Saturday Publication
11/10/2014
Opening Ceremony
Bright-eyed and enthusiastic, the delegates arrived at Opening Ceremony where they were in for a treat with two highly accomplished guest speakers awaiting them. Passion was palpable as the room was brimming over with both people and potential.
Leah Maloney
Next, we were honoured to welcome Dr. Eilish Hardiman, CEO of the Childrens’ Hospital Group. She spoke about BHAG, or Big Hairy Auspicious Goals, which all of us should aspire to have. Hers? To save more children’s lives. Children are the future to the wealth of a nation. On this island there dwell 6.2 To start off, the Minister for Communications, En- million people- 1.5 of which are children. Ireland has ergy and Natural Resources, Alex White, TD gave the highest birth rate in the EU- 16.3 per thousand. a motivational speech on politics and the current Dr. Hardiman endeavours to develop Ireland’s chilsituation that Ireland and the EU are in. His words dren’s health system in order that our children and gave everyone the drive they needed to kick-start a youth receive the most superior care, that as many weekend of hard work and meaningful discussion young peoples’ lives as possible are saved. A fundaand got rid of any traces of weariness.Delegates were mental belief of Dr. Hardiman’s is that ‘There are no reminded of their important role in society as ‘the borders when it comes to health’. She wants to make next generation of leaders of our country’. considerable improvement to the services available Problems addressed included youth unemployment, to treat mental illness in children, moving from the inequality, climate change and xenophobia; key top- confined space of a hospital to the more open and ics which will be tackled over the course of the week- warming community. Ireland today is an exciting end. We as European youth hold the power to shape place for paediatrics. not only our country, but the EU itself. Borders that ‘The true character of any society is measured in may exist between the people and government were how it treats its children’- Nelson Mandela. Dr. a worry of his and the Session Theme, ‘Our Europe, Hardiman emphasised this value and undoubtedly Our Union’ was brought to mind with this thought. prompted delegates to consider this over the weekend during their fruitful discussions and debates. A more united country, with the majority of citizens We were introduced to the Head Organiser, Mr. John being active, informed voters was envisioned. Min- McGuinness and the session was officially opened by ister White stated that the disconnection between our President, Mr. Eoin Ó’Drisceoil. The EU anthem the government and the people needs to be changed. was played in a rousing manner to kick off what Voting is crucial to a democratic society. He finished promises to be a wonderful and unforgettable seshis encouraging speech by urging delegates to ‘hold sion. onto what they’ve achieved’ during the weekend. Let the discussions begin!
Team-Building AFCO I TEAMBUILDING After meeting their chairs and getting orientated, the committee spent their day pretending to be ninjas and dancing the Macarena. They even won a contest of snakes against the rest of the committees. They got to know and get along with one another very quickly, and quite soon the makings of a real committee were coming together. They spent the evening getting their heads around the actual idea of committee work – by discussing 100 things they could do with (or to) a shoe, AFCO 1 got an idea of how they should manage themselves in conversation and how to let everyone have an equal voice. As committee member Leanne put it, “Everyone got to have their say.” They reinforced these lessons by discussing what they would bring to a desert island, given a limited choice of items. The delegates came into their own with this task and really showed what they were capable of as a committee – they can learn fast, work hard and most importantly, play hard. The co-operation, civility and consideration for others shown by the members of AFCO 1 can only be a sign of the good things to come. AFCO 1 is set to impress for the rest of the weekend.
Team-Building Team-Building CULT TEAMBUILDING
Anticipation was sensed among the curious delegates as they arrived at the Dublin RSC. It was evident that questions were buzzing around their minds, a mixture of wonder and incredulity. CULT kicked off the icebreaking session and soon the fire of friendship had begun to kindle. There were giggles all round as ‘Sticky Toffee’ unfolded; the delegates, blindfolded were flung together into a jumbled knot and had to come up with a strategy to unravel themselves. After ‘getting to know each other a bit too well’ (quote from an anonymous delegate) through the infamous ‘Pass the Orange’ game, it was clear that personal conversations between delegates had been induced and bonds had been formed. ‘It’s so squishy’…. Creativity was inspired through the ‘Monster Game’ in which a monster with 3 heads, 5 legs and 4 arms was to be constructed from the 14 enthusiastic delegates. Limbs entangled, delegates climbing on top of each other, a masterpiece came to be. Next came MAFIA. Concern was aroused as members of the Village were viciously massacred and it was up to the delegates to figure out who among them were members of the Mafia. It was really heart-warming to see a sense of community emerge. The evening was ended with the ‘go-to game’- NINJA!! The banter truly was had as the delegates’ competitive streak came out during this epic energiser. Overall, Team Building at CULT successfully sparked friendships, cooperation and set the tone for what promises to be a productive day of committee work.
Team-Building Team-Building ECON- Teambuilding Murder accusations and tangled bodies; what better way to spend a friday evening? Throw in 11 people you’ve just met and you have an evening with ECON. No room for the faint hearted here however, ECON is a group with an incredible affinity for remembering names, but are lacking when it comes to identifying mafia members..or perhaps Lauren is just a super stealthy murderer with a well-practiced innocent expression. This journo is still suspecting the involvement of a brown envelope somewhere as Alex seemed all too willing to point his fingers in a way to shift attention from the mafia. The bloodshed eventually stopped when every last villager was brutally murdered and but the fun didn’t end. A narrow loss in the showdown ‘snacking of the skin’ held at the end of the night was a disappointment, but our spirit wasn’t completely crushed. A few minor readjustments in tactics and we’re sure to have the winning formula next time. No doubt, if you’re looking for an entertaining way to pass your Friday evening, hit ECON up, and they’ll show you how it’s done.
Team-Building Team-Building DEVE Teambuilding The delegates of DEVE got in a bit of a tangle with ‘The Human Knot Game’, stepping the challenge up a notch when only two of the delegates were allowed to speak. With a bit of cooperation and perspective, minus a few awkward positions and painful moments, the delegates were successful in untangling themselves. Following the break, the committee were energised with an intense game of ‘ninja’. Seán was crowned ninja champion, will he be beaten over the course of the session? Only time will tell… The delegates next explored their artistic side, by pairing up and drawing what their partner was describing to them. Let’s just say that the pictures won’t be outselling Picasso’s any time soon!
The delegates got down to some serious discussion with deciding who to throw out of the hot air balloon, and who to save. The first consensus of the weekend…throw Kim Kardashian out first. From Emma Watson to Malala Yousafzai to Michael Collins, the nominated people were discussed with passion and enthusiasm. Having seen this passion and energy, I’m really excited to see the committee in action tomorrow, bring on committee work!
Team-Building Team-Building EMPL I Losing Giants, Wizards and Dwarves may have been a blow for EMPL I, but it was just one battle in a war I am sure they will win. AFCO I better watch their backs, EMPL I were united in their aggression and willingness to drag each other to the ground. Give them some time, EMPL I will rise as champions. If it is not teamwork and physical aggression that win the war, it will be EMPL I’s wisdom. When “There’s only one Laverne Cox” was quickly retaliated with “There’s only one everyone”, my respect for this committee only grew. This was furthered when delegates defended their idols including but not limited to Charlotte Crosby of Geordie Shore and Russell Brand. It was clear to me the importance of individuals with singing and entertainment abilities for this world. Shoutout to Callum who is the only man standing among 11 other girls, coping effectively
FEMM
Following the Polo Match game, it can be concluded that the likely couples of this committee will be: • Alex and Conal • Holly and Jack • Oscar and Shonah Aside from this, it is clear that this committee is strong seeing as they proved that they could effectively survive a zombie apocalypse through intellectual and balanced discussion – despite the several screams.
Two truths and one lie revealed some startling revelations, such as “doing stuff ” in Kenya makes babies. It is clear that this committee will be one full of surprises and interesting disclosures. I look forward to seeing if my predictions come true.
Team-Building Mad Quack at EMPLII Eileen De Sousa
Team-Building
The atmosphere at EMPLII is laced with bants and lols. The jokes are almost pun-inshable. The delegates are surprisingly agile and competitive, achieving what I’m sure is the World Guinness Record for the lava challenge in an enclosed space. The committee seems to gel beautifully, and I look forward to seeing what they come up with tomorrow.
AFCO2 My time spent at AFCOII was minimal but eventful. In the little time I spent with them I managed to kill off nearly all of their villagers in Mafia (sorry guys!). There is a great sense of energy about this committee, and I trust there’s going to be no dull moments at Committee Work.
Team-Building Team-Building ENVI So ENVI got off to an interesting start. The usual name games got proceedings underway followed by the more awkward “pass the orange”. With Caoimhe struggling to pass it and Keith struggling to grasp it, a trying 20 minutes ensued. However, armed with the battle cry of EN-VI-US, nothing was going to stop this group of dedicated delegates. Moving on to the more difficult “celebrity name on the forehead”, things started to get more interesting. “Does she wear weird clothes?” asked Sophie. “Yes”. “Lady Gaga?” “Not that weird” replied Jodie. The eventual answer of Miley Cyrus seemed to be fitting to this description. Some how, the game then developed into various people doing different varieties of press-ups, including Ludvig who executed a diamond press-up with military precision. Finishing off with a game of mafia followed by plane crash set a high standard of discussion which they will undoubtedly carry on with them to committee work tomorrow.