Sin Volume 16 Issue 2 by Student Independent News

FREE STUDENT NEWSPAPER | VOL 16, ISSUE 2 | 29 SEPT 2014

NEWS

INSIDE

A recent survey has found that the number of young people in Ireland not registered to vote has risen. The survey carried out by the National Youth Council of Ireland reported that thirty per cent of people in the 18-25 age group were not registered to vote in the local and European elections held in May this year. In 2009 the same survey found that 26 per cent of the age group were not registered. This problem is especially noted in 18 to 21-year-olds, with 43 per cent not registered this year in comparison to 36 per cent in 2009. The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) promotes

young people joining the Electoral Register, and campaigns for an improved registration system. In the lead-up to the 2015 referendum and the general election in 2016, USI recognises that action must be undertaken to ensure voting registration of young people. Conor Stitt, USI Vice President for the Border, Midlands and Western Region, states that the current registration system makes it difficult for young people. “There is a lot of disparity and conflicting information in relation to what a city or county council will or won't accept,” he said. “This can range from accepting scanned versions

of forms, accepting many forms in one envelope, accepting just the details of the person registering to vote or requiring details of all persons living in house.” The registration process varies between councils – one national method of registration would provide less confusion. The USI demands “national standard guidelines on how to register and one set of regulations”. Reform of the registration system is a priority for the USI. As it stands there are only three councils who provide online registration. The USI believes in having “one standard method of registering online as well as by paper”.

This all leads to the question of whether Ireland’s registration system is outdated. Youths who were surveyed had a desire to vote but were simply not registered in time for the May elections. The National Youth Council of Ireland alternatively claims that a system whereby people are automatically registered to vote would be more efficient. Automatic or online registration could save young people from any hassle while also ensuring that the youth of Ireland recognise their voice in politics. Conor Stitt asserts that the youth vote is imperative and “should be a government priority as much as it is ours”.

LIFESTYLE

By Siobhán Mulvey

FEATURES

Increase in Irish youths not registered to vote

Style Soc held a Flash Fashion Show during the Socs Fair in Áras na Mac Léinn on 17 September. Turn to page 20 to find out more... Picture: Srinivasan Arumugan

FINAL WORD

SPORT

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Style Soc Flash Fashion Show draws crowds at Socs Fair

NUI Galway alive with the sound of volunteering

NUI Galway only Irish University to increase standing in University Rankings

Students Gut San Francisco House Before Returning to Ireland

Plague of 500 zombies walk the streets for charity

DEBATE: Would the Dáil be better without parties?

End to the era of Austerity; Or a False Dawn?

STUDENT EXPERIENCE: My Harassment Story

RAISING AWARENESS: What on earth is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Yellow Brick Road

#SinBeards: How to become a man and grow a Beard

NUI Galway’s Unofficial Uniform

#SinStyle: Style Spotters

NUI Galway’s take on make-up

A Walk Among The Tombstones

NOTE THE BEAT: Scott McWatt

Dean of Letters

Could your English degree get you a job?

Why you should start cycling

Whats Up Doc? Sports Injuries

Ireland selected to host Euro 2020 matches

King Louis’s embarrassment of riches

#NUIGproblems: Tweet us yours

Diary of the Smokey’s Pigeon

Satir: NUIG student in critical condition after attempting ‘golden week'

2 NEWS

Sin Vol. 16 Issue 2

NUI Galway only Irish University to Cited in GMIT increase standing in University Rankings By Orla Furey

By Kieran Kilkelly The QS World University Rankings were realised earlier this month and NUI Galway became the only Irish college to improve on its position from the previous year. Their four place rise is in keeping with NUI Galway’s steady climb since their 55 place drop from 243rd to 298th in 2011. President of the University, Dr. Jim Browne, said that it was “good news for NUI Galway and further acknowledgement of the developments in teaching and research that have taken place at this University in recent years.” However, despite the newly appointed score of 43.60, a rise of 2.10 points

from 2013, there was a drop in four out of the six survey indices used to determine the rankings. Employer Reputation and International Faculty ratings fell somewhat slightly with a downward chang e of 21 and 14 places respectfully. Whereas, the International Students category fell significantly with a 6.10 points decrease resulting in a 272nd place finish in comparison to the 221st place the Galway University held last year. Faculty Student, which evaluates the quality of teaching a student is getting, was the only one of these survey indices to improve in both score and ranking. Although there was a drop in score of four of the

six survey indices, when it came to faculty areas, there was an increase in all five. The Arts and Humanities faculty rose 6.90 points, Engineering and Technology, 2.80 points, while Natural Science and Social Sciences & Management went up 3.00 and 4.80 points respectfully. These areas all dropped in the rankings however, suggesting that it was the gain of 49 places in the area of Life Sciences and Medicine that contributed most to NUI Galway’s rise. In contrast to N UI G a l w ay , T r i n i t y C o l lege Dublin, the highest ranke d Ir ish colle g e, improved their ratings on four of the survey indices but yet still dropped ten places to 71st.

This indicates that the global competition is growing and that an improvement of scores does not necessarily mean a rise up the table. Elsewhere, University College Dublin stayed in 139th place, University College Cork dropped 20 places into 230th and the University of Limerick into 523rd place but stayed within the 501-550 band unlike NUI Maynooth who have plummeted into the 601-650 bracket having been in the 401-450 range in 2009. These latest University rankings highlight the effects that the financial cuts are having on our education system and it will be interesting to see the response to them within the upcoming budget.

NUI Galway alive with the sound of volunteering By Ciara Treacy An estimated 2,000 people attended NUI Galway’s 13th annual Volunteering Fair on Wednesday 24 September in the Bailey Allen Hall. Mayor of Galway City Councillor Donal Lyons officially opened the fair as part of a week-long celebration of volunteering at NUI Galway. Students, staff and members of the general public dropped in to explore the volunteering opportunities on display. Over 80 local, national, and international charities, voluntary groups and NGOs showcased the depth and breadth of their work at the fair. They were on hand to answer queries and to encourage students in particular to pursue current volunteering opportunities. Exhibitors included Enable Ireland, Galway Community Circus, Blue Teapot Theatre Company and SERVE in Solidarity. The fair was organised by NUI Galway’s student volunteer programme ALIVE - A Learning Initiative and the Volunteering Experience.

ALIVE was established under the Community Knowledge Initiative at NUI Galway to build links between community groups and students. This is done through community partnerships, events like the Volunteering Fair, and an online website of volunteer opportunities. L o r r a i n e Ta n s e y , Student Volunteer Coordinator at NUI Galway, said; “The amazing response from community and voluntary groups to attending the fair is a real testament to the rich and engaged civic life of the city. “There are a wide variety of volunteering opportunities that students are eager to apply for in order to earn much needed experience and skills.” At the end of the academic year students can apply for an ALIVE Certificate in acknowledgment of their voluntary commitment which is awarded by NUI Galway President Dr Jim Browne. Last year 865 students were rewarded for their volunteering efforts at the annual ALIVE ceremony.

To date over 10,000 students have been recognised for their volunteering commitment to local, national and international communities. For further information

about volunteering visit the ALIVE website www. nuigalway.ie/alive, email alive@nuigalway.ie or visit the office in the Hub Café, Áras na Mac Léinn between 2-5pm Monday-Thursday.

Galway Mayo Institute of Technology’s (GMIT) acclaimed reputation is currently being dragged through the mud as a result of negative media attention, following a plagiarism incident that occurred in the college in 2009. The episode involved a Masters student of the Business school in GMIT. It is believed the student gained possession of an instructor’s manual which contained worked-out answers to assessment questions. The instructor’s manual was intended for teaching use only. An investigation team was called into the college in March 2011. Professor Bairbre Redmond of University College Dublin and Mr. Ed Madden of Maynooth University launched the investigation which took nearly thirty months to complete with accompanying costs in excess of €400,000. The investigators were dissatisfied with the college’s co-operation, particularly the senior members of staff. Emails belonging to the then President of the college, Marion Coy, have since been deleted. The current President Michael Carmody has yet

Galway City Mayor Cllr Donal Lyons, who officially opened the 13th annual ALIVE Volunteering Fair, picked up his copy of Sin at the fair on 24 September. He is pictured here, enjoying an article with Lorraine Tansey, Student Volunteer Coordinator.

to publish the report that has been issued to the college. Mr Carmody is not in a position to make an official statement until the report is published. This incident has grabbed the attention of Galway locals. Fianna Fáil Galway East TD Colm Keaveney voiced his opinion saying he feels an investigation from the Gardaí would be necessary to get to the bottom of this case once and for all. Deputy Keaveney has also raised the issue in Dáil Éireann. GMIT Students’ Union President Sam O’Neill feels that Deputy Keaveney’s suggestion is “extreme”. He pointed out that investigators have already been called into the college and were paid to do their job. Garda co-operation would be unnecessary. Mr O’Neill stressed that GMIT would never condone plagiarism. The regulations against plagiarism are clearly stated in GMIT’s student code of conduct and it is the students’ responsibility to read and understand these rules. The usual sanctions for a student caught cheating are expulsion from the college, or a re-sit of the exam depending on the severity of the case. “We are aware of the college’s part in this incident but the student involved is remaining anonymous to the public,” said Mr O’Neill. “Therefore the question remains why the final year student took such risky measures. Especially considering the fact that GMIT has fantastic support services in place for a student who is struggling with their course or who finds themselves under pressure and may be tempted to cheat. “Every student can avail of grinds register in the college and if a student can’t afford grinds the college has financial aid services in place where a student can borrow money.” Despite the controversy resulting from this it has not had a damaging effect on students choosing to study at GMIT. In fact first year numbers are increasing with “more numbers than ever before” according to Mr O’Neill.

NEWS 3

September 29 2014

Have you visited sin.ie yet?

Making your own way

By Jessica Thompson It’s strange how life works out. You hear all this stuff about attracting positivity by being positive, and the universe giving you something you need, when you need it. That ‘if it’s for you, it won’t pass you by’ phrase is thrown around a lot, but does whatever ‘it’ is just happen to wander along when you decide it might be ‘for you’? Well it did for me. Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of having coffee with Móna Wise, who is currently lecturing second year journalism students. “Jess, you should try and get into lecturing,” she said to me, and after listening to her talk about her great teaching methods, I thought that maybe it wasn’t a bad idea. And after further thinking, I decided that yes, lecturing might be something I’d like to do. Last Monday, I was sitting in Café Express, having coffee with another friend when I missed a call and received a voicemail from the head of

the English Department. To cut a long story short, less than an hour later I was standing in front of my first class of second year Media Studies students, preparing to give them an introduction to journalism. You may be wondering where I’m going with this. I’ve always been an advocator of ‘building your own stairs’ so to speak. In fact, ‘build your own stairs’ has become somewhat of a motto of mine. Maybe the universe heard me thinking that I might like to lecture and decided ‘y’know what? I’m gonna throw an opportunity her way’. Or maybe it was pure coincidence that someone was needed to fill in for this module on such short notice and, after working hard at my career and trying my best to move up in the world (ie: build my own stairs), I was recommended for the job. My point is, now that you’re in college – and this will apply to more than just first years – you can’t expect to be spoon-fed anymore. We’re living in a time where jobs don’t just fall into our laps and it’s not easy to move up to the top of the career ladder. Yes, there are many industries that are based on the ‘who you know, not what you know’ concept, but at the same time, you can’t expect to be spoon-fed like you were in school – and you’ll often need to get to know the people, which takes effort too. Now that Freshers’ Week is over, and people are starting

32 pages once a fortnight simply isn’t enough when it comes to covering all the great stories on campus and entertaining our readers every day. This year, we’ll be ensuring our website is constantly updated with great news stories, opinion pieces, fashion, sport and much more. Visit our website at www.sin.ie or simply scan the QR code. to settle into college life, it’s time to get stuck in and get involved. Don’t think about your course right now; think ahead and consider how your course right now can shape your career in the long-term. A lot can be said for living in the moment, but you’ve got to make the moment count. Furthermore, it’s important to get involved with stuff outside of college work. Join a society. Write for Sin. It’s never too late to get involved – even if Socs Day is over. And from what I hear, societies are always happy to welcome new members. Find something that interests you – or something that might help your career in the long run. In short, something that will help you get your foot in the door in two or three years. And speaking of getting your foot in the door, you may or may not have noticed a new column in issue one entitled ‘Market Thyself’ by

John Mulry. This will be a biweekly column on how to really stand out in the crowd when it comes to marketing yourself and getting noticed by potential employers. That’s not our only new column this year. We’ve got ‘Catch 21’ by Ciara Treacy, which will detail her life as a postgraduate student. This week she talks about seeds. And some other stuff. John Brennan has just started a column about beards. There’s not a lot else I can say about it that will do it justice, so just turn to page 18 and read it. You won’t regret it. Everybody’s favourite, ‘Yellow Brick Road’ is back and Hazel certainly hasn’t lost any of her wit or humour over the summer months. This week she talks about technology and how things have changed since she was a child. It brings to mind Back to the Future and the fact that we should probably have those hover boards and self-drying clothes by January 2015. I’ll be severely disappointed if I don’t get those for my birthday. And on that note, I’ll encourage you to turn the page and start reading this new issue of Sin. The team is truly great this year so far and I’m impressed by the amount of good content in my inbox. It’s going to be an excellent year. Until next time, Jess @Jess__Thompson

Jarlath Donohue (fourth year Mechanical Engineering) strikes a pose at the Style Society’s ‘Flash Fashion Show’ during the Socs Fair in Áras na Mac Léinn. Picture: Daniel O’Loughlin

Editor in Chief: Jessica Thompson editor@sin.ie

P.S.: Second year Media Studies students; don’t let me catch you reading this in my class!

UPCOMING SIN MEETINGS Thursday 2 October Thursday 9 October All Sin meetings will take place at 6pm in TB305. TB305 can be located on the first floor of Tower 2 (on the Arts Concourse). Meetings are open to everyone and new members are always welcome!

Get in touch with Sin:

Email: Facebook: Twitter:

editor@sin.ie Sin Newspaper NUI Galway @Sin_News

Send us your tweets and we may publish them in future issues of Sin.

4 NEWS

Sin Vol. 16 Issue 2

NUI Galway goes mobile with newly launched app

Emergency Strike: Nurses express concern for patients

By Aaron Croke

By Samantha Kelly

The NUI Galway mobile app has just been released on iPhone, Android and Windows Phone for students of the University, making it easy for students to access all the information and tools that a student needs. The app offers you everything you need to go about your day and finally fixes the pesky problem of accessing your college emails from your smartphone. It also has features to help check past exam papers, computer suite vacancies, a map of the campus to help freshers or generally lost students, and easy access to college news, Blackboard and emergency contact numbers. The app makes full use of ‘TuneIn Radio’ with a direct link Flirt FM. Students can also read any of Sin’s latest issues. At the time of print, over

2,000 students had downloaded the new NUI Galway app which was just released onto the market in the last couple of weeks. It has all positive reviews so far gracing it five stars on the Google Play Store, Windows Store and the iOS App Store. Several students have praised the app, saying it’s a “great guide for new students” and “a must-have for all NUI Galway students”, with one reviewer saying it’s a “helpful app” with a “simple design”, making it “easy to use and perfect for college”. Despite all the features and helpful tools that this app brings to the table, possibly the most impressive thing about it is that the app’s development was led by two students of NUI Galway who started it last year as their Explore project. Darren Kelly and Fionn Delahunty were extremely enthusiastic about this app and

through their constant pushing, help from many different departments of the college such as CELT and Marketing, and the technical support of Blackboard’s software, Mosaic, were able to get the app off the ground and running for the college year. “The student-as-producer aspect to this project has been core to its success,” the developers said in a statement to Sin. “Marker research in the early stages meant we designed precisely what the student wanted. Now students have mobile access to mail, a campus map, lecturers’ information and more.” The Smokey’s Pigeon fully approves of this app, so if you haven’t already you should download the app which is supported on all major platforms. The app can be downloaded from www.NUIGalway.ie/ Mobileapp or you can search NUI Galway on the app store.

Nurses in the Emergency Department of University Hospital Galway signalled their intention on Monday 15 September, to go on a lunchtime strike that following Wednesday as a result of the unacceptable conditions they were dealing with at the facility. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation said that its members were “gravely concerned” about the wellbeing of their patients, adding that many were being cared for on trolleys for several nights at a time, resulting in the patients feeling as though they were deprived of their dignity. According to the latest INMO trolley watch figures, there has been a 118 per cent increase in patients left on trolleys in the past year at Uni-

versity Hospital Galway, with 146 patients in August 2013 compared to 319 in August this year. The Services Industrial Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU) had their organiser, Mark Lohan, speak on behalf of the workers. He said; "SIPTU is very concerned over the number of patients on trolleys in the Accident and Emergency Department of University Hospital Galway. We are gravely concerned that the Accident and Emergency Department is extremely overcrowded and understaffed. This situation has resulted in difficulties in providing quality patient care." Moreover, the INMO said nurses are now finishing shifts "in a distressed state, experiencing burnout and frustration at the lack of action to this on-going problem."

A spokesperson for the union said that while University Hospital Galway is the flagship hospital for Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo and Donegal with a population of 700,000 people, the Emergency Department is "simply too small to deal with such a large geographical region". The aim of the lunch time strike on 17 September was to highlight the overcrowding in University Hospital Galway, with the hope that more nurses will be hired and more beds will be supplied to facilitate for all the patients in the emergency department. Moreover, the hospital itself acknowledged the ongoing problems in the Emergency Department, and said it is trying to fix the problems; more beds and about 20 new nurses should be supplied within the upcoming weeks.

Students gut San Francisco house before returning to Ireland Young Irish people of student age already have something of a dodgy reputation in the United States, with landlords less welcoming of risking their property to a massive session. But Ritu Vohra’s story made it to the local CBS

news in San Francisco, leaving Irish people back home humiliated for the amount of damage caused to her home. With windows smashed, railings cracked, beds cracked, mirrors smashed, used condoms and an arrest

notice (under the name Cormac Noonan) found lying around, the students ranging from Trinity, Cork, DCU, DIT and other Irish third level institutions left damage that far exceeds their security deposit. “I don’t know how you could get it off unless you swung from it or something,” Ritu said about a chandelier that was ripped from the roof. “The security deposit would cover nothing; it wouldn’t even begin to cover the windows.” A golf club had been found as evidence to suggest one of the occupants used it to whack holes in the wall. The Irish Consulate said that they will pursue the culprits and have them pay back the damages caused. Young Irish already have a bad reputation for excessive drinking and damaging property when living as expats. In Australia, the problem got so out of hand that every GAA club in Perth, Western Australia had to be contacted by the police for assistance.

NEWS 5

September 29 2014

Plague of 500 zombies walk the streets for charity By Claire Stone On Friday 12 September Galway hosted its fifth annual Zombie walk in a charity fundraising initiative organised by NUI Galway alumnus Michael Hennelly. Both young and old joined the mass gathering of zombies marching up Shop Street in Galway City on the night,

all in an effort to raise money for local and national charity Make A Wish foundation. Last year the event raised over €800 for Make A Wish Foundation and it is expected that this year will see the donations increase as the event becomes more known. “It first started in 2010 and has been getting bigger for

the last five years,” explained Michael Hennelly, organiser of Galway Zombie Walk. Mr Hennelly describes the event as “an alternative, creative, innovative method of fundraising for charity”. “It is a fun event to run when many people are excited and eager to volunteer either by helping with makeup, charity collecting,

and general crowd control,” he said. After being inspired by a YouTube video, Michael goes on to admit he was “shocked” by the initial response when he made the event. “I encourage others to try and put the fun back in fundraising,” he said. The march began at 10.30pm from the bottom of

Shop Street aiming to reach Eyre Square while entertaining and amusing passers-by. Upon reaching Eyre Square, volunteers were treated to spectacular fire displays and free entertainment. For those aged 18 and over, the after-party was held in Karma with free entry for all zombies.

Pictures: Katya Radovanova

Participants who needed a hand with their make-up were offered help by professional volunteers from 8.30pm onwards at a gathering in the Spanish Arch. With a small donation fee to cover the cost of supplies, all extra money raised was added to the grand total for the named charities. A spokesperson for the Make A Wish Foundation expressed the importance of fundraising events like Galway Zombie Walk; “We are very grateful for Michael Hennelly for organising this event. There are currently over 200 wishes on our waiting list and we grant them to children who are battling lifethreatening conditions. The money raised will help grant those wishes in Galway.” Both parties were keen to share their thanks with all who donated their time and/ or money to get involved with Galway Zombie Walk.

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6 NEWS

Sin Vol. 16 Issue 2

Bishop of Galway retracts “unchristian” comments after backlash By Jack Leahy Bishop of Galway Martin Drennan has retracted comments he made in relation to the granting of €45,000 by the St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) Society to the Galway LGBT organisation Amach. There was an initial strong public reaction when Bishop Drennan, speaking on the Keith Finnegan Show on Galway Bay FM about the issue, had stated “on moral grounds we can’t support that.” He commented that homosexual activity is “in our eyes morally wrong behaviour, and we cannot put funds at the service of what we don’t believe is morally correct.” Bishop Drennan said that the reputation of SVP “has been put in question by this grant”, and that he hopes for a resolution to the situation “that would restore the image of the Vincent de Paul”. A spokesperson for SVP has responded to the com-

ments, saying that the Maureen O’Connell Fund which approved this grant has spent or approved €8.5 million to a variety of projects in Galway to date. The spokesperson stated that the decision to help Amach “was made purely on the basis of need in the Galway area, in the same way as all requests for support are assessed. It does not signify any other motive”. There were calls for the resignation of Bishop Drennan in the aftermath of his interview, particularly from Councillor Mike Cubbard (Ind). Councillor Cubbard also demanded an immediate apology to be issued to the Galway LGBT community. This sentiment was echoed by Salthill resident Cormac Ryan, who wrote an email to Bishop Drennan describing his remarks as “deeply offensive, uncharitable and unchristian.” Bishop Drennan personally responded to the email, apparently retracting his original comments.

He replied with the message: “My humble apologies for the hurt caused. I got it badly wrong.” However, neither Bishop Drennan nor any other member of the Church has agreed to publicly comment on the situation until they receive a

reply from SVP. NUI Galway student and co-auditor of GiG Soc Seán Reilly has expressed his disappointment at Bishop Drennan’s interview and subsequent failure to make a public statement to date. Referring to the original

interview, Mr Reilly said; “It’s curious that he’s wading into a decision that isn’t really his territory. There is a substantial gay community in Galway, so he is potentially distressing a significant number of individuals, particularly a significant number of LGBT individuals. I

find that somewhat disdainful.” Mr Reilly has also come out in strong support of SVP, saying that the charity has been shown to be “progressive in its thinking”, and has said he doesn’t “imagine this would in any way affect the general support of SVP”.

Galway teens sentenced after rape captured on phone By Chelsea Tabert In August 2012 two seventeen year-old youths were involved in the raping and sexual assault of a fifteen year-old Junior Cert student in Galway. A friend of the two youths had used his phone to record the accused plying the victim with alcohol before one of them had sex with her, and the other sexually assaulted her. With the recorded footage used as evidence, the two men, who are now nineteen, were sentenced to three years in prison with the final eight-

een months suspended at the Central Criminal court sitting in Galway on Wednesday September 10. Harvey Simukonda, who was seventeen years-old at the time of the assault, pleaded not guilty to rape. Instead he took a plea of guilty to the defilement or statutory rape of the fifteen year-old girl only moments before his trial was due to begin. Simukonda’s co-accused Jesse Edokpayi plead guilty to the sexual assault during the same incident. A victim impact statement was read to the court on behalf of the victim who was not present at the time. She wrote that she now suffers from low self-esteem, depression and suicidal tendencies. She also said that several comments have been made to her by other students in her

school who heard about the incident. The court heard that Simukonda first met the victim during the Volvo Ocean Race festivities in Galway 2012. They had then arranged to meet three weeks later during the Galway Races. The Junior Cert victim and her fifteen year-old friend went to an apartment the afternoon of 1 August 2012 to meet with Simukonda and Edokpayi. It was there that they were plied with alcohol by the youths. Initial statements from the victim’s friend to Gardaí state that they were initially given vodka with cola. The secondary drinks were not mixed. Her friend did not take the second drink and had advised the victim that it was not a good idea to drink it. It was later that evening that

the victim and her friend had alerted Gardaí on Shop Street about what had happened. Simukonda admitted giving the under-aged victim alcohol, but claimed sex was consensual. However, the victim denied the claim and Seargent Paudie O’Shea confirmed that buttons were torn from the victim’s jeans, and the zipper was broken. Edokpayi plead guilty to the sexual assault which took place in the bedroom after the initial incident with Simukonda. It has been confirmed that both accused had no previous convictions. However Simukonda, who is from Malawi, had been issued with a fifteen-day deportation warning notice in September 2013. Edokpayi, a Nigerian native, currently has an address in Dublin.

NUI Galway reports positive effects of reminiscence therapy for dementia sufferers By Chelsea Tabert NUI Galway has reported positive results from a major three-year trial undertaken regarding the effects of reminiscence therapy on the quality of life of people with dementia in long-stay care homes. The trial undertaken is the largest of its kind internationally, and was funded by the Health Research Board. “The results showed positive effects of reminiscence for people with dementia,” explains Professor Eamon O’Shea of the Irish Centre for Social Gerontology at NUI Galway. “Reminiscence is increasingly seen as important in the care and support of people with dementia, given its potential to draw on early memor ies, which often remain intact for people with dementia, thereby highlighting the person’s preserved

abilities rather than any cognitive impairment”. Professor O’Shea added that: “The results confirm the importance of a person-centred approach to the care of people with dementia in long-stay care settings. There are a range of psychosocial interventions, such as reminiscence therapy and art. Interestingly, there is reciprocity at play with the care givers; everyone gains through a more person-centred approach to care in long-stay settings.” While there have been no comprehensive studies on dementia in Ireland, current estimates suggest that there are approximately 47,746 people who are suffering with dementia in the country at this given time. Approximately 4,000 new cases of dementia arise in the Irish population every year. The cost of caring for people with dementia in Ireland has been estimated at just over

€1.69 billion per year, whereas the overall worldwide cost of caring for people with dementia was estimated to be US$604 billion. 48 per cent of this cost is informal care provided by family and friends. The trial conducted by DARES - the DementiA education programme incorporating REminiscence for Staff – was designed to evaluate the effectiveness reminiscence therapy programmes may have to those with the condition. The intervention was a structured programme for care staff who engaged in individualised reminiscence therapy with longstay residents under their care. The primary research question focused on the self-reported quality of life of residents with a diagnosis of dementia. The new National Strategy on Dementia will be published by the Government in the coming months.

DEBATE 7

September 29 2014

THIS WEEK’S DEBATE: The Dáil would be more productive if all political parties were banned and candidates could only run as independents.

YES: TDs should be denied NO: A country run solely by access to the power, wealth and independent candidates could resources of the party machine be detrimental By Dean Buckley I don’t think I’ll shock anyone by saying political systems are generally rigged so that the social ruling class remains the social ruling class. There are dozens of suggestions for how we might reform the party political system in Ireland to ward off the corrupting influence of big business. Unfortunately, none of those policies will be nearly as effective as just abolishing the party political system altogether. Ireland would be a better place if TDs were required by law to run as independents and denied access to the power, wealth and resources of the party machine. Obviously we’d also have to limit their ability to spend personal wealth or fundraise from corporate donors. But that’s not only achievable; it would weaken their influence, since they’d have to spend more money across more people to make up for the loss of political capital caused by the death of the party brand. Stringent donation caps would put civil society groups on equal footing with party fat cats unable to rely on atavistic appeals to the most pointless civil war in the history of human civilisation for their votes. We could welcome the decline of Tidy Town provincialism as back-scratch culture breaks down and the decades of work toward the most effective and radical restricting of Ireland’s social and political order finally comes to fruition. Also, instead of running on policy platforms full of pre-broken prom-

ises, groups of like-minded independents could caucus together temporarily on issues of common interest, creating a more dynamic and diverse parliament than the current method of legislation: bludgeon it through with pre-arranged votes based on how the country felt four years ago. If this seems like a bit of an extreme solution, it’s only because few things are more effective at crushing radical and progressive political projects as the Irish party political system. Consider the Labour Party. Ostensibly, they should be the bastion of leftism in Ireland, stalwart defenders of the proletariat from the capitalist dogs. In practice, they’re actually more economically rightwing than Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael. Tempting as it may be to accuse Labour of just straight-up selling out, I’d argue they were taken for a ride by the party political system, which is designed to neutralise any radical counterargument to the conservative-liberal status quo. Since no new leftist or progressive party could ever simply waltz into the Dáil and win a majority of the seats, due to the entrenched position of the dominant parties, they’re forced to drift towards the establishment in order to become a palatable option for a coalition partner. Sure, Fianna Fáil land Fine Gael had to wander just a tiny bit toward Labour due to the slight shift of the Irish centre, but all these decades later, it’s clear who won the political culture war, and

now we’re seeing the same thing happen to Sinn Féin. People love to wax lyrical about how the party system causes compromise and dialogue, but they’re full of it. When one side of the so-called “dialogue” already controls most of the cultural power and capital due to the historical accident of their existence, there’s no “compromise”, only sacrifice, acquiescence, submission and assimilation. The dominant social and political philosophies that rule the world today have ruled the world for thousands of years with little variation or interruption, and they’ve made an absolute mess of things. Our economy only kind of works because we deliberately exclude a huge portion of the population from the most meagre approximation of survival, and still others don’t even get the privilege of that modicum of humanity. Of course, I don’t think just abolishing the party system will solve all these problems, but it is a contributing factor, so it needs to be destroyed. Imagine a Dáil with fewer good auld boys comparing paper envelopes over pints, where truly passionate people represent both the interests and the views of their constituents. And not just their constituents, but, in particular, imagine a stronger voice for the most disprivileged among us. There’s a lot of work to do before we can make this a more just and loving world. But we’ll get that work done quicker if we band together and throw the oligarchs out.

By Rebecca Fisher Our nation’s people are infamous for their distrust and wariness of political parties. From Fianna Fáil to Fine Gael, from Labour to Sinn Féin each of these parties has planted a seed of uncertainty into the minds of our public at one time or another. This begs the question, would we be better off if the party system was dismantled and our politicians were left to roam free and independently through the halls of Leinster house? I personally believe in the notion (put across so eloquently in Kylie’s 90s dance hit) that it’s better the devil you know then the devil you don’t. Regardless of my own thoughts and speculations about any of our country’s leading political parties, I realise that a country run solely by independent candidates could be detrimental. Whether it seems like it or not, political parties are vital to our democracy. Despite what we choose to believe it is proven that the power of many far succeeds the power of the individual when dealing with national concerns. Parties work in concert to present issues to the national legislature. Without this collective group of individuals working towards a common concern, these issues would never come into play in the grand scheme of things. Our democracy gains a lot out of having centralized ideologies. A party-less system would limit democracy as it makes it more difficult

to rally and organize voters in supporting various issues. The key to a successful partisan democracy is the amount of power allocated to each faction of politicians. They should be the outlet in which the nation’s people work through the countries plights. The party system encourages and forces debate as well as activity within government; something that cannot be reached with single, solitary leaders. Political parties add balance to our nation, ensuring each group stays within their wills and does not infringe on the wishes and rights of our nations people. Without this diversity of opinion and view we would be run by an almost dictatorship-like regime. No one party or person’s views will appeal to an entire nation, with a partisan democracy we can support and follow those whose ideologies closely match our own. Our problem is not with political parties as a whole, the concept is solid but the way it has been implemented in Ireland begs for reform. Candidates need to be better vetted ahead of being appointed, more accessible to the public they are serving and held accountable for their breach of oath or wrong-doing. Many fear corruption within our government but do you truly believe that will change with the dismantling of the party system? It is difficult to say, but in my personal opinion a noparty government resembles a one-party government; a nation without guidance

and choice. Although many smaller governments relish under non-partisan democracies, I cannot see the same occurring in Ireland. Imagine an Ireland in which a small group of elite – those with enough sway and funding to run for parliament – sit in the Dáil and oversee our nation’s affairs. Bigger issues that concern them directly may get played but the smaller issues; those that effect minorities will be disregarded or forgotten. An example of this would be an economically central government overlooking our heritage and language. Who would stand for those who want to keep Ireland true to its cultural roots? Would what makes our nation unique be swept under the rug to make way for what they see as important? The representation of our people within the government is vital to keep us afloat. We need political parties to uphold the rights and concerns of the common citizen, not of a small group of upper class who can afford to have their voices heard. In summary, I am not so naïve as to believe that our political system is perfect. I can clearly see the cracks in the foundation of our parliament. We do not need an entire upheaval of our government; what we need is to fill in those cracks. The party system could prove successful in Ireland if we stop using it as an excuse to make empty promises and start using it as a movement for change and unity within our nation.

8 OPINION

Sin Vol. 16 Issue 2

End to the era of Austerity; or a false dawn? By Tomás M. Creamer Few of you reading this would have been left unaffected by the Austerity policies of this government and the last since 2008. Even if your parents are still employed as before, it is likely that disposable income has been reduced, either through wage cuts and/or tax hikes. In tandem to this, funding of public services has been reduced, and the cost of contribution charges for such services has rocketed – for many of us, this would have been the most obvious impact on the basis of the dropping of a teacher or two (or even a guidance councillor) while we were still in Secondary School, or even more pointedly, the huge increase in fees for University.

While many of us would be jaded at the constant mantra of a “recovery” that many of us just cannot see (especially to students – like me - hailing from outside the big towns and cities), if statistics are to be believed, we are not on the decline anymore economically, and even accounting for mass emigration, the jobless rate has declined from a peak of over 15% to around 11% at the time of writing. Because of this, the Fine Gael-Labour coalition government has made much about “giving back to the hard-pressed middle” (whatever that means), primarily, it seems, in the form of alleged tax cuts. The Government has also ruled out the previously planned two billion euro of tax hikes/spending reductions, despite the budgetary

hawks of the IMF and the Government’s Economic Advisory Council advising against this course of action. I apologise for getting technical here, but basically, the Government has promised the former Troika to reduce the National budget deficit to a level of around 3% of GDP by 2015. In other words, to reduce the amount that the government borrows in a given year to fund services that can’t be paid solely through tax to an amount equal to 3% of the total size of our economy. In practise, what does this gobble-de-gook mean? Basically, if our economy is growing again (which, according to available statistics, it is), it means that the overall size of our economy increases – as does the value of the aforementioned 3%.

Therefore, it means – in theory – that we would not have to make as big of a sacrifice in terms of tax hikes and spending cuts in order to meet that target than was originally thought. This, of course, was always the long-term plan of the Government – it hoped that, come 2016, our economy would be growing again, and therefore, it could sell itself as the party that bought the good times back to the country, and get re-elected. However, as you probably know, the good times are not back just yet. Unemployment is still a huge problem, especially if you aren't a Computer Scientist or an Engineer (yeah, don’t listen to those slagging “Computer geeks” – the Computer geeks only have to whistle in order to get a

job once they graduate). And the Government itself cannot afford a spending spree – it still has to make some spending cuts or tax increases, even if not quite at the same intensity as originally thought. However, this perspective seems to be lost on many in the Governing parties, and they are setting the stage for mass disappointment for those whose hopes were raised about having some extra money in their pockets next year. Sure, the Budget will probably tweak a few tax rates, but there won’t be an increase in disposable income for the vast majority of people. Also, tax cuts that would pr imar ily b enefit the individual may not be as overwhelmingly in demand as some columnists in the

corporate media seem to think. A recent opinion poll at the time of writing, conducted by Red C on behalf of the Sunday Business Post shows that 64% of people would rather that any extra available resources go towards funding public services, rather than towards tax cutting, which usually has a tendency to benefit those on higher incomes. It is quite possible that the political decline of Fine Gael and Labour, as shown in the recent European elections, could be reversed by 2016 via a tentatively rising tide. However, some of its policy fleet may well have a few holes in them, which could undermine the Government’s chances of seeing its political fortunes rise with the economic tide.

‘Giving America a Raise’: The United States is no longer a leading light in world economics, and its wage rates are to blame By Eoin Molloy When speaking at a Laborfest conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on the 1 of September this year, President Barack Obama used his speech to make a renewed push for an increase in the federal minimum wage. It was the first time the President had visited this event since his first address here on the campaign trail back in the heady ‘Yes We Can’ days of 2008. President Obama spoke of his “vision of an economy where opportunity is open to everyone who’s willing to work hard”. While “I’ve got a vision” is hardly as catchy as “I have a dream”, the President made a rather pertinent point when he said: “I’m not asking for the moon, just a good deal for the American workers.” The two-term leader remains adamant that American minimum-wage workers “deserve a raise”. This speech was aimed as a dig at Congress members who have been less than accommodating when it comes to implementing their

Hawaiian-born President’s policies. Obama himself signed an executive order in February of this year dictating that employees of federal contractors should receive no less than $10.10 an hour, a decent jump from the current hourly rate of $7.25. Raising the minimum wage has become the focus of Obama’s second term following the roll-out of the Affordable Care Act. The minimum-wage increase legislation was most recently blocked by the Republicandominated Senate in April by a margin of 54-42. The Senate majority leader, Republican Harry Reid, lead the charge against implementing the bill despite supporting the actual legislation himself. The Republicans plan to reintroduce the bill at a later stage, presumably after Obama leads office. Partisan politics aside, the minimum wage in America is fast becoming a humanitarian issue. Most minimum wage jobs exist in the food sector, which was dominated by teenage workers before the recession.

Nowadays, however, there are as many adults working in fast food restaurants as there are teenagers. It must also be taken into consideration that the average fast food worker does not get a 40 hour week. Depending on what time of the year it is, most workers get about 25-30 hours a week. At $7.25, a worker doing a 25-hour workweek earns $181.25 before taxes. This does not enable your average worker to rent decent accommodation nor raise a child. Therefore the minimum wage worker becomes excluded from major aspects of life. They are not able to participate meaningfully in society without the aid of meanstested government benefits. In 2013, there were 23 million households in receipt of food stamps in America, according to data from the US Department of Agriculture. All the while corporate profits are growing. In 2013, McDonald’s gross revenue amounted to 28.11 billion, up from 22.74 billion in 2008, according to www.marketwatch. com. As profits go up, paychecks go down and income inequality widens irrevocably.

Through the food stamps program, the US is essentially subsidising the profits of multi-national corporations. Companies like McDonald’s could clearly afford to pay their workers a decent living wage. Spiralling inflation is the reason why the minimum wage simply has to increase. In 1979 a minimum wage worker had to work just 130 hours in order to cover a year’s worth of health expenses. In 2013, a minimum wage worker has to work 749 hours (that’s almost 19 weeks) in order to receive the same coverage. Therefore, it is abundantly apparent that minimum wage workers are not earning enough if they have to work over almost half the year to cover just one of their most basic human needs. One talking-head who completely espouses the disconnected Republican thinking on the subject of the federal minimum wage is Bill O’Reilly. The Fox News pundit came under intense scrutiny earlier this year after he spent a segment of his talk show outlining ways Ameri-

cans living on $7.25 an hour could improve their lots in life. “Never waste money. You don’t need all those trinkets. Get rid of your vices. Save your loose change. Save ten cents for every dollar you make. Because living off $7.25 is hard enough, enjoy living off $7.15 instead,” he said.

meet their rent, and it’s not because of trinket-addiction. Nor would your landlord be very happy to receive their rent payments entirely in ten-cent coins. The real solution here, in spite of what people like Bill O’Reilly might have you believe, is curbing the greed of multi-nationals. Since

Nowadays, however, there are as many adults working in fast food restaurants as there are teenagers. At $7.25, a worker doing a 25-hour workweek earns $181.25 before taxes Apparently Mr O’Reilly (whose show airs on expensive cable television) does not realise that people who earn $7.25 an hour can’t even afford food, let alone luxurious television packages. Americans earning minimum wage are essentially living in poverty. This is something the Harvard-educated (somehow) O’Reilly could never even begin to understand. Minimum wage workers can’t

there is a minimum wage (which, thanks to inflation is fast becoming appallingly low), why is there no maximum wage? Why can’t we place a maximum limit on profits, so that the rest of the haul can be shared out amongst the everyday workers? Without them there would be cash cow for the senior executives to milk. It is time to give decent humans a decent human wage.

OPINION 9

September 29 2014

Barcelona and Madrid reach stalemate in political version of El-Classico By Tomás M. Creamer Sadly, there are some things that are objectively more important than a soccer match. One of these things is the possibility that the sporting rivalry between Madrid and Barcelona may no longer be confined to Spanish borders. It may soon become an international rivalry. Presently, there is a standoff between the central government of Spain in Madrid and the Region of Catalonia (of which Barcelona is the capital). This situation is much more dysfunctional than the stand-off in Scotland. Like Scotland, Catalonia is a region with a distinctive history, culture and language

of its own. In a statement of intent surely designed to defy the central government, Catalan authorities have recently banned bullfighting, a culturally ‘Spanish’ activity that has never been popular in the region. On top of that, Catalonians feel relatively hard done by, with the central government being seen as marginalising the needs of the Catalan state. As a result, there has always being demand for regional autonomy and, more recently, independence. However, there are key differences between the Catalan situation and the Scottish debacle. Catalonia, being the industrial centre of Spain, is an economic powerhouse. Catalonia alone makes up a

fifth of Spain’s economy. Barcelona has become known as one of the ‘four motors’ of the European economy. The key grievance driving nationalism in this region is the fact that the Catalans feel that they are effectively subsidising the Spanish state in exchange for little government investment. To the dismay of Catalan Nationalists, a 2006 Statue of Autonomy was severely diluted by a Constitutional Court ruling in 2010. As well as that, the Conservative People's Party currently running the central government in Madrid are strongly opposed to any sort of federal framework, and favour a centralised Spanish state. As a result, support for

Independence has moved from a minority position into the mainstream arena of public discourse in Catalonia. However, the Spanish Government, led by Mariano Rajoy, stubbornly refuses to allow a referendum as in the case of Scotland. Unlike the UK, Spain has a codified Constitution which particularly stresses the ‘indivisible’ nature of Spain, and this means that Spain has to amend the Constitution in order to allow an Independence vote. This hasn't stopped the Catalans from trying. In December 2013, the leader of Catalonia, Artur Mas, along with other pro-Independence parties in Catalonia plan to hold a referendum on

Independence on 9 November 2014. Madrid was not impressed and the Spanish Constitutional Court has declared the referendum illegal. Catalan nationalists seem determined to hold their ground, and have raised the possibility of gauging opinion indirectly via a snap election if necessary. One might well think that the Scottish failure would knock the wind out of the Catalan Independence campaign. However, the fact that the British Government had even agreed to a referendum has already established the option as being not totally surreal, despite its unequivocal rejection by the main Spanish parties.

For now, both the nationalists in Catalonia and the Spanish unionists in Madrid are in a political deadlock. Support for Independence in Catalonia seems to be increasing in the face of intransigence from the central government. There is the strong possibility that negotiations to reform Spain’s pseudo-federal structures may yet keep this diverse country together. However, with an unemployment rate of over 25% and an election next year, the current government in Madrid is unlikely to devote much time to this issue. Either way, this current stand-off is not helpful for a democracy that’s just a little over 37 years old.

10â&#x20AC;&#x201A; STUDENT LIFE

Sin Vol. 16 Issue 2

Student Experience: My Harassment Story I've decided to share this story. It is an apology. I want the world to know that I am sorry, but I can't reveal my identity for fear that it would compromise him or anyone he is associated with. By telling this story I am not justifying my actions, but providing some sort of an explanation for them. I doubt the person this story is about will ever read this, but if he does, at least he can see that I am regretful for my mistake. I met a man, I fell in love. We parted and I let my hurt overpower my sense of right and wrong. I did an unkind thing to someone who was/is so important to me. I had let myself become so bitter. I lost my mental health in my grief over a man. I did this. I had tied myself irrevocably to a man who didn't want me. While I know that this is not an excuse, the pain I went through needs to be acknowledged. The rejection, the feeling of complete worthlessness carried me. It absorbed itself within the walls of my chest, every day, every night. I was broken. I needed to feel closer to him, to have something else to focus on. Watching him, stalking him online, people he was involved with, made me feel closer to him. Even writing those words disgusts me. I knew it was wrong, yet my desire to hold on overwhelmed me more then can ever be accurately explained. I am unwell. I did a sick thing. I tried to harass someone I love. I wanted a reaction; a response instead of the indifference, the passiveness he'd shown towards me. I'd lie awake sobbing, thinking, how could he not know that I am in pain? Why has he not tried to help me? I was so utterly heartbroken I couldn't understand that my pain was not for him to heal. He did not belong to me. Yes, I'd had time with him, yet it didn't make sense for me to be so in love with a man after so much time had passed. Nobody understood. I kept watching him, watching his involvement with others online. Hoping one day I wouldn't have to watch; I could be a part of something with him again. I could see that he carried on life as if my absence had no effect on him, while I struggled to get through each day without vomiting from anxiety. I could see that he didn't care; it upset me to an awful degree. The anger I felt at myself for feeling this way worsened my mental state too. I felt ridiculous for wanting a man who no longer wanted me, who had moved on. I'd lost my body, my heart and someone I adored, while he was ok. I watched him have a romantic relationship, devastated that he could while I struggled to go on a date. I tied myself to him even more, the anger at my pain, at myself, manifesting physically. I vomited uncontrollably at least once a week from seeing this relationship unfold online. I was devastated that he could have a relationship with someone else.

Being nasty towards him online, under many different accounts was my way of getting a response. I wanted him to act, to be angry, to be annoyed, irritated, have some feeling toward me. However, I never, ever wanted him to be hurt by me, or my actions. Despite my actions, I never wanted him to be harmed. I didn't think my actions online would hurt him emotionally, because I believed he didn't feel strongly enough towards me to be hurt.

from the feeling of depression, isolated by it and completely consumed by it. I tried to involve his partners too. I didn't know these girls; it was nothing personal. I was resentful that I could not share their privileges. That I could not kiss him, share jokes, moments, milestones with him as they could. I watched their online interactions with him, remembering my time with him, remembering who I was. The real me; I wanted her back too. It was

I've decided to share this story. It is an apology. I want the world to know that I am sorry, but I can't reveal my identity for fear that it would compromise him or anyone he is associated with. By telling this story I am not justifying my actions, but providing some sort of an explanation for them. I doubt the person this story is about will ever read this, but if he does, at least he can see that I am regretful for my mistake. Honestly. I would be devastated if someone hurt him in any way, though I can completely see how that's hard to believe. I tortured myself by watching him. I never enjoyed observing him in this way, or being abusive toward him or anyone else. I was trying to get closer to him, which is just so disturbing. It made me feel creepy, obsessed and totally pathetic. My actions were cowardly, ridiculous, illegal. My bitterness had festered into vitriol, conveyed through the mediums of Twitter and Facebook. I was shocked that I could be this way. I had become so mean, cruel, and senseless. I lost my true personality. I lost the girl who fell in love with him; the happy, kind girl.

a safety to think of my time with him through them. I attacked them too. I had never been a jealous person, I didn't wish them ill or anything like that, I was only jealous of their closeness with him. There is no excuse for my behaviour. I regret it beyond expression. I regret that I dragged him into my pain, that I forced him to become a part of it. It was selfish, unkind, inexcusable. I love him; that must be said. Yet this is not a sane display of love. But I did love him. And I couldn't handle it. I couldn't cope with the hurt from the rejection I felt. He did not love me, so I wanted him to see the extent of my hurt.

I never, ever wanted him to be hurt by me, or my actions. Despite my actions, I never wanted him to be harmed. I didn't think my actions online would hurt him emotionally, because I believed he didn't feel strongly enough towards me to be hurt. Honestly. I would be devastated if someone hurt him in any way When I stalked him online, I kept thinking, if he saw me now he'd be revolted by me. That version of my self was too warped even for me to understand. It frightened me that I could be this way. There was no pleasure from it. To see my personality being overpowered by my anger was just soul destroying. I never understood what people meant when they describe themselves as lost, until I found that I was. I didn't know who I was anymore. I was just sick. I was guilty

It is so unfortunate that I used something as wrong as harassment to convey real pain. By harassing him online I devalued my pain, our relationship and the memory of our relationship. I was too cowardly to tell him; too afraid to admit to him. I thought he'd never understand; he'd think I'm crazy. Now he thinks that anyway, having discovered that I was the online personas attacking him so unfairly. While I never made threats,

I made unfair accusations designed to anger, annoy him. Now he will never believe that I truly love him; that I regret how much damage I've done. He'll never see how sorry I am. You can love someone and do unkind things to them, but that is still wrong. I'll never get to tell him how special and important he is. He was the first man that kissed me, the first to make me laugh, the first to move me. He touched my heart irreversibly. I am so sorry I've done this to him, to anyone he cares for. I truly mean that. He'll never know how much. He'll never forgive me. I'll never get to kiss him, to be in his arms. I will never have the privilege of being with him. He's repulsed by my actions. I am ashamed that I've let this happen. When he left I was eighteen and he was twenty four; in two completely different stages of our lives. He did the right thing by distancing himself from me; I believe he was trying to protect me. He tried to protect me again by not pressing charges for harassment. All I've done is harass him. I've loved him from afar, but that makes no difference. I let my anger affect the power of my love. But the fact that I love him cannot be denied; I truly adore him, I had no contact with him, no way of showing this. So I projected all feelings into negative online outbursts, because that was easier for me to handle then to tell him. He'll only remember that I harassed him; he won't see that I love him. He didn't see how broken my heart was when we stopped seeing each other. He is the best man I've ever known. He is my hero. All I'll ever be to him now is the unwell person who harassed him and other people in his life for a time. He won't remember the person he knew once who was normal and healthy. He won't see that that person still exists; she's just buried under her illness and despair. I'll carry this guilt and regret with me for as long as I deserve, even if it's for forever. I've been seeing a counsellor and focusing on getting healthy, it will take some time for me to be completely normal again. I have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and Depression. While BPD is not an excuse, it causes reactions and responses that are not in tune with a person's original personality patterns. The fact that he has seen me in this state is beyond upsetting. That I could be so ugly is just truly terrible. I've let him down. I've disrespected him. I've damaged everything. I lost a year of my life. I became someone I am not. Maybe one day he'll see my regret. I'm so utterly sorry. Harassment is wrong, it is cowardly. I lost someone I love permanently because of it.

STUDENT LIFE 11

September 29 2014

Why in the world would I hire you?

Raising Awareness: What on earth iss Trigeminal Neuralgia?

By John Mulry

Hands down I can say I'd never heard of this thing before. I was five doctors into misdiagnosis, on the most amazing cocktail of painkillers you could imagine. In those few weeks my only memory is one of my college mates guiding me through doorways as the medical cocktail was overwhelming my senses, completely making such complex manoeuvres too difficult to accomplish unaided. I was still stubborn enough to go to college though, apparently. A local doctor finally cracked it. When he described the symptoms, I knew he was describing exactly what was happening to me. In fact, for a lot of people, misdiagnosis is the first symptom, with diagnosis coming later. I was just shy of 24 when I contracted Trigeminal Neuralgia, immediately (if temporarily) lifting the crown for being the youngest known person in the country to contract it (note to self: do the lotto this week) Trigeminal Neuralgia, or TN, as we'll call it from here on, to reduce the word count, is the spinal tap of chronic pain diseases. It goes up to 11, all the time. Well, realistically ten. On the scale on which doctors and nurses rate pain, it starts around 10 (on a scale of 1-10). I'm not sure I’ve ever been successful in relating to another person what level of pain it brings on, you wouldn't want to do that to someone. Words tend to fail and scenes from reservoir dogs start coming to mind. There is no nice way to describe it. There is no 100% cure, and should it cross your path, immediately reach for your toolbox and start sharpening your patience, endurance, stamina and ability to remain calm. There is plenty of unnerving (this is a pun

One question I often a sk mys e l f, a n d I’d highly suggest you ask yourself, is a question that has been posed to me on a number of occasions by a mentor of mine, Dan Kennedy. Dan's the professor of harsh reality. The question is one of the most important marketing questions a business owner can ever ask themselves but I’ve adapted it for you as it applies to securing your employment. W hy should I, y our prosp e ctiv e employer, choose to do hire you versus any and every other option available to me in your category, including hiring noone at all? You need to have a good answer to that question, because if you don’t, in regards to seeking a potential employer, you’ve become a commodity. When you’re a commodity, potential employers will make their decisions on whether they will hire you based on external factors that are out of your control. Competition for graduate jobs, or any job for that matter, is extremely tough these days. For example, I was speaking to a client recently and he told me that his organisation had 10 positions available in their last recruitment drive and they received a whopping 20,000 plus applications for those positions. If you think about it from an economical point of view, there’s a lot more supply than there is demand, so unless you can somehow differentiate yourself and stand out amongst all the competition, landing your dream job is going to be a lot harder than you think. That’s a bad position to be in. Very bad. Don't worry though; I'm going to help you answer it. How you ask? Well, one way you answer that question is by having a strong USP. A USP stands for a unique selling proposition. Why should you develop a USP? It will give you an incredible marketing advantage over your competition. With a USP you have the potential to achieve huge advantage over everyone else and you will achieve clarity in what you are about and what you want potential employers to think about you and your hiring potential. Also, what is your unique story and what value do you bring to the table? After all, everything can be pretty much copied and replicated but the one thing that differentiates you from everyone else is you. Combining your unique story with your USP is a winning combination. I have 18 USP trigger questions that I go through with my clients and I will share five of them with you today:

By Eoghan Holland

Market Thyself 1. What do you do great? 2. A big promise (you can keep) 3. How does it benefit your target employer? 4. What void can you fill? 5. What are employers struggling with that you can fix?

If you want to know the other thirteen, reach out to me at John@JohnMulry. com. If you don’t currently have a USP, or never even thought of applying this strategy to your efforts when applying for a job (a graduate one or otherwise), I suggest you put in the time and effort to develop one. It doesn’t have to be stagnant either. As you develop, your USP should too. One of the best ways to start the process is to ask your current employers and friends: “Why did you choose to hire/ be friends with me instead of others?” You may be surprised by what they tell you. When properly accomplished, your USP will give you a huge competitive advantage over everyone else that goes for the job you do. Put in the effort and answer the 5 questions above and you will be on your way to carving out a way to get yourself noticed when applying and looking to secure that dream job.

Annual Graduate Jobs Fair to showcase at NUI Galway The annual Graduate Jobs Fair will be hosted at NUI Galway on Tuesday 7 October in the Bailey Allen Hall from 12.30pm to 4pm.

This is an ideal opportunity for students and academics to spend the afternoon networking with over 70 leading graduate recruiters.

This popular annual event will showcase graduate employment opportunities for students and graduates from all disciplines, with a diverse number of fields such as accountancy, IT, law, science, retail, consultancy and many other sectors represented.

Major local employers such as Boston Scientific, Creganna, Medtronic, Cisco, Sourcedogg, and SAP will attend, in addition to international companies including Accenture, Abbott, KPMG, Lidl and Randox. Don’t forget to bring your CV!

Details on exhibitors is available from www.nuigalway.ie/careers

that only I get) reading to be done should you have googled it at this point. In fact, it’s very often easier to not mention its existence than it is to take the time to introduce people to this rare condition, try (and fail) to describe it while maintaining some sort of social interaction through a massive haze of pain. This is the problem with diseases that never made the big time (at this point in the article the reader is completely engrossed) – what you begin to realize is that the level of stardom a disease has achieved over its existence is directly proportional to how much society and the medical world care about it, or understand it.

A no-make up selfie for what? Trigeminal who? A 5k run down Salthill prom on a Sunday morning for what now? The organization I joined when I contracted TN has around 140 members in Ireland ranging from their 20's to people born in the roaring 20s, who all experience these ridiculous levels of pain on a daily basis and spend the other half the day trying to describe to people what it is they actually have. 2014 is the first year that we have had the energy to have an awareness day, which is falling on 7 October. On this day, Trigeminal Neuralgia begins its road to disease superstardom. We aren't looking for money; we are literally just trying to raise enough awareness to make life a bit more normal for myself and my TN brothers and sisters around Ireland. There may even be a small on-campus event to celebrate its debut appearance in the public conscience (keep an eye on @ Sin_News on Twitter). Thank you for reading – and if you do feel the urge to help, why not consider wearing your finest Teal coloured clothes on 7 October in solidarity with us. If you suffer from this condition or any other chronic pain condition over about an eight on the pain scale, do feel free to contact me: eoghanholland@gmail.com Eoghan Holland is head of news at Flirt FM and a member of Trigeminal Neuralgia Support Group Ireland.

12 STUDENT LIFE Mionscéalta na Mic Léinn

Le Feidhlim Seoighe

Sin Vol. 16 Issue 2

Erasmus Diary of an Student

Tír gan teanga, Tír gan Anam: An Albain

By David Molloy

Déanann Feidhlim Seoighe, Leas Uachtarán don Gaeilge in Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn, imscrúdú ar an sórt todhchaí atá ann don Ghàidhlig, teanga dúchasach an hAlbain, agus torthaí dearfach, agus diúltach ar an teanga de bharr an chinne gan scaradh ón tAontas. Tá breis chumhachtaí gealta ag Westminster ar an Albain anois de bharr an reifreann, ach cheann sórt tionchair a bheidh aige do theanga na tíre. Is teanga an-chosúil leis an Ghaeilge í an Ghàidhlig. Agus tá naisc láidir idir an dhá teanga a théann siar na mílte bliain, agus atá fós ann inniu. Bíonn fiú roinnt mírlíne ar Nuacht TG4 ó BBC Alba, agus tá an Ghaeilgeoir sláintiúil in ann an chuid is mó de cad atá á rá a thuiscint, gan mórán stró. Tá an feachtais ar son neamhspleáchais tar éis a léiriú go mbeadh an Ghàidhlig lárnach agus tír nua, agus bunreacht nua, atá á chuir le cheile. Ach mar a tá a fhios againn, bhí an bua ag an feachtais fanacht laistigh den Aontas. Anois is ga féachaint ar todhchaí an teanga mar mhionteanga lastigh den Ríocht Aontaithe. Níl an teanga tar éis teacht suas mórán sna díospóireachtaí maidir leis an neamhspleáchais. Tá cúrsaí eile, ar nós an tsaoir oideachas, an córas sláinte, an airgeadais, agus an geilleagar, chomh maith le stoc ola na tíre, tar éis lár stáitse a thógáil. Agus thuigeadh seo i comparáid leis na hábhar eile atá á phlé, mar nach bhuil ach 1.1% (daonáireamh 2011) den dhaonra a dheirtear go bhfuil cumas na Ghàidhlige acu, i gcomparáid leis an 1.77 milliún a

Let’s talk about food: I like food. It’s all I ever eat. It seems, though, that whoever dictates the living standards of student living in the Netherlands thinks that we hate the sight of the stuff and have nothing but contempt for those who like to have variety in their food heating machines. The entirety of my cooking options in my flat is a single hotplate. I’ve asked around, and no student I have talked to out here has seen an oven in millennia. Some doubt they ever existed. This of course means that at the forefront of my acclimatising as an Erasmus student is to say goodbye to that glorious student meal of choice: the hastily bought oven pizza from the cheapest supermarket on your way home when you panic and realise all the food left in your house is a single strand of spaghetti and something that looks like an old clove of garlic. I can hear the pizzas in Spar here practically scream my name when I go grocery shopping now: “David, what the hell? I thought you loved us!” “I do, I do!” I reply to the suddenly linguistic pizzas, “Just think of it as a break; we can’t make it work together right now, and besides, the lactose intolerance always made our relationship a difficult one to navigate”, right before I buy more pasta and bread as another sign of my overwhelming laziness. Tonight, when you get home, go to your oven, tap it on the head and tell it you love it. Just make sure you don’t burn your hand when you tap it.

dheir go bhfuil cumas an Ghaeilge acu. Ba mór-cuspóir a bhí ann, don fheachtais neamhspleáchais, go mbeadh áth-bheocháin ealaíona agus cultúrtha le tarlú san tír nua. Tá rud amháin a shroicheann Gaeilgeoirí ar fud na tíre, Tír gan Teanga, Tír gan Anam. Agus is léir go bhfuil an smaointeacht seo le feiceáil i measc na Ghàidhligeoirí chomh maith. Tá Rialtas na hAlbain tar éis a teacht amach agus a fhógairt go mbeadh meathlú na Gàidhlige á mhoilliú san tír neamhspleách. Ach anois agus muintir na tíre théis an chinne dhaonlathach a dhéanamh fanacht leis an Aontas, an ndéanfar an méid céanna infheistíocht, agus oibre, chun an Teanga a chur chun cinn. “Bheadh áit lárnach ag an Ghàidhlig i saol phoiblí Albain neamhspleách” a deir Páirtí Náisiúnta na hAlbain. Trí tacú le seirbhísí na meán Ghàidhlige, BBC Alba, agus Radio nan Gàidhlig, agus dár ndóigh seirbhísí Rialtais as Gàidhlig a chuir ar fáil dóibh siúd a labhraíonn an teanga, bhí dul chun cinn mór le déanamh. Tá sé re-thábhachtach tacú lena bunseirbhísí seo chun na Gàidhlige a chosaint. Gan iad, ní fás a thiocfaidh ar an teanga, ach a mhalairt. Is cuid lárnach í an teanga i stair, oidhreacht, agus cultúir na tíre. Tá Rialtais Westminister tar éis a fhógairt go mbeidh i bhfad níos mó chumhachtaí déabhlóidte

(devolved) go Rialtais Dhún Éideann sna míosa beaga amach romhainn, ach feiceadh muid an dtacóidh siad le dul chun cinn teanga dhúchais na hAlbain. Tharla réabhlóid teanga san Bhreatain Bheag leath chéid bliain ó shin, agus i mó thuairim, tá réabhlóid teanga ag tarlú leis an Ghaeilge i láthair na huaire. Tá réabhlóid teanga ag teastáil uaidh an Ghàidhlig. Níl na cearta céanna acu siúd a labhraíonn an teanga, níl sí scríofa mar príomh-theanga in aon bunreacht, nó níl aon Acht Teanga a sholáthraíonn cearta ar shaoránaigh ann. Feiceadh muid an dtiocfadh na cearta seo, ó Westminister, do na Ghàidhligeoirí amach anseo. Seans go bhfuil sé ró dheireanach don Ghàidhlig, drochsheans go bhfuil suim dá laghad ag Rialtas Londain ar mhionteanga atá á labhairt suas sna Garbhchríocha. FOCLÓIR:

cumhachtaí déabhlóidte: devolved powers Garbhchríocha: Highlands

As you can tell, university life has begun to form a routine out here – classes are finally in session, sparking the ire of every student who spends each lecture wistfully staring out the window, wishing they could be making the most of the mini-Summer the country is enjoying in September. Enjoying a beer by the canal, lazing in the beautiful horticultural gardens – basically doing anything other than what we are expressly here to do, namely study. Just like home, then! Luckily, however, the classes are unique enough to hold my interest, particularly Digital Anthropology, which tackles the issues of the world wide web head on – I never thought I’d see a chapter in a textbook on the community aspects of fan fiction, along with an academic definition of ‘geeking out’ (found in Ito et al, Personal, Portable, Pedestrian: The Mobile Phone in Japanese Life, 2010, if you’re curious), but here we are. In case I haven’t made it painfully clear, yes I am an Arts student. There’s still room for excitement, though: I went to Amsterdam for the first time and got to see this unique European city outside of its stereotypes. After taking a curious walk down the red light district and seeing a sign for some place called the ‘Sexmuseum’, I left with some questions for my parents about that ‘stork’ story they told me years ago, but nonetheless a good time was had with my fellow expatriates. It’s hard not to feel pangs of homesickness every once in a while, but overall Erasmus is going well. Everyone’s invited to the pizza and wedges party I’m going to have when I’m back in Ireland, though.

STUDENT LIFE 13

September 29 2014

Cell Explores seek new team members Cell Explorers is a science outreach programme based in the School of Natural Sciences. Its goal is to excite, educate and engage people of all ages about the science behind living things. Last year Cell Explorers was made up of a team of over 100 volunteer staff and students and directly reached almost 3,000 children, parents and teachers.

We also went on our first international trip, visiting the Malta Science Expo in the spring. This year Cell EXxplorers aims to visit even more schools, to run several new workshops during the Galway Science and Technology Festival and to attend both national and international science festivals and fairs. Here one of our committed volunteers, Amira Mahdi,

a third year Biotechnology student, speaks about her experience with Cell Explorers. If you want to join our team, visit our website at www.cellexplorers.com and click on the volunteer tab to find out all you need to know. Amira’s Experience:

I joined the Cell EXPLORERS team in October last year and can honestly say

Michelle O Donnell Year of graduation: 1995 Course at NUI Galway: BA 1993, LLB 1995 Current Occupation: Owner, Gourmet Tart Co. What is your fondest memory of NUI Galway? Meeting my husband, Fintan Hyland, in Smokey’s café (beside the chemistry labs where he was studying). Has NUI Galway changed since you were here? The infrastructure of the university has changed dramatically but the general vibe and atmosphere, which I feel is the most important aspect of any university, hasn't changed at all. How did attending NUI Galway develop you as a person? I grew up in NUI (or UCG as we called it then). I started college at 16 and finished 5 years later with a great education and a whole set of lifelong friends.

any societies, sports clubs or volunteering at NUI Galway? Not officially, but I loved going to the Lit n Deb debates. What was the college newspaper like when you were in NUI Galway? Did you write for it? I didn't write for it but I always read it and enjoyed it. Do you ever miss NUI Galway? I'm in NUI Galway all the time because Fintan and I are delighted to sell our Gourmet Tart Co. products in Smokey’s, college shop, college bar, the hub, the wall etc. I have a great fondness for the university. Students and staff have been very supportive of our business and I would be very proud if my own four children were future students.

your time here? Not about myself but I have plenty about other students who are all solicitors and my customers now (so I won't go there). What advice would you give to current NUI Galway students? Study the subjects you enjoy rather than focusing too much on jobs etc. If you study a subject you enjoy then you will excel and the jobs will follow. Take time for friends and family and don't bring your dirty washing home to your mother – bring her a chocolate cake instead.

If you could go back and do it all again, what would you do differently? I would probably follow my heart and do a Masters in English rather than an LLB. Having said that, I wouldn't like to have missed my time on Erasmus "studying" law in the Netherlands.

it was one of the best decisions I have made since starting studying at NUI Galway. When I joined I was taught how to be a demonstrator for their Fantastic DNA session and was soon off on a visit to a local Galway school. Working with primary school children from around Galway was so rewarding. In these sessions the students got to do a fun experiment in which they extract DNA from a banana while we taught them all about cells and genetics. Their interest, enthusiasm and sheer delight in the biochemistry and science was great to see. I especially enjoyed answering all the questions the young students had, from what it was like studying science in college to questions about mixing DNA, different cells and diseases.

All the crazy “What if....?” questions that were thrown at me were hilarious even though for some, all I could do was suggest they look it up when they got home. In my second semester I was assigned a Community Knowledge Initiative project as part of my course. Inspired by working with Dr Muriel Grenon and her Cell Explorers projects, my team and I decided to create a new workshop with Cell Explorers for this year’s Brain Awareness week. Wi t h h e l p f ro m D r Grenon and other volunteers we designed, created and implemented a two day workshop which we named Brain Explorers. This workshop aimed to teach secondary level students about the brain and its cellular biology. We did this by engaging students in interactive activities such as puzzles, races and circuit games.

I found working with the older age group of students to be equally enriching. Our work was particularly satisfying when students happily told us how much our workshop would help them with their Leaving Certificate Biology course and how much they enjoyed the out of classroom learning experience. This year, we are improving our Brain Explorers workshop to make it bigger and better for the Galway Science and Technology Festival. Volunteering with Cell Explorers has been invaluable to me. I have developed so many skills such as organisation, teamwork and leadership which are useful for my future career. I have met so many people, made great friends and have had a truly great time whilst being a part of Cell Explorers and would without a doubt recommend it to anyone.

14 STUDENT LIFE

Sin Vol. 16 Issue 2

Whey? No whey! By Ciara Treacy Being a postgrad student is much like being an undergrad student, except you’re paying an exorbitant amount of money to be there. From discussion with my H-Dip and Masters mates this seems to be the main source of motivation to succeed. Forget about the plethora of career opportunities that await (I am studying Journalism after all) - if you miss a few lectures, consider it a good couple of quid down the drain. Better reuse the staples on those handouts while you’re at it! This inconvenient truth has even become worthy of a new game. Every time an aspect of the course goes well, you subtract money off the grand total of your fees. A field trip, a guest speaker, impressing admirers with your Level-9 status; the aim is to get as close as you can to zero and then you know you’ve made the correct choice. I must say a month in that having swivel chairs has definitely brought the cost down by half. Cynicism aside, in my eyes you can’t put a price tag on education, and no qualms really exist about paying for a course I’ve always wanted to do. However it’s more the uncertainty of life after this Masters that has made me aim to tighten the purse strings a little. This is why I refuse to pay €10 for seeds. Yes, such is the plight of being healthy in 2014. Bananas, a Nutri-Grain bar and hang sandwich no longer cut it as a nutritious diet.

It’s all about almond milk, goji berries, quinoa and the elusive chia seeds, which I have held back from purchasing on the basis that they are seeds. I don’t want to pay the price of a taxi home just to feel like an upscale pigeon. This health consciousness comes in the wake of contracting the infamous head cold which always seems to be going around. Also with healthy being dubbed the ‘new skinny’, fitspiration and nutritious recipes have become almost unavoidable. I love going for runs but this always falls by the wayside this time of year and having yet to be converted to a gym bunny, clean eating seems to be the fast-track to a better immune system.

I have held back from purchasing chia on the basis that they are seeds. I don’t want to pay the price of a taxi home just to feel like an upscale pigeon. I’m also on a self-imposed Boojum ban since the staff started recognising me outside the four walls of the establishment. This has

been eased by the fact I accidentally dropped my purse down the toilet, which rendered my heavily stamped loyalty card invalid. Now I wouldn’t consider myself extraordinarily unhealthy, but I’m still a far cry from the growing culture of gluten-free, whey protein addicts. You know at least one of them – people who proudly post pictures to social media accounts of wholly unappetising meals. If you think an Instagrammed picture of lettuce, avocado and the shudder-inducing raw egg is ‘nom’-worthy, you’ve got to be Cobb-ing me! There’s also the typical Irish comeback to people trying to make an improvement to their lifestyle: “ah sure you’re no craic”. That being said, many of our favourite athletes and personalities are becoming synonymous with their diets and lending their names to new healthy-living products. Irish model Holly Carpenter has amassed a huge following for her dedication to the popular

diet of the moment; the paleo. Named after the Paleolithic era, this fad claims to be the only nutritional approach which works with our genetics. It argues that the human metabolism has been unable to adapt to new food sources, resulting in an increase in degenerative diseases. The solution is to unleash your inner Flintstone and switch to lean proteins, fruit and vegetables, healthy fats and you’ve guessed it, seeds. This is where I found out about chia, and the life-changing effect apparently contained in each little seed. In an attempt to up my smoothie game, I ventured to the health shop where the prices made me turn very green indeed. Considering attempts at saving haven’t been going so well in other departments (the shoe section of Topshop), I’m sure by the next issue I’ll have eaten my words, or at least the seeds.

all young enough to still be fundamental Santyans (follows of Santy) so they were all around the 4th class age. What could a group of ten year olds possibly be looking up on their iPad minis? Sure half of their internet would be blocked, due to parental control settings. And they probably can’t even spell well enough to be googling things.

Then there was Transition Year. The soundtrack of my life in TY was the ‘taptap-tap’ of my Nokia 3510. Everyone I knew was meteor, and every aspect of our lives was shared via our free texts. It wasn’t as if there was much happening, given we were all about fifteen and all sitting in our parents’ front rooms. It’s hard for me to predict what technology will bring next. I always thought space-phones would never happen, but now I snapchat away like the best of them. Maybe my kids will have tiny-iPad-beagainín mac machines built into their brains, injected at birth. Maybe – instead of confirmation and their First Holy Communion – schools will offer to upgrade their technology at fouryearly intervals. If the first message was just transmitted telepathically, then it really won’t be long before we can all order a Domino’s pizza with our brains. We’ll just be craving something greasy, feeling a bit lazy and then all of a sudden there will be a knock on the door. Instead of getting square-eyes from sitting in front of the TV for too long, we’ll just implant a telly into little tiny zygotes, floating around in pregnant ladies. Babies will be born tuned into RTÉ Junior. As I hit enter and prepare to type out this final paragraph, I thank Google I was born in the nineties, so I could do college without having to carry around a type-writer. I just have one question; where are all our built-in jet-packs?

Back In My Day… By Hazel Doyle The first telepathic message was sent this month, from one brain to another. Marie Claire France told me so. One brain in India said ‘bonjour’ to another brain in Strasbourg. The whole thing was aided and monitored by a whole load of machines. Jeeney! Well isn’t that marvellous? Sure computers are great, aren’t they? There’s more computational power in an iPhone than there was in the first rocket that went to moon. But don’t try to send your iPhone on an air-borne mission; the screens crack so easily. When we were kids, phones which allowed people to see images of one another were ‘space-phones’, seen in futuristic cartoons. They were never going to become a reality. Now I use skype about once a week, without thinking anything of it. If the internet goes in my house in the evenings, I am trumped for what to do with myself for the night. I can’t stream a movie, I can’t look up any chords for the guitar, I can’t go on facebook and I can’t even read any magazine articles. It’s impossible to arrange meeting anyone now-a-days without a phone. I guess people BN (Before the Naughties) were never late for anything, so there was no need to send a ‘leaving now, there in five’ message to anyone who might be waiting at a pre-arranged destination. I was talking to some youngsters last Christmas and they were all asking for tablets and mini-iPads from the Big Red Fellow. They were

When we were kids, phones which allowed people to see images of one another were ‘spacephones’, seen in futuristic cartoons. They were never going to become a reality. I remember when I was in primary school and we got our first PC. Oh the excitement of it all! Me and my brother were allowed half an hour of computer time a day. The first ten minutes would inevitably be taken up by dolphin-like cries as dial-up worked its magic. I used to look at the Barbie website. You could put some clothes on Barbie, and give her little accessories. This was like playing with dolls, but for older, more mature primaryschool children who were too embarrassed to hold an actual plastic woman.

STUDENT LIFE 15

September 29 2014

AN INTERVIEW with the SMOKEY’S PIGEON By Stephen Burke He is often seen rambling underneath the Tetris-shaped chairs in Smokey’s Café, feasting on crumbs left scattered on the floor, generally without fear. There are many rumours and myths of his origin. Some say he is simply a Commerce dropout who hasn’t yet had the courage to tell his parents; others reckon he was behind the designing of the bewildering ‘yellow-thing’ outside the James Hardiman Library and as payment he could have all the crumbs he desires, found at the feet of students in Smokey’s. I hoped to find out more in an interview with NUI Galway’s most loved unofficial mascot; the Smokey’s Pigeon. He consented to do a short interview with me and we met outside the entrance to the college concourse – the entrance without the automatic doors. He agreed to do the interview outside, away from the mania that can develop inside, but only on the condition that I hold the door open for him afterwards. I could see already that this was one very reasonable pigeon. I started off by asking him what has kept him here at NUI Galway all this time; “To be honest, I just love it here. I’ve seen lots of different faces come and go but the atmosphere always stays the same. “Not only I do get my pick of the tasty crumbs of Smokey’s food, but I also get some different tastes of food that students bring from home that keeps it exciting. “Also, it’s nice and cosy inside during the winter, and the people are so friendly to me. Of course you get the odd gobshite who tries to ruffle my feathers every now and then but aside from that, what more could a pigeon want? I have everything here.” I then asked him if there was anything he would change about the university; “I’d love more automatic doors. That’s what I want. I finally mastered the sensors for the automatic doors beside the Biology labs and they go ahead and change them! What’s all that about? “I was very annoyed at that as you can imagine. I considered writing a stronglyworded letter but my penmanship is hardly legible, you know, being a pigeon and all. But in the end you just have to go with it.” He had become more agitated than before, avoiding eye contact and becoming restless. Unfortunately, he wanted to end it there. He had said from the outset he would not answer anything too personal, saying that he enjoyed being “a mysterious figure”. As promised, I held the door open for him so he could scuttle inside and headed straight for the tables. No doubt, he is a very appreciative and warm-hearted pigeon, and an embraced member of NUI Galway.

The Apple Watch Cometh By John Brennan Apple founder, Steve Jobs, passed away just under three years ago. Since his death the company has gone from strength to strength; last year declaring revenue of $170 Billion dollars. Despite Apple’s financial muscle, questions have lingered over the company’s ability to create since they hadn’t released an original new product since the iPad. Recently, Apple officially announced their plans to enter the wearable technology market with the unveiling of the Apple Watch; their new smart watch. This has been met with a rather tepid response from consumers who largely remain unconvinced by a product that has been criticized for being unimaginative, over-priced and Orwellian. This piece of technology will potentially monitor you’re your GPS location, your heart rate, pulse and blood pressure. Will it be a glorified luxury item? The Apple Watch is going to be a success. Health and fitness is the future of wearable technology, and Apple for all their criticisms have mastered the art of merging fashion with technology seamlessly.

Their items depict a certain lifestyle. It’s desirable; it’s necessary. How many people do you know without either one of an iPod, iPhone, Macbook or an iPad? Apple’s acquisition of Beats by Dre exemplifies their expansion into new markets and their ability to spot a correlation between technology and fashion. They want you to look at their items as fashionable, as requisite for your individuality. While the full details of the watch remain a mystery, the touted potential of this technology begs belief. You will be able to monitor your fitness and health, pay for items, customize fitness routines, open doors and listen to music on a watch. My current watch only tells the time. Apple Pay will allow you to wirelessly pay for things by scanning your watch. Starwood and Hilton hotels across the pond are developing Apps that will allow your Apple Watch to double as your key card to your room during your visits. The watch will also function as a musicplaying device through wireless headphones. The sheer amount of Apps in the pipeline designed specifically for the Watch dealing with primarily health and fitness is very impressive. They range from Apps to do with

monitoring potential illness, blood pressure, to fitness regimes. It’s all very Minority Report. The unveiling of the Apple Watch means that Apple in effect, have created a market with their reputation, and created a demand by making the technology both desirable and fashionable. This is a tried and tested method; the iPhone is the best example of this. Unfortunately, there is a caveat. To have a functioning Apple Watch you’ll need to have the aforementioned iPhone. This will undoubtedly polarize the Samsung and HTC aficionados out there; will you be willing to drop potentially over a grand for a Watch and a Phone? Apple’s intention to enter the market brings with it a certain amount of weight. Apple aren’t in the habit of making bad technology. Revisionism aside, the iPod, iPhone, iPad and Macbook aren’t globally popular for no good reason. They are accessible, simplistic and appealing. One has to think that Apple aren’t going to make the first original piece of tech they release since the passing of Steve Jobs halfassed; make no mistake, this is the next step in technology.

OUT & ABOUT: SOCS FAIR 2014

Above: Aidan Long and Sylvan Benaksas, and Conor Morrissey and Darren King, pictured at Socs Fair in Áras na Mac Léinn, by Daniel O’Loughlin Below: Students enjoying the 2014 Socs fair, by Srinivasan Arumugan

THE SU PAGES

OIFIGEACH NA GAEILGE: GRÁINNE NÍ BHEOLÁIN

Haigh sibh, is mise Gráinne Ní Bheoláin agus is mé bhur n-Oifigeach na Gaeilge don bhliain atá amach romhainn. Is cainteoir dúchais Gaeilge mé as Conamara agus táim sa triú bhliain ag déanamh staidéar ar an mbithleighis. Séard atá i gceist agam déanamh ná caint na Gaeilge a spreagadh timpeall an champus, go gcurthar leis na seirbhísí atá ar fáil trí mheán na Gaeilge, deiseanna a chruthú do chainteoirí Gaeilge theacht le chéile, agus troid ar son chearta teanga. Ná bí drogallach dul i dteangmháil liom má tá aon cheist agaibh! Beatha teanga í a labhairt. Hi, my name is Gráinne Ní Bheoláin and I'm your Irish Officer for the year ahead. I'm a native Irish speaker from Connemara and I'm currently a third year Biomedical Science student. I intend to promote Irish speaking on campus, to hopefully expand and improve the services available through Irish, to create opportunities for Irish speakers to come together, and to fight for language rights. Don't hesitate to contact me if you've any questions!

RESPONSIBILITIES An tOifigeach na Gaeilge is responsible for: • Promoting the use and awareness of the Irish language and Irish culture within the Union's membership • Providing assistance and advice to the Irish language societies on campus • Developing and reviewing Irish language policy for the Union • To foster a genuine appreciation for Irish on campus while working with other organisations e.g. Conradh na Gaeilge • Providing opportunities for students to engage with the Irish language and culture • Representing students on University committees • Ensuring the Executive Committee are fully informed of and comply with their constitutional obligations to the Irish language An tOifigeach na Gaeilge is elected at the part-timer elections in March. It is required that he/she is proficient in the Irish language.

PAST CAMPAIGNS HAVE INCLUDED:

EQUALITY OFFICER: REBECCA MELVIN

Hey guys and girlies! My name is Rebecca and I’m your new equality officer for 2014 to 2015; exciting stuff ahead! I'm SOOOOOOOO excited for the upcoming year and so should ye! I've lots and lots and LOTS of exciting plans so watch this space! I'm absolutely delighted that ye elected me and I promise I won’t let ye down. I hope to revamp equality week and get everyone involved so that we have an AMAZEBALLS week to remember! Please don't ever hesitate to contact me with any concerns/problems ye may have! I'm always floating around the place. Chat to ye soonies, xoxo Rebecca

RESPONSIBILITIES The Equality Officer is responsible for: • Promoting the ideals of equal opportunities and participation within both the Union and University • Providing a confidential listening and referral service to students • Organizing campaigns to highlight equality issues on campus • Represent students on University committees • Provides information on student and minority rights within the University and within society • Encourage participation in all Union events by non-traditional and minority students The Equality Officer is elected at the part-time Officer elections in March.

PAST CAMPAIGNS HAVE INCLUDED: A disability awareness campaign on campus to highlight some of the difficulties faced by disabled students in everyday student life

SOCIETIES CHAIRPERSON: PATRICK O'FLAHERTY

I’ve been the Societies Chair for this past year and I'm looking forward to being the representative for societies on again year. You might also hear me referred to as 'pofla', a legacy of my years in the Computer Society. I've over a decade of experience with societies, having served as auditor of the Computer Society three times, on other committees such as the Radio Society as well as roles in the University Societies Coordination Group (USCG). I also have seven years of judging societies at national level at the Board of Irish College Societies (BICS). Societies are easily one of the largest and important student activities on campus and I'm always looking for ways to build and expand upon this. If you've any concerns, questions or ideas don’t hesitate to contact me. I hope I’m easy to approach but the otherwise my email address and my phone number are on this page.

RESPONSIBILITIES The Societies Chair is responsible for: • Representing the views of societies to the University and to the Executive Committee • Providing assistance to societies in their day to day activities • Ensuring the Executive Committee is well informed of society events and issues • Working with the Societies Officer to ensure provision of resources to societies • Organising and Chairing the societies forum • Ensuring societies are made aware of all Union policy and events • Providing information on society rights within the University The Societies Chair is elected by the auditors of the University societies in early March. The Union recognizes the Societies Chair as the chief spokesperson of the Societies

PAST CAMPAIGNS HAVE INCLUDED:

Working with GIGsoc to further awareness and discussion of LGBT rights for student in particular

The establishment of the Society Awards to honour the work of societies on campus

Working with the University to develop and equality policy for students

Working with the University to develop society related policy - e.g. postering policy

Working with USI Equality Officer on the national Equality campaign

Negotiation for full society access to the refurbished Áras na MacLéinn

CONTACT:

Gráinne Ní Bheoláin Mobile: 085 7517813 su.gaeilge@nuigalway.ie

Rebecca Melvin Mobile: 087 6201678 su.equality@nuigalway.ie

Patrick O'Flaherty Mobile: 086 8523417 su.socs@nuigalway.ie

Seachtain na Gaeilge on campus Lobbying the University for bi-lingual resources for all students Working with USI to further the interests of the Irish language on a national level

We are delighted to announce that our second Funny Fiver Comedy gig of the year will be Lords of Strut & Support (Kevin O'Connell) at 8pm on Monday 20th October 2014 in the O'Flaherty Theatre. Tickets are just ¤5 and are on sale now in the Students' Union Office (Monday-Friday 10am-5pm) and the SU Engineering Desk (Monday-Friday 11am-3pm). Lords of Strut have been described as "Celebrityobsessed socially impaired brothers full of pomp, swagger and incompetence. So many costume changes, so much comedy and so much raw talent." "Spectacle of Spandex Technicolour Zebra Print and Super-Sized Smiles" - Broadway Baby, Edinburgh "Polished Performers" - Irish Examiner Support on the night comes from former NUI Galway student Kevin O'Connell winner of the Peoples Choice Chortle Award in 2013. "Happily taking the audience down a surreal rabbit hole" - Hot Press

CITIZENSHIP DAY WEDNESDAY 1ST OCTOBER My name is Rebecca Melvin and I am the Equality Officer with the Students’ Union in NUI Galway. Part of my brief is promoting the ideals of equal opportunities and participation within the Union, the University and in our community and providing information on student and minority rights within the University and within society. This year we are organising a Citizenship Day, on Wednesday the 1st of October 2014 11am-4pm in NUI Galway, to showcase and promote the various groups we have on campus that play an active role in society, embrace the values of active citizenship and contribute to the well-being of Irish Society. Our aim is also to promote the idea of being an active citizen to students in NUI Galway and promote involvement in different types of voluntary and community activities as well as participation in the democratic process. We will be hosting various groups in the foyer in Áras na Mac Léinn in NUI Galway on the day. If you would like to book a table please contact Rebecca Melvin atsu.equality@nuigalway.ie or 087 6201678 It will be a great opportunity for any group, club or society to showcase the work that they do.

Our aim for the day is to: Promote how students are aware and care about the welfare of fellow citizens through active involvement in voluntary and community activities. Promote how students respect ethnic and cultural diversity. Promote how students play a part in making decisions on issues that affect them through the democratic process Welcome new citizens to Ireland.

Tea and coffee will be provided on the day and we hope that you will be able to join us!

18 LIFESTYLE Why Suit Jackets are awesome By Dean Buckley My girlfriend always says a well-tailored suit does for straight women and gay men what lingerie does for straight men and gay women. To that I say: there are other sexualities besides the gay/straight binary that you have failed to consider in your analogy, and also, yes, this is correct. But who can wear a suit every day? Tom Hanks can wear a suit every day. And unfortunately there’s only one Tom Hanks, contrary to my massive piles of evidence that he was killed and replaced by a clone circa 2007, because I haven’t enjoyed a single one of his films since Charlie Wilson’s War. Wasn’t that a great film? I think so too. For those of us who just aren’t Tom Hanks-y enough to never wear anything other than suits, there is a solution. In much the same way that a girl needn’t wear lingerie every day, just a sexy bra and a flimsy shirt, men don’t need a full suit, we just need a suit jacket. See what I did there? I aped the analogy I used to introduce this article and repurposed it to make my own point. You know how I did that? I wrote this article while wearing a suit jacket.

I didn’t own a suit jacket until very late in my first year of college. Before then, my wardrobe consisted entirely of novelty t-shirts and jeans. Now, my wardrobe consists of novelty t-shirts, jeans and a single suit jacket. You can wear a suit jacket with anything, especially t-shirts with pop culture references or pithy slogans or, even better, both. Not only does the suit jacket lend immediate class to whatever I’m wearing; it also gives me the sexiest power of them all: conceal and reveal. Why yes, the top half of my t-shirt does say “Keep Calm”, but what is on the bottom? Why, just let me open my suit jacket and “Call Batman”. Haha, we’re friends now. But more than anything, the suit jacket projects an important message to people around me: that I one day want a job that allows me to wear a suit every day. I mean, I know suit jackets are the male equivalent of lacy bras softly silhouetted against a white halter neck, but why settle for 50% sexy when I can strive toward 100% sexy? Only a bad human being would do such a thing. Suit jackets.

Contemplating Chess: Shane Gaffney (second year Arts with Creative Writing), Kevin Murphy (second year Theatre and Performance studies) and Oisín Coughlan (first year Engineering) pictured at Socs Fair in Áras na Mac Léinn on 17 September. Picture: Daniel O’Loughlin.

Sin Vol. 16 Issue 2

How to become a man and grow a Beard

By John Brennan Che Guevara, Jesus, King Leonidas, Chuck Norris and Captain Birdseye all have one thing in common. You guessed it; beards. I grow a beard because I can. It’s absolutely a lifestyle choice. I see the world in beard terms. Almost like Neo from The Matrix; however, instead of binary I see a cavalcade of beards. Not everyone has the skill required to grow a beard (yes it is a skill). They can’t for either one of two reasons; either because they are not a man, or because they are not man enough. I’ve had to accept that; you should too. When I first graced the Concourse all those years ago suitably clad in what can only be described as sparse tufts of recalcitrant hair I was like you; a mere mortal. Now I harness my beard’s full potential. I look tougher. My chin is a powerhouse of hair and punching. I find I constantly stroke my beard like you would a dog; reassuring it that it is in fact the best beard around and other beards aren’t a patch on it. I have right of way in almost any situation. Old people give up their seats on buses for me. I can hide things in my beard; pens, pencils, squirrels, nuclear launch codes and the occasional Cajun Chicken Panini. Make no mistake; a well maintained beard is probably the greatest thing going. Over the next few issues I will do my best to turn you from the prepubescent whelp, who garners about as much respect as a Chihuahua and turning you into ZZ Top on creatine. I’ll be teaching you how to maximize your beard’s potential, to get more respect and most importantly; stop looking like a fouryear-old. I’ll be going all the way from the building blocks of a beard, through shaving, maintenance and grooming. This will culminate in what I like to consider the top five beards of all time. First off, I’m going to deal with the baby steps of any beard growth; boundaries, structures and foundations. So you’re studying Sociology and Politics and you’re worldly now because you drank a bottle of Corona last night, but now you realise you’ve got to up your credibility. So you’ve decided to just not shave for the time being and see how that goes, right? Wrong. First things first; shave your goddam neck. There ain’t a sorrier sight on this earth than some ill-maintained neck scruff on some hipster pup. If you want a neck beard, you’re reading the wrong article.

Keep it cleanshaven; it underl ines and defines your masculinity and also shows that you need to shave regularly, otherwise there will be a problem with the space time continuum. Your beard has to be the centre of the universe and if you don’t feel it is, shave it off and never allow it to grow again. Your beard deserves to be revered as the hairy deity that it clearly is. By shaving your neck, you give your fluff a steady foundation in which to flourish, bushify and eventually become a real bona fide beard. Once you designate where on the neck to draw your boundary, the next step is to shave. Moisturise that bad boy, because nothing dampens beard potential quite like skin irritation.

I’m going to deal with the baby steps of any beard growth; boundaries, structures and foundations. First things first: shave your goddam neck. I recommend King of Shaves shaving gel for two reasons. One: it’s the Ronseal of the beard world; it’s a goddam pleasure shaving with it, plus your beard deserves the royal treatment. No that wasn’t a pun. Two: read its name. King of Shaves. If you aren’t immediately drawn to it then hand over your man card and write to Thorstein Veblen and tell him that consumerism didn’t work on you because you’re allergic to masculinity. I assume you’ve a moustache at this stage and don’t need to be coached on the intricacies of with and against the grain. If you don’t, go into the library and ask for the book called How to Hit Puberty; an engrossing read I hear. The Razor I’ll leave up to you, everyone has their favourites; personally I use the tried and tested Gillette Fusion. My beard requires five blades to bring it to heel; someday yours will too. Setting out the area that you’re not letting grow is like claiming territory. It’s the benchmark of the man you one day hope to become. It cordons off an area expressly preserving the manly part of your face. Next time we’ll discuss the shave itself and useful beard exercises to maximize growth and peer respect.

LIFESTYLE 19

September 29 2014

NUI Galway’s unofficial uniform By Mary Kerrigan When we step over the threshold of our secondary school for the last time, we think that in saying goodbye to the linoleum floors and rickety lockers, we also say goodbye to our uniforms. While we all remember our school days differently, we all agree upon one thing: mutual dislike for school uniforms. Sure they shaved time off your morning, but for thirteen years or so, they were the subject of complaint. They itched, got soaked in the rain, closely resembled sauna suits in the sun, and were altogether unflattering. There was one argument which trumped all others. Yes, at some point or another we all bitched that they were infringing upon our rights of self-expression, that they killed our own uniqueness in a sea of conformity. Uniforms were the death of individualism. I must say that coming into college, I was a little worried about what to expect. For the first time in my life I could dress as I wished all day, every day, and so could everyone else. At first that is what it was like, a complete shock to the system, seeing so many people of my own age, all dressed in ‘street clothes’. I cannot even begin to describe what a reprieve this was. But three weeks into the term, as the overall fear and novelty of college wears off, so too does the shock at seeing people in their own clothes. With this, I began to notice an ever-present trend about me; a trend so prevalent that it has caused me to reassess my whole thoughts on uniformity and individuality. Walking through campus, be it on the concourse, on the way to Corrib Village, or if I’m honest the College Bar, I find myself met by wave upon wave of students all clad in what may be described as the ‘unofficial uniform of NUI Galway’.; slim-legged jeans, a checked scarf and either Toms or Booties.

Now I should mention that I am in no way criticising this look. Rather, with its smart, clean-cut feel, it is one of the better trends of recent times. Dressed up, yet casual thanks to the pairing of the scarf and Toms. Unlike most fads it is actually universally flattering. A far stretch from the hot pants and leggings that so many insisted upon wearing regardless of body type, the hemline of top layers, or the fact that they were in a 9am lecture. Now, it is important that while I do love the look, it does raise many questions for me regarding the issues people have with uniformity. For years we complained about being unable to express ourselves; that behind baggy jumpers, we were being done some great injustice. True as that may be, the fact is, we are not in school anymore. So why is it that the second that we leave our Alma Mater, we swap one uniform for another? It makes me question what this means for us as people. After so many years of being told what to wear, have we been conditioned to simply conform, or is this simply something we do naturally? What is self-expression? I have no idea. We throw that word around so readily, but I question whether we actually know what it means. Has it lost all meaning? Are we simply using buzz words out of habit? The problem is, once you have noticed ‘the uniform’, you cannot help noticing it. I would be the first to raise my hand and admit to wearing the ‘uniform’ here. As they go, we could do a hell of a lot worse. Maybe we simply replace the word ‘uniform’ with ‘trend’ when we leave school, though to the same effect. So maybe seeing the following of said trends may be seen as an overall acceptance of uniform and a contradiction to earlier protestations on uniforms, and we are actually ok with being told what to wear and how.

The changing landscape of fashion: Blogging and the FRow By Jane Kearns The term ‘professional blogger’ is no longer something that people are confused by; it’s no longer an oxymoron, or a loose term for being unemployed. In fact, being a professional blogger is now something to be proud of, and something that many young people aspire to be, all thanks to the surge in popularity and influence of bloggers over journalists, celebrities and designers. With the availability of the social media to reach an immeasurable audience, the bloggers (and vloggers) of today are no longer only talking about their favourite things as a hobby; they’re full-time professionals, getting paid to advertise for huge brands, influencing our choices to buy and use products more than many advertising campaigns. Blogging is now at the forefront of media and advertising thanks to the conversational style and personal approach that bloggers use to engage their readers. Where traditional magazines and websites choose to feed information to readers, bloggers spark a conversation that draws the audience in and keeps them coming back for more. Of course many big publications like Cosmopolitan and Now have hired bloggers to contribute to their magazines. However, it’s the designers and fashion houses that have really taken notice of the power of bloggers and cashed in on their influence by having some of the most popular names in fashion blogging sit in the coveted front row during fashion week shows. At both New York and London Fashion Weeks countless bloggers were spotted sitting alongside the likes of Anna Wintour and other high profile names in fashion, and some major brands even hired bloggers in the lead

up to Fashion Week. The hugely popular YouTube stars and real life couple Tanya Burr and Jim Chapman were appointed as Mulberry’s brand ambassadors just weeks before LFW. But why are bloggers now taking centre-stage during fashion week? It’s the changing landscape of fashion and media that has allowed bloggers to become respected fashion writers; social media platforms mean that readers want to see content as quickly as possible and street style is gaining momentum over high fashion thanks to fashion bloggers and their penchant for personal style. Thanks to the power of social media, Fashion Week now involves much more than the designers, production teams and models. Fashion bloggers are relatable and accessible and their relationship to their readers feels more intimate than that of traditional media channels. When bloggers cover Fashion Week, they incorporate their first-hand experiences and personal takeaways from each show in a way that readers perceive as organic and fascinating. Seeing Fashion Week from a personal perspective means that readers can experience a brand without the bias of marketing behind it, and if a reader believes a blogger is not bias, they are more likely to support and hopefully buy the brands that the bloggers themselves recommend. Because of their power to connect with the masses, it’s no surprise that bloggers are now gracing the covers of fashion magazines and getting the first look at designs during fashion weeks. Bloggers have made the fashion world a more accessible place for regular people and therefore extended the reach of designer brands to a much wider audience than ever before.

Depop: the must-have App for fashion-savvy students By Brenna Dolan There are few apps that will get you through your college days, for those of you lucky to have a smartphone; in my day we had a Nokia and you were lucky if it had ‘Snake’. Imagine if there was a place you could sell your beloved winter jacket from last year, and pick up a new one for a fraction of the price. Better still, if you didn’t have to leave your house, your lecture hall or your bed. Well my friend, there is. What I am talking about is Depop, a fashion update in your pocket. It is completely free to download and is available on both Android and Apple. Depop gives you the chance to buy, sell or swap second-hand treasures with others worldwide. Beware, boys and girls; it is highly addictive. Once you sign up to the app, you create a profile; you do not have to sell any items

you can simply browse and browse to your heart’s content. It has a filter system where you can narrow down your search to an item, colour, size or location. For example: “Size 6 heels Ireland”. One of the best features about Depop is the simplicity. Anyone with a smartphone can snap a few pictures of their items and they upload automatically from your phone. Notifications come straight to your mobile with an open or private mail option. The beauty about the app is that all sellers have the same mindset; they have secondhand, previously loved clothes that they just don’t have room for anymore. Bearing this in mind, the prices are very reasonable. It is the perfect place to trade in your summer wardrobe for your winter essentials, some new boots, a killer coat and a cute hat and scarf. The app has a review system, which lets you rate profiles and items with a five gold

star system. The more reviews a profile has, the more credible it becomes. There are two ways to pay with the app firstly via –Paypal, and secondly via any credit card. All payments are completely private and secure.

I could sing the praises of Depop all day as I have just secured myself a real Aran woollen jumper for a bargain €10; however, with the good always comes the bad and that is where the postage and packaging comes in. If you are lucky enough to find an Irish seller, you might get away with postage for less than €5; the sad thing is that with foreign sellers (that’s where all the best stuff is), the postage costs a little bit more and in UK terms: the conversion of pounds to euro. All in all, I have to recommend the app; I have been in touch with various buyers and sellers, all of who were extremely co-operative (one of them even saved something for me until payday). The price of the items matches the quality and hey, you know what? They say one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.

20 LIFESTYLE

Sin Vol. 16 Issue 2

In the spotlight: NUI Galway style society By Ciara Treacy Have you ever excitedly put together an outfit for college only to find it goes unappreciated in your 10am Microbiology lecture? Or felt like you’re the only one browsing blogs in the library instead of Blackboard? More interested in John Paul Gaultier than John Maynard Keynes? Well as they say here on campus; there’s a society for that. NUI Galway’s Style Society was created to offer the university’s budding fashionistas a way to explore their creative side outside of lectures. “Because NUI Galway doesn’t have any

particular courses for Fashion or Art and similar subjects, Style Soc is the outlet for students who are interested in that as well as their actual course,” explains Clare French, the society’s Public Relations Officer. “There's so much involved in the word ‘style’ and it's really a personal thing whatever way you interpret it, so we felt like it was an important society to have and one that should appeal to almost everyone.” When the society came to be two years ago, it didn’t waste any time planning a busy schedule of events for students, culminating in NUI Galway’s very first fashion week.

STYLE SPOTTERS By Áine Leech and Fiona Lynch

EILISH WALLACE

SIMON WHITE

Shirt, Jeans, Boots, Bag: Penneys Fashion Pet Peeve: Crocs Favourite Shop in Galway: Public Romance Style Staple: LBD

Shirt, Trousers, Shoes: Topman Fashion Pet Peeve: Uggs Favourite Shop in Galway: Topman Style Staple: Skinny Jeans

Each day, a €50 Born voucher was up for grabs for the most stylish walking in our midst, while DIY workshops and the ‘Socs in the City’ fashion show ensured there was something for everyone’s tastes. This year will be no exception, with many ideas already in the works, which will guarantee to please the society’s fashionable following. One of their aims for the year is to host a number of small interactive events, including the launch of a brand new Irish fashion company in late October; be sure to keep your eyes peeled for that one. Committee members are also in the process of developing a university-wide blog, which will provide a platform for students to showcase their interests in beauty, fashion, fitness, etc. It will include outfit posts, beauty and makeup tutorials, articles from student bloggers and

Greta Narkeviciute (Commerce) modelling at the Style Society’s ‘Flash Fashion Show’ during the Socs Fair in Áras na Mac Léinn. Picture: Daniel O’Loughlin.

Wait, did Penneys just get better? By Amy McDonnell

KATIE WILCOCKS

JOHN IVORY

Dress: Victoria's Secret Bathing Suit Dress Shirt: BDG America Shoes: Zara Favourite Shop in Galway: River Island Fashion Pet Peeve: Adidas Sandals Style Staple: Thrift Store watches

Shoes, Trousers: Buttons Jumper: River Island Fashion Pet Peeve: Jeans that are too tight on guys Favourite Shop in Galway: River Island Style Staple: Converse

photo blogs – so if the sartorialist in you wants a chance to shine, be sure to get in touch. Already a flash fashion show at this year’s Socs Fair has caught people’s attention, with models displaying the latest collections from Born, Portobello, DC, Paraffin and Public Romance. Clare highly praises the generosity of local businesses in contributing to Style Soc’s success. “Local retailers are literally the best to work with. We have a few key businesses who are always so willing to help us out, whether it’s voucher donations, loaning us clothes or giving discounts for students. They couldn't be better - you can't beat the locals!” For more information check out Style Soc on: Twitter:@nuigstyle Instagram: @nuigstyle Facebook: NUIG Style Society

It is safe to say that Penneys has almost become a lifestyle choice in modern Ireland. Your friend's amazing River Island-esque crop top? “Five euro, Penneys.” That jewel encrusted statement necklace? Tenner, in - you’ve guessed it - Penneys. It won’t be long until you’ll be asking where your friend got her eyebrows done and they’ll respond with: “A fiver in Penneys!” The now multinational company is set to expand into the beauty industry with beauty and holistic treatments set to become available in store. This mecca of a mega-cheap chain store deserves its own special mention in the Oxford Dictionary. In recent days, the company has gone from strength to strength, introducing many new incentives and store openings, including the massive expansion to the United States, with America’s first Penneys (Primark) set to open in 2015. Meanwhile, in Ireland, the most recent growth within the company has been its debut beauty range ‘P.S Love Beauty’.

With prices at the classic Penneys low, people were, at best, dubious, yet curious about the Love Beauty products. Although perhaps not the best make up to trust to remain on your face after a long sweaty night in Electric, the pieces are cheap as chips and effective if topped up. The most exciting news from the company in recent weeks has been their announcement to open up a brow and nail studio in their Mary's Street store in Dublin City. I wouldn't be one to put my eyebrows at risk of cheap and dodgy service, but Penneys has never failed me yet. Even better, the initiative is being managed by Monica Mohinca, who has impressive experience working alongside Shavata for over a decade. Safe to say, your brows are in safe hands. Prices are set to be €7 for eyebrows and an incredible €17 for gel nails. The first eyebrow and nail studio was due to open up on 29 September and is certain to book out quick, so get in there, girlies! If successful, the incentive is to be rolled out across the bigger stores nationwide in due course.

LIFESTYLE 21

September 29 2014

DIY BEAUTY: natural is the new Nivea By Samantha Kelly

FACE: Using everyday food products can

Have you ever wondered if homemade beauty remedies actually work; are they really worth a try? Well wonder no longer because I am going to give you all the information you need to naturally care for your skin, face and hair, in an affordable and simple way. Best of all your natural care routine is without all those nasty chemicals found in shop-bought products.

have more purpose than just to be eaten; if it nourishes you on the inside then it must also nourish you on the outside too. Using oats as a natural scrub, banana as a moisturiser, and a lemon to exfoliate will result in your face feeling fresh and toned. You need to mash all of the products together in a bowl and voila, you have a natural face mask that will do wonders. You can also add honey if you need extra

moisture for dry skin or cinnamon. Yes you read that right; cinnamon can soothe irritated skin. The mask should be left on for about 10-15 minutes before rinsing with warm water. SKIN: Our skin is very different from one person to the next. One might have oily skin; another might have dry skin and some might be battling conditions such as eczema or psoriases. So, using natural products (that

NUI Galway’s take on make-up Chelsea Tabert and Claire Stone

won’t irritate the skin) is much better than chemical-filled bottles. Start by mixing milk, avocado, olive oil, shea butter and some lavender into a bowl. The milk will add calcium that is essential to the absorption of vitamin D, which leaves your skin glowing. The avocado will repair damage to the skin, such as scars. The olive oil and Shea butter will moisturise and keep the moisture locked in, while finally, the lavender will add a nice scent. All together, what's not to fall in love with? Some of these products are optional and can be changed. If you prefer, you can use almond oil instead of olive oil or leave out the lavender if you feel it is unnecessary.

but I feel naked without it. I - Conor Lynch, 1st Arts with wouldn’t leave the house HAIR: Who doesn't dream of soft, strong hair? Journalism. There’s a modern belief that girls adhere without putting it on.” “I think there’s a However, with colouring, heat and constantly to; the more make-up we wear, the more – Cherene Foley, 2nd general rule of less tying it up with bobbins, it can be difficult to NO YES “enhanced” we will appear to others; that Year Arts. is more. I did get keep hair looking nourished. Every week we “As bad as it in particular to the other sex. a fright when that should treat our hair to a mask that will help We took a survey of the men and women sounds, I feel like whole no make- it grow and keep it strong. in and around campus to find out how each when I don’t wear up selfie came out Using eggs will help the growth and sex really feels about those who decide to make-up everyone though. That was a strength of our hair. Olive oil will condition include make-up as a party of their daily is judging me. I feel bit weird.” - Anon- and manage frizz and honey will treat the colLads: Do you prefer women routine. like the odd one out.” ymous, Final Year our in your hair; trust me, I love using honey who wear make-up? Furthermore, we asked males “Do you – Sarah Malone, 2nd Science on the highlights in my hair. have a preference for women who wear Year Archaeology and Alternatively (I know many of you won't be It’s clear to see that make-up?” and “Overall, do you really care History. the average lad doesn’t pleased with egg in your hair), coconut oil is if women decided to wear make- up? Does care what girls choose to a God-send to the condition of your hair but it make a difference to you?” ADS’ RESULTS, ON the do, or not to do with their face I do stress that massaging egg into your scalp other hand were pretty blatant. in the morning will improve the growth. HEN GIRLS WERE asked why The majority of lads claimed that If this truly is the case, then why are Firstly mix all ingredients together and pour they do not prefer a woman who the majority of girls concerned with their over hair from scalp to root, twist your hair into they wore make up, wears make-up over one who appearance and feel it’s necessary a bun –not too tight though, you're m a n y w e re n o t able to generate a straight goes au natural. However, to feel a sense of normality? trying to treat the breakage, not answer without some when we asked if they Has it now just become cause more. NO YES cared, nearly every such a habit that there Leave for about an serious debate on NO YES their part. l a d a g r e e d t h a t really is no other hour, wash normally “I believe in look women should be choice but to spend and rinse with cold good, feel good, do free to wear or not an extra 20 minutes water, this will lock in good. That is why I wear whatever in the morning molecules and leave wear make-up to they please. applying products? a shine to your hair. “If a girl feels At the end of college.” – Laura Girls: Do you wear Make up? comfortable wear- the day if wearSo, next time you Orland, 2nd Year Commerce. ing make-up then ing make-up makes plan on spending Lads: Do you really care? “As much as I don’t go for it. They have a you feel better about extra money for masks think I wear make-up right to feel good about yourself, well then who and moisturisers, give a for others, I do. Sure it’s a themselves. I prefer a is anyone to tell you difhomemade remedy a go, it part of my daily routine now, clean, natural look though.” ferent! can be a fun night in.

22 FILM REVIEWS

Sin Vol. 16 Issue 2

A Most Wanted Man

An Bronntanas

By Ken Glennon

By Jane Kearns

Philip Seymour Hoffman’s final leading role sees the actor in engrossing form as a world-weary German Intelligence operative, trying to tease out a terrorist threat in Anton Corbijn’s adaptation of John le Carré’s espionage thriller. Hoffman is Günther Bachmann, a driven, resourceful and chain-smoking agent working out of Hamburg. His goal at the beginning of the latest Carré work to hit the big screen, three years to the month after Thomas Alfredson’s terrific Tinker Tailor Solider Spy, is to establish moles within a Muslim society in Hamburg where an Islamic Philanthropist (Homayoun Ershadi) is quietly providing funds for terrorist cells around the world. To this end Bachmann enlists, coerces and manipulates an array of characters including a banker (Willem Dafoe) and a social worker (Rachel McAdams) abetting a Chechen refugee (Grigoriy Dobrygin) to get closer to his target and in turn implement him in his own network of intelligence. Complicating matters further are a CIA agent (Robin Wright) and a bureaucratic German security officer (Rainer Bock) with interests in Hoffman’s case. With trustworthy allies in short supply and working against the clock in the shadow of a catastrophic previous operation in Beirut, Bachmann’s role takes its toll. It’s great to see Philip Seymour Hoffman in the role. Carrying the substantial weight of a man who looks like he could sleep for a month and appears to be fuelled by a mixture of cigarettes, alcohol and caffeine, Bachmann is an intricate creation. More emotive than George Smiley in the recent Tinker Tailor Solider Spy and seemingly never more than one wrong move away from failure, the part brings with it an occasional and attractive desperation.

It complements the dour atmosphere and the film revels in the mundane nature of spies at work. The individuals in Corbijn’s film are professionals at a job, a world removed from the landscapes occupied by the Bourne films and even more so Bond.

Seemingly never more than one wrong move away from failure, the desperation complements the dour atmosphere: the film revels in the mundane nature of spies at work. The tension is insidious. You realise the extent to which the film is or isn’t working when it makes three people watching a banking transaction palpably tense. A Most Wanted Man‘s success can also be partly attributed to the clarity brought to potentially convoluted proceedings. The personal and wider stakes as well as the roster of key players are straightforward. A Most Wanted Man moves slowly, patiently building to a deeply impressive climax and demands patience. It also successfully observes detached spies at work without feeling emotionally cold. Time is given to observe the complicated feelings between McAdams and Dobrygin’s respective characters and as Bachmann’s lieutenant, Nina Hoss registers strongly while Robin Wright is suitably cast as a clinical CIA agent. As a final showcase for Philip Seymour Hoffman, Anton Corbijn has crafted a very fine spy thriller around a great performance.

After attending a whole host of fantastic films and documentaries at the Galway Film Fleadh, Sin couldn’t have been more excited to attend the closing film of the festival in the Town Hall Theatre this past July, but now that the dust has settled and there’s been time to reflect, we think it’s time to give An Bronntanas the review it deserves just in time for its Irish cinema release. Set in Connemara, this crime thriller advertised itself as the first ever Celtic Noir, and certainly set high expectations after being chosen as the closing film which in the past has been Oscar-winning films like Beginners and The Messenger. However, from early on An Bronntanas did little more than confuse, annoy and disappoint. The film opens with JJ (Dara Devaney), an Irish engineer working in Canada, who receives a call from home concerning his father’s death. Upon returning to Ireland, he is left with his father’s failing business and a large group of scared and unhappy employees. When a call comes in about a boat in distress, JJ, his brother Macdara (Pól Ó Gríofa), and another lifeboat volunteer Jakub (Janusz Sheagall) take the call and venture out into the choppy Atlantic waters. What they find is a boat with a murdered woman and a million euro worth of cannabis on board. The three men are then faced with the difficult decision of handing their find over to the police or selling them on themselves in a bid to save JJ’s family business; however, they soon find themselves embroiled in a much more complex criminal scheme than they could have ever imagined. On paper this film has a lot of potential to be engaging, thrilling and original; however the writing relies heavily upon American crime thriller clichés that simply don’t work in rural Ireland. We see a family in turmoil, mysterious

murders, snappy Scorsese-esque dialogue (in Irish no less!) and a corrupt gun-toting, cocaine-addicted cop that could give Nicolas Cage in Bad Lieutenant a run for his money. The misdirection and ridiculous twists throughout make the film in general laughable, and the moments that were reaching for comedy just come across as tasteless (because what’s funnier than a dwarf with and English accent? Nothing!). As far as the acting goes, most of the cast do the best with what they are given; however, as the lead, Devaney is lacking charisma and authority when it’s needed, and despite being portrayed as the better of the two brothers, he often finds himself easily swayed into dangerous situations by his younger brother. Jakub, however, quickly becomes one of the most interesting characters as the plot develops, he’s mysterious, threatening and even empathetic from scene to scene and Sheagall does a wonderful job of moving effortlessly between speaking Polish, English and even Irish. The one character who jumps off the screen for all the wrong reasons though is detective Fiachra Greene (Owen McDonnell); he’s corrupt and unhinged like Gary Oldman in Leon, but scheming like a bond villain, and for some reason acts like he works on the mean streets of Boston rather than rural Galway. Despite being mildly entertaining at times, McDonnell’s performance is nothing short of embarrassing to watch, but it does look like he had some fun in this over-the-top role. Thankfully, the film does make good use of the Connemara landscape, with dramatic shots of the sea and beautiful panoramic shots of the area’s unique landscape. However, what could have been a milestone for Irish-speaking cinema tried a little bit too hard to recreate the classic American crime thriller for an Irish audience, and simply fell flat with its unbelievable story set in a place that is all too familiar to the viewer.

A Walk Among The Tombstones By Ken Glennon With the excellent Minority Report and Out of Sight among his credits as a screenwriter, as well as the acclaimed 2007 thriller The Lookout, writer-director Scott Frank brings a pedigree to this latest Liam Neeson vehicle that promises something meatier than a Taken or Non-Stop. Adapted from Laurence Block’s novel of the same name, Frank positions Neeson as Matthew Scudder, an ex-cop turned unlicensed private investigator in Brooklyn circa 1999. When an AA acquaintance (Boyd Holbrook) requests Scudder meet his brother, a drug trafficker (Dan Stevens) whose wife was ransomed and then returned to him in pieces after he paid for her release, we’re dropped into a occasionally evocative, familiar detective thriller which also casts Liam Neeson in another variant of his hardened professional with a special set of skills.

There is a bit more bite to the proceedings than that obligatory Taken reference suggests. Not enough to recommend, but there are some interesting elements here, starting with its leading man. Boasting a Brooklyn accent and a doze of dark humour there is some personality to be discerned from the reserved Scudder. A mightily implausible but reasonably entertaining camaraderie, between Neeson and a teenager (endearingly played by Brian Bradley) he meets in a library while pouring over old newspaper files (as PI’s are want to do) gives some personal dimension to his character. Otherwise he’s all business. The prologue shoot-out aside, Scudder is a detective archetype moving through someone else’s tragedy. Some time is extended to the character’s AA

meetings and effort is made to present Scudder as physically fallible, in contrast to some of the star’s other vehicles. Also setting it aside from those titles Tombstones revolves around the hunt for men who torture and eviscerate women. We never see the violence but screams and the grisly aftermath are heard and seen. For a detective story with little resonance, the acts against women in the film are genuinely upsetting. This was unfortunately the most lin-

gering impression imparted. Little is done with the killers beyond making them creepy and sadistic. Similarly there isn’t much for the supporting cast to do beyond the aforementioned Brian Bradley. This is problematic as Scudder is personally withdrawn from the case. Consequently, the personal loss belongs to characters we don’t spend much time with, causing an odd imbalance, between the cruelty of the murders and sense of what’s at stake. Mood-wise the film is evocative in its grimness and the Brooklyn locale generates some sense of credible atmosphere (shot by DP Mihai Malaimare Jr). Carlos Rafael Rivera’s score can be largely distilled to one eerie but over-used theme. In interviews, Neeson has likened his character’s appeal to the type of man Charles Bronson would’ve played. If you’re looking for a seventies throwback, with this star then I’d recommend The Grey over this mostly unmemorable effort.

September 29 2014

MUSIC & FILM 23

ALBUM REVIEW: El Pintor by Interpol By Dean Buckley Did you know Interpol are still together? I sure didn’t, but then they released their new album, El Pintor. Not to say I wasn’t excited when I did find out, but if I sound underwhelmed by the discovery now, it’s only because of how underwhelmed I was by the album itself. I listened to El Pintor a few times before I sat down to review it. I hated Bon Iver, Bon Iver the first time I listened to it, and then I listened to it again and realised I was stupid and wrong. But no matter how many times I listened to El Pintor, it only ever became marginally better. I actually fell asleep on two separate occasions while listening to it, and both times were early in the day after a satisfying and restful night’s sleep. After the first three listens, I required

periodic breaks to listen to Antics and remind myself I ever cared about Interpol beyond the on-going mystery of where Paul Banks buried the treasure chest containing all his body fat. The album opens with a stunning miscalculation called ‘All the Rage Back Home’. Now, ‘All the Rage Back Home’ isn’t a bad song by any means, but it’s a terrible choice for an opening song if you want me to actually listen to any of the other songs on the album; far better suited to a mid-album eye of the storm, or eleventh-hour soundscape. But at least it’s not a bad song, unlike every other track from the first half of the album. ‘My Desire’ and ‘Same Town, New Story’ both start promisingly, but never go where they seem to insist they will, like that friend who shows you a cat video that he swears will get funny any second now. ‘Anywhere’ and ‘My Blue Supreme’ are just

No matter how many times I listened to El Pintor, it only ever became marginally better.

boring and terrible. But then the second half of the album happens, and I develop a sneaking suspicion that the detritus of a superior album is lying on a cutting room floor somewhere, weeping at its own futility. There’s a steady build from ‘Everything Is Wrong’ through to ‘Ancient Ways’, and the double-whammy of ‘Tidal Wave’ and ‘Twice As Hard’ leaves you with the vague sad feeling that the last five songs would have made a brilliant EP. Yet, even these moments of light are dulled by the sheer overproduction. Sure, there’s some great minimal song-writing, but the mixing doesn’t reflect any similar aesthetic or philosophy. Frankly, you should just go listen to Antics again and try to forget this happened, because, honestly, it’s kind of upsetting.

REVIEW: A Nightingale Falling REVIEW: Songs of Innocence By Laura Roddy Created on a budget of just under €100,000, Garret Daly and Martina McGlynn’s film, A Nightingale Falling, opened in IMC cinemas and other independent venues on 12 September. Set in Ireland during the War of Independence, this film, based on the novel by PJ Curtis, takes a fresh slant on what can be described as the “clichéd overdone-ness” of this period. The viewers are introduced to two Protestant sisters, May (Tara Breathnach) and Tilly Collingwood (Muireann Bird) of Glebe House, who are very much a part of their small village in rural Ireland. Throughout the film, lines blur as the viewer’s stereotypical views of the period are challenged. Tilly Collingwood, the protestant daughter of a deceased land owner, is interested in Jackie Nolan (Elliot Moriarty), a catholic farmhand’s son who is involved in activities with the IRA, which both sisters seem aware of. Tom Nolan (Brian Fortune), the farmhand of the Collingwood’s sings only praise for May and Tilly’s father, who served as a Colonel in the British Army before settling in Ireland. Though May considers herself Irish and proclaims hope, when the war has ended,

for “my” little nation becoming a dominion of the British Empire, she still has no problem in nursing an injured British soldier she finds shot in her yard and saving herself from a raid by the black and tans by telling them her father fought for the British Empire. Alongside this backdrop of war which raises conflicting ideas of Irish identity, a family drama is unfolding within Glebe house. Tensions become heightened as May nurses the British Soldier back to health, and her younger, more naïve sister, Tilly, falls for him. The plot of the drama is undoubtedly an interesting one which captivates the viewer. The fact an Independent Irish Film made headlines, winning Best Independent Feature at The Underground Cinema Film Festival in Dublin and reached the cinema is a huge feat; however, every film is not without its criticism. The narration of the film felt disconnected, leaving the viewer to initially ask if this film was striving to be a documentary, particularly in the opening scene. It seemed that a lot of what had been said by the narration of May Collingwood, could in fact have been shown through acting or dialogue. The flowery, long-wielding sentences that both Tilly and May spoke, though, most likely with the intent of setting Tilly and May apart from the catholic workmen and the regulars of the local public house, did not seem natural and created a stiltedness throughout. It is clear that that the story, A Nightingale Falling is a very captivating tale with a great plot that keeps the cinema-goer intrigued; however, with its tight budget and disconnected narration, perhaps more justice would have been given to this story if it had been turned into a staged play rather than a film.

By David Molloy I’m about to reveal myself as the uncoolest person on earth: I like U2. Well, 20th century U2. Say what you will about Bono (and I’ll happily join you) but to these ears they spent their first twenty years as a band releasing a string of solid-to-spectacular albums, so I can easily forgive their more obnoxious tendencies (to a point). They were a band uniquely able to mine their own personalities and lunge that allencompassing ID into their work with, at times, exciting results. This culminated in their great trilogy of 90s albums – Achtung Baby (for my money their finest album), Zooropa, and Pop, that saw the band take on the full scope of their influences, craft great songs and, crucially, show a willingness to make fun of themselves (i.e. the video for ‘Discothéque’). Unfortunately, Pop was a flop, and seemingly in fear of having to face such commercial failure again U2 have returned to the safe well of platitude-by-numbers stadium rock with diminishing returns. Despite being released in a format that guaranteed financial success, thus offering the chance for changing things up, Songs of Innocence continues this creative stasis in what is probably the band’s dullest album yet. Bono once had the ability to, for better or worse, blend the political and the personal in a way no one else could. On this album, he spends most of his time directly aiming for the sentimental jugular while forgetting to add anything under the surface like he once did. Past ideas – eternal love, car bombings, memories of his mother – are re-examined but obscured by clouds of cliché: “There is a light/Don’t let it go out”, “A heart that is broken is a heart that is open”, “Volcano/ Something in you wants to blow”. Bono cannot help always sounding like Bono, but the lyrics on Songs of Innocence

Bono cannot help always sounding like Bono, but the lyrics on Songs of Innocence are so monochrome and eager to inspire the masses that there’s no personality left to relate to. are so monochrome and eager to inspire the masses that there’s no personality left to relate to. It doesn’t help that the musicality and production does the boring lyrics no favours – the guitars seem content to blur into a wash with no dynamics and Larry Mullen’s drumming – usually tight and propulsive – is sluggish and perfunctory and sounds like he was playing with worn-out sticks against old encyclopaedias. I’m an eternal optimist – there’s a chance still of U2 reinvigorating themselves and creating a great album once again – but this isn’t it. Alas, listening to modern-day U2 is like looking at taxidermy with an artificial electric pulse giving it the occasional twitch – you can see a familiar form and signs of movement, but you can’t believe there’s any heart left in there anymore.

24 MUSIC

Sin Vol. 16 Issue 2

N TE THE BEAT Scott McWatt to perform at Monroe’s Live By Jessica Thompson An album that has a theme is an album that really encourages you to listen from start to finish, and Scott McWatt’s latest album A Ceìst Amà is a prime example of such an album. Released in November of last year, each of the twelve songs on the album represents a calendar month, bringing the listener on a captivating journey through a year of life, from the New Year’s resolutions in ‘This Year’ to the positive, happy beat of ‘Summertime’, to the magic of October’s ‘The Witches’ and the end

of year track that is ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’. With such a well-structured theme, A Ceìst Amà differs greatly from the angst of his debut album, Jekyll and Hyde, showing how the musical talent of Glasgow native has matured and deepened over the course of 18 months. Inspired by everything from lines and phrases in books, to life events, places or relationships, Scott says his song-writing largely depends on his mood, and the title of his debut album, Jekyll and Hyde, suggests that various emotions have provided him with inspiration in the past.

“We all have our ups and downs in life and can all relate to that Jekyll and Hyde character where sometimes everything is amazing, but can go to sh*t the next,” he said. “’Take Me Home’ on that record is about a night out I had in Dublin where I ended up in Copper’s and it was just hilarious; I always like playing that song because of that.”

LATE BAR

EVERY NIGHT music you love, music you love to hate and all your guilty pleasures With gugai & Ted

EVERY TUES & WED

SUNDAYS FROM 9PM UPSTAIRS

DOORS 11PM LOADS OF DRINK S PR OM O S

OCT 2ND

WE CUT CORNERS

T H U R S DAY S

OCT 9TH

GIRL BAND OCT 30TH

BUCK 65

Live music followed by indie beats, alternative rock and good vibrations from the past, the present and the not too distant future with Gugai.

FOX JAW

playlists and more at facebook.com/strangebrewgalway

DELORENTOS

NOV 6TH

NOV 13TH

I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU HAVEN’T SEEN... Breakfast at Tiffany’s The Goonies Oct 6th

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Oct 13th

Garth Marenghi Nov 10th

The Goonies Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace

Predator Nov 17th

Predator

Jekyll and Hyde, he said was very much a “punk record with folk instruments”, made on a “shoe-string budget”. But, according to Scott, the album captured his personality quite well through music. “A Ceìst Amà; I think I matured a lot more. I dealt with different things in the context of a year – things I associated with different months; like ‘Aìne Maìre’ is April, which is spring and it represents the excitement of meeting someone new; the association of new things blossoming in spring,” Scott explained. "‘ This Year ’ is ver y reflective in the sense we're all guilty of making ourselves promises at the start of the year which may not come to fruition. “Then in March and May I deal with the subject of sectarianism in my home city of Glasgow and Scottish independence respectively; two songs I asked myself do I really want to do and it's two things I'm passionate about so I couldn't leave them off the record.” Scott has been writing songs since he was 14 but didn’t actually own or play a guitar until he was 18. As a youngster, his family couldn’t afford to buy him a guitar and it was a friend who gave him one as a gift. From then, with a lot of encouragement from his grandmother, Scott taught himself to play guitar and started to write various different songs and play in various different bands which ranged from rock to metal to indie. “I've been in and out of

various bands since I was 16, experimenting with various styles from pianobased rock to hard-core metal bands (no, really haha!). “On the side, I always had my guitar and it's always something I've kind of done from a young age. I found an acoustic guitar in my gran’s house when I was seven, heard an old Beatles record and that was me,” he said. After going from band to band, and genre to genre, Scott finally settled as a solo folk artist and released Jekyll and Hyde in 2012, followed by An Ceist Amá, which was warmly received in 2013.

outlook, including heroes like Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen and Ryan Adams. Though Scott feels literary figures like Robert Burns and F. Scott Fitzgerald also play a key role in helping shape his songs. This October, Scott is set to bring his unique talent to Monroe’s Live – something he hasn’t done before. “I've never gigged in Galway but me and two of my friends, Dave and Alan, did a tour of Ireland last summer. We hired a car and drove everywhere then ended up in Galway,” he said. “On the Saturday night, we went to different bars, watched various song-

Scott has been writing songs since he was 14 but didn’t actually own or play a guitar until he was 18. As a youngster, his family couldn’t afford to buy him a guitar and it was a friend who gave him one as a gift. “I got sick of being in bands; I hated the politics. I have friends and session musicians that play with me sometimes for various things but it's always geared towards the way I imagine it (oldest child syndrome, haha),” he said. But he’s certainly made a name for himself and has travelled and gigged everywhere from here in Ireland to mysterious lands such as Estonia, encapsulating audiences with his bluecollared outlook on life. Unsurpr isingly, his influences are made up of those who share his

writers and bands. I just fell in love with the place it had the same warmth about it that Glasgow has but had its own beauty and sound. “I said to myself when my record’s out, I have to play Galway on a Saturday night! So I am.” Scott McWatt’s two albums, Jekyll and Hyde and A Ceist Amá are available for download at www. scottmcwatt.bandcamp. com. Scott will play Monroe’s Live on Saturday 25 October. For more information see www.monroes.ie.

LITERATURE 25

September 29 2014

Could your English degree get you a job? By Dean Buckley Graduates in English are the sexy new hires of the future and businesses across the world are adjusting their recruitment policies accordingly. Conventional wisdom says degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) run the economy. After all, these are the subjects which govern industrial production and the smart economy, right? Um, no, it turns out. In fact, while the graduates with the highest employment rates are from a few very specific degrees in STEM subjects, on average, an arts degree gives you a better average chance of a job than a STEM degree, and degrees in English literature stand out from the pack. So what gives? Well, turns out that it's really hard to earn a degree in English without learning a few skills that are kind of the backbone of business. Communication is consistently rated as the most valuable skill that any candidate for any job can have, and English graduates have it in spades. More than any other students, English students need to learn how to assemble an argument, how to present and defend their viewpoint in a rational manner and, really, just how to speak to other people. Also, unsurprisingly, once you've graduated from English, you tend to be very well-read and have a large vocabulary that you know how to use with care and precision. After communication in general, writing specifically is considered one of the best assets a worker can have in the modern economy. Who writes scripts at the call centre? Who writes sales pitches and product descriptions? Who writes brochures and emails? Overwhelmingly, English graduates. Critical thinking is a foundational principle of the study of literature, and not just in the buzz-wordy sense. Graduates in English are trained to constantly question and critique the assumptions, models, systems and structures that underpin every aspect of life, and also propose alternatives. The most intractable problems in the business world are just waiting for someone unbeholden to philosophies of business, and that person is an English graduate. More than anything though, the study of literature teaches the skill of the future: empathy. In a world of nameless, faceless corporations, few things help a business along like customers who feel understood, and English graduates are uniquely skilled at seeing the world through other people's eyes, because that's basically what they do all day. So, to any English students worried about the future, there's good news: money.

BOOK REVIEW: A Girl is a HalfFormed Thing by Eimear McBride By Áine O Donnell A young girl in rural Ireland has a devoutly Catholic mother and is raped by her uncle. This may sound like the plot of a ‘typical’ Irish novel, which this book is most certainly not.

The work took almost a decade to be published with McBride receiving rejection after rejection from her late twenties until it was finally picked up by Gallery Beggar Press nine years later. After much disappointment, the author was lauded with several awards and a multitude of

The syntactical anomaly forces the reader to pay extreme attention to every detail fanatical reviews which created a huge hype that has surrounded the ‘little Irish book that could’ ever since. But does it live up to the name it has made for itself as a work of ‘genius’? Not quite. McBride certainly does provide us with a narrative which is different from anything we have seen before. She uses extremely distorted syntax, a style which is unique to this publication. The syntactical anomaly forces the reader to pay extreme attention to every detail; quite often you are forced to reread sentences in order to grasp the meaning behind them. This becomes laborious but could be seen as a purposeful inclusion as a metaphor for the psychological suffering of the protagonist. It also

plays tribute to the clever title A Girl is a HalfFormed Thing as the stream of consciousness style is written for the most part in half-formed sentences. The way the author deals with the sensitive issue of sexual abuse and rape in the novel is where the genius begins to falter. Early on, the unnamed protagonist is raped by her uncle when she is quite young. This first instance of abuse is jarring as the distorted and mangled writing style lends to illustrating the full terror of the incident. However, the novel is marred by too many sexually disturbing occurrences. The frequency of rape and sexual violence results in the reader becoming desensitised to the violent attacks on the protagonist. It also distracts from your engagement with the text due to the level of sexual abuse which renders the story implausible and reminds you that it is just a work of fiction. A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing deserves the attention that it has received because McBride manages to create a new and innovative style which would surprise even the most experienced reader and her next book is likely to be surrounded with the same hysteria which followed her first novel. However, her genius much like her syntax is simply half-formed.

Writing Ethically By Dean Buckley I have something potentially upsetting to tell you, so maybe you should sit down. Are you ready? I don't exist and neither do you. Okay, maybe not a totally shocking statement if I can't back it up. Basically, what I'm getting at is that there's no real being called "I". What we call our "self" is just a collection of influences and preferences, biases and opinions, and now and then the odd biological input, a collection we only refer to as a unified whole out of habit. So if you're one of those people who wonder why people are so concerned with literature and art and music reflecting the right kind of morality, it's because the media we consume is literally absorbed into our minds and becomes part of our identity. Now, obviously I have my own idea of the right kind of morality, but I actually don't feel like imposing that on you today. So instead of telling you how to make the things you write ethical, let's chat about how to make the way you write ethical. First of all, treat your characters as human beings. This is not a call to never let bad things happen to your characters, especially since this rule applies double to non-fiction stories where your characters actually are real human beings. Are you sketching out any characters with

recourse to stereotype? Don't do that. Leaning on stereotypes just validates stereotypes, and stereotypes are one of the ways we treat other people as less than fully human. Besides, even if it's a man who bumps into your protagonist in a street; if that bump is worth including in the story, it's worth making him seem like a person. You're putting all this effort into making the reader believe in your world, do you really want to disrupt that with a moment of such transparent falsehood? I sure hope not, because that makes you a bad writer, ethically and aesthetically. Next up; pay attention to your centering. Basically, the world is rigged to place a certain kind of person at the heart of society, and it's straight white men. This is not the bit where I tell you that you have to use your writing to overthrow white supremacist capitalist heteropatriarchy, though that would be nice. Really though, this is the bit where I implore you to ask yourself: am I giving undue attention to someone from a group whose perspective is already privileged, when I could give it to someone from a group whose voice is heard less commonly? My example for this is a woman called Rebecca Skloot, who wrote an utterly reprehensible book called The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Really, it didn't have to be so nauseating, because the subject of the book is particu-

larly worthy: in 1951, a poor black woman named Henrietta Lacks died of cervical cancer. Shortly before her death, cells from her body were taken for experiments without her permission and were discovered to be immortal. Since the cells never stop reproducing, they became the basis for a multi-trilliondollar cellular research industry that has brought about huge advancements in medical technology, but the Lacks family never saw a penny of the money that white people had made from cells stolen from Henrietta's body. Honestly, the section that details Henrietta's life isn't completely terrible. The real problem is when Skloot moves on to her surviving family, because then the story immediately stops being about the Lacks family and turns into another self-aggrandising morality tale of an educated white woman gifting poor black people with her enlightened assistance. Why? Because Skloot centred herself over the Lackses. Final piece of advice: don't dramatise real people's trauma for cheap value. Rape is not a plot device, and if you include it in your story, it absolutely must be in order to portray the experiences of victims of rape, not to lazily give motive or motivation. Comfort the afflicted, afflict the comfortable. Be smart, and don't exploit people.

SPORTS â&#x20AC;&#x201A;27

September 29 2014

Whats Up Doc? Sports Injuries You have just returned to college and you begin to discover the endless possibilities of becoming involved in sport and associated activities. From Judo to Archery, where should you start and where do you stop and what should you consider when making those decisions? Young people have become more health and body conscious and being involved in sports is proven to help develop confidence, lead a more satisfying life and not least secure long term health by reducing risk for developing chronic illness like Diabetes, Obesity, Cancer and Cardiovascular disease. It is important to remember that with all sporting activities, there are risks involved and if you don't take appropriate measures, you can instead end up in pain, on a different path to poor health all due to an often avoidable sport injury. Along with time away from College, these injuries can have far-reaching effects. The most common sport injuries are due to accidents, poor training practices or using the wrong gear or equipment. People can also hurt themselves because they are not in shape or because you don't warm up or stretch enough. A huge number of injuries are due to over-exercising and not allowing your body to recover. Most common injuries include; knee injuries (cruciate), sprains and strains, swollen muscles, achilles tendon injuries and fractures/dislocations.

How do you prevent or at least minimise injury? â&#x20AC;˘ Time off: take at least one day off a week to give your body time to recover. â&#x20AC;˘ Take breaks: during practice sessions and games to reduce risk of injury and prevent heat illness. â&#x20AC;˘ Use the correct gear: this should be right for the sport and fit properly, for instance pads for neck, shoulders, elbows, chest, knees, and shins, as well as helmets, mouthpieces, face guards, protective cups, and/or eyewear. And don't assume because you are wearing protective gear you can perform more dangerous and risky things. â&#x20AC;˘ Drink plenty of fluids: before, during and after exercise or play to avoid heat illness; wearing light clothing also helps. Coaches and trainers should reduce or stop practices or competitions when heat or humidity is high. â&#x20AC;˘ Build muscle strength: do your conditioning exercises before games and during practice to strengthen the muscles you use during play. â&#x20AC;˘ Increase flexibility: by stretching before and after games and practice. â&#x20AC;˘ Use the proper technique: coaches and trainers should reinforce this during the playing season. Supplements in Sport Athletes commonly use nutritional supplements. Many of these supplements claim to promote recovery and enhance athletic performance.

Why you should start cycling By Shannon McNamee Cycling is fast becoming a popular mode of transport in Ireland and is it any wonder when it's such an accessible, multi-purpose way of getting around? Aside from all its major health benefits, cycling is also a cheap alternative to driving or using public transport and allows any cyclist the freedom to get up and go somewhere whenever they want, without having to wait around on unreliable buses. So, why should you start cycling? It's an easy way to fit in exercise. Everyone needs to get some form of exercise in order to stay healthy, and with hectic college schedules during the week and many students working at the weekends, it can be difficult to make time for exercise. With cycling, exercise can be doubled up as a means of transport on the way to and from college and work. You can't get exercise on the bus or in the car, and if it's burning calories you're thinking of, then cycling is much better at that than walking. If you live a 20 minute cycle from college or work, that's 40 minutes spent cycling a day, and nearly three and a half hours in a five-day week. At this rate, you could be burning an extra 1,700 calories a week. It has many health benefits. Aside from being a great, easy way to burn calories, cycling is a workout that involves your whole body, not just your legs; and because of this, it benefits you all over.

It builds strength and increases muscle tone, it builds stamina, it improves your cardio-vascular fitness and the general health of your heart. Cycling just 20 miles a week can reduce your risk of getting coronary heart disease by up to 50%, while cycling at a moderate speed of 10mph the average cyclist can burn up to 400 calories in an hour.

By The Crescent Medical Centre

These products are often purchased based on advertising and peer or coach recommendation but without professional medical advice or an evidence base to support their usage. In an attempt to educate athletes, coaches and parents the Irish Sports Council commissioned the development of 20 factsheets, for athletes over 16 years of age, which look at a range of sports supplements and outlines the potential benefits and risks of these products. See more at www.irishsportscouncil.ie. So, what is best applied after the injury? In a word; ice. The swelling and much of the inflammation that follows an injury is largely due to the leakage of blood from the ruptured capillaries. Therefore, cold applications with ice can help by causing the blood vessels to constrict (clamp down). This constriction of the blood vessels prevents further leakage of blood and serum and minimizes swelling and pain. The cold from an ice pack application also has an added benefit of providing pain relief. In fact, the optimal management of an acute injury can easily be remembered using the acronym, RICE. REST: Reduce weight-bearing activities or if it is a weight-bearing joint consider crutches for a few days. ICE: apply a cold pack (or frozen peas); never apply ice directly onto skin.

COMPRESSION: This may help reduce swelling and can be done simply with elastic bandage wraps. ELEVATION: This comes easy to most students. Keep the injured joint elevated to help decrease swelling. Needless to say a balanced diet is of utmost importance when exercising and training for endurance, performance and helping your body to recover. In conclusion, if you suffer an injury it is never a good idea to try to â&#x20AC;&#x153;get through the painâ&#x20AC;?. It is best that you stop the activity as continuing can only cause further harm. Some injuries will require medical attention but others can be treated at home with the loving care of your housemates. You should visit your doctor or seek medical attentions if: â&#x20AC;˘ The injury is causing you severe pain, swelling or numbness. â&#x20AC;˘ You are unable to put any weight on the area. â&#x20AC;˘ If an old injury develops new symptoms such as swelling, instability or looks abnormal.

You can also discuss access to the physiotherapy services within the student health unit. "Mental will is a muscle that needs exercise, just like muscles of the body." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Lynn Jennings (Long Distance Runner). Crescent Medical Centre, 1 The Crescent, Galway. 091587213

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Mental health benefits too. Cycling can be therapeutic, like many forms of exercise. It gives the cyclist time to clear their heads, to get away from the stresses of college, while boosting your body with endorphins, which make you feel good. Regular cycling can boost your self-esteem, help you concentrate, sleep, look and feel better all round. It is an affordable mode of transport. After an initial investment, cycling is a cheaper, alternative mode of transport to driving or taking public transport, not to mention how much friendlier it is to the environment. Bikes are fairly affordable, and whether you want to buy one, or rent one to get you started, there are many options around Galway to look into. Halfords, Argos, or any of the smaller bike shops around the city can offer students great rates on new and second-hand bikes. West Ireland Cycling, the bike shop on campus (located at the entrance beside the Cathedral) offers new and second-hand bikes for sale, and bikes for rent at â&#x201A;Ź80 a semester. With its multi-purpose and multi-beneficial nature, cycling is the best way to get fit, and get around at the same time.

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28 SPORTS

Sin Vol. 16 Issue 2

Magic Marmion leaves Leinster spellbound By Matthew Cassidy

CONNACHT 10 LEINSTER 9 Courageous Connacht sit on top of the league after a heroic win over league champions Leinster at a sold out Sportsground. A sloppy start to the game for Pat Lam’s charges was summed up with a knock-on by fullback Darragh Leader in his own 22. From the ensuing scrum the Blues’ front row won a penalty, which Leinster inside centre, Ian Madigan, slotted to give the easterners a three-point lead after three minutes. The home side had an opportunity to hit back immediately after Rhys Ruddock was pinged by referee, John Lacey, for not rolling away from the ruck. However, Connacht fly half, Jack Carty, was unable to convert his penalty and the score remained 3-0 to the visitors. The scrum was proving fruitful for Matt O’Connor’s men as they won another penalty from the set piece at the nine-minute mark. But Madigan, this time, was unsuccessful with his attempt. Leinster were dominating possession, and territory, and after a multi-phase attack, Connacht cracked under the pressure and

conceded yet another penalty. Madigan was On 28 minutes, Leinster thought they Leinster defence to scoot home and send instructed by captain, Jamie Heaslip, to go for had finally got their reward for all of their the Sportsground into raptures. goal. The Dubliner duly obliged and Leinster first half supremacy when Madigan crossed Carty was successful with his conversion were put 6-0 up. the whitewash from a set backline move off to hand the home side a 10-9 lead. Pat Lam’s men were struggling to get into the scrum. The decision went to the TMO With Connacht hitting the front for the the game. Poor kicking from hand and basic and Seamus Flannery deemed Reddan’s first time in the match the league champierrors were effectively giving the ball back pass to be forward. No try. ons were expected to respond. However, to the visitors, stifling any the home side dictated the The rest period seemed to have a positive effect tempo and pace, looking momentum the home side were trying to build. after the ball and not makMuch to the consternation for the home team as they lifted their intensity. The ing silly mistakes. of the Clan Terrace, the referee As the match entered moment of the match came on 55 minutes with a the dying embers, Leinster penalised Connacht again for going off their feet at the ruck searched desperately for a piece of magic from scrumhalf, Kieron Marmion. score that would give them after 16 minutes. Madigan was able to bisect the posts and the victory. increase the advantage to nine points. Leinster were relentless in their pursuit Their best chance came with less than Connacht finally troubled the scoreboard for the first try of the match and Brendan ten minutes to go when Jimmy Gopafter 22 minutes when Carty punished Lein- Macken’s searing break looked like the perth made a break down the short side, ster’s indiscipline to leave the score at 9-3. moment they would succeed in getting it. offloaded the ball to Reddan who then The vocal Sportsground crowd were feel- The Blues built the phases and Mike McCa- chipped it ahead. It was a foot race between ing that referee Lacey was giving the home rthy drove towards the try line and crossed Rob Kearney and Connacht loosehead team the short end of the stick and their feel- over. Lacey decided to consult his TMO. prop, Denis Buckley. Kearney reached the ing of indignation increased on the 25-minute Once again it was concluded a try was ball first and but the Louth man conspired mark. After missing a clear knock-on by not scored and the difference between the to boot the ball over touchline with the try Brendan Fanning, the Munster official sent sides remained the same at the halftime line at his mercy. captain, John Muldoon, to the sin bin for whistle; Leinster still leading by six. The raucous home crowd urged the taking out Eoin Reddan without ball at the The rest period seemed to have a posi- home side to hold their defensive line following breakdown. tive effect for the home team as they lifted with Leinster coming in waves and when their intensity. On 46 minutes Lacey pre- a knock-on was picked by the officials, Consented Connacht with a chance to close the nacht only needed to secure possession gap after he penalised openside flanker, from the scrum. Dominic Ryan, for killing the ball. But They survived the scrum and after a drive Leader’s long distance effort was short. by Mick Kearney up the field, the ball made The moment of the match came on 55 its way to Matt Healy who scrambled it off minutes with a piece magic from scrumhalf, the park and the Sportsground went wild. Kieron Marmion. The Barking born man “Top of the league” the vociferous home scooped up the ball and exploded past the crowd roared. Top of the league indeed.

Rugby fans warned not to buy World Cup tickets from touts By Kieran Kilkelly Tickets that went on sale for next year’s Rugby World Cup in England are now being resold at enormous mark-up prices from their original face value. Before the general sale of tickets had begun, tickets for the final were being offered for a price of £8,850 each; that is over 44 times their original price of £200. The average price for face value tickets is £35 but yet the lowest price being offered on StubHub, a ticket resale website, is £95 and that is for a Scotland game against a team from the Americas section that has yet to qualify. Apart from that, all tickets are well and above £100 with any Category D ticket – the lowest available to fans – for any England group stage match being at least £435 while Category A tickets range from £620 to just over £1,400. England Rugby 2015 communications director, Joanna Manning-Cooper has urged people to only buy from licensed sources, further stating that “[they] are

doing everything [they] can to make sure tickets get into the hands of fans who want to come to the tournament, and not to touts who simply want to sell them on at a profit.” For any people that do decide to buy them online there is no guarantee that the tickets they are purchasing actually exist or they could be refused entry due to the strict terms and conditions that have been put in place to try and crack down on touts. Ticketmaster even brought in ways to try and deal with the flood the website received for the more popular matches. But even that hasn’t been enough to try and stop bulk buying. All this comes as a result of the International Rugby Board not making legislation against touting a condition of hosting the tournament such as was done with the London 2012 Olympic Games. The English government’s failure to bring in laws against such behaviour will now result in many fans missing out or having to pay over the odds to games that are in high demand.

SPORTS 29

September 29 2014

NFL Concussion linked to Ireland selected to host Domestic Violence? Euro 2020 matches By Michael Farrell Most people on this side of the Atlantic may not be too familiar with America’s National Football League, but recent events involving the Baltimore Ravens’ running back Ray Rice have made headlines all over the world. Rice was suspended indefinitely by the NFL for punching his girlfriend, Janay Palmer, in an elevator before dragging her out into the lobby, all while she was still unconscious. This indefinite suspension only came about after news site, TMZ, released a video showing footage of the incident, prior to this Rice had only received a two game suspension for his actions. Feminist groups have been continuously critical of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s stance on domestic violence. There have been 85 arrests of NFL players for domestic violence since 2000 and during this time there has never been a more than one game suspension for a player. When compared to the average three to four game suspension for drug use or drunken driving, then the NFL’s punishments appear to be decidedly soft. While the Rice video has been bad press for the NFL, it may have served to hide an even bigger story which emerged earlier this month. The NFL has acknowledged in court documents that they expect one third of retired players to have cognitive problems, such as dementia. These problems will also arise at “notably younger ages” than in the rest of the population. One disease that can affect players is chronic traumatic encephalopathy or CTE for short. CTE can only be diagnosed after death and has been detected in 60 former NFL players post mortem. Among the problems that C.T.E can cause are aggression, depression, impulse control issues and impaired judgement. Evidence of CTE is a common find amongst NFL players who have committed suicide. One recent case is that of former San Diego Chargers line-backer Junior Seau. While having no diagnosed concussions throughout his 19-year NFL career, Seau’s brain showed also definite signs of CTE after he shot himself in the chest in 2012.

He was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence in 2010. He was also the founder of a charity organisation aimed at helping children within his community and was described by Chargers President Dean Spanos as “an icon in our community”. Another case of CTE in the NFL was that of Dave Duerson, the former Chicago Bears safety who killed himself in 2011. Duerson was a distinguished businessman and was on the board of the University of Notre Dame, but his life began to fall apart after also being arrested for domestic violence in 2006. Before this he was a friend of U.S President Barack

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy has been detected in 60 former NFL players. It can cause aggression, depression, impulse control issues and impaired judgement. Obama, who said of Duerson; "[He] couldn’t have been a nicer guy." According to an article by Dan Diamond in Forbes; “NFL players get arrested at just a fraction of the overall rate, their arrests for domestic violence are inordinately high — about four times higher than one would expect, controlling for their age and income.” It is worth noting that these are not planned crimes, but aggressive and momentary lapses in self-control and in all three mentioned cases, out of character for Duerson, Seau and Rice. CTE may go some way to explaining the unusually high amounts of domestic violence cases in the NFL, but due to the nature of the disease it is impossible to say just how many players are affected by it. This is not to suggest that CTE is the sole cause, or even the main cause, of domestic violence in the NFL. A sizeable percentage of these cases would probably be prevented by a tougher policy by the NFL hierarchy on the issue. At the moment Ray Rice is indefinitely banned from football and may never return to the game. This is an extreme punishment for a person with no history of domestic violence and who was provoked to an extent by Palmer, who did spit and strike him in the midst of the argument. However, a strong message needs to be sent out to NFL players that elite and powerful athletes such as themselves can under no circumstances hit a woman, or lesser person, due to the damage they can cause. The correct NFL punishment for Ray Rice and first time offenders, probably lies somewhere between being suspended for half a season or a full season. In terms of games that would be between six and thirteen. People do make mistakes and Rice should serve his punishment before being allowed a second chance.

By Kieran Kilkelly Irish soccer was given a big boost earlier this month with the announcement of their successful bid to host three group stage matches and one last 16 game in the capital. Dublin became one of 13 cities across Europe that will stage the tournament as UEFA mark 60 years since the first ever European Championships. Ireland will still have to qualify for the tournament, just as all the other host nations will have to, but should they qualify they may be given the opportunity to play two of their group stage games at the Aviva Stadium. FAI Chief Executive, John Delaney, personally thanked Michel Platini and the UEFA Executive Committee for the decision to select Ireland as one of the host nations. Not only will 2020 mark 60 years for the European Championship but for the FAI it will be entering its 100th year, a significant landmark of Irish soccer and this shows that the Irish soccer scene is now becoming established. It is speculated that the Irish fans contribution at Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine and the success of the Europa League final held in the Aviva in 2011 had a big part to play in Ireland being chosen.

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It will bring a much needed lift not only to Irish soccer but to the tourism sector too. It is reported that these games will bring “tens of millions” into the Irish economy; the figure rising depending on the geographical location of the teams that are going to be playing here. The magnitude of the achievement is made even greater when you look at the failed Welsh bid. They have one of the best stadiums in Europe yet they just missed out, failing by just a single point to the Scottish capital Glasgow. Along with Glasgow and Dublin, Amsterdam, Bilbao, Brussels, Bucharest, Budapest and Copenhagen make up the eight cities that will be a venue for three group stage games and one of the round of sixteen games each, while the remaining group stage games will be held in Baku, Munich, Rome and St. Petersburg, along with the four quarter finals – Baku in Azerbaijan and St. Petersburg in Russia the surprise selections there. Especially Russia, given the on-going conflict that is happening there. Both semi-finals and the final were given to London’s Wembley stadium which is more good news for Irish soccer fans looking to recreate the atmosphere that was made in Poznan over two years ago.

30 SPORTS

Sin Vol. 16 Issue 2

Prix De L’Arc will triumph as a spectacle again By Kieran Kilkelly There is something special about the Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe. It is one of the richest-run horse races in the world but aside from that it holds a degree of uniqueness, it has an atmosphere like no other and the best horses from around the world come together to compete in this one-mile four furlong (2,400 metre) Group 1. This year’s race has already sprung up many talking points but no horse has stirred up the prerace build up more than last year’s winner, Treve. The Al Shabaq (Qatar Racing) owned filly has not been in the form that she showed when she won four times on her way to success in this race last year. Connections have been at a loss to explain why this is so and at the request of the horse’s trainer, Mme Head-Maarek, Qatar Racing’s retained jockey, Frankie Dettori will not be riding Treve. Instead, Thierry Janet, who proved to be successful on this horse last year, will be the one to try and get the best out of the filly. Treve is not the only horse to have a dip in form coming into the race. Taghrooda and Australia, the strongest English and Irish challengers according to the betting, have been disappointing in their latest run races. The Aidan O’Brien trained colt, Australia, slipped to a ¼ length defeat to the Kevin Ryan trained, The Grey Gatsby, in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Leopardstown over two weeks ago. It was a shock defeat for the 100/30 odds on favourite. From the running of that race it could be suggested that he might not get the trip, although the horse did run wide for the entire race adding to the difficulty. It will be interesting to see should he be drawn in a lower stall number. He should have pace-makers in the race to help him along though if the draw is not favour-

able, with Ruler of the World, Chicquita and The other Japanese rival who is prominent haul of seven Prix de L’Arcs. Ectot and Avenir Tapestry (yet to be supplemented into the race) in the betting is Harp Star. She is a horse that Certain are the two French horses to watch all representing the O’Brien stable. finishes strongly when held up and depending out for. The latter of that O’Brien trained quartet, on her draw she could have a lot to say come Jockey, Gregory Benoist, has a choice Tapestry, upset the odds when she beat the the finish line as the Japanese try to break their between the two horses and it is a difficult one. heavily weighted 1/5 favourite, Taghrooda, in duck in this race. Avenir Certain is unbeaten in her career and the Yorkshire Oaks. Despite that defeat, trainer It is hard to beat the French in their own looks to defend that in Longchamp in the next John Gosden still has faith in the horse. There backyard though. They have trained six of the few days whereas Ectot just seems to be coming should be a new set of tactics employed by the last ten winners including the two most recent into form right about now. Hamdan Al Maktoum team after that disap- runnings of this race. I think whichever one Benoist will choose pointing run at York. 24-times French Champion trainer, Andre will ultimately end up being the winner. That is The other English challengers come in the Fabre has two in the race, Gallante and Flint- if all the factors go in their favour, but as every shape of the Roger Varian trained and Paul shire but they are unlikely to add to his record gambler knows, that rarely happens. Smith owned, Kingston Hill, who won the St. Ledger earlier this month. The other horse being The Grey Gatsby who looks like he’ll stay further after an impressive victory over Australia over 1 mile and two furlongs. But that day he did have the services of arguably the best jockey in the world at the moment, Ryan Moore, who will more than likely be on a Ballydoyle trained horse. The real foreign danger to the French comes from Japan though with Just A Way looking like a major threat if he stays. He was an impressive winner of the Dubai Duty Free Group 1 race back in March and if he can bring that form over a mile and a half he will the 2011 Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe winner Danedream crosses the line. Photo: Charles Roffey, Flickr (charlesfred) one to beat.

King Louis’s embarrassment of riches By Ross Cannon A summer of dramatic change at Manchester United has seen their squad transformed. Have United just papered over the cracks or is this a genuine revolution? No manager in the top flight of English football has been talked about, talked up or scrutinised like Louis van Gaal has been. The ex-Dutch national team manager took just a two-day holiday after his exploits at the World Cup in Brazil, before setting about his overhaul of Manchester United. Early additions to the squad came in June and were both similarly protracted deals. Ander Herrera joined from Athletic Bilbao in a fee that was around £29 million and was followed 24 hours later by the £27 million signing of Luke Shaw. The Southampton academy graduate became the most expensive teenager in British football. The quick succession of deals led to speculation that a flurry of transfer activity was soon to follow. This didn’t materialise which drew vocal frustration from the United fans, who directed their grievances at the executive vice-chairman of Manchester United, Ed Woodward.

Frustration quickly turned to elation, as deals for the Argentine duo of Marcos Rojo and Angel Di Maria were announced in the month of August. Rojo, who was part of a World Cup side that conceded only four goals on their way to the final and was seen as versatile defender who could provide cover in at least two positions to a bare looking Manchester backline. A week later United would break the British record transfer fee in a swoop for Angel Di Maria. The winger, seen to be surplus to requirements at Real Madrid, was snapped up for a price of £59.7 million, eclipsing the £50 million spent by Chelsea for Fernando Torres in 2011. The deadline day signings of Daley Blind from Ajax and the remarkable loan deal for Radamel Falcao rounded off what was one of the most astounding transfer windows the club had ever seen, spending close to £150 million. While there have been a plethora of new arrivals at United, the club has seen seven first team squad players depart; the club has been worn exceedingly thin in central midfield and central defence. Van Gaal has

addressed this by bringing in two players for each of these positions, but United arguably need more quality and depth in these vital areas of the pitch. It remains to be seen whether Marouane Fellaini and Darren Fletcher have the genuine quality that is needed to operate at a high level in the centre of midfield. Fellaini endured a massively sub-par debut season, while Darren Fletcher looks to have lost his combative edge after a long layoff with a chronic bowel disease. Similarly there are questions over the quality available to United at centre-back. They have only three seasoned players to call upon in that position. Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones. Jones hasn’t yet realised that cannoning into tackles is likely to see him laid out on the recovery table for extended periods; Evans too is also susceptible to injuries, which leaves Chris Smalling and Tyler Blackett as the only two senior players capable of carrying out the role. The lack of depth and quality in the midfield and defence calls into question the decision to strengthen an already attack-

heavy team with Radamel Falcao. “There are five No.9s and six No.10s – and we don’t have enough defenders.” stated Van Gaal half-way through the month of August. It seems bizarre that the 63-year-old would blatantly state the deficiencies of the club and then go out and not reinforce those said deficiencies. Granted, football transfers are not straightforward affairs by any means, but the central defence and midfield positions are so depleted that a couple of untimely injuries could see the introduction of Anderson, Jesse Lingard and or Reece James to the starting 11. They are not the type of names that would strike fear into any opponent. Van Gaal does have the option to strengthen the team once again in January. United have been linked with the likes of Roma midfielder, Kevin Strootman, among others, and the one time Barcelona manager may choose to dip into the transfer market once more. If United are to launch a legitimate assault on the top four, then there must serious considerations given to strengthening the team even further.

FINAL WORD 31

September 29 2014

#NUIGproblems Walking to college in the pouring rain, soaked and squidgy for the whole day #nuigproblems – Brenna Dolan

Only getting wet on one side of your body because of sideways rain #nuigproblems – Dean Buckley

to find rooms you've never even heard of #NUIconfusion #nuigproblems – Conor Kelly

Being annoyed that college is too full in September because nobody's dropped out yet #nuigproblems – Rob Joyce

More parking passes than parking spaces #nuigproblems – Eoghan Holland

Being too tall for the rows of seats in lecture halls so you end up kicking the person in front of you. #NUIGTallProblems – Conor Kelly

Being in final year and still going up the wrong tower block for tutorials #nuigproblems – Maria Leahy

Missing the Smokey's pigeons #nuigproblems – Jack Leahy Going into Final Year and being given all the ridiculously hard

Having to run from the Concourse to the Cairns Building #nuigproblems – Shannon McNamee

NUIG student in critical condition after attempting ‘golden week’ By Eoin Molloy FIONA HARRISON, a 20-year-old student at NUI Galway is said to be in a ‘critical but stable’ condition at University Hospital Galway following her plucky effort to complete a fabled ‘golden week’. For those who do not know: the urban dictionary defines a ‘golden week’ as a perfect week, whereby one manages to make it to every lecture they are scheduled to attend. Fiona, who is currently taking a second shot at third-year science, came sickeningly close to achieving her golden aspirations. The young student collapsed in the queue for Smokey’s café at roughly 8:40 in the morning, Friday last. Sources report she had been in the process of ordering her third straight vanilla latte. The potent combination of vanilla extract and concentrated espresso shots caused Ms Harrison to slip into a caffeineinduced coma, from which she has not yet recovered.

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diary of the SMOKEY’S PIGEON I WAS JUST STARTING to get used to this outdoor living craic and then the weather begins to change. I wasn't prepared for this! Those windy nights with the sideways rain are rightly messing up my feathers. I had just got them looking right too. How I long to curl up under the orange chair and rest to the hum of the coffee machine and the chatter of students. A few cupcake crumbs wouldn't go astray either. All people outside seem to be eating are seeds, which are part of some new health trend or something.

The science student was immediately taken by ambulance to University College Hospital, Galway, for treatment. Sin contacted Fiona’s family, who said they were proud of their daughter’s hard work-rate and commitment to academic success. The hospital expects Fiona to make a full recovery, however, she may suffer from an ‘inability to deal’ in the coming weeks after she wakes up from the coma. The Welfare Office also waded into the debate, warning students against the dangers of attempting a golden week like Fiona. A spokesperson for the NUI Galway welfare office said; “we will soon be implementing a campus-wide campaign aimed at dissuading students from attending 9am lectures, especially towards the end of the week.” The spokesperson went on to say that ‘golden week’ attempts like this “should not be undertaken lightly just to impress your friends” as there are often serious health risks to the student involved. Sin wishes Fiona a speedy recovery.

They're always dropping them. Them or these white paper stick things with brown stuff in them that they never seem to finish. They don't taste great but for some reason I keep on eating them. I must have 20 a day. I may be addicted. I was never this bad with any of the proper food I used to get in Smokey’s even though it was a lot nicer. The crisp bitterness of a salt and vinegar Tayto; the fluffiness of a mint aero chocolate bar or the deliciousness of a bit of melted cheese… I miss it all.

I WANT TASTE

BACK IN MY LIFE.