CIT Students’ Union Magazine Volume Eight - Issue Four
Santa Arrives to CIT
W elfare Guide to Xmas Safety
Christmas Day Photos
Latest Spor ts & Societies News
expliCIT editorial CIT Students’ Union Rossa Ave, Bishopstown Cork, Ireland. Telephone: 021 493 3120 Fax: 021 454 5343 Email: info@expliCIT.ie
expliCIT Staff Editor - Gearóid Buckley Design & Advertising - Philip O’Reilly Contributions Aine Deroiste Damien Courtney Mike Murphy International Students Soc Keith Ricken CIT Careers & Counselling Edel Dullea
Michael Walsh Séan F O’Leary Gearóid Buckley Eamonn O’Sullivan Denis O’Dwyer ESIB.org CIT Societies Office
CIT Students’ Union President - Brian O’Sullivan (supres@cit.ie) Vice President Education - Simon Bolger (sueducation@cit.ie) Vice President Welfare - Marie Claire Jennequin (suwelfare@cit.ie) Entertainments Officer - to be elected (suents@cit.ie) Projects Officer - Wesley Kiely (suprojects@cit.ie) Communications Officer - Gearóid Buckley (sucomms@cit.ie) Print Barnaville Print & Graphics LTD Freshford, Kilkenny. Advertising Opportunities CIT has almost 17,000 full and part-time students with over 1,500 supporting staff. Why not use expliCIT to promote your business to this large audience? Copy deadlines, advertising rates and technical specifications are available from our website www.expliCIT.ie or upon request from the Publications Office. 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 their permission.
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Mervyn O’Mahony, Societies Officer, with Stephen Cohalan who won Students’ Union competition for trip with Santa to CIT by helicopter Hey lads, Christmas day is over and for me its Christmas exams for the next couple of weeks. CIT Christmas once again had its highlights, Mick Riordan rocked the west atrium, jingle bells rang, dinner was eaten, and the Ball in Earth was unbelievable. It’s that time of the year now the library is filling, we’re actually realising we have to study. However realising and doing are two very different things. My housemates even found me cleaning last week (anything to avoid study). If you haven’t opened a book yet this year it’s not too late, picking up marks through out the course of the year will go along way towards avoiding the autumn exams. As you might have heard, CIT Students’ Union in association with Random Mad Students are setting up an on campus bungee jump during Rag Week. If you want to take part please call into the SU office for more information. I’d also like to congratulate Mr, Dildo and Ms. Cork on their recent marriage. The couple were overwhelmed with all the generous gifts they received, that they donated them to charity. However little did they know that the Celebrant (Derry) was officially licensed to marry. So in the state of Florida, the lovely couple are lawfully husband and wife, congrats Christmas is usually my favourite time of year but college is so much fun this year I hate to leave. I suppose the break will do us good after all Rag week, the ball season, the traditional Thursday nights and of course study (most important, really it is) lies ahead in the new year. Happy Christmas and in the words of Wez “have the craic”, Gar
Social Care Students Work Placement in Denmark “...the LEONARDO placement is a fantastic opportunity. I feel that I gained so much from the experience, met so many people and learnt so much both educationally and personally through working and living abroad...” Four second year students studying for their BA in Social Care in the Department of Social and General Studies undertook their second year 12 week work placement in Denmark from March to May 2006. This was funded under the European Union ‘LEONARDO’ student travel programme in collaboration with Ballerup Seminariet, from whom the CIT Department of Social and General Studies have received students previously on placement.
children there. Jennifer is in ‘Riverview’, a youth residential centre in the Good Shepard Services in Cork. In her feedback Jennifer said ‘I had a really great time and I found it to be an excellent opportunity. I like to travel and experience new cultures and there is so much to be learned from living in another country. I learned about how some features of care are better in Denmark and how some are better in Ireland’.
Cora Ryan, from Newport in Co. Tipperary and Lorna Healy from Ballyphehane, Cork, undertook their placement in’ Krumtappen’, an after-school club for people with intellectual disabilities. Cora is now in Brother Russell house, a residential addiction treatment centre in Limerick for her third year placement while Lorna is the Cork Autism association. In Cora’s own words, ‘Danish pedagogical thinking is very different to Ireland – it is much more relaxed with little structure with great freedom given (to the children) to choose what they want to do. Perhaps they have a little too much freedom as it can make it difficult to engage children in activities. However, I feel Ireland is too rigid and a happy medium must be found’.
Rhona Cogan from Coachford, Co. Cork worked with children from different cultural backgrounds in ‘Grandtoftens Fritidshjem’. Rhona is now in Tír na Nóg, a residential house in the Simon community in Cork. According to Rhona ‘I found the whole experience to be absolutely amazing. The only drawback was that it was so expensive. One of the greatest aspects was the international kolligium where I lived. I made a lot of new friends from many different Countries eg. Norway, Greenland, Germany. I learned to be more open to new things and learned a lot about different cultures’.
Lorna said that ‘the LEONARDO placement is a fantastic opportunity. However I do feel that more funding is needed especially since Denmark is such an expensive country to live in. I feel that I gained so much from the experience, met so many people and learnt so much both educationally and personally through working and living abroad’. Jennifer Murphy from Aghabullogue, Co. Cork was in ‘Kildekaer’, an afterschool club for children and she particularly enjoyed the art projects with the
While expensive to live in, the opportunity of living and working in another country was appreciated by the students who enjoyed their experience and acquired an insight into the difference between the Irish and Danish social care services. Annette Brunn, the international placement coordinator from Ballerup Seminariet was an invaluable support to the students, liaising with their supervisors in the centres and with their CIT placement coordinator. Annette organised Danish language and culture classes for the students at the start of their placement in Ballerup Seminariet. Aine Deroiste
Canteen Staff Help Raise Money for Charity CIT Students' Union would like to express a sincere thank you to all the staff in the canteen for cooking up a "storm" on Christmas day. Over €4000 was raised for charity on the day and this would not be possible if it not for all the help and hard work by all concerned. CITSU President, Brian O’Sullivan, said “on behalf of all CIT students I wish to thank and congratulate the
canteen staff for the hard work and dedication they gave to make this years Christmas Day Celebration a day to remember.” He added, “I have received many comments from students and staff regarding the high quality of the food and service on the day. they also got into the Christmas spirit by dressing up in santa costumes and decorating the canteen area.”
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Hons Marketing 2006 Graduate Meets Research Need for Cork Charity by Michael Walsh
“...Patrick Sheehan did an excellent job in obtaining the required information without fuss, plus some other bits that enhanced the project...” Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) have missionary priests working in very poor communities in South Africa, Russia and Venezuela. To help these communities, MSC fundraise from benefactors throughout Ireland. Their method of fundraising is direct mail, but recently they commenced recycling used mobile phones and inkjet and laser cartridges as a further means of raising funds. In line with societal changes, the Irish fundraising market is changing rapidly. MSC keep in touch with their donors’ changing attitudes and values, through regular interaction with them by mail, telephone, and sometimes in person. (MSC, PO Box 32 Western Road, Cork) In addition to this, formal market research is necessary to enable MSC to plan for the future. Having devised terms of reference for a survey of 500 benefactors, Matt Moran, Promotion Manager of MSC, sought quotations from a number of research agencies. Their quotations were outside the budget of a registered charity such as MSC, so he had a dilemma of marketing need versus cost. This is where CIT came in. Matt Moran contacted Michael Walsh, Department of Management and Marketing, seeking the services of a suitable marketing graduate for a short-term contract to undertake the survey. The result was that within a few weeks Matt had selected Patrick Sheehan – a 2006 Hons Bachelor of Business (Marketing) graduate – and agreed terms with him. Research project MSC randomly selected benefactors in each county for telephone interview, taking account of their penetration levels of: a) the population, and b) number of households. A letter was sent inviting these to take part in the telephone survey. The response was excellent. In line with terms of reference from MSC, Patrick devised a questionnaire, tested it on a few benefactors and made some minor adjustments. MSC benefactors are predominantly female, in all age
brackets, with a majority over 55 years … some are in their 80’s. Hence, a calm approach, a friendly tone of voice, and patience in listening, were very important qualities in the interviewer. Patrick Sheehan did an excellent job in obtaining the required information without fuss, plus some other bits that enhanced the project. MSC received a number of complimentary comments from benefactors about the “polite young man” who spoke to them. He collated the data into the agreed format using statistics, pie-charts, and comment / interpretation with conclusions. In the words of Matt Moran “Patrick Sheehan’s report is a very valuable document for us. It confirms a lot of what we already knew, or had a gut-feeling about and it also produced some new insights that will help us greatly in future planning. It was a professional job, executed without any hassle in the office here, and very importantly for a charity like us, at a reasonable cost.” Where is Patrick now? Patrick Sheehan is now Marketing Executive in O’Sullivan Brothers, Blarney Road, specialist flooring suppliers to DIY, and contract flooring suppliers to the construction industry. They also operate Express Kitchens and Floors, two fitted kitchen outlets at Blarney Road and Kinsale Road, Cork (www.expresskitchens.net). Patrick, as Marketing executive, is responsible for advertising material and promotions. His market experience and customer contact gained while doing the research for MSC in summer 2006 provided a great platform to his current position. A sign of the times for future marketing students: both MSC and OSullivan Brothers (OSB) are currently developing websites to market their products and services. Patrick Sheehan will contribute to the content and design of the OSB website.
Prizes Galore for the Department of Tourism & Hospitality Studies There were three CIT student prize-winners from the Annual Congress and Competitions of the Association of European Hotel Schools which took place at the INEC in Killarney from 7th to 11th November. The AEHT Congress was attended by 680 delegates and 230 competitors from 33 countries participating in 10 competitive categories. Among them were five CIT students who competed in pastry, management and bar competitions.
We acknowledge and compliment the full CIT team of staff who contributed to the organisation and coordination of the competitions in what was an exceptional event by any standards and who left a very positive impression amongst our European colleagues. This was the 19th Annual Congress and by all accounts none of the other Europeans had ever before experienced anything like it in terms of organisation and professionalism.
In a highly competitive category the Gold Medal was won by James Dunn who is a 2nd year student in Professional Cookery at CIT.
We salute Adrian Gregan, the Head of Department of Tourism & Hospitality Studies and his colleagues, most especially John Pearson, Ann O’Connor, Breda Hickey and Kathleen Griffin who worked exceptionally hard and long hours, alongside Fáilte Ireland’s team and their colleagues from some other IOTs, to ensure that this was a showcase for Ireland. And that it certainly was.
In the management competition Brian Blackwell won a silver medal and John Sommerfield won bronze. They are both 3rd year students of the Bachelor of Business in Hospitality Management. We congratulate them on what were exceptional perfomances. Their lecturers, Ann O’Connor (pastry), Gráinne Daly and Philip Murray (management) deserve our congratulations too for their contributions and commitment to the students’ performances.
We also acknowledge the great work of Gráinne Daly and the 3rd year students from the Bachelor of Business in Hospitality Management for their presence in handling the delegate arrivals at Cork Airport. Damien Courtney, Head of Faculty, Business and Humanities
News In Brief
World Aids Day Marked
Equine Sports Medicine Project Wins Frederic Barnes Waldon Prize A Final Year Capstone research project on the Design and Development of an Equine Tendon Support Boot Test Rig has resulted in Cork Institute of Technology Mechanical Engineering Degree student, Brian Guilly, being judged as the Winner of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers 2006 Frederic Barnes Waldron Best Student Award. Brian was formally presented with the Frederic Barnes Waldron Prize next Tuesday 14th November in CIT’s Student Centre at an official ceremony in Cork Institute of Technology. The Equine Sports Medicine project was carried out in conjunction with Dalmar Ireland, a small but dynamic company based in Glanmire, Co Cork, specialising in the design and manufacture of technologically advanced products for the effective prevention and treatment of lower leg injuries in horses ( see photograph of Andrew Daly of Dalmar Ireland and Brian Guilly with a prototype of the developed boot designed to help horses recover from tendon problems ). Visit http://www.dalmar-ireland.com/ for descriptions and illustrations of the innovative developed boot. The project was carried out under the
supervision of Dr. Keith Bryan of Cork Institute of Technology with major technical guidance provided by Mr. William France. Apart from Brian's ground-breaking project research and excellent academic record, the Frederic Barnes Waldron adjudicators also referred to Brian's whole-hearted and selfless participation in the I.Mech.E. Speak Out for Engineering National competition, Dublin, the Siemens Engineers Ireland Innovative Engineer 2006 National competition, Dublin and the ISEA International Sports Engineering competition, London, (Silver Medal) as outstanding achievements for an undergraduate student. Brian was conferred with a First Class Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering at Cork Institute of Technology in October. He now works as a Design and Development Engineer with Schuf Technology, Togher, undertaking specialist design work for the Pharmaceutical industry. Séan F O’Leary
Media Communications Department Hosts International Media Event at CIT The Department of Media Communications hosted an International Media Event from the 23rd to the 25th of November. The event showcased work by students of the Department's design and multimedia courses along with work by students from CIT's partner university in Germany Hochschule Darmstadt. The event was held in conjunction with the Institute's Open day on November 25th.
tration, photography, video, audio and interactive media.
The work on view on the First Floor Gallery of the New Student Centre afforded an opportunity to see the varied selection of print and screen based work produced by Media Communications students, including advertising, graphic design, illus-
In addition to the exhibition the Department ran a range of demonstration and information workshops in Printing, 3D Interaction and Music Technology on the Open Day.
"This is the first time that we have brought together work from the students of Darmstadt and CIT for display", said Mike Murphy, Acting Head of Department Media Communications, Cork Institute of Technology " It was a dramatic, varied and exciting show."
The Union of Students in Ireland (USI), marking World Aids Day on Friday 1st December, headed up a Human Red Ribbon formed by hundreds of members of the public in Dublin’s Trinity College. The event, open to the general public, is co-organised by Trinity College Students’ Union. In addition to students from across Ireland, the Human Red Ribbon will bring together local residents, commuters and tourists. The Human Red Ribbon symbolises support for those living with HIV and AIDS, and each supporter will wear an item of red clothing. The Human Red Ribbon also challenges the stigma and prejudice surrounding these conditions. USI President Colm Hamrogue said: “The Human Red Ribbon is a simple yet powerful way of symbolising our determination to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS and support people living with these conditions. “Governments and drugs companies must work together and meet their moral responsibility to make treatments available to the entire global community. People in the Third World must not be denied something as precious as life because of rich nations’ apathy.”
Media Communications Student Wins the Irish Design Effectiveness Award 2006 Fourth year Visual Communications student Claire Horgan was awarded first prize in the prestigious Graphic Design Business Association’s IDEA competition at a reception attended by many of the key players in the design and media industries in Jurys Hotel, Dublin on Thurs 9th November. As part of the Annual Design Week events these awards can be seen as the ‘Oscars’ of the Irish design world and this is the first time that CIT has achieved the top Student Award honour. Claire’s winning packaging design saw off stiff competition from design students in NCAD, DIT and Limerick College of Art amongst others and is a testament to the high standard of work being produced by students of the BA (Hons) in Visual Communications. Congratulations to both Claire and her lecturers especially Rose McGrath, the 4th year coordinator who accompanied Claire to the event. Mike Murphy
CIT Students’ Union President I’ll keep it short and sweet this month as no doubt ye are busy studying. Another month down and exams are looming large around the corner. However, I hope you found some time away from the books to enjoy our annual Christmas Day festivities. It has to be said, the day was a total success. Several thousand Euro was raised for worthy charities and as all no doubt behaved themselves after dinner in the local, I hope you appreciated J90 as they rocked the night away in Earth niteclub. Same can be said for Mick Riordan keeping all of us entertained during the festive afternoon. However, the day would not be a success only for the help and dedication given to the Students’ Union on the weeks leading Please feel free to call over up and on the day itself. To all concerned I thank you a thouto our new offices in the sand times. However, I must pay special tribute to certain Student Centre should you groups. First and foremost Bernard and the entire Canteen staff wish to talk to us! who served up a storm on the day.
Thanks also to Douglas and Shane in the office and finally a huge thanks to all who helped put up decorations, mind the kids, hand out sweets, abused Santa etc. Ye’re all great! As stated exams are looming, so check out Simon’s “Academic Survival Guide” for all the tips and advice to get you through your exams. Most Christmas exams count for 10% of your total year so my advice is to try your best. Finally once all the study is done and dusted it’s time for actual Christmas. I on behalf of all in CIT Students’ Union, wish you and yours a Happy Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year. Stay safe, Brian
CIT Students’ Union Vice President Education By now you should all be recovered from Christmas Day, hope you all had a good one, I did. Christmas songs all day what’s not to like. Also a thank you to everyone who helped out on the day… cheers lads. I would also like to take this opportunity to say well done to all involved in Arts Fest this year, it was the best one yet in my opinion. As the season of good will comes along we are still awaiting a response from the Government about the extra money for the crèche but we will wait as long as it takes, to get what the students of this college want. Also there have been a number of issues raised with the new Tourism and Catering building and I would just like to reassure everyone over there that we are working on it and should have it sorted soon. Again any problem you have lads come in to us,
that’s why we’re here. Our doors are always open and our time is spent doing as much as we can for you. Also, this year we have one the best groups of Class Reps in my opinion and I am delighted at the number who turn up for meetings. You all did a great job at electing them and they are doing a great job representing you. With reps like these the Union can only go from strength to strength and get the results we want and need. I won’t be talking to you till after Christmas so if I don’t see you have a good one and we’ll see you in the New Year. Nollaig shona duit, Simon.
CIT Students’ Union Vice President Welfare Can you believe the year is nearly over? But what a year it has been! I hope you’ve all enjoyed the last term and are looking forward to another fantastic year. With a bit of luck we can all stick to our New Year’s resolutions. Hopefully you all enjoyed Christmas Day (sensibly of course). Big congratulations to all involved for making this event a great success. I’d like to wish you all the very best of luck with your exams. Putting in that little bit of work now could save you a lot of bother at the end of next term. Remember that these exams will go towards your end of year grade.
I hope you all enjoy the Christmas holidays, and arrive back to college in January refreshed and revived. Please take the time to read the safety article in the Welfare section of this issue. And lastly, here’s a wee Christmas tip...Remember, if you're singing Christmas songs on your neighbour’s lawn at night with your church choir, it's called "caroling". But if you're doing it alone with no pants on, it's called "drunk and disorderly”. Slán go fóill, Marie-Claire
The Management & Staff of the Rochestown Park Hotel would like to wish all CIT students and staff a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Thank you for once again making us your Number 1 Ball Venue for 2006
Don’t Be Selfish This Christmas “...By no means am I singling out drink driving as the only student killer on our roads. Of course accidents happen when drivers take a moment to change the radio station or to answer their phone, however drink driving is one we can put a definite stop to. By simply not doing it...” Christmas is coming the goose is getting fat; we are all too familiar with the rest of the rhyme, however for some families it may not be a fairytale Christmas. Unfortunately the holidays always bring out tragedy in its most destructive form. Deaths on our roads have touched everyone in some shape or form, why? Simply because there have been too many of them. Of 100% of the deaths, 25% are alcohol related, and the astonishing fact is that 90% of these fatalities are aged between 19-25; yes that’s the average age range of a full time student in CIT. Did you know after four pints you are 380 times more likely to have an accident, are you prepared to put your friends in this much danger? People forget that for every time one person killed on our roads, eight people are seriously injured. These casualties seriously affect those around them. Take the case of a young ambitious seventeen year old who recently appeared on the “Late Late show” after narrowly escaping death. Under the influence of drink he borrowed his father’s car, turned it over and now needs 24 hour care for the rest of his life. In just one instance this young mans dreams, goals and aspirations were changed forever. For too long now we have shrugged off responsibility for these devastating figures. It is easy to point the finger at the broader society and blame the government; I don’t think it would be practical for Bertie Ahern and his Looney toons to man the streets of our local towns every Saturday night. So the responsibility falls on US… no not the United States but the ordinary people in society whom these issues affect the most.
Random breath testing is working as the 30,000 strong a month campaign has saved 42 lives on last year. There is also a 73% increase in drink driving arrests, however with only testing one in three drivers a large proportion are slipping through the net. These people could include member of our families, friends or yourself. By no means am I singling out drink driving as the only student killer on our roads. Of course accidents happen when drivers take a moment to change the radio station or to answer their phone, however drink driving is one we can put a definite stop to. By simply not doing it. I know no one wants to be a spoil sport, but stopping your friends from driving “under the influence”, could save their lives and the lives of others. Just take a look around the atrium in college any day and take a moment to look at all the characters, faces, people but more importantly look at the lives of your fellow young adults. It only takes one moment or one bad decision while driving to destroy so much. For the safety of yourself, your friends and families drive careful and never ever drink and drive. Don’t be selfish by ruining the lives of those that care about you. Gearoid Buckley
CIT’s Christmas List to Santa Institute has already saved up to help you out with the costs and has even taken care of the design and planning permission. Uncles Justice, Law and Reform have also said they will chip in. So if you could just see your way to rubbing Rudolf’s nose, polishing up your sleigh and delivering the shortfall that would be a dream come true. I’m only asking you because I’ve exercised all other options…I’ve even considered writing to the Easter Bunny, but by then it will be late. Dear Santa Have I been naughty? Next year I’ll be nice…I promise I know in the past I have misbehaved and it’s plain to see I have been suitably punished. I often let my occupants down, by allowing them to become too cold, too hot, too anxious and the list goes on. I do, however, promise to be exceptionally nice next year if you just give me one present for Christmas…a Crèche. It may seem like a lot to ask but Aunty
I don’t ask this for myself, although I do like new limbs, but it is really for all the nice boys and girls who visit me on daily basis and say they can’t return unless I can accommodate their little ones. If you could throw in a bag of coal or two and a couple of printers, that would be all the better. Yours truly, CIT
Dealing With Suicidal Thoughts And Depression Suicide is a very real risk for people who have self-experience of mental illness. Also these thoughts and feelings are more prominent, for many people, over the Christmas period. If you experience suicidal thoughts yourself, there are many things you can do to try to tackle them • The most important action you can take is to be open about your feelings, and confide in those you trust or talk to a trusted health professional. • If your thoughts are associated with depression, delusion or other symptoms, then a change in medication may help to get rid of them. • Keep a list of people you know who you can phone when you have suicidal thoughts. Also keep a list of 24 hour services, such as Samaritans, who can help you. • Distance yourself from any means of suicide. • Avoid alcohol or any other drug abuse. • Avoid doing things you are likely to fail at or find difficult, until you are feeling better. • Schedule at least two 30 minutes activity sessions into your daily routine, doing something which you find enjoyable. • It is very important to take care of your physical health. • Make sure you spend at least half an hour per day outside in fresh air. • Although you may not feel very sociable it is important to make yourself talk to other people.
Warning Signs Of Suicide If you suspect someone you know may be contemplating suicide, here are some warning signs to help you. • A person who seems withdrawn and unable to relate to those around them. • Having definite ideas of how to kill themselves, or giving other indications of planned suicide. • Talking about feelings of loneliness and isolation. • Loss of self-esteem, or expressions of failure or hopelessness. • Dwelling on problems for which there may be no solution. • Waking early in the morning, poor sleeping pattern and loss of appetite. All of these warning signs must be looked at in the context of the individual’s everyday behaviour. Remember that warning signs will not always be entirely evident. If you believe someone you know may be suicidal, stress to that individual how important their life is to you. This is a lot for one individual to take on, so do speak to someone about how it affects you. Contact a counsellor or medical professional who can help.
A Christmas Safety Message always know what you are drinking. So what is drink spiking? It is where alcohol or other drugs are added to your drink without your knowledge or consent. The most common drugs used in drink spiking are alcohol, rohypnol and ketamine. The affects of these include muscle relaxation, sleepiness, dizziness and loss of consciousness. It can also mean that you may not remember some or all of the events which took place after your drink was spiked.
Christmas is a time of merriment; of fun and laughter; of being with family and friends. However, it is not such a merry time for those families struck by tragedies which can easily be prevented. Taking the time to read the following message could save your life, or that of a friend or family member. So please…. Have A Merry Christmas. No Thanks – I’m Driving The message is very simple. If you’re drinking, don’t drive. If you are going out for a few drinks over Christmas, make sure you have a designated driver or use public transport. It is estimated that on Irish roads, alcohol is the main cause of 25% of road collisions and 33% of fatal collisions. An Garda Siochana research also shows that approximately 30% of all road fatalities occur between 10.00 pm and 3.00 am. If you have been out on the town and consuming alcohol, you may still be affected by alcohol the following day. Even though you may feel okay, you may still be over the legal limit, and therefore unfit to drive. Taking a shower, drinking a cup of coffee or other methods of ‘sobering up’ will not help to get rid of alcohol any faster. It simply takes time. Speed is another huge contributing factor to the number of accidents on Irish roads. Did you know that a 100km per hour impact is equivalent to dropping 11 storeys? Or that 9 out of 10 pedestrians will be killed if hit at 60 km per hour? The Road Safety Authority are reaching out to you this Christmas, asking you to THINK before you drink, watch your speed and wear seatbelts at all times.
Many people will spike a drink with the intention of robbing or sexually assaulting an individual. This is not restricted to females though. One in five people whose drinks are spiked are male. If you think your drink may have been spiked, tell a friend, a member of the bar staff, or the gardai. If you think you have been sexually assaulted, it is very important to tell someone you trust and to see a doctor. Your doctor can test for the presence of most drugs within 24 hours. Fire Safety Many people believe that staying at home for a few drinks means that they can consume greater amounts of alcohol more safely... Wrong. Research from the National Safety Council shows that alcohol was a pre-fire factor in almost 40% of fire deaths over the last 2 years. Here are some important fire safety tips for the Christmas period; • Check that your smoke alarm is working properly. Never remove the batteries to use them for something else. • When using Christmas lights, make sure that they are marked with a safety standard and check the wiring. If you have any doubts about their safety, do not use them. • Remember to never overload sockets at Christmas and to switch off anything electrical before going to bed. • Make sure your tree is at least 3 feet away from any flames or source of heat, and make sure it is not blocking any doorways. • Never EVER smoke a cigarette in bed. This is one of the main causes of house fires.
According to the World Health Organisation, if current trends continue the number of people killed and injured on the world’s roads will rise by more than 60% by 2020.
Home Security Over Christmas, you may be visiting family and friends and leaving your home unoccupied. So it is very important to protect your home against burglary. Luckily, burglary is one of the most preventable crimes. A common misconception is that most burglaries take place at night. Actually, more burglaries occur during the day as homes are more likely to be unoccupied.
Out On The Town Throughout the festive season, the volume of people out on the town is higher than ever. Therefore, it is hugely important at this time to look after yourself and to watch your alcohol consumption. There are many things you can do (and not do!) to ensure the safety of both yourself and your friends.
There are several precautionary measures you can take to reduce the risk of your home being burled. You can fool burglars by trying to make your home look occupied at all times. If you are away for a long period of time, ask a neighbour to collect your mail. Many burglars can tell if you are way by noticing a collection of post in your porch or doorway.
When on a night out, make sure you know how you are getting home and that you have enough money set aside for a taxi if needed. If you are walking, do not walk through unlit or wooded areas or take short cuts. NEVER allow yourself or your friends to walk home alone. No matter how stuck you may think you are, never hitch hike or take lifts from strangers.
Many of these precautions are based on common sense: • Make sure all doors and windows are securely locked when you are not there or at night. • Do not hide spare keys outside your home or give them to people you do not know and trust. • Do not leave valuables in view from a window. • Always keep a phone near you at night, so that if you suspect an intruder you can call the Gardai immediately. • If you arrive home and notice any signs of a break-in, do not go inside. Call to a friend or neighbour and call the Gardai. • Do not attempt to approach or stop a burglar. Remember, your personal safety is more important than any possessions.
While having few sociable drinks can be enjoyable and help you to relax after all that exam stress, remember that alcohol will affect both your actions and reactions. Never drink on an empty stomach. Food will not stop you from getting drunk but it will spread the alcohol absorption over a longer period of time. Allowing yourself to get drunk increases your risk of injury, getting involved in fights, being robbed, attacked or sexually assaulted. If someone suggests you may have had too much to drink – listen to them. They are simply looking out for you and your safety. If you are not sure yourself of whether or not you are inebriated, you probably are. As alcohol impairs our basic judgements, it is far better to be cautious than to take chances and regret them later. Do not trust the ‘beer goggles! “Remember that too much drink will do nothing for your looks – you’re drop dead gorgeous until you drop down drunk.” (Drinkaware) ‘Drink-spiking’ is another major concern over the Christmas period. Never take drinks from strangers and never leave your drink unattended. Make sure you
Useful Information: Drink Aware Road Safety Authority Rape Crisis Centre Samaritans Anglesea St Garda Station
www.drinkaware.ie www.rsc.ie 021- 4505577 / info@sexualviolence.ie 1850 60 90 90 021-4522000
CITSU Christmas Day 2006 Wednesday 29th November @ CIT and Christmas Ball @ Earth Nightclub
merry christmas & best wishes for 2007 from Manager and Staff at our Cork IT branch Bank of Ireland is regulated by the Financial Regulator.
RAGWEEK CHARITY BUNGEE JUMP This year sees a Bungee Jump taking place in CIT on Weds the 14th of February 2007. Each jumper must raise a minimum of 100 euro to jump and places are limited. If interested in taking part please come over to Students’ Union Entertainments Office to get your sponsorship cards. A 20 euro deposit must be left when getting the card to insure you don't chicken out. The deposit will count towards the 100 euro sponsorship. event@cit.ie
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Study T ips Academic Survival Guide General • College textbooks can be expensive, it is often more cost effective to purchase them from second year students. Ask your lecturers about second year timetables and class locations. • Many courses require you to attend labs. Failure to attend a certain percentage of labs may result in failure of a course. Ask your lecturer what the percentage is. • Projects may form part of your overall result for the year. Failure to complete projects can lead to failure of the year. So keep on top of them. • If you are unable to meet a deadline due to unforeseen events you should ask the lecturer for an extension. • Computers with Internet access are available to all students in Open Access, which can be found in the IT Building. Also some Departments have there own Computer labs so find out where there are. Time Management • Keep your planner with you at all times and record assignments and appointments as soon as you get them and the deadline for handing them back up. • Work on long-term projects whenever you have the chance; avoid having to “cram” and “pull all nighters” the night before a deadline. The work will never be as good as I could be if you’re rushing. • Make a schedule for long term projects make checkpoints and list what work has to be completed at each of these checkpoints and give a date to each of these. This will help keep you on track and reduce stress.
Lectures
dictionary, post-its, refill pads, index cards and highlighters. • Keep your study area clean, tidy and well organised. • The library is a great place to study, but it will be really crowded around exam times, so come early to beat the crowd. How to study • Set aside a specific time to do projects/study every night, as this will help establish a routine. • Study in one-hour blocks, and then give yourself 15mins of a break. • Studying in groups can help focus on areas of importance and facilitates access to more information and may afford the opportunity of a better understanding of course content. Learning while you read • Try to actively learn while you read, and think about what you are reading. If the material is hard to understand, stop after a few paragraphs and summarise, either loud or by taking notes. • Don’t follow the text with your fingers, as this also slows you down and can make it harder to understand the material. • Summarise the materials you read in your own words, as this will help you remember the content when you are revising the notes later on. • Memorise diagrams or illustrations that accompany the text to help you understand and remember the material. • Before you begin a case study assignment, look at the questions, and you will then be able to focus on finding the answer as you read. The Index Card Method This is a method for helping to commit material to memory. This method is especially useful when revising for an exam. Review your notes and readings frequently, so the material is "fresh", as you're reading your text or reviewing your notes, generate and write down questions about the material.
Listening • Listen out for tips from lecturers during class i.e. “This is an important topic”, “This is an examinable topic”, “Pay particular attention to.” and so on. • Listen intently during lectures, try not to let you mind drift to last night’s antics. If you don’t understand something ask a question and make footnotes on what the lecturer says.
Write each question on the back of an index card and on the front write an answer for the question. Shuffle the index cards (so you can't figure out any answers based on their location in the deck). Look at the card on the top of the deck and try to answer the question. If you know it, great! Put it on the bottom of the deck. If you don't know it, look at the answer, and put it a few cards down in the deck (so you'll come back to it soon). Proceed through the deck of cards until you know all of the questions
Note Taking - Use a pen or pencil that doesn’t smear. - Write the page number, subject, and the date on each page of the notes. - Keep all your subject notes together, preferably in a folder. - You should visibly mark different topics in your notes. - If you miss out on a lecture make sure you find out what happened and get any notes you missed from your class mates. - You should retain notes from previous years as they may form a foundation for future study topics.
The M.U.R.D.E.R method
Study skills Where to study • Find a quiet place to study and work on assignments. You shouldn’t listen to the radio or TV, as this will only distract you. • Always study in the same place, preferably in a well-lit area and wellventilated area. • Assemble and keep your study supplies to hand. These may include a
Mood: • Set a positive mood for you to study in. • Select the appropriate time, environment, and attitude Understand: • Mark any information you don't understand in a particular unit; • Keep a focus on one unit or a manageable group of exercises Recall: • After studying the unit, stop and put what you have learned into your own words Digest: • Go back to what you did not understand and reconsider the information; • Contact external expert sources (e.g., other books or an instructor) if you still cannot understand it
Expand: In this step, ask three kinds of questions concerning the studied material: • If I could speak to the author, what questions would I ask or what criticism would I offer? • How could I apply this material to what I am interested in? • How could I make this information interesting and understandable to other students? Review: • Go over the material you've covered, • Review what strategies helped you understand and/or retain information in the past and apply these to your current studies
Exam Time Pre-Exam • Be aware of examination regulations. • Examinations often follow the same format as the year before. Exam papers are available on-line from http://exam.cit.ie The library also has hard copies of past exam papers. • A healthy diet and exercise will help you to concentrate around exam time. • Eat a good breakfast and get a good night sleep before an exam. During The Exam • Read directions carefully. • Listen to the directions given by the examiner. • Divide time out evenly between all questions. • Change answers only if you are certain they are wrong. • If you don’t know the answers guess it. (As long as negative marking is not being used). • Use all the time allowed; check over answers and re-read directions if you have spare time. • Look for answers within the test; sometimes one question will include the answer to another. Post Exam A result of 40% is the minimum requirement to progress from higher Certificate to ordinary degree and a result of 50% from ordinary degree higher to Degree. Other requirements may apply depending on the course. If you want to appeal a result of a final examination, do it straight away. The appeals deadline is usually 10 working days after you get your results. If you fail the final exams and pass in the autumn you will usually be accorded a pass result regardless of marks achieved. If there are extenuating circumstances during the final exams or academic year, inform your department immediately so these may be taken in to account (e.g.: illness).
CAREERS FAIR 2007 Wednesday 24th January The Careers and Counselling Service are hosting the second Annual Careers Fair in the Student Centre on Wednesday 24th January 2007 from 10.30am to 3.00pm. Over fifty companies will have stands on the day and students are invited and encouraged to talk to a vast array of employers from various industrial sectors about job opportunities, application and interview procedures. There will also be the opportunity to enter a competition to win some fantastic prizes. More details in the next edition of Explicit available in the New Year or online at http://www.careersandcounselling.com
You react - What? When? Why? This is an important day for everyone. Some spend it celebrating, remembering the good old days of being a student; others celebrate the chance of having this status today. This day exists to unite many people, not just current students, around the idea of striving for change and progress, the idea of being active and caring for society, of feeling and expressing solidarity with other people, nations and parts of the world who face the collapse of democracy, personal freedom and human rights. Some history: This date has always symbolised the moments in history when students were struggling for change and often gave their own lives for the idea of a better society. The 17th November has become the worldwide 'International Students Day' because on this day in 1939 the Czechoslovakian students fell victim to the Nazis. On 17 November 1939 the Nazis stormed the dormitories of the University in Prague. More than 1200 students were sent to concentration camps, 9 student representatives were executed on the spot, the university was shut down and the buildings were used by the German occupation forces. Students' Movement Today: Today students continue the struggle for their rights and for changes in the society. Individual students and student organisations across the globe world still face many challenges. We often hear of students activists detained in Africa and Asia but also in Europe (remember the spring events in Belarus when hundreds of young people were arrested); about student protests being violently stopped by the police as in the South America recently. However, in Europe, having acquired some respect of their basic human rights, students still face huge difficulties, and their human rights are often still ignored – stemming from the restriction of access to higher education due to a number of financial and social barriers, like the introduction of tuition fees or other measures that limit access to higher education for a diaspora of groups within society. ESIB believes that education is a basic human right and must be a public good as it creates opportunities for personal self-development and thus the progress of society as a whole. We also believe that ensuring diversity in higher education and equal opportunities for studies will have a huge effect on the development of peace. Since the middle of the 20th century students have learned to achieve their goals not only through street protests but also in board rooms, speaking and convincing “the powerful”. However, the reality shows that these new techniques do not always work. 2006 is the year when great student protests of the
past were most often remembered. This year, a number of ESIB members had to go onto the streets to make themselves heard (France, Slovenia, Belarus, Hungary, Finland, the UK, Belgium, Norway, etc.); remarkably, these protests happened largely in the countries where well recognised unions exist. This reflects the continuity of the student movement in Europe and raises the central demand of modern student movement: students want to be listened to, not only heard! ESIB would also like to express its support to All-African Student Union (AASU) and Asian Student Association (ASA) as well as student organisations of Latin America in their struggle for students’ rights in their respective regions. Organized movement During the past 50 years, European students united under the auspices of various European student organisations which serve their specific needs and exist to make student voice stronger. ESIB – the National Unions of Students in Europe, the most representative student organisation in Europe, representing over 10 million students, stands for the rights of students at a European level. A year before celebrating its 25th anniversary, ESIB relaunched a discussion on what student rights are and what they should be. In May 2006 ESIB started the initiative to create European Students Rights Charter which should become a basic document describing student rights and which will become a cornerstone for all developments of the European higher education area (Draft Student Charter ). The charter is to be adopted at the beginning of December at the ESIB Board meeting to be held in Paris. Overview of how students in Europe commemorate and celebrate the date: On November 17 this year ESIB members organised a number of different events to remind students of the history and importance of this date to the student movement and our societies in general (Slovakia), to start discussions among students on the matters of direct student concern ( Austria ). Some National Unions of Students reserved this date for organising street actions to draw the attention of the society to the current problems in higher education (Belgium, VVS and FEF) . But most of the students in Europe spent this day in streets, universities, clubs – celebrating (Latvia, Lithuania )! ESIB – the National Union of Students congratulates all the students in Europe and beyond on this very special date. The dramatic past, from where the idea of November 17 stems, should never be repeated. This raising awareness campaign, organised by ESIB and its member NUSes, is to ensure that we remember what has been done before, and continue to move forward.
Would you like to be a part of our team? We need feature writers, news, reviews, photos etc....... Email submissions@expliCIT.ie or you can call in directly to the Publications Office, 1st Floor Student Centre
International Students Society Trip to Northern Ireland (Gloria Torres Daudén) “...Personally the visit to Belfast made me realise I know very little about Irish history and that I would like to have a wider Knowledge. As well, we experienced parts of the world’s reality that we had not seen and we realised that even though Europe has no longer any frontiers, some cities do have them...” What now seems far away once was our present. In that way, once my (and yours) present was the CIT’s Societies day. We did not know what it really was and when we got there we realised that it was a party. A real party and that my stay at Cork was definitely going to be unforgettable. During that day all International Students gathered at some point at the International Societies desk. That was the moment we knew we had the opportunity to visit Belfast. But the end of October was just too far away to think about it. Time went by and we realised we had to be fast because not all of us would be able to go. There were 50 places available and some people had to stay behind. When we had it paid there were no more doubts. We were going north. The night before I hardly got any sleep. We had to be at the stop very early and I was sort of excited about everything that was to take place. At 05:30 we were all waiting in front of CIT. It was cold and dark. We had sleepy faces but we were all happy. When the bus arrived we realised the organizers were filming each of us as we got into it. During the trip other pieces of our reality were recorded. Actually Amir, one of the internationals, has invited me and my Spanish flatmates to edit the video as we study multimedia. I hope we have the time to do it as it will definitely be a nice thing to carry home when Erasmus is over. The trip was long and the seats not as comfortable as a bed but some people managed to sleep. I didn’t. I was tired but so are we every time we go into smaller trips around Ireland. The stop in Dublin was short but we had enough time to have a look around. At first we all walked together but then everyone split into groups to make it more dynamic. Some people went directly into the famous Guinness brewery; others searched and searched for a U2 wall that did not appear, others visited the park, the shops or even Dublin’s “Hard Rock Café”. I remember thinking that I liked Cork better than Dublin. As I crossed the river I was thinking the river area around Cork is beautiful and some of my friends even preferred the one in Galway that we had seen a week ago. Four hours later we got to the bus once again, ready for more travel hours. Now we were not supposed to sleep and therefore the organizers had games prepared for us. We realised how much or little we knew about Europe in that quiz. The winners received prizes and the rest, lots of fun and sweets. What more can you ask for? Finally we got to Belfast. It was already dark and cold. So cold that I couldn’t look up to the buildings, I needed to get to the hostel first and warm me up. We all got our rooms and went out for food and drink (especially for drinks, that’s for sure). That night we visited some Belfast pubs. It was almost Halloween and there were people in fancy dresses all around. We were too many to go inside the same place so we split up once more. The Spanish people that were with me promised to speak all night in English and so we did. This might (or not) seem strange but there are a lot of Spanish people in Cork and its natural to us to speak Spanish, so we don’t practice as much English as we are supposed to. However, that night we realised it was not only possible but that it was also good fun and it helped us to communicate with the other internationals that sometimes feel uncomfortable with us as we tend to prefer our native language.
Next day we had to wake up early again, as we had a trip prepared for us that would take us to the oldest whiskey distillery in the world as well as to one of Northern Ireland’s most well known natural landscapes. I could say we all agree that the last bit of the distillery visit was the best. Four of us were selected to try the different whiskies and then we all had a go at one of them. After the drinks we were back on the bus ready for the Giant’s Causeway. Too many cliffs for someone that has drank whiskey perhaps? We all came back safely anyway. The sights were amazing up there. There were lots of people all around but specially because of the curious rock formation that gives name to the area. Personally I was always comparing it to the views at Cliffs of Moher which I had visited not very long ago or even to the ones at Inis Mór (Aran Islands). As I walked around I was thinking about how much I love Irish landscapes. I love the green of the grass and the blue of the sea (and skies in certain days.) I love the furry caws that we see all around when travelling by bus. I love the ancient Celtic ruins and those of the early Christians. I love the people; they are always so nice to us that we really feel comfortable and happy. I think I did choose well when I decided Ireland will be my home for six months. Half a year of my life spent in a land of magic and ancient wisdom. I am already feeling sad about my departure in February, but that is the way it works really. That night most of us stayed at the hostel. We went into one of the rooms and played a game for hours. It was fun really, until we became too tired to make it continue successfully and everyone went to sleep. We liked it as well because it helped to get into contact with other internationals of whom we knew very little of, such us some Polish boys. I feel sometimes that being in a city with so many Spanish people is a disadvantage in order to get know the people who I was hoping to know that is people that are not from Spain. Next morning was our very last at Belfast. We had a fast look over some parts of the city, especially the Catholic areas. We just went down the bus to take pictures of some wall paintings. After that we realised we had a long journey ahead and that we were going back to Cork. By the time we got to see River Lee again we were anxious to get home but we were definitely happy. Personally the visit to Belfast made me realise I know very little about Irish history and that I would like to have a wider Knowledge. As well, we experienced parts of the world’s reality that we had not seen and we realised that even though Europe has no longer any frontiers, some cities do have them. Still I must say I really love Ireland and that as I said I am very grateful to the ones that invented “Erasmus” and made it a reality because it is definitely something that changes you forever and that you will never be able to forget. I once read that in the future there will be two kinds of people: The ones who have been on Erasmus and the ones that have not. I am so glad I am already on the side of the lucky ones. Thank you for reading this and please do not hesitate to pack your bags and live abroad.
CIT GAA Clubs Update With the inter-county scene now over for another few months, the Higher Education Season for the 2006-2007 Academic Season is well and truly up and running. All the teams are currently preparing diligently under the guidance of their coaches and management teams and, judging by the league performances to date, we are hopeful at being involved in the business end of most if not all of the championships in the New Year. Football Club The Gaelic Football Club is chaired by 4th year Business Studies Student Billy O Connor who plays his club football with Duhallow outfit Cullen and his secretary is Conny O’Flynn of Moyle Rover in Tipperary and he is currently studying 2nd year civil engineering at CIT. Although now retired Eamonn Wall has been asked to stay on in his role of President of the Football Club. His input to Gaelic Games in CIT has been immense over the years and we are delighted that he has decided to remain on. Tony Leahy who is coach to the Cork U21 team is back at the helm with the Senior football team and he is joined by Liam Hodnett and Sean O'Keeffe. They currently have three wins out of three in the league games and will certainly qualify for the National League ? finals. The Intermediate footballers have let it be known that they intend to defend their All Ireland Title of 2006 as they have had two impressive wins in their two outings. Michael Linehan who managed the successful Junior footballers of last season has taken the reigns as intermediate manager. The Junior team under Clare and Mets 2 man Padraig Lynch is currently rebuilding this team as most of last years successful team have graduated or moved up to Intermediates. But they have opened up their league with an impressive win over near neighbours UCC and will hopefully qualify for the National semi-finals. The Fresher (1) Football team is managed by Graduate Richie Cahill and Billy O Connor and the Fresher (2) team is managed by Students Denis O’ Sullivan and Business Studies 3 Student, Darragh Dwyer. Both teams are at early stages of their leagues but they are certainly putting in the hard work.
Hurling Club Hurling is very much on the up in CIT and this can be seen as the Institute boast three further fresher hurling teams. The Fresher (1) team is managed by Keith Ricken and Michel O'Keeffe. To date they had three league games, beating LIT and WIT and losing narrowly to UCC so while it’s too early to say whether they will be in the final hunt they have shown promising signs. Fresher (2) are managed by students Alan Barry, Tomás Fahy and Timmy Murphy and they have a lot of work done. Like the Footballers, the Senior Hurlers went well in the early stages of the league winning 2 and drawing the other 2. Against UCD in the ? final, however, they had an off night and were beaten, but they are back training now in preparation for the competitions after Christmas. They have a new manager this year. John Meyler has taken up the role of managing his native county Wexford as they bid to get back into the big time. John has spent many years at the helm here in CIT and we have no doubt that given time and the right resources our loss will most certainly be Wexford’s gain. While it is not easy to replace a man of the calibre of John we certainly have been fortunate to secure the services of former Blackrock great and current Cork Minor Selector Neally O'Keeffe. Neally has spent two years in charge of the Camogie team here in CIT and last
Photos: CIT GAA Ball, Oriel House Hotel, Ballincollig
year guided them to their first ever Ashbourne shield victory and so is not totally new to the college scene. He is joined by Eamonn Cashell and Frank Flannery and we have no doubt that they will continue to bring a professional and thorough approach to CIT hurling Club. Our intermediate hurlers are managed by Aidan O’ Sullivan, who as well as being Chairman is also a 4th year business Studies Student. Also like their football counterparts, this intermediate hurling team are defending All Ireland Champions. With many of the higher profile Seniors not available due to Club commitments so far, their places have been filled by a lot of the lads who were on that successful team of last year. This has meant that Aidan has to build from scratch. That said they have been impressive in their recent league games, despite losing two of them by last minute goals. Should they secure three out of the possible four points left they should have enough to get through to the championship ? finals. Finbarr Sheehan is again in charge of the Junior Hurlers for the coming season and he is assisted by Recreation and Leisure 2nd year Student Cian O’Brien who is a Glen Rovers club man. We are both grateful and honoured that Pat Quigley continues to play a big role in the running of the club as President while 3rd year BIS student Michéal O’ Keeffe, who is also coincidently a Wexford man, is the Club secretary for the coming year.
Camogie Club Neally’s appointment as Senior Hurling Manager has meant that the job as Camogie manager had to be filled. We were only too delighted when Aidan Crowley of Valley Rovers and coach to the successful Cork Senior B team took up our offer to coach the side for the coming two seasons. Aidan who is a teacher in Carrigaline Primary School brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the club. He is ably assisted by Irene Hogan. The Club is again chaired by Jenny Duffy who is a member of the chaplaincy team for the coming year and the Secretary is 2nd Year recreation and Leisure student Nicola Nagle of the Dungourney Camogie Club. Ladies Football This year sees again sees the inclusion of two teams. The Senior Team is now under the experienced eye of Brendan O’Driscoll, while the Junior team is managed by Keith Ricken. At the time of writing the Seniors have successfully opened their account with a very impressive win over section favourites WIT. They will need every one of these points as they have ITT, NIU Maynooth, St Patricks, Dudalk IT and DCU to play in their league, with the team with the highest points deemed winners. The Juniors as always, is made up of mainly first year students and this is a perfect grade to introduce them to the high level that is found in Colleges Ladies Football. They have WIT, Tipp Institute and UCC to contend with and they are hopeful of making the final for a second successive year. The Club is currently chaired by 4th year Business Studies student Ann Marie Walsh who plays her football with East Cork side Inch Rovers and the secretary is Geraldine Daly a 2nd year Culinary Student who hails from Clashmore in Waterford. Overall it promises to be another action filled year for the CIT GAA Club and as we endeavour to do our best on the field of play we are conscious that we are continuing the work of all those who have donned the Red and White down through the years and as we continue to take the club forward we are remain dedicated to maintaining the great spirit that has always been a key element associated with the CIT GAA Club.
CIT Hit the Decks DJ Competition 2006 This year’s competition took place in Barbuca in the Mardyke Complex, after alot of hard work and organisation we were delighted to get under way Monday 13th of November was the hip hop heat and what a kick off to the competition it was. We saw some great technical ability and just plain raw skills from the four DJ’s playing on the night. As the night drew to a close it was extremely hard for the judges to choose one competitor to qualify for the final, but Justin O’ Donnell just nicked it. C.I.T’s very own Alan Kennedy was also outstanding on the night. The always very popular house heat took place Tuesday 14th November, there was a very big turn out in the Maradyke for this heat and the six DJ’s playing didn’t disappoint. A brilliant example of how this genre of music should be mixed, all sets played were of an extremely high standard and there were definitely a few stars of the future playing that night. Winner of the night was Sean Williams who studies Chefing in C.I.T. Sean played a blinder with a nice mix of styles Finally, Wednesday 15th brought us the very energetic heat of Techno / Electro. There was some real class shown on the night, sets were mixed to perfection and build very well, the poor
judge on the night could not choose between them the standard was so high. Sean C and Terry Sharpe both went through to the final. Thursday 16th saw the Grand Final, amazing is the only word I can use to describe the standard. It was a true battle of the DJ’s with three different genres being executed to perfection. The results were as follows: First Place Justin O’Donnell for his outstanding display of scratching, beat juggling and raw technical ability. Second Place Sean C for a great display of minimal techno. Third Place Sean Williams with a really good deep house set. Fourth Place Terry Sharpe with a great set of hard techno. Big thanks to the judges Colm Kenifick , G Swift , Adam Dunbar and Jamie Behan, and also to everyone who came in to support the DJ’s and all the members of the CIT DJ Society for their hard work. Watch out for plenty more great nights to come. Eamon O Sullivan
Business Studies & Accounting Society Soccer tournament 2006 The Business Studies and Accounting Society 5-aside soccer tournament was held from November 6th 22nd. It was a huge success, with 26 teams entering and €260 raised for the local branch of St. Vincent de Paul. The standard of football played was excellent throughout the tournament and I would like to thank all the teams who entered. However, it was their intelligent running and movement, clinical finishing and solid defending ensured that Athletico Pathetico were far from pathetic as they brushed aside all opposition on the way to the final. Funky Spunk made worthy opponents in a closely contested game but Athletico edged it to run out 3-1 winners. It was a just reward for their consistently fine performances over the two weeks. I would also like to thank the Sports Office for the use of the pitches, John O Sullivan and Gearoid Buckley for their help in organizing and running the tournament and refereeing matches. Denis O ‘ Dwyer Photograph above: Denis O’Dwyer presenting a cheque for €150 to Athletico Pathetico captain Stephen Dineen
CIT Irish University Eastern and Western Sailing Champions 2006 Westerns Sunday the 5th of November was marked by a momentous occasion, with CIT winning their second Irish College Championship this year. Racing in Galway, CIT first managed to knock out old rivals University College Cork in a three race semi final going on to battle it out against University of Limerick in the final. The best of a five race final went down to the very last race. Inches from the finish line CIT secured the race and won the Western title. Easterns Two weekends previous, two teams travelled to Wicklow Sailing Club to compete for the Eastern Championships. CIT beat Trinity College Dublin in the semi final and went on to battle it out against our home town rivals University College Cork. Again it all went down to the last race of a best of five a race final. It was
certain after the start that CIT was bringing the Eastern Championship home to Bishopstown. With the arrival of new members, the team's already reaching a very high calibre and this made all the difference when the pressure was on. It is clear now that the sailing talents in CIT are at the highest level ever. As it stands CIT is the top ranked Sailing College in Ireland. The club will soon be relocating their training centre to the National Maritime College of Ireland in Ringaskiddy. With these facilities available to our club we will only grow from strength to strength and by the end of the season hopefully maintain our winning streak. cit_sailing@yahoo.com
The Journey Outwards The Journey Inwards “...Finding your way from village to village is very easytotally stress free as the path is marked with yellow arrows and shells on the ground, painted onto trees, onto the side of houses. While walking the paththere is plenty of time for personal reflection and to mix with other cultures...” The ‘Camino de Santiago de Compostela’ is one of the great Pilgrimage routes going back to the middle ages. It is situated in the province of Galicia in the north-west of Spain and was once considered the third most important place of Christian pilgrimage after Rome and Jerusalem. Last June a group of 21 staff & students from C.I.T. undertook the voyage to Santiago de Compostela. We flew from Cork to London & then onwards to Santiago. We hired a mini bus to bring us to the village of Sarria from where we began our pilgrim walk. Over the next six days we made our way to the city of Santiago, stopping for the night at small towns/villages along the way. The devout walkers usually stay in refugios – hostels along the way- but as you cannot pre-book your bed the C.I.T. group were taking no chances so instead we booked into B&B’s. Finding your way from village to village is very easy-totally stress free as the path is marked with yellow arrows and shells (symbol of the Camino) on the ground, painted onto trees, onto the side of houses. While walking the path there is plenty of time for personal reflection and to mix with other cultures. At the end of each day our group gathered together for a meal and to reflect and share stories from the day.
The city of Santiago itself is a beautiful and very undiscovered city with tourists from Western Europe. It is dominated by the city’s cathedral which is the ‘real’ endpoint of the Camino. It is where the pilgrims gather, reflect on their journey and pray together at the pilgrim’s Mass at 12.00 noon each day. The sheer volume of pilgrims that can be seen in Santiago, especially outside the cathedral at any one time underlines the Camino’s significance as an important place of Christian pilgrimage among different cultures across the world. The Camino requires a little physical training but is an opportunity not to be missed! For more info about the trip to Santiago de Compostela call to the Chaplaincy Office (D151) or email chaplaincy@cit.ie
Students & Staff Who Travelled To Santiago De Compostela William Kelly, Liam Connell, Vicky O’Sullivan, Mella Leonard Keith Ricken, Miriam Deasy, Eithne Lydon, Mervyn O’Mahony Dan Collins ,Eamonn Cashell , Eamonn Wall, Bert Ahern, Declan Tyner , John Walsh, Eileen Clarke, Maureen Weaver Ann Francis, Kieron O’Driscoll, Irene Hogan, Matt Cotterell , Edel Dullea
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december 2006 H W N X V F X P N K O Q D S P
P O X T C T R T Z F W D A G K
B Z H U W E I O J V W M R A P
E B Y O S Z R C D U T C E T I
I K G E H R Y J I S X W B N T
W N N K U O I D I L U R M A E
J T S S R S Q R S H P K E S C
S I T T H O H M X O P X C B H
Z I F B I C C W I L Q N E Y N
C X F Q D T V D J I Z G D Q O
V T E H U S U B U D W Z I B L
S D I F E E N T M A Y M I C O
S T N E D U T S E Y C S N V G
S O C I E T I E S S I Q R G Y
L A V C J G Q F M U N I O N O
This Month’s Prize: € 30 CHRISTMAS DECEMBER EXPLICIT CITSU CORK INSTITUTE TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS UNION HOHOHO HOLIDAYS PRESENTS SANTA SOCIETIES
Competition Closes 5pm Monday 18th December 2006 Last Month’s Winner: Fergus Keogh - Bio Engineering 1
Competition Rules: All Entries to be returned by deadline to the CITSU Office, 1st Floor Student Centre on official form. Open to CIT Students only and one entry per student.
CHRISTMAS CITSU CORK DECEMBER EXPLICIT