Palestinian poet Abdallah Said "More pieces fall away": Trinity's Palestin- ian poet Abdallah Said shares poems "My Skin" and "Just Shame" in this issue of Radius.
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PHOTO BY SOPHIE QUINN
HEARD ABOUT HEARTH?
Read about the new studentpublication born from bottles of wine and ashes of cigarettes.
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UT in Review
The University Times' Deputy Editor Molly Wetsch reminisces on a year of work and (many) elections.
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In Radius: [Maggie Amstrong and Niamh Campbell in Conversation ] [Freeman Library's April Fool's Joke]
A Conversation with Hearth Magazine
PHOTOS BY ELENA STACK MARTIN.
Eliora Abramson
Born in the Cafe Nero on Dawson Street, there’s a new magazine being passed around Trinity’s campus. Make no mistake however, Hearth Magazine is not a Trinity publication. I spoke to head Editor and Co-Managing Editor, Conor Ennis and Aisling McGorrian, to pull the curtains back on the independent magazine, whose full team also includes Elena Stack Martin, Priya Evans, Eoin Farrelly, and Charlotte McCulloch. Hearth, Conor tells me, was an idea that had been in the back of his head for a while. He shares, “We were on holiday and in between a bit of wine, some cigarettes … I think we were in the middle of a deep chat, and I was like why don’t we just do this?” The magazine team had become friends while having the same break after a lecture. Aisling says, “we would make a little pilgrimage to Cafe Nero on Dawson Street and sit down for hours and drink coffee and talk”. Charlotte McCullcoch, the member of the team who focuses on art, tells me that friendship as the basis of the magazine is what makes it so special to her, saying “it makes the whole process not only so much more fun but also so fulfilling! I love how personal and intimate all the pieces are and knowing the writers behind them”. “We’re a bit like a band”, Conor tells me, “As much as I’m the head editor, I don’t think I’m anyone’s boss”. Aisling and Conor reminisce about the beginnings of the magazine, telling me about the week they
spent in Wexford ironing the paper out, complete with a daily schedule on a whiteboard courtesy of Conor. “We had this moment where, I think going into it we were all very nervous about showing pieces to each other” he says. “Writing can be so personal - it was between sharing it with each other, we were like oh I feel so much more comfortable. I don’t feel this nervousness that if something I do is bad, I’m bad. It’s just something I’ve done that isn’t the best. I think we allowed each other that space to be bad. I think that’s why we’re trying to extend that out now because we want other people to have that same experience”.
The first issue of Hearth, which the team refers to as “Issue Zero”, was focused on the theme of identity, with pieces ranging from short stories, to personal essays, to ponderings. The visual art is as equally compelling as the art, with shots of familiar scenes around campus as well as a vibrantly colorful cover, created by Naomi O’Dwyer depicting a home as inviting as the content of the magazine itself. One of the reasons for the creation of the magazine is also what makes it special. When I ask Conor and Aisling about what sets Hearth apart from the numerous other magazines on Trinity’s campus, they reply simply that Hearth is not a Trinity publication. “The one thing about the other publications is that sometimes they feel a little limited,” Conor tells me, “they are fantastic for what they do, but
sometimes they only do a couple of things. We want people to explore what they are interested in and allow them that space and give them that longer word count, it’s just more communication and more freedom”. This comes, he says, from the strong sense of community. “One of our hopes and goals with this is that people have that opportunity to have that relationship with us while working on a piece”, Aisling says, “We just want it to be really open, kind of for it to feel like you’re working with your friends”.
Elena Slack Martin, who describes her role as quite flexible with a focus on the art and photography of the magazine, said in a statement to UT, “We aim to cater for a more personal engagement with our readers and contributors, we’ve found a lot of the Trinity affiliated magazines maybe weren’t as engaged with the people submitting and we wanted to create a space where people were comfortable becoming vulnerable with the process of sharing work and receiving feedback”. She continues, saying that the team has been “ overwhelmed with the positive response that we’ve gotten so far”, referring to the magazine's very first issue.
A key factor of the magazine is the printed element which Aisling tells me derives from the worry that print media is becoming a bit of a lost form. Going into college she says, she had aspirations of journalism. “I want to be the how to girl, the agony aunt” she says. “I
think fun magazines are amazing and they are disappearing. I think what’s really great about Hearth is that in some ways it’s literary but we also have a lot of fun making it and reading it”.
Aisling goes on, “I think there's just something very special about just being able to sit down and tune out the rest of the world. You can’t read something on your phone without getting notifications, even looking at the time. But when you have the physical thing in your hand, that is all you have to focus on, there’s nothing to take you out of it, you can just be in those pages for however long it takes”.
Co-managing Editor,along with Aisling, is Priya Evans who tells UT, "I think the most rewarding part of this process has been creating a collaborative space for people to establish their voices. We wanted to have an outlet for people to try new things, push boundaries and embrace the abstract. Having Naomi’s incredible cover art to stand alongside the written work is really important to us and we want to continue to expand the amount of visual art we include. The printed format allows us so much space to play with visuals alongside the words and the collaboration that inspires has been wonderful to be a part of. I can’t wait for the future of Hearth. I genuinely don’t think any of us ever truly knows quite what will happen next with it, which is so exciting”.
With such accomplishment comes the inevitable challenges. Conor tells me, “being students is hard”, explaining a lack of money has been an issue, especially as the magazine is independent and completely self-funded. “I love playing the game where somebody is like how many issues did you print?” Conor says, “And I say 60 and ask how much do you think that costs, have a guess. 300 euro. And that’s the cheapest one”.
zine and those involved. Reaching students outside of Trinity is a goal for the team, saying “we don’t want this to be limited to the campus”. Finding and creating sponsorships are also in the future for the magazine. Conor and Aisling tease an exciting development, telling me “Hopefully we will have a very big name writer attached to our magazine for an issue. That’s still being ironed out”.
Conor tells me, “I want a future where everyone on our team and everyone we talk to, can learn about layout and photography. Eventually, I want a world where there’s twenty people who are like swiss army knives when it comes to magazines”. He continues passionately, “this is kind of a big pipe dream for me, but I envision a future where everyone I know, in our course or whatever, everyone is in the fucking industry, this connection, you hear about in the past there were these movements of writers, I’m not saying that’s ever going to happen but you got to try and like push something in that direction and hope something happens. I just want to have some shit out there, some stuff that I’m proud of”.
Juggling life is also a challenge, the two report. “Sometimes I feel like if I’m awake, I’m thinking about the magazine”, Aisling says which she attributes to a lack of defined hours. She goes on, “but even the idea of setting work hours for it just seems ludicrous to me, because it is a personal passion project and it’s unfair to limit yourself when it comes to your passion”.
The future is bright for Hearth, as the team is looking forward to expanding the maga-
Eoin Farrelly, Hearth’s Head of Layout, said in a comment to UT, “My favourite part of the journey so far is honestly the point we’re at now. Coming into our first open-submission issue it is so inspiring to see all the amazing written pieces and art works from so many people. It feels really special to provide a space where people can share their art. All I can say is there’s very exciting things ahead”. I ask Conor and Aisling how people can get involved with Hearth, to which they reply “We take anything and everything, if people want to submit photography or art, we are so open to it”. Aisling tells me, “Our writer’s groups are a great way to engage, it’s a lovely way to meet the team, just drink coffee for two hours, write and chat”. Team member Elena, affirms this, telling me the magazine hopes to be a “a community of writers rather than just being a platform to submit to”. She continues, “the best way is to think of us as your friends, like there is no need to worry about being very formal when contacting us, we are literally just a bunch of twenty somethings, we do not think we are the shit”.
Hearth’s Instagram is hearthmag and their email, where submissions can be sent, is contact.heathmagazine@gmail.com. Submissions recently closed on the next issue of the magazine, which will focus on the Grotesque.
With the team’s obvious passion, drive, and genuine love for the magazine, I think it’s more than safe to say Dubliners should get used to seeing Hearth around the city. The magazine and team are just getting started - and are here to stay.
Three Bhealach Éasca le Snas a Chur ar do Chuid Gaeilge
Saoirse Bhreathnach
Tá spéis nua á chur sa Ghaeilge. Ach cé go mbíonn fonn ar dhaoine feabhas a chur ar a gcuid Gaeilge, is minic nach mbíonn a fhios acu cá háit le tosú. Ar an deauair, tá go leor acmhainní ar líne ar fáil anois atá éasca le húsáid agus saor in aisce.
Teanglann.ie
Is acmhainn iontach é Teanglann.ie do gach duine atá ag foghlaim nó ag úsáid na Gaeilge. Soláthraíonn sé foclóir cuimsitheach, leaganacha gramadaí samplaí úsáide agus fuaimeanna cainte ó chainteoirí dúchais. Tá sé thar a bheith úsáideach chun focail nua a fhoghlaim, leaganacha ceart a fháil agus do chuid scríbhneoireachta a fheabhsú. Ar bharr ar seo, is féidir leat é a húsáid achan uair is mian leat mar go bhfuil sé ar fáil go héasca ar an idirlíon agus tá sé saor in aisce chomh maith!
Abair.ie
Is uirlis an-úsáideach í Abair.ie chun do scileanna éisteachta agus fuaimniú na Gaeilge a fheabhsú. Úsáideann sí teicneolaíocht urlabhra a fhorbraíodh ag Coláiste na Tríonóide. Cuireann an suíomh deis ar fáil duit téacs a chlóscríobh agus é a chloisteáil á labhairt i gcanúintí Uladh, Chonnacht agus Mumhan, rud a chabhraíonn le tuiscint agus líofacht na teanga a fhorbairt. Tá sé an-úsáideach freisin do mhic léinn atá ag ullmhú do
scrúduithe, nó do dhuine ar bith atá ag iarraidh Gaeilge nádúrtha a chloisteáil agus a fhoghlaim. achmhainní TG4.ie Tugann TG4.ie rochtain ar réimse leathan ábhar do gach aois agus leibhéal cumais ó chláir faisnéise agus drámaí. Cuidíonn sé seo leat a bheith gníomhach sa teanga i slí thaitneamhach agus spreagúil. Trí fhéachaint ar ábhar siamsúil i nGaeilge, is féidir leat do chuid scileanna éisteachta a fheabhsú gan stró, agus an teanga a fhoghlaim go nádúrtha i gcomhthéacs cultúrtha.Tá an suíomh úsáideach
Léirmheas ar "An Taibhse"
Bhí an deis agam dul chuig première scannáin An Taibhse ar an 25ú Márta, agus mar sin, bheartaigh mé léirmheas a scríobh faoi (nílim in ann mo smaointe a fhágáil istigh i m’intinn). Mura chuala sibh cheana is é An Taibhse an chéad scannán uafáis a eisíodh trí Ghaeilge go dtí seo. Mar fhocal foláirimh, a leitheoirí, ní saineolaí mé i scannáin uafáis, agus níos minice ná a mhalairt, ní thaitníonn scannáin uafáis liom in aon chor. Ach bhain mé an-sult as an scannán seo agus táim ar bís labhairt libhse faoi! Thosaigh an scannán seo mar thionscadal coláiste ag John Farrelly agus tar éis roinnt blianta ag cur feabhais ar an scéal agus é ag athrú é ó ghearrscannán go dtí scannán atá thart ar 90 noiméad, seasann An Taibhse amach mar scannán uafáis Gaelach. Suite faoin tuath in Éirinn san am díreach tar éis an Ghorta Mhóir, leanann an scannán fear, Éamon, agus a iníon, Máire, agus iad ag glanadh agus ag coimeád tí mór Seoirisigh i rith an gheimhridh. Teach an-stairiúil atá ann, agus cloistear fuaimeanna an tí, nó, b’fhéidir an taibhse a bhí ann, ag tús an scannáin. Má thaitníonn libh a bheith ag crith nó ag screadáil agus sibh i bhur suí sa phictiúrlann, ní gheobhaidh sibh seo as An Taibhse, ach beidh eagla oraibh ar aon nós. Leanann an scannán ar aghaidh agus an bheirt charachtar san áit uaigneach seo, ag obair go crua
freisin do dhaoine atá ag iarraidh a gcuid Gaeilge a hathnuachan, mar go bhfeictear an teanga i mbun gnímh, agus foghlaimíonn siad nathanna cainte, stór focal nua agus úsáid bheo na teanga sa saol laethúil.
Bain leas astu!
Mar a fheictear, tá réimse leathan acmhainní ar fáil anois a thaispeánann go bhfuil foghlaim na Gaeilge níos inrochtana agus níos spreagúla ná riamh. Tá na huirlisí cearta ar fáil chun cabhrú leat ar do thuras teanga. Le suíomhanna mar Teanglann.ie, Abair.ie, agus TG4.ie, is féidir le gach foghlaimeoir feabhas a chur ar a gcuid scileanna go héasca, ar bhealach spraíúil agus praiticiúil. Ní raibh sé riamh chomh háisiúil Gaeilge a fhoghlaim, níl le déanamh ach an chéad chéim a thógáil. Le cúpla nóiméad sa lá agus na huirlisí cearta, is féidir leat dul chun cinn mór a dhéanamh le do chuid Gaeilge, Cibé áit a bhfuil tú ar do thuras an Ghaeilge a fhoghlaim agus a úsáid, cuimhnigh an seanfhocal ‘Tús maith, leath na hoibre’
ar fud an lae. Ó thaobh na scannánaíochta de, bhí an fhoireann scannánaíochta saormhaith ag taispeáint cé chomh iargúlta is atá an teach seo agus é timpeall coillte ollmhóra gan teagmháil le héinne ar bith eile. Feicimid go luath nach bhfuil Máire go hiomlán sásta a bheith ann, agus í sáinnithe sa chistin ag déanamh béilí dá hathair gan chead aici dul istigh i leabharlann an tí. D’fhiafraigh sí dá hathair cathain a mbeidh siad ag dul ar ais go Béal Feirste, agus í
ar ais ar scoil chun freagra neamhcinnte a fháil óna hathair. Feicimid gnáthamh na laethanta sa gheimhridh crua seo, ach athraíonn rudaí lá amháin nuair a ghoideann Máire leabhar ó leabharlann an tí agus tar éis sin, gortaíonn a hathair é féin agus é ag gearradh adhmaid. Anseo amach, feictear Máire ag déanamh na hoibre ar fad agus í tuirseach traochta. Ag an am céanna, bhíodh Éamon ag ól ar fud an lae agus é ag gearán léi muna dhéanann sí gach
rud i gceart. Tar éis sin téann cúrsaí i saol Mháire in olcas. Is cliste an teicníc é ‘taibhse’ a úsáid, bíodh sé fíor nó bréagach, chun plé a dhéanamh ar chúrsaí tí san am seo. Tar éis an Ghorta Mhóir, níl aon iontas go raibh fadhbanna fós ann maidir le bia, ach ag an am céanna, bhíodar ag streachailt le fadhbanna meabharshláinte mar thoradh ar chumha an ghorta. San am nuair atá Éaman istigh sa teach, feictear é ag ól an t-am ar fad agus ag imirt cluiche cláir ina aonar. Éiríonn sé
níos crua ar Mháire agus é ag magadh fúithí nó ag gearán léi agus feicimid an méid olcais a bhualadh ar dhaoine mar gheall ar an alcól, agus na fadhbanna comhthéacsúil a bhaineann leis an am seo. Téann Éaman as a mheabhair, agus is dócha go bhfuil tú in ann a rá gurbh eisean an taibhse ó thús. Fiú mura thaitníonn scannáin uafáis leat, molaim duit féachaint ar an scannán seo. Cuirfidh sé as duit, ach is rud tábhachtach é agus muid ag déanamh plé ar scéalta a bhaineann i gcaoi amháin nó caoi eile ar stair na tíre seo. Bhí sé iontach tábhachtach téamaí faoi phlás agus drochíde na mban agus ciall a chailleadh mar gheall ar thráma an Ghorta Mhóir, uaigneas agus an alcól. Beidh sibh míchompórdach agus sibh ag feiscint ar an scannán seo ach is dócha go n-aontódh tú liom gur rinne an fhoireann scannánaíochta, léiriúcháin agus scríobhneoireacht léiriú iontach ar na téamaí seo. Is rud tábhachtach é scéalta na tíre seo a choimeád agus is níos tábhachtaí ná sin, ná hiad a choimeád in-ár dteanga dhúchais.
Selma Ćatibušić
PHOTO BY SOPHIE QUINN
Maggie Armstrong in Conversation with Niamh Campbell
Chloé Asconi-Feldman
If you have visited Books Upstairs in the past year, the names Maggie Armstrong and Niamh Campbell should sound familiar. A couple of weeks ago, UCD’s Trapdoor hosted these two prominent voices in contemporary Irish literature for a conversation discussing Armstrong’s first book, a collection of short stories titled Old Romantics. Campbell, who previously won the Rooney Prize for Irish Literature, published This Happy in 2020 and We Were Young in 2022. Armstrong, a former journalist, recently published her first short story collection with Tramp Press. While in conversation, the authors covered themes of romance, the Irish literary community, and developing writing style.
The Irish Examiner’s review of Old Romantics calls to question whether Dublin men are really so terrible, or whether it is that the women who date them observe them so sharply and write about them so entertainingly that they appear especially awful. For anyone familiar with the trials of dating in Dublin, Armstrong’s collection will strike a chord. Her stories explore a spectrum of Dublin man archetypes, from the emotionally unavailable, to the one who is too stingy to buy you a pint. Themes of romance, and more importantly, what Armstrong calls a romantic career, are ever-present in Old Romantics. Many stories in Armstrong’s collection abandon structured plots and instead follow observations of romance, which take the form of a plot. In conversation, she describes the idea of projecting romance onto others, taking contemporary concepts such as the often one-sided ‘situationship’, and weaves
PHOTO BY CHLOÉ ASCONI-FELDMAN
them into “Dublin Marriage”, creating a narrative based on romantic delusions. While she is able to portray these failed relationships comically, she explains that often we create these delusions to mask our individual problems. Instead of self-reflection and path finding, we use romance as a mask to hide underneath. Throughout Armstrong’s collection, she carries a comedic and almost playful tone, layered with this same sharp insight. While many of the stories in Old
Romantics carry a playful tone, “Maternity Benefit” can be seen as a contrast, as it describes a birth story in detail. Armstrong tells Campbell that she almost omitted the story from the collection, as she once believed it to be tasteless, and is still quite unsure of its success. She describes her worries as fearing to imitate Bukowski’s style, or writing a female High Fidelity. Though worried about its reception, the story resonates powerfully in an Irish context, where
in front of an audience, without the pressure of trying to get published.
Before publishing her short story collection, Armstrong worked as a journalist, covering many topics, including restaurant reviews for the Dubliner, critiquing books, and publishing personal essays. As a journalist, Armstrong describes her tone as arrogant and bitter, publishing harsh critiques she now cringes at. When Old Romantics was released, she was waiting for this backlash, but was relieved when she found that the Irish literary community tends to lead towards support rather than harsh criticism, contrary to British or American journalism. Instead, both authors laugh about how Irish criticism is so gently phrased, often sandwiched in between so many compliments that you might miss it entirely. When describing Armstrong’s career in journalism, both authors reminisce on the prime years of Irish journalism, and they express hope for a new wave of journalism to emerge.
such topics still feel taboo. In the story, the narrator’s mother refuses to tell her about the realities of her own birthing experience, instead changing the subject every time the narrator brings it up. This silence and vague reassurances symbolise a broader cultural discomfort with discussing women’s bodily realities. The honest portrayal of a birth story is reminiscent of Anne Enright’s raw account in her book Making Babies, which Campbell remarks on, demonstrating the boldness of female Irish authors breaking the stigma. When referencing the Irish literary scene, both writers describe the community as supportive and connected. While Irish literature has always been notable, it is continuing to grow in popularity worldwide. Yet the community has not reached the levels of New York or London, instead, the circle of writers seems smaller, as well as the number of editing houses, making the writing and publishing experience more intimate. As a UNESCO City of Literature, Dublin is a city filled with literature events that give authors opportunities to read their work out loud, such as Dublin fringe events, open mic events, or the many literature festival events Dublin hosts, which both authors credit. Campbell compares this experience to playing in a cover band before you write your own music, as you are testing your skills
Campbell’s writing style is frequently described as lyrical and reminiscent of Eimear McBride’s Joycean, free-flowing sentences. Armstrong, in contrast, joked that her stories sound like she is speaking on the BBC, using sophisticated words to describe comical situations. When developing personal writing style, both authors credit their influences, with Armstrong drawing inspiration from the Victorian authors. They discussed how writing in a particular register can allow a writer to distance themselves from the story, creating space to explore characters with greater objectivity. In Old Romantics, several stories include the character of Margaret, which has brought the question of whether these experiences have happened to Armstrong or whether they are simply fiction. Armstrong seems to be walking a line between fact and fiction, placing her within the autofiction genre, blending autobiographical work with fiction, similar to authors Rachel Cusk or Annie Ernaux.
In conversation, both authors offered a glimpse of the world of the contemporary Irish literary community authentically and entertainingly. While they gave insight on practical writing advice, such as the importance of having financial stability to write, crediting Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own, they were also able to laugh about failed romantics, which is what Armstrong’s collection is all about. Both authors seem to be working on new projects, and readers should be waiting for them with anticipation.
“It’s a Great Space for Telling Stories”: The Importance of Student Radio
Aoife Bennett
At the very top of Teach a Sé lives Ireland’s largest student-run radio station, Trinity FM (TFM). Following their recent AGM the newly elected chair and secretary of the TFM committee and the outgoing chair and secretary sat down with The University Times to chat about all things TFM and their experience with student radio.
When reminiscing on their first experiences with TFM outgoing secretary, Rowena Breen, explains that she got involved with TFM in first year by doing her own radio show. Breen recalls finding out about TFM with her friend Ciara Munnelly and thinking, “this is the perfect place for us to get to speak freely to a very limited audience”. They came up with a show called DU Eejit Soc which over the years has transformed into a scripted comedy show. However Breen explained that the idea originated because, “neither of us are from Dublin and we wanted a radio show where we could talk about rural Irishness because it was like the cornerstone of our friendship”.
Reflecting on the past four years Breen remembers what the pair were like in first year: “we got in trouble a bunch of times for doing things wrong and breaking rules and we were constantly afraid of getting banned off the air for some reason.” Thankfully they didn’t get kicked off air. Instead, DU Eejit Soc finished its four year run this term and they were given the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Trinity
FM Ball on March 20th. Speaking on their award Breen comments, “It's nice to see that everything we had been doing for the last three years was not only fun but it was also somewhat meaningful.”
Breen’s time in TFM has made her passionate about student radio as she describes TFM as a “beating heart of campus”. All the TFM shows over the years have been recorded with their back catalogue acting capturing the changing student culture over the years. Breen notes, “it’s quite cool to hear people speak in a way that’s not rehearsed or edited … sometimes it's about the state of the world or an experience specific to their time and it is quite cool to be part of the 2024-2025 version of that”.
At the head of the 2024/25 TFM team is outgoing Chair, Dervla Walsh. Walsh also joined TFM in her first year after seeing their society stall at the Freshers Fair. Walsh remembers how her and her friends were all “very much interested in the podcast space at that stage of time,” which drew them to TFM. After a chat with some of the committee at the Freshers stand and a free Newstalk water bottle Walsh was sucked in and applied for her first show. Walsh comments, “you just get sucked in once you get your first slot and it's just been a whirlwind ever since!”
As Walsh prepares to hand over the reins she cited the weekly committee meetings as a particularly special part of her time in TFM saying,
“it's just really fun to all pile into a big room and chat and everyone was so congenial … sometimes you look around at the stuff that you're doing and the way that people are dressed you're like, ‘this is college man’ and that's how it felt to do the meetings.”
For anyone considering getting involved in TFM Walsh encourages you to go for it, stating, “we want new people and we want people that are passionate. It's much less scary than it seems.”
This year Walsh did her first solo radio show First Thought, Best Thought named after the album by Arthur Russel. After this experience she also wants to encourage students to not be scared to go for a show by themselves. Walsh explains, “it's kind of cool to be in there by yourself and be faced with trying to come up with your next couple of words. It's a very quick learning curve for how to express yourself coherently.”
Incoming Chair, Faye Mellon, had a similar experience doing her first show. Mellon was first attracted to TFM as she was “really shy” when she first came to college. Unlike some other societies that were predominantly social Mellon liked that TFM was working towards a project. Mellon recalls
thinking TFM was amazing in first year as she noted, “all I had to do is my job and then I'm like part of this community and it turns out that a community where you have to talk on the radio is a really efficient way to stop being shy, so I stayed here”. This year Mellon was TFM’s station manager. Reflecting on her time in this role Mellon notes that her highlight of the year was the shows she supervised as part of the TFM committee. Mellon describes the job as an “often underrated part of the TFM experience”. TFM runs 45 shows a week during term time and while each show is on air a member of the committee is in the studio with the show hosts to ensure everything runs smoothly. The shows Mellon was supervising this year were visiting students from the USA who brought their already established radio show’s to Dublin. Mellon explained, “it was amazing to hear about all of their American student radio stations, like in Pitch Perfect, where they have to use cds and they can't have dead air … it was so nice I'd be supervising and they'd come in asking, “oh can I swear?’ and I got to be like ‘yes you can do anything you want!’”
Finally, incoming secretary, Ciarán Cronin, came to TFM a bit later than his fellow committee members.
Cronin first found TFM by coming on his friend's radio show at the end of his first year. The following year, when he saw show applications open he decided to go for it. Cronin recalls the panic of getting his show application in, when applications used to be done on a first come first see basis. He explains, “I remember stressing. Someone was trying to talk to me and I was like “ No, I need to do this. I need to come up with a name now!”
This year Cronin’s show, The Ciarán Cronin Show, has seen him interview Provost Linda Doyle and most recently Mary McAleese. Cronin, speaking on getting his high profile guests casually says, “actually it's surprisingly easy, if you send emails to people they will actually respond … Leo Varadkar told me he'd do it when the memoir is out.” As Cronin gets ready to take up the role of secretary and moves into his final year of college, he meditates on the allure of TFM, “I think it's a great space for telling stories and communicating with people … when you're in first and second year and you come up for here for the first time you're like, ‘I don't know what's going on here but I'd like to be a part of it more,’ and now as we’re sitting here I’m like ‘oh actually I am now.’”
The Power of Peer Mentorship: Why Women Mentoring Women Matters
Caitlin Flores
Across Trinity College, a growing number of women’s mentorship initiatives are reshaping the student experience by fostering collaboration, leadership and peerto-peer support. Whether through Trinity Women in Law or the Student Managed Fund’s Women in Business Group, these initiatives aim to close the confidence gap and provide practical opportunities for students entering competitive career paths. At the forefront of this movement stands The Women’s Network (TWN), the first European chapter of a US-based organisation, which has adapted its model to Trinity’s campus with remarkable success.
Founded on the core pillars of professional development, peer support and community-building, The Women’s Network at Trinity College has created a space for women and non-binary students to mentor one another, gain leadership experience and build networks that extend far beyond their degree. Alice Moynihan, incoming President of TWN-TCD, spoke to The University Times about how the chapter has grown since its establishment and how it continues to evolve to meet the needs of students.
“Trinity’s has an amazing culture surrounding its student societies. They are outlets for student creativity, community and for practical endeavours as well,” said Moynihan. “While The Women’s Network was originally founded for USbased university campuses, its core pillars appeal to an international base. It is because of its broad appeal that its integration onto campus has been relatively seamless.” Although TWN’s structure origi-
nates from the United States, the society has adapted itself to Trinity through collaboration with local societies and by focusing on issues that reflect the needs of its student members. “The organisation’s founder and CEO, Jamie Vinick, has been a wonderful collaborator for our previous executive boards, especially when it comes to understanding the best ways we can adapt as a society to best fit the needs of Trinity students,” Moynihan explained. Inclusivity is a key component of TWN’s identity, and its mentorship model reflects that. “Our DEI
officer plays a pivotal role in fostering connections between other societies on campus that help promote the objectives of TWN-TCD,” Moynihan said. “Along with our entire committee, they are also responsible for ensuring our events and projects are aligned with the diverse needs and backgrounds of our membership base. This is a tenet of societies across campus and we are assisted in this by the CSC.” One of the most impactful initiatives TWN has launched this year is its mentorship programme, which connects students from similar academic backgrounds in a structured but accessible way. “We rolled out our mentorship programme this year and received positive feedback from those who participated,” said Moynihan. “The goal of the programme is to connect younger and older students in similar courses with one another in an environment that fosters leadership skills for our mentors and provides valuable insights for mentees.”
This model offers mutual benefit. It allows mentors to develop leadership and interpersonal skills, while mentees gain insights into course content, career paths, and navigating academic pressures. Moynihan notes that mentorship doesn’t begin and end with formal pairings. “Across the society networking provides valuable opportunities for all of our members and for our committee to mentor and to be mentees. We at TWN un-
derstand that we can all learn from each other and are very proud to provide a space for that.”
Beyond peer mentoring, TWN’s broader mission is to connect students with professionals and experts in a variety of fields, helping to demystify industries where women and gender minorities are underrepresented. “Our careers in Social Justice event was definitely one of my favorites from this year,” said Moynihan. “We had guest speakers, Olive Moore, Claire Gately and Susanne Rogers. They offered insightful contributions to our panel discussion which saw our largest engagement from our members at the time.”
The society has also hosted a wide range of speakers from journalism, fashion, and corporate sectors.
“We have also had the privilege of hosting Niamh Ellis from Accenture, Zeda who is an incredible stylist, fashion journalist Corina Gaffey, and designer Aisling Duffy,” Moynihan added. “Cathy Winston, a career coach and Trinity Careers Service have also worked with us on events. In February we hosted a careers in journalism panel where attendees had the pleasure of hearing Sorcha Pollak (Irish Times), Erin McCafferty, and Ella Sloane (Irish Times) speak to our members about their experiences and offer practical advice for writers.”
TWN’s international roots also allow members to benefit from a global network of like-minded students and professionals. “We stay in contact with other chapters throughout the academic year,” Moynihan said. “Our founder facilitates lines of communication and training opportunities through online calls and message boards. There is so much to learn from other chapters and how they have adapted to meet their individual universities' needs. Through our global connections we hope to provide an international network of women and gender minorities who can benefit from each other's council.”
In addition to offering external insights, TWN focuses on equipping students with practical tools they need for post-college life. The society collaborates with Trinity Careers Service for events like CV and LinkedIn workshops, while also tackling broader personal development topics. “For practical skills like CV and LinkedIn workshops where our board members' expertise is not extensive enough, we ask for professional advisors to speak to our members,” Moynihan explained. “Trinity Careers service has knowledge of undergraduate and graduate needs.”
“For broader skills that do not dis-
tinguish between levels of education, like our Imposter Syndrome Workshop with Niamh Ellis, we may ask industry professionals to share their experiences with our members. Round table discussions can be hugely beneficial in this respect,” she added.
While mentorship and networking are at the heart of TWN’s activities, collaboration remains a defining feature of its ethos. “We are always open to collaborating with other societies and have worked well with SOFIA, University Times, Trinity Fashion Society, TACS, ESTEM, FLAC and VDP to name a few,” Moynihan noted. This spirit of cooperation has enabled TWN to diversify its programming while amplifying the impact of its message across campus.
Trinity Women in Law (TWIL) and SMF Women in Business (WIB) also provide valuable spaces for women to be mentored by peers and professionals. TWIL connects female law students with alumni and legal practitioners, helping them navigate a traditionally male-dominated profession. WIB’s initiative provides mentorship for aspiring women in finance, supporting them through career panels, industry exposure, and networking opportunities. These societies contribute to a culture where women mentoring women is not only encouraged but expected.
Still, it is The Women’s Network that has emerged as a cross-disciplinary platform grounded in accessibility, inclusivity and shared growth. Looking ahead, Moynihan sees great potential for expansion.
“The Women’s Network at Trinity College will continue to adapt to meet our members' needs. The job market is constantly changing and as a result, the priorities of young professionals are evolving,” she said. “Networking plays an important role in giving people access to explore the changing market and understanding where their own priorities lie.”
“Our team is excited for all that the 2025/26 academic year will bring,” she added. “We have so many events that couldn’t make it into the calendar this year that we hope to execute for our members.”
At a time when uncertainty defines the transition from student to graduate life, women’s mentorship programmes offer clarity, reassurance and tangible skills. In the words of Moynihan, “We at TWN understand that we can all learn from each other and are very proud to provide a space for that.”
Through initiatives like theirs, students at Trinity are learning that success is not a solitary pursuit, it’s something built together.
They Were Girls Together: Jellett and Hone at the National Gallery
Lea Carroll
Nestled in the Beit Wing of the National Gallery, ‘The Art of Friendship’ welcomes Dubliners Mainie Jellett and Evie Hone for an exploration of their lives and friendship, together for the first time in 100 years. Running concurrently through five substantial rooms, observers are taken from the early-era vivacious Cubism from their days in Paris, all the way through time to ecclesiastical depictions and striking stained glass. On April 10th, its opening day, the exhibition was already lively with fascinated and endeared visitors as early as 10 a.m. Curated by Brendan Rooney, ninety of Jellett and Hone’s works will adorn the walls of such splendid rooms until August 10th, giving art-lovers plenty of time to start off a sunny summer day with some stunning art and a reminder of the beauty of women’s friendships. One can expect to be greeted by both Jellett and Hone’s colourful and regimented early Cubist compositions of the 1920’s, with one particular Hone calling out your name. Aptly named “Composition” and earmarked by a funny little detail in the bottom-right, you’ll certainly know it when you see it in its full living colour. Jellett and Hone met in 1921 at the Westminster School of Art, going on to study under André Lhote and later Albert Gleizes where their friendship flourished. Alongside some singular examples of both Lhote and Gleizes work, the ladies’ gift for vibrant harmony is apparent in their early works. These initial paintings are reminiscent of two budding talents – eager to tell you they are on
the verge of something, drawing you in and setting you up for the burst of ingenuity that would be their respective oeuvres. The pair were known to be extremely devout, and their era of radical Cubism admits this with several beguiling pieces depicting iconography such as Christ and the Madonna and child in lucid contours and lines. Steadfast as they both were,
their religion only served to galvanise their art. Moving through the exhibition, the evolution from prescriptive principles to a more radical, somewhat figurative style is clear and continues throughout their careers. Selected pieces from this period of both Jellett and Hone are deftly shown side-byside, needing no effort to display the impact of their friendship on
their intersecting growth as artists as the parallels in colour and motif speak for themselves. Particularly evocative at this point of the exhibition, was Jellett’s “I Have Trodden the Winepress Alone”. A likeness of Christ the Redeemer with its title from the Book of Isaiah, this painting radiates a bold celebration of colour and faith. Though in 1924 a critic suggested that Jellet was “the cleverer artist of the two” and Hone the “purer artist”, it’s possible to imagine that this was a cheap attempt at pitting one against the other, as it’s plain that while their styles diverged in areas, they were equally valid in their own right.
Hone, having been a member of An Túr Gloine stained glass co-op studio, found a mode in stained glass that satiated her desire for commanding, abstract design that simultaneously expressed her spirituality. In ‘The Art of Friendship’, one can find twelve striking, back-lit glass pieces in a dimmed room of the exhibition. With a bench aptly placed in the middle to enable maximum wonderment, religious emblems such
as Saint Brigid, Christ, and Saint Hubert greet the observer with an awe-inspiring tribute to the divine. At once reverent and exploratory, Hone entwines dedication to her faith with a quiet confidence and a plate full of joie de vivre in each persuasive piece. Though not strictly Cubist in her stained glass work, the influence is certainly present through the saturated palette that energises the facets and fragments.
“The Art of Friendship” takes the beholder on a journey through the lives of two artists that were lucky enough to meet and foster a kindred spirit. The decision to sojourn the audience chronologically through their careers was one that only strengthened the bond that already resounds from the canvases. Their later work that returned to more figurative subjects inspired by nature and visions of Ireland struck an emotional chord that superbly rounded off a memorable experience. Leaving the gallery on one of the nicest spring days in Dublin this year, I felt a palpable appreciation for these ladies’ friendship, and friendships of my own. The beauty of what two women can create from their bond of friendship is one of the most powerful and redemptive forces that commands admiration. While you may not always know exactly what you’re looking at, there is a story for you to find, and it is not always a deeply philosophical harangue. Often, it is about the life you see before you on the canvas, and the life of the hands that made it.
“Sit Back Down”: The Overuse of Standing Ovations
Aoife Bennett
So you’ve just grimaced your way through your cousin’s am-dram production of Madagascar Jr the Musical. Alex the Lion did the whole thing in a Belfast accent, King Julian forgot his lines and ran off stage and you had to endure a five minute dance sequence of preteens dressed up as giant steaks. You’re not feeling too hopeful about the future of theatre or the future of Belfast. But as the curtain call begins and the steaks start arranging themselves in lines to take a bow, you look around the town hall and everyone's on their feet. Madagascar Jr the Musical has just received a standing ovation. Not wanting to seem like a dick you dutifully stand up and partake in the standing ovation. Don’t worry it’s happened to us all. But why? Why
does it seem like every show these days receives a standing ovation?
The Economist cites Covid-19 as one of the factors for what they’ve coined “ovation inflation.” They suggest that when theatre’s reopened after the pandemic more plays got standing ovations as people were excited to be back at the theatre and somehow the habit has stuck. However, The Guardian have been criticising the overuse of standing ovations since 2008 calling it a “filthy American habit that should be discouraged.” While the cause of the perpetual standing ovation is unclear we certainly don’t want to be copying the Americans at this moment in time.
The standing ovation used to be rare across Ireland and the UK. In his West End debut Dustan Hoffman was warned of the lack of
standing ovations compared to the US. In fact, Hoffman didn’t receive a standing ovation throughout his debut in The Merchant of Venice until the night he announced the death of theatre royalty Laurence Olivier. Hoffman is quoted as commenting after the show, “You have to fucking die to get a standing ovation here.” Now that is certainly not the case. The more the standing ovation is used the less valuable it becomes. So how do we distinguish now between a grand show and something that will one day be thought of as a classic? Today it’s the speed of the standing ovation that really matters. If people are trickling up bit by bit because the social pressure of being thought of as boring or stuck up proves too much, is it really a standing ovation or just an
example of peer pressure in action?
Last April I saw Agreement in the Lyric Theatre Belfast. Commissioned for the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement the powerful political drama with exceptional performances and a load of Belfast humour captured the four days leading up to the historic signing of the Good Friday Agreement. It was here I witnessed the first genuine standing ovation I had seen in years. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph about his play’s reception, Owen McCafferty, noted, “I have had standing ovations before but this was different. This was immediate.” Agreement was a poignant play and the Belfast audience, many of whom lived through the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, were moved by the hopeful performance, at a time
where Brexit and a dissolved government had brought more strife and uncertainty to Stormont. When the show was over people were straight up from their seats. Is this not what a standing ovation should be? People up out of their seats because they are truly moved by an exceptional performance? Or should we just accept that the culture around standing ovations has changed and they are now just another ritual of attending the theatre? I don’t know, but I do ask one thing. Please God stop giving standing ovations at your child’s primary school nativity play. I know she’s playing Mary and you’re very proud but if they get a taste for the standing ovation that young this madness will never stop!
PHOTO BY LEA CARROLL
Trinity's Palestinian Creative: Abdallah Abusamra
Just Shame
Gaza,
A grind
No names
No noise
They slaughter them
like roaches
No
Ants Under Boots
Your boots,
The Humans
No guilt
Maybe a tiny bit?
But no pause
You watch
And allow
No apologies to you, Or light,
Or words,
Just Shame
Just Shame
Abdallah Abusamra is a 26-year-old writer, teacher, and communications specialist from Gaza, Occupied Palestine. He holds a BA in English Literature from the Islamic University of Gaza and is currently pursuing an MPhil in Applied Intercultural Communication at Trinity College Dublin on a scholarship from the encampment movement. Abusamra has contributed journalistic pieces to We Are Not Numbers and Mondoweiss, taught advanced communication courses at Oxford English Centre – Gaza’s leading IELTS training provider, and delivered capacity-building workshops for governmental, INGO, and UN agency projects in Gaza.
The University Times' Class of 2024/2025
Molly Wetsch
Every year, The University Times reinvents itself. Perhaps it’s by virtue of the fact that a new Editor is democratically elected by the student body each Hilary term – or maybe it’s just that news and culture is constantly changing. This year was defined by national elections, student direct action and wins (and losses) for the College community by way of Campanile construction, Trinity Ball lineups, and the newly named Boland library . To serve as Deputy Editor of this paper has been a marked challenge, but also a marked privilege: I feel very lucky to be surrounded by such an engaged, intelligent College community that supports student journalism, however nosy we may be! There’s a lot of work to be proud of this year, and I’ll dive into as much of it as I can, but first it’s absolutely essential that I acknowledge the extremely hard work of our contributing writers. These contributing writers – those who don’t hold a masthead position and generously allow us to publish their work –give us the ability to source news and opinions from every corner of the college. This is so important to good journalism – we’re not just the Arts Block, people! Some of the highlights of our contributors’ work include TCDSU Oifigeach Gaeilge Pádraig Mac Brádaigh discussing the importance of Irish language reform, TCD BDS Chair Patrick Keegan on the housing crisis, and work featured from Palestinian poet Abdallah Said. We had countless stories spanning arts and culture, politics, climate change, student finance, and of course, our wonderful Comment section –which thrives off of students’ opinion and voices.
This year also saw the return of
the Trinity Access Programme (TAP) Journalism School, where 15 transition-year (TY) students joined the University Times to learn about everything from writing features to managing social media. They even had the chance to tour the Irish Times office, where they heard from working journalists Conor Pope, Conor Caplis, Rebecca Daly and Patrick Freyne. It was a true honour to mentor these young journalists and help them understand what student journalism is all about.
Our interview pieces were also plentiful this year: Politics Editor Eoin Connolly spoke to Senators Lynn Ruane and Tom Clonan and Assistant Editor Eliora Abramson sat down with Professor Eve Patten to discuss Ireland’s Border Culture Project. Other notable interview pieces included former Minister for Health Tony Holohan, newly elected Trinity Senator Aubrey McCarthy, and poet and friend of the late Eavan Boland, Paula Meehan.
One of the highlights of the year was working on the many (many) elections that plagued Trinity and Ireland this year.
From some of the most-contested TCDSU elections in recent history, to a historic general election, to Trinity’s final Seanad election, there was no shortage of votes to tally and candidates to interview. For the first time since 2021, the University Times received Newspaper of the Year at the Student Media Awards. Also awarded that night was Eve McGann, our Food and Drink turned Deputy News Editor who was awarded Features Writer of the Year. Awards aren’t everything, but I can’t deny that it
feels good to have our hard work recognised in any capacity. That night was also marked with nine wins for Trinity overall – huge! Perhaps one of the most meaningful achievements of the University Times staff this year, though, was the work News Editor Isabella Roussell did with Ezzeldeen Alswerky. Roussell broke the story of Alswerky’s being trapped in Gaza, despite his status as a Trinity scholarship recipient. Through that work (which was picked up by national news sources), College was encouraged to get into
contact with Alswerky to assist his safe transport to Dublin and the Hist raised over 700 Euro for his financial support. That support was ready for him when he arrived safely in Dublin on April 18th. This was a huge testament to the power of original student journalism, and I’m so proud of that work. There are never enough words to describe the insanely hard work that the staff has put into the paper this year, and the achievements listed above are simply a highlight reel of the amazing student writing that comes out of this college.
As mine and many of the masthead’s time as benevolent leaders of The University Times comes to an end, I’m beyond excited to see what the future of this paper has in store. There is such a strong base of journalistic talent in this college – I wish so much good luck and many busy news days to our fantastic new Editor-in-Chief Charlie Hastings, and to every writer who will have their work published in the paper in the coming year. Please don’t burn down Teach 6 (Simon will have your head!).
Behind the Scenes: “Zealous Mercurial Dreams Were About to Be Realised: New Treasures of the Old Library”
Amidst the comforting old-book smell, the glass encasement smackdab in the middle of the Long Room immediately catches your eye. Upon closer inspection, your eyes move towards a bright-pastel illustration of a satirical and semi-fictional rendition of the famous W.B Yeats by artist Annie West. Yeats is sprawled out on a maroon chaise with a clutter of papers about and a seemingly annoyed Maud Gonne lingering in the background. This witty and poignant representation of the “what if” of these two Irish historical figures, that is, the what if Maud had “said yes” to Yeats’ numerous marriage proposals, is just the beginning of your journey throughout the Old Library’s newest exhibition.
Annie West’s “If Maud Gonne had said Yes,” Yeats in Love is just one of the pieces featured in the Old Library’s new exhibition “Zealous Mercurial Dreams Were About to Be Realised: New Treasures of the Old Library.” The showcase opened on January 30th of this year and has captured the hearts of the Trinity community ever since. The exhibition continues until May 30th, in lieu, with its regenerative spirit and excitement of the coming of spring. I had the honour of talking to Laura Shanahan, Head of Research Collections at the Library of Trinity, upon my visit to the exhibition, where I witnessed the grandeur of this literary project firsthand. As the Old Library continues to undergo literary restoration, this exhibition has breathed new life into the Long Room. With an emphasis on not only our past itself, but also on how it shapes and seeps into our future, “Zealous Mercurial Dreams Were About to Be Realised” is a beautiful culmination of an enduring and provocative spirit. This exhibition looks to the past of prolific and impactful Irish writers such as Bram Stoker, Samuel Beckett, and Christy Nolan. But the experience only begins there. Works by modern literary greats like Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin, Jessica Traynor, and John Banville pull the expertise of the past into the reality of our present. The experience highlights additions to the Old Library from the past five years, but the story they curate is far more expansive. It represents the story of the Old Library and Trinity College itself–a formative experience with ups and downs, the complexities of life in their raw form, but the ultimate progression of possibilities coming to fruition. Even before reaching the inside of the Long Room, Shanahan immediately emphasised the importance of the work of archivists today and the ethical implications surrounding their contributions. “We live the way we want to be, rather than live the way things are presented to us. The archivists within the sector look at the code of practice, which talks about the ethical principles of collecting,” explains Shanahan. The commitment to ethical preservation and restoration shines
through the exhibit itself. “What you have here is equity and equality represented across all of society. And that's the way that we should behave when we're thinking about documentary records and preserving them for the future,” she concludes. The archivist explains that this exhibit is directly aligned with those principles of equity and access for all. The individual pieces of the exhibit, which we soon dove into, shed light onto the transformative experience of a welcoming and equitable space.
The first intriguing piece of this exhibit is “Camels weep, did you know?” a part of the Beckett Janvier Collection. The collection recently acquired this miniscule notecard sent from Samuel Beckett to his two translators, Ludovic Janvier and Agnès Vaquin-Janvier in November of 1969. Shanahan explains that this notecard is “so typically Beckett in the sense that there’s very little there.” Yet even with minimal language, the notecard strikes the viewer with immense emotion.
The notecard is translated from French into English, and she feels that although there are very few words, each translated sentence has significant depth. One of her favourite phrases written on the piece is, “one can’t have everything.” Here, Beckett is referencing his current hiding in Tunisia to avoid being awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, which was later famously referred to as a “catastrophe” for Beckett by his wife. Beckett yearned to remain behind closed doors, sharpening his creativity away from the distraction of media and attention. He closes the note with, “Camels weep, did you know?” Shanahan feels most readers are in awe of the seeming absurdity Beckett culminates this note with. “You could think of it as him saying, ignore the kind of human capacity for creativity. Nature is just so incredibly wonderful and everything's designed in this biological way to perform its function if we pay attention to it,” exclaims the archivist.
Shanahan next led me to the informative video about Christy Nolan, his familial experience, and his literary genius. The Christy Nolan Archive highlights much of Nolan’s life, including photographs of Christy Nolan at work in his family kitchen and typescripts of “I Learn to Bow” and “I Peer Through Ugliness” in this exhibit. Nolan was awarded the Whitbread Book of the Year Award, the Medal of Excellence by the UN Society of Writers, and Irish Person of the Year in 1988. Beyond that, he published countless poems, plays, and novels starting at the early age of eleven. With the support of his mother, his occupation therapist, and his entire family, Nolan forged a path to share his passion of writing with the whole world, although he suffered from cerebral palsy with severe quadriplegia. His disability often forced him into a marginalised experience, especially at a time when an open dialogue about the realities of disabilities was entirely dismissed. For this archive, which is generously supported by the Nolan family, Shannahan explains that it is extremely important that what appears first is Nolan’s “exceptional talent and capability for writing.” His strength did not end with his raw literary talent. “What sits over the top of that is the absolute awe-inspiring capability he had to persevere,” says Shanahan. This archive highlights not only the exceptional work of Nolan, but also the importance of “focusing back in on disabled people’s capacity to be inspirational from a creative point of view, from what they’ve achieved in life as individuals, not as a subsection of society,” reminds Shanahan. Shanahan explains the exhibition’s work with the Student Disability Service to host a creative essay competition was an exciting success and was pivotal in expanding the commitment to true inclusivity. Nolan’s Archive has allowed for the exhibition to push accessibility in academia and literature to the forefront. “It’s really important that each of us take the time out of
our lives to kind of think around that in order to ensure that people can participate and can be involved,” Shanahan concludes. Shanahan explains that the curating team deliberately wanted to do something very colourful with the exhibition. “What’s within the volumes is obviously where the inspiration comes from,” she says. The cover artwork for this exhibition was reproduced from a private press edition of Yeats poem, When You Were Old, titled Woodcut by Elide Piras. Matching this artwork with Christine Owen’s piece, “Zealous Mercurial Were About to Be Realised” represents the “world is your oyster” type of inspiration that hits you while exploring the Library’s collections, Shanahan shares.
So what does it take to put together an exhibition like this one? Quite a bit. The material shown in the exhibition has been acquired since when Covid started. Shanahan explains that the exhibit showcases only one or two items from each general collection. “The Beckett notecards have 100 letters and notecards in total. The John Bamble Archive dates back over four decades,” she says. This means the researchers sift through hundred archival boxes and digital files to curate the final exhibit. To complete a detailed analysis of these archives, Shanahan explains that it truly “takes a village when you’re doing something like this.” Whether it’s through academic partnerships, videographers, proofreaders, or communications colleagues, the establishment of this exhibition was anything but a one-person job. “The four or five months in the run-up to making this all happen is quite full on, but very much worthwhile,” concludes Shanahan. The time and effort placed into the curation of this exhibition truly shines through as we conclude our walk around the various pieces. Jamie Murphy’s well-designed book collection of poetic and artistic responses to Johnathon Swift’s poem, “A Modest Proposal,” is yet another
highlight of the exhibition. “I love the response people have had to this piece in particular,” says Shanahan. As a reflection back on Swift’s messages in “Modest Proposal,” this piece “really looks at how far society has changed since that time period,” Shanhan also explains. David O’Kane’s and Jessica Traynor’s work is paired in Murphy’s artistic revisioning. The collection of visual and written expressions of the transition from past to present, but the reality of injustices and struggles which still remain, is an imperative piece. “Zealous Mercurial Dreams Were About to Be Realised” is not only about preserving our literary heritage. It’s about looking to that heritage to critically think about how we enter our future. “The intent of [the exhibit] being so vivid and visually attractive is to draw you back into history and to remind you that history is not something that's behind us, it's something that we live with today,” says Shanahan. And as you walk through this exhibition, that feeling certainly clings to you. Each piece reflects on a critical part of not only our literary history, but also our very uniquely human experience. “We really are a living library … what this exhibition tries to showcase is some of the collecting the now, as well as looking back the way and saying: ‘How do we make sure we represent as many people as we can in these collections?’” Shanahan explains. The strength of the history present here provides beautiful inspiration for the humanness of literary experiences to come. “Zealous Mercurial Dreams Were About to Be Realised” is on display in the Long Room until May 20th and many of the collections are available to view on the TCD Library website.
Spring Skincare Reset: Your Ultimate Guide to Glowing Skin
With beauty retailers launching their spring sales, now is the perfect time to stock up on your favorite skincare essentials — while they’re still discounted. And for those heading back to the U.S., the impact of tariffs from the Trump administration has driven up the prices of beloved imported products, especially Korean skincare. So, if you’ve been meaning to grab that holy grail sunscreen or skin essence, now’s the time before a 25% duties fee is enacted and you won't be able to get your hands on these products.
In recent years, the U.S. skincare scene has seen a major boom — especially with the rising popularity of Korean and French imports. Thanks to platforms like TikTok, skincare routines and product recommendations have become more viral and increasingly more accessible than ever before. However, due to unfortunate tariffs this Korean skincare fixation won't be lasting much longer for many as the luxury of affordable K-Beauty products will soon be gone, and we will have to settle for our American sunscreens instead.
To help you navigate the overwhelming amount of options, we’ve put together a go-to morning and nighttime skincare routine at a variety of price points for different skin concerns. Whether you're investing in your holy grails before price hikes or trying new viral TikTok favorites, these picks will have your skin glowing well into exam season and the summer.
Morning
Especially during the stress of exams, there's no better time to focus on self care, and that can easily start with a good skincare routine. While in the morning you might be exhausted and want to neglect your morning skincare, the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is the perfect gentle cleanser to start your morning off right and help you feel revived. Designed to match your skin’s natural pH, this gel-based cleanser removes dirt and oil without being too stripping of the skin. It works great with sensitive or acne-prone skin types. You can find it on Amazon, Boots, or even Hickey’s Pharmacy on the corner of Grafton and Duke Street.
Then I Met You Birch Milk Refining Tone is ideal for those of you who want to commit to a milky toner, but are maybe looking for something that offers some gentle exfoliation too. This AHA and PHA toner has a lightweight, milky texture that feels luxurious yet hydrating, and it works beautifully for all skin types. Its soothing ingredients
help replenish moisture, making it a standout choice for anyone looking to boost hydration and prep the skin for the rest of their routine.
You can find this at any Space NK.
A long-time favorite in the Korean skincare community is the Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum. This water like serum that works great with other serums truly lives up to the hype for good reason. It’s packed with niacinamide, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to help you achieve that coveted “glass skin” look. If you’re new to serums, especially ones with active ingredients like vitamin C, you might also want to try Peach & Lily’s Transparen-C Pro Spot Treatment. It’s a beginner-friendly product ideal for acne-prone skin or anyone looking to brighten dark spots without overwhelming the skin.
The Goodal Green Tangerine Vitamin C Serum is another vitamin C superstar that will most definitely brighten up your skin. This serum is filled with antioxidants and 70% green tangerine extract. It delivers a noticeable glow almost immediately and works gently over time to brighten skin tone and reduce pigmentation. Best of all, it's formulated to be non-irritating, making it ideal for those with sensitive or breakout-prone skin who still want
the benefits of vitamin C without any worry.
You’ve probably seen Medicube’s viral peel-off mask all over TikTok, with influencers peeling away that snake-like skin layer as a part of their 7 step morning “de-shed”. But don’t overlook their Collagen Jelly Cream —it’s arguably even better than the mask minus all the hassle of going to bed with a facemask. This light, gel-based cream that you can buy at Boots gives your skin an intense glow and a plumped-up appearance without any greasiness. It’s especially great for warmer months when heavy creams can feel too thick. The texture melts into your skin, leaving it soft, bouncy, and visibly hydrated. And, if you still want the luxury of a mask, try out their peel off overnight gel mask, which doesn’t feel like you have anything on the face. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotic SPF50+ PA++++
We all know we should be wearing sunscreen daily — yes, even when it’s cloudy in Dublin every day the sun rays are still in fact out. This €14 ultra-lightweight sunscreen from the beloved Korean brand Beauty of Joseon is the one to beat. Infused with 30% rice extract and probiotics, it soothes the skin while protecting it from harmful
UV rays and a great choice for those of you picky about sunscreen. It applies like a dream, leaving no white cast, and feels like nothing on the skin. They also sell a stick version of the sunscreen which is an amazing alternative for on the go or in your purse if you are looking to reapply it throughout the day. You can find it at Boots or Superdrug, and it's an affordable option that rivals even the priciest sunscreens on the market at Sephora.
Evening
While you think you can get away with skipping your evening skincare routine if you aren’t wearing makeup after a long day on campus, think again. You aren’t doing your skin any favours if you decide it doesn’t need a good cleanse every single night. We’re not saying you need an extravagant 30 minute routine, or to become a drunk elephant obsessed tween, but some double cleaning and a moisturiser never hurt anyone. Let’s walk through a simple night routine that your skin will thank you for in a couple of years. First, you need to double cleanse, and no that doesn’t mean washing your face twice. The first cleanse involves a cleaning oil or balm, something that’s going to melt away your SPF, makeup, dirt and debris without over stripping your skin. We recommend the Byoma Milk Oil Cleanser which retails for €17 at SpaceNK and Boots. This dermatologist tested cleanser smooths your skin, washes away skin impurities and can melt away even the most stubborn mascaras. Based on personal experience, this cleanser can last up to 5 months, so it’s definitely a good investment for your money. For your second cleanser that’s going to remove all the residue leftover from your first cleanse, we highly recommend a classic: La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel for oily skin and the La Roche-Posay Toleraine Dermo Cleanser for dry skin, retailing for €22-€27.
Your skin should now look and feel clean, with no dryness or an un-
comfortable tight feeling. You’re now ready to rehydrate, and our favourite way to do that is with a toner. While this step is completely optional, it’s one step closer to achieving plump and glowy skin - especially in the cold Dublin weather. Many rave about Rhode’s Glazing Milk toner – which retails for €42 – however, nothing can beat Korean toners with their top tier formulation for half Rhode’s price. A favourite of ours – along with many K-pop stars – is the Haruharu wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner which you can find for €18 at Boots. However, if you are looking for an exfoliating toner instead of a hydrating one, Paula's choice BHA toner is a cult favourite. An insider tip: purchase the travel-size version for €11 from SpackeNK. Since this is a stronger toner that shouldn’t be used more than twice a week, the bottle should last you for months. One thing both toners have in common is the result they leave on your skin: fresh, glowy and ready for the next step.
If you’ve prepped your skin with toner, your skin should be left slightly damp which is the perfect time to apply your serum. There are many serums on the market but nothing beats the SKIN1004 serum collection, with different active ingredients targeting different skin concerns. Their most popular serum is their Madagascar Centella Ampoule which calms, hydrates and brightens the skin for only €18. Their bottles last closer to a year, so their serums are definitely a bargain in this market.
Now, you want to seal all your hard work with a moisturiser, even if you have oily skin. In fact, if there are any steps you shouldn’t skip, cleansing and moisturizing are the ones to keep. There are many affordable moisturizers on the market so there’s no need for something fancy. However, if you want your skin to glow, the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream is what you’re looking for. Although the formula is light, this €30 moisturiser will leave your friends wondering how your skin stays radiant all day long. To pair with the moisturiser, if you want to maintain this glow for the week, be sure to use the Biodance Collagen Masks on your Sunday rest days.
While exam season is on the horizon, it’s important to take some time to practice some selfcare, whether that’s a quick walk or a ten-minute skincare routine. Practicing self-care is not just about the physical act, but it’s about taking the time out of your day to reconnect with yourself after a loud and busy day. We hope we gave you some inspiration to slay your skincare game, until next time!
Nicolle Riley and Zain Alkhatib
PHOTOS BY ZAIN ALKHATIB
Viral Bites: How Online Food Trends Are Reshaping Student Cooking
The internet has always been a place of trends, but in recent years, food content has taken on a life of its own. From aesthetically plated smoothie bowls to microwavable mug cakes, online food trends have spilled out from our phone screens and into our kitchens. For students in particular, these trends offer inspiration for meals that claim to be quick, cheap and irresistible. But do these recipes actually fit into the reality of student life, and how much influence do they really have on the way we eat?
TikTok and Instagram are now among the most influential platforms for food culture. One of the first trends that truly exploded was the Dalgona coffee phenomenon during the 2020 lockdown. Originating in South Korea, this whipped coffee drink involved mixing equal parts instant coffee, sugar and hot water until it formed a thick, frothy cream, which was then spooned over milk. This process became a daily ritual for many stuck at home. People spent upwards of ten minutes whisking vigorously, often by hand, to achieve the iconic cloud-like topping. The result was a café-style drink made with humble ingredients and a lot of patience. It wasn’t just about the flavour, it was about participating in something global while confined indoors.
Next came Gigi Hadid’s vodka pasta. This dish, a creamy tomato-based penne pasta with garlic, onion, cream and usually a splash of vodka, gained traction after the model shared it on her Instagram story. What made it unique was the use of chilli flakes for heat, and the indulgent balance of cream and tomato paste that made the sauce cling perfectly to the pasta. Students quickly picked up on it. Not only was it comforting and easy to make, but it also felt like a small luxury. The vodka could be skipped without much difference, making it accessible to underage or non-drinking students. Its popularity was so widespread that it started appearing in student kitchens across the world, often with slight improvisations using whatever was on hand.
The baked feta pasta trend also deserves mention. Originating from a Finnish food blogger and later catching fire on TikTok, the idea was simple: roast a block of feta cheese with cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic and herbs until it melts into a creamy sauce, then toss it with cooked pasta. The appeal was instant. The ingredients were
minimal, the visual effect of the baked, bubbling cheese was deeply satisfying and the recipe could be done with virtually no cooking experience. For students, it became the perfect low-effort, high-reward dinner. But like many viral dishes, it lost some of its practicality after a few tries. Feta is not always cheap, and the richness of the dish means it doesn’t work well as a daily go-to. Then came the tortilla wrap hack. This trend didn’t introduce a new ingredient but instead reimagined how a tortilla could be folded. You take one wrap, make a single slit from the centre out to the edge, then divide the wrap into four quarters. Each quadrant is layered with different ingredients, for example, cheese, ham, spinach and tomatoes, and then folded to form a compact triangle. It is then grilled or toasted, resulting in a layered wrap with crispy edges and gooey filling. What made it so appealing was the flexibility. You could use leftovers, go vegetarian, or even make it sweet with banana and Nutella. Best of all, it takes under ten minutes to prepare and
with barely any washing up. I tried this several times and found it ideal for days when I got home late and didn’t want to deal with making a full dinner from scratch.
Lastly, baked oats took over as a breakfast-dessert hybrid. The idea was simple: blend oats with ba-
nana, milk, an egg and baking powder to create a batter, add flavourings such as chocolate or cinnamon, and bake until set. The result was somewhere between a muffin and a sponge cake. Videos often showed perfectly risen oat bowls topped with fruit, peanut butter or even Nutella. I tried a version that included cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips and found it rich and satisfying, but also time-consuming. The baking takes at least 25 minutes, which is hardly ideal for a rushed morning before lectures. It’s also more akin to a dessert than a breakfast despite its branding. Still, for a relaxed weekend morning or a Sunday treat, it does deliver on taste. These trends share common threads. They are visually appealing, easy to follow and speak directly to the realities of student living. Whether offering comfort, novelty or just a reason to cook, online food trends have clearly shaped the way students like those at Trinity consume, cook and even socialise around food. Not all trends are created equal, however. Some, like the wrap hack, are genuinely useful in a student routine. Others, like Dalgona coffee or baked oats, are more about the experience than the efficiency. And then there are trends that involve expensive or hard-to-source ingredients, clearly aimed more at engagement than accessibility. It is also important to note the role of aesthetics. Many of these trends succeed because they are photogenic. Perfect lighting, careful plating and smooth editing make even a basic recipe seem impressive. This can add pressure. Students may feel their own meals are inadequate if they don’t match
the standard set online. At the same time, the sense of community that forms around these trends can be empowering. During lockdowns, making Dalgona coffee or Gigi pasta felt like participating in something larger. Even now, sharing a dish online can spark conversation, recipe swaps or even cooking evenings with friends.
On Trinity’s campus, the signs are visible. Students share food videos, swap ingredients, and recommend TikTok recipes to one another. The communal kitchens of college residences often become impromptu testing grounds for the next viral dish. While these trends don’t replace staple meals, they’ve expanded what students consider possible or worth trying. Cooking is no longer just a chore, it’s part of the culture. Late last year, the DU Food and Drink Society launched a short series called Campus Cuisine, a weekly social media feature that ran for three weeks. It showcased homemade lunches made by students across campus, highlighting the creativity and resourcefulness of student cooks. The submissions ranged from pasta salads to veggie bowls, many of which were clearly inspired by online trends. The series gave visibility to what food actually looks like in a university context and offered proof that even viral recipes can be adapted to fit into student life.
Looking ahead, new trends will keep emerging. Already, there are hints of upcoming viral dishes: creamy udon noodles, frozen yoghurt bark and crispy rice bowls are gaining traction. Some will be fads, others might become regulars. Even if the trends themselves fade, the influence they’ve had on how students cook, eat and connect over food is likely to last.
Caitlin Flores
The Top Breakfast Spots Around
Dublin
I am someone who absolutely needs breakfast in order to function in the mornings, but I often find myself stuck in a loop–the same bowl of oatmeal every day for a few weeks, and then the same bowl of yogurt for the next couple weeks. On repeat. I get caught up rushing to class or work, and before I know it, even the most delicious oatmeal combination is beginning to grow boring. If you’re like me, you know how easy it is to get bogged down, and the first thing to go is always prioritizing eating well. However, with the start of spring comes less classes, and more time spent in the library. One of the few good things about exam season is that there aren’t any more 9ams to rush to, and you can make your own schedule–which means taking more time out of the day for good food and good coffee (integral to the studying process). Treat yourself to a relaxing and delicious breakfast or brunch before hitting the library, and I promise, you’ll study a lot better. Here are a few of my favourite breakfast spots around Dublin–give one a try! As the weather warms up, iced coffees are looking a lot more tempting. Bear Market on Westland Row has some of the best coffee around, and I’m not just saying that because it’s in a great location (right near the Pearse Street campus entrance). They source specialty coffee and have a variety of different roasts to choose from. You can even buy espresso pods to make your favourite roast at home. (Pro
tip: if you buy a box of espresso pods, you get a free coffee! But that could have just been my killer smile. Take a chance!) There’s always an interesting latte flavour combination to choose from, but the classic cappuccino is delicious as well. In addition to coffee, there is always a variety of too-tempting pastries, and it’s hard to pick just one. Grab a breakfast muffin for a quick snack or an almond croissant that just melts in your mouth. There’s not a lot of seating, but Merrion Square Park is right down the street–it’s a lovely place to enjoy a coffee.
Another café with delicious coffee is Frèd, which just opened up on Nassau Street. I’m sure you’ve seen their sign that they have the best hot chocolate in town, which is a confident statement to make (can you beat Butler’s?). But Frèd definitely delivers on the freshly baked desserts, ranging from a classic gingerbread cake to jewel tone macarons. In addition to coffee and sweets, they have a selection of sandwiches to choose from. This is the perfect place for a mid-morning pick-me-up, and it doesn’t hurt that the aesthetic of the storefront is straight out of a pinterest board.
Deep in an alley off of Abbey Street Upper lie two great breakfast spots: Lemon Jelly Café and Jay Kays Café. Lemon Jelly and Jay Kays both feature lines out of the door most mornings, but the lines move quickly and their brunch is worth the wait. Both cafés have similar menus, with dishes ranging from omelettes to french toast to
overnight oats, and a large selection of smoothies and coffees. The lively atmosphere is enjoyable, but don't expect to have a private conversation, as tables are squeezed in wherever possible. Particularly enjoyable at Lemon Jelly is the large selection of crepes - from lemon and powdered sugar to nutella and strawberries, while Jay Kays is a great spot for a breakfast sandwich, with many combinations to choose from. If you’re going out with a big group of people, Lemon Jelly or Jay Kays are the best options, as there’s lots of seating and the extensive menu will suit everyone.
If you’re looking for a cozy breakfast spot, The Wooden Whisk is the place to go. It’s a small café on Talbot Street which features fresh pastries, a full Irish breakfast, and everything in between. The ambiance is lovely, and the cafe feels homey and small without being over-crowded.
In addition to being open for breakfast and lunch, they're open late, so stop in for a tea and scone on your way home from school.
One of my favorite cafés is Bread 41. Their pastries are, in my opinion, some of the best in the city, and a trip there is perfect for
when you need a treat. Just walking by and smelling the delicious scents will have your mouth watering, and it's difficult to choose from the line of beautiful pastries. A classic that always satisfies is the morning bun–aptly named as its the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee fix. Remember to bring a reusable coffee cup! If you need something a bit more substantial than a sweet pastry, the focaccia and pizza slices are great choices. The flavours vary day-today, but they’re always delicious and filling. If you don’t want to sit in and eat a pastry, grab a loaf of bread to bring home for tomorrow’s breakfast. There’s always a wide variety to choose from, and they’re freshly baked every morning.
If you’re on the hunt for a traditional Irish breakfast, check out
The Beanhive. It’s located at the bottom of Dawson Street, making it the perfect place to grab breakfast before heading into campus. The Beanhive has a regular Irish breakfast option as well as a vegan Irish breakfast option–perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone who wants the same experience of a traditional breakfast without the meat! If you don’t want a savory breakfast, there is always a selection of absolutely huge muffins to choose from. The muffins, which in my opinion taste more like cake, are rich and delicious. Again, there are vegan and gluten free options! They are also well known for their beautiful latte art–ranging from
colorful scenes from the Dublin cityscape to cute animals. The Beanhive’s staff are always friendly, and despite only having a tiny space inside, the outdoor benches are a lovely place to spend the morning people-watching. Póg, on Tara Street, is a bit of a fancier breakfast spot, with a focus on high end, healthy eating. The feature favourites are the protein pancakes, with multiple decadent options and a build-your-own section of the menu. They’re a bit expensive, but if you’re hungry, definitely worth the money. In addition to pancakes, Póg serves all the brunch classics like eggs and french toast, but you can also branch out with their spirulina smoothie bowl or pink beet chai. The atmosphere is very posh–this isn’t the place to run in for a coffee after the gym, but it's lovely for a nice, sit-down breakfast.
There’s a reason that people say breakfast is the most important meal of the day–in addition to giving your body the energy it needs, what you have for breakfast sets the mood of the day. Whether you’re rushing to grab a coffee or taking the time for a sit-down meal, there are some lovely treats around Dublin. Take a moment to experience good food, and I promise, the rest of your day will be infinitely better. Now please, excuse me as I message my friends to see who wants to go out for breakfast in the morning, because I can't go back to the boring bowl of yogurt after writing all of this.
Beatrice Criscuolo
PHOTO BY CÉILÍ NÍ RAITHILIDH
PHOTO BY RACHEL CONWAY
An April Fool’s Joke with Meaning
Eliora Abramson
Sally Rooney fans all over Trinity’s campus fell to their knees on April 1st, 2025 when the DU Geographical Society posted that a TV adaption of Rooney’s latest novel, Intermezzo, would be filming at Trinity College Dublin and were opening a casting call to TCD’s Geography, Geoscience, and Engineering students.
Just a day later, students would once again be brought to their knees when it came to light that the announcement had been purely an April Fools prank orchestrated by Chairperson of the DU Geographical Society and fourth year Geography and political science student Sophie Cantwell-Kelly. This interview, hastily set up by a completely and totally not gullible Senior Masthead, was initially intended to get the scoop on the series and Trinity’s participation in it. However, after some critical thinking skills and a look at the calendar’s date, the idea behind the interview quickly pivoted into something else entirely. Speaking with Cantwell-Kelly, it became clear that behind the joke was a serious message about the importance of the place where Geography students call home - the Freeman Library.
Cantwell-Kelly tells me that April Fool’s prank came to her, “really last minute, I was trying to think of something believable but also exciting”. The form came together quickly with the help of her sister, a previous member of the Geographical Society, and soon 74 people had fallen victim to it, filling it out in hopes of a silver screen debut. Cantwell-Kelly says, “‘loads of people who have read Intermezzo and are really big Sally Rooney fans came up to me and were like this is so exciting”, continuing, “people believe what they want to believe”. She tells me that one of her particularly excited friends has been carrying around a copy of Intermezzo since it came out and was hugely disappointed they were graduating before the supposed filming began. “I’m terrified to tell people”, she tells me, “I’ve had so much texting ‘this better not be a joke’, the response to the form just had me floored.”
The form, posted to the Geographical Society’s Instagram read, “Trinity College Dublin has agreed to collaborate with Element Pictures in allowing access to the Freeman Library and the Museum Building entrance foyer for filming, which will take place between January-May 2026. Before extending the casting call to the public, Ele-
ment Pictures has offered Trinity College Dublin Geography, Geoscience, and Engineering students the unique opportunity to be involved in the project as an extra”. The google form also asked about previous acting experience to which Cantwell-Kelly says she was “absolutely delighted to hear so many people got involved in productions”. She tells me that in the responses, there were mentions of primary school adverts, RTÉ documentaries, and even someone who had once had the role of Billy
Eliot’s mother in a production of Billy Eliot. She says,“ I’m thrilled so many people are in touch with their artistic side”. Crucially, the form stated, “We are working with Iris Möller and the administrative team to ensure that any payment received for use of the building will go towards rewiring The Freeman and providing more plug sockets. Your work will therefore go straight back into improving your student experience and keeping The Freeman a Geography space”.
The Freeman, Cantwell-Kelly tells me, is the geography library located in the Museum building, open solely for students in a small number of courses including geography, geoscience, and engineering.
“It’s a really important thing for geographers” she says, “because it’s where most of the literature is for geography students”. It also has specific access to previous publications which Cantwell-Kelly calls “really helpful”. She points out that as a final year, she has particularly been putting these resources to
use.
Home to about 4,000 books, according to the website, The Freeman was named after the first head of the discipline, Walter Freeman, who left his geographical library to the course upon his death. The library also houses a large collection of sheet maps, over 900 original theses, and decades worth of core geographical journals.
The Freeman, Cantwell-Kelly shares, is a small space, holding a maximum of 40 students for courses that amass to over 400 students. The small space can be an asset, Cantwell-Kelly tells me, as you are constantly surrounded by people in your course. There has also been a push for inclusivity, she says, as in her first years, the library was only open to first years one day a week. The library, she continues, is “so important for the geography department. When we ask alumni what they will miss about Trinity, a lot of people without fail say the Freeman”. Unfortunately, after suffering campus-wide budget cuts, the library currently does not have a librarian, leaving volunteer students to pick up the slack. As well as this, Cantwell-Kelly tells me “At the moment, we have maybe seven plug sockets for 40 seats. We make do with two extension cables but it obviously makes it a bit harder to access”.
She continues, sharing “A big project we’ve been trying to get off the ground this year is thinking about ways we can update it, with funding through alumni support”. She warns, “I’m not an electrician, but we’d like to rewire and update it a little while also keeping the oldworld feel”. This improvement would provide a better working environment for more students across the three disciplines. Cantwell-Kelly is hopeful that as well as pranking her fellow students, the joke calls attention to the DU Geographical Society itself, which has over 200 active members this year. Cantwell-Kelly tells me that the society and the discipline is “not just rocks and rivers, it is economic geography, it is history, it is cultural, it is policy and it is migration”.
She additionally hopes the joke will highlight the importance of The Freeman and demonstrate the necessity for support for the library, as well as call attention to the need to protect discipline-specific research and study spaces as a means to advance student’s academic and social life.
