http://citsu.ie/publications/backissues/volume6/april2005

CIT Students’ Union Magazine Issue Eight - Volume Six

CITSU Election Results

Spor ts & Socs News Update

College Ball Pictures Inside

Latest CD & Music Reviews

expliCIT Editorial “...Cheltenham was great but all I can say is roll on the Grand National...”

CIT Students’ Union Rossa Ave, Bishopstown Cork, Ireland.

Telephone 021 493 3120 Fax 021 454 5343 Email info@expliCIT.ie

expliCIT Staff Editor - Steph Howard Design & Advertising - Philip O’Reilly

Contributions Sean F O’Leary Nigel Walsh Shane O’Brien Glynis Dennehy Colm Crowley Martin O’Riordan Donough Shanahan

Emma Martin Keith Ricken Brian O’Sullivan HCMC James Holland Patrick Tuite Mark O’Leary

CIT Students’ Union President - James Maher (supres@cit.ie) Vice President Education - Jamie Meaney (sueducation@cit.ie) Vice President Welfare - Daniel Keane (suwelfare@cit.ie) Entertainments Officer - Mark McCarthy (suents@cit.ie) Equality Officer - Ray O’Brien (suequality@cit.ie) Communications Officer - Steph Howard (sucomms@cit.ie)

Best wishes to Charles and his fine new Filly!

Hey all.

Print Barnaville Print & Graphics LTD Freshford, Kilkenny.

Oh my god I survived Cheltenham! The national annoy the bookie week! Honest to god if I was told another time to "write out a docket for me" or "put odds on that for me" I was going to kill someone and I don't think any other bookie in the country would have blamed me. But in saying all this, it was the experience of a lifetime, I have

expliCIT magazine is published monthly by CIT Students’ Union. The views expressed in the magazine are those of their authors and are not necessarily those of CIT Students’ Union. All articles and pictures are the property of their respective owners and should not be reproduced without the permission of their owners.

We Need You! If you would like to contribute to expliCIT please contact Philip in the main SU office (C143) or email: expliCIT@citsu.ie

never seen the shop so busy, the days go so fast and the bookies have so much bad luck: nine Irish winners! All I can say is roll on the Grand National!

On the 10th of March the new Student Union executive was elected. I would like to extend my congratulations to the woman about to fill my shoes next year; Caitriona Foley, best of luck to her and to any one else who got elected in I must say a very colourful and effortful election week!

Exam bells are ringing and getting way too loud for my liking, repeating is the last resort so it's the head to the books for the next couple of weeks. Don't forget to book all your pre exam party's soon.

In saying all this I must get down to the books myself, so until next month.

Slán Steph

New Students’ Union Executive Elected for 2005 / 2006 Academic Year “...Jeremy has been an ardent supporter of the SU for the past five years and is without doubt one of my very good friends.

He has helped the officers of this Union on countless occasions and will make an incredible president. On the other hand Daniel Keane is the best Officer this union has had in the last four years...”

Once every academic year, the Union is consumed by election fever, plastered with flyers, leaflets and posters of candidates trying to convince others of their worth.

By the end of the campaigning, six officers are voted in and landed with the dubious honour of making the decisions over the year and answering to you at each Union Council meeting; your chance to watch democracy at work and make a genuine difference. You have the ultimate say, so take an interest in what the following characters get up to, and never be afraid to question their decisions made on your behalf. The total poll had increased consideribly this year to almost 1,200 students voting compared to 600 people voting last year. There was a very healthy number of competing candidates and this made the election quite exciting.

CITSU President, James Maher, stated “The election process is an important part of the working of the Students' Union. It maintains the equality that any student can become part of the executive and have a major influence over the policy of the Students' Union.

I think the elections this year were held in a spirit of fare play and good will with all candidates treating each other with respect. Good luck to all those elected and commiserations to all other candidates. It takes courage to put your self up for election for the first time”.

He added “Many people asked me which side I was on or which candidate I would like to have seen win. My answer would be both. Jeremy has been an ardent supporter of the SU for the past five years and is without doubt one of my very good friends.

He has helped the officers of this Union on countless occasions and will make an incredible president. I expect great things. On the other hand Daniel Keane has had to pick up the slack when our Education Officer left early.

This year I have asked more of the man than any other President has asked of the Welfare Officer in years. We had the Night Shuttle, starting work in some areas no one else has gone near and he has been under tremendous pressure. He has come through with flying colours. Daniel Keane is the best Officer this union has had in the last four years.

His quality of work and dedication to the Union, his intelligent approach, his sheer number of hours put in has been second to none. The position this Union would be in this year without his tireless work would be unthinkable. So I always knew whoever lost we would lose someone good”.

PRESIDENT: Total Poll Spoiled Valid Poll

Jeremy Ó Murchú - President

Michael O’Connor - Education

Sinéad O’Connell - Welfare

589

Quota (50% +1)

564

Keane, Daniel Ó Murchú, Jeremy R.O.N.

369 782 25

Duggan, Shellie Foley, Catríona R.O.N.

365 631 129

VICE PRESIDENT EDUCATION: 1,160 Total Poll Spoiled (20) 1,140 Valid Poll

ENTERTAINMENTS OFFICER: 1,140 Total Poll Spoiled (32) 1,108 Valid Poll

Quota (50% +1)

Quota (50% +1)

555

Haralambakis, Michael 192 O’Connor, Michael 727 190 Quinlan, Natalie 31 R.O.N.

Daly, Charles R.O.N.

787 321

VICE PRESIDENT WELFARE:

PROJECTS OFFICER: Total Poll Spoiled Valid Poll

Quota (50% +1) 1st Rnd 2nd Rnd Guilfoyle, Aoife O’Connell, Sinéad R.O.N. 37 --Charles Daly - Entertainment

Wesley Kiely - Projects

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER: Total Poll 1,165 (40) Spoiled 1,125 Valid Poll

Quota (50% +1)

Total Poll Spoiled Valid Poll

Catríona Foley - Comms

1,188 (12) 1,176

571

1,104 (30) 1,074

1,126 (30) 1,096

Quota (50% +1)

549

Bagnell, Owen Kiely, Wesley R.O.N.

387 572 137

538 509 513 (+4) 528 540 (+12) (21 non transferable)

Officers take-up positions on 1st June 2005

USI Reassures Students That Condoms Are Safe The Union of Students in Ireland have moved to allay fears among students regarding the recent distribution of 25,000 sexual health packs to colleges across the country. The reaction comes after the disclosure that thousands of counterfeit condoms have been sold in Ireland recently.

USI Welfare Officer, Layne Aston said: "In February as part of Sexual Health Awareness & Guidance (SHAG) Week, USI distributed 25,000 Durex Extra Safe condoms.

These condoms were delivered to USI offices directly from Durex and we would like to calm any fears that students have over these condoms. They are perfectly safe and reach all European safety criteria. We would urge students to check the batch numbers on any twelve packs of Durex Featherlite and Extra Safe condoms to ensure they are safe.

"Should anyone suspect they are in receipt of the counterfeit condoms we would advise them to visit their GP. Durex have also provided a care line for those wishing to report where they bought the condoms.

"USI has distributed the batch numbers to all it’s member college students' unions to ensure that the message gets through to those who believe they may have purchased this fake contraception."

The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) stated that following its investigations it has discovered two batches of counterfeit condoms bearing the Durex brand name on the Irish market. These condoms were illegally imported into Ireland and do not meet the stringent European standard for condoms. The IMB states that following tests, it has been confirmed that these condoms are unsafe and may not provide an effective barrier to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases or work as an effective means of contraception.

The IMB has already seized a large proportion of the counterfeit stocks but estimates that there could be circa 40,000 boxes already sold to consumers. The IMB has been in communication with all Irish pharmacies and the Irish Pharmaceutical Union in relation to a national recall of all affected stocks. It is advising consumers to check to see if they may have these condoms in their possession. People should check the outer packet and the condom foil for the batch details. The recall only relates to twelve unit boxes. No other packs are involved. The two counterfeit batches identified carry the following information: Product Name: Batch number: Expiry Date:

Durex Extra Safe twelve Pack Condoms 20602503 2007/11

Product Name: Batch number: Expiry Date:

Durex Fetherlite 12 Pack Condoms VR3073 U or C or E or EUR 2008/02

Consumers are advised to return any affected product to their local pharmacy and those with health concerns should consult with their General Practitioner.

Consumers can contact the Durex Careline on 0044 800 074 2040

Third Annual CIT Prize for Innovation Winners Announced The 3rd CIT Prize for Innovation took place in the Exhibition Centre on 25th February 2005. “Entrepreneurs” showcased their businesses during the exhibition and €5,000 was awarded to the winning entries. The South Cork Enterprise Board sponsored the competition and in addition to the cash prizes provided a perpetual cup that will now be on display in the Department of Manufacturing, Biomedical and Facilities Engineering for the next twelve months.

We hope to extend this competition even further for the 2006 competition. A number of the entries will now be forwarded to an All-Ireland competition “Student Awards Scheme”. This competition is sponsored by Enterprise Ireland and the All-Ireland finals will be held in CIT on 13th and 14th April. The total prize money for this competition is €48,000.

The CIT Prize for Innovation is open to staff and students in all departments and provides an insight for students into what is involved in setting up their own business. Many of the students used their final year projects as the basis for their application for the competition. Project supervisors have commented that the competition makes the student more committed and interested in their project work.

During the competition applicants attended workshops that helped them to put their business plans together. Michael Walsh of the Department of Management and Marketing held workshops on marketing and Leonard Godsil of the South Cork Enterprise Board held workshops on the financial aspects of a Business Plan. The students found these workshops invaluable.

Prize Winners: 1st Prize: Company Name: Team Members: O'Sullivan, Department:

€3,000 PODUSA LTD Jamie Meehan, Steven Ronayne, Marcas Regina McCarthy and Emma Ferriter Department of Manufacturing, Biomedical and Facilities Engineering and School of Business

2nd Prize: Company Name: Team Member: Department:

€1,000 GOURAMI Michael Has Department of Accounting and Information Systems, School of Business

3rd Prize: Company Name: Team Members:

€ 500 UPRIGHT POSITIONS LTD. Michelle Anderson, Christopher White, Michael Fitzpatrick and Kieran Hallissey Department of Manufacturing, Biomedical and Facilities Engineering

Department:

Best Stand on Innovation Day: € 250 Company Name: PARADISE FALLS Team Members: Steve Lehane, Kian Jackson and Mark Kelly Department: School of Business Best Business Plan: € 250 Company Name: PODUSA LTD Team Members: Jamie Meehan, Steven Ronayne, Marcas O'Sullivan, Regina McCarthy and Emma Ferriter Department: Department of Manufacturing, Biomedical and Facilities Engineering and School of Business The adjudicators were very impressed with the quality of the work that was evidenced from the business plans and display stands.

The judges found it difficult to come to a decision on the winners and felt that everyone who participated showed elements of enthusiasm and creativity that are required to start a business.

There were three adjudicators: Leonard Godsil (South Cork Enterprise Board), Drew O Sullivan, (Genesis Enterprise Programme Manager), and Paul Healy (Paul Healy and Associates Venture Consultants).

Glynis Dennehy Development Office

USI Petition Minister to Abolish Fees and Increase Student Income Following on from a week of action against under funding and cuts at third level colleges the Union of Students in Ireland and student leaders from local students' unions handed in thousands of petitions of protest to the Minister for Education, Mary Hanafin at the Department of Education.

Petitions signed by students from colleges across the country (including UCC, UCD, DIT, DKIT, ITT, NCI, LYIT, AIT, ITC, TCD) call for the Minister of Education and Science and the FF/PD government to immediately "abolish the registration fee (now at â‚Ź750), reverse the cut-backs and fund education properly, bring maintenance grants up to social welfare levels" amongst other issues.

Rory Hearne Campaigns officer from USI stated: The increase in funding for third level colleges announced at the Budget were just not enough to cover rising costs and chronic under funding of third level education. The reality for students on the ground is cut backs in health services and library hours while computers and labs are falling apart. The fact remains that investment in Ireland in third-level education continues to fall well below what is required.

Meanwhile students are worse off as they have to pay EUR750 of a registration fee while the grant remains inadequate. Statistics in the HEA report last week revealed that: "despite the claim that the participation rates by social class increased the general figure hides the underlying inequality of access to third level that remains as wide as ever. Take the fact that the greatest gain in participation took place among the children of professionals, among whom the participation rate increased from 0.72 in 1998 to 0.89 in 2003. The comparable figure for children of unskilled workers only increased from 0.20 to 0.28."

This is no surprise when the student maintenance and financial support system provided by the government is simply not available for those students who need it and for those who receive the grant it is completely inadequate to cover the costs of college. We call on the Minister to immediately address the issue of under funding, the registration fee and maintenance grant in order to begin addressing the structural inequality of access to third level education.

Francis Kieran, President Trinity College Students Union said hundreds of students in Trinity College signed a petition last week stating: "We the undersigned, as students and voters, believe that the Government has not given enough financial support to Trinity College or to third level generally. We call for an end to cutbacks and for substantial investment in third level in order to avert deterioration in the facilities we use".

OECD Report Highlights on the Review of Higher Education in Ireland Extract statement by Mary Hanafin TD, Minister for Education and Science Full statement available on www.citsu.ie/news Another OECD study on Technician Training in Ireland led to the establishment of the Regional Technical Colleges (now the Institutes of Technology). These structures have been the foundation on which we have built our economic and social progress over the last thirty years. In recent years in particular, unprecedented levels of economic growth have been made possible by the numbers and quality of skilled people produced by our education system.

Of course, growth on the scale we have experienced poses its own challenges.

Ireland today is a very different place from what it was some 40 years ago. In 1965 there were 21,000 students in higher education. Now there are over 137,000 students pursuing a range of study opportunities that would have been unimaginable a generation ago.

The enormous strides that we have made in the massification of higher education is down to sustained investment by successive Governments and to the leadership and flexibility of those in the higher education sector who have responded to the demands placed on them for greater and wider provision of higher education opportunity.

The report makes fifty-two far-reaching recommendations. These address structural and institutional reform, as well as wider policy and funding issues, including financing, management and modernisation of the sector and the wider co-ordination of Government policy on higher education and research.

Strategic Management, Structures and Missions They also recommend the creation of a new Tertiary Education Authority, which would have responsibility for both the University and Institute of Technology sectors.

The new Authority, to replace the existing Higher Education Authority, would be centrally positioned to develop funding and other mechanisms to promote unified strategic planning for the sector in support of the national strategic agenda.

Continuing distinct roles for the University and Institutes of Technology sectors and a clear differentiation of mission between them are recommended.

This is intended to ensure a continued provision of a progressive range of awards (from Certificate through to PhD level) that are needed to meet the needs of individuals, society and the economy. A particular role is recommended for the Institutes of Technology in promoting regional development.

As the report outlines, the Institutes of Technology have brought great strength to the Irish system through their differentiated focus on supporting regional development, the applied nature of their roles, and their emphasis on sub-degree provision. This diversified model has been extremely successful for Ireland in meeting the varying needs of students, the economy and society and I welcome the report’s recommendation that it should be maintained into the future.

Research and Development The OECD report points out that international experience strongly suggests that research needs to be institutionally concentrated in order to build critical mass and develop world standards of excellence. It recommends that the role of the Institutes of Technology should continue to be primarily focused on applied research and that they should act as technology development partners with industry. On the challenge of achieving the Government’s investment objectives for 2010, the Report identifies the need to double the number of PhD students in our universities within that timescale. This requires a much greater concentration of efforts and investment in postgraduate support than hitherto.

Funding and Investment Underlying the overall OECD report is the need for further investment in higher education. Given the economic and fiscal realities facing Ireland, the authors do not believe that it will be possible to create a globally competitive higher education system and research capability by relying on State funding alone. The report argues that higher education institutions are constrained by their over-dependence on State investment and that the quantum leap in funding that is required can only be met through the re-introduction of an enlarged student contribution. It recommends the re-introduction of tuition fees for undergraduates, accompanied by a targeted grant scheme to assist low income and other special needs students.

The recommendation for the re-introduction of fees has been clearly rejected by this Government and is off the agenda. The need for greater investment and the challenge of identifying potential means for realising that remains very much on the agenda.

This is a very significant implementation challenge. In addition to the major strides on research and development funding, the Government’s commitment to higher education has seen day to day funding for the sector more than double since we took office.

I have previously stated that higher education funding will be a priority for me moving forward. However, as Members appreciate, there are many competing demands on the exchequer that inevitably limit the ability to make “a quantum leap” in funding for any one sector, whatever its strategic importance. The challenge of securing increased investment for higher education is one that must be shared between Government and the sector itself. Clearly there is a need for institutions to diversify their funding sources. The report identifies some potential avenues. Equally importantly, there is a need for Government and the sector to work closely together in ensuring that the conditions for diversified funding are facilitated. I intend to work closely with the sector in exploring possibilities in this regard.

Conclusion I will be reporting back to the OECD on implementation progress in two years time.

In the meantime, I am delighted, as Minister for Education and Science, to have this Report available to me as a crucial instrument in developing policy for higher education in Ireland in the 21st century.

CITSU Response to OECD Report At a quick glance there are many positive things in the minister’s response to the O.E.C.D., the first and most obvious is her statement that there will be no tuition fees.

Also the response that more than full time education needs to be invested in and that there needs to be more money in Third level education. Her support for increased access is great but we have yet to see any real support for this. Between the messing with the back to education allowance and the removal of support for foundation courses as well as the ban on using student support money for registration fees.

Minister Dempsey said many things about increased access while taking existing access measures to pieces.

Also are I.T. students going to be relegated to second-class citizens when it comes to research? It’s all well and good saying the Universities will give critical mass but do we really need a critical mass of art students doing research. I’d rather put our faith in many of the fine engineers and scientist produced in CIT Is the O.E.C.D. report another of these classic feel good exercises of the minister? Not much has been implemented so far and there is a lot of resistance in various sectors to many of it s changes. Only time will tell. - James Maher, President

CIT Honours Mechanical Engineering Degree Student declared Outright Winner of the Hewlett Packard Invent National Competition

John Golden, Senior Manufacturing Engineer and Project Manager, Boston Scientific Cork. John Geary, (winner) Honours Mechanical Engineering Degree Student, CIT, Sean F. O'Leary, Senior Lecturer, CIT, Project Supervisor. Murtagh Murphy, Director of Engineering, Boston Scientific Cork.

At a ceremony in Hewlett Packard European HQ in Leixlip on February 25th, 2005, the final result of the HP Invent National Competition was announced. First Place has been won by Cork Institute of Technology Honours Mechanical Engineering Degree graduate, John Geary, for his 2004 Final Year project titled "Vena Cava Blood Clot Prototype Filter Hook Design Analysis and Testing ".

John travelled home from Brisbane, Australia, especially for the HP Finals. The HP Invent Competition is open to all Final Year Undergraduate students in Science, Information Technology and Engineering on the Island of Ireland. Judging Criteria are: Innovation, Originality, Commercial Relevance and Excellence. John returned to Australia on 5th March.

The HP Invent Competition is unique in that the initial screening process is based on submission and assessment of the Full Undergraduate Final Project Report. From a large island-wide entry, John had been selected by Hewlett Packard to a short-list of just 3 finalists. Overall Winner John Geary’s First prize consists of a Student Cash Prize of €5,000 plus a voucher of €2,500 to the college for HP IT Equipment.

Runner-Up Prizes of a Certificate and a HP Digital camera and printer were awarded to the other two finalists: • Queen's University Belfast Graduate, Robin Irwin, whose project concerned the 'Performance of Microwave PCB Material' • University College Graduate, Patrick Mohr, whose project was titled 'A Signal Processing Platform for a Study of Dystonia'.

Speaking at the award ceremony Lionel Alexander, vice president & general manager of HP Manufacturing Ltd. said “HP recognises the need for top graduates now more than ever and the critical need for constant innovation is the essence of this award. We are delighted to say that this year we received a submission from almost every 3rd level institute both North and South and the projects were of the highest standard ever. Therefore the achievements of the three finalists are indeed remarkable.”

The winning project was carried out under the supervision of CIT Senior Lecturer Sean F. O'Leary in conjunction with Boston Scientific Cork.

“...John's research work has discovered and introduced Knowledge and Technologies, which will aid More Stable Filter Production, Shorter Lead In Time for New Products and Development of Superior Filters including Miniaturization for Minimal Invasive Surgery. The major benefits of the John's project are to reduce Patient Trauma and Stress and to optimise a Life Saving Device...”

John's Award Winning project is concerned with analysis, testing and design optimisation of a Prototype Blood Clot Filter. The Filter consists of a Six Legged Titanium Structure, which is inserted, utilising minimally invasive surgery techniques, into the Vena Cava main vein, connecting the heart to the lungs. The filter works by filtering the blood passing through the vein and capturing any travelling blood clots (emboli), preventing a pulmonary embolism.

At the end of each leg of the filter, a specially shaped hook is formed. These hooks are critical to the efficient performance of the medical device. The hooks firmly attach the filter to the vein wall and stabilise the orientation of the device relative to the blood flow, while preventing excessive penetration and hence damage to the Vena Cava wall during operation.

This project involves optimisation of the hooks formation for a prototype filter design. The new design concentrates on reducing the overall dimensions of the filter hooks to reduce the size of the filter deployment cartridge required, hence reducing patient stress during insertion.

Material property variation and structure behaviour during the forming processes are investigated. Finite Element Analysis and Experimental Testing/Validation has been undertaken to yield an improved formed hook design.

The optimized hook design facilitates efficient manufacture and increased structural strength during operation. This outcome has been achieved through manipulation of the hook microstructure and use of optimised forming operations.

John's research work has discovered and introduced Knowledge and Technologies, which will aid More Stable Filter Production, Shorter Lead In Time for New Products and Development of Superior Filters including Miniaturization for Minimal Invasive Surgery.

Since completing his final CIT Mechanical Engineering exams in June 2004, John has been working with Queensland University of Technology in Australia on the related topic of the development of Titanium Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Growth.

Séan F O’Leary

The major benefits of John’s project are to reduce patient trauma and stress and to optimise a life saving device. (Surgery to Beside Procedure above)

American J1 Experience Still on Top for Irish Students As 97% of past participants recommend the experience to future students, the question is why do Irish students still want to go to America? Forty years after it all started, the answers are still the same as ever, as the latest report from USIT indicates. The survey, which tracked their students who participated in the J-1 in 2004, cited a percentage of 98% claiming that the potent mix of learning about the US, meeting Americans, gaining international work experience and having fun, as the primary benefits of this college ‘ rite of passage’ So how did they do it? And where did they go?

Resorts on the East and West Coast were the most popular destinations. While 51% had pre arranged employment the report revealed that even those who were less prepared had no difficulty in finding work. Over 70% had located a job in less than two weeks with almost half of all students choosing to engage in some aspect of the busy hospitality and tourism industries; including waiting tables in Hyannis, working in a resort complex in San Diego or a country club in Montauk. More spendthrifts than savers, Irish students took the work and travel combination to heart, as 70% visited up to three states and 26% travelled and explored in another three or four.

In summary, the average participant : • Worked in a hotel or restaurant • Stayed 10-12 weeks • Earned up to $4000 • Found housing within one week and shared an apartment with other students • Travelled by long distance bus to at least three states.

Grainne Ross , A communications student from DCU went to Chicago last summer. She worked as a receptionist in a hotel in downtown Chicago and declared her summer on the J-1 as the best experience of her life so far.

“I made true friends for life and that is what its all about; meeting people and doing things you would never get the opportunity to do otherwise. I worked on the front desk of the hotel and usually had a 7 am start but I trained my body to sleep in two hour shifts and that way no party was missed! The Chicagoans were the kindest most helpful; people I had ever met…could put our land of a hundred thousand welcomes to shame! And there was so much to experience in the city itself; fireworks on the lake, blues bars, ball games at Wrigley Field, festivals in Boystown. If my student summers weren’t over I’d go back in a heartbeat!”

USIT is still accepting applications for the 2005 programme. Full details please visit your local USIT office on campus at CIT or log on to www.usit.ie

CIT Students’ Union President Since I last spoke to you the SU elections have taken place and I am now in the process of assisting some of the officers elect to gain an understanding of what we have been doing this past year and what I have been doing this past four years. Congratulations to everyone elected and hard luck to those who were not.

Interested in Giving Grinds?

Add your name to our database by email - susec@cit.ie

I would just like to comment on the presidential election. Many people asked me which side I was on or which candidate I would like to have seen win. My answer would be both. Jeremy has been an ardent supporter of the SU for the past five years and is without doubt one of my very good friends. He has helped the officers of this Union on countless occasions and will make an incredible president. I expect great things. On the other hand Daniel Keane has had to pick up the slack when our Education Officer left early.

This year I have asked more of the man than any other president has asked of the Welfare Officer in years. We had the night Shuttle,

starting work in some areas no one else has gone near and he has been under tremendous pressure. He has come through with flying colours. This leads me to my next statement. Daniel Keane is the best Officer this union has had in the last four years. I include myself in this assessment. His quality of work and dedication to the Union, his intelligent approach, his sheer number of hours put in has been second to none. The position this Union would be in this year without his tireless work would be unthinkable. I thank God the man was elected last year. So I always knew whoever lost we would lose someone good.

Anyway we still have loads of work to do before May so as usual the door is always open.

Regards, James

CIT Students’ Union Vice President Welfare Welcome back after the well deserved Easter break. I’m sure you all took the opportunity to catch up on some sleep before the madness between now and the summer. Only a few short weeks and we all will get our annual parole from CIT. Congratulations to Sinead O’Connell who will be taking over as your new vice-president welfare from 1st June. I wish her the very best of luck and I’m sure she’ll do a wonderful job.

I have to say I enjoyed my stroll down Patrick’s Street as part of the Crawford convoy. Much work has been done lately to ensure that the college stays where it is in its present position on Sharman-

Crawford Street. I hope that all CIT Students support them in their continuing effort.

Well that’s about my lot for this month, so I wish you all the very best of luck in the upcoming exams and hope that you get the result you deserve (and a little more!).

Take Care, Daniel

CITSU Vice President Welfare Elect Hi everyone, my name is Sinéad O Connell and I'll be your Welfare Officer for the 2005 - 2006 academic year.

Firstly I'd like to thank everyone who voted for me and I'd like to give my commiserations to my opponent, Aoife, it was a very close and exciting race.

I'm really looking forward to working with the all new Student Union Executive, the upcoming year is sure to be an exciting time for CIT and I'm proud to be one of your elected representatives.

Regards, Sinéad

Show your support and log on to our new campaign website showing the disgraceful conditions faced by CIT students at Crawford College of Art & Design

www.wheresmecollege.com

Crawford College Site President Hi, my name is Susan Holland and I’m the Students’ Union Site-President at the Crawford College of Art & Design. Last year I graduated with a BA Hon. in Fine Art and am currently completing a Post-grad. in Crawford.

The Crawford students have recently voted to join CITSU, before this we held a separate union. As CCAD Site-President I will now be on the CITSU Executive. This change means that the Crawford will gain stronger representation and have more input into CIT matters. I hope that this will lead to Crawford having increased interaction and co-operation with CIT now and in the future.

At present the Crawford Art College is in a serious state of disrepair, facilities are inadequate, the building is sub-standard and has never been renovated appropriately to facilitate a third level Art College. Although our conditions are far from ideal, there are many positives to the present Crawford College, which continue to bring throngs of new students year after year.

The building itself, built in 1910, is full of character and history, has spacious rooms, large windows, marble floors, original staircases, pillars and interesting nooks all of which add to the creative and inspiring quality of the college. We are located across from the stunning St Finbarrs Cathedral and minutes from the city centre.

This is the perfect location for a thriving Art College, which has undoubtedly contributed greatly to the current cultural success of Cork City. Many artists’ collectives and galleries established by past graduates have sprung up close to the Crawford College and form an integral part of the art students education.

The city provides immediate access to all types of materials and services, such as paints & mediums, rolls of paper, sculptural materials, photo developing, image printing &

transfer and multi media equipment. Students also have immediate access to galleries, theatres, cinemas, bookstores, parks, busy streets, cafes, city views and historical buildings all of which are necessary to inspire creativity.

After years of waiting, three solutions have been proposed 1- A new city-centre site 2- Development of the present site 3- Development on main CIT campus Although option three would prove to be the cheapest, it is the least appropriate solution. The government has allocated €5.3 million to the Crawford, if the present property was sold it would raise in the region of €5 million and together these monies would fund a transfer to the Bishopstown campus. This would provide a large, new building on the main campus with access to all student services and facilities, but due to the level of resources and amenities lost it is simply not an acceptable trade.

It is absolutely unpractical to expect students to commute regularly during valuable college hours to access all of these basic resources, which are so necessary to their education. The loss would be so great that it could completely reverse the increasing numbers applying to the college. The result being a decline of the Crawford’s longstanding reputation as an institute of artistic excellence.

In response to the proposal to relocate the Crawford to the main campus we have set up ‘Where’s me College?’. This group is formulating a campaign to raise awareness of the problems Crawford would face if moved from the city centre. Letters to Ministers, a website, flyers, Art on Patrick Street, newspaper articles, radio interviews with students and a march in the Patrick’s Day Parade are all planned. If you are interested log on to wheresmecollege.com for more information or to give your opinion.

Regards, Susan

CIT Masquerade Ball - Sports & Societi

ies Ball - IT Factor Final 2005 Pictures

pics@ expliCIT.ie Pictures Colour Coded:

Masqureade Ball Pics - Nigel Walsh

IT Factor Final Pics - Daniel Keane

Sport-Socs Ball Pics - Vicky Lane & Philip O’Reilly

To get your class party photos in expliCIT: • Hand them into the Main SU Office (C143) in an envelope with details of your class, the event in the photo and contact details to return the photos.

• You can also email them to pics@explicit.ie but please ensure that each photo is high resolution (300dpi) and that the shot is up close and good!

• Finally, BEWARE of the expliCIT photographers at the Official CITSU Events!

Dr. Maurice Tracey of Science Foundation Ireland to Present Plenary Lecture at Research Forum Pictured above: Dr. Maurice Tracey Science Foundation Ireland

The organising committee of the Post-Graduate Forum have announced that Dr. Maurice Treacy of the Science Foundation Ireland will be presenting the plenary lecture at the Forum on the 4th of May this year. Dr. Maurice Treacy is Director of the Biotechnology (BioT) Division in SFI. Dr. Treacy has had an outstanding career in research and more than thirteen years of experience in the biotechnology industry, including senior positions in some of the leading companies worldwide in that sector. Most recently Dr Treacy was co-founder and former CEO of HiberGen, Ireland's first indigenous genomics-based drug-discovery company.

He is responsible for guiding the research investments of an SFI division whose investment commitments now totalling €138 million. The Biotechnology Division supports

“...He is responsible for guiding the research investments of an SFI division whose investment commitments now totalling €138 million. The Biotechnology Division supports research in the biological and other sciences underpinning biotechnology including bioengineering...” research in the biological and other sciences underpinning biotechnology including bioengineering.

Prior to setting-up HiberGen, Dr. Treacy was Director of Strategy Management with ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, in Massachusetts, USA and, before that, instrumental in setting up key programmes at Genetics Institute, a subsidiary of Wyeth. Prior to Wyeth, Dr. Treacy was involved with drug assessment & development at Serono, the largest biotechnology company in Europe and ranked third in the world based on revenues.

He is also listed as an inventor on over eighty international patent applications. A member of the International Human Genome Organisation and the Irish Genetics Society, Dr. Treacy received his Ph.D. from University College Dublin and his MBA from Northeastern University, Boston, USA. The plenary lecture is opened to all.

We Are Cynical “...Ah the weather, the main topic of the Irish conversation.

As the great Cork comedian, Pat Shortt, once said 'Ireland is a great country, if only you could roof it’.

We complain of the rain when it rains, we complain of drought when the sun shines and when its mild, we start complaining about the rain again....”

Ireland is a nation of cynics. 'No, we're not!' is what you're probably saying. There you go: cynical. The evidence is all around us. Every time you open a newspaper, there's more depressing news about government lack of funding, road deaths and the weather. Ah the weather, the main topic of the Irish conversation. As the great Cork comedian, Pat Shortt, once said 'Ireland is a great country, if only you could roof it’. We complain of the rain when it rains, we complain of drought when the sun shines and when its mild, we start complaining about the rain again. All the great Irish writers were either depressed or cynical. And guess what? We all had the study these cynics 'work' for our leaving cert. wasn't that great? Someone should have told them to get a proper job when they were writing about death, bad weather and Christ knows what else.

It was inevitable that the Cork Capital of Culture was going to get criticised. Even if they had a budget of one billion, installed an underground railway, built two stadiums, got U2 and Christy Moore to play at the opening ceremony, gave the artists and painters as many galleries as they wanted, brought Jack Lynch and Christy Ring back from the dead, cleaned the Lee of shopping trollies, people would still have said 'Yeah, but where's me Culture?' The first question asked of people about the opening ceremony was usually' anything bad about it?' All right, I'll tell you what was bad about it: you asking that same annoying question all the time. The Cork Capital of Culture is a GOOD THING(repeat three times). We'll get more tourists and with any luck we'll get twentyfour hour pubs out of this gig. Stop complaining and enjoy it.

The government has got to get a say here. I mean, let's face it, anything they introduce is bound to get criticised: the Luas, tax increases, tax cuts, smoking ban etc. The list is ever increasing. While Bertie is stuttering his way through one explanation about a new proposal, we have another five complaints lined up. We now call his party Fianna FAIL, we posted Charlie McCreevy off to Brussels and don't get me started on our hesitation to improve our roads. Actually I will start complaining about that. While I agree that we must protect our national relics and stuff like that, thousands have to commute around the country every day. Are these commuters going to care if they're driving over an undiscovered Celtic pot or belt buckle? That's right, nobody cares. Please get rid of all the red tape and get some roads built (hopefully before the four o’clock rush this evening).

The problem with this country is that people complain about all the wrong things. I mean, what's the point of complaining about metric speed signs when they're already here. Do you think the county councils are going to get up early in the morning again, remove the sign again and replace it with the new one, again? That's hard work! Before the English left us more than eighty years ago, they got all the flak and complaints. But, when they went back to where they came from, we had nothing to complain about.

Something had to be complained about. Since then, we've complained about governments, traffic, weather, Northern Ireland, tribunals, road deaths, manufactured pop music, Catholicism, Charles Haughey (another tribunal), reality TV, Ryanair, rangers, the DUP, the UUP, the USSR, the I.R.A., bad films, smoking bans, Fianna Fail, more tribunals, expensive drink, expensive music, the spire, the eighties, the Green Party, Cork Capital of Culture 2005, America, fiat cars, and ... and ... complaining! My solution to all this is simple.

Anyone that acts in a positive and uncynical way in Ireland is bound to get criticised.

If Ian Paisley converted to Catholicism, people would find something wrong with that.

If Britney Spears and Brian McFadden were shot (hopefully soon), people would complain of the waste of lead. Although, that would be a reasonable complaint. People roll their eyes when Bono saves yet another country from famine, poverty or George Bush.

(Yet no one complains how badly he plays the guitar). We complain about Bertie Ahern's attempts at peace in Northern Ireland yet we think Pat Rabbitte is a great politician even though he does damn all except, yes you guessed it, complain!

It would focus all our attention on complaining about manufactured music and try and get a worldwide ban on it. If anyone tries to manufacture a 'band' out of tuneless misfits, we'll just get George and Tony to carpet-bomb whatever country they're from.

World Peace could come from this. Terrorism would completely disappear. Bin Laden would have to get a job at Tesco's Saudi branch to pay the bills and his ten wives. This solution may sound mad but is it any madder than George Bush's solution for peace?

HCMC

The staff and management of the Rochestown Park Hotel would like to wish all CIT students the very best of luck with their forthcoming summer examinations.

Thank you for once again making the Rochestown Park Hotel CIT’s number one Ball Venue for 2005.We hope to see you all again next year.

The Time of our Lives (me arse!) “...Since I went to a mixed secondary school, the most strictly enforced rule of the weekend (supposedly) was that there was to be no mixing of sexes in the hostel bedrooms. However, the teachers mysteriously disappeared on the third night (some suggested a piss-up) and the lads and girls went wild...”

The main objective of our 5th year school trip to Dingle was to climb Mt. Brandon, Ireland’s second highest mountain, which in a way was indicative of what a loser school it was. There were many exciting sub-quests, such as walking the Gap of Dunloe (not a clothes shop) and experiencing the day-to-day life of An Ghaeltacht (such a difference from the sprawling metropolis of Blarney).

The awful journey to our exotic destination was no reflection on the enjoyable stay itself. Due to my usual tardiness, the only seat left on the (roadworthy?) bus was next to the quietest girl since Marathon became Snickers. The conversation was unremark-

Only later did we begin to question why the guy was standing naked in the middle of the room in the middle of the night. He claimed he was getting a drink of water from his bag. Stevie Boy was humiliated again the following morning. He left his clothes and towels by the sink while taking a shower in the communal shower room. Mori crept in and took Stevie Boy’s gear back to the bedroom. Moments later, Stevie emerged running through the hostel wearing only a shower curtain while shouting, “where’s me feckin’ clothes bah?!”

The journey’s excitement was amplified by its outstanding radio soundtrack,

Our aspirations of climbing Mt. Brandon were quashed by a night of heavy rainfall.

The principal decided that underfoot conditions were treacherous and abandoned the

which was provided by an ageing speaker system, and included hits like Wham’s Club Tropicana and Lionel Ritchie’s Hello…

expedition. Instead we were rewarded with an 863-mile walk around Slea Head, starting in a place I never heard of and finishing in a similarly, yet differently named

able.

location. Apparently Slea Head is the best part of the country for viewing dolphins, We stayed in a luxury hostel approximately two miles from South Central Dingle. It was a real bargain at £4 a night, which the school was reluctant to cover. On enter-

whales and porpoises. But all the lads were looking at were the scantily clad German tourists wearing hot-pants and skimpy halter tops. Most of the girls were looking at

ing our eighteen bed suite (nine bunks) we were impressed with its ambience. It had real character. It boasted an antique fireplace, which was no longer in use, and its floor rugs were an authentic shade of brown. The drapes were ragged and seemed dirty. It had a real classical feel that money couldn’t buy. The communal “entertainment” room had an immense fourteen inch portable TV. I believe it was connected to a satellite dish and had many channels. Apparently, it had “all the dirty ones” and one of the teachers was rumoured to have been caught watching them late one evening. The video library was widely varied and included Boyz N The Hood, Bambi, Ernest Goes To Jail and The Erotic Adventures Of Hercules.

the shirtless boyfriends who were built like fecking tanks.

We were under heavy guard for the first evening. Rego’s trip to the upstairs bathroom revealed that five teachers were on duty and the girls’ bedrooms were particularly well secured. Full of energy, we calmed ourselves with a permanent marker. Choosing not to sniff it, we instead wrote some amusing (and some disgraceful) messages on our plain white t-shirts. One of the patrolling teachers smirked at my just-made “Frankie Say Relax” shirt as I went to brush my teeth. It must have brought back his teen memories of the 80’s when he may well have actually sniffed permanent markers, which was the style at the time.

We were making a terrible racket at 4.00 am when the principal stormed in and turned on our lights, only to reveal Stevie Boy standing bollock-naked in the middle of the room. “Get into the bed ya feckin’ eejit!!” he roared. Stevie had chosen to sleep on a top bunk. His attempt to climb up to the bunk with one hand, while trying to cover his arse with the other was one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen in my life. I felt sorry for young Hally who was lying on the bottom bunk and had a full frontal view of Stevie, in all his hairy glory.

Since I went to a mixed secondary school, the most strictly enforced rule of the weekend (supposedly) was that there was to be no mixing of sexes in the hostel bedrooms.

However, the teachers mysteriously disappeared on the third night (some suggested a piss-up) and the lads and girls went wild. If the golden rule was adhered to, then it could be deduced that two heavily breasted men with soft, effeminate voices awakened me from my slumber at approximately 3am. It was a truly insane night.

The most interesting characters we encountered on the trip would have to be the Dutch guys who were dressed as elves (even the shoes) and were smoking God knows what. Apparently, they could not afford the princely sum of £4 per night fee for a bed in the hostel so instead they paid the more affordable £2 per night fee for pitching their own tent in the hostel grounds. One of them was called Hulgar and he had an intriguing theory on how aliens who were actually living in Cameroon would take over the world in 2002. Full moon…

We had our disappointments too. We failed to throw the English teacher into the sea, which was an annual school tradition, and nobody “scored” at the céilí, which was pretty much the same as any other teen disco, except the music was even worse and everybody spoke Irish. But the craic we had together during our tiring walks around the beautiful surroundings of Dingle, and the craic we had on those memorable nights in the hostel, made my fifth year school trip by far the most enjoyable activity holiday I’ve experienced.

Self Help Africa “...We cannot follow a line which suggests that it is the African people’s fault for their current situation – the current set of problems are due to a set of events put in motion over one hundred years ago by white people and although we have tried to help since it is this generation’s duty to put our heart and souls into solving the problem for ever...”

I remember visiting one school near Zeway in Ethiopia. A pupil asked me “what can we do for them?” I have never seen somebody ask a question so full of hope. Now I realise five years on that I could do nothing, only a national movement with many members and public support could pressure governments into making the type of decisions which would change Africa forever.

As for this smart and bright student it is too late. Due to economic circumstances education for him would have ended at Junior Certificate level. He is roughly nineteen now and is either married with children, working on a one acre starvation plot or he has died of HIV or one of a number of so-called curable diseases. At the time of my visit he was the future of Ethiopia.

I am reminded of the depths of poverty that exist in Africa. A typical schoolgirl’s morning in Ethiopia will involve getting up at 5.00 am and walking a 15 km round trip to fetch water from the nearest well. When she returns she will light a fire with sticks she found the day before. She will then share a small loaf of bread (maybe the only meal of the day) between her six to thirteen brothers and sisters and then walk 20 km to 30km to school where she will join her class which has an average pupil/teacher ratio of 110 to 1. However, times are good for this girl – she is going to school. She has had something to eat that morning and the well 15km away had not dried up so she was not thirsty.

Meanwhile we at home in Ireland will get up at 8.00 am, fill the kettle with water and press the button to turn it on, we will then get into our cars, drive to work or college and complain about the traffic. Not to sound like my mother but do we really ever stop to think about the other person or is it too easy to forget about the schoolgirl? - she is far away, far removed and if we can avoid Mass and the 6 o’clock news then we need never think of her again.

However, I urge you to remember Africa is closer to us than both America and Australia where we all have friends and family. Africa is not on Mars. We have a responsibility to these people. When Tsunami occurred on St. Stephen’s Day there was a huge public response. We knew of people who had been to South East Asia or we had been there ourselves. We knew and understood what the people needed and how urgently it was required. As for Africa we know few people who have been there, it is out of sight and out of mind – it is easy to forget but we must instill in ourselves that we cannot alienate an entire continent any longer – there are millions of people looking towards us with nothing but hope.

I find it ironic that people laugh in disbelief at Marie Antoinettes’s comment during the French Revolution – when she was told that the people had no bread to eat she famously stated “let them eat cake”. More recently the Archbishop of Cantebury trav-

elled to Ethiopia in 1984 and brought the dying children sweets. In today’s world there is still an attitude of disconcern and ignorance with regard to Third World problems. I have been told that “a few plane loads of condoms would solve all the problems” and that if life is so tough in these places why don’t the people just leave?

Firstly if the families were much smaller then who would look after the parents in their old age? Secondly where would all of these people go if they left their own homeland – and more so what country is going to welcome them!

It is easy to be sceptical when it keeps the money in your pocket. It is easy to believe the claims of politicians that “they are doing all that they can” when in fact they are not meeting the 0.7% of GNP pledged to Third World countries.

We cannot follow a line which suggests that it is the African people’s fault for their current situation – the current set of problems are due to a set of events put in motion over one hundred years ago by white people and although we have tried to help since it is this generation’s duty to put our heart and souls into solving the problem for ever.

That said this type of action is easier said than done. We must think big but act small.

Self Help is building wells, improving health and providing education. Self Help works by helping people to help themselves. At a cost of €10.00 per person Self Help has made two million people self sufficient – this means no more handouts, no more help needed, there is an end and goals have been achieved.

The communities where Self Help have worked have gone from strength to strength.

The only problem is the demand from the communities for Self Help innovations. Far outweighs the charity’s ability to supply them due to financial constraints. This is where the Self Help for Africa Society CIT has come in. In the society we are raising awareness of the problems in Africa, we are raising vital life saving funds for the charity and we are getting students involved in a way that they can make a difference – no matter how little or large that contribution is.

For Africa to develop it is vital that you make Africa an issue when deciding who you vote for, you must base your purchase decisions on ethics, stay away from brands such as Nestle, buy fair trade tea, coffee, chocolate, bananas etc., encourage and commend people when they donate – this is all directly saving lives.

At Self Help CIT we are nurturing at grassroots a national movement which will change the populations attitude towards Africa. For us to succeed and reach our goals we must grow and develop all the time – we are always looking for new members – just look at the “What’s On” and come along to our meetings or get involved with our twenty four hour fast on 6th April next.

Self Help Africa Society

About Self Help.

Self Help focuses on development work in countries where food shortage is a constant threat. The charity works with communities to promote sustainable, long-term change.

Founded in response to the crisis in Ethiopia in 1984, Self Help aims to assist Africans to regain their independence and become self-sufficient, so that outside help will be unnecessary in the future. Self Help works in Ethiopia, Malawi, Eritrea, Uganda and Kenya.

The Value of Rubbish The Value of Rubbish Exhibition was displayed by the “Self Help for Africa Society,” in Cork Institute of Technology in March. The aim of the exhibition was to portray the real Africa and the innovativeness and resourcefulness of its people. It is fantastic to see what the African people have done with what we would consider rubbish. All the items displayed were actually serving a purpose in their country of origin. From a baby bath

made out of oil cans to an actual oil lamp made from a Coke can. It is hard for us at home in Ireland to understand the poverty and lack of raw materials which exist in Africa – However, this exhibition shows how the African people are making the best of a bad situation and are using every means at their disposal to overcome the difficulties they encounter.

Self Help Africa 24 Hour Fast 6th April.

The Self Help for Africa Society is holding its 24 hour fast on the 6th April. We are currently looking for people to participate in the Fast. All money raised will go towards long term famine prevention programmes, health schemes and education in some of the poorest areas in the world. Sign up at our stand between the Atria. All money raised by the Self Help for Africa Society from the 24 hour fast will be multiplied by six.

Colm Crowley, Chairperson Self Help Africa Society

CD Review: Open Your Mind - CIT Music Society compilation Just recently, I hopped my poor little CD player off the ground. Needless to say, a couple of pieces came loose and numerous ominous cracks erupted into the night (not to mention several curses). Hence when writing this review, I was unable to listen to these gentle rhythms, stirring ballads and bad-ass rifts as it were. And yet, in my mind I am clear that this CD is the one that will make me dig out my shattered CD player and revive it from the ashes of the grave. I wonder why?

Firstly this album does not depend upon one song as so many compilations in today’s market. I have often been duped into buying a one-song album. The bands evoke quite preludes to conversations, glimmering crimson and love for the whole world. That’s not to mention the actual talent on display. While listening one undergoes journey that encompasses learning, rubys’ and many, many bridges.

Speaking of bridges brings me to my second reason to dig out my screwdriver and finally get rid of that stale pizza under the bed. Certain music types are grouped together so that one song leads on to the next. However, these groups are but little cherries in one big martini (sorry there is only one). Between these cherries are tracks that do not really conform to the general rock feel of the album.

They serve as a constant reminder to open your mind. If you think you are going to fall asleep to this album, forget it and turn the volume up marine cause is still got some ass to kick.

Over many years theses bands have worked to perfect every possible mistake in their performances. Many have written lyrics that relive past emotions, feelings and achievements. The songs are steeped in fragrant emotion that at times is utterly confounding. Guitars sing in tandem.

Strings vibrate in the open air with unconfined joy. Ballads are created that usher in tumultuous roars and most of it starts with a single pen scratching on an ink void sheet of parched parchment. From this world devoid of inspiration other students have created ballads.

Finally I must acknowledge and thank those in the production of an excellent compilation. CIT music society indeed proves that the capital of culture at least has one fine CD to boast about. All the proceeds of the CD go towards autism, a worthy charity. Least of all I must compliment my stupidity on dropping my diskman on the ground. Now where’s the superglue.

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The Battle’s Won but the War Continues CIT Music Students Showcase the Best of Irish Music

It can’t be that time already, Easter is over, study is in full power and missing notes are under full search. This also signifies yet another close to the CIT music society and what a great year we have had. Firstly, lets take a look at the ‘Battle of the Bands’.

Fifteen bands entered this competition for the desired prize of playing guest to ‘Kerbdog’ on the 8th of April. This had to be narrowed down to four bands for the final heat, which were ‘Lunar Symphony, Houl’in Boi, Flatline and Serum’. To cut a long story short, ‘Serum’ took the prize with their ecstatic stage performance - well done to you lads and to all the bands that entered.

All five nights were jam-packed and some each band performed to their best. In addition the Society thanks Mervyn & Emma, Nancy Spains (Mick & Ger), Tom from Fredz, all judges involved (James, Ger, Mark, Liam and Robbie) and to everybody for coming along and voting.

Another major project we undertook was our compilation CD, although sales were not as projected, the compilation is so varied and comprises of such incredible talent. In

our reckoning this will be a timeless compilation and demonstrates what Cork has to offer. (Copies still available at the Students union for €5).

Ongoing projects include free showcases in great venues, discounted instrument lessons, reduced on-campus studio rates and the offer of advice on any aspect of music.

The academic year of 2004/2005 has been one of the busiest to date in the college’s history and we hope to maintain this level of activity throughout next year. Remember you don’t have to be a musician to join or be a part of the Society, so next year get involved, voice your ideas at meetings and Societies day. Thanks to CIT and everybody that got involved.

Cheerz Shane (see ye at ‘Kerbdog’).

Music society is listening to: Yes, Ten Past Seven, Oxes, Trail of the Dead, Captain Insano and Helmet.

Paul Bley and Mark O'Leary Concert at Half Moon Theatre Gig Review by Patrick Tuite Recently the Half Moon Theatre saw a collaboration between one of contempory jazz’s most creative and accomplished pianists and a renowned local guitarist, the world famous improvisation innovator from Canada Paul Bley on piano and Mark O'Leary on guitar.

tion of both players. They brought the audience down a pathway and through a story; a story told through a fusion of rippling rhythms, sweeping passages and lyrical melodies, while demonstrating their own unique compositional capabilities and displaying a distinctive, personal voice through their instruments.

The two musicians provided a perfect score to the ambiance of the venue and seemed to connect with the audience. From the highs to the lows every emotion was present through out the entire improvised set.

Each of the ideas explored were performed through an interpretation of the mood of both the audience and that of the players and the changes in the atmosphere.

The musician-ship of both players was impeccable, almost as if it was improvisation with direction; the layering of each of the virtuoso styles produced a canvas of sound ranging from the mainstream of jazz, right to pushing the barriers of the imagina-

It was as if two players became one Enhanced by the intimacy of the venue this was the warmest most emotive concert performed by Mark O’ Leary, which I have had the privilege and pleasure of being witness to. By far, the best performance given

by Mark O’ Leary..

Would you like to write for us? info@explicit.ie or you can drop into the SU office in C143 to talk to us.

Feeder - Pushing The Senses Album Reviewed by: James Holland (7/10) Feeder’s fourth album Comfort In Sound is amongst the most frequently played in my 300+ collection. Unfortunately their fifth studio outing Pushing The Senses didn’t strike me as anything special during my first listen. In fact I was so disappointed, I put the CD back in its case and didn’t listen to it for again for nearly a week. During that unexciting week I remembered that its predecessor was no instant hit with me either, and I decided that the latest offering deserved another, more concentrated listen. Many later, I am beginning to gain some appreciation for this well-produced album.

Feeder have matured since their sweaty, teen rock days of yesteryear (“Just A Day” and “Buck Rogers” to name but two examples) and the introspective beauty of Comfort In Sound is still present in their latest offering. The melancholic feel of Comfort In Sound (which was inevitable following the suicide of the band’s talented drummer Jon Lee) is still present but there is less confusion and anger in Grant Nicholas’ lyrics. Instead, Pushing The Senses emits waves of positive energy from under its mellow guise, reflecting Nicholas’ regained optimism and desire for life. This is evident right from the opener “Feeling A Moment” with its soaring chorus and feeling of security: “Don't ever feel that you're alone/ I'll never let you down/ I'll never leave you dry.”

“Tumble And Fall” is a typical Feeder single, with its gentle acoustic intro over soft electronics before the chorus erupts into an energetic mash of guitars.

Most of the songs on the album have that sort of quiet/loud contrast, which works quite effectively. They drag you down before picking you up. However, they retain a melodic Feeder feel and, as a result, remain characteristically catchy. As well as being an impressive lyricist and vocalist, Nicholas has an impressive diversity to his musicianship, playing both guitars and keyboards while also being responsible for most of the string arrangements used in the album.

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Title-track “Pushing The Senses” and “Pilgrim Soul” are heavier, high-tempo rock songs. “Pilgrim Soul” has its darker moments, as Nicholas sings in a lowkey: “All that you face, you lose, abuse/ Carry the cross, the faith, the loss, the weight,/ the bruise/ Falling, I'm falling…”

However, the uplifting finale prevents the song from depressing: “…life's for livin', so don't you give in/ Don't you tear it apart… life's for givin' so don't you give in/ Don't you tear it apart…”

The two closing songs, “Pain on Pain” and “Dove Grey Sands” are without the heavy riff choruses of earlier efforts and both songs relax in a positive way.

“Wait for love, for love/ You know it can happen/ Wait for love for love/ The touch of a hand, to heal yourself/ You can heal, can't watch you fall.”

When I was seventeen, Feeder gave me “Just A Day” to rock to, when I was 19, they gave me “Love Pollution” to cry to, and now, at twenty one, they haven’t really given me anything to evoke such an impulsive, emotional response. It’s still a decent, solid and emotive album and there is nothing particularly wrong with it. However, after the poignant and almost flawless Comfort In Sound (it would have been without the awful “Godzilla”), I have to admit that Pushing The Senses is a disappointment.

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CIT Sports Round-up

by Emma Martin CIT Rugby

Ladies Soccer

CIT Senior 1’s 36 Garda Training College 17 The 1st having tasted defeat for the first time this season last week against W.I.T., were determined to get back on track. CIT took the game straight at the Garda and almost had complete possession for the first 30 minutes of the game resulting in 3 very well taken tries from Darragh Hurley, Paul Hurley and Michael Essex, two of which were converted by Colin Mahony. Then the Garda managed to intercept a pass on their own twenty two, racing into the CIT half, they recycled the ball quickly catching the Cork team, who were scrambling back into defence, off guard and finishing the passage off with a well taken try which they also converted. Half time 19-7

WSCAI Challenge Cup

Cork were rattled by the loss of the score before half time and allowed the Garda to take the initiative early in the second half. The Garda scored to well taken tries, both unconverted leaving the score 19-17. Cork, led by Tim Ryan (Capt.), were stung into action. The pace was upped, the tackles became fierce and the possession began to flow again for the Cork side. Indiscipline set in on the Garda side, as they became stuck in their own half completely starved of the ball, this resulted in their captain being sin binned. Cork sensing victory upped the tempo further and were justly rewarded with second tries for both Michael Essex and Paul Hurley, one of which was converted by Colin Mahony to leave the final score 33-17. The PARCHMENT SQUARE Man of the match award went to PAUL HURLEY who put in an incredible performance CIT Senior 1’s have now guaranteed themselves a top seed position for the semi-finals.

Freshers competition begins in style for CIT CIT Freshers 49 U.L. Freshers 0 The freshers, who have waited a long time for this competition to begin, took to the field against a fancied U.L. CIT were pinned back in their own half for the first twenty minutes, until a fantastic break from Mike Kingsbeer brought CIT a penalty on their opponents twenty-two. Jeremy Manning stepped up and coolly slotted home the first score. From the kick off, CIT drove into the oppositions half, the ball was moved right and Mike again found himself in space and made his way into the U.L. twenty two, where he set his man and gave a lovely weighted pass to James Kenny to score under the posts, converted by James himself to leave the score 10-0. The forwards feeling left out lifted their game and after a number of phases forced their way over through Darragh Hurley, just before the break (converted by Jeremy Manning). Half time 17-0.

Second half saw a beaten U.L. try their best to stem the CIT attack, however they became totally outplayed resulting in further tries for James Kenny(2), Darragh Hurley, Michael Essex, Mike Kingsbeer and Jeremy Manning, one of which was converted by James Kenny. Final Score 49-0 Freshways Man Of The Match went to James Kenny

Other Info: Frank Murphy - former student, gets his first start for Munster in the Celtic League game versus Ulster on Friday night After having a wonderful season thus far for UCC in the AIL Second Division, we would like to wish Frank all the best on Friday night. Hopefully a lot of you might make the trip down to Musgrave park Friday and cheer on Frank, who will be vying for the Peter Stringer cover role in the upcoming European Cup match http://rugby.cit.ie

CIT travelled to the Capital in February for their Challenge Cup semi final versus Colaiste Ide. Despite missing two key players from the travelling squad, confidence was high of advancing to the final. Mairead Kelly missed out through involvement in the organisation of CIT’s ?uro Star Final, which was on the evening of match.

Goalkeeper Aoife Kelliher also missed out due to participating in the final and was the winner of Best Original song. With the strength and depth that CIT have in their squad, and the hard work that has been put in by all the players, Coach Niall O’Regan was confident of the getting the result they needed.

Playing conditions weren’t the best on the day and played a key factor in the outcome of the game. Originally the game was to be played on Astro turf due to bad state of the Dublin pitch, and given the eventual condition of the pitch they may have been better off sticking to the Astro turf. Although circumstances were the same for both teams, CIT failed to settle in the early stages of the game. A free kick taken by Dee Calnan 10yards outside the CIT penalty area saw the gale force winds carry it back to CIT goalkeeper Joan O’Donnell. Evidence of conditions both teams had to endure.

Colaiste Ide had the best of the opening exchanges, capitalising on CIT’s poor start.

Midway through the half CIT’s misery continued as they let the Dublin side take the lead. At half time CIT were fortunate not to be further behind and this seemed to spur them into action. CIT began the second half with much more purpose and with the kind of football that has gotten them to this stage of the competition. However, Colaiste Ide were strong in defence and rarely gave CIT any clear opportunities on goal.

CIT were always up against it in the second half, chasing the 1-0 deficit. As they pushed forward trying to get that all important equaliser, Colaiste Ide caught them on the break and scored their second of the game. This gave CIT a real uphill battle to turn the fixture around. In true CIT fashion the team kept battling right to the final whistle, but it just wasn’t to be. Captain Dee Calnan was very disappointed with the result. “We’ve had a good run of form lately including our Indoor Intervarsity Cup success so this result is bitterly disappointing. We never really got going enough to put them under any major pressure.”

WSCAI Intervarsity Qualifiers CIT were in action on 26th February in The Farm, when they took part in the qualifying stages of the WSCAI Intervarsities. Five teams had to battle it out for the final three places in the WSCAI Intervarsities which take place in March over a 3day period.

CIT first game saw them come up against League rivals NUIG. CIT started brightly creating some great chances. Caroline Hanley broke through the NUIG defence with great pace and was denied a shot on goal by great tackle by the NUIG defender.

Hanley again was in the thick of things minutes later when she sidestepped the opposition and hit a shot from 20yards out, only to see it come back off the crossbar, Mairead Kelly was quickest was to react to the rebound but the was denied by the NUIG Keepers full stretch save. This CIT pressure sparked NUIG into life and they began to attack with purpose. Out of what seemed like nothing, NUIG took the lead, a great run down the wing saw the ball being crossed into the forward and her low drive found its way through the CIT players and into the bottom corner.

In the second half CIT continued to threaten NUIG’s defence but failed to finish the chances they created. With time running out fast CIT’s best chance fell to Jenny Duffy.

Her pace saw her run onto a through ball from Kelly, only to see her effort roll the wrong side of the post. This result meant if CIT won their next game they would now have to play a 3rd game against the losers of Letterkenny and Mary Immaculate

College Limerick. Before this, they faced Trinity, a team they had drawn against earlier in the season in the league campaign. CIT were patient in their build up to creating chances, pulling Trinity out of position. It wasn’t until just before half time when CIT finally broke the deadlock. The ball was neatly passed between, Duffy, Hanley and Kelly before Kelly fired a cracking shot from outside the area into the top corner. CIT continued to pressure Trinity in the second half and were rewarded when Dee Calnan’s cross from a free kick was forced over the line by Hanley.

CIT’s third and final game saw them come up against Mary I from Limerick. The result never looked in doubt as CIT dominated this game from the start. Jenny Duffy got CIT off the mark as she tapped home the opening goal. Kelly’s shot had initially been well saved by the Limerick keeper but Duffy reacted quickest. Duffy was again at the heart of the second goal. She began the move by playing a quick one two with Katie Aherne, before lobbing the keeper from 10yards out. The 3rd goal was a great individual effort

by Caroline Hanley; breaking from the defence on the right wing she unleashed a shot from the corner of the 18-yard box into the top corner giving the keeper no chance.

Goal number 4 was the result of some great team play. Starting from the left side, where Eileen McCarthy showed great strength in holding off the opposition to pass the ball into Kelly in midfield. It was worked right across to the right hand side before finding Kelly in the box. Kelly did well to turn the Limerick defender before shooting low into the goal. The fifth and final goal which sealed a fine performance by CIT was scored by Maureen Hussey. Arguably the goal of the game as Eileen McCarthy’s shot came back up off the upright, Hussey’s quick thinking saw her chip the keeper from the narrowest of angles. CIT could now look forward to the Intervarsity due to take place in Castlebar on the 10/11/12th March.

WSCAI Intervarsities The girls travelled to Castlebar Wednesday 9th March for the much awaited Intervarsity Finals. CIT were grouped with last year’s winners UL and hosts GMIT Castlebar. The girls were confident of a semi final place in either the Cup or the Plate.

First up was the fixture versus GMIT. CIT began brightly creating some clear chances.

Mairead Kelly continued her good form this season by opening the scoring for CIT. Winning the ball just outside the 18yard box, Kelly beat her opponent to put her through 1v1 with the keeper. CIT relaxed into the game but were given a wake up call

by GMIT as a lack of concentration saw GMIT equalise midway through the half. CIT stepped up a gear and a fine individual effort from Kariena Richards gave CIT a 2-1 lead just before half time. Winning the ball 20 yards out, Richards struck a shot, which sailed over everyone into the top left corner. In the second half, GMIT came out all guns blazing and once again caught CIT napping, levelling the score 2-2. CIT realised their chance of a semi final place was slipping away if the score stayed as it was. As

a result they began to play the kind of football that has gotten them to this stage of the season. As they continued to press forward they were denied taking the lead by a few great saves from the GMIT keeper. CIT were rewarded for their patience ten minutes from time as a GMIT defender handle a goal bound shot. Richards stepped up to the penalty spot to fire home what proved to be the winner.

Next up was University of Limerick. Against a strong UL team CIT played some very attractive football and opened up the Limerick side on a few occasions, asking questions of their usually strong defence. UL created little in the first half to show why they are current holders but at the start of the second they upped the tempo of the game.

CIT did well to hold the UL onslaught, but midway through the second half they broke the deadlock. CIT continued to put pressure on the UL defence trying to get the equaliser that would seal their semi final place. With CIT pressing forward UL were prepared to soak up the pressure and catch CIT on the break, which led to another goal for UL. With minutes to go further misery was inflicted on CIT as an own goal sealed victory for UL. Despite this loss CIT were still confident of a place in the Plate semi-final, with GMIT and UL to meet Friday morning. However with UL needing only a draw, they fielded a weakened team against GMIT and as a result found themselves 2-0 down in the first half. UL’s tactics changed as they made the substitutions to their usual full strength team. They pulled one goal back but failed to get the equaliser. However this 2-1 defeat was enough to see UL through to the Cup semi final and GMIT to the Plate semi final. As a result CIT were knocked out on goal difference. A harsh way to exit a competition where they had high hopes of success, unfortunately CIT learnt a lesson the hard way that the goals conceded in the victory over GMIT knocked them out of the competition. GMIT went on to be beaten in the semi final by Tralee and UL advance to the Cup Final only to be beaten 7-0 by Sligo.

Congratulations to UCC who retained the Plate for another year after they defeated Tralee IT 3-2 in the final. Most teams in the WSCAI are finished for another year but CIT have a promotion play off to look forward to. The girls will travel to Waterford over the Easter holidays for this fixture. WIT are not to be taken lightly. They were the first Institute of Technology to be promoted to the Premier division, when it was mainly dominated by Universities. They remained there until a few years ago when they were relegated for the first time, but within 2 years they were back in the premier division again. CIT in contrast first gained promotion to the Premier Division in 1991 and stayed there until they were relegated last year. CIT are looking for a quick return to the Premier Division and the challenge it offers, where the standard of play is much higher.

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