Volume 14 Issue 12

FREE STUDENT NEWSPAPER

VOL 14, ISSUE 12

01 APR 2013

GMIT SU President elected President of USI

By Jessica Thompson Current GMIT President, Joe O’Connor was elected President of the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) for 2013/2014 at USI Congress last week.

O’Connor served as President of GMIT Students’ Union for two years, and was previously Vice President for Welfare, proving that he has no shortage of experience for the position of USI President.

The GMIT SU President was the sole candidate for the position of USI President.

Speaking about his election, O’Connor said; “I am honoured to have received overwhelming support and a comprehensive mandate from USI Congress.

“With more and more families being priced out of higher education due to ever-increasing fees and

dwindling student supports, the need for effective national representation is more acute than ever.

“At this time, 10,000 vulnerable students are still waiting on their first maintenance grant payment from SUSI and countless secondary school students wonder if they can afford to attain what should be their right; an education that best equips them to play their part in our country’s recovery.

“I have spent the last three years dealing with students facing these enormous difficulties first-hand.

These experiences will not only inform my term as USI President but also provide the necessary motivation in our fight to protect access to higher education.

“While the challenges ahead will test the student movement like seldom before, I am ready to lead

the charge and urge the students of Ireland to join me in the pursuit of a quality and affordable education system.”

Before inviting Joe O’Connor to close Congress 2013, John Logue, current USI President expressed his delight at the election of the new USI President, saying; “I realised very quickly this morning when he defeated me in a 9c that my time was up and his time was coming.”

Joe O’Connor responded to John by saying; “John, I’ve probably been a pain in your arse for the last year, but I hope a somewhat constructive pain in the arse, and if I’m able to take on the same kind of

leadership […] that you did, we’ll be going in the next direction.”

Some of the main aspects Joe will focus on are SUSI, a long-time funding strategy, student poverty, mental health, and “trying to find a conditioner to make my hair look like John Logue’s […] it’s going to the be the ‘cross-over comb-over’.”

The last comment came following a tweet by NUI Galway SU Equality Officer Claire McCallion, for which she won the Best Tweet Awards; “John Logue’s hair fairly bounces when he runs. Joe needs to find out [what] shampoo he uses #usi13 #JoeFacts.”

NUI Galway ALIVE with volunteers for ten years

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NUI Galway Socs give it 4 socks at the Socs Awards Parenting and college

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How did the SU do this year?

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Poetry Competition Results

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Exams are coming

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Clubs Awards

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Continued on page 2…

USI Congress 2013 not without its drama

By Jessica Thompson Last week brought with it a very successful annual USI Congress, with dozens of worthwhile motions being passed. However, congress was not without its drama.

Queen’s University Belfast delegate and NUS-USI Womens’ Officer Aisling Gallager was removed from her delegation and barred from Congress on Tuesday 26 March, following claims that she voted against her Union’s mandate on abortion services. Ms Gallagher’s vote was against QUB’s policy of remaining neutral on abortion rights.

Jason O’Neill, the QUBSU president released a statement regarding Ms Gallagher’s case; “The actions of the individual

in question will be considered by the Students’ Union Council on 18 April 2013.”

Speaking to The Cambridge Student, Ms Gallagher said; “In comparison to the other unions, we are put to shame in terms of organisation […] The fact that they’re trying to pretend that I have to vote in line is ridiculous. They don’t know their own constitution or how their democratic structures work. The QUBSU Executive Management Committee decided themselves that this would be the rule – not the student council, not the wider student body.”

QUBSU President Jason O’Neill, however, spoke to Trinity College’s University Times about the matter; “The policy at Queen’s

The NUI Galway delegation at the Gala dinner for this year's USI Congress.

University is to regard live policy as mandate. Delegates were pointed to the pro-choice motions before Congress and warned that they had to vote as democratic representatives of the student body. There have been precedents in the past

where students have had to vote according to mandate. Delegates were told that they could abstain on motions. We have nothing against someone speaking their minds.”

According to rabble.ie, Miss Gallagher had this to

say about Congress 2013; “This has probably been the most isolating, lonely, disheartening and miserable week I’ve ever had. Left out to dry by my own Students’ Union, I stood up for what I knew was right and was hounded for it. I called out

the fact that the atmosphere of Congress is horrendously sexist, and was screamed at publicly by a delegate I don’t even know, who then tried to engage others in shouting at me too.”

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Galway, for Josh Ritter and Imelda May

By James Falconer Music fans in for a treat this summer as Josh Ritter and Imelda May are confirmed for the Galway Arts Festival 2013.

Josh Ritter is a folk-leaning singer/songwriter who bought his first guitar after hearing the Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash classic ‘Girl from the North Country’.

After hearing Leonard Cohen and Gillian Welch, Ritter instantly fell in love with their songs and dropped his studies to play music. This pursuit took

him to Boston and into classic folk venues like, Club Passim.

Ritter received an offer to open for the Frames on a tour of Ireland. Soon his single ‘Me & Jiggs’ was in the Irish Top 40, a headlining tour of the country was sold out, and a tribute band named Cork was playing nothing but Ritter material in numerous Irish pubs.

Imelda May is from Dublin. She is unmistakable both in her music (a fusion of surf guitars, blues and rockabilly) and her

style, a solitary curl and shock of blonde in her jet black hair.

Her debut album Love Ta t t o o , r e c o r d e d a n d released on her own label, has gone Triple Platinum.

She has shared a stage with Eric Clapton, Chuck Berry, David Gilmour, Sharon Shannon, Jeff Beck, Shane Macgowan, Kirsty McCall, Van Morrison, Lionel Richie, Wanda Jackson, Paul Brady and Meatloaf.

Imelda has not only caught people’s attention musically, her striking style and unmistakable

cool but quirky 50s look has led her to grace the front cover of The Irish Sunday Times Style. Her new album ‘Mayhem’ sees Imelda continue to develop her uniquely modern fusion of classic musical genres. She’ll be bringing great energy to the Arts Festival this July, don’t miss out.

The Galway Arts Festival is doing a student special at the moment. Details of this can be found at http:// www.galwayartsfestival. com/students/welcometo-gaf-student/.

GMIT SU President elected President of USI Continued from page 1…

USI President elect, Joe O’Connor closed congress with the following comments; “USI is not me standing behind this podium. It’s not the officer board. It’s every single one of you.

“I don’t want anyone here to leave this room with any sense of foreboding. I’m going to ask you all to leave this room with a sense of empowerment.

“This week has been the easy part, Congress. This week has been about passing the policies which we’re going to implement in the coming year. Now it’s time to do it. Now it’s time to bring about change.”

Congress responded with cheers, applause, and a standing ovation, proving that, despite the fact that Joe was the only candidate

for presidency, he was a popular candidate, and the right man for the job.

There was good news all round for Galway as NUIG’s own Oifigeach na Gaeilge Feidhlim Seoighe was elected Vice President for the Irish Language.

“I am completely over the moon to be elected to the officer board for USI next year. It’s been a hard two months going around the country campaigning, but […] this has been one of the most fulfilling things that I have done in my life so far,” he said.

He continued; “One of the first things that I will do when I am in office is set out a list of all the goals I wish to achieve in office. From bringing in a Seachtain na Gaeilge road show to ensuring that every member organisation of USI has an Oifigeach na Gaeilge next year.”

Speaking about this year’s Congress, Feidhlim praised the NUI Galway delegation; “Congress this year was great, a number of brilliant motions [were] debated, two NUI Galway delegates were elected to the Officer Board, and as always, I believe that the NUI Galway delegation had the most impact on the week’s events.”

To top off a great day of elections, NUI Galway’s Kevin Donoghue was elected Vice President for the Border, Midlands and Western (BMW) Region.

When asked about his feelings after his election, Kevin said; “I am absolutely thrilled. I was a little shocked by the result but the mandate I received from the member organisations in the BMW region was fantastic and I cannot wait to get started.

Joe O'Connor at this year's USI Congress.

“The first thing I will do is sit down with the incoming and out-going officers of each college and find out what they would like to see from their BMW officer in terms of support and how we can promote USI on their campus. I am very aware of the fact that very few people know about or engage with USI and I hope to change that.

He added; “Congress was a bit of a mixed bag at times. We passed a number of motions I feel will help me in my role as an officer, which was encouraging.

However, congress is never without drama and it can sometimes damage the reputation of the organisation. Overall though, I came away with a sense of hope for the student movement.

“Joe O'Connor, the incoming president, is second to none in terms of commitment and Feidhlim Seoige, who is our Irish officer in here, has just been elected as Vice President for the Irish language and I know he will do stellar work for the language.

I look forward to working with the two Galway lads and the rest of the team from July.”

UCD’s Paddy Guiney was elected to the position of Vice President for Campaigns. Guiney has stated that re-affiliating UCD with USI is one of his top priorities.

UCD recently voted in a referendum to disaffiliate with USI, and Guiney feels

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USI Congress 2013 not without its drama She also said; “I have met some wonderful people and have appreciated all of the support so, so much – but unless we come back with a motion declaring Congress ‘owns’ delegates once they’re on the floor rather than delegate leaders, for my own health and sanity I won’t be back to USI. This is a poisonous environment for those willing to break the status quo and I just can’t do it anymore.”

This was not the only drama at this year’s USI Congress. An overwhelming majority of UCD’s delegation chose to leave the Congress floor on Thursday last when they were refused the chance to speak against a motion which proposed that the USI starts to work with other anti-austerity campaigns.

This motion was passed as a majority of Congress voted in favour, and UCD took this as their cue to stand up and file out of Congress. One student remained to represent the interests of 25,000 UCD students who will be affected by the passing of this motion.

Among those who left was Paddy Guiney, USI Campaigns Officer elect, who previously expressed his hopes to re-affiliate UCD with USI. On the subject of Mr Guiney, a recent post on Irish Student Left Online

by Joseph Loughnane said; “One would hope that any

person who is taking up such a position would be ‘anti-austerity’, and willing to broaden the campaign of the largest student body in the country to include those affected by measures not directly related to ­education.

“A constant criticism of student protests is how we fail to mobilise those who are also suffering to demonstrate in solidarity with students. Such a stance by the new Campaigns Officer does damage to any links the USI hopes to create.”

A recent post on rabble. ie featured a lengthy statement by UCDSU President Rachel Breslin who said; “Members who walked out after the vote had differing views on the motion itself, but were frustrated by the stifling of debate and the subsequent reaction by the Congress floor to UCDSU’s delegation.”

She added; “UCDSU acknowledges that it is difficult for other colleges to respect and understand UCD students’ decision to leave while they remain members, but at delegation meeting, UCD delegates reported increasingly hostile reactions.

This was particularly prevalent during this motion […]

When it became clear that it was no longer going to be possible for the UCDSU delegation to positively engage in the debate, a majority of the delegates chose to leave Congress floor.”

Paddy Guiney has expressed intention to re-affiliate UCD with USI if he can.

that this was the wrong decision and will strive to re-affiliate with the Union to have UCD represented nationally.

Results for other positions on the USI Officer Board 2013/2014 are as follows; Cat O’Driscoll for Vice President for Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance; Denise McCarthy for Vice President for Welfare; Laura Harmon for Vice President for Equality and Citizenship; and Ciara Guinan for Vice President for the Southern Region.

Over 250 delegates from 24 Students’ Unions,

including 22 delegates from NUI Galway, gathered in the Carlton Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe last week to discuss the future of the Irish Higher Education sector at the annual USI Congress.

Congress discussed and voted motions on Administration and Finance, Citizenship, Union Organisation, National Affairs, Welfare, Equality, Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance, International Affairs, Irish Language/ Gaeilge, Constitutional Amendments, and Policies due to Expire.

Continued from page 1…

{sin} Editorial

By Jessica Thompson Here we are at last; the end of a volume. It seems like only yesterday that I was struggling with issue one. I made all my mistakes at the beginning and I learned from them. The past academic year has been such an experience for me.

Last week I went to USI Congress with a group of NUI Galway delegates.

There I met delegates from other colleges, and mingled with numerous people of interest. The NUI Galway delegation headed off on Monday armed with t-shirts for every day of the week, and a bag of rubber ducks which would serve as our mascots. Granted, many of these rubber ducks were stolen, but I think one of them made it home, thanks to an appeal made by Claire McCallion to have the ducks safely returned.

The week was filled with madness; UV paint, SU Officers in dresses, random objects in elevators, hands going up and down with green cards, voting for or against motions.

The word “tashte” was thrown about the NUI Galway delegation, and even members of other delegations. “#tashte” became our thing, and all of a sudden this was tashte and that was tashte and certain things

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were absolutely not tashte.

If you haven’t picked it up by now, to be “tashte” is a good thing.

I’m going to move on to something that’s very tashte. Sin Newspaper, and the huge amount of people who contributed to it this year. I may be the editor, but I am only one person in a team. Without the many contributors we’ve had across the year, Sin would be nothing, so I would like to thank the journalists who have worked so hard to make this happen.

Yes, we’ve had comp l a i n t s . We ’ v e m a d e mistakes and have had to issue an apology or two. Sin isn’t always right, and I like to hear from our readers who correct us when they spot the mistakes.

In the last issue, we published an article in support of RAG Week, in which the author mentioned one of the Welfare candidates’ manifesto for the elections. However, it was the wrong candidate he named, and this candidate has since come forward to point out the mistake. On behalf of Sin I would like to apologise to the candidate in question and thank her for her understanding and patience with us.

Also in the last issue we had the complaint I published on this page.

It was, perhaps, our own ignorance that led to this mistake, and on behalf of Sin I would like to apologise to the author of this letter, and anyone else who may have taken offence.

We used the wrong term, and I am grateful to have it pointed out to me.

Despite having two complaints in the last

issue, I can honestly say that the total number of complaints I’ve had can be counted on one hand.

This is down to the journalists themselves, and also to the fantastic editorial team who have helped me throughout the year.

Marése has been a fantastic news editor. She has always been able to spot plagiarism in articles, where. This has resulted in a very strong news section.

Marése has been a true gem this year, by editing news stories, interviewing SU Officers, and providing distraction by walking into my office, unannounced, at random times of the day.

She’ll make a great journalist and I hope she gets everything she’s working for in her career.

James has been an absolute hero with the Arts and Entertainment section. Every issue I found myself completely ignoring his part of the paper.

He sourced the stories himself. He got people to write them. He edited them, and he had them sent to me by Saturday evening, edited and ready for publication.

When nobody volunteered to write an article, James would step up and would have it to me by that evening. This meant I never had to worry about not filling the paper. James would never see me stuck, “unless it was in mud in a field. That would be funny and in that case I would see you stuck.” Thanks James. Órla and Séan have been great this year. The fact that they get on so well and are in the same course has been a great advantage to the paper. As they are studying the Masters in Journalism, I

rarely worried about typos, and I never worried about incorrect facts. I could always rely on Órla to be the witty one with her Hat’s Off column, and Séan has been great at annoying people with constant phone calls in his quest to get quotes for his articles.

Without them, there would be no Student Speak, and your opinions would not appear in Sin Newspaper.

Mark has been a great help. I may have mentioned in an earlier editorial that I don’t know one end of a ball from the other, so having someone who has a genuine interest in sports has been a great advantage. If there was a gap in the sports section, Mark has always been ready to fill it with a sports story, and I have appreciated that greatly.

The last member of the team, who doesn’t get much of a mention, is Shannon. Without him, the paper wouldn’t have ended up in your hand. He has done the layout, and the fancy designs, and made it look beautiful, and I am thankful that he’s done such a good job putting up with me all these months.

Some of the most important people, however, are you, the readers. Without you, Sin would be pointless.

I hope you will all follow sin.ie, where you can comment and express your own opinions on stories.

It has been a pleasure to be your editor this year, and I hope you will all continue to read Sin next year, and even over the holidays if the website is in action.

Your editor, Jess

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Letters to the editor A Chara,

I was surprised and disappointed to see SIN jumping on the bandwagon of AngloAmerican anti-Chavez propaganda in the latest edition of the paper that referred to Venezuela's recently deceased president as a 'dictator'. This kind of misinformation is unacceptable and SIN, in order to protect its reputation, should apologise and correct the mistake in the next issue.

Hugo Chavez was in fact elected president of Venezuela for the fourth time in a row, with 54% of the vote, on the 7th of October 2012.

As a president who spear-headed the cause of not only Venezuela's but all of Latin America's poor he came up against serious, organised and wealthy opposition.

Chavez also had no fear of standing up to the political and economic hegemony of the United States and this left him in a position to be attacked Dear Editor, It came to my attention today that a video based on the "Don't be that guy campaign" by NUIG in association with our welfare officer was posted on youtube and facebook. Having watched this video I was absolutely disgusted as it was nothing more than victim blaming. It was probably made with the best intentions but the

both ideologically and falsely by enemies of progress the world over.

The fact that he had the guts to nationalise the assets of oil companies to benefit the people of his country, while placing him in ideological opposition to those who are in power in our society, does not make him a dictator. Any statement of that kind should be backed up with evidence.

The writer of the article may have simply taken this information from another news service. If this is the case, I hope lessons have been learned.

This lazy approach to journalism can often result in the repetition of others' mistakes.

Or indeed this may be entirely the work of the person whose name appeared under the title.

In either case this person should apologise for the mistake.

Le meas, Senan Mac Aoidh MA sa Nua-Ghaeilge

finished result was abhorrent and nothing short of disgraceful. As a victim of violence myself while under the influence I find it highly offensive. I said no and they didn't listen is it still my fault? Should I still be "embarrassed" ? I think not. Let's focus on blaming the perpetrator rather than the victim shall we?

Yours sincerely, A very angry student.

Editor: Jessica Thompson | editor@sin.ie Layout: Shannon Reeves | Contact via Ed. News Editor: Marése O’Sullivan | localnews.sined@gmail.com Deputy News Editor: Sean Dunne | nationalnews.sined@gmail.com Features Editors: Órla Ryan. Sean Dunne | features.sined@gmail.com Fashion, Arts & Entertainment Editor: James Falconer | artsentertainment.sined@gmail.com Sports Editor: Mark Higgins | sport.sined@gmail.com Sinners: Michelle Carey | Anthony Daly | Isabella De Luca | Ann-Marie Donelan | Sean Dunne | Shannon Fahy | James Falconer | Elaine Feeney | Ken Glennon | Own Grant | Mark Higgins | Jenna Hodgins | Lyndsay Hughes | Vincent Hughes | Jane Kearns | Leigh Michael Keeney | Liam King | Conor Lane | Austin Maloney | Karen McDonnell | Merry Man | Ciara Molloy | John Mulry | Jill Murray | Daniel Nestor | Marése O’Sullivan | Shannon McNamee | Kiri Renssen | Órla Ryan | Rosa Shine | Sarah-Jane Smith | Conor Stitt | Valeri Tarassov | Jessica Thompson

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NUI Galway ALIVE with volunteers for ten years

By Jane Kearns On Wednesday the 27 March over 1,200 students were awarded the ALIVE Certificate for volunteering.

The certificate for volunteering is a Presidential Award recognising all extracurricular activities of all NUI Galway students.

The aim of the award is to reward all the time and effort students put into societies, sports

clubs, campaigns, committees, volunteering and everything else that isn't degree-related.

The ceremony always attracts of hundreds of students, staff and alumni, but this year it saw more than ever, partly due to the fact that ALIVE celebrated its tenth anniversary.

To celebrate this milestone for the program, ALIVE welcomed a number of students to share their

volunteering stories with the crowd, as well as NUI Galway alumnus Tony Griffon, who told his inspirational story of how his small volunteering project became the defining moment of his life and career and subsequently led him to become the successful social entrepreneur he is today.

The ALIVE team also put together a short video showcasing many of the

hard working volunteers and organisations around Galway, and what volunteering means to them.

To date thousands of students have taken part in the program, dedicating millions of hours of their time to a variety of organisations and changing the lives of those they worked with.

ALIVE is currently the only initiative of its kind in Ireland, but many other

universities are following suit, bringing volunteering to Trinity College, NUI Maynooth and UCD to name a few.

ALIVE was more successful than ever this year thanks to the hard work of all its volunteers and the program coordinators Lorraine Tansey, Lorraine McIlrath and Geraldine Marley, who have worked tirelessly to make ALIVE what it is today.

Enactus NUI Galway packing healthy lunches for schools

By Sarah-Jane Smith Enactus NUIG was formally launched on Wednesday 13 March in the president’s drawing room in the quadrangle on campus.

There was a very momentous atmosphere in the room with students, academics and corporate sponsors present for the occasion.

This is the second year of the competition and NUI Galway are competing in it once again. Many at the launch were certain that Enactus will continue on for many years and that NUI Galway will have a place among the competitors and hopefully the winners.

Enactus are a worldwide organization that consists of student, academic and

business leaders who are working together to create sustainable and empowering opportunities for many people.

Enactus, formally known as SIFE, rebranded to represent the worldwide community in a more comprehensive and translatable way; Enactus can be said in any country and the meaning will be understood without explanation.

An Enactus idea is one which can be carried on even after the founders have left; an idea which continues to empower people throughout its running.

NUI Galway’s’s team, which consists of Stephen Duff as team leader, MJ Carroll as corporate liaison and 35 other members among the student body, have come up with the idea to provide healthy packed lunches to primary schools in the local community and they also endeavor to employ those with depression for their idea.

The team always had the focus of mental health and depression because they were aware of the extent of the problem among their fellow students and each member of the team knew

of someone who suffered from this illness.

They also acknowledged the problem of obesity among the young children of our society and decided to combine these two issues to create their Enactus idea.

They came up with the healthy lunches campaign on a night out in Carbon and have just rolled with it ever since.

Once the concept of fighting depression and mental health issues was conceived the NUI Galway team decided to involve Pieta house as their charity.

Although Enactus is a charity itself, the team believed they needed a more recognizable name.

The involvement of Pieta House would hopefully inspire more people to

become part of their idea but also provide the team with the proper resources so they could employ those best suited and capable for the job and those who would benefit most from the work.

NUI Galway’s team aimed to build confidence among those with depression and empower them so they could fight their illness, grow stronger and return to life as before.

The team has already linked with two schools in the local area to begin their healthy eating campaign.

Although they were much later starting in comparison to other universities, they are now only two weeks behind Trinity College and are therefore well on their to winning this year’s competition.

NUI Galway’s Socs give it socks at the Socs Awards

By Conor Lane The NUI Galway Socs Awards took place last Wednesday in the Clayton hotel in Galway.

There were over 440 people in attendance as everyone celebrated not only the end of the academic calendar but also the best societies in NUI Galway during the year.

The night was a casual affair with the hard working volunteers being rewarded for the combined tens of thousands of hours that they put in to helping their societies throughout the college year.

Riona Hughes offered a lot of vigor and excitement

to proceedings as she MC’d the event. FilmSoc were the major winners of the night taking the (Board of Irish College Societies) award for best society and best poster.

Most successful went to Dramsoc. Best new society (BICS) was given to Feminist society. Most improved society (BICS) went to Medicine Soc. Best civic contribution (BICS) was awarded to Draiocht. Cumann Staire (history society) took home a well-deserved best society event (BICS) for their history month.

Among the other winners were Lit and Deb for best online presence (BICS) and the musical society for best media publication.

Some of the special achievement awards given to societies for their specific contribution to student life throughout the year included the hot ticket ward which BizSoc claimed and the dogged determination award that was presented to S:TV for their reporting on student events.

There was a particularly special moment in the night when Thor McVeigh of Rock Sock was handed the lifetime achievement award for his long service and contribution to NUI Galway.

The BICS (Board of Irish College Societies) awards are a nation-wide ceremony and will take place in the Hodgson Bay Hotel in Athlone on 11 April.

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NUI Galway fellow a finalist in Researcher of the Year

By James Falconer NUI Galway fellow Dr Eva Szegezdi was announced as a finalist in the Irish Cancer Society’s Researcher of the Year 2012. The announcement took place at a special Celebration of Research in Dublin in mid-March this year.

Dr Szegezdi, a research fellow currently funded by the Irish Cancer Society, was announced as a finalist at the

event in recognition of her research entitled, ‘Blazing a new TRAIL in cancer therapy’.

Her findings examine boosting the ability of a TRAIL protein – which plays a role in tumour cell death – to kill cancer cells.

The study, carried out at NUI Galway, modified the structure of the TRAIL protein and generated a version of TRAIL that possessed a much higher tumour-killing activity

and, as a result of mathematical modelling, identified potential therapeutics with high and specific tumouricidal activity.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Szegezdi said; “I am honoured to be announced a finalist for the Irish Cancer Society’s Researcher of the Year 2012. The society has been extremely supportive of my research project from the outset and I’m very

grateful for their funding, without which this cancer study would not have been possible.”

The winner on the night was oesophageal cancer researcher Dr Stephen Maher from Celbridge, Co Kildare whose research, carried out at the Institute of Molecular Medicine at St James’s Hospital, found that the nucleic acid microRNA-31 to predict the response to radiation

treatment, and to enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy.

The other finalist was Dr Carol Stone for her advanced cancer research at Our Lady’s Hospital entitled, ‘Recognising the risk of falling in patients with advanced cancer’. Dr Stone’s study has led to the development of fall prevention policies for cancer patients and further research in this area.

Professor John Fitzpatrick, head of research at the Irish

Cancer Society said; “We are very proud of all three shortlisted researchers who are helping to further enhance Ireland’s contribution to the international cancer research community.”

For further information on the Irish Cancer Society’s programme or to make a donation, visit www.cancer. ie or contact the Irish Cancer Society on Call Save 1850 60 60 60.

NUI Galway staff member releases e-book

By Jessica Thompson An NUI Galway staff member has recently released an e-book.

Declan and Liam Clarke, a father and son from Moycullen released Max Stone and the Lost Star of Zirdon, “a gripping tale of danger, adventure and courage’’, two weeks ago.

The idea to write a book came about when they were standing in a queue at an airport a couple of years ago.

“I had a blank notebook with me, with a notion that I would write a story of some sort. Standing in line for the Ryanair flight, as you do, we saw a really cool image on one

of the adverts. This got us talking about how the image we saw could be a Lost Star for a distant planet that was under attack from a band of Kaemon Lizard Warriors and it went from there,” said Declan.

He added; “I’ve always enjoyed writing stories and had a great response to reading some of my other books in my two sons’ classes in Moycullen National School.

I even co-wrote a comic with the 5th class kids last year […] That was great fun and I figured I would take the story-writing to the next level and see if I could finish a full story.”

Writing a book has been

a father-son bonding experience for the duo. Speaking about working with his son, Declan said; “It was brilliant, really enjoyable. I would write a chapter and Liam would screen read it to see how it sounded and then we brainstormed how the next part would go. It was a great motivation for me to keep writing and really try to make the story interesting.”

When asked his feelings about the experience, Liam told Sin; “Writing the story with my dad was good fun.”

For 11-year-old Liam, this has been an exciting experience; “At first it as the thrill of the adventure, the excitement

of seeing how Max was going to face all the new things on Zirdon, the Fight Cats, the Kaemon Klann and how he was going to save Zirdon from certain doom. After we finished it and put it up on the blog, Maxstonebook.com, we got some really cool pictures of the creatures in the book and that was really good to see how other kids saw the story.”

Perhaps the most important thing is the sense of pride the pair feels, having completed a popular story.

“I feel really happy and proud, and it’s kinda cool, it feels like I’ve really achieved something,” said Liam. He went on to say; “We are

already writing the next one, Max Stone and the invasion of Earth and we’re writing blogs for Max every week, so I’m really enjoying that.”

This pride is also evident in Declan; “It’s great; to see Max Stone coming to life is just brilliant. We set up a Facebook page to try and get a bit of awareness around the story, and are blown away by the response we’re getting.”

The book has been quite successful so far. One reviewer on Amazon said; “Loved this book! The authors don't waste any time in getting straight to the story.”

Another reviewer on iTunes said; “I believe he [Max

Stone] is more than capable of becoming the next big icon for children.”

You can find out more on http://www.facebook. com/MaxStoneAdventures or on Max’s blog Maxstonebook.com. You can buy the e-book on Amazon.com or iTunes.

Now the best time for graduates to emerge from college?

By Liam King According to a Dubai based entrepreneur, now may be the best time for graduates to emerge from college. Award winning CEO Paul Kenny has contrasted the current expectations of graduates favourably to those in his own college years with regard to their expectations and work ethic.

The lack of a “golden spoon mentality” in modern graduates may distinguish them from many of those in prior years when it comes to finding employment. Mr Kenny has mentioned that current graduates may ‘expect the worst’ but that they would work harder as a result.

Current graduates may fare better in finding employment as they have no expectation of a

€50,000 salary directly out of college, and may be more inclined “to work harder to get better”.

The former NUI Galway student has also spoken about the importance of getting a degree, regardless of its subject matter, because “it’s not going to define what your future is,” as well as warning against allowing the Leaving Certificate to be taken more seriously than it needs to be, as “the Leaving Cert is not the end of the world.”

He also referenced the need to get away from the idea that the education system alone defines success or lack thereof. And regarding job opportunities, he noted that Ireland was currently an ‘exciting’ place to be, and that the present is a good time for Irish entrepreneurs. Mr Kenny himself is

the CEO of Cobone, a company which has recently been acquired by an international firm for a possible $40 million.

Mr Kenny’s comments come close in the wake of a statement by PayPal chief Louise Phelan which also touched on the perceived sense of entitlement held by some graduates coming out of college.

However, in response, USI President John Logue has pointed to surveys carried out by gradireland.com indicating that 70% of employers thought that graduates had realistic expectations, and that the majority had lowered their expectations as a result of the current economic conditions in Ireland.

Median starting salaries for graduates have fallen from 2008 highs to between €24,000-25,999 in 2012.

Have you seen Sin's new website yet?

is now bringing you the latest news, reviews, and sports stories so you can stay up to date. @sin_news

Sin Newspaper, NUI Galway

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N ews

14–12

01–04

Console launch Galway suicide support group for young adults

NUI Galway hosts Suas Homework Club graduation ceremony

By Isabella De Luca

By Sarah-Jane Smith

A specialised support group for young adults affected by suicide has been launched in Galway by suicide prevention and bereavement charity ­Console.

The group will meet in the Console Centre in Renmore, Galway from the end of March and will be open to anyone aged 18-30 who has been affected by suicide.

Attending this support group is a way for young adults to meet others who have been touched by suicide, share experiences and concerns, and learn from each other’s coping skills.

It will be facilitated by professional Console counsellors, who will help attendees to share a safe path through their loss and build on their own levels of health and resilience.

The group is free of charge, and would be most helpful for any young person who has lost a family member, friend or someone close to suicide.

“Suicide has become a difficult and challenging issue for younger people in the West and we are delighted to introduce this new support to our existing portfolio of services in Galway,” said Console founder and CEO Paul Kelly.

“Whilst we run successful support groups nationwide […] we have found that young adults find it easier to talk openly among their peers and through addressing their issues in such an environment, young people connect with each other and find an easier pathway to dealing with their bereavement,” he added.

Mr Kelly went on to say; “We are confident

that Galway will be the first link in what will prove to be a nationwide support network for young adults, bringing healing to those who have been so harshly touched by loss.”

Launching the new service, Mayor of Galway Cllr Terry O’Flaherty said; “Console do fantastic work in Galway, and across the country, and the more that the organisation highlights this issue, the better. Young people are not inclined to talk about their issues, which is why this service is so important.”

Console also offers free counselling services and a 24-hour helpline (1800 201 890). Those interested in attending the group, or finding out more information, can contact Console House in Galway on 091 – 769942 or visit their website www. console.ie.

Music exchange to beat the band

By Leigh Michael Keeney La musique, ceol, no matter how you say it music has always brought people together; a universal language.

Demonstrating how true this is, a Galway music school, Maoin Cheoil na Gaillimhe, based in St Mary’s College, is soon to form a partnership with its Parisian counterpart, Musique Ensemble XXe. This new alliance offers Galway’s youth a unique opportunity to engage in cultural exchanges. The project aims to promote cross-collaboration, honing the musical abilities and broadening the experiences of their students,

with the chance to perform in both cities.

Establishing a strong cultural profile extends beyond the music to include sharing historical context and occasions to develop language skills.

Students will be encouraged to refine their skills and become real virtuosos, participating with professionally trained musicians from both schools; theirs, la crème de la crème, and ours, den chéad scoth.

Both schools are very excited about the partnership, and Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Terry O’ Flaherty, highlighted just how important initiatives such as this

An end of term graduation took place in NUI Galway on 20 March to celebrate the achievements of both the students and the mentors of the Suas Literacy Support program.

Present at the ceremony were Deputy Lord Mayor of Galway Frank Fahy, Suas Literacy Support Officer Helina O’Donaghue, Teacher Tracy Cronin, the mentors from NUI Galway, students of Claddagh NS with their parents and some of the other teachers involved.

There was a delightful, warm, celebratory atmosphere to the event as each child and mentor collected their certificate individually from the Deputy Mayor. Cathy Gormley, mentor coordinator, introduced the ceremony, the program and the speakers.

She was then followed by

Helina O’Donaghue who gave an insight into the general aim and development of the program and finally the guests were greeted by Deputy Mayor Fahy who gave a very heartfelt speech to the children.

He said; “I'm honored to present these certificates to you all this evening and one day I hope that you will be back here receiving your awards for graduating from NUIG." The Suas Literacy programme began in 2007 and there are now 16 deis schools involved across Ireland. It is Suas’ aim to have all deis schools in Ireland involved by 2016. It is only after this aim is complete that Suas will look to expand their links with other non-deis schools.

Over 100 mentors from NUIG participated in the program during which they provided support

to around 50 students from Galway’s Claddagh National School, helping them with their homework and their literacy skills.

The homework club took place for one hour Monday and Tuesday after school and this year it was the students’ initiative to take part rather than the parents.

Ms Tracy Cronin stated that she has seen a benefit from the program amongst the children. She went on to say that it not only helped with their literacy and academic skills but has also provided them with structure and organization. The program appears to have been a tremendous success and will hopefully continue on next year providing more Claddagh NS students the chance to increase their literacy skills which in turn will increase their prospects for the future.

benefit tremendously with this achievement under their bedazzled belt and scrolled onto their Curriculum Vitae.

These students will be following in the footsteps of Alexandra Carlos and Laura Jane Halton who also represented Galway in the competition in previous years.

Alexandra is now studying design at the London

College of Fashion, and Orla Moore insists “that participation in the Irish Fashion Innovation Awards was a key factor in her [Alexandra] gaining her place at the top London college.”

So whether their style is retro, preppy, or anything in between, we wish them the best of luck in their endeavors, and let the best designer win.

are for Galway’s cultural heritage as it ‘absorbs,’ different backgrounds and so benefits from a more diverse and much richer multi-cultural environment, all the while upholding its core identity as the focal point.

And if that’s not testimony enough to the importance of music in society then take it from Plato; “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”

For those who would like more information regarding this unique exchange programme or information regarding the school of music, call 091-528965 or visit www.mcng.ie.

FETAC students taking over the fashion field

By Shannon Fahy In today’s economic standing if you want a job, you’re going to have to build up your portfolio of experience in order to have any chance of being offered one. Fashion students attending Galway Technical Institute (GTI) are doing just that.

Orla Moore is a fashion design teacher at the

school located on Fr. Griffin Road, and will be sending four of her students to the Irish Fashion Innovation Awards to compete with other aspiring designers and present personally designed dresses. The Galway college has high hopes for their students as this is the fourth year in a row that they will be participating.

Claudia Taheny is a level 5 FETAC student who has

taken the competition to a whole new level. Forget just creating a dress pattern, and proceeding to sew and stitch it together in such a manner that impresses and satisfies the judges’ cravings for talent.

No, Claudia went that extra effort to even create her own fabric. With her, helping to represent Galway, is Aisling Kerr, Sabrina Fallon and Fiona Bulfin.

The competitors for this fashion event will be travelling from Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT), Ulster College of Art and Design (UCAD), and the National College of Art and Design (NCAD). And what is up for grabs? The title of Student Designer of the Year 2013.

Without a doubt, anyone pursuing a career in the fashion industry would

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world N ews

01–04

The King is alive, in Carlow! It all began with a big onomatopoeia

By James Falconer

When the Irish electorate rejected the Lisbon Treaty in 2008, many European newspapers led with headline “We’re all Irish now”.

Why do so many famous people end up being of Irish descent? Think of gunslingers Billy the Kid and Ned Kelly, Beatles Lennon and McCartney, boxers Mohammed Ali and Jack Dempsy. Almost all presidents of the USA claim Irish heritage (for the big Irish vote, of course) – John F Kennedy was the most Irish of them all.

Revolutionary Che Guevara came from the Lynch’s in Galway. Spenser Tracy, Rita Hayworth, Marlon Brando, John Wayne, Gene Kelly, Gregory Peck, Robert de

Niro, and even Johnny Depp are all, in some way, “Irish”. The list goes on and on with a new noteworthy addition…

Elvis Presley was Irish!

Yes, according to a new claim “The King” was Irish.

This is great news because we haven’t had an Irish king since Brian Boru! It seems that Elvis should have been singing about green suede shoes thanks to his recently discovered Carlow roots.

Presley’s ancestors came from the village of Hacketstown in County Carlow.

His forefathers found themselves in Heartbreak Hotel after a local row over land forced them to flee to America more than 200 years ago.

Carlow historian Michael Purcell has dis-

covered that the singer’s ancestor William Presley fled Ireland for the US after being savagely battered by a group of ‘evil’ people.

After the beating he probably thought “We can’t go on together, with suspicious minds”, and made a quick exit!

William later moved to Carolina, where he had a son called Dunnan, and then moved on to Tennessee. Dunnan’s granddaughter Rosella was born in 1863 and though she never married, she had several children, including one called Jessie. Now, Jessie named his son Vernon Elvis, and Vernon later named his son Elvis Aaron Presley, the man who went on to become “The King”. I bet you’re feeling “all shook up”.

‘iWatch’ out for Apple’s new gadget

By Vincent Hughes It’s looking a lot like wearable technology is the way forward for personal tech, and one of the most exciting examples of this technology would probably have to be Google Glass.

But recently, there have been a number of rumors and supposed leaks circulating regarding Apple’s iWatch, which looks to be a wristwatch with some of the capabilities of a smartphone.

Details on the iWatch are scarce as its release has

not yet been confirmed, but Apple has patented a number of designs which make it seem like a very real possibility that they are working on a wearable smartphone.

Apple isn’t the only company with such a project in development either, as Google are reported to be working on what some have begun referring to as smart watches, and Samsung has already confirmed that they are doing the same.

Google, like Apple, are in possession of a number

of patents that make this look likely, including one for a “smart watch” with a “flip-up display” and a “tactile user interface” (or a touchscreen, to the rest of us).

With Google already working on Google Glass (which is supposedly due for a release at the end of the year), it looks like they may be taking the lead in this advancement in technology, but it may still be some time before any of these products are accessible to the general public.

By Shannon Fahy The Big Bang Theory, for those of you who are still lost in the onomatopoeic word, states that our universe began as a single minute atom. This atom, faster than a flick of a light switch, underwent three stages. It exploded. It cooled.

And then it expanded, faster than the speed of light.

This expansion is referred to by scientists as inflation and is based on Einstein’s theory of general relativity.

Scientists, after revising this theory of how the universe first burst into life, have discovered that in fact there may be multiple universes.

Scientists mathematically mapped sound echoes and fossilized light which provided evidence of the universe’s evolution. From these calculations and the data gathered from the Planck

• • • • •

satellite, it was deducted that the universe was roughly 13.8 billion years old. It is a prevalent act for scientists to round up to 14 billion years when making further calculations, as some, such as Caltech’s Carroll believe 100 million years is relatively nothing.

Martin White, a Planck scientist, begs to differ. For him, “100 million years here and there really start to add up.”

When calculations were made with these restricted figures, it was discovered there is less dark energy in our universe than was originally thought. This dark energy is important as it is the force that has been causing the universe to expand.

The Hubble constantly measures the rate of expansion of the universe, and from these recent changes, scientists have acknowledged that it is actually 3

percent slower than what was first ­calculated.

The universe is relatively flat but the theory that has been presented to us states in due time it will begin to curve.

The universe is rather large, we all get that right? So therefore under the normal laws of physics and regular assumptions, it would be thought that the ends of space would never be close enough to touch.

Cosmic background measurements prove otherwise.

We begin to stumble upon infinite numbers of existing universes when we consider the inflation theory even further. In order for inflation to be carried out, expansion cannot be halted. This leads us to believe that somewhere out in space, where it is not visible; expansion is taking place faster than a spreading wildfire and each burning bush, a new universe.

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The next film in the series, Catching Fire, is out in November 2013.

Wilson also spoke about meeting the lead actress in the franchise, Academy Award winning Jennifer Lawrence; “I met her at a party and she was super-duper nice. She's really quite tall.

Which I found - I don't know if you get that impression when you see her in movies, but she's quite tall. Yeah, and she's just really nice.”

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Rebel Wilson has revealed that she is in discussions to appear in the final two films in The Hunger Games series – Mockingjay parts one and two.

Wi l s o n , w h o m o s t recently starred in Pitch Perfect, met with producers of the films about playing “one of the people in the Capitol”.

Speaking to Buzzfeed. com, Wilson said; “I have had a meeting about being in The Hunger Games. There aren't a lot of roles open, because they've all already been cast, but that would be awesome. I'd love to be in The Hunger Games.”

Mockingjay is the final book in the Hunger Games trilogy, which is being made into two films, due for release in November 2014 and November 2015.

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{sin} 14–12

features

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OPINION: Parenting and College

By Jill Murray When you imagine a typical third level student, someone who is a parent does not immediately come to mind. A heavy workload, limited finances and a focus on partying and socialising does not really tie in with caring for children. Yet more and more people who have children are choosing to return to college, and, as life has a way of throwing things at you, many other students find themselves becoming parents while they are in the process of completing their studies.

So how feasible is it to have a child while still in college? This is a question I had to ask myself two years ago when I got pregnant in my third year of a BA Connect course. Not wanting to leave college, I just about managed, with a lot of support, to juggle a baby, college, finances and a parttime job. This got me wondering how other parents manage, and what supports, if any, they receive while in college.

Childcare is the first thing parents have to think about when returning to work or college. NUI Galway has its own crèche on campus, but it only has 45 places. There is a childcare subsidy available as part of the student assistance fund, but this is a one-off payment and your child-minder has to be registered with Galway Childcare Committee in order to qualify.

Many students who are parents cannot

afford to pay professional, registered childminders, and instead rely on friends, family or other cheap sources of childcare, who are not registered and so they cannot access this fund. I did receive a payment from the student assistance fund, however, which was a great help. But the lack of a more structured fund to assist with childcare costs, or ideally, a subsided crèche place for my son while I studied would have been a much better option.

A quick look at a few of the other universities in Ireland reveals similar arrangements to NUI Galway in terms of childcare. There is a crèche in UCD which can accommodate up to 100 children, and their website states that priority for places is given to students of the university. A childcare subsidy is available, and is means tested on an individual basis, covering a maximum of 50% of crèche fees. Other institutions such as UCC, Trinity, NUI Maynooth and DCU offer similar facilities on or near campus.

The main issue with childcare is the cost.

Average childcare costs are around €40-€65 per day, with government grants and subsidies available, but only through certain childcare facilities. Often, parents have little choice about where to send their child to crèche, being forced to choose wherever has a spare place. The fact is that childcare is extremely expensive in Ireland, even for parents who are working, so what chance do students have?

A quick look at other European countries' approach to childcare shows a different attitude to the one here in Ireland. Childcare is heavily subsided in Denmark, for example, with parents paying between 0%-25% of childcare costs, depending on income, while the government pays the rest. France is another example of a country with a heavily subsidised childcare system. Most towns and villages have their own crèche, and 80% of the cost being covered by the government.

Of course, we are in an economic recession, so how could the government afford to assist parents to this degree with childcare? But there are economic arguments in favour of subsidising childcare. If parents had access to affordable childcare, then more parents could work, or up-skill or go to college, thus benefiting the economy in the long-term.

The lack of government-subsidised childcare suggests that there is an assumption in Ireland that children are looked after by a parent or family member; after all, isn't the place of mothers still enshrined in the Irish constitution as being at home looking after children? With this idea still a part of our constitution, how can we ever expect to see changes in the way children are cared for outside of the home?

When I started my degree in 2008, I definitely didn't think that I would be worrying about looking after a baby by the

end of it. And, of course, it is my responsibility to look after my child and myself.

But there is a burden of responsibility on the government to help cover the cost of childcare for people who want to work or attend college. Having a child shouldn't automatically exclude you from working outside the home until your child starts school, should it?

It isn't all bad being a parent while in college. Being a parent gives you a crash course in time management, for one thing.

In my final year, I think I was more organised than in any of the previous three when it came to my workload. With so much to manage, I had specific times within which I had to get my work done, which made it harder to procrastinate. And, with a baby to go home to, lurking off to the college bar for the afternoon was just no longer an option. Well, not unless I wanted social services calling round.

The moral of the story is that life throws all sorts of things at us, and having babies is one. Since this country is so focused on all pregnancies being carried to term, the government needs to be prepared to help parents who want to work and/or attend college. The alternative is the exclusion of many people who would potentially be able to contribute greatly to this country's economic recovery, but who are stymied by prohibitively expensive childcare.

Internet privacy: being careful online

By Valeri Tarassov Internet and computers have become part of our modern life. Most of us couldn’t even imagine what it would be like to survive without our favourite websites, email accounts and social networking sites. In many cases, we have become careless with the information we share online and terms and conditions we accept every day while signing up for services or installing software.

Let’s take Google mail as an example.

How do you think an email is sent? In order for your email to reach another person, it has to go through Google servers. When it goes through Google servers, it always leaves a track behind it. At any point if Google wants to see what a person is writing and what information has been sent in attachments, they can do it very easily.

In addition, it is very smartly outlined in their terms of services, so by doing this Google is in no way in breach of their own conditions. You would ask; “why would I care? I have nothing to hide.” Life is unpredictable, and you never know what is going to happen in future, and there could be a moment waiting when you would not like someone getting access to your information.

So I would suggest using email accounts with your real identity just for business and other useful activities, like studying for example.

Another thing is social networking sites like Facebook or microblogs such as Twitter. There is nothing wrong with the occasional sharing of statuses, but you

shouldn’t give too many private details.

I have seen examples of people informing an entire community via a Facebook status that they are having sex at this very minute, and actually tagging the person with whom they are doing so.

Another example is people sitting on a toilet and sharing their emotions about the activity; some might even include a picture.

If any of you actually do that, you need help; see a shrink.

Now coming to your real identity online; let us put aside the fact that law enforcement agencies around the world absolutely love Facebook and Google+ for the soul purpose of finding people. Let us imagine that you are a student, and as usual, we students are not a very rich bunch. Let us say you owe money to someone. They could find you on Facebook by your name and write to you or even post on your wall.

If your privacy settings will allow it, they could contact your entire friends list, asking them to remind you that you owe them money. Do you really need it? Just as an experiment, Google your own name, see what comes out, then select pictures and see what embarrassing photos you could have been tagged in.

To conclude, be private and careful, even if you have nothing to hide. And sometimes read what terms of services say, and what you are allowing a provider to do with your private information, I guarantee you will be shocked. The privacy online, no longer exists.

Pictured is The Quadrangle at NUI Galway which turned blue last year to mark World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April. Lights were turned on as part of the Autism Speaks campaign ‘Light it Up Blue’. On Tuesday 2 April the University will again light up its iconic Clock Tower to mark the world awareness day along with other buildings throughout the country which will also include, Galway’s Cathedral on University Road. Photo by Aengus McMahon.

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It’s the most horrible time of the year…

By Ann-Marie Donelan

It’s 5.00 am. Your eyes feel like they’re about to fall straight out of their sockets. You’ve created perfection in the form of a tower of empty red bull cans, which you’ve lived off for the last few days, and you’ve read more random articles online than you ever knew existed.

What has turned your life into such turmoil?

The dreaded dissertation deadlines and end of year exams loom as you try get creative with reasons to hit that deferral button.

Although some students must be rewarded for their creativity when it comes to excuses, the majority of lecturers are going to see through the classics; “Genuinely my house was robbed last night and they stole just my USB with my essay on it”, or mysterious sicknesses that arise in mass numbers around exam time, but are thankfully curable prior to the post exam celebrations.

I recently came across one student bizarrely contemplating telling a lecturer “My calculator is solar powered and it’s

cloudy today.” I never got around to asking him how this went down but I can only presume no lecturer bought this.

So how exactly can one avoid this ‘freak out’ and need for excuses coming up to this stressful time?

Firstly when it comes to exams or projects, try making a plan. This semester you have not only study week but also Easter break to get some study and preparation in.

Of course you’re going to have to leave some time for your post-lent pig out on chocolate depending

on what your last 40 days have been like, but unless you’re aspiring for a degree in this, two weeks is more than enough time to get some enjoyment, rest and study in, so make a plan now for the next fortnight before things get hectic.

Secondly, find a place to study. Now we’ve all been guilty of going to the library for a full day and getting nothing productive done, unless you count the few hours you spent creeping and eyeing up who you’re going to shift once these exams

are done with. Maybe for the couple of weeks you have to study, try to find a certain spot that suits you, near where your department books are kept maybe; also if possible try sit away from your friends for these couple of weeks. Although it might eliminate some craic and the inevitable banter as your brains become more and more fried, you’ll be thankful in August when having actual banter and not stuck back there.

Also if things get on top of you, meet a lecturer. Don’t be afraid

of them; they get paid plenty of money for what they do, and they’re here to help, not catch you out. If you feel things are building up or literally don’t know where to start for an exam a couple of days before – it happens to the best of us – pop a lecturer an email or go to their office – the majority of them will be happy to see you – and try sort things out rather than spoof your way through.

For the rest of this article on exam tips, go to sin. ie/2013/04/01/exam-tips.

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News in review: Sin’s biggest news stories

By Jenna Hodgins Volume 14 of Sin Newspaper has been jam-packed with the top stories from 2012-2013. For the final issue (tear – as in crying not tearing the paper up, cheers!), let’s take a look at some of this volume’s biggest stories from fluorescent yellow t-shirts to, well, burgers.

Students Stand-Up: 2012 marked the year that students fought back with nearly every third level institution in the country joining forces and organizing large scale protests in the build-up and the wake of the Budget. The fluorescent yellow clad “Fed Up? Stand Up!” Students of NUI Galway, GMIT and Athlone IT joined together despite the rain on November 14.

Students rallied and marched from the campus here at NUI Galway to Eyre Square where they met with fellow students of GMIT and Athlone IT. Sabbatical Officers from each Students’ Union spoke at the rally demonstrating solidarity, allowing the voices of students to be heard and recognized.

Over three thousand students turned up at Eyre Square that afternoon with 500 leaving later that day to carry a mock coffin to the office of Galway West Labour TD, Derek Nolan.

will not stop lobbying until they are… well , not even arresting them stopped them it seems… …Which brings me to our next story.

Six students arrested after sit-in at Taoiseach’s constituency office.

Five Student Union officers from GMIT and NUI Galway and one first year student of the university were arrested on 12 December after a sit-in protest at Enda Kenny’s constituency office in Castlebar.

They were protesting after the smothering budget released that the income threshold to qualify for a maintenance grant would increase by 3%.

Paul Curley spoke to the media about how they were lied to; “It’s basically a slap in the face for students because a lot of people will be affected by this […]

such as Des Bishop and Buzz from Hardy Bucks.

Volume 14 of Sin has featured stories both big and small; from straight news pieces, features, opinion pieces and regular bi-weekly columns, Sin really had it all – except a working website.

But March saw the launch of Sin’s new website: sin.ie! The long-awaited

Up next is a story Sin has been closely following since the beginning of the first semester: Student camps out on campus to save money – I pity the foal. Ok, I’ll stop with the woeful puns.

we are occupying the Taoiseach’s office to stand up for students”.

The students were later released after their arrest for ‘trespassing’. Although, they still proved the integrity of students and how the student finance issue will not go down without a fight. If standing up doesn’t work, then students will sit down.

The protest was peaceful and respectful; however, it was not silent. Students blew their whistles, shouted and chanted “No ifs, no buts, no education cuts”, allowing their voices to be heard once and for all. Students were also provided with the email addresses, Twitter handlers and phone numbers of their local TDs and were encouraged to contact them.

Despite the successful organization of these protests, the budget continued to cut grants and raise the student contribution fee to €2500. The university SU responded to the budget saying that the fight will continue and sabbatical officers

Bute is a harmful anti-inflammatory given to horses by vets for its painkilling properties. In humans, if taken in high doses, it can cause a rare disorder called aplastic anaemia also known as bonemarrow failure. Horses treated with Bute must have their passports stamped and assessed to enter into the food chain.

Nobody knows how long horsemeat has been in circulation in beef products, although now is said to be the safest and ideal time to be eating frozen meats.

With food safety watchdogs now frantically testing beef products.

Although, if you find that beef lasagne you froze this time last year, you should probably say ‘neigh’…

Speaking of being lied to, is that beef burger you’re eating really a beef burger?

The horse meat scandal was, and remains to be, one of the biggest news stories of the year to date. A statement from the Food Safety Authority Ireland reached news desks in early January detailing that trace amounts of horse DNA were found in frozen beef burgers. In little or no time later, the story exploded with the infamous Tesco Value burger made up of 29% horsemeat and Aldi lasagnes found to be 100% horsemeat. The prices of frozen beef or ready-made meals with beef content plummeted, which seemed good to the starving student but then we learned about brute.

Frank Cronin, a final year Psychology and Spanish student announced that he would live in a tent on campus to save money that would be usually spent on rent. What began as a week of camping eventually turned into the college year as Frank enjoyed sleeping beneath the stars a little too much. Mr Cronin initially intended on camping out for just the week, however, the challenge proved all too exhilarating. Speaking to Headcase.ie, Cronin stated that he loved to overcome challenges and he wishes to grow his YouTube channel Glowpunk through the project.

Mr Cronin told Sin newspaper in February that he plans on staying in the tent until the end of the semester.

He has spoken out on several occasions about his new love of nature and how living in a tent, isn’t that bad. If anything he’s been less sick whilst living in the tent! Mr Cronin has over 2,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel including videos of guests to his tent

revamp of the sin website finally came this year with the forever increasing demand for online journalism. When Jessica Thompson took the position of editor of SIN for volume 14, it was one of her main objectives to establish an interactive website for the newspaper, allowing its readers not only to read but to become a part of the news stories themselves.

With experience from her own website thedailyshift.com, Ms Thompson proposed to the SU with the idea for a new website just before Christmas. Within an impressive relatively short time, the website has been approved, assisted, created and launched in early March. Sin.ie now allows a larger student interaction, whether it be contributing to the website with your own articles or even dropping a comment under an article you liked (or disliked). Essentially, one of the biggest stories of this year is how Sin’s stories become bigger.

There’s so much more I could write about: the election of the new pope; the fire scare at the James Hardiman library; the rocky year for the USI; the Magdalene laundries revisited; the abortion debate in universities around the country; I could even go write about the giant rabbit found in the reading room! To read up on these stories and more to come, check out sin.ie.

It’ll be a sad farewell but until volume 15, adieu! Adieu!

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features

14–12

01–04

OPINION: Sweden and its racial policy

By James Falconer When we think of Sweden we are likely to think of a country which is affluent, democratic and liberal. On a recent visit to Stockholm I noticed that police were asking “suspected” illegal immigrants for their papers on public transportation. I was curious as to how they decide who is a possible illegal, but the police refused to comment. One is left to wonder, is the selection process purely racial?

Swedish police have been carrying out an operation called REVA together with the Swedish prison service and migration service. The abbreviation REVA stands for Legal Certainty and Effective Enforcement (Rättssäkerhet och Effektivt Verkställighetsarbete) and seeks to advance the effectiveness and enforcement of deportations; REVA was co-funded by the European Return Fund (ERF).

All EU countries, with the exception of Denmark, participate in the ERF and have allocated €676 million

for the period 2008–13. Specifically, it seeks to improve return management as well as to encourage the development of cooperation between EU countries and with countries of return. Put simply, EU countries pay for flights and accommodation of those who are deported.

Under this operation, which has been running for some time now at the behest of the Swedish Government, ‘right of residence’ checks are carried out along with ticket inspections in the Stockholm underground.

These checks have led to a wide-ranging debate in Swedish society and it seems certain that they are based on people’s skin colour and appearance.

The Swedish media have reported that cancer sufferers without a residence permit do not dare to take the underground to go to hospital for fear of being caught in one of these checks. The Swedish police claim that the checks are carried out only for justifiable reasons and are not based on a person’s appearance, language

or name - really?

Gonzalo Munoz, born and raised in Sweden

by Chilean parents, was approached by a police officer while waiting for a friend inside a Stockholm metro station. The officer spoke to Munoz in English: “I'd like to see your passport because you are suspected of

“

Munoz's story is one of many that have emerged in recently.

This new measure by the police in Stockholm is a reflection of the Swedish government. The current inhabitants of the Swedish parliament have been decimating many of Sweden’s public services by selling

Commentators from across the political spectrum have reacted angrily to stories

”

of police engaging in questionable

tactics to enforce deportation orders.

being in Sweden illegally”, the officer said, according to an account offered by Munoz to Swedish TV station. When Munoz was able to produce his Swedish passport, the officer apologized and released him, but the incident nevertheless left him angry. He said “It's discriminatory and it feels like all of this work going on at Central Station is based on prejudice and racism.”

them off to private companies. This short-term vision has angered many Swedes and the situation of racial profiling on the city's public transport system is yet another representation of the government’s right-wing objectives. The targeting of “foreign-looking” commuters is an effort to deport illegal immigrants.

In 1994, Ikea founder and Sweden’s richest man

Ingvar Kamprad, revealed his youthful Nazi sympathies.

He confessed to a nine-year friendship with Per Engdahl, the openly pro-Nazi leader of the Neo-Swedish movement. Kamprad claimed he couldn't remember if he’d joined the Nordic Youth [cough cough], Sweden’s equivalent of the Hitler Youth. Are there still fascist elements in Swedish politics?

Commentators from across the political spectrum have reacted angrily to stories of police engaging in questionable tactics to enforce deportation orders.

Speaking about the police activity on the Stockholm metro system, the Green Party's migration policy spokeswoman Maria Ferm said that “This has turned the metro turnstiles into a life-threatening danger zone for the most vulnerable people in our society.”

Centre Party MP Johan Hedin said police should be more careful in deploying ID checks, warning that police's unwarranted controls “Are not only a crime against good taste, but also

against the law and should stop immediately.” Migration policy spokespeople for the Christian Democrats and Left Party also condemned the behaviour of Stockholm police, with the Christian Democrat MP Caroline Szyber calling it a "witch hunt". Of course, the national police spokesperson defended officers' methods, explaining police were simply following the mandate given to them by the government.

To counter these excessive racial policies, activists are tweeting to alert people where the police are working on any given day: “Police at Högdalen metro station checking IDs, be warned,” read one tweet recently. An informant network has also sprung up in other social media.

Here we are, in a globalised world - the 21st century. It still seems that if one does not look Caucasian in Europe - he or she is perceived as a foreigner in the eyes of these policies, which exist in most European countries.

OPINION: Violence against women

By Jill Murray The Nicola Furlong case in Japan drew to a painful close recently, but not before her murderer and rapist, Richard Hinds, attempted to paint her as a sexually aggressive, drunk, promiscuous woman.

He recieved a sentence of between five and ten years for killing and raping her.

His friend, James Blackson, was convicted of sexually assaulting Nicola’s friend, on the same night, and was also discovered to have taken pictures of another woman, naked and passed out in his hotel room, after he apparently gave her a drink from a bottle of tequila, spiked with something which caused her to lose consciousness.

Richard Hinds alleges that Nicola’s death was caused by “rough sex”, which she initiated and asked him for. He stuck to this story, despite the CCTV footage of him and James Blackson wheeling the two unconscious

girls into their hotel in wheelchairs.

One of the many disturbing aspects of this case is how these two men seemingly teamed up in their approach, they both used the same tactics of drugging, molesting and raping women. How did they discover that they had this in common? How does something like this come up in conversation? Could it stem, in part at least, from casual attitudes to violence against women, which come up again and again in society?

Like the recent furore over t-shirts being sold on Amazon.com which advocated the rape, knifing and beating of women. Yes, the t-shirts were taken off sale, and the company alleged that the slogans were generated by a computer, but someone must have bought the t-shirts, someone thought they were funny.

A recent episode of the TV3 reality series Tallafornia, shows Dave, one of

the beefed up male stars of the show, joke about giving his girlfriend “a slap” if she didn’t agree with him about where to go to eat. The thing is, everyone else who was

“

and assimilate really horrific instances, not make light of them. But I think these are just juvenile jokes about how it is fine to rape women.

Recent statistics show

The question really should be,

what kind of a person wants to

”

have sex with someone who is

unconscious, or semi-conscious?

there just laughed. Yes, this is a casual, off-the-cuff joke, and it’s Tallafornia; hardly a barometer of society. But why make it at all?

Like the jokes going around about calling rape “surprise sex”. I like to think that these jokes are used as a mechanism to try and diffuse the fear surrounding rape, like how humour is often used in apparent bad taste, but the argument behind using humour in this way is to try and understand

that around 60% of women who are abused return home to their abuser. When these statistics were released, I was driving home listening to a late night talk show, which was asking listeners whether or not they believed that these women who returned to abusers deserved any sympathy.

The fact that this question is even being posed indicates a huge amount about how violence towards women is tolerated in our

society. There is still a pervasive attitude that women somehow deserve the violence meted out to them; that they asked for a slap, that they ask to be raped by walking alone at night, by wearing certain clothes, by looking a certain way, by drinking, by talking to men.

As far as I can see, all of the campaigners for an end to violence against women are themselves women.

While the Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) launched a campaign in 2010 to encourage men to take responsibility for reducing the levels of violence against women, until pervasive misogynist attitudes towards women and violence against women are tackled on a larger scale, by national campaigners and politicians, violence against women will continue. Violence and rape need to be seen as a societal problem, not as a woman’s issue. To do this men and women need to work together,

and a change in attitude, in schools, in churches, in workplaces, in courts and in the Dail.

There is still ambiguity in certain quarters about what constitutes rape. If a woman is passed out, but had been engaging in some kind of sexual activity, such as kissing , before losing conciuosness, is this rape? If a woman is too drunk to say no to sex is this rape? These questions come up time and time again in cases of sexual violence against women. The question really should be; what kind of a person wants to have sex with someone who is unconscious, or semi-conscious? What kind of a person deliberately sets out to drug a woman so that they can rape and abuse her?

The blame for these crimes needs to firmly and definitively rest with the perpetrators, and not be shafted onto the victims. No-one deserves to be treated the way Nicola Furlong and her friend were treated.

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{sin}

F eatures

14–12

01–04

OPINION: The United Nations has many guises

By James Falconer What do we think of when we see the flag of the United Nations? Or, when we see Irish soldiers “peacekeeping” in foreign lands? How did we get to this point?

The UN was founded in 1945 after World War II, replacing the failed League of Nations, an international organisation that had the same supercilious goal of preventing war and protecting human rights around the globe.

Some fundamental aims of the UN are to stop wars between countries and ethnic groups, and to provide a platform for dialogue. In an effort to succeed where the League of Nations failed, the UN managed to embed itself into all aspects of the international community.

It set up multiple subsidiary organizations to carry

out its missions: the General Assembly, Security Council, International Court of Justice, World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund, to name a few.

Sri Lanka is that tear drop island off the Indian Ocean - it was once a peaceful country. However, after the successive arrivals of the Portuguese, Dutch and British the system of peaceful coexistence between the two major ethnic groups became eroded. The Sinhalese and Tamils were once bonded in mutual respect before the advent of European interference. These foreign armies divided the two groups with their imperial agendas and the ethnic tensions between the Sinhalese majority and the Tamil minority became exasperated.

LTTE, also known as the Tamil Tigers, were

founded in 1976, five years after the first British soldier was shot in Northern Ireland. After years of widespread atrocities committed against them by the Sinhalese dominated government, the Tamil Tigers retaliated by committing massacres, suicide bombings and acts of ethnic cleansing in their pursuit to create a monoethnic Tamil province.

In the late 80s the Tamil Tigers became the self-appointed sole representative of the Tamil people after successfully assassinating the entire democratic Tamil leadership. Following this it became a formidable political and military force when it controlled a significant percentage of both the Northern and Eastern Provinces which earned the recognition of the West and continuously forced the

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Government of Sri Lanka to negotiate with them. It seems that the Sri Lankan government grew tired of these negotiations and planned to wipe out the Tamils once and for all.

In September 2008, the UN withdrew from Sri Lanka and failed categorically in its obligation to protect the Tamil civilian population, who were under immediate threat of attack. An onlooker might be more understanding if the UN were nowhere near the genocide which was about to take place, and could not have intervened in any way. However, to be right there, strategically placed in between the two, and then to leave at such a critical time, is extremely questionable, to say the least.

At the time of their withdrawal, and contrary to what actually happened, the UN should have sent more troops into the area. What about their declaration of preventing war and protecting human rights?

The Sri Lankan government began escalating their plans to attack the Tamil region on the east of the island and said that could not guarantee the UN’s safety. Surely they couldn’t have attacked the Tamil region while the UN was present.

Benjamin Dix, who was part of the UN team that left, says he disagreed with the withdrawal; “I believe we should have gone further north, not evacuate south, and basically abandon the civilian population with no protection or witnesses. As a humanitarian worker, questions were running through my mind ‘what is this all about? Isn’t this what we signed up to do?’”

As the UN was making their complete withdrawal, the Tamils looked on in absolute horror. They begged the UN not to leave, but the decision had been made and the UN pulled out of Sri Lanka. Who is accountable for this decision?

A Tamil school teacher who wants to remain anonymous said that;

“We begged and pleaded with them not to leave the area. They did not listen to us. If they had stayed there, and listened to us, many more people would be alive today.”

T h e Ta m i l p e o p l e knew that they were now exposed to the might of the Sri Lankan government forces, which had armed themselves with huge amounts of artillery purchased from Israel.

In May 2000, a day after India refused to give Sri Lanka any military assistance in its war against the Tamil Tigers, Sri Lanka and Israel resumed diplomatic relations.

Although the largely Jewish owned corporate media focus on Sri Lanka’s military assistance from China, little mention is being made of the obvious military links with Israel.

Moreover, one may wonder how the UN stands by and watches Israel obliterate Palestine. Israel has a great deal of power on the UN Security Council and it seems more than coincidental that the UN fails when Israel’s interests are nearby.

The Tamil civilians were told by the Sri Lankan government to go into “safety-zones”. After they were rounded up like sheep, the Sri Lankan jets flew overhead and bombed these “safety-zones”, committing war crimes, killing and wounding thousands.

By May 2009, there had been 65 attacks on the medical points treating civilians and government forces carried out further large scale bombardments of the area, attacking refugee convoys and hospitals that were clearly marked as such by the Red Cross.

These acts perpetrated by the Sri Lankan forces defied International Law as outlined in the Geneva Convention. The UN estimates that some 40,000 Tamil people died in the last weeks of the war alone. There is clear video evidence of torture, rape, murder and executions all carried out by Sri Lankan forces.

The Sri Lankan government has been very

obstructive in even acknowledging that there could have been any kind of human rights violations, even saying that there were no civilian casualties! The government issued a report at the end of the war which was a complete whitewash.

Sri Lanka has said there is no need for a UN resolution. President Mahinda Rajapaksa has even described the military campaign in 2009 as a “humanitarian mission conducted against terrorism and not against the Tamil people, aiming to liberate thousands of innocent civilians from the clutches of terrorism.”

This is a version that the government has tried to defend because there were no independent witnesses in the conflict zone.

He went on to say; “We cannot punish a person for defeating terrorism.”

However, evidence has piled up over the past two years. ‘Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields,’ a documentary broadcast by Britain’s Channel 4 in 2011, shows shocking footage of executions and sexual violence.

Before watching this documentary at Stockholm University recently, I learned that the Sri Lankan embassy in Stockholm requested that this film not be shown; one wonders why.

Since the war ended the Sri Lankan government has not launched a single credible investigation into alleged genocide.

For many of the affected people, the UN became an irrelevant actor at best and a complicit one at worst during a crucial time when they were at their vulnerable.

Weren’t the UN and its various bodies set up to prevent precisely such atrocities? They failed in their mandate to protect these civilians. They let politics; negligence, vested interests and plain incompetence come in the way of prioritizing the lives of children, women and men in Sri Lanka.

The UN has different masks, many of which are dark.

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S U PA ges

14–12

{sin} 01–04

What the SU has done this year...

• €3 chicken rolls and €3.50 dinners • Brought back buses to exams • Lobbied with other SUs for an additional €3million to National Student Assistance Fund. €334,000 went to NUI Galway.

• Had biggest vote ever recorded in SU Elections.

• Best attendance by any college at anti-fees march in Galway.

• Best attended Class Rep training ever.

• Led campaign against Clare County Council to overturn grant payments linked to household grant payments.

• Dealt with and solved several hundred cases regarding SUSI fiasco.

• Handed out over 33,000 condoms as part of Condom Wednesdays and sexual health awareness.

• Occupied An Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s constituency office.

• Dami Adebari and Conor Stitt got married as part of Equality Week.

• Held first information evening for

• • • • • • • •

•

members of the travelling community regarding third level education.

Were the most active SU in the INMO boycott.

Gave away €6,000 worth of prizes as part of the Students’ Union Haka Factor.

Appeared in nation media such as RTE, Irish Times, Irish Independent and thejournal.ie.

Improved lighting on Fisheries Field walkway and hope to improve it more.

Built a new website for Sin Newspaper, sin.ie.

Created Welfare Crew which successfully assisted the Welfare Officer in all campaigns.

Created better access to college via a walkway from Dyke Road to Quincentennial Bridge.

Worked with University and students to decrease anti-social behaviour during unofficial RAG Week.

Held monthly meetings with Vice-

Interview with Dami Adebari, current SU Welfare Officer

By Marése O’Sullivan How was it to be the 20122013 SU Welfare Officer?

It’s been tough enough, but I think it’s up to the students to tell me how I did.

Do you believe your manifesto objectives were achieved?

I didn’t say I was going to stop fees or stop grant cuts, I said I was going to organise effective campaigns, which I think is what we did. Grants were paid on time – the ones that weren’t, we got them [sorted] – but SUSI was a major failure.

I [improved] Mental Health Week, student counselling services, sexual health services, SHAG Week, awareness of healthy eating choices on campus.

I applied for disabled access [services], I did accommodation guides and I got back lots of deposits. I think I’ve achieved about 90% of what I wanted to do. I never really got around to exam buses, but I’m pretty happy with everything else.

What aspect of the Welfare Officer role was more difficult than you expected?

When I dealt with life outside of the SU office. When you know so many people, you’re never really finished work; even if you go out, you’re still working. You can’t really have a personal life. People feel that they can read your mind. Everything that you do is under constant criticism.

Have you any regrets?

No, I don’t.

What will you miss most about the job?

Actually having a job and that satisfaction you get from helping people.

What do you think of the incoming SU? They won’t be as good as me! [Laughs] I think Declan Higgins is more than capable for the job. I was never President or Education Officer, so I [couldn’t really answer] for the others.

What would you like to say to NUI Galway students?

Thank you for your support and just keep doing what you guys do, being who you are, and hopefully everything works out for you and you all get what you want.

What song do you think best describes your year in office?

Bob Marley’s ‘Three Little Birds’ because, after every dark night, there’s a brighter day after that.

Can you describe your year in five words?

It’s a life-changing experience.

• • • • • •

President for student experience, Pat Morgan.

Established two new committees for non-traditional student support, and disability cases.

Had clean elections and got people from different social circles to run.

Got Mundy to the college bar.

Attendance increased by 75-80% in SU Council.

Put Marriage Equality motion to Donegal Co. Council.

Got back grants that Donegal Co. Council lost.

• Had the highest number of SU Officers in Pink Training.

• Passed Equality Policy, Gender Identity Policy and Marriage Equality Policy.

• Áras na Mac Léinn committee reestablished since questions over the use and spending of levy.

• Had the most successful Equality Week.

• Opened mini SU shop in The Hub. • Started a plan for a North Campus office which hopes to open in September.

Interview with Conor Stitt, current SU Education Officer

By Marése O’Sullivan How was your experience as Education Officer, Conor?

It was like nothing I’d ever experienced.

It had highs and lows. I started in the role when I was 22 and I’m 23 now. I was capable of solving problems and was treated as a professional [with regard to] my work in the university. To have such an input into helping so many students was an amazing achievement. It’s something I’ll look back on with pride. With the job, there are long hours; so much work involved; and times when you’re pulling your hair out with stress, but it’s also for the good of the students. I just had so much fun doing it.

Do you think you achieved the objectives you’d set out in your manifesto?

I achieved most of it. There’s so many unforeseeable [occurrences] over the year that you cannot come in one day and expect it to be exactly how you planned it.

There could be anything from the government trying to pull a fast one, to something hitting the news, to the SUSI grants, which took up a big bulk of my work, if not the majority. That stopped me from achieving the projects that I wanted to do, but I believe I’ve completed about 90%, and the rest I’ll do in the next three months.

What will your role involve when students are finishing the academic year?

Students have essays and exams coming up, so I’m working with them: whether they need extensions or essay plans, or they feel their exam didn’t go so well, or if they can’t sit their exam. Other than that, there are still a lot of people waiting on SUSI grants and I’m still pushing for that. Next, I’ll be giving Catherine Breslin her crossover training and I’ll be bringing her to a couple of meetings just to get her involved.

What challenged you the most about the role?

While I was prepared for it as I could have been going in, it was hard finding out that students were in such dire straits and I had to take their burden on. I empathised with

what they were going through and tried to do the best for them with all the capabilities that I had. I suppose I mightn’t always be 100% able to give them financial security, which they deserve, or know if they’re going to be in college next year. You’re trying to get them grants as quickly as possible through a grant authority that is an absolute shambles.

They’re the victims of it. SUSI is an international organisation and you’re one S.U. officer trying to [help] while all the other S.U. officers are doing the same. You can do everything you can but you can only do so much for them; you don’t know if it’s enough or not. That’s very challenging and tough. You have to look after yourself as well, because if you’re not in a fit mental state or if you let something get you down, it will [affect] your work. You have to keep on top of everything all the time to be able and capable.

Have you any regrets?

The biggest regret for me was the budget.

We did more than any Students’ Union in the country: we got arrested, we brought the biggest march in the country, one of the TDs that we lobbied ended up voting against the decisions his government were making because of the grant, and so on. I did everything I could, and that’s where I had the experience, but still it wasn’t enough in the face of the government, who were set on making these kinds of rises in fees.

At the end of the day, the expectations of the students are for you to do enough, and I feel I did my best, but it wasn’t enough.

For the rest of this interview, go to sin. ie/2013/04/01/conor-stitt.

{sin} 14–12

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01–04

Interview with Paul Curley, Current Students’ Union President

By Marése O'Sullivan So, Paul, how was the experience of being Students’ Union President?

It was probably the greatest eye-opener I’ve had to date. It was a lot harder than I expected it to be. You have to play both the student and the professional at the same time, and getting that mix [right] can sometimes be difficult. You represent the Students’ Union on so many bodies and you only have one year [in a position that] people in higher-up roles in this institution might have known well for five or six years.

It’s only right now that I’m getting into what I’d call some of the ‘forensic financials’ of where I think the college might be going wrong. I’ll pass that onto Sean [Kearns, new S.U. President] next year.

Do you feel like you need another year to really sink your teeth into the job or are you happy to leave?

Maybe a mistake I made is that I should have brought forward the referendum regarding the [Students’ Union] roles, which start in June, because there are only two months to get into the role, which can be a bit short to plan. In three months, there would be a better chance of hitting the ground running.

Have you achieved the objectives you set out in your manifesto?

I always said I wanted to be held accountable. This job means you’re in a reactive position most of the time. A lot of [issues] come up during the year that you notice should be dealt with – for example, an office on the North Campus, and a parttime paid Postgraduate Officer for next year, which we’re close to getting. I didn’t

put those in my manifesto, but I’ve realised that I need them. The SU’s student engagement reform was one of my big [aims].

In a way, the SU had lost touch with students; at last year’s SU Council, there were thirteen Class Reps, but this year over 120 students attended. The little things, like the exam buses and Condom Wednesdays – we’ve handed out over 25,000 condoms – engage students, who wouldn’t necessarily normally see the SU as any use to them.

It’s hard to describe the issues you raise at meetings to students because we’re not on the University Management Team (UMT), which is where the real decisions are made; we’re on the ‘signing off’ body, essentially.

If we were to be put on UMT, even as a non-voting member, we could be of value to the university with our knowledge of what students want. Not having a seat on that board affects us greatly.

Entertainment-wise, I failed, straight out.

The college and its President are against having a huge event. I’m putting forward a plan to the Students’ Union Projects Fund to get €150,000 underwritten, to use the Arts Festival tent [for an NUI Galway Ents event]. Tickets will hopefully be about €40 next March, with good acts, [to provide an] NUI Galway Ball for 3,500 students. If there’s profit made on it, it will go back into the Students’ Union clubs and societies. We cannot afford to have RAG Week events: we haven’t got the funds.

Regarding the gym, I was iffy at the time [I was elected] about the referendum. I don’t think we should go near it now. Universal gym membership is absolute stupidity in the current climate with the trends that we’re seeing. I know in general it would be good for students’ health, but I’d be of the opinion that the Students’ Union should

not support it and wait for the levy on the gym to be either paid off by the students or for the college to fund the rest of it. I feel the college wants universal gym membership more than the students for a marketing purpose, because University College Cork, Trinity College Dublin, and University College Dublin all have it.

You said your biggest SU goal was to get “as many students active in NUI Galway as possible,” and that you hadn’t seen “an S.U. President in the last few years that had delivered”. Do you believe you have achieved these aims?

My reports to the SU Council have been six pages of exactly what I’m doing. No one’s perfect, although I thought I was last year. 75% [of my aims have] been achieved.

It was said to me recently by a lot of people to run for re-election, because first years knew who I was. It’s seen in our march and in the Welfare Crew that we engaged students and got them to be active. I think I’ve delivered a certain sense that the Students’ Union could be for everyone this year, while previously it might have been [extended just to] societies. When students do have problems, they know where the Students’ Union is and they have a fair idea of what we can do for them. It’s about breaking down the small barriers [to prepare for] a bigger issue that we can help them with, [particularly related to] Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) and welfare.

I represented the students of NUI Galway very well in all the different situations and I’ve called a spade a spade when I’ve seen it. I haven’t stood down from challenges that previous SU Presidents have tried to avoid. I hope students respect me for telling them the truth.

Why didn’t you run for re-election?

It can be a very intense job. I felt that maybe I could be out of touch with students next year. As President, you end up spending a lot of time in your office, but I have very good friends who tell me honestly how I’m doing and what the feeling is on the ground. You have one year and you give it [all] your energy. It’s not a 9-to-5 job: even on nights out, people ask you questions. Although I don’t really mind that, sometimes it can get really annoying.

I’ve given the effort that the job deserves for the year and more, but I’ve seen people spend too much time in Student Unions, through my time with the Union of Students in Ireland. Very few get better [at their position] and a lot get worse – if they stay stagnant, it’s difficult to have the same energy to do it again.

You stated that you’d like to be “a President that everybody respected and believed in,” and at the end of the year you’d do everything you’d said you would. You wanted to “leave the position in a better way” than you’d found it. Is this true of your Presidency?

Everybody doesn’t respect me. You’re never going to be liked by everyone. Everyone expected me to be an absolute idiot as President but I’ve changed a lot of people’s opinions of me through my work. I didn’t get everything on my manifesto done, but I’ve brought stability to the Students’ Union. People wouldn’t come out and support us in marches if they didn’t believe in us and didn’t trust us. When students got screwed, we went above and beyond, in my opinion, to make our point about the grant threshold being changed by going to Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s office: the only retaliation by two Students’ Unions across the country. The name of the campaign was ‘Fed Up, Stand Up,’ and every other Students’ Union in the country sat down.

I think the position’s in a better way now than it was [when I started] but no one ever made the Students’ Union: you’re there to improve it and leave.

What aspect of the role challenged you the most?

Switching modes so often – if you go to a meeting with Class Reps, you have to be charismatic and a leader; if you attend a meeting the same day with the Finance Board, you have to be professional, wear a tie, start pointing out figures that you don’t believe are right, and mention what the college is doing wrong; then you might go to a speaker engagement that night, where you’ll be brought to meet someone as SU President: you’ll be professional but, at the same time, you’re being one of the students.

If you’re on campus and you’re the head of 17,000 students, you have to be seen, because otherwise students don’t think you’re doing a good job. It’s something I’ve neglected in second semester.

For the full interview with Paul Curley, go to sin.ie/2013/04/01/paul-curley.

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14–12

01–04

Is “sex” a dirty word?

By Seán Dunne “Why Catholic Ireland needs to wake up to sexuality.”

Sex… there’s a lot of power in this little word. We dare not speak it in just any circle. In polite conversations with those we don’t know we steer clear of the topic.

Some of us even frown to hear it mentioned in church.

The words “sex” and “sexuality” burn our ears. “There’s no children’s church today, don’t you know there are kids present?” you might say. And I would reply, “How do you think those kids got here?”

On Sunday morning, 24 March, regular readers like myself woke up to The Sunday Independent’s front page headlines and there staring the Irish public was a little article that has caused a whole lot of trouble.

A state-funded charity was advising teenagers on how threesomes can 'spice up' their relationships.

Spunout.ie, the youth organisation that runs the website, receives €124,000 each year from the HSE. It is an organisation that this journalist has been a contributor to this year.

So what exactly was the big deal? Teenagers have sex, they get pregnant, they even experiment with their sexuality; so why all the fuss? Was it another Fine Gael back bencher making idle noise?

As it turns out sex is apparently still a dirty word in Irish society. The NGO website describes how threesomes can "inject serious passion into their bedroom shenanigans".

Teenagers are told not to pick anyone they have feelings for and instead opt for no-strings-attached sex; "If you are in a relationship, but secretly have a thing for someone else, bringing them into a threesome could lead to serious hurt, so it's best to save threesomes for a bit of fun."

This article shocked Sunday readers of The Independent, many of whom probably stopped off at the local shop to pick up a copy after spending an hour in prayer and reflection at the local church.

This article shocked Irish parents but not Irish children. So here is where the problem lies; why are we so reluctant to talk about sex and sexuality in Irish society?

Calling the advice "incredibly regressive", Fine Gael TD Michelle Mulherin is the woman who started all this controversy.

She feels "that this has been given the State seal of approval is very worrying.

There is nothing right about this."

Ian Power, a spokesperson for SpunOut said; "The fact is that sex is enjoyable for young people and for some people threesomes are just one aspect of being sexually intimate.

"We are not promoting it, we are just saying that these are the reasons why you might and might not."

Dr James Reilly has spoken out saying; “From my personal point of view, as a doctor and also as a politician, this is not the appropriate sort of information that the state should be putting out there.”

Is “sex” a dirty word? We have been taught in the last two decades that sex is the gift and plan of God; why can’t we speak of sex as God intended it?

An NGO for SpunOut said; “We promote safer sex to reduce the transmission of STIs and unwanted

pregnancy. Young people are bombarded with unrealistic sexual imagery through films and porn, neither of which detail the drawbacks to different forms of sexual activity.”

Adding to this the NGO said; “We do not promote threesomes; we arm young people with the facts about them.”

All too often, older generations avoid having conversations with their young people about difficult subjects. This is particularly true in relation to sex.

Parents feel uncomfortable talking to their children about it and teachers are afraid to raise the subject in the classroom. An adult’s discomfort does not negate a young person’s right to information.

“Silence does not breed confidence; instead it creates fear and confusion. We should arm our young people with the facts and trust them to make responsible decisions.” said Mr Buckley.

It appears Catholic Ireland still has some say in what we want our children to read and learn about. We are not as progressive as one would like to believe.

SpunOut Ireland has been one of the leading voices to criticise those who have failed generations of Irish teenagers and they must feel the wrath of Irish politics and Catholic Ireland.

Keeping cool while staying hot As you all know, we’re currently in the midst of a heat wave. “What’s new?”

I hear you ask while mopping down your sweaty brow. Given that Ireland almost constantly basks in the glory of unabated sunshine, it’s hard to believe that certain other countries apparently experience a phenomenon scientists refer to as ‘cold weather’.

With the end of the academic year fast approaching, many students are planning sojourns abroad. On the off chance you end up somewhere that counts three degrees (and I’m talking Fahrenheit here) as balmy, below are some easy to follow tips that will help you to keep both warm and fashionable in colder climes.

Do you view your duvet as no more than a bed cover? How utterly wasteful of you. What you sleep under is, in fact, a fashion statement waiting to be made. As recent style trends have proven, onesies – like Rusks – aren’t just for babies. All you need is some thread in a complementary shade and a sewing needle the size of a large pen and away you go.

The options attached to your duvet playsuit – or duvlaysuit, if you will (and you will) – are virtually endless.

You can fashion it as formal wear by teaming it with a tie or smart blazer. Alternatively, it could be turned into a sexy little off-the-shoulder number. If you plan on wearing a duvet to a club or party, be sure to team it with a nice pair of heels and choose a lower tog value to compensate for perspiration.

Any strange looks you receive are most likely the result of so-called ‘quilt guilt’ – an emotion felt by those who had previously viewed their duvet as no more than just that. When you sashayed into the bar wearing the duvlaysuit du jour, you didn’t just change the meaning of the term ‘bed wear’; you changed perspectives and, let’s face it, society at large.

A pillow cover (or indeed several) is the obvious option in terms of accessorising if you’re a hat-inclined person.

A polyester throw or mattress protector will add that extra bit of je ne sais quoi to any eiderdown ensemble. For increased insulation, why not sport some rather sensual hot water bottle lingerie?

Celebrating ten years of student volunteering at NUI Galway on Wednesday 27 March were Professor Nollaig Mac Congáil, Registrar and Deputy President, NUI Galway; Tony Griffin, GAA All-Star, author, and founder of Soar Foundation; Lorraine McIlrath, Co-ordinator of NUI Galway’s Community Knowledge Initiative; Lorraine Tansey, ALIVE Volunteer Programme Coordinator; Galway City Mayor Councillor, Terry O’ Flaherty; NUI Galway second year Speech and Language Therapy student and volunteer, Rachel Kelly from Edenderry, Co. Offaly; and second year Bachelor of Arts student and volunteer, Fiona Gardiner, from Annaghdown, Co. Galway.

If the last suggestion isn’t an option, another way of heightening the temperature is to share your duvet attire with another person.

Any initial embarrassment you both feel will soon be replaced by the sheer satisfaction of knowing you’ve at least halved the cost of your heating bills.

For those dress-down days, drape yourself in a mini-snuvet, a garment more commonly referred to as a slanket or snuggie. If you find this particular style swamps you, use a belt (skinny, normal or over-sized – this look really does work on every level) to synch in your waste and create a silhouette worthy of a washing line shadow.

If you really want to push the apparel boat out, elastic bands or hair ties will have the same effect on wrists and ankles. As any style queen worth her weight in matter will tell you, it’s all about defining angles while defying the cold this season – think Maggie Simspon in a Christmas episode and you’re more than halfway there.

If you don’t mind your keys and other knick-knacks getting a little bit damp, you could consider using a recently boiled kettle as a bag.

One potential downside of this is the fact that it would require you to maintain almost constant proximity to a power outlet. However, if you’re planning on funding your J1 lifestyle through gainful employment in an electrical appliance shop; you are golden.

Although most duvet dresses are quite forgiving, for those who are a little bit self-conscious, let me introduce you to what designers and models alike are calling fashion’s next big thing: cling film Spanx. That kit isn’t just for your kitchen, you know – it’ll leave you feeling as in demand as leftover turkey breast on 27 December.

For full fashion impact, don’t neglect your feet. I may be accused of stating the obvious here, but . . . sand bags shoes are always in style.

For those of us fortunate enough to be staying at home this summer, none of the above looks are feasible – more’s the pity. So how can we stay sun-safe while also perfecting an all-over farmer’s tan? It’s not possible, I’m afraid – it’s just too darn hot here.

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F ashion

14–12

01–04

Top style at Socs and the City fashion show

By Ann-Marie Donelan To wrap up NUI Galway’s first and hugely successful fashion week, the Radisson Blu Hotel Galway played host to the annual ‘Socs in the City’ Fashion Show on 14 March last.

The show was presented by the college’s Rotaract and Style Society with one of Ireland’s top fashion, beauty and showbiz bloggers Suzanne Jackson of sosueme.ie hosting the

evening. The event was organised with all profits going to local children’s charity ‘Hand in Hand’.

The event has a tradition of bringing together not just the best style but also talent NUI Galway has to offer in a tremendously entertaining and glamorous atmosphere. This year was no different to previous; with musicians Conor Fahy and Laura Yore, both students of the college, offering excellent

entertainment prior to the models taking to the ­runway.

The night saw 40 of NUI Galway’s best-looking, charismatic and stylish students take to the runway modelling styles of local stores including Born, Paraffin, Swamp as well as the ever reliable and studentfriendly affordable Penneys.

Edgy, alternative styling came next from the wonderfully unique vintage store Public Romance. Of course not just ladies were included in the fashion of the evening; Suzanne commented after the show that she was particularly impressed with the male style in attendance.

Guy-friendly stores such as Jack and Jones and TK Maxx presented the best looks of the season and a collection from Remus Uomo even saw SU President Paul Curley swap those famous purple chinos for a slick and stylish red pair.

It was not just casual clothing to be included in the show with things getting steamy as glamorous lingerie from local store Change and Elverys swimwear hit the runway.

Various entertainments were also provided by models while strutting their stuff with comedic and, to say the least interesting acts of a full-monty style striptease and a life-saving rescue by a lifeguard during the swimwear section.

Formal wear closed the show as the best looks from The Ivory Closet boutique in Limerick in the form of gorgeous evening dresses were showcased as well as Galway’s own Potobello store, allowing a sneak peek at some of the excellent fashion they have to offer.

Ladies were treated to a fabulously polished display as some of the evening’s gentleman models stylishly showcased excellent tailoring

Great style at this year’s Fashion Innovation Awards

By Lyndsay Hughes

faces were in attendance, including the Sunday Business Post fashion editor, Lisa Brady, who helped to choose the winning designers from an array of outstanding talent and creativity.

Newly-crowned Miss Galway Laura Fox also attended, wearing a stunning floor length aqua gown, while she socialised with Galway’s top model, Shahira Barry.

Guests were treated to goodie bags from GalThe cream of the Irish way NOW magazine, which included beautiful fashion circuit was on display at the 4th annual PaperBlanks diaries and Fashion Innovation Awards money-off vouchers for in the Radisson hotel in a range of Galway busiGalway oAn Thursday nesses. VIP guests were night. treated to an additional goodie bag from Lancome, Over 30 Irish designers, who honed their skills both one of the main sponsors here and abroad, showed of the event. off their collections in The models on the front of a 600-strong audinight were provided by ence at the prestigious Morgan model agency event. in Dublin, who The winners were meticulously styled by make-up included Niamh professionals from O’Neill, Martha Lynn and Michael Lancome’s Galway Stewart, who won outlets, and Vogue the coveted ‘StuHair and Beauty on Kirwan’s Lane. dent Designer of the Year’ award.

Preparations The show was for the show produced by the began early on Eddie Shanahan, Thursday afterwho has been noon, and there involved with was excitement the production and anticipation since it began, backstage as the and was presented models had a pracand organised by tice run. Dedicated Goldenegg Producstaff from Galway tions, publishers NOW magazine of Galway Now spent hours pre­magazines. paring the 600 Many stylish goodie bags for Fashion Innovation Awards a huge success the guests. and well-known

Style among the guests on the night was fantastic, but one lady in particular caught the eye of the judges. Orla Sheridan, a GTI student, managed to flawlessly blend designer and high street, and won the sought-after ‘Red Carpet’ award for the best dressed lady.

Goldenegg have expressed their delight at this year’s show on Facebook saying they are “looking forward to the 2014 show already!”

Given that the show was followed by a private Mojito party, it’s likely the guests feel the same.

The event was featured on TV3’s Xpose on Friday 29 March.

The winners: Fashion Designer of the Year 2013: Niamh O'Neill Jewellery Designer of the Year 2013: Ger Breslin Jee Jewellery Millinery Designer of the Year 2013: Martha Lynn Accessory Designer of the Year 2013: Lisa Ryder Student Designer of the Year 2013: Michael Stewart Winner of the "Red Carpet Award" 2013 for Best Dressed: Orla Sheridan

with suits supplied by a local Suit Rental Company.

The fashion was not just for the models of the night however as the best dressed competition attracted mass amounts of attention with one of Galway’s top bloggers Erika Fox of Retro Flame spotting the best style of the night in terms of originality and sophistication.

With five male and five female finalists chosen, it was the audience who eventually decided on the winners with clear favourites Sinead Maxwell and Conor Doyle, both of Galway, receiving massive applause while showcasing their looks.

Sinead went for a completely original homemade outfit of a gold-disco style skirt and crop top while Conor kept things

traditional yet stylish with a classic slacks and shirt combo that was jazzed up with a pair of suspenders and a vibrant tie.

The ‘Socs in the City’ fashion show has always been a massive success with all audience members thoroughly enjoying themselves and proceeds going to charity and this year was no different.

When asked whether she enjoyed the experience of hosting such an event Suzanne Jackson commented that “it was a wonderful night, with excellent entertainment and a great turnout. The style and fashion present was top notch and much credit must go to all the organisers in particular Elma Lee who headed the planning and preparations.”

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F eatures

14–12

Amy Hav erty “I’m stay ing in Galway a nd wil be doing l my placeme nt with a new edu cation magazin e.”

Student Speak

By Sean Dunne & Orla Ryan

This week we asked students what plans they had now that they are finished college.

01–04

ran ff Kevin Mo month o a go “I have to e v a il I h t n u w o n e ment. Th on place s a it im e l sky is th l il w I t bu they say g in o g be probably as k r o w abroad to ’t much n there is nity opportu more.” n here a y

Joyce Fahy t over I am hoping to ge “For the summer ve two few days as I ha to London for a to The Tuam there. I’m off brothers living . After that for the summer Herald working ica for the avelling in Amer I hope to go tr g to get at again I’m goin year and after th .” s me super rich a job that make

Bebhinn O’Dowd Lernihan “I might move to England in the future but for now I will be heading to work in The Clare People.”

Catherine Gaffney “I am heading back up North to work in Highland Radio.”

n Luke Henderso ve ve a plan yet, I ha ha ly al re t “I don’ am I e in August so a thesis that is du lies e how the land just going to se send I’m just going to then. After that bs. ply for a few jo out my CVS and ap it really.”

The sky is the lim

Lyndsay Hughes “I’m starting placement in Galway Bay FM next week, but after that I am hoping to start freelancing with some of the Sunday newspapers.”

Mark Higg ins “I’m going on placeme nt for my cou rse and I w ill be looking for a job.

I might end u p overseas but this isn’t th e end of th e world eithe r.”

rdha PAdraic O’Cia Tribune on The Connacht “I’m going to so I am er the summ placement for es and go at and see how th nding se going to wait be then I will ding if I still like it en sp wise I will be r.” out CVs other he tc ra on the sc a lot of time Orla Ryan “I am going to work in The Connacht Tribune for the coming months and later in the summer I will be working in The Irish Times. I’m excited to start my media career.”

SeAn Dunne “I’m making the big move to the capital.

I will be working in TV3 New s and RTÉ News in the comin g months and hope to bec ome a more regular freelance r in the national papers.”

{sin} A rts & entertainment {21} 14–12

01–04

Summer gig guide

By Shannon McNamee With the last issue Sin issue of the year, we thought it be best to send you off on your merry way to summer with a Summer Gig Guide Extravaganza (well, maybe less emphasis on the extravagancy of it all, but a summer gig-guide nonetheless).

With classes and exams over for another year, most of us here at NUI Galway are left with the best part of 4 months to ourselves before we come back again in September. One thinks about how to spend this precious, non-academic time.

We could go back home to our mammies, bored out our minds with nothing to do.

We could get jobs, earn ourselves a bit of money and become somewhat more independent, or we could go off on our J1s and have a fantastic time in the states, not being able to legally drink yet because we're still considered babas over there – a perhaps off-putting factor for the average Irish student.

I've decided to go for the second option this summer. In the hopes of finding a job around home, I'm staying put on Irish soil for the time being. Not a very exciting option, but a sensible one.

And although I won't be inter-railing through Europe, or working in a bar in San Diego or teaching English in Thailand, I won't be short of things to do, right here in the old country. Why, you ask? Well first of all, I have a great boyfriend to keep me entertained (though not entirely relevant, I thought it would be good to mention) and secondly, my summer is jam-packed with an amazing line-up of gigs and festivals here in Ireland. These make the idea of not joining my friends in Greece this summer all the more bearable.

So without any more beating around the bush, the first big gig of the summer is Vantastival. For those of you who haven't heard of it, Vantastival is a music festival held in Co. Louth. 2013 will be its fourth year running and it will take place over the May bank holiday weekend (May 3-5). Weekend

camping tickets cost €89, making this the perfect festival for anyone who isn't exactly flush with cash (like myself) but still wants to have a banging weekend.

Headliners include Damien Dempsey, Jerry Fish and And So I Watch You From Afar, along with a huge variety of other acts spanning genres, contributing to a stellar line up.

June 21 brings with it the summer solstice, and with that, Ballinlough Castle, Co.Westmeath becomes the home of festival-goers from all over the country for one weekend of magic at this year's Body & Soul. This, I must stress is a must for anyone. If you are going to go to one festival over the summer, go to Body & Soul. Of course I am a little bias on this one, as Body & Soul was the meeting place for myself and that boyfriend I mentioned earlier... However, apart from being a possible match-making site, Body & Soul is a magical festival, full of amazing art and music, masquearde balls and oddities in general. Set in a beautiful location with woodlands, walled gardens and a lake, and with acts such as Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds headlining, why wouldn't you go? Weekend tickets cost €139 and can be paid in instalments.

Day tickets are also available for €55.

MCD are going ahead with 2 days of gigs in Phoenix Park this July 13-14 despite last year's havoc and objections from locals. They’re promising a great line-up; The Killers are to headline on the Saturday, with support from Frank Ocean, Two Door Cinema Club and HAIM. And on the Sunday, Mumford & Sons will headline with support from Ben Howard, The Vaccines and Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros. For those of you who aren't fans of camping and would like to go home to a nice, clean, non-sleeping bag bed post gig, then this weekend is a great option. Tickets for Sunday's gig cost €61.50, and tickets for Saturday's gig will be announced shortly, so keep an eye out on MCD's website!

Ireland's newest festival Longitude will take place in Marlay Park from July 19-21. This little festival has taken Irish festival fans by storm, with a shockingly good line-up and an even better price, this could well be the gig of the year. Headliners include Kraftwerk, Vampire Weekend, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Phoenix, FOALS... the list goes on and on. The ticket prices are the most appealing of the lot with day-tickets going for €54.50 and weekend tickets costing a friendly €149.50, a real bargain considering the acts and compact capacity of 9,500 per day.

Blessington, Co.Wicklow is the place to be this July 26-28 with award winning Irish festival Knockanstockan taking over once again this year. Having won four awards at the Irish Festival Awards this year, including Best Small Festival and Best Line-up, Knockanstockan is sure not to disappoint. Hosting an array of stellar Irish acts and promoting a supportive music environment for musicians, by musicians, Knockanstockan is a weekend not to be missed. Ticket prices haven't been announced yet but are in the €75 price range, for the full weekend.

August 2-4 brings with it Cork festival, Indiependence. No announcements had been made at the time of publication on the details on this year's festival, but last year 2 Many DJs, Feeder and Maverick Sabre headlined, playing along with many other acts over six stages over the course of the weekend. Tickets were €99 for three days camping. If last year is anything to go by, then this a gig worth going to! Their new site will be launched very soon, so keep an eye out for more information.

The one everyone's been waiting for: “Europe's greatest music festival”, according to their website. Having taken a year out last summer, Oxegen is back and ready for 2013. However, this year it is scheduled to take place in August and will be a two day festival, as opposed to its previous 3 days. The anticipation

is even bigger this year, because of its absence from the scene last year and with no official information released yet, it is questionable whether Oxegen will really be the same as it was. Elton John, Eminem and Snoop Dogg are all rumoured to be on this year's bill.

Every year, the traditional close to the festival season is Electric Picnic, the pinnacle of Irish festival-ing. However with much speculation this year, fans are worried it won't go ahead. There have been no announcements of early bird tickets or an initial line up, which is usually announced by this time of the year, leading many to think that EP is no more.

A sad thought for many and although I am no veteran, I will be sad to see it go.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed though.

These are only a snippet of what the summer has to bring for the Irish music scene. Almost every weekend of the summer has multiple festivals on in different pockets of the country. Sea Sessions, Castlepalooza, the Fleadh, Galway Arts Festival, Belsonic, Life, Camden Crawl and so many more are all amazing gigs that prove you don't need to go abroad to have a good time, as we Irish really know how to put on a good shindig.

Many of the festivals and gigs this year are opting for lower ticket prices and payment plans to help people manage with the current economic crisis (let's not mention the ‘R’ word here) but if these prices are still too high for you, don't let this stop you from attending the gigs you want. All these gigs go ahead because of a dedicated pack of gig-hungry volunteers, who get in for free, usually get free food and “beverages” and only have to work a few short shifts over the course of the weekend. Volunteers also get in on all the behindthe-scenes craic and you might even get talking to a few famous faces! I volunteered and worked in bars at various gigs and festivals last year and it was a great way of getting involved, without having to pay in.

A lengthy guide including all the smaller, local festivals can be found at www.musicfestivalsireland.ie.

{22} A rts & E ntertainment {sin} 14–12

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Review: Dayseam Dayseam are an indie rock band hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who comprise of three members; Steve Mroozian on Guitar and

of a monumental lift-off for the band. There’s no denying that they are very passionate about what they do after hearing their meaningful lyrics of lust and clever, intricate guitar work.

vocals, Ehsan Ahmad on Guitars and Sebastian Weiss on Drums.

Despite the conventional cliché of hard working musicians trying desperately to live off their passion for song writing, these American indie-rockers are widely regarded as a “hugely underrated” band with “incredible songwriting, guitar work, and killer works”.

All of the members share the same musical idea, ethic and philosophy. As well as this, they all share heavy influences from the likes of Arcade Fire, Placebo and Deftones, which are clearly evident from their uniquely tight, melodic sound.

With most of their songs based around the idea of “losing love”, it is sometimes hard to distinguish this group from the likes of Jimmy Eat World or Boyce Avenue in terms of sheer originality and performance. However, despite some controversial lack of originality in particular songs, they do hold their own uniqueness through particularly interesting acoustic guitar sounds with melodic ­harmonies.

Dayseam are in the process of releasing a third studio album which promises to be very successful as it seems to be already laying down the foundations

However, Dayseam seem to be more of a concept of a project rather than an actual band. In a radio appearance on ‘Up Close and Acoustic’, they declare that their lyrics are about the hard truths of every day human existence against their own inner understandings. Despite the trio possibly coming across as pretentious and naïve, one has to admire the hard work and thought they feed into their music.

I managed to get my hands on songs from their upcoming studio album and was pleasantly surprised.

The album boasts vocals that almost replicate a style similar to Taylor Swift and riffs that sound very much like Silversun Pickups. ‘Capture and Release’ is a broad-sounding, catchy pop song that I wouldn’t be surprised to hear on international airwaves, yet ‘Winds of Change’ holds a deeper sound which glistens a bit like the earlier work of U2.

From listening to the ten or so songs, a definite conclusion can be reached.

Dayseam are an extremely hard-working band that are finally beginning to find their own individual sound; a sound that could very possibly be the breakthrough they so desperately want.

All in all, Dayseam is a band to watch out for in the near future.

By Daniel Nestor

REVIEW: Peace and In Love With the music industry supposedly strapped for cash in the modern downloading era, we were led to believe that the days of rock star largesse were over. Clearly, no one told Birmingham band Peace.

When in negotiations with major label Columbia, they demanded, and received, an enormous billboard in their hometown complete with their faces and the slogan “WHAT THE FCK BIRMINGHAM?”, and no other information whatsoever. As they were willing to put up with this, Columbia must be expecting a hell of an album from the band, and that brings us nicely to debut effort In Love.

Happy Mondays in their record collections. Toxic sticks to the classic grunge quiet-loud-quiet-loud song structure, before erupting into a chorus of “All I wanna do, all I wanna do is forget you”.

Occasionally their influences are a little too obvious; ‘Lovesick’ borrows heavily from ‘Friday I’m in Love’ by the Cure.

It’s still a tremendous song, but it could do with a bit more originality.

Closer ‘California Daze’, the only survivor from last year’s Delicious EP, is a great song to end on, as Harry Koisser’s wistful vocal builds up around a gentle strum, before the guitars slowly start to grow into a final chorus.

The first thing that strikes you about In Love is how immediate a lot of the songs are. ‘Higher Than The Sun’ and ‘Delicious’ in particular have simple enormous choruses that will lodge themselves in your head, even after one listen. Both could be massive hits, and you would imagine at least one will emerge as a­­single.

‘Follow Baby’ is just as good, full of swirling guitars and ragged vocals. To be honest, there isn’t a bad song on here. ‘Wraith’, with its slightly shuffly piano riff, gives the impression that they definitely have some

One thing that is clear is that the song writing here is impeccable.

Sometimes they lose something in the production, and the finished product isn’t quite as good as the songs deserve, but Peace excel at writing catchy and melodic tunes, and that is an attribute that will surely ensure a bright future for the band.

This is a fantastic album for anyone interested in the late 80s/early 90s output of bands like the Stone Roses or the Pixies, modern bands like Foals or just good guitar music in general. In Love is out now.

By Austin Maloney

Review: The Late Twos

By Austin Maloney

The Late Twos are a Belfast five-piece that formed in late 2010. Since then, they’ve been touring around Northern Ireland and digitally released their eponymous first EP, The Late Twos, in March. They also recently completed a brief tour of London and performed at prestigious venues such as Dublin Castle.

Their songs are very accomplished pieces of indie-pop. The band are clearly very comfortable with their instruments, as their songs prove; they undoubtedly have a talent for writing catchy riffs and melodies. Drummer Ross Bickerstaff is particularly capable, and he maintains a quick tempo that ensures their music never suffers from a lack of energy or intensity. It might seem a bit lazy, given that they’re a Northern Irish band, to compare them with their countrymen Two Door Cinema Club, but there’s a definite resemblance there, especially in the guitar work on self-titled track ‘The Late Twos’ (incidentally, self-titled tracks are extremely rare in music; the last band I can remember to release one were Warpaint back in 2010).

They’re not quite as summery as Two Door though, and have a more garage edge to their style.

As for weak points, their lyrics are a bit bland

and uninspired. They stick faithfully to simple rhymes about nights out and house parties, but it’s worth remembering that it’s still pretty early in their careers and they have plenty of time to work on that.

It’s also true that punters at indie discos probably won’t care too much about any lyrical failings, and the indie disco is one place where The Late Twos are sure to go down well. Another place they’re sure to be well received on is the festival circuit this summer.

RTE 2XM described them as “A band made for the main stage in any given summer festival”.

BBC Radio Ulster compares the band to “peak-era Libertines”, but I can’t really hear any kind of resemblance to Pete Doherty and Carl Barat’s old band. Instead, in addition to Two Door Cinema Club, they sound quite similar to Miles Kane’s former band The Rascals, or The View’s early singles, in particular ‘Same Jeans’.

If that sounds appealing to you, then you should head over to Soundcloud where The Late Twos EP is available to stream. The EP, featuring the songs ‘Don’t Want to Stop This Dance’, ‘Modette to Ladette’ and ‘The Late Twos’, is also available as a free download on their official website.

{sin} A rts & entertainment {23} 14–12

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Galway Arts Festival will see Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring

By James Falconer Igor Fyodorovich Stravinsky was a Russian, and later French and American composer, pianist and conductor. He is widely considered to be one of the most important and influential composers of the 20th century.

His The Rite of Spring was an extremely controversial ballet back in the early 20th century. Nowadays it’s lauded as a classic, and will be staged at this year’s Galway Arts Festival.

Almost no musical work has had such a powerful influence or evoked as much controversy as Stravinsky's ballet. The premiere in May 1913, at the Théatre des Champs-Elysées in Paris, was scandalous.

In addition to the outrageous costumes, unusual choreography and bizarre story of Pagan sacrifice, Stravinsky's musical innovations tested the patience of the audience to the fullest.

One of the reasons that the Paris premiere of The Rite of Spring created such a furore was that it shattered everyone's expectations.

The evening's program began innocently with a performance of Les Sylphides. However, as the follow-up piece, The Rite of Spring turned out to be anything but spring-like.

One of the dancers recalled that Vaslav Nijinsky's shocking choreography was physically unnatural to perform; “With every leap we landed heavily enough to jar every organ in us.”

The music itself was angular, dissonant and totally unpredictable. Despite its inauspicious debut, Stravinsky's score for The Rite of Spring today stands as a magnificent musical masterpiece of the twentieth century.

The production, along with another Stravinsky ballet, Petrushka, will receive its Irish premiere at the Black Box

Theatre on Monday July 22 during the Galway Arts Festival, which runs from July 15 to 28.

The show was promoted in the ABSOLUT Festival Gallery, Galway Shopping Centre, with 10 dancers from the Fabulous Beast Dance Theatre, wearing animal headpieces/masks from The Rite of Spring.

The show is a major international coproduction by the Galway Arts Festival; Fabulous Beast Dance Theatre; Sadler’s Wells, London; Movimentos Festival, Wolfsburg; Brisbane Festival; and Melbourne Festival. The production will tour Europe and Australia throughout 2013.

The show is choreographed by Michael Keegan-Dolan, whose extraordinary interpretation of Giselle was one of outstanding shows of the 2008 Galway Arts Festival.

Keegan-Dolan’s production of The Rite of Spring premiered at the London Coliseum in 2009 to critical acclaim and an Olivier nomination. The Times called it “inspired” and “exhilarating”.

The Galway production will feature concert pianists Lidija and Sanja Bizjak; the Tony and Olivier Award winning designer Rae Smith (War Horse); lighting designer Adam Silverman, whose work was last seen in Galway in Misterman in 2011; while the costume designer for Petrushka is Doey Lüthi.

Paul Fahy, the Galway Arts Festival artistic director, said that “We are thrilled to work with Fabulous Beast and our co-producing partners on what promises to be one the most exciting dance productions in Ireland this year.

Michael is one of the most imaginative and brilliant choreographers and directors working on the international stage.”

Booking opens on www.galwayartsfestival.com on Wednesday March 27.

Flann O’Brien inspired – Delicious O’Grady

By Austin Maloney Delicious O’Grady comes with a pretty intriguing tagline; “Caution: contains nudity and potatoes”. If that isn’t enough to interest you in a play, it’s possible nothing will.

Delicious O’Grady is tragicomedy inspired by the work of Irish writer Flann O’Brien. The play is set at the time of the Great Famine in Ireland. It tells the story of the struggle and eventual demise of an Irish family living through this period.

Its star Colm O’Grady described it as “a celebration of the Irish people and their strength through the great famine”. One of the central themes running through the play is the quest to find the humour in the bleakness of the famine.

O’Grady stated that one of the main aims of the play was to tell the story of the famine while retaining an element of wit and entertainment; “You don’t have to beat people over the head and show them how miserable things were. You can show things in a poetic way”.

The play is directed by Cal Mc Crystal, whose CV includes work with the Circe du Soleil and The Mighty Boosh.

As the play is about the Irish Famine, having ‘potatoes’ in the tagline is explanatory. But where’s the nudity? Well, you will just have to go and see the play to find out. Delicious O’Grady is on at the Town Hall Theatre on Thursday 4 April at 8PM. Ticket prices are €15 with concession tickets priced €12.

Poetry competition winners Sin recently held a poetry competition for its readers, and we would like to thanks everyone who entered. The winners are as follows: in first place, Karen McDonnell’s Aubade; in second place, Marése O’Sullivan’s The Walking Stick; and in third place, Anthony Daly’s The Bride. September 10th 1977.

Sin would like to thank Galway poet Elaine Feeney who judged our competition.

Below is her critique of the top three poems.

“And the clear winner is Aubade. It stood out for me as a clever poem, rich in imagery and language but not overtly clichéd bar,

Aubade

By Karen McDonnell This rosy-fingered Dawn has peeped between curtains and seen a pair feigning sleep, afraid to stir and break nightspells.

I’ve crept into draped nurseries where chill-cheeked babies lie.

Still.

I’ve paused in a room, wallpapered in must, where a man sat on a hard chair, stroking his wife’s soft head: fingertips determined to transfer memories.

I have thrown light on all-night poets.

I have risen up over open-eyed, mud-entrenched warriors and hemp-wrapped prisoners limed away in unmarked graves.

But it is the lonely ones: solitary, awake, prepared to bid farewell to the moon; those self-taught no-hopers, who anticipate the hurtling day during uncompanioned nights – it is they who earn my compassion.

I watermark all of your histories.

I soldier on, and I die each day in my own No Man’s Land – drop-dead glorious, clutching no bible, certain of my own resurrection.

The Walking Stick

By Marése O’Sullivan I am grooved With years of hard wear And tough weather.

Don’t push me round the fields, Don’t whack me off the horse.

I’m not made for your leisure, To be abandoned by the fire.

I’m here when you feel most alone, When no-one else can bear The weight of troubles in your heart.

I could have been a book by Marcel Proust, Or a heavy church pew!

Maybe a magnificent dining table, A little worn from kicking shoes.

I’ll never be a friend of yours.

Though don’t forget, I still have hope, I’ll just wait for you to die.

perhaps, the title. I’m not sure if it's a nod at Larkin or not. I think it is trying to evoke a simplistic idea; that of Daybreak/dawn, but the ending is brilliant, even in its simplicity. "Drop Dead glorious.....certain of my own resurrection." The speaker is clever and intense, ends the poem really well, and of all the entries, was in my opinion technically the most polished. I really loved this poem, the writer has great potential.

I gave second prize to The Walking Stick.

Clever in its brevity, and I loved the way they personified the stick. Something hung a little in the poem for me, a relationship with a patriarch or something akin to that, which was very moving and relevant. So I suppose I like that I connected with it.

Maybe that's a bit unfair and subjective but it was still an excellent piece. The metaphors are brilliant. Loved the language here too, simple idea but very clever. Well done.

And third prize goes to The Bride of 1977.

The language again is brilliant. It’s a far more abstract poem for me, and maybe verges on the overly personal. However it is not a 'wallow poem' and I think the poet has definitely poetic talent. I think the title needs reflection, and it could be a map as to the poems subject and allow the reader in a little deeper to some of the background.

Though that is not necessary, and poetry never needs explanation, least of all from the poet, it is just selfish on this judge's behalf. I loved the lyricism and the song like quality of this poem.”

The Bride. September 10th 1977.

By Anthony Daly Twenty-nine years and the tears dried up and died A fool's death in some quarter of the mind That did not claim her yet'I cannot marry you I would not be true I would not be a wife for you I would be broken in two'.

Twenty-nine years tore a new vein open in the heart Of two once one who spun a new thread From a well-worn loom, the blood they shed In sharing what neither dared to give Mixed like wine and water Two gods wrestling in a Sea of Wishes In desires of what could never be When the words in one September Terror tempered cut them both out Of the tomb that lay deep down In the chasm of themselves In the womb of Her, the heart of Him Split like a pear, sweet as a tear No longer shed, no bitterness, no emptiness Merely two lovers in an Autumn That can never be again.

She, in her tenderness accepted him Devout in his caress He prayed to a God as yet unnamed Then leaped into the LightNo prism can split it No darkness eclipse it No demon can deny it The Devil himself weeps for it.

{24} A rts & E ntertainment {sin} 14–12

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A Portrait of the Artist

By James Falconer Flirt FM – Tuesday 11.30am Speaking to Galway based singer/songwriter Pa Reidy/ Hi Pa, so what brings you here today – your legs? [laughs] Yes, I did walk in today!

I’d say it’s tough busking. You wouldn’t be able to put a car on the road and keep it there, would you?

You couldn’t really. Not on Shop Street, you wouldn’t get away with it!

Do you spend a lot of time on Shop Street, in Galway city centre?

Yes, most days I go out for 3 or 4 hours to busk. I love busking. I get to meet so many people and get a few bob for playing a few songs.

With your songs then Pa, are you trying to tap into any emotion in particular?

It depends on how I feel at the time.

If I’m having a bad day I might rant and rave about the things that went wrong. But, most of the time I try to have an optimistic outlook in my songs.

The glass is half full, Pa! You’ve been playing a few gigs around town recently?

Yes, I’m getting a few here and there. I was playing at the Rosewood Sessions in Garveys bar on Tuesday night. It’s a good platform for a few of us. There’s a group of us who usually go to the same venues where unsigned artists play. There’s one in Garveys, the Cellar and also the Róisín Dubh.

Where’s your favourite place to play? Careful now!

I suppose the open mic in the Róisín Dubh.

It’s on every Sunday night. Everyone gets one song each, and it’s a brilliant night. Every sort of artist comes in – you included James!

I’ve been known to drop in occasionally.

Everyone should try to come to it.

Although, it’s been fairly mobbed lately, this is a healthy sign.

You are on the Open Mic CD - a compilation.

Yes, it was recently released, Vol. 1, the first of many I believe. The proceeds are going towards the Lily Mae Morrison trust.

Lily Mae Morrison is a 4 year old girl who has a rare form of cancer - neuroblastoma, an extremely aggressive childhood cancer of the nervous system.

Yes, it’s a bad story; they need the funds.

It’s great to be able to help out in some way.

I’ve listened to the CD, it’s very good. Well done to all the contributors. How old are you Pa? I’m 23. I’ve been playing music the past 4 years. I always wanted to sing, but I felt a bit of an eejit singing without any instrument! Then a family friend was leaving the country and she handed me her guitar and a year later I said “right, I’m going to learn how to play this.” I would recommend learning the guitar to anyone.

I’ve a guitar at home, but I don’t play it. You must come round to my house and I’ll make a pot of tea!

I suggest going on YouTube.

I have tried that. I just don’t have the patience. I want to pick up the guitar, and be Jimi Hendrix!

We all want that James. Well, at least you can sing.

well. You’re from County Clare Pa - a strong music county?

It is, yes. Well, I’m from a small town on the border with Limerick. Limerick is trying to push its way towards us.

Thanks a lot Pa. That’s a great compliment to get. Sometimes I find it hard because I sing a capella and I’ve nothing to fill the silent bits with. What benefits do you get from writing songs?

Well, I think song writing is a great way to get things off my mind. Turn the emotion into a song then it’s out of my mind for good.

There’s an encroachment, is there?

There is, yes. I don’t think they’ll get us for another few years anyway!

Who was she Pa? Oh, I can’t be telling!

Don’t name drop! I had Padraig Jack in studio a few weeks ago. He wrote a song about a woman, but changed the name of it; the song is called Minnie, it rhymes with her name, in case she’d ever hear it then she wouldn’t know it’s about her.

She’d probably still know if her name rhymes with it.

Well, I thought it was about a man called Vinnie because I couldn’t think of a woman’s name that rhymed with Minnie!

What about Winnie?

Oh yes, Winnie. Winnie, if you’re out there?

Padraig Jack has written a beautiful song about you!

It’s a great song. It’s also on that Open Mic compilation CD as

What about blocks? A lot of artists suffer from blocks.

You want to write a song, but you can’t get it together.

Yes, I get that a lot. I could go through a few weeks without writing anything because it won’t come to me. Then there’s times when I might write 5 songs in a week.

It all depends. I try to find the guitar riff first; I find it difficult doing it the other way round.

You released an album not so long ago. When was this?

I released it in November 2012. I had a launch night in the Townhouse bar and it went much better than I expected. The bar was full of family and friends. I sold a lot of CD’s. I’m still selling them, mostly on the street when I’m busking.

What’s your album called Pa? It’s called ‘tea&talks’.

Where can we find more of your music online Pa? Well, I have a facebook page called pa reidy music so if anyone wants to get in contact - I’m available for bookings. I have a few songs on YouTube as well. Find me on Shop Street if you want a CD. We’ll see you there, Pa.

The Train

By James Falconer Continued from Issue 11…

“Sebastian, we’ve been through all this before. You know I’ve wanted to leave this place for many years, well, since my father was taken from us.”

Sophie’s father was murdered when she was sixteen. She was the only witness and had heard his last breath.

The psychological strain of the past eight years had taken its toll; she had longed to escape the trauma. Her time had come.

“What about your mother and your little brothers and sisters? What will they do without you?” Sebastian protested.

“Listen to me, I love them. I am doing this for them, as well. If I stay here, I will end up hating them. You know, in some cases, familiarity breeds contempt, Sebastian. Now, I’ve told you already, I don’t want to discuss it any further.” Sophie sighed deeply, turned

sideways and broke eye contact with Sebastian.

“Alright, alright, it’s just that I cannot be without you. I sat on the other side of the river this afternoon, thinking. I must have sat there for a few hours, I don’t know. I seemed to lose concept of time. I came to the conclusion that I don’t want to stay here without you.

But even if I left this city, I don’t want to be without you either so I jumped into the river and swam.” Sebastian shuddered silently and a small tear emerged from his left eye. As Sophie turned back to face him, she saw the tear begin to trickle and wiped it from his cheek. Then she leaned forward and kissed him.

They sat on a bench holding hands, looking at the sky. Sophie rested her head backwards against the station wall.

She was looking at the clouds slowly drifting by, she felt infinity with them.

She was 24 years old, and began to

realise the great life that awaited her.

There was that little voice, which said “but what about your family, they need you.” She had become so aware of this voice that she was able to listen to it, acknowledge it, and then let it go. Sophie exhaled deeply into the sky as if to send the voice away with the passing clouds. As she exhaled deeply she awoke Sebastian from his train of thought.

Sebastian had fled Prague in 1968 when he heard that the Soviets were descending on the city. A graduate of the University of Prague, he was the eldest of 4 sons. His mother was a nurse and his father a carpenter. His parents had worked hard to give him the best opportunity to excel at university.

Sebastian’s mother wanted him to study medicine, but Sebastian was too fascinated by literature. He loved the work of Franz Kafka and drew huge inspiration from it. His father encouraged him

to read as much as he could. Sebastian often got lost in his thoughts.

“Why the big sigh, Sophie?” Sebastian asked, gently rubbing her hand.

“Oh, I am just letting go of the voices in my head,” she replied with another deep breath, then asked; “So are we going to catch the next train together?”

“Yes, but I don’t have my things, I need to go home to pack my bag,” Sebastian said excitedly.

“Do you think you’ll make it?” she said looking at her watch.

“Don’t worry Sophie; I am going to swim back across the river and get my uncle to drop me back here. The train doesn’t leave until 7.45pm; I will make it.” Sebastian kissed her, then turned and ran in the direction of the river.

To find out if Sebastian makes it and how the story unfolds, look out for The Train by James Falconer in Easons, Charlie Byrnes and other outlets.

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Film Previews

Review: Stoker

With SIN out of commission until next September here’s a quick rundown of films worth keeping an eye out for until our triumphant return:

By Jane Kearns

The Place beyond the Pines: Out in Galway April 12th “Blue Valentine” filmmaker Derek Cianfrance reunites with Ryan Gosling for what looks like a sprawling tale of crime and fathers and sons. Featuring Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendez, Rose Byrne and Ray Liotta the promising trailer brings together a strong cast with a director whose last feature was a critical darling.

Early reviews suggest its ambitious to a fault with three major interconnected storylines (the last of which allegedly doesn’t feature either leading man) but with the talent involved and Gosling taking a break from acting for the foreseeable future it’s worth a look if and when it makes it to cinemas here in Galway.

“

be in keeping with the tone of Fitzgerald’s epic, but at any rate a 1920s set visual feast for fans of the director and an overdue update on a literary heavyweight.

Heroes Club: “Iron Man 3” (April 26th), “Man of Steel” (July 17th) and “Kick Ass 2” (no Irish release date as at the time of printing) arrive in Irish cinemas to varying degrees of anticipation. Iron Man 3 comes on the back of the colossal success enjoyed by “The Avengers” last year and the relative disappointment of Iron Man 2. With the always entertaining Shane Black who made the great “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” at the helm and Robert Downey Jnr. being joined by Ben Kingsley on chief bad guy duties with

Monsters come up from the sea; the remaining members of humanity build giant robots to fight them. What’s not to love?

Oblivion: Out in Galway April 12th.

Tom Cruise returns to sci-fi with this intriguing mystery thriller which places him in a near future Earth of the familiar post-apocalyptic variety. Working as drone repair man (echoes of WALL.E) in the ruins of our planet Cruise discovers a mysterious woman (Olga Kurylenko) whose space craft has crash landed on the surface containing secrets pertaining to the war that was said to decimate our planet. Further details are murky but with Morgan Freeman on hand as a revolutionary figure this sounds like a conspiracy thriller with sci-fi DNA. As befitting the man behind the visually spectacular, if thoroughly bland, “TRON” sequel the trailer looks awfully nice.

Pacific Rim: Monsters come up from the sea; the remaining members of humanity build giant robots to fight them.

What’s not to love? Bolstered by “Pan’s Labyrinth” visionary Guillermo Del Toro on writing and directing duties this looks like one of the more enticing big budget epics hitting cinemas this summer with a trailer that’s heavy on monster design and suitably bombastic action. In Irish cinemas the 12th of July.

The Great Gatsby: Arriving in Galway May 17th and judging by the trailer (featuring music by Jay Z and an only mildly punchable Tobey Maguire) a lavish affair is in store for fans of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s literary classic filmed in 3D by “Moulin Rouge” director Baz Luhrmann. Leonardo Di Caprio is Gatsby; Carrey Mulligan tackles Daisy Buchanan whilst Tobey Maguire plays Nick Carraway, Joel Edgerton of “Warrior” fame and Isla Fisher and Jason Clarke round out the impressive cast.

Looks like a visual overload which may

”

If you’re a fan of Korean cinema then you’ve definitely heard of Park Chan Wook and his terrifying thrillers, films like Oldboy and Thirst have garnered the director international notoriety and legions of fans around the world, but this year the South Korean native released his first venture into English-speaking cinema; Stoker. A modern twist on Hitchcock’s Shadow of Doubt, Stoker delves into the deprived world of a young girl obsessed with her long lost uncle.

Written by Prison Break’s Wentworth Miller, Stoker stars Mia Wasikowska as India Stoker, a teenager who has recently lost her father in a car accident, and lives in a secluded country mansion with her self-involved mother played by Nicole Kidman. After the death of India’s father, her estranged uncle Charlie (Matthew Goode) comes into her life; Charlie is a handsome, educated and well-travelled man, who impresses India with his confidence and cool demeanour.

Goode does a fantastic job of playing the mysterious Charlie Stoker and effortlessly creates on onscreen persona that is both enthralling and terrifying. Wasikowska also does an excellent job, playing a confused teenager, but as the film develops she goes

from being a quiet and introverted girl to a cold and at times incredibly creepy woman, all under the tutelage of her beloved Uncle Charlie. Nicole Kidman rounds out the central cast, playing India’s mother Evelyn, who like India is obsessed with Charlie, this lends to some very tense scenes that add to the overall unnerving quality of Stoker.

Aside from the wonderfully weird performances given by the cast, the directing and cinematography are fantastic; slow motion close-ups and highly saturated colours make the film a visionary feast and help add to the erotic undertones present throughout.

In Stoker, Park Chan Wook has created a story that is tense and at times difficult to watch; it’s a great film for those who want to experience something a little bit different in the cinema but its controversial themes and slow burning storyline mean it’s not for everyone.

Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall and the returning Don Cheadle and Gwyneth Paltrow the promising trailer has hopes high for the latest Marvel superhero jaunt. Likewise themed, typically darker sequel that pits inviting premise, bolstered greatly by the producer Christopher Nolan and “Watch- Cumberbatch’s terrorist against Chris presence of Jeff Bridges and Kevin Bacon from men” and “300” director Zach Snyder’s take Pine’s Captain Kirk. Action previewed is the director of the surprisingly good 2010 on the eponymous man of steel promises suitably grandiose and Cumberbatch looks action comedy “RED”. No official release date a modern update on the quintessentially the part as the villainous ex-Starfleet cadet. in Ireland yet but one to look out forgiven kitsch all American boy scout with the the cast and the directors last outing. two teaser trailers offering a more nuanced “World War Z”: Out the 21st of June take on the son of krypton. Alternatively the much troubled production history of “Elysium”: From the director of “Disany trailer sounds good with “Gladia- “World War Z” may end up being the most trict 9” comes this class conscious futuristic tor” music playing over it. With Henry interesting aspect of Marc Forester’s (whose tale with Matt Damon, Sharlito Copley Cavill, Amy Adams, Diane Lane Kevin last stab at action related material was the (seen later as the antagonist in Spike Lee’s Costner, Russell Crowe as Superman’s ill-fated Bond outing “Quantum Of Solace”) Oldboy remake later this year) and Jodie Foster. Set in the biological father Jor-El and Michael year 2159 where Shannon as superrich and poor live Snyder’s take on the eponymous man of steel villain General Zod. respectively in a Finally, casting an luxury space stapromises a modern update on the quintessentially eye at the new “Kick tion (Elysium) and Ass” the edges of its the ravaged remains kitsch all American boy scout predecessor look to of planet Earth have been dulled (another apocalypoff in the ultra-slick trailer unveiled last take on Max Brooks same name novel about tic setting in this recommendations list) month. Aaron Taylor Johnson and Chloe a Zombie apocalypse. After a string of criti- this looks like another socially aware action Grace Moretz return as Kick Ass and Hit- cal hits Brad Pitt is back in blockbuster effort from the lauded South African filmGirl respectively. The one outstanding territory with this delayed zombie epic maker. Expect brains and big guns and a highlight previewed is Jim Carrey’s poten- that treats the walking dead as fast moving bald Matt Damon. tially bravura performance as deranged hordes. Rated PG 13 in the US think of the masked vigilante, Colonel Stars and threat offered here as a pandemic personiand finally “Much Ado about NothStripes. For that and more of Chloe Grace fied by zombie hordes more than “28 Days ing” out in the UK June 14th with an Irish Moretz’ Hit-Girl, don’t write “Kick Ass 2” Later” chills where genuinely harsh mate- release date likely to follow in select cinrial was depicted onscreen with effectively emas. Following on from acclaimed feature off just yet. gruesome results. Shades of 2007s “I Am efforts “Serenity” and “The Avengers” Joss Summer Releases: “Star Trek: Into Legend” from the CG monster heavy first Whedon swaps the theatricality of half a the Darkness”: Release date: 17th May. trailer (which bears little resemblance to dozen superheroes for some Shakespeare.

Following his rejuvenating reboot of the the novel told largely in epistolary form) Shot largely in his own back garden with Star Trek franchise JJ Abrahams is back “World War Z” may be a perfectly service- regular “Buffy”, “Angel” and Marvel collabowith much of the same cast plus an ace in able entertainment in the formers vein. rators thrown into the mix at any rate it’s the hole with English star Benedict Cumthe follow up feature from a man whose berbatch on main bad guy duties. Alice Eve “R.I.P.D”: Ryan Reynolds joins a team left not only a major impact on TV in the and Peter Weller join the ensemble cast of dead lawmakers who offer to help him last decade but also is two for two for feawhilst trailers have showcased the revenge track the man who killed him. It’s tricky and ture films.

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H ealth & fitness

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Exams are coming: 7 tips to make sure you’re ready.

By John Mulry of Expect Success Fitness As this is the last issue of Sin for this semester I wanted to leave you with an actionable article that will help you come exam time. We are nearly into April and with the exams just around the corner, no doubt the stress and tension may be starting to build up.

Here are seven simple, but effective tips to combat that stress.

1. If you are having trouble in a particular subject or

course, don't hesitate about asking for help. Your lecturers and tutors have office hours; drop by during this time and tell them you need extra help. Contrary to what you might think, they are there to help you succeed and will gladly point you in the right direction if you’re struggling for clarity.

2. Try studying for exams with your friends. Studying alone can be beneficial, but there is strength in numbers, especially when others need to learn the same material as you. Try setting up a schedule and picking a place to meet that works for everyone. Avoid doing this in a crowded area like Smokey’s, what I recommend you do is go to one of the quieter lecture halls or classrooms and keep the likes of the canteen or Smokey’s for when you’re having lunch or a quick tea or coffee.

3. Make sure you're getting enough sleep. Getting a full night's sleep and staying on a sleeping schedule can help you much more than skipping or cutting back on your sleep. By getting plenty of rest, you'll be more alert, have more energy, and be able to study more aptly.

4. Try not to stay out late partying and drinking leading up to your exams. You know this already but it will make a big difference.

When you’re hungover, your concentration levels are shot, you have a severe lack of energy and you will be less likely to want to study (I know I was) and it’s just not worth it. Keep the nights out until after your exams. Then you can go bananas if that’s your thing.

5. Stick to what works best for you. If you are an all-nighter type of person and it works for you stick

with it. Or if you’re like me and you like to schedule study time at certain times of the day then do that.

Find your “magic” time for study and guard it with your life. Don’t let anyone interrupt you when you are “in the zone”.

6. Don’t go hell for leather. Take breaks, get out for some fresh air or better still, get some exercise in. Go to the gym, or even just a walk. Do whatever you like doing, whichever way you prefer to exercise, do that. Staying active will help stimulate your brain

Invest in your future with a Postgraduate qualification in Law. Postgraduate Diploma/MA in Law (NQAI Level 9, full or part-time)

By Kiri Renssen

Law is important to a career in business, finance, human resources, insurance, and in the public service or voluntary sector. The Postgraduate Diploma/ MA in Law is ideal for graduates in any discipline who wish to set themselves apart with a legal qualification. The Postgraduate Diploma in Law is a one-year intensive programme. Students can pick from the ‘core’ modules (e.g. Contract, Tort, Property, Equity, Constitutional, Company, EU, Criminal Law) or a range of interesting optional subjects (Human Rights, International Trade, Criminology, Media, Intellectual Property Law).

According to statistics gathered by the World Health Organisation, HIV has claimed over 25 million lives over the past thirty years. Sub-Saharan Africa is the most severely affected region with almost 1 in every 20 adults living with HIV. The virus can be transmitted through the exchange of various body fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, blood and breast milk.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not transmitted through everyday contact such as shaking hands, sharing personal objects, food or water or kissing. Those affected (who can afford it) take a cocktail of drugs as part of anti-retroviral therapy which stops the virus from causing AIDS. However, recent developments in the field of HIV and AIDS research may mean that people infected with HIV may not have to take such a plethora of drugs

Also offered in the School of Social Sciences and Law:

MA Criminology MA Child, Family and Community Studies Deadline for applications: 29th April 2013, though offers will be made on a rolling basis. Apply now to secure your place for next year!

To discuss the programme in more detail, call Bruce Carolan, Head of Department of Law at (01) 402-3016.

For further information or an application form, please contact Ms. Emma Linnane E: emma.linnane@dit.ie or T: (01) 402-7181 W: www.dit.ie/socialscienceslaw

carbs and you’ll be fine.

Drink plenty of water too, aim for 2-3 litres a day.

Exam time is stressful but if you even take 5 of the tips above and apply them you will minimise that stress, start with whichever one you find to be the easiest and get cracking. Best of luck and hopefully I’ll be back with more ramblings and (amazing) content for you next year. I’ll leave you with this; in life you don’t always get what you want, but you always get what you expect. So expect success (you might as well).

Major developments in HIV research

Set yourself apart.

Graduates of the PGDip are eligible to complete the Master of Arts in Law. MA students receive individual supervision on a sustained research project, which will enhance their marketability by deepening legal research, reasoning and writing skills.

a lot more and give you renewed energy to tackle those books.

7. Avoid the junk food.

What has food got to do with exams? If you’re shovelling energy-sapping foods into your mouth like sugary sweets, pastries, fizzy drinks and other types of crap, you’ll be left with that sluggish, lethargic “I’m doing nothing but sleeping” feeling.

So what should you eat?

Simple; just eat real whole foods. Load up on balanced meals with a high protein, healthy fats and complex

in the future. David Harrich, group leader in the department of HIV Molecular Virology and his team at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research made a break-through in 2007 when they discovered that a mutated protein would inhibit multiple steps in the virus lifecycle, thereby preventing the virus from replicating and spreading.

Harrich’s research paper was recently published in Human Gene Therapy. The mutated protein was dubbed the ‘Nullbasic potent inhibitor’. However, it is still early days. The experiment was carried out on human blood cells infected with HIV in a dish in a lab. According to Harrich, there is “absolutely room for this protein not to work on a number of different levels” once trials continue on animal and much later, human test subjects.

Harrich states that this is not a cure; “You would still be infected with HIV but the virus would stay latent, it wouldn’t wake up, so it wouldn’t develop into AIDS. With a treatment like this, you would maintain a healthy immune system.”

This is key for those infected with HIV. HIV does not in itself kill you.

HIV batters your immune system thus giving you AIDS. Once you have AIDS, your immune system is too weak to protect you from

opportunistic infections that a healthy immune system would ordinarily have no problem clobbering. It’s these infections that ultimately kill the majority of AIDS patients.

In other news, researchers in the University of Western Ontario led by Professor Chil-Yong Kang, have successfully completed Phase 1 clinical trials on humans for a HIV vaccine. Furthermore, a team in Stanford University recently published their paper in Molecular Therapy on their research on creating HIV-resistant T-cells.

T-cells are a type of white blood cell targeted by the human immunodeficiency virus and are a critical element of a properly functioning immune system. The Stanford pressrelease describes how the researchers inactivated a receptor gene and then cut and pasted anti-HIV genes into T-cells thereby preventing the virus from getting into them. As with many other viruses, HIV needs to weasel its way into the host’s cells in order to replicate.

Therefore, if it can’t get into the cells, it can’t replicate and it can’t wreak havoc on the host’s immune system.

While they are not definitive cures, these developments are very exciting and will no doubt inspire hope in both HIV patients and others everywhere.

Long live research!

Clubs Bookings in Kingfisher CLUB

Monday

PArk AND rIDE Tuesday to Dangan Sports Pavillion: now operating!

Commences to Dangan at 5.45pm Last bus from the Pavilion at 9.15pm

Wednesday

Bus will start at the Orbsen Building and complete its usual pickups.

You can hop on and off as usual but this bus goes all the way to Dangan Pavillion!

Thursday

Friday Saturday Sunday Mon – Wed Thursday

Service Operates:

5.45pm – 9.15pm 5.45pm – 8.15pm

Monday – Wednesday Departing from Orbsen Building:

5.45 | 6.15 | 6.45 | 7.15 | 7.45 | 8.15 | 8.45 | 9.15 (final bus from Dangan Pavillion)

Thursday

Departing from Orbsen Building:

5.45 | 6.15 | 6.45 | 7.15 | 7.45 | 8.15 (final bus from Dangan Pavillion)

Aikido Karate Badminton Archery Club Futsal Soccer Taekwondo & Judo Swim Club Karate Club Archery Fencing Club Ladies Basketball - Varsities Karate Club Aikido Club Maui Thai Cricket Club Kayak Club Volleyball Volleyball Aikido Archery Mens Varsity Basketball Cricket Club Badminton Taekwondo Karate & Judo sharing General Varsity Training Sub Aqua Swim Club Frizbee Muai Thai Cricket Ladies Basketball - Varsities Ladies Basketball - Recreational Table Tennis & Fencing Taekwondo & Aikido Fencing Advanced Swim & Lifesaving Club Mens Basketball - Varsity Archery Club Fencing Inline Hockey Volleyball Club Blank Judo Club Waterpolo Taekwondo

TIME 1.00pm – 2.00pm 6.00pm – 8.00pm 6.00pm – 8.00pm 6.00pm – 8.00pm 8.00pm – 10.00pm 8.00pm – 10.00pm 8.30pm – 11.00pm 7.30am – 9.00am 7.00pm – 9.00pm 6.00pm – 7.30pm 6.00pm – 8.00pm 6.00pm – 8.00pm 7.00pm – 9.00pm 7.30pm – 9.30pm 9.00pm – 10.30pm 9.00pm – 11.00pm 8.00pm – 10.30pm 1.00pm – 2.00pm 1.00pm – 2.00pm 4.00pm – 6.00pm 6.00pm – 7.00pm 7.00pm – 9.00pm 9.00pm – 11.00pm 7.00pm – 9.00pm 6.00pm – 8.00pm 8.00pm – 9.00pm 9.30pm – 11pm 7.00pm – 8.30am 5.00pm – 7.00pm 7.00pm – 9.00pm 9.00pm – 10.30pm 6.00pm – 8.00pm 8.00pm – 10.00pm 6.00pm – 8.00pm 8.00pm – 10.00pm 6.00pm – 10.00pm 9.00pm – 11.00pm 11.00am 11.00am – 1.30pm 3.00pm – 4.00pm 7.00pm – 9.00pm 6.00pm – 10.00pm 6.00pm – 7.00pm 7.00pm – 9.00pm 9.30pm – 11.00pm 12.00pm – 2.00pm

VENUE Hall 3 Raquetball Court Hall 1 & 2 Hall 3 Hall 1 & 2 Hall 3 Full Pool Dance Studio Hall 1 Hall 1 Hall 2 Hall 3 Hall 3 Hall 1 Hall 3 Full Pool Hall 2 Hall 2 to Oct 17th Hall 3 Hall 3 Hall 2 Hall 1 3 halls Hall 2 Hall 3 Hall 3 Full Pool 2 Lanes Hall 1 Hall 1 Hall 1 Hall 2 Hall 2 Hall 3 Hall 3 Raquetball Court Full Pool Hall 2 Hall 3 Hall 3 Hall 1 Hall 2 Hall 3 & 1 Hall 3 Full Pool Raquetball Court

Swim Club

4.00pm – 5.30pm

2 Lanes

Fencing Club

2.00pm – 4.00pm

Raquetball court

5-ASIDE SYNTHETIC PITCHES Cages for hire – Students & Staff

€20 PEr Hour

Located at Corrib Village For further info: contact Kevin Cassidy Email: nuigcages@kingfisherclub.com Text Kevin: 0861772589 Or visit www.otc.nuigalway.ie Kevin Cassidy is the facilitator for all your recreational soccer. Most capped player for Galway United, Manager/Coach with Galway District League.

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NUI Galway Honours Its Sporting Stars

By Mark Higgins The Aula Maxima was the setting for the 30th annual NUI Galway Sports Awards on the evening of Thursday 21 March.

The sports awards are held to recognise the achievements of NUI Galway’s elite athletes across a wide spectrum of college sports.

The awards honour the finest athlete from each of the college’s

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sports clubs, nominated by club members themselves. Previous winners include current Galway hurling manager Anthony Cunningham, amongst many others.

Kathy Hynes, Development Office, Sports Clubs and Participation, NUI Galway said; “Each year NUI Galway recognises the outstanding contribution of student athletes across many

Pictured receiving the Ladies Soccer Award at the annual NUI Galway Sports Awards is Jennifer Byrne from Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, with Dr Pat Morgan, Vice-President for the Student Experience, NUI Galway. This event is the highpoint of the University sporting year, and celebrates the achievements of NUI Galway sporting heroes during the past year. The awards recognise sporting performance and participation as well as acknowledging students who have excelled in the leadership and co-ordination of their sports clubs.

diverse sporting disciplines for their achievements in sport. This year’s awards ceremony extended to reflect not only the achievements of students in terms of performance sport but also the contribution of the clubs to campus life and the importance of participation in sport and exercise.

Five such awards were awarded to reflect this important contribution to university life.”

The awards were hosted by former Olympic runner and current Head of Elite Sports Development Gary Ryan. Mr Ryan welcomed the night’s recipients and their parents, paying tribute to their dedication and commitment to their chosen sport.

Speaking about the awards, he said; “When you look at the list of the people who have won these awards over the years some of the most recognisable names in Irish Sport are amongst them.

There are also dozens of former students who have contributed enormously to sport locally and nationally since then in a variety of different roles. It is striking to see how many past award winners are now involved in coaching and administration and reinforces how important the learning experience of being involved in University Clubs can be.”

The Individual Awards were

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2012 Sports Award Winners Individual Awards: Archery: Darren Wallace from Portlaoise, Co. Laois Ladies Soccer: Jennifer Byrne from Ballinsloe, Co. Galway Cricket: Waqar Ul Hassan from Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo Pool and Snooker: Stephen Darren Dempsey from Monaghan Town Swimming, Lifesaving and Waterpolo: Kevin McGlade from Galway City Hurling: Kevin Moynihan from Ennis, Co. Clare Camogie: Orlaith Duggan from Clooney, Co. Clare Men’s Gaelic Football: Ciaran McDonald from Aherlow, Co. Tipperary Hockey: Síle Johnson from Bandon, Co. Cork Tom Tuohy Award for Achievement in Rowing: Rob O’Callaghan from Galway City

Kickboxing: Des Leonard from Riverstown, Co. Sligo

presented by Dr Pat Morgan, Vice-President for the Student Experience. Eleven individuals were recognised with awards, in sports as diverse as Gaelic football, kickboxing, ladies soccer and archery.

The Team Awards were then presented to the club teams which have excelled over the past year.

These went to the archery club and the swimming and lifesaving

team.

The Vision Awards are given to recognise clubs which have shown outstanding promise of moving forward successfully in the coming years. These were awarded to the women’s volleyball club and the ladies’ basketball team, the NUIG Mystics.

The ladies soccer club scooped the Most Improved Club award after their excellent year, before the Recreation and Participation Award was presented to the futsal team, ‘The Fresh and Cool’.

The Alumni Leadership Award was jointly won by the tabletennis and surf clubs. Surf club captain Grainne Conway received the Club Captain Award, before the final award of the night, the Special Achievement Award, went to Hannah Smith of the women’s rugby club.

Mr Ryan concluded the ceremony by again thanking the recipients and their families for their efforts, and wishing them well, in both sporting and academic terms, for the coming year.

Team Winners: Team Award: Archery Club Team Award: Swimming and Lifesaving Team Team Award: Mystics (Ladies Basketball) Team Award: Volleyball Club Most Improved Club: Ladies Soccer Club Outstanding Recreation Participation Award: Futsal winners "Fresh N Cool" Club Captains Award: Surf Club - Captain Gráinne Conway from Westport, Co. Mayo Special Achievement Award: Hannah Smith from Ennis, Co. Clare, past Captain and now secretary of Women’s Rugby Club Leadership Alumni Award: Joint winners – Table Tennis Club and Surf Club

Pictured receiving the Swimming, Lifesaving and Waterpolo Award at the annual NUI Galway Sports Awards is Kevin McGlade from Galway City, with Dr Pat Morgan, Vice-President for the Student Experience, NUI Galway.

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Success for NUI Galway NUI Galway Hockey team Ladies Soccer on their way to cup final

By Rosa Shine The NUIG Ladies Soccer team claimed their first piece of silverware in over 10 years on Tuesday the 19th March with a 4-2 victory over Athlone IT. The management team of Padraic De Burca and Johnny ‘Beano’ Hynes were thrilled and the girls gave all their supporters in Drom a lively rendition of the “Fields of Athenry ” after the victory.

NUIG started the game the livelier team with Karen Mc Elwaine showing good composure in midfield to pass the ball around. AIT’s Shaunagh Jackson began causing problems for the NUIG defence early on and she made a number of dangerous runs before opening the scoring with a clinical finish 15 minutes in.

Straight from the restart Athlone went on the attack once more.

Katie Kilbane was quick of her line to deny Jackson picking up a through ball from Nora Ward. Danielle Gordon was making an impression in midfield, working well with Anne Marie Flanagan and she got the equaliser for Galway, latching onto a nice through ball from Maebh Coleman.

This game was proving to be end to end stuff and AIT took the lead once more with 10 minutes left in the half. Shaunagh Jackson once again showed she has pace to burn, racing

past the Galway defence and finishing from the tightest of angles. NUIG thought they had scored again from a corner just before half time but Sarah O’Connell was unlucky when the ref blew for a foul on the keeper.

The girls did not let their heads drop and came out for the second half determined to turn things around. Rachel Keyes moved up front and worked tirelessly to try and create something for the college. O’Connell got her goal after the Athlone goalie blocked a good effort from Mc Elwaine.

The striker was in the right place to blast the ball off the crossbar and into the top of the net.

With thoughts of extra time and penalty’s crossing some player’s minds, Galway came out on top and hunted down that third goal.

Captain Rosa Shine was substituted mid-way through the second half after receiving a ball to the face with Katie Gibbons coming on in her place. Emma Curley flashed a shot narrowly wide for the IT and only for superb defending from Trish Moran and Leanne O’Dowd, and Katie Kilbane’s goalkeeping Athlone would have scored again. Irish international Jenny Byrne showed her class when she scored one of her trademark free kicks.

The Galway players

knew this game was within their grasp and were dealing well with the pressure put on them by the away side. Substitutes Alanah Jennings and Shauna Kerr made sure to continue closing down any Athlone attacks and Flanagan was having an unbelievable game, making tackles all over the pitch. Gordon was running the ball into the corners any chance she got, easing the pressure on her teammates.

Maebh Coleman sealed the win with an excellent free kick late into the second half. Cue the celebrations. Thanks to everyone who travelled up to watch the game on a freezing cold day and a big thank you to the girls and the management team for the hard work put in throughout the year.

Hopefully the team can push on from this and get to many more finals in the coming years.

The Ladies Soccer team won a couple of awards at the recent NUI Galway Sports Awards where Jennifer Byrne received a Player of the Year award.

Byrne has also been selected in the provisional squad for the World University Games and we wish her the best of luck with the upcoming trials. The Ladies Soccer club was also chosen as the Most Improved Club. Congratulations to everyone involved with the team on this achievement.

By Michelle Carey The NUI Galway hockey team confirmed their place in the Connacht Cup Final last Sunday by securing a 3-1 defeat over Galway Hockey Club in the second round of the Semi-Final.

The teams entered the second leg of the semi having drawn the first leg 2-2. Sunday morning’s bitter cold did not damage the determination of both teams, who eagerly took to the pitch to prove their worth.

Ten minutes into the first half, some superb teamwork from Tara Melvin, Sile Johnson and Deirdre Hatton resulted in a composed goal by Hatton on the back post. NUI Galway managed to maintain this

1-0 lead for most of the first half, despite significant pressure from Galway. However, as the half time whistle blew, Galway succeeded in equalizing by scoring from a penalty corner.

Once again, the two teams were level. As the second half began, it was clear that NUIG were determined to take the lead. A fastpaced start and relentless attacking resulted in a penalty corner for the college side. The ladies were aware that they had to take advantage of this rare opportunity against the strong Galway side. Indeed, Tara Melvin put NUIG in the lead with an impressive shot on goal.

The celebrations were short lived as the college team got back to work straight away. A few minutes later,

impressive teamwork led to another penalty corner for the college side, and Melvin once again finished it off with a goal.

NUIG fought hard against the resilient Galway side to maintain and build on their 3-1 lead. As the second half went on, both teams had several goal-scoring opportunities.

However, NUIG managed to maintain their lead until the final whistle, which signalled their progression to the Connacht Cup Final.

The win added to the team’s celebrations after Sile Johnson receiving an Individual Award at the NUIG Sports Awards 2013 that same week.

NUIG will take on Greenfields in the Connacht Cup Final in April.

Gordon led to a free kick on the edge of the area; Maebh Coleman took the free which the Athlone keeper failed to deal with gifting the goal to Galway.

That’s how it ended and Captain Rosa Shine lifted the Shield for the first time which was well deserved after a tremendous team performance.

It’s been a very successful year for the ladies soccer club who were also awarded the Colleges most

improved club award as further reward for their great performances over the year.

The success of the team is in no small way down to the hard work of John “Beano” Hynes and Padraic De Burca who have put an unbelievable amount of effort into the club over the last few years. With only three of the squad unavailable next year the future looks bright for the team which will no doubt be challenging for silverware again next year.

Ladies Soccer Win WSCAI Shield

By Owen Grant The ladies soccer team were able to end their year on a high note by claiming the Women’s Soccer Colleges Association of Ireland Premier League Shield with a 4-2 win over Athlone IT in the final.

The team qualified for the final by defeating Cork IT 1-0 in the semi final but went into the game as massive underdogs after losing previously to Athlone in

the Intervarsities Shield, which they went on the win. espite losing that game the team felt hard done by feeling their performance deserved better. They started strongly in the final but fell behind after twenty minutes after a good goal

by Athlone’s main threat Shauna Jackson.

It wasn’t long though before Galway pulled level through a fabulous finish from the impressive

Danielle Gordon who caused trouble for the Athlone defence throughout the game.

However Galway fell behind again against the run of play just before the break after a great individual goal by Jackson. In the second half Galway took control of the game and with Jackson kept at bay by the superb Galway defence. A goalmouth scramble ended with Sarah O’Connell finishing from

six yards to tie the game for a second time.

From there Galway never looked back and took the lead for the first time after a stunning free kick from Ireland international Jenny Bryne, who was also voted Ladies Soccer player of the year at the college sports awards. It was a goal worthy of winning a final and with ten minutes to go Galway ensured their win with a fourth goal.

Another mazy run from

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New World Snooker Champion crowned in Galway

By Sean Dunne

It was all to play for in a gripping grand finale at the Dafabet Players Tour World Championship in Galway last night.

The world snooker championship taking place in NUI Galway saw China’s Ding Junhui claim victory over Australian Neil Robertson to take home the €100,000 prize and title of world snooker champion in a gripping finale on St Patrick’s night.

Speaking exclusively after winning the grand

final Mr Ding said; “I played well all week, it’s very hard to win every game, and I won four games this week.”

Adding to this the Chinese native said; “I am working hard, and I feel myself very strong.”

When asked about the upcoming China Open and the world championship, the newly crowned snooker champion said he was confident to play the remaining tournaments; “I think I can win more tournaments, I am playing good.” He added that it is all about

keeping the form and playing hard.

Mr Ding now feels he is a stronger player from the experience of playing in tournaments and even though he did not perform well in some previous tournaments he now feels he is a stronger contender.

The PTC winner says he wants to keep practicing and keep interested in the lead up to the world championship as this could be his best chance to win the world championship.

He added that he will

be going straight to the bank with his €100,000 prize money from last night’s grand final.

There were tense moments at the Bailey Allen Hall in NUI Galway, as Ding was slow to get going in his stride. Australian Robertson began impressively in the game.

With only an hour into the game, Robertson had a brilliant clearance as Ding missed a red leading 55-12.

The Australian was 3-0 at an early stage only needing one more for the title, but Ding was

not about to give up easily and was fighting hard for the lucrative €100,000 prize.

90 minutes into the final, Ding pulled a frame back with breaks of 52 and 70; he was trailing Robertson 3-1. Ding began to fight back with an impressive 130 total clearance. He trailed his Australian opponent 3-2.

Battling it out to the end Ding cleared the yellow to pink to make a great finish to the event.

Ding Junhui had an amazing fight; back from 3-0 down to beat Neil

Robertson 4-3 in a classic finish to the Dafabet PTC Grand Finals.

Ding had played against Robertson in the past and ahead of the grand final said he was looking forward to the game. Ding is finishing his year on a much better grounding than he started as he is now the world snooker champion.

The MC welcoming fans to a crowded house in the Bailey Allen Hall in Galway was RTÉ’s Hector O’hEochagain and also in attendance was mayor of Galway.

National Football Leagues to finish this weekend

By Mark Higgins

The Allianz National Football Leagues reach their climax this weekend, with plenty still to be decided at the tops and bottoms of the divisions.

In Division 1, Dublin, Kildare and Tyrone have already booked their place in the semi-finals, leaving one spot yet to be filled. Anyone from Cork, Mayo, Kerry and Donegal could potentially reach the last four. Cork, the league specialists, are favourites to progress, currently sitting on six points and needing only

a draw at home to Mayo on the last day to guarantee their passage through.

Mayo have endured a tough campaign, losing four games on the spin for the first time since 1994.

Their win over Donegal last time out has allowed some breathing room, as well as exorcising some of the ghosts of last September, but a win in Cork looks like a big ask.

Kerry travel to Omagh to face high-flying Tyrone on the back of a moraleboosting victory over Cork. Eamon Fitzmaurice has had a difficult introduction to inter-county management with this

campaign, and with their scoring difference considerable worse than both Mayo and Donegal’s, Kerry must be targeting a win and hoping one of these lose to maintain their Division 1 status.

Of all the teams looking for that fourth semi-final spot, Donegal seem best-placed to secure it. They welcome Dublin to Balleybofey, in what many are forecasting as a pre-cursor to the All-Ireland in September.

Donegal’s league form has been patchy, but Jim McGuiness will be confident of getting the most out of his charges and

securing an important win.

Down sit rock-bottom of the table, in need of a series of results elsewhere that would border on miraculous to preserve their position in the top division. Division 2 football in 2014 looks all but certain for James McCartan’s side, who host Kildare in Newry.

Westmeath are the only unbeaten team across all the National Leagues, and have already guaranteed promotion from Division 2. Derry look favourites to join them, needing only a draw when the two meet

in Derry. Galway and Laois both have an outside chance of gaining promotion, but both face challenging trips in the final round of matches.

Galway travel to Armagh, who are themselves facing the prospect of a humbling relegation to Division 3 and desperately need a win. Laois are away to a Wexford side still not completely safe from the drop themselves. In the group’s other game, winless and already-relegated Longford go to face Louth.

Things are very tight at the top of Division 3, where five teams still

remain mathematically capable of promotion.

Fermanagh top the group and know a draw away to Meath will guarantee their progress. The remaining place will likely to to one of Monaghan, Roscommon or Cavan, with the latter two meeting in Breffni Park, while Sligo face Wicklow in a foot-of-thetable clash.

Limerick are all but qualified from Division 4 before they travel to face Clare. They will be joined by either Tipperary or Offaly, who meet in a straight shoot-out for promotion in Tullamore.

Alaba’s goal, sickening as it was, was a deserved one for the Austrians. The Republic didn’t deserve to win the game. The manager has come in for harsh criticism, both for the attitude of his team in the second period and his use of the substitute bench at vital stages in the game.

The decision to withdraw Long, Ireland’s standout performer on the night, and introduce Paul Green was particularly puzzling.

At a stage in the match when the Austrians were dominating possession, Green’s introduction sent a crystal clear message about the mentality of the

Irish team; shut up shop.

Instead of trying to relieve the pressure by taking hold of the ball, Trapattoni elected to introduce a player whose duty was to spoil the Austrian’s play.

Tr a p a t t o n i ’s c o m ments while speaking to RTE’s Tony O’Donoghue revealed much about the attiude of the manager toward his team. When asked an (admittedly silly) question about his future as manger after the draw, the Italian replied: “ “ W h y ? W h y ? Yo u remember we are Ireland.

We think we are German or English. We are Ireland.

We are a good position.

We are in this place with one point the play-off against Austria the difference in the table, why not? Ciao.”

We are Ireland. This is our place, not competing with the elite but clinging on against Austria. Many may believe the manager is right, and Ireland’s players simply aren’t good enough to meet the high standards set by the football public. But without a willingness to strive to be better, and a willingness to play the creative football we witness so sporadically on a consistent basis, it may well be ‘Ciao Giovanni’ before too long.

Ireland vs Austria

By Mark Higgins Ninety seconds into the three added minutes at the Aviva last Tuesday night, it looked as if the Republic of Ireland were going to cling on to a priceless World Cup qualifying win. David Alaba’s late strike and the effect it has had on the Republic’s positioning in Group C have heaped renewed pressure on Giovanni Trapattoni and made qualification for 2014 World Cup in Brazil a hugely difficult task.

The Irish followed their disciplined and encouraging performance in

Stockholm with an excellent first half, playing some of the best football of Trapattoni’s reign in charge. The controversial decision to start Derby County’s Conor Sammon instead of Wes Hoolahan paid dividends, as the big target man worked tirelessly harrying defenders.

Shane Long put in his best ever performance in a green shirt, doing enough to suggest he is ready to be the Republic’s first-choice striker. James McClean was impressive on the left flank, while Jon Waters showed real composure for his two goals, the second an excellent poacher’s

header after tucking away his penalty.

The strong showing in the first half suggested the Irish would go on to dominate the match but, all too predictably, the second half saw the Republic withdraw into themselves dramatically, defending constantly and firing long balls up the field for the strikers to chase. Whether by instruction from the manager or of their own volition, the players abandoned the creativity and aggression of the opening period and reverted to their default position, camped on the edge of their own box.

{sin} 14–12

{31}

N ews

01–04

NUI Galway Memes

by Conor Stitt

Book 3

Challenging Sudoku Puzzles by KrazyDad

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