expliCIT Magazine by CIT Students' Union

CIT Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union Magazine Volume Nine - Issue Seven

Society Balls Pics Inside!

A Bloody Disgrace

Sport & Socs Update

Competitions & Great Prizes

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 - John Lane Design & Advertising - Philip O’Reilly Contributions International Student Soc Mature Students Soc Miriam Deasy CIT Societies Office Margaret Mulderrig Sarah Hegarty

Brian O’Sullivan Caitríona Foley Smingus Dyngus RubberDuck.ie Colm Lougheed Andrea Lysaght

CIT Students’ Union President - Brian O’Sullivan (supresident@cit.ie) Vice President Education - John Grant (sueducation@cit.ie) Vice President Welfare - Caitríona Foley (suwelfare@cit.ie) Entertainments Officer - Eoin McInerney (suentertainments@cit.ie) Projects Officer - Gearóid Buckley (suprojects@cit.ie) Communications Officer - John Lane (sucommunications@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 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.

We Need You! If you would like to contribute to expliCIT please contact Philip in the Publications Office, 1st Floor, Student Centre or email: info@expliCIT.ie

Hey guys, I hope you enjoyed RAG week and all it had to offer. I had a great time and I must say while Judge Jules was amazing, the headphone disco was definitely the highlight for me. One thousand people in one silent room - definitely a new experience. The daytime events were diverse and entertaining with thousands of you flocking to the Student Centre to check out what was on offer. The stalls, the poster sale, the inflatables and the acts all contributed to a week to be remembered and one which was the envy of many colleges nationwide. Remember we are a mid size college yet we can attract Ireland’s best acts as well as International headliners. CITSU elections take place this week so make sure you check out all the contenders and get voting on Thursday. These are the people who will be representing you for the coming year so make sure your voice is heard. With Paddy’s Day around the corner and Easter just after that, it’s going to be a great holidays season. Look out for the massive charity gig which will take place in April for the Cork Sri Lanka Orphanage Fund. This will be an epic night! Watch out for details. Until next month, John

Cork Institute of Technology pleaded guilty to two breaches of the Waste Management Act and said it took full responsibility for what it described as 'an error of judgement'. Before you come to any conclusions the Waste Management breaches are not for having ‘Waste Management’ running our institute nor for having countless amounts of prefabs litering Bishopstown for as long as I can remember! Blood packets used by medical students at CIT were brought home by a staff member and burned in a barrel, only to be dragged by a dog on to the front lawn of a house — sparking an investigation that resulted in the institute being convicted and fined €2,000 plus costs of €2,800. The 11 packets originally came from the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) and were used at CIT for work with medical students. A CIT employee decided to take home the empty packets which had blood residues in them and burn them in a 45-gallon barrel outside his house in north Cork. A dog pulled a few of the partly burnt packets on to the front lawn of the house next door to the employee. An autoclave in CIT was normally used to apply extreme heat to such materials which would effectively turn them into ordinary refuse but this was not working at the time and the well intentioned staff member attempted to facilitate the college. Solicitor for CIT, Sion Williams, said: “We acknowledge the seriousness of the allegations and offer our apologies. We have fully co-operated with the council. We have entered a guilty plea at the first opportunity. We have reviewed our procedures in relation to the incident and have tightened those up. Essentially it is now a belt and braces procedure to ensure it cannot and will not happen again.”

Judge David Riordan imposed a €2,000 fine and ordered CIT to pay €2,800 in costs and expenses. The judge said it would be a pity if what happened was to have any adverse effect on educational work with medical students at the Institute. “CIT is an excellent institution with an excellent reputation and has developed wonderful things for this city in the last 35 years or so,” he said. Judge Riordan said the fine was intended to deter CIT or others who might engage in lax procedures with such materials in the future. Cork County Council solicitor Kevin O’Leary said the blood products had been supplied to the CIT by the IBTS and were tested negative for any infectious disease beforehand. Mr O’Leary said the home-owner who found the remains of the packets on his front lawn alerted the local litter warden and an investigation was initiated. The strict registering and identification of the packets by the IBTS enabled them to trace them back to CIT. CIT pleaded guilty to two counts related to transferring control of waste products to a person who was not appropriate under the Waste Management Act on May 11 2007. Cork Institute of Technology said it has reviewed its procedures so that this could not happen again. Now lets just add this to the other many reassurances where the Institute’s commitment is hard to see!

Judge Rules in Favour of CITSU Ragweek “...One of the main benefactors for the week is the Cork Sri Lanka Orphanage Fund, which aims to raise €350,000 to build an orphanage in the tsunami-torn region...” Cork Institute of Technology Students’ Union (CITSU) is estimated to raise almost €10,000 for charity following Ragweek 2008. The biggest and most sucessful event of the week was the Tramps Ball which took place at the Silversprings Moran Hotel.

The week also included the higly sucessful O2 Headphone Disco at the Savoy Theatre, where students were given the opportunity to listen to their own choice of music on headphones in a silent room, and the ever popular Uniform Disco at Redz Nightclub.

A crowd of almost 1,500 students attended the fancy dress party which took place across the conference centre of Silversprings Moran Hotel. Headline act, International DJ Judge Jules, entertained students in one of the three venue rooms available. All music tastes were catered for in the various rooms which included acts such as rock covers band, Deuces Wild, party DJs MC Fleming and DJ Jerry Jib.

Daytime activities at the college included television comedian Joe Rooney, an Escapologist act, RTÉ You’re A Star Finalist Pat Fitz, and back by popular demand Hypnotist Hugh Lennon and his Hypnodog. Bouncing castles, food market and poster stalls added flair to the week in the Student Centre each day.

CITSU President, Brian O’Sullivan, said that he was delighted with the weeks proceedings. “It has been a glowing sucess and a lot of money for worthy causes has been made” said Mr. O’Sullivan.

One of the main benefactors for the week is the Cork Sri Lanka Orphanage Fund, which aims to raise €350,000 to build an orphanage in the tsunami-torn region.

Cork Institute of Technology Students’ Union Elections 2008 Use Your Vote On Thursday 13th March CIT Students’ Union – General Elections

What do I need to vote?

The following are the times of the various polling booths for the election to be held on Thursday 13th March 2008

You need a valid college ID card or acceptable form of Identification to vote.

How do I cast my vote? Campus Bishopstown NMCI CSM CCAD

Times 10.00 pm – 5.00 pm 1.00 pm – 2.00 pm 1.00 pm – 2.00 pm 1.00 pm – 2.00 pm

Location Atrium Canteen Common Room Canteen

For Queries Contact Vicky O’Sullivan vicky.osullivan@cit.ie 021 4933122 during office hours

You need to call to the polling station closest to you. (A schedule of polling station locations and time will be available in the what’s On and from the Students’ Union Office). Present your ID to the election officials who will give you the ballot forms. You can indicate your preferences in numerical order i.e. No. 1 is your first preference, No 2 your second preference and so on.

How do I make up my mind? In order to find out more information, to help you to decide which way you wish to vote, talk to the Candidates, read their electioneering material and attend the official husting the day before the votes are cast.

Who can vote?

For any further information on the election process, rules and electorate eligibility, please call into the Students’ Union Office or go to the Students’ Union Notice Boards.

All members of the Students’ Union as set down in article 3.1 of the constitution of the Students’ Union are eligible to vote in the referenda:

Election Rules for Candidates

Extract from the Constitution 3.1 Full Membership: All registered students of the college, whether full, part-time, and day or block release or any combination of these shall be full and equal members of the Union on payment of the fee as specified by the Union annually.”

ALL CANDIDATES MUST ADHERE TO THE ELECTION RULES IN ACCORDANCE WITH SCHEDULE B OF THE CONSTITUTION OF CITSU (COPIES POSTED ON SU NOTICE BOARDS AND ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE STUDENTS’ UNION OFFICE). Séan McIntyre, Returning Officer Vicky O’Sullivan, Assistant Returning Officer

Mid Term / Paddy’s Weekend Party Thursday 13th March 2008 Party Games with DJ Pat D ‘til Late FREE Hats & Shamrock Green Beer & Prizes Gallore Chentelham Races All Week On TV

For Class Party Bookings and Details Please Contact Mick O’Mahony in the SU Entertainments Office

CIT Students’ Union President Rag Week 08: RAG week has come and gone - what a week!. The RAG ball in a hotel was a new idea this year to provide more space for bigger acts and one which we hope to run in the future again. The O2 headphone disco went down a storm, as did the Hypnotist and Pat Fitz with a collective crowd of 2000 people in the Student Centre. As in other years we need your feedback, what you liked and what you didn't. Please tell us what you think if you meet us in the hall or in the office or alternatively log on to www.citsu.ie/forums and tell us your views. Safety Week: This begins on March 31st and runs until April 4th. This is an event which has been worked on since December and has proved to be a high profile event for the college and the students in the past. Last year, over 700 students witnessed a demonstration of a fictional accidents and the subsequent car cutting and casualty extraction. Furthermore 368 students made the front pages of no less

than four national news papers and CIT safety week became a national spectacle, prompting the Union of Students of Ireland and Road Safety Authority to launch a five year 3rd level campaign! Highlights during the week include Car cutting procedures once a crash has occurred and Pat Mc Neely's ‘Drive for Life’ lecture which will be a gripping talk describing the impact car crashes have had on victims’ families. Keep an eye out for various competitions which will run during the week. Elections: Finally best of luck to all who are contesting Students Union elections this week. Your elected representatives are key to the successful development of CIT as a student centred establishment. The decisions you make this week will impact you for twelve months beginning in June so please listen to the candidates and make an infomed decision when casting your vote. Until next month, Brian

CIT Students’ Union Vice President Education I hope everyone enjoyed RAG week and especially the RAG Ball which was fantastic. A lot of money was raised for some very worthy causes and that’s what it’s all about. That and making sure each and every student has the best time possible. That in itself is one tough job and at the minute there are a number of students running for elections for positions in the Students’ Union. It’s very important that you all vote because these are the people that will speak on your behalf everyday.

Exams aren’t too far away now and it’s really time to get the head down and do some study. If you ever need some study tips or grinds please call into my office and we will do everything we can to help. Remember that if you have a problem we can’t do anything about it until you come to us. WE ARE NOT MIND READERS AND CANNOT BE EVERYWHERE AT ONCE! So call into us, don’t let it “sort itself out”! Our jobs is to help the students in whatever ways we can so use that to your advantage while you are here in the college. Look after each other and I hope everyone uses the time off wisely. Be good, John

CIT Students’ Union Vice President Welfare We’re in the home stretch now, just another few weeks left before the exams and ye can all breathe a sigh of relief for summer holidays! RAG week was a huge success as always, thanks a million to everyone who contributed a few bob out of their pockets to support some very worthy charities. Of course it goes without saying that Mick, Eoin and the entire SU as well as our fab Ents crew did an amazing job this year in making the week as enjoyable as possible. It’s also election time here in college for the new Students’ Union officers for 2008-’09: make sure you take time this week to talk to the candidates and use your vote. Remember, these are the people who’ll be representing you for the next academic year.

In the Welfare Guide this month you can read up on sexual health – I decided to write about it this month as I recently received a very demeaning and undignified email from a certain Catholic rights group. Whatever your faith, the fact is that people need to be informed of their options when it comes to contraception, dealing with crisis pregnancy, or just knowing what to do in general. It’s not my job to promote sex, but it is my job to make sure that if and when a student decides to have sex, they are fully informed before making that decision. Research has proven that countries that have better sexual health education and promotion structures in place have some of the lowest rates of STI’s and teenage pregnancies in the world, so it’s time to come out of the dark ages! Enjoy your Easter break everyone, and of course best of luck to all the candidates in the election, Caitriona

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

Scholarships available to Irish College Students John McGahern International Seminar (July 24-26) with a subsequent week of intensive workshops and seminars on McGahern's work and its contexts (July 27/August 2). All events and classes will be held in County Leitrim. Belgium (French Community) Summer Scholarship 2008 Application forms are available from the Department of Education and Science, International Section, Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 and should be returned to the above mentioned office no later than 5.30 p.m. by Friday, 28 March 2008. Scholarship information as currently offered on Department of Education and Science www.education.ie web: Bergen Summer Research School 2008 The application form and more information about the BSRS is available on the website www.gdc.uib.no. The deadline for submitting the application form is April 15, 2008. Greek State Scholarship Foundation 2008/2009 Completed applications forms (with supporting documents) which are available to download from the website - www.iky.gr >Scholarships for Foreigners should be returned to the Greek Embassy, 1 Upper Pembroke Street, Dublin 2. no later the 31 March 2008. Turkish Government Scholarships 2008 Completed applications forms (with supporting documents) which are available to download from the website - http://digm.meb.gov.tr should be returned to Department of Education and Science, International Section, Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, no later than 5.30 p.m. on Friday 14 March 2008. John McGahern International Seminar and Summer School 2008 The John McGahern International Summer School will combine the annual

Festive Fun All Paddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Week!

Chentelham Races All Week on TV Book your mid term class party Now from the SU Entertainments Office!

Hungarian Summer School 2008 Application forms are available from International Section, Department of Education and Science, Training College Building, Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 and the completed forms should be should be returned to the above mentioned office by Friday 7 March 2008 Huaya Enrichment Scholarship (Taiwan) Completed application forms (with supporting documents) should be returned to Miss Hsiang-yi Chou at the above mentioned office by 31 March 2008. The Ireland Canada University Foundation Research Scholarships 2008 Applications and further details are available to download from the website www.icuf.ie or you may contact Professor John Kelly, Ireland Canada University Foundation, Canada House, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2. Chinese Government Scholarship (1) 2008 - 2009 Completed application forms (with supporting documents) should be returned to International Section, Department of Education and Science, Training College Building, Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 no later than 5.30 pm on 14 March 2008.

CIT Society Balls 2008

Institiúid nstitiúid TTe Teicneolaíochta eicneo aíochta C Chorcaí h orc a í

Cork C ork Institute In nstitute of TTechnology echnology

Personal Banking

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To T o find out ou ut more more about about this offer unique of ffer f talk to any staff stafff member at Ireland, 4545177. Bank of Ir reland, CIT or phone 021 45 545177. *Important Information previous card been closed for more Balance transfer offers offfers for CIT IT Alumni and Staff Stafff apply to new customers mers only or to pr evious customers whose whosse Bank of Ireland Ireland credit credit car d accounts have h more from cards cards United than one year. year. Balance transfers fers may not be made fr om existing Bank k of Ireland Ireland credit credit car ds or from from credit credit car rds outside the Republic of Ireland Ireland or Uni ited Kingdom. The balance from transfer rate iss available for a maximum period of twelve months fr om the date of account opening. After 12 months onths the fixed rate of 2.9% APR on balance ance transfers rreverts everts to the standard 17.2% standar d variable rate of 17.2 2% APR. from rate standard The 0% APR introductory ntroductory rate ratte for CIT students is available for a maximum ximum period of 6 months fr om the account ount opening date. After 6 months, this ra ate reverts reverts to the standar d quoted ar are are `30 annually. Offer `30 variable rate of 17.2% APR. Rates R e effective efffective as at January 2008 2 and ar e subject to change. Government Governm ment stamp duty of ` 30 is charged annu ally. Of ffer of ` 30 rrefund efund for Government before Gover nment Stamp Duty applies plies to all applications befor e the 31st December. De ecember. Lending criteria and terms and conditions apply. apply.

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Let’s talk about sex...

So you’ve decided to go between the sheets with someone? Well, before you do, look at your options. Contraception is a serious matter: without it you risk unplanned pregnancy or getting sexually transmitted infections. It doesn't matter if you're in a serious relationship or just having a one night stand; make sure you are protected with the most suitable form of contraception. Firstly let’s get things straight about some of those myths you might have heard: • You can get pregnant from only having sex once or from the first time you have sex. • Withdrawal (penis is pulled out before ejaculation) is NOT a way to prevent pregnancy or sexual infections. • You can get pregnant if you have sex during your period. • You can get pregnant when you are breastfeeding. • You can get pregnant even if you don’t orgasm. • You can get pregnant from every sexual position. • The pill does NOT prevent sexually transmitted infections. Protect Yourself Condoms are the only way to protect you and your partner from STIs. Luckily for all of us, the Irish government recently announced that the VAT rate on condoms is dropping from 21% to 13.5% (it’s about time lads!), so you really have no excuse. Condoms are widely available from pharmacies, supermarkets, health centres and of course your Students’ Union. Contraception should be the responsibility of both guys and girls- always carry one with you when you go out, even if you’re not planning on having sex (this is generally where the ‘unplanned’ bit comes in to play). The most effective form of contraception is using a contraceptive pill and condoms together: this way, you’re protected from both unplanned pregnancy and STIs, although you must always remember that no form of contraception is 100% effective. What should I do if I or my partner gets pregnant? Go to a doctor. If you don’t want to visit your normal doctor then go to a health clinic. You can also buy a pregnancy test in most pharmacies and they have detailed instructions on how to use them. But if the test shows you are pregnant or you are unsure about the result you MUST visit a medical professional. There are lots of options available to you or your partner and it’s just a matter of knowing who to talk to. There are a ton of services available that can provide free counselling like CURA, Crisis Pregnancy Agency, LIFE and the Irish Family Planning Association (although most of these have very different viewpoints on certain issues like contraception and abortion, therefore it’s essential that you

are referred to the one that’ll best suit your needs). As for what to do next there are several options a woman can choose from. She can keep the baby, put it up for adoption after it’s been born or have it fostered. Abortion (terminating the pregnancy) isn’t legal in Ireland yet unless there is a serious threat posed to the woman’s health, however it is still an option which many Irish women consider. Again, this is something you can talk to your Welfare Officer or pregnancy counselling service about. What should I do if I think I’ve contracted an STI? You need to get checked out as soon as possible. There is a sexual health screening clinic available in CIT, just phone or call in to make an appointment. There are also services available in the city such as the Youth Health Service and the Sexual Health Centre that provide free STI screening, however the waiting lists for these services are often quite long. Your own GP will also be able to refer you on for STI screening if you’re not living in the city full-time. Many STIs are easily treated with a course of antibiotics but it is essential that you treat it quickly as some infections can cause infertility. It’s also really important that you inform your partner so that they can get checked too. When you do go for your check-up, try not to be too embarrassed. Remember, the doctor or nurse has seen pretty much everything before. If you’re really nervous about the visit, ask a friend or family member that you trust to come with you. It’s also important to remember that you won’t always see or feel symptoms of an STI straight away, so if you are sexually active, look after yourself and go for a check-up or screening every 3-6 months. Sexual health education in Ireland is a shambles. While 90% of secondary schools have implemented the SPHE (Social Personal Health Education) program, it is still not being taught properly or effectively. Teachers either haven’t been trained properly in SPHE or else are too embarrassed to teach it and so leave the class as a study period. Think back to your own school days: did you have proper sex ed classes? Most of you will say no, or remember that one humiliating movie from the 80’s about unplanned pregnancy. Sex education needs to be vastly improved in this country. It’s a subject that’s been taboo for far too long, and unless young people are better informed of their rights and responsibilities when it comes to sex, the whole situation will never be improved. Take responsibility now, learn about contraception, learn about sexual health and make sure you’re fully informed before you make a decision you might regret in the morning. If you want to find out any more about sexual health, talk to your doctor, Welfare Officer or go online to www.spunout.ie. Caitriona Foley, CITSU Welfare Officer.

Easter Celebrations in other countries

• On Easter day all people go to church in the morning and then have a big dinner with all the family. The most popular food for that day is to eat lamb and some cake which is traditional to their own particular region of Italy. For example the most typical cake of my region is the ‘Pastiera’ . • Then the most famous tradition that is done throughout Italy is that after dinner, all people eat ‘eggs of chocolate’ (Easter egg’s) that they exchange these like presents to each other.

Holy week in Poland (Wielkanoc) - Maria T. Kramarek The celebration of Easter is preceded by Holy Week, which begins with Palm Sunday. Palms Palm branches and twigs are indispensable accessories of the events of this day. They commemorate Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The original palm branch is replaced by a willow or raspberry branch, and is decorated with ribbons, flowers, and leaves.

by International Students’ Society Holy week in Spain – By Rodolfo Easter is celebrated in Spain with the exit to the street demonstrations of faith, called processions, usually organised by a brotherhood. Each procession may include one or more guilds, each with its respective step or steps, which are often religious images of the Passion of Christ, or Marian images, although there are exceptions such as the steps allegorical or saints. Also listed are the penitents or Nazarenes with corresponding badges. In the penitential processions, which are often lead by wearers of conical hats, very characteristic of Spain, and depending on location, will be named capuzes, capirotes, capillos and capiruchos, to give a few examples. These hats have a fabric that hides their faces, ensuring penance anonymously. Each fraternity has a color tunic and a headline that is unlike the others.

Holy week in Italy - By Alessandro Italy is a country where Catholic customs are very diverse so most people celebrate Easter in the following ways: • There is a period of 40 days before Easter that is called ‘Quaresima’ (in English it would be "Lent") where the believer should respect abstinence and fasting (the people that achieve this are very few in number!). • The most diffused celebrations, where a lot of people take part, begin one week before Easter. The Sunday before Easter is called "Domenica delle palme" (Palm Sunday) and all people exchange the olive branch like a symbol of peace. • On the Wednesday and Thursday, people have to visit at least 3 churches where the "imitation" of Sepulcher is set up. • On Friday there is the celebration of the "Via Crucis" and in many cities and small villages the "Via Crucis" of Christ is acted in the street and all people follow that act.

Good Friday marks the start of the vigil at symbolic tombs of Christ, which lasts until Holy Saturday. Visits are made to ‘tombs of Christ’. The adoration of the Good Friday tombs is called ‘the visitation of the tombs’. On the following day, Holy Saturday, services accompanied by processions are held to commemorate the Resurrection. Inside the churches, priests sprinkle holy water on small baskets brought by believers and filled with ‘paska’, cakes, eggs, horseradish, sausages, ham, salt, pepper, and tiny sugar lambs. The consecration of eggs refers to egg being an ancient symbol of life. Eggs which are painted in one color are called ‘malowanki’ or ‘kraszanki’. If patterns are etched with a pointed instrument on top of the paint, the eggs are then called ‘skrobanki’ or ‘rysowanki’. Those eggs decorated with the use of treated wax are called ‘pisanki’. On Sunday morning, beautifully laid table is covered with colored eggs, cold meats, coils of sausages, ham, yeast cakes, pound cakes, poppy-seed cakes, and in the middle of it all, a lamb made of sugar, commemorating the resurrected Christ. Sharing a boiled egg with one’s relatives is a national tradition. A piece of egg with salt and pepper, consecrated by a priest, is an inseparable accessory in the good wishes we extend to each other at Easter. Cakes were very important ingredients of Easter breakfast: gigantic cakes called ‘baby’, as well as ‘mazurki’ were prepared only for that occasion. On Easter Monday there is a very ancient Easter tradition called ‘SmingusDyngus’. On this day, boys lie in wait to sprinkle (or douse) girls with water or perfume. It is said that girls who get caught and soaked with water will marry within the year. It's been suggested that this is the very reason why some girls make feeble attempts to escape the dousing. Smingus-Dyngus International Students’ Society

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Sports Update: Hockey & Sailing Club

The first week of February, on the Sporting front, was a real case of they came, they saw, CIT conquered! One CIT club not only hosted successful All-Ireland Finals but created history by winning two All-Ireland titles on the one day. Another club not only successfully hosted a whole three days of competitions over a three day weekend but also confirmed their status as one of the top dogs on the colleges scene with a massive victory on the first day and a finals placing on last competition day. CIT hosted the Irish Colleges Hockey Finals. A full timetable from early morning till afternoon saw a total of twelve teams from IT Carlow, DIT, DCU, AIT to name but a few battle for supremacy in the mixed hockey tournament and the ladies tournament. The first of the finals was the Ladies final between CIT and Mary Immaculate from Limerick. Reaching the final of this competition was a great achievement for CIT who had to compete minus their star player –Cliodhna Sargent who was on duty with the Irish Snr team. Mary I stood tall against some early CIT pressure but eventually CIT wore them down and got a goal. Play was flowing end-to end and Mary I got in for a goal. Now the game was in the melting pot with the clock ticking down. CIT piled on the pressure but Mary I held out until the final whistle. Next it was extra time and the game would be decided on “the golden goal”. It was heart stopping stuff, but no goals conceded. Next to penalties and the pressure was high. CIT had lost the Intervarsities final on penalties in October and were determined to put those ghosts to rest! CIT showed their class and nerves of steel as they emerged victorious! Full credit to the panel of players for a fabulous two days of hockey and the excitement right until the final minute. Following a break in order to host the Irish Hockey AGM it was back to the serious business. Some of the tired and weary CIT bodies who had eventually won the Ladies Final were quickly into action again. The final saw CIT face IT Tallaght. However there was to be no doubt about this final with CIT showing their class and talent to emerge victorious. When the final whistle blew CIT had created history with silverware galore. Well done to all involved and particularly to fourth year business studies student Andrew Gray for his organisation and coordination of the events.

As if all that excitement wasn’t enough, there was more to follow: Following on from their magnificent success in the Student World Cup, the Sailing Club were back in competitive action. On Friday all roads led to Crosshaven, where CIT hosted the Invitational Match Racing Event. Early rains and fog didn’t dampen the spirits as teams from UCC, Trinity, Bath, NUIG, UL, DIT, UCD and off course CIT took to the waters. In the “Cowboys” section CIT and UL quailed for the semi-finals. In the opposite section-the “Indians” section, off course life couldn’t be easy, as a three way play-off emerged with DIT, Bath and UCC winning a race each. After deliberations in the judges boat it was decided that two races would have to decide which two teams want through to the semis. Eventually UCC and DIT went through. As in all sports every time CIT and UCC meet there’s excitement. Well the same was the case on the first day of this competition, even the prevailing winds couldn’t prevent the temperatures rising. Following a terrific performance CIT emerged victorious over our near neighbours. Next up were UL in the final. The early morning sessions on the water during the previous weeks paid off for CIT as they emerged convincing winners. After a full day on the water, the ugly part of sailing still had to be done- sails taken down and equipment stored away before any prizes could be presented! The high of first win was short lived as within a matter of hours the teams were back on the water- in Baltimore for the Southerns Team Racing event. As well as having the CIT team from the first event, CIT also entered their crew from their second team and a team from the NMCI. Races took place from 10.00 am on the second morning until almost dark that evening and again all day on the third day of the competition. A total of 22 boats were on the water and what a sight! The NMCI team reached the quarter-final of the bronze event. The CIT “A” team reached the final against none other than our dear friends in UCC. Well lady luck was about to run out as CIT by the narrowest of margins were beaten. A huge well done to all involved in what was a terrific three days of racing and fantastic promotion for CIT. A special word for Nicholas O’Leary a third year Business Studies student who put in long hours and a huge amount of work to run the events. Certainly I would have to say that its worth making the effort to go see the CIT Sailing Club in action, some of their moves are breath taking and their commitment, hard work and tremendous skill have to be seen to be believed. All in all a terrific week for Sport in CIT. Let the winning ways continue! Miriam Deasy, Sports Officer.

The Management & Staff of the Rochestown Park Hotel would like to wish all CIT students and staff a Happy Easter. Thank you for once again making us your Number 1 Ball Venue!

CIT Drama Society Plays One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest “...The cast were eagerly awaiting the performance as the theatre filled, the atmosphere grew more electric. As a group we gelled very well which could be seen from our chemistry on stage...” In early December the CIT Drama Society performed a recital ‘One flew over the cuckoo’s Nest’ which was a huge success. Such a big production had not been undertaken from the Drama Soc in quite a few years. Here’s a brief insight into what was involved in the producing of this show. Firstly a director Lynne McCarthy was chosen by the Drama Soc committee. She then chose the play ‘One flew over the cuckoo’s Nest’ to be performed in CIT Auditions were held in the Exhibition Centre on the 15th of October and out of the huge turnout a select few were chosen as the cast and crew. The rehearsals commenced immediately and we had only six weeks to prepare for opening night. We met up every Monday from 5:30-8:30 pm and Thursday from 6:00-9:00 pm. As the show came closer we added extra rehearsal times for dress and technical rehearsals. To prepare for our performance we did full run throughs of the play as well as taking certain scenes individually. Also improvisation and character work were used. The committee were chosen at the start of the production. They held regular meetings and secured the budget for the play. As we approached ‘Showtime’ the committee launched a large advertising campaign involving posters as well as notifying the college’s ‘What’s On’.

In the final week a large production team got to work. This involved the design and construction of the set, as well as lighting and sound design and installation. It was during this time that we had our dress and technical rehearsals. All the cast and crew got involved in the ticket sales which was integral to the success of the play. On opening night the whole team got together at 6:30 pm for a warm up and to make last minute checks. The cast were eagerly awaiting the performance as the theatre filled, the atmosphere grew more electric. As a group we gelled very well which could be seen from our chemistry on stage. The whole show was a great success and everyone enjoyed it immensely. Finally the CIT Drama Society would like to thank all who helped make this show possible, in particular the director Lynne whose artistic talents ensured the show was a unique, exciting and certainly memorable experience for all who attended it. Also a big thank you to Mervyn O’ Mahony whose constant support from day one was invaluable. Thanks also to the Students’ Union who kindly sponsored our programme. Written by Ciaran Mullally and Claire Spitere

CIT Mature Students Society News & Events Jazz Festival. One or two licensed premises were also visited during the night out, purely to keep up with the latest jazz trends. Des Bishop November saw a group of 25 mature students go to see Des Bishop at the Opera House. Again we had a mixture of students from different courses together with some new faces which made the night a real success.

This college year has been one of the busiest for the Mature Students Society. We’ve organised events throughout the year where mature students from all across the college have had the opportunity to meet up outside the classroom environment. There’s more to college life than just non-stop studying and lectures. You’re not really going to remember that “unbelievable” lecture at 10am on January 24th, in a years time (are you?), no matter how riveting it was. You’re more likely to remember the people you’ve met here and the craic you’ve had. A mixture of study and a social life is probably the best bet.

Christmas Party We held our Christmas party at the Clarion Hotel in December (which was handy as Christmas was on around the same time!). Our thanks again to the Chaplaincy Office for their support. Curraheen Park So far in 2008 we’ve continued to hold our monthly coffee mornings which have been a great success. A meal and night out at Curraheen Park on Friday March 14th is also organised. This is always a good night out.

Coffee Mornings Throughout the year we organise a monthly free tea/coffee get together in the Atrium. Over 30 students from different courses usually meet up and everyone is welcome. Check out the “What’s On” Newsletter and notice boards for upcoming coffee mornings.

Check out upcoming events at www.citsocs.com. (Mature Students Society Events). What’s On” Newsletter & Notice Boards. Thanks to Mervyn & Aoife at the Societies Office for their help and advice during the year. For the coming months our hardworking committee are busy planning future events. Our thanks to all of you who have gone to past events and we look forward to seeing you all especially new faces in the future.

Cork Jazz Festival In October we organised a meal at Café Bar Deli and a night out at the Cork

Mature Students Society Committee Email: maturestudentscit@gmail.com

CITSU in association with Cork Sri Lanka Orphanage Project Presents

THE ANTARTIC MONKEYS (UK top artic monkeys tribute band)

MICKEY HARTE

(EUROSTAR winner)

plus various DJs At the Loft Bar, Mc Carthys Bar and Bistro Wednesday 9th April 2008 Two Floors-Full building open with late licence Doors 9pm. Tickets will be available from SU and McCarthys Please support this worthwhile cause

Fill in the grid, ensuring that each column and row and every 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1-9. (The same number cannot appear twice in any row, column or 3 x 3 box at any time). Return to enter draw for one of four double passes for Gate Cinema / Cinema World.

Complete the Maths Puzzle Above to Enter the Competition Return to enter draw for one of four double passes for Gate Cinema / Cinema World

expliCIT Cross Word - Win Free Cinema Tickets! DOWN 1. Constructed 2. Press laundry 3. Separate by kind or type 4. Chieftain 5. A type of inflorescence 6. Leases 7. Pocketbook 8. Initial wager 9. Accumulated 10. One of the most recent 11. Units of area 12. A grain 13. Appears 21. Car 25. Celt 26. Tasks 27. Singer Fitzgerald 28. Close by 29. Naming a candidate 30. A small boat

31. "Born Free" lionness 34. Friends 36. Ship 37. Anglo-Saxon slave 38. Woody perennial grasses 40. "Backwards pose" 45. German for "Mrs" 48. Cooking directions 50. Partners 51. Gives forth 52. Spermal fluid 53. Genus of goats 54. Large amounts 57. Winged 58. Fifty-three in Roman numerals 59. Nursemaid 60. Vetch 61. Look amorously 62. Repose

Correctly complete the crossword and Return in an Envelope with Name / Contact Details to enter draw for a double pass for the Gate Cinema / Cinema World.

ACROSS

1. Tightwad 6. Package of 500 sheets of paper 10. Regulations 14. Fragrance 15. Sicilian volcano 16. Dull pain 17. An order of classical Greek architecture

E X P L I C I T C U P U X I C

R E T S A E X V Y A J A U N D

Z E C O R K M H X Z B B D S C

J G L O R T C R N Y E Z Q T M

U S T P R I J Z M O O N M I D

N W O T S P O H S I B N R T L

18. 19. 20. 22. 23. 24. 26. 30. 32.

P A D C M X M V Z O U Q E U T

E O V A I G Q S C L Z C T T Q

Cashews, for example Tall woody plant Appeals A cooperative unit Genus of house mice Excretes A female donkey A durable aromatic wood Margarine

R T R P T E T J B I H D D E I

E C I F V N T G I N T U I U G

H Q I S E M E I O V W S M N O

X U R D B T O L E S F A U I U

V W U R R E O C G S A M Z O M

O T Y Q F G W G R K W P K N I

S B E H Y B E L U Q V H Z C H

33. Gemstone 35. A glowing piece of coal 39. Accuse 41. Answer (abbrev.) 42. Not tight 43. Indian dresses 44. Unit of bread 46. Rational 47. Pertaining to Scandinavia

EXPLICIT MARCH CORK INSTITUTE TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS UNION CITSU BISHOPSTOWN EASTER EGGS MIDTERM SOCIETIES WEBSITE

49. 51. 54. 55. 56. 63. 64. 65. 66.

Snitched Flee from confinement Actor ___ Mineo Flesh from animals Electronic adder Zulu warriors Pelvic bones Picture Small slender gull

67. Gave money in return for service 68. Noblemen 69. Catch 70. Goddess of discord (Greek mythology) 71. Bed linen

This Month’s Prize: € 30

Competition Closes 5pm Monday 7th April 2008 Last Month’s Winner: Jamie Dineen - DME3

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.