Crisis Midwest on 1800 311 511.

The River Bistro café held a coffee morning in aid of Millford Hospice on November 9th, and An Focal were invited to sample the coffee and treats the café had to offer.

An Focal featured an

changed and now Millstream invites students to go to the café, which offers stunning views of the river and has a tranquil atmosphere with classical music in the background.

The latte art is extremely impressive,

the semester anywhere where all your assignments build up and you’re stressed over the upcoming exams, the extra caffeine kick might be a good thing.

The coffee had a strong flavour that wasn’t too acidic or bitter, and once the

article this semester on the best places to get coffee on campus, but Millstream did not make the list as they did not serve students last year.

Things have since

and even more so by the fact that the coffee is fair trade, with generous servings.

It was suggested that a double shot has a stronger flavour and at that stressful time of

Americano or espresso is strong, then it’s almost guaranteed that the fancier drinks such as mochas, lattes, and cappuccinos will be good as the espresso is the base of them.

November 2016

7

Maths: A Solution for Social Change, Says UL Researcher Peter Fennell

By Baoyan Zhang

Applied mathematics researcher Peter Fennell is using maths to help solve social problems on the streets of Los Angeles.

Mr Fennell, who got his PhD in Mathematics from the University of Limerick was awarded the James S McDonnell grant for his work on how maths can discover how information, behaviour and trends spread through social networks Mr Fennell was awarded the prestigious grant which predominantly goes to researchers in the United States and was one of only three recipients of the grant who is conducting work outside of the US. Mr Fennell has spoken of the numerous

and wide-reaching benefits his study could have: “This work has applications in various areas such as the spread of diseases through human networks, the spread of consumer behaviour through social

circles, and the spread of information through online social networks.

“We are examining various different areas, such as the spread of false information in online social networks, the spread of behav-

iours, trends and fashions through societies,“ he added.

Mr Fennell’s work has highlighted how interconnected maths is to our online social lives.

“The collection of links that form a net-

work can be represented mathematically, allowing us to use powerful mathematical tools to analyse their properties.

“Social networks are just like any other type of network, where the

links represent people and our relationships among other people, such as friendship, co-workers, teammates etc. Thus social networks can be easily represented mathematically, and maths can then be used to analyse properties of the social network.”

Mr. Fennell is hoping his research will proof useful when tackling the problem of homelessness in Los Angeles.

“I see mathematics as having a positive and important role to play in efficiently tackling social problems. It is important that our schools and universities continue to educate our students to have strong quantitative skills, as these skills will be highly effective in efforts to create societies that are equal for all.”

Wearable Exoskeleton to Aid with Mobility

By Emil Trahan Researchers from the University of Limerick are part of a team working on creating ‘robotic pants’.

The wearable-exoskeleton project is aimed at improving movement, health and quality of life for those with reduced mobility.

Led by the Italian Institute of Technology, they will build the first fully functional prototype of XoSoft ‘intelligent’ trousers by 2019.

The trousers would allow the elderly or people with disabilities to move their legs by detecting the user’s movement.

The group secured funding support for a

€5.4m project under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme to develop the soft, modular lower limb exoskeleton.

This group is led by UL senior lecturer in Design Ergonomics Dr Leonard O’Sullivan and Head of UL School of Design Dr Adam de Eyto.

According to Dr O’Sullivan, this technology could be a breakthrough.

“There are 3.2 million wheelchair users in Europe and another 40 million who cannot walk without an aid. Yet the available assistive aids are usually bulky, fairly inflexible and can

therefore only partially support the process of movement.

“Neither do they encourage or support the activation of legs, which is essential. This is where XoSoft comes in,” he said.

“We are delighted to have been invited to participate in this project and to innovate novel devices to solve real needs of the ageing population and others with mobility impairments,” Dr O’ Sullivan added.

The XoSoft project uses advanced textiles and smart materials to create sensing and variable-stiffness joints.

Built-in sensors communicate the user’s motion and intention

to the controlling unit for analysis to determine and provide, the appropriate level of assistance.

Depending on the

user’s need at a given moment, the device will provide support, release or freedom of movement.

The UL group will use

their expertise in user-centered design and medical-device innovation to create an effective and user-friendly device.

November 2016

8

Clinical Psychology Director Encourages Students to Discuss Their Mental Health

By Ciara Ferguson Director of Clinical Psychology in UL Dr Patrick Ryan is urging people to take control of their mental health and to speak up when they go to the doctor.

Dr Ryan has published two books: “You can’t make me - How to get the best out of your teenager,” and “Ageing and older adult mental health - Issues and Implications for practice.”

In the former, he tries to explain to parents that “teenagers are not 100 percent responsible for themselves,” and it’s a 50/50 relationship.

In the latter, he tries to challenge the notion

that older people have nothing to offer, and maintains that older and younger people should be linked together.

Dr Ryan said that there is too much of a negative emphasis on mental health, a fact he is trying to change.

“We need to see mental health as one part of what makes up a person and stop trying to improve it by reducing symptoms,” he said.

His message about how we treat mental health problems is clear and simple - “It’s just health.”

He said that UL have a “strategic goal” to make life in university the best experience

possible for students.

They have counselling available and that, in Dr Ryan’s opinion, is “as good a start as any,” although he’s clear that there’s still work to be done.

In the past five or six years, he has started to notice a delay in the UL counselling service, which although it shows more people are availing of the service, it also shows the service can’t quite cope with the demand.

Dr Ryan says that teenage boys in particular, want to talk about “edgy, dangerous stuff,” not feelings.

This is reflected by the suicide rates among men in Ireland,

which according to the RTE investigation unit tends to be over four times higher than those of women.

In 2013, 6995 people died from suicide in Ireland- 43 of those were children under the age of 14.

Dr Ryan said that if you are concerned about a friend or a family member have a casual approach, and “let them know you’ve noticed a change.”

Most importantly, he said not to panic if someone approaches you with an issue, and never let the person feel that they are alone, as that’s “probably the worst thing you could do.”

Students Create Gender & Sexuality Wall for Out in UL Rainbow Week

By Kiera Thornton On Wednesday November 9th, Out in UL gave students the opportunity to contribute to the society’s Gender and Sexuality Wall.

The wall was painted with a total of eighteen different colours, each representing one sexual orientation or gender identity.

Passersby were invited to paint sections on the wall to represent their own orientation and gender, eventually filling each of the wall’s segments with a diverse range of colour.

The Gender and Sexuality Wall was created with the aim of bringing awareness to lesser-represented sexual

orientations and gender identities.

This corresponds with one of Out in UL’s aims as a society and a key objective of Rainbow Week; showcasing the diversity of sexuality, gender expression and gender identity in UL’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community.

With people’s perceptions of orientation and gender beginning to evolve beyond the binary ideals of the past, the Gender and Sexuality Wall event was crucial not just for showcasing diverse identities but for educating others.

Education is consistently a key aim of Rainbow Week, and other educational events

held during the week included the workshop on feminism and the LGBTQ+ community, delivered in conjunction with UL Feminist Society on the Thursday of Rainbow Week.

Out in UL also held Queer in the Courtyard – another interactive event which invited people to reflect on what the word “queer” meant to them – and teamed up with Limerick-based charity GOSHH to hold a workshop on the gender spectrum.

Among the other events which happened during Rainbow Week were the “Past, Present, Future” event in the Scholars Club – a nod to Out in UL’s history,

allowing members to reflect on the past of the society, while looking to our future – and UL Drama Society’s “Stigma”, a production about mental health which featured stories from two of our committee members.

Of course, Rainbow Week would not have been complete without the “Big Night Out” in Strokers on Thursday, a fantastic event with performances from Notorious K.I.D. and Alice Pow, as well as music from DJ Eoghan Clark.

The ethos of Rainbow Week is “education, fun and educational fun”, and this year’s events certainly lived up to this objective.

November 2016

9

SU Executive Letter to An Taoiseach Dear Mr. Kenny, We, with the full support of UL Student’s Council, are writing to you in regard to the crippling lack of funding of our third-level institutions and ask for your assistance in tackling the education funding crisis.

We wish to express our utmost concern and disappointment at the failure of your successive governments to address and resolve the crisis in the funding of Irish third-level education. The significant

fall of our best universities in the QS World Universities Rankings clearly highlights the impact funding cuts have had on the ability of Irish universities to deliver to our students. Students need unrestricted access to third-level education.

The 2016 Cassells Report highlights the need to address the funding crisis of our third-level institutions. Since you have assumed the office of Taoiseach, governments under your leadership have raised the cost of third-level ed-

ucation to students by 100%. Since 2009 Fine Gael has pledged to introduce a loan scheme to fund third-level education, similar to the Australian Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP) model.

Mr. Kenny, we wish to inform you that the Australian Parliamentary Budget Office (2016) published a review of its loan scheme and it found that their country is sitting on what is described as a ticking time bomb! The Parliamentary Budget

Office report highlights ~21.8% of new loans taken out are unlikely to ever be repaid because the borrower either earns below the taxable income threshold or has moved overseas. The annual cost of the HELP loans will rise from $1.7 billion in 2015-16 to $11.1 billion in 2025-26. The report reveals the nominal value of the HELP loan portfolio, currently $42.3bn, is projected to reach $185.2bn in 2026.

On the other side of the Pacific the USA student loan model has resulted

in a $1.2 trillion-dollar student debt with over 7 million debtors in default. The horror story of third-level loans that Australian and American students face upon graduating is to the forefront of Irish student minds. UL Student Council has voted unanimously to reject any proposal involving income contingency loans.

We, on behalf of University of Limerick students, demand that you seriously consider Option One of the Cassells report and implement

a predominately state funded education system. Education is the bedrock of our society and key to our future.

Yours sincerely, UL Students’ Union Executive

The Truth About Male Contraception

By Caoimhe Brown A clinical trial for male contraception has come to a temporary halt, and since the publishing of the study there have been many articles implying that the men just couldn’t handle the side effects that women have to handle on their own contraception.

However, this is not fully representative of what happened during the clinical trial and the point of this article is to clear up these misconceptions.

First, it’s important to find where these misconceptions came from and from close reading of the study it is clear that most of the writers of these false articles never read past the first page.

In the results section there is a statement that reads as follows: “The most common adverse events were acne, injection site pain, increased libido, and mood disorders. Following the

recommendation of an external safety review committee the recruitment and hormone injections were terminated early.”

However, this is an extremely condensed version of the list of side effects which had to be kept short as it was only the beginning of the study.

As one reads through the study there are mentions of much more adverse side effect than previously mentioned such as: “acne, pain or panic at first injection, palpitations, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction.”

It is also mentioned that there was a high frequency of “mood disorders” in Indonesia though the reason is still unknown.

These side effects however were not the main reason that the study was halted.

During the clinical trial four different women got pregnant.

It should be noted that

women stated that they did not want to have children for at least 2 years.

This is what eventually led to the 7.5 percent failure rate that, despite what many articles claim, is too high to qualify as an effective contraception.

Another big issue that is not getting enough attention is how long it took for the men’s sperm count to come back to a healthy amount.

After the study it was found that it took a minimum of 52 weeks for the sperm count to

be back at an acceptable amount.

Five men took 72 weeks to recover and one man has not recovered his fertility four years after he stopped taking the contraception.

On a much darker note there was one suicide mentioned during the clinical trials: “The participant received 3 injections and committed suicide 1 month after the last injection.”

Though his family indicated that it was due to academic stress and it cannot be confirmed that emotional disor-

ders in question caused the suicidal tendencies, it cannot be ruled out as a possibility which raises serious concerns for trials that may take place in the future.

Lastly it is it worth noting that the study wasn’t halted because of the participants; it was halted by an “of an external safety review committee.”

Despite all of this the men who took the study expressed satisfaction with this method and would be willing to try it again.

To see if this was a common opinion I de-

cided to ask 10 different young men around UL whether or not they would be willing to take contraception such as this.

Nine stated they would be willing to take this kind of contraception and eight men said they would still be willing to take this contraception if it had the exact same side effects as female contraception.

It is very clear from a close reading of the study that the reasons for its halt is much more complicated than many articles would lead you to believe.

November 2016

10

UL Studies Receive €1m in Funding

By Kaylee Hardiman Studies at UL have received a combined €1m in funding this year.

A software development with alternative workforces study, undertaken by Klaas-Jan Stol, received €463,314.

It is a four-year project which will commence on December 1st.

Mr Stol will lead research into how companies develop soft-

ware together with alternative workforces specifically crowdsourcing and open source communities.

These research studies will be carried out to explore how companies can best communicate with the communities of developers to attain their targets.

He is attempting to answer the following questions: If a corporation employs open source components in their commercial

product (or they construct a product on top of an open source platform), how can we get the open source community to do what they need? Is it possible for them to wield control over external communities and how can they do this?

Companies interact with open source communities, and comprehending how they should best traverse the landscape is important to keep up

with their competitors nowadays.

Crowdsourcing is an alternative, fresh and contemporary approach - think Amazon Mechanical Turk – but is for larger tasks which entails software development.

A PhD student will also work alongside Stol to carry out research in relation to this study.

They will work with a number of companies to get data in order to

do research that will assist them to define policy.

Another study is being undertaken in relation to the Crystal Engineering of Solid-Solutions for Tunable Drugs by Dr Matteo Lusi which has received €485,530.00 in subsidies.

It sponsors Mr Lusi’s research and supports a PhD student over the next four years.

The objectives of the project are to tutor a

scientist and a PhD student to deliver innovative research to encourage scientific and technological advancements in Ireland.

This study is centred on the development of a new chemical approach that will make better drugs available as well as easier to store and transport with less side effects.

The project started last month and the first results will become available soon.

SU Co-op Placement Diary

By Shannon Lowe It only seems like a short while ago when I stepped in through the door way of the SU, and approached reception where I was met with 2 smiling ladies, welcoming me as I told them I was here for co-op placement.

It was there when I didn’t realise what I had got myself into - My post as admin working in the Democracy and Development office would soon be realised by me, that it was no simple, boring and lonely job to be doing as a coop placement.

As Orientation Week approached for my first engagement as a co-op student now, I was asked to promote class reps to incoming first years as they toured the SU building.

I told them how important it is for a class to have one and did some convincing to get them to sign up as one.

The morning of orientation days I found myself ambushed by the Sabbats to walk on stage with a sex doll (Betty) for the purpose of their speeches to fresher’s which seemed to be seen as mere laugh for first years as they met the Sabbats for the first time. I saw the hilarious side of it of course.

I had the delight of being a part of a photoshoot for UL Wolves Merchandise as well as attending sociable nights out after student council meetings and class rep training.

On a serious note though I did do adult work. My time from Week 1 to now has involved students handing in class rep forms in which I enter their data on excel files and keep count of how many class reps are allowed in each course and year.

I have attended meetings such as student council, exec as well as the student engagement and leadership

pillar which is a part of the Strategic Plan.

I am of course now a professional at scanning and filing which although seems like a boring thing to be doing, it is, in fact a skill.

See, here’s the thing, my “Boss” Liz Gabbett is the Democracy and Development manager in the SU, and it is Liz’s job to work alongside the Sabbatical Of-

ficers to manage student council, class reps and every other nitty gritty job of setting up meetings, run student focused events and making sure students know they have a say in how they are educated. Without Liz there would be no student structure.

The opportunities giving to me while working for the SU has

been unforgettable.

I look back now with the most deepest appreciation of what I have been allowed to do in order to better myself, my experience, my knowledge, my skills and even CV. I have had the pleasure of taking part in relevant courses such as SafeTalk, ASSIST Training as well as Motivational Inter-

viewing in Drug & Alcohol Addiction. I realise now this betters me as an individual as well a Psychology Student educating myself and using my knowledge to the best of my ability.

I have had the opportunity to meet amazing new people and connections from a variety of clubs and societies as well as attending Student Council, Exec and Class Rep meetings.

I had the chance of becoming a part of the Welfare team in which I have enjoyed immensely, between helping with the running campaigns.

I can honestly say that my time here has been unforgettable and I wouldn’t change my experience for the world.

Thank you to Liz, John, Adele, Lydia, Paul, Michelle, Paraic, Liam, Adam, Sarah, Caolan, Donal, Barry and Martin as well as Paul Saunders.

November 2016

11

UL International Society Diepvriespizza’s v kokkerellen Door Rowan Koeleman

Eine Erfahrung fürs Leben Von Katharina Wallenfels Mein Aufenthalt an der Universität von Limerick ist eine Erfahrung, die mich mein Leben lang begleiten wird.

Seit ich hier in Limerick angekommen bin, habe ich so viel Neues gesehen, gelernt, so viele wertvolle Momente gesammelt, die mich haben wachsen lassen - und damit meine ich nicht an Umfang.

Obwohl ich anfangs befürchtete keinen Anschluss zu finden, so knüpfe ich doch fast täglich neue Kontakte.

Sowohl unter den internationalen Studierenden habe ich Freundschaften geschlossen, als auch viele irischer Studenten gefunden, die mir besonders ans Herz gewachsen sind.

Gerade deren irische Art macht diesen Aufenthalt zu etwas Besonderem.

Denn so verpeilt, unordentlich und sogar manchmal unreif die irischen Studenten

dem einen oder anderen allzu seriösen Deutschen hier erscheinen, so sind meine irischen Freunde hier mit die offenherzigsten, freundlichsten und gutgelauntesten Menschen die ich je getroffen habe.

Ich glaube, es ist eben diese Erfahrung, die mitgenommen wird, wenn die meisten am Ende dieses Semesters nach Hause fahren: Die Erfahrung, auch mal von unserem hohen, überkorrektem Pferd herunterzusteigen und sich einfach mal entspannt auf Menschen aus einer anderen Kultur einzulassen.

Und mal ein Auge zuzudrücken, wenn der eine oder andere irische Mitbewohner die Küche in Schutt und Asche gelegt hat.

Denn eigentlich sind wir gar nicht so unterschiedlich, wie einige von uns denken. Eigentlich sind wir sogar ziemlich gleich.

Deze Erasmus uitwisseling was voor mijn extra spannend, want het was, naast de hele buitenland ervaring, ook de eerste keer dat ik op mezelf zou gaan wonen.

In Nederland studeer ik in Amsterdam en uit huis gaan is daar ontzettend duur. Wat ik had verwacht van het op mezelf wonen?

Stapels vieze afwas in de keuken, vier keer per week een diepvriespizza of kant-en-klaar maaltijd en misschien zelfs ongedierte.

Ik was dus ook zeer blij verrast toen ik erachter kwam dat mijn Neder-

landse huisgenootje net als ik erg netjes is en ook niet zo houdt van kant-en-klaar maaltijden.

Ik moet toegeven dat we op hele brakke dagen wel eens een pizza in de oven mikken, maar voor de rest zijn we verrassend creatief en speuren we regelmatig de Allerhande site af voor nieuwe recepten.

Gelukkig hebben ze hier qua ingrediënten bijna alles net zoals in Nederland.

Behalve dingen zoals hagelslag en stroopwafels natuurlijk, die mis ik dan ook enorm.

Français à UL Par Marie Heguy-Urain: A mon arrivée, j’ai d’abord eu des difficultés avec la langue anglaise mais malgré cela, j’ai su m’intégrer et découvrir les joies d’être une étudiante Erasmus.

Ici, les gens prennent le temps de t’écouter et de te comprendre, répètent et parlent plus doucement pour que tu puisses suivre la conversation : cela aide à prendre confiance et à se sentir à l’aise.

Le libre choix des cours a permis de réellement m’épanouir au niveau académique puis l’implication dans certaines associations comme International Society a rendu pos-

sible ma rencontre avec des gens formidables, d’origines et de cultures diverses.

Etant membre du comité « Event » d’International Society j’ai d’abord rencontré des irlandais, accueillants et bienveillants, puis par les biais des événements organisés (Language Evening, TGIF, les différents voyages), j’ai fait la connaissance d’étudiants internationaux.

Ce melting-pot m’a permis de confronter mes positions, de comprendre les différentes cultures, de lier des amitiés mais surtout de rendre mon expérience à l’université de Limerick inoubliable.

November 2016

12

UL’s Own Limerick Lady Performs to Packed House at Dolan’s Pub

By Hannah Carr-Murphy

One of Ireland’s best up-and-coming singer/songwriters walks among us at University of Limerick.

Emma Langford, proud Limerick native and alumna of the Irish World Academy’s BA Voice and Dance program, recently performed to a packed house upstairs at Dolan’s Pub on the Dock Road in Limerick City.

This was Langford’s second time headlining at Dolan’s, the previous being her EP launch this past June.

“Dolans is always a total pleasure to play, be that as a support act or headliner, but I wasn’t sure what kind of turnout to expect after our sell-out gig in June,” she said.

“To have the room full again on Saturday just blew me away.”

Just one week before the most recent gig at Dolan’s, Emma’s song

Photo credit: Carlos Dasco, Limerick Post

“The Seduction of Eve” was picked by Nialler9 as a Song of the Week in the Irish Times music review section.

The music video for “The Seduction of Eve,” featured in Nialler9’s online review, is from George Hooker, direc-

Emma & Peter promote the Nov. 5 Dolan’s Gig at Live 95 FM

tor and Tom Comerford, cinematographer.

The director of the video is a childhood friend of Emma’s; they met on a school trip.

He is a prolific filmmaker and the founder and director of Kino D – the Dublin cell of a global free-film movement.

Recalling the experience of making the video for “The Seduction of Eve,” Emma said: “Working with George and the brilliant team he rallied around us for the Seduction of Eve was such a positive experience.

“While I gave feedback and critique during the brainstorming process for the video, I also trusted him with the project and gave him a lot of creative space.”

The gig at Dolan’s ended with a live performance of “The Seduction of Eve” including a projection of the video, before

the crowd was treated to a bluesy take on the Rubberbandits’ “Horse Outside” for an encore.

Although Emma writes her songs solo, she is a great collaborator with other artists.

Since mid-2015, she has been playing in the duo Boho Combo with Peter Hanagan, bassist Boho Combo is a vintage-style lounge duo that has been a popular hire for weddings, drinks receptions and any other gatherings in need of added atmosphere.

The duo rearranges popular tracks in a unique way, akin to Postmodern Jukebox or Nouvelle Vague.

Langford returned to UL this autumn to start the MA in Community Music at the Irish World Academy.

Community music is a broad field, crossing into the domains of both music education and music therapy.

It is also one of the longest-running

programs in the Irish World Academy.

On the inspiration for going back to school, Emma recounted an experience she had in 2014 when she was invited to play music at a halfway house for homeless men in the city.

“It was really touching how the men accepted me into their home because I shared my music with them. Watching these guys really get into the tunes, joining in singing along, even taking over the session and leading the other residents in a few songs – that was beautiful.

“I figured out around then that I wanted to be able to do more within my community.

“I decided to go back to the Academy to do the MA because I knew it would help me develop as a musician, while giving me the skillset I’ll need to work with different communities,” she added.

Emma is not only a fantastic performer and composer; she also works to lift up other artists.

This past summer she put on the first Limerick Lady Festival, a festival to feature woman artists who might be overlooked for no reason other than the thoughtless – or deliberate - sexist bias people in charge of booking artists for various venues and festivals.

Although new, Limerick Lady was a success.

“It really warmed my heart more than anything to see kids perched on the ground in front of the stage, looking up - literally – to the female performers who entertained the crowd all night,” Emma said.

She is a person whose artistry and engagement inspires others, which is why she’s never short of help.

“I had so many offers of help and support for the event from Limerick men and women.

It was a gorgeous and special event for the city, and I’m really excited about expanding it to a larger scale festival.”

Emma Langford hosts an open mic on Wednesday nights from 6pm to 9pm in Chez Le Fab in the city center—next to Arthur’s Quay Park.

Her music is available on SoundCloud and Spotify, and the eponymous EP can be purchased on her bandcamp site, emmalangfordmusic.bandcamp.com.

Connect with her on facebook - @emmalangfordmusic - and twitter @ELangfordMusic.

November 2016

13

Dear World – Love, America

By Carrie Burns

Dear World, I’m sorry. I am so, so sorry.

On Tuesday, November 8th you entrusted us to make the right choice and vote in democratic presidential nominee and former US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.

You entrusted us to show up to the polls and cast our votes- to choose productive collaboration with one another over angry yelling, progress instead of regression, love overriding hate. We failed you.

Instead, republican presidential nominee and current president-elect Donald Trump won.

The man who spent months encouraging divisive rhetoric and action among supporters, who preached comments filled with xenophobia and homophobia, who condones and encourages the masses to display be-

havior caked in sexism and racism; the man who’s repeatedly proved himself to be a pathological liar with immediate dislike for anyone who disagrees with him.

This is my future president, the person who’s supposed to represent the United States and work in harmony with every other leader.

I’m so sorry.

Those who voted for him are, understandably, feeling pretty good right now.

They’re victorious, flushed with elation that their candidate was able to successfully “beat the system” and effectively put “Crooked Hillary” in her place.

They’re rolling their eyes over the devastation and numbing fear many are genuinely feeling over the result of this election.

They’re labeling anyone not happy with the result as a sore loser, even though only a week or two ago their own candidate was

already insinuating that if he didn’t win, the system was probably rigged. God only knows what the aftermath of that outcome would have been.

That outcome didn’t happen though. What happened was that even though Clinton won the popular vote during the election with 60,274,974 votes to Trump’s 59,937,338, he still won the electoral votes needed to become president-elect.

So that’s the reality we live in.

I’m so sorry.

I’m writing to you, The World, to apologize for this outcome.

There is no question that whatever action Trump takes as president for the next four years will affect people outside of the US. especially with any majorly important international issues, such as trade or climate change.

So for that- again, I am sorry.

I’m also writing to you, The World, to offer

some reassurance and perhaps make a promise.

At the end of the day we’re all in this together. I want to stress that there are so many people and other government leaders in the United States who did not vote for Donald Trump, who do not hold any of his beliefs and values and who will not tolerate watching the destruction of the country they love at the hands of hatred and bigotry.

This result has dev-

astated so many - but I think it’s also been a major eye opener. It’s simultaneously sparked a fierce determination to fight against any inevitable prejudiced conflict that may happen the next four years, ready to create change from the bottom up.

My promise to you today is that I, and everyone else who voted for a very different outcome in the 2016 Presidential Election, will work extremely hard to block any attempts to set both America and the world

back in its progress by 100 years.

We will work hard to sustain and further equality amongst all genders, races, religions and sexualities. We will fight to retain our constitutional freedoms.

By the time my country and I get a second crack at voting for a more informed and tolerant leader, I promise we will work our hardest to find greater success.

With all my respect and love, an American

US Election: Caring the Only Way to Fight Trump

By Atty McLellan Donald Trump is a racist, misogynistic, sexist, transphobic, homophobic, xenophobic, bigot, but you already knew that.

He doesn’t keep it hidden, he thrives off of it and is proud of it.

What you might not know is what got him into the U.S. presidency: apathy.

Apathy towards people, apathy towards suffering, apathy towards people’s lives being put in danger.

Yes, Donald Trump

has allowed for horrible white supremacists to come out of the woodwork, and has condoned their behaviour.

But the foundation that those people are standing on comes from the silent permission that apathetic Americans have given them.

If asked, they will tell you “Clinton is more corrupt and more dangerous. I’m not a racist or sexist, I just think Trump is the better candidate.” But they are.

By voting for a presi-

dent, you are aligning yourself with their values and the platform they ran- you are saying you agree with them.

A vote for Trump is a vote for racism. It’s a vote for conversion therapy for LGBTQ youth.

It’s a vote for a wall and the deportation of millions of people. It’s a vote to strip away any rights that women had for their bodies.

They chose to strip away the rights and safety that many marginalized groups in America barely had in

the first place.

Trump supporters have said that “you should just accept it”, or that “you shouldn’t judge people based on their opinion”.

I won’t accept Trump because Trump and the people that voted for him have not accepted other people and their identities.

They chose to be apathetic and ignore the pain that millions of people felt from Trump’s words and actions.

That being said, I do not hate those people. I

am frustrated by them, upset at them, and saddened by their decision. But I do not hate them. I want to talk to them. I want to speak with them, and explain how hurtful their decision was to so many Americans.

I want to treat them as people, because that’s what they are. They are people, which mean they can change.

If I could help them change their view, then America’s journey to becoming safer and more accepting of every identity takes one

more step forward.

I won’t accept Trump’s presidency, I won’t accept the culture that he has raised in America, and I won’t stop supporting marginalized communities.

We will not rest until something changes. We will not give up, because we care about people’s lives and well-being, we care about giving equal opportunities for everyone, we care about America.

Caring is the only way to fight apathy, and caring is the only way to defeat Trump.

November 2016

14

Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week Ciara Maria Hayes interviewed several UL students about their own personal experiences with drug use. To protect the identity of these students, alternate names have been used.

What drugs have you taken?

Alan: Mostly just weed, I’ve taken pills of different varieties in the past but not in excess.

Amy: Just cannabis.

Martin: I’ve taken weed and mushrooms.

Dudley: Weed and MDMA. Steve: LSD, MDMA, 2CB, 2CE, mesclin, weed, cocaine, speed, shrooms, truffles, benzos, xanex, medaphinel, poppers, laughing gas . . . I think that’s about it.

Fionnula: I’ve done ecstasy before.

Brendan: Cocaine, speed, MDMA, pills, weed, solvents, I think that’s it.

How often do you participate in drug use?

Alan: Almost every day.

Amy: Rarely, especially since I’ve started college. I want to say once a month, but to be honest it’s even less.

Martin: Incredibly rarely.

Dudley: Weed quite often, not so much with MDMA. Steve: Not often, I smoke weed commonly. The rest I wouldn’t take often because there’s so many downsides to it.

Fionnula: I’ve taken it twice, a couple of months apart.

Brendan: About once a week.

When did you start taking drugs?

Alan: May of this year.

Amy: It was nearing the summer holidays when I was in fifth year I think, so I would have been fifteen. I’m not quite sure though.

Martin: I was in leaving cert.

Dudley: The first two weeks of college.

Steve: About three years ago.

Fionnula: I was eighteen or nineteen years old.

Brendan: I was twelve.

Why, personally, do you take drugs?

Alan: It’s a form of escapism and relaxation for me, I really enjoy it.

Amy: I smoke weed because I have very bad anxiety, it’s why I started and it’s why I’ve continued. If you get a bad strain it does nothing, but often it really helps as long as you don’t smoke

it too often. It helps me calm down if I’m upset. I suppose curiosity was an initial element to it as well, though I’ve never been tempted to try anything else.

Martin: Out of boredom to be honest.

Dudley: I’ve always wanted to try it and I grew to like it.

Steve: It’s usually when I’m in a bad place at the time, and I need something to distract me from being down and depressed.

Fionnula: Out of curiosity, a group of friends weare doing it at the time.

Brendan: Bit of a hefty question. I suppose when you put people in a society where they’re graded by letters and how much money they make it hard to enjoy yourself, so I do it with friends to enjoy myself.

Which drugs do you feel are the most easily accessible?

Alan: Weed, without a doubt.

Amy: I think it depends on what you look for, but in general weed is pretty easy to find.

Martin: Weed mainly, I think cocaine and MDMA would be very easy to get after that.

Dudley: Weed, 100 percent.

Steve: Weed and ecstasy, or MDMA. Fionnula: MDMA, acid, weed definitely would be the most accessible… honestly anything is accessible if you know the right people, especially in college.

Brendan: Weed, obviously. After that maybe pills.

Would you say there’s a large amount of peer pressure when it comes to drugs?

Alan: No, definitely not.

Amy: I think it depends on who you know. Some groups of friends can be very pressurising, others don’t really care and leave you to your own devices. There definitely isn’t as much as you’re made out to believe in secondary school.

Martin: Not really, no.

Dudley: For me personally, not really.

Though I do it often with groups.

Steve: No, actually. That’s actually one thing I’ve noticed with my current group – if they’ve done the drug before they’ll inform you of the effects, but there’s no forcing anyone to try anything.

Fionnula: Yeah, probably. If a lot of people are doing it, you tend to think it’s OK to do it once or twice, but not make a habit out of it.

Brendan: No, if people want to do them they do them. Personally I’d never pressure anyone, and I don’t know a lot of people who would either.

Would you find drugs most enjoyable on a night out, at home with friends or alone?

Alan: I enjoy it most with friends.

Amy: Honestly by myself, it’s my way to wind down and have some time to myself while I’m watching TV or listening to music or whatever. When I do it with friends we tend to be outside and I don’t really like doing it outdoors. That being said, I don’t mind doing it with friends as long as it’s a group I really trust.

Martin: With friends, I don’t see the point in doing it alone.

Dudley: It depends. Weed at home, but MDMA on a night out. It also depends how much you’re taking.

Steve: At home with friends.

Fionnula: Definitely not alone. On a night out maybe, if you’re careful, but a house party would be the most ideal because there’s no guards around and no one can snitch on you. In certain nightclubs, everyone is on something, so you’re not really going to enjoy it if you’re not.

Brendan: Depends on the drug. Like, you’re not going to take coke at home with your friends. MDMA is enjoyable anywhere.

Have you ever had any particularly bad experiences with drugs?

Amy: Embarrassing story, I brought a bag to our night out for our leaving cert graduation thinking I could smoke it out a bathroom window.

When I discovered there was no bathroom window, I very stupidly decided to eat it. It did nothing for about an hour, then I ended up getting very, very high and felt amazing. Then I got really sick. I felt so nauseous and I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I ended up spending the rest of the night lying on a couch trying to will the pain in my stomach to go away. Also, always smoke weed with someone you trust, because sometimes people try to take advantage while you’re under the influence.

Dudley: Once with MDMA. Basically I took too much in a nightclub and got sick all over someone, but I was completely fine afterwards.

Steve: One, a really strong psychedelic (2CE). I didn’t know how long it was going to last and it lasted about sixteen hours, it got very dark.

Fionnula: Yeah, the second time I took too much and vowed I’d never do it again, I felt like I was going to die.

My senses started going really weird and I thought I was going to puke. To be honest if I hadn’t had that bad experience I probably would have taken it again. You can build a high tolerance really easily, but you can also lose that high tolerance really easily.

Brendan: I don’t think so.

If you had a chance to go back now, would you still take drugs?

Alan: No. Amy: I would have changed the circumstances in which I started, but no, I wouldn’t have cut it out entirely.

Martin: No, like everything, they’re grand in moderation.

Dudley: Nope, I was always going to try drugs, regardless of whether I liked them or not.

Steve: Yeah, I’d definitely go back. I realise now drugs tend to make you even more depressed and down after taking them.

Fionnula: Honestly I think it’s really bad for your mind, if you become dependent and let it become a problem you can get really depressed, but thankfully I didn’t let that happen to me.

November 2016

15

November 2016

16

Legalise it?

We asked UL students: should drugs be legal, and if so, which ones?

“Just marijuana. The likes of CBD have great medicinal effects.”

– Ciaran Devitt

“I really don’t know. I’m underage anyway so I couldn’t vote.”

– Katie Sutcliffe

“Yes. All drugs. That way we can regulate them and I think that’s a better option than making it illegal and locking people up.”

– Beca Wilton

“Just weed. It’s a natural thing. You don’t know what’s in the other stuff.”

– Jack Herlihy

“Yes. Marijuana should be and I think pills too like ecstasy.”

– Annmarie Carew

“Marijuana is a medication.

I don’t associate it with other drugs. I’m definitely an advocate for marijuana, but other drugs? Absolutely not.”

– Alec Goldhirsh

“I would legalise weed and nothing else. But if the harder stuff was legalised maybe there might not be such excitement about it.”

– Joshua Ryan

“Apart from tax income, I don’t think it would do much. Marijuana can be a gateway drug, but it depends on the personality.”

- Ben Sorenson

November 2016

17

STIGMA is an ‘Eye-Opening’ Showcase

By Maeve Wrixon STIGMA is a mental health showcase in collaboration with UL Music Soc (ULMS) Voice, Out In UL & UL Tea Appreciation Society.

The event took place on November 9th and 10th and was in aid of Pieta House and Corbett Suicide Prevention Limerick.

STIGMA is a showcase focused on raising awareness about mental health and

importantly, reaching out for help.

The event begins simply yet effectively, with members of ULMS Voice performing a song by Coldplay.

The simplicity of this act allows the audience to focus on the words that are being sung and their deeper meaning for each character.

The purity of the voices captivates each member of the audience.

As the play progresses, the audience are given insights into the variety of afflictions and struggles each character faces, as each character copes with their issues in such a unique and personal manner.

Each short vignette that the play is broken into conveys an eye-opening message regarding mental health and the different effect it has on people.

The performers ex-

cellently execute their pieces without fault and bring the audience on a truly heart breaking journey.

The scene ‘Anna Alone’ is particularly heart wrenching as it tells a story of four young people suffering from the trauma of an abusive childhood and displays their fragility as they constantly struggle with their mental health.

Not only does this showcase have singing and acting, there is

Outfits of the Week

By Maeve Wrixon

also a solo dance performed which tells a story without the use of words.

Stigma explored this topic that is close to nearly everyone’s heart tastefully and respectfully.

By the end of the showcase the audience are left feeling somewhat emotionally drained as every performance grasped the audience’s attention from start to finish.

The UL Drama Society have undeniably

Microwaves for North Campus?

By Eilish Condon

Victoria Zammit

Caolan O’ Donnell

Deirdre Daly

Scarf - London Jacket – H&M Jeans – Penneys Hoodie – Malta Boots – Malta

Shirt – Zara Jacket – Burtons Jeans – River Island Shoes – Burtons

Coat – Only Leggings – River Island Boots – New Look

–

Fashion Icon – Freddie Mercury

Fashion icon – Caitlyn Jenner

Most Hated – Uggs

Most hated – Matching tracksuits

Most hated – Leggings as pants

Monthly fashion spend - €30

Monthly fashion spend - €30

Monthly fashion spend - €50

Fashion Icon Anna Kendrick

created an outstanding showcase, raising awareness about mental health and the importance of reaching out.

All the proceeds from this event will be donated to Pieta House and Corbett Suicide Prevention Limerick, making this showcase a great cause.

STIGMA is an intense and powerful event and certainly deserved the standing ovation it received at the end of the play.

Have you ever used a microwave before?

Have you blown yourself into tiny pieces?

If so this article isn’t for you.

Do you know that scary bridge that has goblins under it and that’s why you don’t cross it?

Yes, the living bridge.

That dreaded north campus where you live in hope that you don’t have any lectures over there .

I want to make this campus one again and break down the divide.

How am I going to do this you ask?

No, I’m not going to stop the border patrol and check points.

What I am going to do is petition for equality.

In the form of a microwave.

As it stands the nearest microwave to the north campus is in the chaplaincy which is at least some 45 minutes around trip.

So, in an ideal world I’d like to get microwaves installed into

each of the academic buildings on the north campus, to increase the opening hours and to decrease the price of the food.

At half three in the afternoon it’s impossible to get hot food.

The food on the north campus is ridiculously expense some would even say you’d choke on the price of it.

A bowl of soup and a slice of bread is €4.90 in the World Academy.

You Southern folk get charged €2.70 in Paddocks.

By providing a microwave, students (and staff) can provide their own food.

Students are already paying fees, accommodation and travel and have nowhere to heat some of the day be fore’s leftovers.

Buildings and Estates have said no to the installing of the microwave now due to Health and Safety issues.

I’ll keep you all updated in the bid to improve the facilities on the north campus #UNITEDUL

November 2016

18

Being Visually Impaired on Campus

By Yash Sanghvi

Josh Stundon (23) is a Human Rights and Criminal Justice student here in the University of Limerick (UL), and has already completed a bachelor degree in Law Plus here in UL. Josh has been blind since he was four and a half months old.

“There are a lot of people who are visually impaired but have some sort of vision and light perception. But in my case I have no sense of light perception and no sense of colors,” Josh said.

“So for example if somebody said to me you are wearing a brown t-shirt or the sky is blue outside it wouldn’t really mean anything and even when it’s dark I don’t know when its dark outside because I have no perception what the color black is either.

“If I were nine or 10 when I lost my vision I guess things would

have been far more different. Then I would have a sense of colors and would have had memories and would have totally different outlook on life”.

Josh said he has not been bullied as such in the University but he has been isolated.

“Sometimes I do feel I am being ignored by my peers, whether it may be true or not is another case, but definitely from my own perception I do feel like I am being sidelined,” Josh added.

“I understand people might have not been around people like me before and it could be difficult for them.”

Josh tries to get involved but said he finds it really difficult.

He has a pretty strong interest in music and was part of the DJ Society in first year but said it didn’t really help.

Josh said he believes a lot of things are taken for granted and that most of the time people don’t care to stop to un-

derstand what situation the other is in, irrespective of if they’re disabled or not.

Some of the problems Josh encounters in relation to his university work is researching assignments as he has to be careful with sources.

“I rely on the disability office as they convert the academic material from a PDF file to an alternate file, so it’s

possible for me to go through them and find what I need.”

Josh is in the library from Mondays to Fridays working on his assignments, reading up for the next class or in Scholars to get away from the desk for awhile for a cup of tea or to listen to some music.

He relies heavily on the noise of the foun-

tains and background noises to find his way to Scholars.

“The noise of the fountain helps me realize that, yes, I’m going the right way, and I usually need help when the fountain isn’t functioning or it’s really busy and I cant hear the fountain.”

One of the biggest obstacles for Josh is navigating his way around the main building.

“If there were more braille on the door on the buildings in the University it would make everything easier. Even with months of mobility training, it would be next to impossible for a person in my situation to get around the main building,” Josh explained.

During the first six weeks Josh had a professional personal assistant but said that he was much older than Josh, who wanted someone he could interact with more and discuss aspects of his course with.

The disability office

then organized for people from his course to take him to and from class.

“I know they have a tough time and are under a load of work, but it would help a bit more, for them and for people in need like me, if they are told at least a semester in advance of what we might need for the following semester.

“I think part of the problem is that there have not been that many totally blind people on campus and the administration is not really sure how to deal with this since they don’t have that much experience,” he added.

“If more blind people do come to the university I would like to interact with them and share my experience with them.

“Being disabled shouldn’t stop you, it should motivate you to prove every doubter wrong and more importantly prove yourself wrong and go beyond your dreams.”

Brocon Set to Return this November

By Aisling O’Connor

UL Brocon have raised over €10,000 for Pieta house in the space of seven years.

The convention, set up in 2010, raised €2,010 for the charity at their most recent event.

“Pieta House has been our chosen charity from the beginning.

We feel that it is a charity that is quite relevant in today’s society. Pieta House aims to support people and communities in crisis by providing freely accessible, professional services to all,” said UL Brocon Secretary Aaron Griffin.

On November 30th, Brocon, run by UL Games Society and UL Anime and Manga, are organizing another event for Pieta House.

The games night will kick-start the events for the year to come.

Tickets are only €3 and children 12 and under go free.

“When you hear someone saying Pieta House helps them when you’ve helped Pieta House it makes you feel really humble,” said attendee Naoimi O’Mara She said that a lot of young people experience mental illness and need Pieta House.

“Pieta House aims to support people and communities in crisis by providing freely accessible, professional services to all. It provides a free, therapeutic approach to people who are in suicidal distress and those who engage in self-harm,” said Mr Griffin.

“Supporting a cause that first hand deals with problems common to our generation makes it worthwhile,” Ms O’Mara said.

The next Brocon convention will take place from July 14th to the 16th of 2017.

It will be the conventions eighth year.

November 2016

Schedule of Programmes:

19

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Or tune in via our website, Itunes Radio, and the TuneIn app!

November 2016

20

Horse Racing Society off to a Flyer

By Mark Boylan The newly restarted UL Horse Racing Society enjoyed a successful inaugural trip to one of the most exciting stables in the sport, when visiting Gordon Elliott’s extraordinary training centre in County Meath.

UL’s racing enthusiasts were treated to an intriguing tour of the Grand National-winning team’s impressive training operation, before getting the chance to get up-close-andpersonal with some of the equine stars of jumps racing.

Last season’s Gold Cup-hero Don Cossack was on display after recently returning from injury, with

the 27-strong group of students having the opportunity to watch him exercise before getting their photo taken with the Cheltenham Champion.

Assistant Trainer, Olly Murphy provided invaluable insight into the work required in managing a string of almost 180 horses, as well as attentive students attaining a few dark horses to follow for the coming months of jump racing.

After soaking up the stirring atmosphere at Elliott’s stables, Fairyhouse Racecourse beckoned for an enjoyable afternoon of racing, with a private suite overlooking the track provided by the sport’s governing body, Horse

Racing Ireland.

Following a period of inactivity, the society is now recognised by the UL Students’ Union and over the coming semesters, will continue to venture to Ireland’s leading racecourses and access behind-thescenes tours of trainers’ stables.

Members of the society will be treated to a money-can’t-buy-experience on Monday the 21st of November when visiting the stables of the greatest trainer of the modern National Hunt era, Willie Mullins.

With stable stars such as Annie Power, Douvan and Faugheen on show, it’s certainly an exciting morning not to be missed for fans of

jump racing.

UL Horse Racing Society co-chairman, David Skelly said: “To have the chance to get up-close-and-personal with some of the greatest equine talent in the world is an opportunity

not to be missed.

“Our current members thoroughly enjoyed visiting Gordon’s yard and are hugely excited at the prospect of visiting Willie’s base.

“We welcome prospective members to

get in touch with us through our Facebook page and UL Wolves site – places are limited so be sure to contact us to secure your place on the upcoming outings.”

Visit: www.facebook. com/ULRacingSociety

Airsoft Fundraiser Success UL Motorsport

By Kevin Kinane

Given the nature of the event, health and The UL Airsoft society safety was a major facheld a fundraiser on tor, and was overseen Thursday November by Eamon O’Keefe, 3rd.

Health and Safety ofBetween 12pm and ficer of the society.

2pm on the day, the A large tarpaulin society set up a fir- sheet was erected to ing range on campus, prevent richochets along the handball al- from causing injuley beside the founda- ry to any onlookers, tion building. who were confined to

a “safe zone” behind a rail.

Eye protection was a must as those taking part attempted to knock down six cans in the fastest time possible.

The prize for the fastest time was a €20 SuperValu voucher, which proved a big draw, as despite of

the overcast weather, many came out.

The shooter of the day, and lucky winner of the SuperValu voucher, was Alex Kerns, who managed an impressive time of just 2.53 seconds.

With the money raised on the day, a flag bearing the society’s logo (designed by TJ Bowles) was purchased, which will be used for group photos and will prove useful for Capture the Flag events.

The society are also planning their last event of the semester which will take place at the Limerick Airsoft Camp on Saturday of week twelve (Nov 26th).

They will be joined by the Krav Maga club, and are expecting a large crowd for the last blowout of the semester.

By Paul Jordan Time for the last update of the year from us.

It’s been a great year so far and we want to make sure that we continue it when we come back in the new year.

But there’s plenty left to do between now and then!

Last week we had the first round of Intervarsities take place at Whiteriver in Louth and we had one of our best ever performances, with Aaron Clifford, Darragh Lynch, and Cathal O’Donnell all reaching the semi-finals, with Cathal then progressing onto the final and claiming a fifth place finish.

With three rounds left in the year we have plenty of time to go out and have out best round outright.

The guys were also decked out in our new

racesuits which looked especially good even if we say so ourselves.

Speaking of karting, our final round of the year will take place on Thursday November 17th. Details will be posted up on our Facebook pages aswell as emailed out to members.

We’ll be finalising our merchandise in the coming days so we’ll have a catalogue and prices for members to pick from to help wrap up in the cold weather.

Merch will be arriving next semester and we’ll have a great range to choose from so stay tuned for the full details on it And finally to get in the Christmas spirit, we’ll be having our Christmas raffle on Thursday November 24th and tickets are available from committee members.

November 2016

21

SAMBO Joins Krav Maga

By Aisling O’Connor & Annmarie Campbell

ly competitive sport, is the perfect counterpart to Krav, especially for The UL Krav Maga club those who enjoy both,” has recently expanded said committee memto include the Russian ber Tom Willers.

Martial art SAMBO in Krav Maga works the club. great as a self-defence Sambo have been system, but it lacks a training for the last competitive nature, number of weeks on whereas SAMBO takes Wednesdays from 6pm a lot of what happens until 7:30pm. in Krav Maga and ap“SAMBO, in my plies to it a sport like opinion is a perfect platform, according to compliment to Krav trainer Darren SimMaga. The one thing ring.

I get asked constantly UL Krav Maga and is why we don’t take SAMBO President Stepart in competitions phen Linnane said that for Krav, and I think SAMBO brings with it SAMBO, being a pure- a ground fighting ele-

ment which Krav Maga lacks, and thus allows members to become more proficient in that area.

“So far integration is going very well among our Krav Maga members. We are also getting great help from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Judo,” Darren said.

He went on to say that BJJ and Judo are particularly helpful given their styles of practice, which are extremely close to that of SAMBO. “The guys from BJJ/ Judo are very experienced and have an

excellent competition record and we are delighted with their input,” Darren continued.

Linnane said that there has been a keen interest from members and they already have equipment and facilities available for training that are used in Krav Maga.

Darren believes they can bring gold to the club early on in its development.

“I’d like to see the club, and sport as a whole gain more recognition, I think it’s massively underrated

given the level of skill and competitiveness that goes with it,” Willers said.

Krav Maga was developed by Imre Luchtenfeld to teach the Jewish population self-defense during the 1940s, and was later adopted by the Israeli Defence Force.

SAMBO was developed in the 1920s by the Soviet Red Army to improve their handto-hand fighting skills.

While there is a grading system in Krav Maga, SAMBO offers opportunities to compete in competitions.

The Inside Scoop on #UltimateDanceFam

By Sonya Ramondino

variety of well-attended workshops over the semester, lead by guest Within the past two instructors trained in months, dancers across their respective fields. campus have had the These included the chance to engage in various exciting opportunities offered by Dance UL. Each week, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Zumba, Jazz and Irish dancing have been taught as evening classes, providing members with an hour of technique and choreography in the style of their choice.

Due to popular demand, Dance UL is very excited to announce the addition of a weekly Ballet class, starting in January of next semester!

This will be replacing the Jazz class in the timetable, however unique styles of Swing Jazz will continue to be Dance, Dancehall, offered in the form of Classical Ballet, and workshops if there re- Heels — all availamains interest among ble for members who members. wished to branch out Dance UL has had the and try something pleasure of hosting a new, or else embrace

the familiarity of a style from their earlier years.

A portion of both class and workshop choreography will be

to learn more about what Dance UL is all about, to meet its committee, teachers, and general members, and to delve into the ev-

pany Crooked Teeth to create a dance film entitled “project:ULTIMATE”. The film was released on October 29, 2016 and can be found on both the Dance UL and Crooked Teeth Facebook pages, as well as on Youtube.

A screening of project:ULTIMATE will be featured at the Showcase on Thursday — be sure to attend in order to view the film on the big screen.

As always, stay tuned for further developments in the dance world in and around campus by following Dance UL on Facebook, Instagram (officialdanceul) and Snapchat (DanceUL).

The committee and teachers are looking performed at Dance er-wondrous world of forward to seeing fresh UL’s Showcase this the performing arts. and familiar faces both Thursday, November Many may recall at the end of this se17th at 8:00pm in the members of Dance mester and the beginJonathan Swift Thea- UL’s 2015/2016 Mixed ning of the next. In the tre.

Intervarsity team col- meantime, stay safe, The Showcase is an laborating with the warm, and dance to excellent opportunity independent film com- your heart’s content.

UL Vikings

By Conor Whelan Have you been following the NFL this season? Do you think you have an arm that could go throw for throw with Tom Brady?

Then American Football could be the sport for you and there’s a team much closer than you expected. The Irish American Football League now has over 20 teams competing in it, spanning across three divisions and the UL Vikings still remains at the forefront of the competition.

We train twice a week, Wednesday evening’s and Sunday mornings with an organised gym session with coaching on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in the UL Arena.

We will begin training in early January, working towards some pre-season games in February followed by the season kick-off in March.

The UL Vikings can provide a set of shoulder pads and a helmet to beginners who need them for each training session.

We will provide gym facilities free of charge two nights a week in one of Ireland’s leading sports facilities.Best of all, we will provide an amateur team with a professional setup dedicated to making you in to a football player regardless of what sporting background you come from.

If you have an interest in joining the UL Vikings you can contact us at ulvikings@gmail. com or through our Facebook page.

We accept all levels of fitness and skill to anyone over the age of 18.

Join the movement. #OneTeamOneGoal

November 2016

22

A Star on the Rise: Keara Cormican

By Caoimhín Reilly

“I think that everyone who plays in the women’s national league has the aim to be capped for the senior international team and I am no different.”

Keara Cormican, a fourth-year Science student, is currently playing in her fourth league season with hometown club, Galway WFC, in the Women’s National League.

The defender, an Irish underage international, was part of the national side which competed at the World Student Games in South Korea last year, an experience which the 21-year-old describes as “incredible.”

“The experience [of competing at the World Student Games] was once in a life time.

I was the sole member from the ladies’ soccer team (in UL) but there were representatives from the men’s team and other sports as well.

“Over the past four years there have been huge improvements in the ladies’ soccer in the college. The management team of Derek McCarthy and Martin Hayes have been the main reason for the improvement of our team over the past two seasons in particular.

“Two years ago we finished second in the shield competition at intervarsity’s while last year we won the division one all-Ireland competition,” Cormican added.

The team have continued their progress into this semester and topped their league table ahead of crucial upcoming games which could see the girls win multiple pieces of silverware over the coming months.

Having won four

from four so far against Athlone IT, Waterford IT, IT Tralee and Mary I - UL face DCU before the end of the semester to determine if they will top the group in a match that is eagerly anticipated by all members of the squad.

“This leaves us in an excellent position for the remainder of the year with the opportunity to bring two pieces of silverware back to UL. I do not see any reason why we can’t with the progress of the girls,” Cormican said.

Cormican is a beneficiary of UL’s renowned high-performance scholar award, something which gives her access to top-class dietary and fitness advice as well as being offered the usage of the Arena’s elite gym facilities.

These are not something that she has been able to make full use of yet having been away on teaching placement, however,

C or mic an appears hopeful of availing of the facilities upon her return.

“As a scholar, I am given access to UL’s renowned top class gym facilities,” she replied, “there are meetings which are aimed to develop the scholars in their different sports and they involve seminars about athlete testing and nutrition.

“I haven’t been able to make full use of it so far as I am in Galway on placement unfortunately.”

Cormican is recognised as a bright prospect among those active in domestic women’s soccer across Ireland, but despite this she is intent on remaining with Galway even if the chance of

moving to one of the Dublin clubs presents itself.

The Galweigan said, “I do not have any plans of moving from Galway WFC in the future. I do not see what other clubs could offer me that I don’t already have because Galway is my home and there is a strong bond between all the girls.

“Galway have an excellent foundation in place which allows for the continued development of the current players and the younger players coming through.

“I would say after the last few seasons I have felt disappointed and often disheartened.

“As a team, we sacrifice time and finance in order to play in the National league and it did not seem to reap the rewards over the past few seasons.

“We have struggled with illness, injury and

other personal matters but we have grown and developed so much that it is disappointing to say that we have not won any silverware in return for our hard work.”

Former Derby County and Middlesbrough player Don O’Riordan has been at the helm of the Galway women for most of Keara’s senior career and is someone who she feels has had a hugely positive impact on her as a player.

“Don O’Riordan is a top-class manager both on and off the pitch. He is someone who likes to get to know his players in terms of football ability but also know about the players outside of soccer “I think this creates a strong bond between our players and management. Don’s organisation and dedication to Galway WFC is unbelievable.”

Cormican is famous for popping up with the odd important goal, however, she remains coy on declaring herself a goal scoring defender, “I think that I am suited to centre back. Myself and Shauna Fox have played together for three years now and during this time we have learned and understood how each other plays and I think that we complement one another very well.

“I am not really a goal scorer except for set pieces so they try and keep me as far away from the goals as possible - hence why I am a defender!” Cormican concluded.

In an era where women’s football is beginning to rightly get the recognition that it deserves, Cormican is yet another promising young Irish player with the potential to reach the top.

November 2016

23

Munster and All-Ireland Medal-Winner Dons UL Jersey for Championships

By Caoimhín Reilly What a year 2016 has been for John McGrath.

The Tipperary forward won both Munster and All-Ireland medals with the county, racking up 1-3 in September’s showpiece versus Kilkenny, before being honoured with a maiden All-Star award and following in the footsteps of his elder brother Noel.

The McGrath brothers were part of a Tipperary forward-line which registered 2-25 alone as the Premier County won back Liam McCarthy for the first time since 2010.

The fact that he was playing alongside Noel doesn’t have the significance that you would have thought though, “I wouldn’t really think of it much because I’ve played with him all the way up (through the ages). It is nice to have him there I suppose because we understand each other’s play but it’s not something that I think about too much.”

Tipperary won the double on the day, with John’s younger sibling Brian captaining the minors to national glory. The feat of having three Celtic crosses entering the house on the one day is something to be treasured according to John.

“That was something special for the family having the three of us playing in Croke Park and winning on the one day. Going up on the day you’re just hoping that it works out for everyone and nobody loses but the way it worked out is something that we’ll never forget,” McGrath said.

The All-Star award would seemingly cap off a memorable year

for the 22-year-old although he is insistent that his All-Ireland medal is of more personal significance.

“It is nice to be honoured on a night like that and follow in Noel’s footsteps but I suppose the main goal from everyone is to get their All-Ireland medal.

“Of course they’re nice to get but I’m much happier with my All-Ireland and I’d rather have that and no all-star than an allstar and no All-Ireland medal. They’re not the be all and end of all.”

This year was John’s second-year involved with the senior inter-county set-up in Tipperary having been involved under Eamonn O’Sé in 2015.

Michael Ryan, a selector under O’Sé, took the reins this season and he brought with him a hard-working mentality that McGrath believes was central to the success.

“They’re probably a small bit different. The way that the forward line moved this year had Eamonn’s stamp all over it and that was his philosophy, never stand still and I learned a lot off Eamonn,” the Construction Management and Engineering student admitted.

“Michael is a different kind of character and as a player he was a no-nonsense corner-back so I think that’s what he brought to the team, the fact that it was going to be hard work and nobody was going to be handed out a jersey – you were going to have to work for it – that’s the way that it needed to be.”

McGrath put his name firmly into the public domain following his

three-goal haul in the Munster Final against Waterford, a game which is still at the forefront of his mind.

“Getting up that morning I was a bit nervous and waiting for the match to start, it can be a long day leading into the game.

The first goal settled me into the game and the nerves were gone.

It’s hard to put it into words, it was my first Munster Final and to come out with 3-2 is very pleasing.”

John was part of the victorious Tipperary minor football team who achieved All-Ireland glory in 2011, playing at centre-forward, however the Loughmore Castleiney clubman doesn’t envisage a dual intercounty career ahead for himself.

McGrath said: “I don’t think that football will be for me personally.

That minor All-Ire-

land was the first bit of success that I had with Tipp and between minor-U21 I was more successful as a footballer rather than a hurler, but I’m happy enough playing hurling.

“I love going back to the club and to be winning with the lads who you have played with since you were seven or eight is very special.

In the early times, it was more of a football club but we’d be reasonably competitive in both and over the last 20 years hurling has become more prominent.”

The three All-Ireland winning McGrath brothers will line-out for the club footballers in Sunday’s Munster semi-final against Kerry kingpins Dr. Crokes with the club having recently won its 13th Tipperary football crown.

It’s a daunting prospect but one which McGrath is eager to have a go at.

Another thing which the attacker is keen on is a second Fitzgibbon Cup success with UL having lost last year’s decider to Mary I with the college having been chasing three titles in a row.

Preparation is going well heading into this year’s competition and McGrath is looking forward to pulling on the UL jersey in the championship, but he has warned that they will need to have that one special ingredient if the team are to be successful.

“Playing with UL you get to meet a lot of different fellas and see how lads prepare. You won’t get that chance anywhere else to play with lads from Limerick, Cork, or Galway.

We have had a couple of good years here and I found that we got a good team spirit going which helps when you don’t really know lads

coming in.

“In a competition like this it may not always be the best hurling team that wins it because you’re playing in January and February when the conditions are pretty poor so team spirit is a huge thing. Lads are preparing hard and there are early morning sessions in the arena. That’s the commitment you need at this level and it’s not too far off county senior standard.”

McGrath believes UL offer top class facilities to high-performance athletes.

“Anything you ask for is here. There are top quality gym and pool facilities with the 3G pitches down on the north campus and the testing facilities in the PESS, there is nothing to stop you from not only getting a good academic education but a great sporting education as well.”

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