Sin Newspaper Issue Two

Llama fun

#BreakTheCycle

LA star

SU selects charities to support this year

NUI Galway quad goes orange for Suicide Prevention Day.

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NUI Galway’s very own ‘Tent Boy’ climbing the comedy career ladder.

24 – 25

Rape reports double but overall crime rate decreases in Galway

By Jenna Hodgins

FREE STUDENT NEWSPAPER | VOL 17, ISSUE 02 | 29 SEPT 2015

NUI Galway Open Days to take place in early October Highlights include guest appearances by popular sporting personalities

Pat Lam, Connacht Rugby Head Coach at the launch of NUI Galway Open Day 2015 and NUI Galway students (l-r): Kate Brooks, Catherine O’Brien, Lubos Simo and Claire O’Doherty.

By Padraic Ward This year NUI Galway hosts its annual autumn Open Days on 2 and 3 October. Among the many events planned over the two days the university has organised a special treat for sports fans with guest appearances by two popular sporting personalities – former All Black and Samoan rugby international and current Head Coach at Connacht Rugby Pam Lam and former Tipperary Senior Hurling Manager Eamon O’ Shea, Professor of Economics at NUI Galway.

The Open Day itself begins on Friday 2 October and runs from 9am to 3pm. Friday’s session is aimed at school groups, but all members of the public are welcome to attend. Saturday’s Open Day on 2 October

runs from 10am to 3pm and is specifically geared towards prospective students of NUI Galway, their parents and families.

A selection of the other events planned over the two days include, short subject talks and taster sessions designed to give students a real insight into studying at NUI Galway as well as hands-on science workshops and interactive sessions with IT systems and robotics.

Guided tours of the university campus will also run throughout the day. Tours of the campus will feature the state-of-the-art sports complex and gym, the Engineering Building and tours of student accommodation.

In addition, there will be over 80 subjectspecific stands in the main exhibition area, the Bailey Allen Hall, where lecturers and current students will be available to answer

questions on courses, CAO points, employability and career progression routes.

Career talks will take place throughout the two days with the aim of answering questions like “where are the jobs?” and “what are my employment prospects after university?”

Other talk highlights over the two days include information on scholarship schemes including Creative Arts Performance Points, CAO Sports Performance Points, Sports Scholarships and Excellence Scholarships.

Detailed information will also be provided on new courses available including the new Bachelor of Commerce (Global Experience), the BA Children’s Studies, the new BA Arts Joint Honours and International Hotel Management from the Shannon College of Hotel Management.

A recently published report by the County Joint Policing Committee has revealed that the overall crime rate in Galway is down by two percent.

But despite the overall decrease in crime, the reported number of burglaries is up by two percent in the county.

Public Order Offences which, according to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice Act 1994, makes it “an offence for any person in a public place to use threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with the intention of causing a breach of peace” were up 10 percent.

Minor assaults reports increased by just under a fifth. The same report states that the number of reported rape cases has doubled from five to 10 since 2014.

In tangent with this, the Connacht Tribune reported 10 rapes and 20 sexual assaults were filed in the city in the last year. However, according to the news bulletin published on 22 September, these figures demonstrate an apparent 16 percent decrease of sexual assault cases on last year’s statistics.

Three out of the 10 rape cases are said to be historical according to the Chief Superintendant Tom Curley of the Galway Garda division.

He also claimed that the majority of the survivors knew the perpetrator, a reflection of the rape statistic which states that 38 percent of rapists are friends or acquaintances of the survivor. Suggested figures for unreported rape cases are said to be around 95 percent.

Speaking with Galway Bay Fm, Curley alleged that there have been no “major spikes” in crime over the past eight months.

Sin contacted the County Joint Policing Committee for a comment which was still pending on the date of publication.

Each year, NUI Galway welcomes more than 8,000 visitors to its open days in October and April providing the perfect opportunity for students and their families to explore the campus.

According to Caroline Loughnane, Director of Marketing and Communications at NUI Galway; “attending Open Days is the perfect opportunity to get a real feel for university life at NUI Galway, talk to lecturers and current students and get all the information you need to make that important decision.

“We are encouraging anyone with an interest in studying at NUI Galway to come along as Open Days are unique opportunities in the year to experience what the university has to offer and decide whether NUI Galway feels right for you.”

To plan your day in advance and receive an Open Day programme visit www.nuigalway. ie/opendays or contact telephone number (091) 494145 or visit @nuigalway.ie.

2 NEWS

Sin Vol. 17 Issue 02

Healthy living campaign launched to support students in college transition USI officially launch healthy living campaign ‘Eat Well, Live Well’ in conjunction with SpunOut.ie to support students in their transition to college life

By Neil Slevin In Issue one of Sin, you read in Claire Stone’s article that almost 67% of Irish students live on less than €100 weekly; that many end up subsisting on the age-old student delicacies that are noodles, cereal and beans; and, perhaps most telling of all of Claire’s statistics, that 35% of Irish students miss having their dinner cooked for them the most about being away from home – just 1% behind those who miss their actual family.

Old habits die hard, and perhaps there is no demographic that this is truer for than Irish students. Thankfully, the USI and SpunOut.ie recognise this and, in partnership, they have launched the ‘Eat Well, Live Well’ campaign to encourage Ireland’s young people to eat and therefore live more healthily – and to remind them that it is possible to do so, even on a shoestring budget.

The campaign’s launch took place at IT Sligo on Monday 21 September and ‘Eat

Well, Live Well’ will be promoted further by SpunOut.ie’s deputy director John Buckley, bringing the Disney movie ‘Ratatouille’ to several college campuses during September; the film features a loveable rat making food with the philosophy that “anyone can cook.”

These screenings will run alongside a healthy eating workshop and a healthy snack buffet.

Speaking at the campaign’s launch, Kevin Donoghue, President of USI, said; “When students arrive into college, they are faced with a tight budget as a result of a cut in the grant and an increase in transport, accommodation and education costs overall.

“We aim to support students through the ‘Eat Well, Live Well’ campaign by highlighting that they can cook healthy meals on a small budget and with the utensils typically found in student accommodation."

Meanwhile Ian Power, executive director of SpunOut.ie, noted; “Over the past number of years it’s clear that the college transition can be challenging for young people. We’re

also seeing an increase in obesity amongst children and a huge rise in health risk factors amongst young people.”

Power also encouraged students to check out SpunOut.ie, which has dedicated an entire section to actioning the campaign online in ‘Eat Well, Feel Well’ by uploading over 50 recipes and videos to enable students to choose meals and snacks based on cost, time, feeling and ingredient. These recipes have been created in association with SafeFood.eu and MABS to make sure they are both healthy and cost-friendly.

Moving into your own space for the first time – and making sure you're eating well – can be a challenge. ‘Eat Well, Live Well’

focuses on helping young people make quick, easy and healthy food to fill and fuel; so, students of Ireland, it's time to ditch the noodles, cereal and beans (not to mention the frozen pizzas and fast food on those better days) in favour of healthy meals that will help you excel inside and outside the lecture theatre.

The campaign uses the hashtag #EatWellLiveWell15, and will engage directly with students online as well as on campuses including Athlone IT, IADT and WIT. For more information, check out SpunOut.ie, and use the hashtag above to document your newand-improved healthy lifestyle – and to be in with the chance of winning various prizes!

NUI Galway Social Innovator shortlisted for European Award

By Kieran Kilkelly Lorraine McIlrath, Coordinator of the Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI) at National University of Ireland, Galway and Campus Engage Steering Committee member has been nominated for a European Democratic Citizenship Award 2015.

Lorraine has been coordinator of CKI for over 10 years and in that time over 10,000 students have received ALIVE Certificates for volunteering. NUI Galway also received the revered McJannet Prize in 2010, which recognises “exceptional student community engagement initiatives”, thanks to her efforts; NUI Galway being the first in Ireland to be awarded a prize in the area of civic engagement.

She has also been instrumental in securing funding both nationally and in Europe to support civic engagement in Ireland. As a direct result of this funding attained Lorraine founded Campus Engage in 2010 which, to date has been involved in the development of

many higher education programmes.

However, her contributions are not restricted to Ireland. Since 2010, she has been supporting an EU Tempus Funded Project which aimed to introduce service learning to five universities in Lebanon and Jordan.

She is one of four people (and the only Irish person) competing in the Personality of the Year category, which is awarded to “individuals who had an outstanding contribution to democratic life and to the development of a community or a cause”.

Against her is Marsida Bandilla, Phd Researcher in Political Science at the University of Antwerp in Belgium, Bojana Golubovic, a Philosophy teacher in Serbia and Aleksandra Davidovska who since May 2015 has been heavily involved in supporting refugees and asylum seekers that cross the Macedonian border each day.

The Awards, which are celebrating their tenth anniversary this year, will take place in Strasbourg next month.

NUI Galway's Lorraine McIlrath has been nominated for a European Democratic Citizenship Award

NEWS 3

September 29 2015

Flirt turns 20

How time flies…

By Jessica Thompson Editing Sin is a bit of a roller coaster sometimes. One minute you’re excited about a really great story; the next you’re trawling through local media trying to find some news that’s worth covering; and the next there could be so many stories coming in that you simply don’t have the space to accommodate everything.

The success of each issue of Sin is down to those who write for it, and I’m very excited to be building up a great team of journalists this year. Without my journalists (fondly known as Sinions), I would have no paper to edit.

Right now, I’m going through several emails, trying to decide who to put on my editorial team to make things even better.

Following our first meeting, we've got an abundance of fantastic ideas to work with for our next few issues.

Issue four, at the end of October, will be a very special Halloween-themed issue…

Only two issues later we’ll have our Christmas-themed issue. In other words, the semester may have only just begun, but it ends in a mere four issues. Time flies when you’re having fun!

Speaking of time flying, this is my fourth year editing Sin (you just can’t get rid of me), and the beginning of a new volume has made me think back to where it all began for me. It was the 2012/2013 academic year and I was struggling to get enough content, build an editorial team and plan the paper’s layout.

It’s amazing how when you’ve been doing something for long enough, you start to realise what skills you’ve really acquired while doing it.

I’ve also been thinking back to the people I’ve worked with over the years. My editorial team that first year was pretty great, with the likes of Sean Dunne (now a journalist with The Daily Mail), James

Falconer (who ran a fantastic entertainment section) and Orla Ryan (whose name you’ll see all over theJournal.ie).

But there was one big story that year that has come back to us this year: the story of Frank Cronin – the man living in a tent.

In 2012, Frank set up a tent on the NUI Galway campus. At first we thought it would be for a couple of weeks, then a couple more weeks, but by January 2013 it was clear he wasn’t going anywhere. He spent the whole year, hidden away in the deepest, most secret parts of NUI Galway.

This issue, I got to catch up with him and see what he’s up to, and I was delighted to hear he’s in LA, working his way to the very top of the comedy career ladder. With the housing crisis still ongoing, it seemed important to ask him about his time in a tent, and you can read the whole feature on pages 24 and 25.

Another big feature in this issue is our big ‘Flirt turns 20’ photo collage on pages 20 and 21. You may have heard about all the events that took place over the weekend to celebrate this big milestone, and we’ve made sure to pick out the best photos from the past 20 years to put in our collage.

But that’s not all we’ve got this issue.

Flick through these pages to find stories on the upcoming Graduate Jobs Fair, USI’s Eat Well Live Well campaign, the installation of a texting lane in a US university, and why you should join DanSoc this year.

Don’t forget, you can find us on Facebook, Twitter and at our website, www.sin.ie. We’ll be working on our website in the next couple of weeks and, once I’ve got a good team together, we’ll be updating our online content on a regular basis.

For now, though, enjoy issue two!

for more photos, see pages 20 and 21

Get in touch with Sin:

Until next time,

Jess @jessicadotie

Email: Facebook: Twitter:

editor@sin.ie Sin Newspaper NUI Galway @Sin_News

SIN NEEDS YOU!

Editor in Chief: Jessica Thompson

We’re looking to expand our team, so if you’re interested in getting some writing or sub-editing experience, email editor@sin.ie for details.

editor@sin.ie

Find us online:

Layout: Shannon Reeves | contact via Ed

www.sin.ie

EDITOR'S PICKS: NUI Galway Students’ Union has selected two charities to support for the academic year… and they’ll be bringing a llama to campus.

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LYIT have set up an employment scheme that will link students looking for part-time work with businesses looking for part-time workers.

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UCC Journalism Society have launched their new publication, TheBuzz.ie. As a student publication ourselves, we’re looking forward to checking it out.

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Facebook has announced it will soon have a ‘dislike’ button. We’re not too sure that’s a good idea.

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A US university has installed a texting lane for students who are glued to their phones as they walk.

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A Belfast company has released a nifty new app that will help students with group work and assignments.

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Flirt FM has turned 20 and we’ve got all the best photos in our big birthday collage.

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Makeup is expensive, but we know all the best brands to buy on a student budget.

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Autumn is here and many of us aren’t quite ready to break up with our summer wardrobe. Not to worry – we’ve got a handy guide on how to update your wardrobe to suit the new season.

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From a tent on campus to the stages of LA’s comedy clubs, Frank Cronin is moving up the career ladder.

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Want to join a great Society? We have just the one – DanSoc.

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Wondering what’s happening between now and the next issue of Sin? Check out our guide to find out the entertainment highlights for the next two weeks.

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The 8K run is coming up soon and we’ve got all the information you need to get involved.

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Galway United lose out to St. Pat’s in the EA Sports Cup Final.

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NUI Galway are off to a great start with a victory over Ballyhaunis.

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Upcoming Sin Meetings Anyone and everyone is welcome to our Sin meetings. The next meetings are:

Monday 5 October – AC203 Monday 12 October – AC203 Bring your ideas, or even just your enthusiasm, and we’ll give you the ideas!

4 NEWS

Sin Vol. 17 Issue 02

NUI Galway Aims to be First University in Europe to Adopt Mindfulness Culture The aim is to promote wellbeing, improve performance and transform culture NUI Galway will host a conference on 9 and 10 October bringing together mindfulness visionaries, higher education leaders and University staff and students to share the evidence-based impact of mindfulness on performance, well-being, entrepreneurship and society.

The NUI Galway Mindful Way conference will seek to explore

current challenges within society and organisations. It will focus on the benefits of integrating mindfulness with the University setting to continue to serve the 21st century needs in delivering its core principles: teaching, research and contribution to society through innovation and entrepreneurship.

NUI Galway intends to become a mindful university, one that is

Professor Lokesh Joshi of NUI Galway.

aware of the challenges faced by its student and staff, and is preparing itself to lead the higher education sector by setting a new model on how to build a sustainable and successful institution of education, research, life-long learning and sharing. The conference is one of the first steps towards integrating mindfulness into the University culture.

The first day of the conference will focus on ‘Mindful Society’ and ‘Mindful Enterprises’. The second day will focus on ‘Mindfulness in Action’ and ‘Mindfulness in Education’.

Speaking in advance of the conference, Professor Lokesh Joshi, NUI Galway Vice-President for Research, said; “We in NUI Galway are keen to connect the well-being our university community with mindfulness, to enhance the performance of individuals, their various units and ultimately the University.

“We want to ensure that mindfulness is brought into the University with the solid backing of scientific evidence. NUI Galway is also committed to promoting entrepreneurship within the University, and in addition to a very successful ecosystem for entrepreneurship for researchers, we are now investing in undergraduate entrepreneurship, one of the elements of which will be mindful entrepreneurship.

“The speakers at this conference have committed to help us build a mindful University and a mindful entrepreneurial ecosystem and we are very pleased to be taking this first step towards becoming a Mindful University.”

Alfred Tolle, Google ‘Compas-

sion Guy’ and founder of Wisdom Stockholm is among the speakers at the conference. Head of Google’s Nordics LCS Dublin, Tolle is responsible for bringing Wisdom 2.0 to Europe and, in his own words, is committed to: “leadership development for a better world”.

Tolle commented; “NUI Galway has a great opportunity to take the lead among European universities by promoting a mindful culture.

The Mindful Way conference is an opportunity for researchers, practitioners and students to come together to understand how mindfulness has impacted other areas of society and to explore how evidence-based mindfulness can enhance people’s experience of education.”

Tibetan Buddhist Monk, Gelong Thubten of Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery in Scotland will also speak at the conference on the topic of bringing mindfulness to life.

Thubten was an undergraduate at Oxford, and has been a monk for the past 23 years, during which time he has developed mindfulness programmes in companies such as Google and several major law firms, as well as lecturing at a number of universities.

He points out that: “Mindfulness is a science-based way of training the mind which can be used in a non-religious manner in many different settings including schools and universities, hospitals, businesses and prisons. It has several major benefits which include reducing stress, improving mental clarity and cognitive function.

“Mindfulness practice helps us to develop a sense of inner freedom,

which enables us to be more effective in the world. Medical research proves that brain activity is much healthier among mindfulness practitioners. Everyone can benefit from this practice and it’s most encouraging that NUI Galway is planning to focus on bringing evidence-based mindfulness into the university for the benefit of students and staff.”

The conference will host an array of other international speakers including Col. Ray Lane, Commanding Officer, Irish Defence Force Ordnance School; Peter Read, Angel Investor and Business Advisor; Chris Ruane, Former Labour MP for Vale of Clwyd; Nipun Mehta, Founder of ServiceSpace.org; Sister Stanislaus Kennedy, Congregation of Religious Sisters of Charity and Founder of The Sanctuary; Dr Jutta Tobias, Cranfield University School of Management.

Joining the speakers at a panelist round-table discussion will be Seán O’Driscoll, Managing Partner, Athrú Consulting (Chair); Dr Jim Browne, President, NUI Galway, and Mary Hawkes Greene, President and Founder, Burren College of Art (BCA) The conference will be facilitated by Professor Lokesh Joshi, Vice President for Research, NUI Galway; Professor Chris Curtin, Vice President for Innovation, NUI Galway; Sean O’Driscoll, Managing Partner, Athrú Consulting, and Emily Lane, Founder, Corporate Wellbeing Institute Registration for the NUI Galway Mindful Way conference is now open and will cost €75. Further information is available at www. conference.ie.

Christmas in November and a Llama as NUI Galway Students’ Union launch year of Fundraising NUI Galway Students’ Union will be supporting Galway Rape Crisis Centre and the Irish Cancer Society this year. Every year the Students’ Union selects two charities that benefit from its fundraising initiatives. This year’s fundraising events will include a Christmas Day fundraiser in November and a pet farm visit with star of the show Kuzco the Llama in December.

Students’ Union President Phelim Kelly said; “We are delighted to be supporting two very worthy charities this year. Students in NUI Galway have a very proud tradition of fundraising for charity. We hope

to improve on last year’s total of €12,500 raised during the year.”

Galway Rape Crisis Centre offer emotional and practical support to survivors of rape, sexual violence and abuse via a help line, face to face counselling, training and education services.

Cyril Connole of Galway Rape Crisis Centre said; “Galway Rape Crisis Centre is delighted and honoured to have been chosen as one of the NUI Galway Students’ Union nominated charities for 2015/2016.

NUI Galway Students’ Unions commitment in working towards the betterment of every member of

society will provide the necessary and vital help the GRCC needs.”

The Irish Cancer Society aim to improve the lives of those affected by cancer.

John McCormack, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society said; “We are delighted to be chosen as a charity partner for NUI Galway Students’ Union. As an independent charity, we rely on the public to support the work which we do in providing free services to cancer patients in Galway and across the country. One in three people in Ireland will now get cancer with incidence on the increase so demand for our services continues to grow.”

Kuzco the Llama and admirer at last year’s SU Charity Cake Sale and Pet Farm Visit. Photo: Eibhlín Seoighthe

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EXPLORE supports NUI Galway students and staff to work together

to bring innovative new ideas to life. Ideas can be big or small, and are often inspired by coursework, research, interests, clubs, societies and whatever else makes you tick.

€900 funding available per project Maoiniú €900 ar fáil in aghaidh an tionscadail All NUI Galway staff and students are welcome to apply.

Applications close: Tuesday 20 October 2015

Apply now at www.su.nuigalway.ie/explore

6 NEWS

Sin Vol. 17 Issue 02

NUI Galway Launch ‘Arts in Action’ Programme for 2015/2016 Former Director General of RTÉ and founding Director of TG4, Cathal Goan has launched NUI Galway’s 2015/2016 Arts in Action Programme. The programme is a collaboration between the University’s Arts in Action Office and the James Hardiman Library, and invites students to engage with the creative arts, offering free access to a variety of professional performances of an international-standard throughout the academic year and a range of rare archival material housed at the Library.

The Arts in Action programme is packed with rich and diverse performances focusing on emerging and established artists from Northern Ireland in the first semester. For the second semester the focus will be on a range of bespoke events, including performances that have been put in place as part of the 1916/2016 commem-

orative programme for NUI Galway.

Embracing the Arts from Northern Ireland is significant and offers the students and staff at NUI Galway a rare opportunity to celebrate the rich content that prevails, literature, theatre and the traditional arts. Arts in Action also offers and promotes arts events that are directly linked to the period 1900 to 1920 incorporating specific elements that commemorate and celebrate the writers that were also leaders of the 1916 Uprising, through music, song and the spoken word.

L au n c h i ng t h e n e w programme, Cathal Goan said: “This is an initiative of which NUI Galway can be truly proud. Through it, the community that is NUI Galway gets the opportunity to experience a range artistic endeavour that is rich in its diversity and deep in its wealth of talent. Any Arts Festival would be happy to

announce a programme of activities such as those on offer to the University’s community free of charge. This is an enlightened blessing for all involved.”

Arts in Action is in continuous development for over five years to support specific undergraduate and postgraduate modules, as well as having a significant input into programmes for international students.

Mary Mc Partlan, Traditional Artist-in-Residence at the Centre for Theatre and Performance and Artistic Director of Arts in Action at NUI Galway, said; “This year’s programme marks the ultimate goal and objective of embedding the creative arts into academic modules, creating a full programme in such a sustained and significant way that fulfils all the aims and outcomes for credit bearing modules, available to all students across the campus, with structured, bespoke

space opportunities for visiting students to immerse in Irish Traditional Culture.”

All events are free to attend and will take place mostly at The Cube and Bai-

ley Allen Hall in Áras Na Mac Léinn, NUI Galway. The programme will commence on Thursday, 1 October and run until the end of March 2016.

For programme details

please see http://www. nuigalway.ie/arts/artsinaction.html, or visit the Arts in Action Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ ArtsinActionNUIGalway.

Launching the 2015/2016 NUI Galway Arts in Action programme was Former Director General of RTÉ and founding Director of TG4, Cathal Goan with Mary Mc Partlan, Traditional Artist-in-Residence at the Centre for Theatre and Performance and Artistic Director of NUI Galway’s Arts in Action and NUI Galway students.

CÚRAM to Host Free Seminar on Entrepreneurship for Young Researchers

NUIG Students!

Don’t forget to use your free €15 travel vouchers in the coming weeks!

Make sure you travel with Bus Éireann this student year. With great value fares, Ireland’s most extensive travel network, comprehensive timetables and total convenience, no matter where you study this year, we’ll get you there.

The Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), based at NUI Galway, will host a seminar promoting entrepreneurship as a career option for researchers at different stages of their career.

The “Design Your Future, From a Young Researcher to a Medical Device Entrepreneur” seminar will take place in the Biosciences Building at NUI Galway from 1.00pm to 3.15pm on Friday, 9 October.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend this free e v e nt, w h i c h i s being organised as part of the Startup Gathering 2015 Initiative. The seminar aims to assist young researchers with their career development by providing an interdisciplinary discussion forum with speakers to include John Power, Chief Executive and Managing Director of Aerogen Ltd and Evelyn O'Toole, Chief Executive Officer of Complete Laboratory Solutions.

The presenters will be speaking about their own individual career paths to

provide inspiration for future entrepreneurs. A ‘brown bag’ lunch will be provided to all attendees.

Supported by Bank of Ireland and the Action Plan for Jobs 2015 under the theme “Start, Scale and Succeed from Ireland”, the Startup Gathering 2015 aims to promote entrepreneurship and help identify entrepreneurial talent at an early stage across Ireland.

The goal of the initiative is also to help raise the international profile of the startup sector to investors and Research and Development teams. There will be a strong emphasis on developing startup hubs in the Medical Technology (MedTech) and Information Commu-

nications Technology (ICT) sectors.

Professor Abhay Pandit, Director of CÚRAM at NUI Galway said; “We are delighted to have such experienced, independent entrepreneurs, such as Mr Power and Ms O’Toole, speaking at our event. It is a great opportunity for any researcher to hear about these experiences and the presentations will be both infor mative and motivational for researchers thinking of starting a company as part of their career.”

Backed by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and Industry funding, CÚRAM works with industry and clinical partners to radically improve health outcomes for chronically ill patients through the development of the next generation of ‘smart’ implantable medical devices.

Tickets to the event can be obtained at www.eventbrite. ie or http://bit.ly/medtechentrepreneur.

NEWS 7

September 29 2015

NUI Galway is Top Irish University for World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds Four outstanding researchers at NUI Galway have been ranked among the ‘World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds: 2015’ Four outstanding researchers at NUI Galway have been ranked among the ‘World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds: 2015'. Professor Colin O’Dowd, Professor Donal O’Regan, Professor Henry Curran and Emeritus Professor John Simmie have been ranked among the world’s top 3,000 scientific minds by the multinational media body Thomson Reuters.

Those named on the list have earned their distinction by publishing the highest number of articles that rank among those most frequently cited by fellow researchers. More individuals were listed from NUI Galway than from any other Irish university. Thom-

son Reuters Highly Cited Researchers list was launched last year and also ranked three NUI Galway researchers among the ‘World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds: 2014’.

According to NUI Galway’s President, Dr Jim Browne: “The report describes those listed as being ‘on the cutting edge of their fields’ and ‘among the most influential scientific minds of our time’. This is certainly true of the NUI Galway individuals who excel and out-perform in their fields of chemistry, climate change and mathematics.”

Professor Colin O’Dowd is Director of the Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies, at the Ryan Institute, NUI Galway and a Pro-

NUI Galway staff and students take part in Ireland’s Intervarsity BioBlitz This year’s Intervarsity BioBlitz took place from 24 to 25 September and the public were invited to take part in events taking place on NUI Galway’s campus. The BioBlitz brings together scientists and the public in a race against time to see how many species can be recorded in a 24-hour biological survey.

From 5pm on Thursday 24 September to 5pm on Friday 25 September teams raced against other third-level institutions to record as many species as possible over the 24-hour period. The team that recorded the most species won, thought at the time of publication it was not known who won. Experts from the University’s School of Natural Sciences were on hand to help identify and create an inventory the plants and animals found on campus.

Last year NUI Galway won the nationwide Intervarsity BioBlitz by recording a total of 581 species.

Aidan O'Hanlon of NUI Galway’s School of Natural Sciences, said: “Biodiversity means the variety of all living things, so we need people to survey and identify birds, mammals, amphibians, fish, invertebrates, higher

plants, bryophytes, lichens, fungi and diatoms.

This event is a really unique opportunity to find and learn about your plant and animal neighbours, and to help out in a nationally important scientific survey of urban ­biodiversity.”

Ireland’s BioBlitz is designed to increase public awareness of the variety of life in Ireland and to highlight some of the ecological services that biodiversity provides to enhance our quality of life at the global and the local level. The Bioblitz also demonstrates the high level of skill and expertise necessary to study many aspects of Ireland’s biological diversity.

There were a number of public events running throughout the Bioblitz and everyone was welcome to attend. Events on Thursday included a bird walk at 6pm and a bat walk at 7.45pm with both walks starting in the NUI Galway Park and Ride Carpark in Dangan.

This initiative was supported by NUI Galway’s School of Natural Sciences, the Buildings Office and the Green Campus team.

fessor in the School of Physics, NUI Galway.

Through his pioneering work in the field of atmospheric physics, Colin has become internationally renowned as one of the leading scientists in the field of climate change.

Professor Donal O’Regan is a Personal Professor of Mathematics at NUI Galway’s School of Mathematics, Statistics and Applied Mathematics and an internationally recognised expert in the field of Nonlinear Analysis, Differential Equations, and Fixed Point Theory. He has written over 1,000 peer-reviewed mathematical articles, making him one of the most prolific authors in the history of mathematics in the world.

Professor Henry Curran is Director of the Combustion Chemistry Centre at NUI Galway’s School of Chemistry and of the Energy Research Centre in the Ryan Institute. His research interest lies in the study of the chemistry of how fuels burn in combustors in order to increase efficiency and reduce emissions for a cleaner world.

Emeritus Professor John Simmie established the Combustion Chemistry Centre in the School of Chemistry at NUI Galway in the 1970’s and was instrumental in setting up the Environment and Energy research activity in the Ryan Institute at NUI Galway. John and his former student, Professor Henry Curran, collaborate on Combustion Chemistry research.

Thomson Reuters analysts assessed papers indexed between 2003 and 2013 in 22 broad fields of study. They tracked authors who published numerous articles that ranked among the top one percent of the most cited in their respective fields in the given year of publication, earning them the mark of exceptional impact. These documents represent research that the scientific community has judged to be the most significant and useful.

Visit the Highly Cited Researchers list here http://highlycited.com/.

8 NEWS

Sin Vol. 17 Issue 02

NUI Galway researcher involved in global alcohol study Study shows heavy drinkers are 51% more likely to get alcoholrelated cancers

By Ultan Sherry A new study has shown that heavy alcohol consumption is linked to increased alcohol-related cancers and does not show a fall in the risk of death. The threat appears worst in lower-income coun-

tries, where harmful alcohol use is more common, as published today in The Lancet.

Those who consume alcohol heavily on a regular basis are now 51% more likely of contracting an alcoholrelated cancer at some point in their lives.

Alcohol consumption is therefore now proposed to be the third most important modifiable risk factor for death and disability.

The study was conducted by a number of researchers, including Dr Andrew Smyth of the HRB Clinical Research Facility at NUI Galway.

Dr. Smyth and his team followed a group of around 115,000 adults over a period of four years. Around 31% of this group reported drinking alcohol. The group came from different economic backgrounds in countries such as Sweden, Argentina, China, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

The authors in this study also identified that in higher income countries, there was a 16% decrease in the risk of alcohol-related death.

However, in lower income countries, there was an increase of 38% risk.

Commenting on the study, Dr Andrew Smyth said; “Our data supports the call to increase global awareness of the importance of the harmful use of alcohol and the need to further identify and target the modifiable determinants of harmful alcohol use.”

The co-author of the study, Dr. Salim Yussuf, added; “Because alcohol consumption is increasing in many countries, especially low-income and low-middle-income countries, the importance of alcohol as a risk factor might be underestimated. Therefore, global strategies to reduce harmful alcohol use are essential.”

Career Development Centre

Employability • Guidance • Opportunities

Graduate Jobs Fair #jobsfairNUIG

In a comment related to the same issue, Dr Jason Connor and Professor Wayne Hall of the University of Queensland, said; “More than sufficient evidence is available for governments to give increased public health priority to reducing alcoholrelated disease burden in low-income and middleincome countries.”

Graham Love, CEO of the Health Research Board,

commented on the study as well; “The HRB national alcohol diary survey last year showed that 54% of Irish people drink in a harmful manner,” he said.

“When you consider our national level of harmful drinking with these global findings, it points to the potential for serious population health consequences for Irish people into the future.

“It is very encouraging to see both people that the HRB has funded, and the research facilities that we have financed, come together to facilitate Irish participation in such a significant piece of international research. I would like to congratulate Dr Smyth and Professor Martin O’Donnell, both funded by the HRB, on getting their work published in such a prestigious journal.”

NUI Galway launch secure bicycle park

By Aonghus Ó Maicín With the influx of new and returning students to campus this month, NUI Galway’s Security Office has teamed up with An Garda Síochána and Transport Ireland to promote bike security on campus.

The University's new bicycle park was launched on 8 September allowing both students and staff to leave their bicycle in a secure and safe location.

A new turnstile system has been installed whereby the park can only be accessed by a valid staff or student ID card. Furthermore, the park is equipped with CCTV cameras.

The Bicycle Park was built to deal with the large cyclist population within the University and can now facilitate up to 300 bikes at any given time. The state of-the-art park can be found just opposite the Arts Science Building on campus.

There are two separate entrances to the compound, one at the side of the compound facing the Hardiman building and another facing the Bank of Ireland Services.

The Bicycle Park is thought to encourage students and staff of the college to cycle instead of drive to college as the University already has limited parking spaces throughout the campus.

Showering facilities are being installed and are accessible to staff and students

choosing to cycle or indeed walk to campus.

Cycle lockers are also on trial at the University at present. If you would like to avail of this new service, you can email greencampus@nuigalway.ie. However, lockers are limited so not everyone is guaranteed one.

For more information on the brand new facilities, you can visit the university website at www.nuigalway. ie/environment/cycling_­ facilities_on_campus.

Graduate Jobs Fair comes to NUI Galway

Oct Find your path

6 2015

th

Bailey allen Hall 12.30PM-4.00PM Spend the afternoon networking with 70+ leading graduate employerS www.nuigalway.ie/careers

Over 70 actively recruiting companies across all industries will feature at the NUI Galway Graduate Jobs Fair on Tuesday 6 October from 12.30pm to 4pm in the Bailey Allen Hall.

The Graduate Jobs Fair 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, civil and public sectors, consultancy and many others represented.

Major local employers such as Medtronic, SAP, Enterprise Ireland and Smyth’s will attend, in addition to international

companies including Abbott, SITA Inc., Pepper Asset Servicing and Gerson Lehrman Group.

Emma Goode, Employment Officer with NUI Galway’s Career Development Centre, said; “Demand for NUI Galway graduates across all academic disciplines remains high, reflecting on their excellent employability status. There will also be an opportunity to get information on postgraduate programmes available in NUI Galway.”

Emma also has some advice for those attending the Fair; “Don’t forget your main objective on the day is to secure your

first graduate job. Many graduate employers now recruit graduates from all academic disciplines so don’t be misled by an organisation’s name – they may have the perfect graduate opportunity for you!

“Prepare for the fair.

Research the companies you are interested in and the type of opportunities they have available. Have something to say when you approach a stand and be confident, positive, enthusiastic and professional.

Arrive with a ‘can do’ attitude and be prepared to network!”

Details on participating exhibitors are available from www.nuigalway.ie/careers.

NEWS 9

September 29 2015

LYIT launch new campaign UCC Journalism Society to get students jobs Launch New Student Media Publication TheBuzz.ie

By Eoin Hynes

A pilot programme aimed at assisting local businesses in Letterkenny was launched on Monday 21 September. The Business Employment Scheme for Students (BESS) hopes to aid local businesses w ith the provision of Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) students to the local business network.

The scheme, which is a collaboration between LYIT and the Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce, is being praised from all corners, particularly from the viewpoint of students who often find it hard to come across steady jobs.

LYIT Students’ Union President Dylan McGowan, the man behind the scheme, hopes it will provide a platform for interaction between LYIT students and local businesses, in an effort to provide a larger workforce for businesses, and part-time or temporary employment for students.

Having been through the age-old student quest of searching for employment, he says he is glad his initiative can now help students in their search and thanked those who have helped get the scheme this far.

“I know what it’s like to be a struggling student; this initiative aims to match local business needs with needs of LYIT students seeking part-time work,” he said.

“With thanks to Catherine Lyster, Careers Officer

at LYIT, I have been able to bring this initiative to the pilot stage. I have been overwhelmed by the response from local businesses to get involved in the BESS programme, and this is thanks to Toni Forrester, Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce, who has backed this initiative. ” Another person backing the scheme is LYIT’s President, Paul Hannigan, who praised both the scheme, and the SU President’s bright idea. Speaking before the launch he said; “I am delighted by the initiative shown by Students’ Union President, Dylan McGowan and his colleagues in this project.

“At L e t t e r k e n n y I T we aspire to support the local economy through engagement with various stakeholders including businesses of the region.

This initiative will be viewed as a useful asset to businesses in the locality as we have bright, ambitious and hard-working students on both our campuses who would relish the opportunity of part-time work in the locality.

“While encouraging students to avail of this opportunity, we know they must achieve an appropriate balance with their studies. This year we envisage it to be a pilot programme but hopefully with the help of feedback from participating businesses, this initiative can become solidified over time.”

The scheme will operate with McGowan as a point

of contact for businesses looking for employees.

The Students’ Union will advertise openly available positions from the businesses they are in contact with to all LYIT students Students will benefit from enhanced employment opportunities, and businesses will benefit from a wider scope of possible employees as well as free advertisement.

St u d e nt s a re b e i ng encouraged to get involved for their own personal benefit and to maintain financial stability at a time when college fees are at an all-time high. And on a larger scale, the scheme is hoping to aid the growth of Letterkenny’s community and economy; the thought being that if more students can afford to stay in LYIT, the local businesses of LYIT will need more employees to cater to a larger student population, thus creating further employment for the larger student population, and overall creating expansion and growth in Letterkenny’s community and economy.

Details regarding the scheme can be found on LYIT Business webpage, www.lyit.ie/gateways/ businesscommunity/, on the LYIT SU or LYIT Careers Facebook page, or through contacting directly Dylan McGowan supresident@lyit.ie, Catherine Lyster, LYIT careers officer careers@lyit.ie or Toni Forrester, CEO of the Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce toni@Letterkennychamber.com.

The UCC Journalism Society are proud to announce the launch of TheBuzz.ie, the society’s newest publication and the second publication founded by the society. The publication launched on 23 September at the Journalism Society’s annual Media Night.

TheBuzz.ie will be operated on a daily basis, providing students with up to date news from campus and the wider world, as well as providing them with a unique and interesting twist on college life.

The site will also feature advice for studying and mental health – two important aspects of student life. TheBuzz.ie will also give aspiring journalists a chance to try their hand at different types of journalism from current affairs to humour, broadening their experience.

“We’ve been thinking of this idea since last year, when we struggled to get the word out about our events in other college publications,” say the site’s Editors Méadhbh Crowley and Glenn Dunlea.

“TheBuzz.ie will provide an outlet for societies, clubs and the university to advertise their events for free. We won’t be limited by space or time like traditional print media and we have the scope to reach a much wider audience than just those who attend UCC. "The world of journalism is changing rapidly. We never see anyone pick up a newspaper or magazine anymore as it’s all available on our phones and computers.

We need to catch up with the rest of the world and provide students with this news now

at the touch of a button.”

MSc Financial Economics student, Méadhbh Crowley has been an active journalist since her first year in UCC, contributing to on campus media as well as national media, featuring on RTÉ, Today FM, Spin South West and Her Magazine.

She has held editorial positions on both The UCC Express and Motley Magazine and has learned of the heartache and elation print media brings. From her experience, she has a keen interest in journalism and aspires to be a writer for the Financial Times and The Economist.

“Thebuzz.ie has been the brain child of hours of work and dedication over the past year from both myself and Glenn. We’d like to thank our entire committee for putting up with us, as it hasn’t been easy the past few weeks. We’d also like to thank Journo Soc’s founder Ian Power, who has been our mentor in this process, without his advice we’d probably be crying in the corner somewhere,” she said.

Glenn Dunlea, who is studying the BA International Arts in UCC, is relatively new to the student media scene, but has already made his presence known amongst

student journalists through regular contributions to various outlets.

Now in his second year of study in UCC, he has for the past few months been overseeing the public relations and advertising on behalf of UCC’s Journalism Society, which has so far included an entire rebranding of the society, creation of a new logo, and the advertising and promotion of various events both on and off campus.

As well as co-editing and co-founding, Glenn is also responsible for the design of The Buzz.ie. He someday hopes to write for Vanity Fair or GQ. “Although it has sometimes been difficult to reach this point, both Méadhbh and myself are extremely pleased with our end product. Many thanks are of course due to many different people as always. We sincerely hope that The Buzz. ie has a long and prosperous life as a media outlet for UCC students,” he said.

For further information contact: editor@thebuzz.ie Facebook: www.facebook. com/uccthebuzz Twitter: @thebuzz_ie YouTube: https://www. youtube.com/watch? v=p5p9taYGY_w

IT Carlow Plays a Central Role in Regional Economic Development The prestigious Financial Times newspaper has highlighted the work of IT Carlow in a special publication published last week on the collaboration between higher education providers, industry, entrepreneurs and Government to promote Ireland as a global hub for innovation and business with particular focus on research and education.

IT Carlow was the only institute of technology to feature in the publication, entitled GEN (Global Entrepreneurship Network) magazine, alongside UCC, TCD, NUI Galway and NUI Maynooth.

In an article entitled ‘Knowledge in Action’, the Financial Times writes about how IT Carlow is playing a central role in

regional economic development, ensuring that an environment for business in the southeast is developed, focusing on inward investment, innovation, exporting and start-ups.

It outlines the institute’s collaborative relationships with ICT organisations such as UNUM, the success of IT Carlow spin-out companies like Microgen Biotech, and

the nurturing of enterprisegenerating graduates. It gives the example of design postgraduate student Jack Gregan who won all of the top awards at this year’s Universal Design Grand Challenge competition for his therapeutic horse-riding aid.

The Financial Times also highlights the threefold increase in IT Carlow’s postgraduate learners, the

institute’s leading Lifelong Learning programme with 98% of participants coming from companies in the catchment area and ITC’s €25 million capital investment programme.

Gen magazine also features a foreword by President Barack Obama who says “Ireland is a nation that inspires the entire world – and young Irish people are now among

the best educated, most entrepreneurial in the world”.

“We are very proud that IT Carlow is representing the IOT sector and the southeast region in such a prestigious publication as the Financial Times that has a huge worldwide following,” commented Dr. Patricia Mulcahy, President of IT Carlow.

The article can be read at http://joom.ag/UrJp.

10 NEWS

Sin Vol. 17 Issue 02

National Survey to look at Costs of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Ireland Participants sought for national survey on the economic costs for families raising a child with an autism spectrum disorder A PhD scholar from NUI Galway, in association with Irish Autism Action is leading a research study and seeking participants as part of a national survey calculating the economic costs to families raising a child or children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Ireland.

The national survey, which is strictly confidential, is being conducted by Áine Roddy, an Irish Research Council and Hardiman PhD Scholar in Health Economics under the supervision of Professor Ciaran O’Neill at the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics at NUI Galway.

The study aims to establish what the economic costs of autism spectrum disorders are in Ireland for children aged between 2 to 18 years.

This is the first international study that will provide an in-depth analysis and evidence-based research on issues that affect families such as the financial costs, level of debt as a result of the condition, health services accessed, educational supports in

place, impact on employment and household income, in addition to the time involved in caring for their child’s special needs and safety.

This research will be used to inform public policy about the economic burden on families raising a child or children with an autism spectrum disorder in Ireland. Limited research has been carried out on this issue in Ireland, which makes this survey and the involvement of parents particularly important. It is hoped the findings will help inform the development of evidence-based policies to meet the needs of those whose lives are impacted by autism.

The research has been supported and advanced by Kevin Whelan, CEO of Irish Autism Action, and everyone who returns a completed survey has a chance to win 1 of 5 iPads kindly donated by Irish Autism Action.

To date, the survey has been distributed in the post by Irish Autism Action, Shine Ireland and Dóchas autism organisations. Áine Roddy says; “We are very grateful to all the parents who have completed and returned a survey so far. However, more participants are

still welcomed. One in 100 people in Ireland are affected by an autism spectrum disorder, yet there is no register or data available on the numbers who access services or require them.

“The information gathered from this survey is vital to establish what services are accessed by children aged between two to 18 years and calculate the economic impact of autism spectrum disorders on families and society.

“A recent study conducted in the United Kingdom by Beuscher et al. 2014 showed that autism costs the United Kingdoms’ economy £32 billion per year. The cost of autism to the UK’s economy is more than its combined cost of cancer, heart disease and strokes, yet targeted investment in autism spectrum disorder services and supports remains an underfunded area.”

Ms Roddy added; “Behind these figures lies the reality that many families are under a huge financial strain trying to pay for private services and interventions due to a lack of services and long waiting lists. There are also several children with unmet service needs, and parents having to give up paid employment to become

full-time carers, not to mention the costs associated with long-term care.

“The survey gives parents a voice to let policymakers know the extent to which their lives are affected by autism spectrum disorders, whilst providing them with an opportunity to explain what better services means to them.

“I will write an evidence-based report on the findings which will be available to the public next year through autism organisations social media.

I would like to reassure all parents that the information they provide is strictly confidential and will not be passed on to any third parties.”

Parents and families from every county in Ireland have the opportunity to contribute to the survey so that their voice can be heard. The closing date to complete and return the survey form is Friday, 23 October 2015.

The survey can be downloaded as a pdf file from the Irish Autism Action website www. autismireland.ie/news-events/news/1445/ and returned by email or freepost to Áine Roddy. Alternatively, participants can request that the survey is posted to them.

Survey reveals driving is Launch of the Irish Pain a “must” for graduate jobs Research Network (IPRN) Enterprise survey reveals 85 percent do not think enough importance is placed on driving in schools and universities Leaving cert points have been added up.

CAO offers have been accepted. Driving licence secured?

In a survey of second and third level students and graduates carried out by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, part of the world’s largest car rental group, 86 percent of respondents said driving is an important skill to have for employability.

Out of those surveyed, 52 percent had already applied for a job where it was a requirement to have a full driving licence, while 42 percent felt their inability to drive had diminished their employment opportunities in the past. More females than males feel dissuaded to apply for a job if driving is a necessity – 39 percent compared to 28 percent.

However, more than four out of five (85 percent) respondents do not think enough importance is placed on learning to drive in secondary schools and universities. Less than half (47 percent) of those surveyed said they had learned to drive at the national legal age of 17, and just under one third (31 percent) of respondents had taken the test at the age of 18.

The survey also revealed that third level students are now learning to drive at a younger age than those who graduated prior to 2010. Of those currently attending a third level institution 53 percent learned how to drive at 17 compared to just under a third (32 percent) of graduates of more than five years.

The Enterprise Rent-A-Car survey also reveals the most common reason behind learning to drive is independence (68 percent) followed by the fact that is “a good skill to have” (32 percent). Other factors include no available public transport routes (32 percent), motivated by parents (19 percent) and motivated by friends (eight percent) Out of the 25 percent of respondents who have not obtained their driving licence yet, 57 percent said it was because it was too expensive.

This research comes at a crucial time when more and more companies require their graduate employees to have a full driving licence, according to Leslee O’Loughlin, Group Human Resources Manager at Enterprise Rent-a-Car. “As the class of 2015 get ready to take the next step on the education ladder, they will be assessing all the options open to them and the skills they may require in their future endeavours,” she said.

“It is important for students to understand the value driving has as a skill and how much emphasis is put on this skill in the career they wish to pursue. By not being able to drive many candidates are ruling themselves out of a number of positions before the application process has even begun.

“To an employer a candidate’s ability to drive can demonstrate their willingness to learn new skills and their motivation and dedication to succeed.”

The survey sample consists of 1,500 secondary and third level students and ­graduates.

IPRN will facilitate closer dialogue and collaboration between all active pain researchers in Ireland based in academic institutions, hospitals, other healthcare practices, or industry The Irish Pain Research Network (IPRN) is a new national initiative that aims to bring together all active pain researchers on the island of Ireland (North and South) for the purposes of sharing research results and ideas and facilitating cross-institutional collaboration in the area of pain research.

The IPRN will be launched by Professor Rolf-Detlef Treede, President of the International Association of Pain, at the 15th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Irish Pain Society at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Golden Lane, Dublin 2 on Saturday, 26 September.

The idea to establish the IPRN arose from discussions last year between NUI Galway pain researchers, Professor David Finn and Dr Brian McGuire from the School of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and UCD researchers, Dr Brona Fullen, Dr Catherine Doody and Dr Catherine Blake.

It was recognised that while a number of academic institutions and hospitals in Ireland currently have a cluster or centre of pain researchers, there is currently no forum that brings all of these groupings together specifically for the purpose of discussing pain research and advancing collaborative pain research within Ireland.

The launch will take the form of an inaugural research symposium where researchers from the various pain research groups across the country will give short presentations, followed by a round table discussion of collaborative opportunities and potential joint grant applications.

The IPRN will be run as a special interest group of the Irish Pain Society. Incoming President of the Irish Pain Society and founding member of IPRN, Professor David Finn from the Centre for Pain Research at NUI Galway, said; “Given the increasing requirement for institutions to work together and to share resources to do the best possible research, the establishment of IPRN will facilitate closer dialogue and collaboration between all active pain researchers based in academic institutions, hospitals, other healthcare practices, or industry.”

The aim is to have strong representation from every major pain research grouping across Ireland. Those active in pain research within Ireland are invited to join IPRN and attend the inaugural launch. Pain researchers at any level of seniority are welcome to join, and students and earlycareer researchers are particularly welcome.

There is no fee to join IPRN but you must be a member of the Irish Pain Society to join.

All registered delegates at the Annual Scientific Meeting on Saturday will automatically become members of the Irish Pain Society and are therefore eligible to join IPRN if they wish.

Chronic pain (pain which has lasted for three months or more) affects up to 35 percent of the Irish population and is increasingly recognised as a disease in its own right. Chronic pain is sometimes associated with psychological effects, which may include anxiety and changes in mood, as well as forgetfulness, and difficulties in focusing attention, planning tasks and making decisions.

To join IPRN contact Orla Doran on ODoran@coa.ie and put ‘IPRN’ in the email subject field. For further information visit http://www.irishpainsociety.com/.

FEATURES 11

September 29 2015

In Defence of Religion Let’s Talk About Sex: A RESPONSE

By Josiah Burke

400 years ago, the British Slave Trade was at its height. Every year, thousands of men and women were rounded up like animals, clapped in iron and shipped to the colonies to work to their deaths. Thousands died on the long sea voyages due to overcrowding and disease; countless more lost their lives due to the inhuman treatment they received at the hands of their masters.

For decades, the political and social establishment in Britain turned a blind eye to this vile and horrific traffic in human life. But one man decided that he would not stand by and watch this travesty of justice.

In 1787, William Wilberforce declared that “God Almighty has set before me two great objects: the suppression of the Slave Trade and the Reformation of Manners". Due largely to his efforts, the Slave Trade was eventually abolished.

350 years later, another man stood up and dedicated his life to the greatest civil rights movement of modern times. Martin Luther King lived in a time which, in his own words, “sweltered with the heat of injustice and with the heat of oppression”. But, empowered by his religious convictions and his passionate belief that all men were equal before God and should be treated so, he went on to see millions of African-Americans achieve legal equality in the USA.

And so begins the great crusade of their lives – removing all aspects of religion from our society; eliminating any trace of God from our schools, our governments, our laws; shutting down any man or woman who is brave enough to stand up and publicly defend their religious convictions.

I contend today that such people are entirely, utterly, and completely wrong.

How can we sit here today, seeing the examples of men like Wilberforce and King and many more, and write off religion as irrelevant and out of date? How can we even think to suggest that faith is no more than a tool for cruelty and war?

Just because a hammer is used to commit acts of domestic violence, does not mean that we outlaw its use; just because certain people commit atrocities in the name of their religion does not mean that religion as a whole is to be cast off; to suggest so is ignorant, illogical and frankly, quite infantile.

In 1787, William Wilberforce declared that “God Almighty has set before me two great objects: the suppression of the Slave Trade and the Reformation of Manners".

Due largely to his efforts, the Slave Trade was eventually abolished.

Why did I just mention these two men?

What relevance do they have to the debate around religion today? They are relevant, because their extraordinary achievements in equality and social justice were fuelled by their unshakeable religious convictions.

Without these religious beliefs, it is doubtful that William Wilberforce and Martin Luther King would have accomplished what they did. Without the burning motivation of their faith, we can safely assume they would not have made such an indelible mark on s­ ociety.

And yet, despite all of this, there are a growing number of people in our world today who claim that religion is no more than a crutch for weak-minded individuals; that faith in God is a great delusion; indeed, they claim that religion is little more than an excuse for bigotry, hatred and discrimination.

For centuries in the western world Christianity has been at the forefront of social change for the better, not least in the areas of education, charity and aid. Religious institutions have historically sponsored hospitals and schools, while religion has motivated thousands through the ages to spearhead programmes for ambitious social reform. Without doubt there have been times when religion has been used as an excuse for wrongdoing and injustice – but to use this as a premise for its annihilation would be a serious mistake.

I believe that there are people deliberately using this flawed argument in an all-out effort to discredit religion and remove it from our society. They are not the first to have tried, and will most certainly not be the last; from the Roman persecution of the Christians in the first and second centuries, to China’s communist intolerance, to Hitler’s reign of terror, religion has been attacked in every age of humanity, without success.

Voltaire said in the 1700s that within one hundred years of his death, Christianity would be swept away from existence and pass into the obscurity of history. Today Voltaire is dead; Christianity is not. Like it or not, throughout the history of mankind, religion has been, and I believe will continue to be, the greatest force for good this world has ever seen.

By Jemima Burke

To this day, 22 September 2015, my life has been one great adventure.

I have watched the sun go down on the White Sands of New Mexico as the words of Adrienne Rich slowly emerged to mind: “Out in this desert we are testing bombs.”

I have shared a two-hour flight with an African-American businesswoman whose best friend was the only one of her office to survive September 11. “I was working opposite the towers,” she said. “It was so terrible.”

I have stood bewildered in Cheb train station in broad daylight as drunken Czechs stumbled around me and scantily-clad women, smelling of cheap vodka, leered belligerently at my travel attire.

“Uh, not the same as here,” the German post-office worker had shrugged when I pressed him about this town just over the border. Now I knew only too well why he’d been so evasive.

I have eaten Currywurst in Berlin at night; dipped my feet in the bracing Maltese waters of St. Paul’s Bay in the noonday sun; happened to meet blind piano prodigy Yakir Arbib at the Boston Common one July afternoon; and sat the first of my Leaving Cert exams a day after taking a transatlantic flight home.

I have known what it feels like to be the only one, as well as only one. I have been greatly loved and otherwise. And while not all of my experiences have been easy to endure, they have been good since I am better off for them. As rogueturned-speaker Nick Leeson said at a Talk in the Áras Moyola last week: “If it doesn’t kill you, it will only make you stronger.”

Back to the article: The writer talked about sex, as her intention was. Different kinds. Going “all the way”. Taking measures to ensure “safe, protected sex” (despite the fact that there’s never a “safe” way to do something that is patently unsafe). There were euphemisms: “new experiences”.

It seemed that, underlying it all was an assumption that all students would eulogize such behaviour and only need the necessary precautions to minimise the risk of mishap, whatever that mishap may be.

It was a stab at normalising a profligate lifestyle – one that has

had disproportionate effects on modern society; taking the spark out of our step and the sharpness from our intellect. Like carbon monoxide: the silent killer.

Several days ago former-therapist Lucy Costigan wrote for the Irish Examiner: “Suicide is often attributed to an inner mental health problem in the person, or to their failure to cope with the stresses of life but when we dug deeper we found that the stresses came from a major social base - the very complicated society in which we are now.”

She and co-author Anthony Walsh concluded that “although individual reasons may be infinite, the deep-rooted causes of suicide lie within society’s beliefs and practices.”

The morality or lack thereof exhibited in the article ‘Let’s Talk about Sex’ is destroying relationships and leading to confusion and isolation which inevitably spill over into other aspects of our lives.

Enslavement often takes the form of addiction, to drugs and alcohol, and also to sex. I am reminded of an extract from Dostoyevsky’s The House of the Dead: “I took leave of the blackened rough-timbered walls of our prison… how much youth lay uselessly buried within those walls, what mighty powers were wasted here in vain! After all, one must tell the whole truth: those men were exceptional men. Perhaps they were the most gifted, the strongest of our people. But their mighty energies were vainly wasted, wasted abnormally, unjustly, ­hopelessly.”

Students who choose not to waste their youth and say nay to this sort of abandonment – as I do – have no need to excuse themselves. This is a university – suggesting a universality of thought, a diversity of opinion, and a forum for debate.

Pádraig Mac Piarais was a wordsmith as well as a revolutionary: “Is amadán an fear ghní síoraithris ar fhear eile,” he said. “Má tá rud ar bith agat le rádh, amach leis!” Roughly translated: Only a fool imitates someone else. If you have something to say, out with it!

Every day I meet with new experiences.

I embrace what’s good and gladly do without the left-overs.

12 FEATURES

Sin Vol. 17 Issue 02

New website allows you to The ‘dislike’ button trade your skills for free Is Facebook getting desperate? accommodation abroad

By Kitty Ryan

By Saoirse Rafferty

“I truly believe happiness is achieved outside of your comfort zone.”

– Sinead Gould Alas, the summer is over and many NUI Galway students, including myself, are left with the dreadful question of ‘what did I do this summer?’ Many stayed at home working, counting the days until we were reunited with the Smokey’s’ pigeon. Others went on a J1 and came home broke; reassuring their parents and themselves it was ‘totally worth it’.

Whatever you did it always seems inevitable to avoid the summer regrets for almost everyone; everyone, except Sinead Gould.

Sinead made a spur-of-the -moment decision to sign up for a ‘cambio’ this summer; an opportunity of a lifetime to experience a new culture, meet new friends, taste ‘adventurous food’ whilst making unforgettable memories under the sun.

I know what you’re thinking, “don’t talk to me about holidays; have you seen my bank account?”

Well, this isn’t a holiday; it’s an adventure that frees you from the stress of worrying about accommodation and food prices as both come free!

Gocambio.com is a website designed for people with a desire to travel and a skill to offer in

exchange for a home to rest their head with food to fill their belly. You simply put up a profile on the website advertising your skills and are then matched with potential hosts seeking those skills overseas.

According to GoCambio’s Digital Executive Teresa Lenane, the most demanded skills are “language, cooking, sports and music”. At the moment, gocambio mainly focuses on language teaching; the guest offers two hours a day of conversation practice to the host in order to improve their language skills; “some people say this is the best way to improve a language.”

If you’re interested in travelling to an exotic foreign country such as Spain to teach English, “it’s not a necessity to speak the native language of the country” as the concept of gocambio is that “the host is already learning the language”.

Instead of teaching a language from scratch, you are simply improving their level of conversation. Two hours of chat a day in exchange for an exciting trip away? Yes please!

Worried about the idea of staying in a stranger’s house? Don’t be!

According to Teresa, all feedback is “incredibly positive”. Gocambio offer a messaging system on their platform but it’s encouraged to skype or make contact through social media profiles for a sense of assurance. “Everyone is a stranger really” and that’s what makes it exciting; as proven by Sinead.

Sinead Gould enjoyed a oneweek Cambio experience in Zaragoza, Spain, where she “got to make new friendships and learn about another culture”.

Sinead Gould with some of the friends she made on her trip.

“Everything was only possible because I was staying with a local and would have done the clichéd tourist things if I was staying in a hotel,” she said.

She felt “the host improved massively on her English after just five days” and Sinead benefited by learning a lot about the “Spanish relaxed way of life” whilst having “wine and nibbles”.

Sinead’s favourite things about the experience included: 1. “The living like a local was very different to any other holiday.”

2. “Feeling at ease with my nowcalled friends who are planning a trip to Ireland!”

3. “The good feeling of knowing you’ve helped someone.”

“Things happened like stumbling across the local trad music band and participating with them,” she said.

The Cork-based company are expected to release Version 2.0 of the website in October. This platform will be faster, slicker and there will be more focus on a wider range of skills other than language practice. This means a simpler registration process and lots of exciting developments.

Whether it’s salsa-dancing or tennis you have to offer, GoCambio will find potential hosts for you.

“The list is endless – after all everyone has something worth sharing,” according to Teresa.

What are you waiting for students of NUI Gaway? Wonder beyond the walls of your bedroom next summer, where you’ll see more than your laptop screen and experience more excitement than that of Netflix.

The CEO and founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg has made an announcement about the company’s new project at a recent press conference – an official dislike button is coming to our screens.

Zuckerberg has stated that the ‘dislike’ button will be used for tragic news or events where it would seem inappropriate to ‘like’ the post. Instead, ‘disliking’ a post would be used to “express empathy”.

This new undertaking also seems to contradict earlier statements from the founder. In December 2014, Zuckerberg claimed that the possible implementation of such a feature would make Facebook too similar to an online forum with upvotes and down-votes.

“I don't think that's socially very valuable or great for the community. You don’t want to go through the process of sharing some moment that’s important to you and then have someone down-vote it.

That isn’t what we’re here to build in the world,” he said.

So what has changed now to sway the notoriously headstrong entrepreneur? Many think that it could be to do with the amount of negative posts being shared online, which now seem to be more prevalent amongst Facebook’s ageing population.

Gone are the days of your college friends uploading pictures of the wild party last night – instead posts have become both personal and political as seen in the popularity of baby pictures and polarizing opinion articles.

Others say the company is rapidly losing interest from the pre-college generation that the site was intended for, who have taken to Twitter or Instagram as their main source of media. Zuckerberg may be feeling the need to reinvent the brand’s international image to avoid becoming obsolete and abandoned like MySpace and Bebo.

Global media has immediately honed in on possible issues that may come with the new feature. A lot of journalists across the world are rightfully concerned on how the button may actually be used in practice compared to the thoughtful intentions of Facebook’s headquarters.

Cyberbullying has been an international phenomenon for quite some time now and of course, it is nothing new to us. Many of us have likely experienced reading vindictive messages by anonymous perpetrators. The vulnerable self-image of teenagers and young adults may be

at risk if the ‘dislike’ button is used maliciously by cyberbullies and trolls.

Even now many young people (and indeed, some older people) become insecure if not enough friends have ‘liked’ their post, so it’s doubtful that the ‘dislike’ button would improve this already fragile situation.

As Zuckerberg has stated, the true intentions of the feature will be to express sympathy and condolences for tragic news stories or personal updates. It is difficult to see why the Facebook team thought a button named ‘dislike’, an inherently negative word, would be suitable to use at a difficult time. Perhaps an ‘I’m sorry’ button, or a ‘my condolences’ button would be more appropriate and less likely to get misinterpreted by the original poster.

Currently, the ‘like’ button serves all of these purposes. When we ‘like’ a sad post, we don’t normally mean that we like the fact that such an event happened. People who have used Facebook for this understand that ‘liking’ an upsetting post generally shows support and recognition for the original poster.

Condolences are better expressed through a personalised comment, or even a short private message. These simple actions can mean a great deal more to the original poster than seeing that you have ‘disliked’ their status, which would eventually becoming meaningless as we become used to it.

So why bother at all with the ‘dislike’ button? The majority of reactions concur that it does seem like a lot of hassle and work to create a feature for an issue that we have already adapted to cope with. It’s possible that this could be Facebook realising that their company is no longer the coolest cat on the block with bigger, meaner rival companies on the rise.

If this is the case, then what would be Facebook’s next move once we are all inevitably bored and used to the ‘dislike’ button? In response to this question, Journalist Robert Scoble has created an amusing parody list in of possible new features for Facebook to bring out such as a “your baby is cute” button and a “do that again and I’m unfriending you” button.

On a similar note, technology giant Apple is also bringing out a ‘middle finger’ emoji when iOS 9.1 gets released later on this year with the iPhone 6S. Perhaps this will be a trend that continues across social media, with spiteful comments that take effort to type out being replaced by an easily dismissible notification or emoji. Either way, controversy is sure to spark once the ‘dislike’ button is released.

FEATURES 13

September 29 2015

Art is a Wound Turned into Light Opening reception of Please Talk-inspired art collection to take place in NUI Galway

By Neil Slevin Please Talk invites you to attend the launch of Art is a Wound Turned into Light at NUIG, a new art collection proudly supported by various Galway-based artists who have succeeded in translating the Please Talk ethos into a visible message for all, taking place on Wednesday, September 30th in NUI Galway’s Árás na Mac Léinn.

Please Talk is a nationwide initiative urging students to understand that talking is a sign of strength not of weakness, and reminding those experiencing challenges at college that there are people on campus who they can talk to.

Like so many, a number of Please Talk student and staff leaders have experienced mental health challenges; these members use their experiences to help others seek help if they encounter difficulties.

Crucially, the Art is a Wound Turned into Light collection demonstrates the therapeutic and communicative value of art in the area of mental health; the power of art in expressing the challenges and complexities of the human condition that people may be uncomfortable with, or have difficulty conveying with words.

From an organisational to an artistic level, this collection is borne out of a community effort, and the 17 artists involved will all be present at its launch, their submissions ranging across textiles, photography, mixed media, ceramics, painting and illustration.

Political commentator Johnny Fallon, responsible for the article ‘How my own struggles helped me care about those with depression’, will also be speaking at the launch. An excerpt from his blog, johnnyfallon.wordpress.com reads:

“It takes time and effort to try to understand and educate yourself about the true nature of something like depression… That made me think a lot about people who suffer from depression and mental health issues.

Trying to imagine being in a place from where there seems no escape and where no one can understand…

“My head felt like it was going to explode every day. A fear hung over me – from which there was no escape. Eventually, one night, after losing out narrowly on a good contract, I sat in front of my computer. I sat there staring at the screen all night. I wondered why I was bothering. In that one moment I felt everything would be better without me. If I were gone, maybe people would help….

“I am still learning to make room for others and what they are going through. Those times were bad for me but I was lucky that I

Quad goes orange for World Suicide Prevention Day

By Paul Corcoran On Thursday 10 September, NUI Galway’s Quadrangle was lit up in orange to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. This was done as part of the national campaign ‘Cycle Against Suicide’ in collaboration with the UNESCO International year of Light 2015 and Solus. The aim of the campaign is to spread the message: “It’s OK not to feel OK; and it’s absolutely OK to ask for help.”

Important landmarks and buildings throughout Ireland were lit up in orange to spread this message, including: Croke Park, Trinity College Dublin and Kilkenny Castle.

Here in Galway, the Quadrangle at the university, Fisheries Tower and Galway City Council were also lit up for the campaign.

People all across the 32 counties of Ireland were encouraged to turn on a Solus orange light bulb in their homes, at 9pm on the same day Irish landmarks were also being lit up. This was to promote unity in spreading the positive message of the campaign.

People were also encouraged to ‘Go Orange’ by posting selfies and pictures on social media using the hashtags #LetsGoOrange and #BreakTheCycle to help spread the message.

Suicide is an increasingly prevalent and sensitive issue in the country; “It is estimated that there is one suicide every fortnight in Galway alone,” said Professor Martin J.

Leahy or Unesco Year of Light and School of Physics in NUI Galway.

“This winter we had a young man who had jumped from the centre of Quincentennial Bridge in my lab recovering. He was fit enough to swim to shore in the worst of conditions, yet he felt he had nothing to live for. It is very sad. Suicide is a particularly difficult problem amongst students and we need to show our willingness to support and understand their difficulties.

We felt compelled to support this initiative with our message of light and hope.”

According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), ‘Vital Statistics’ for 2014, there were 26 suicides recorded in Galway last year; 18 in the county and eight in the city.

Almost 90 percent of the suicides recorded in Galway last year were male. All 18 of the suicides in the county were men. Of the eight suicides in the city, five were men and three were women.

There is an upward trend of suicide, in Galway, from 7.7 percent in 2009 to 11.4 percent in 2014; that's slightly above the national suicide rate of 10 percent.

If you’re feeling down and need to talk, the Samaritan’s can be contacted at any time – day or night – just call 116 123 for free. Or if you’d prefer to contact the local branch in Nun’s Island, call 091 561222 or email jo@samaritans.org. No problem is too big or small to talk about.

For more information, visit www.samaritans.org.

could think in a logical way. Some people are robbed of that; it becomes impossible to see something differently and raise their spirits.

“That’s not a weakness: it’s just as much of an illness as anything that lands you in a hospital bed. I have come to understand that people can’t ‘just get over stuff’ or ‘think positive’. We all need to remain aware of that.

“When times are hard, you find out who your friends really are. You should never forget them. As Rocky Balboa says, ‘It’s not how hard you hit, but how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward’. Be kind to your mind.”

The organisers of the event hope Art is a Wound Turned into Light will become an annual event on the mental health calendar and. Art Is A Wound Turned Into Light will run this year from 28 September to 11 October.

“Be kind to your mind” and that of those around you; be sure to check it out.

Samaritans encourage new and returning students to ask for help As young people from all across Ireland start university for the first time, Samaritans is reminding those who feel like a ‘Fresher out of water’ that its volunteers are available any time of the day or night to listen if they are struggling to cope.

You can speak, in confidence, to a listening volunteer by telephone, text or email, or by visiting a local branch.

Above all, Samaritans wants all Freshers to know that if they are struggling, for whatever reason, they do not have to face their problems alone.

Nicola Gee, ex-student and now Samaritans volunteer, struggled with the way that she felt while at university and talks about her experience: “the real you quickly becomes the old you, all of a sudden you feel deeply uncomfortable with yourself and doubt everything you do. There is no let up, no reprieve just withdrawal, locking you into the way you feel by isolating you from people who care about you the most “My close friends and boyfriend started to see that something was very wrong. I spent hours and hours alone in my bedroom and stopped socialising almost completely. It was Samaritans who helped me put together a support plan which has been essential to me managing episodes of depression ever since.”

A survey released by Samaritans in July 2015 revealed that the majority of young people feared admitting that they were struggling with life. More than half (55.6 percent) of 16 to 24-yearolds in Ireland felt there was a stigma around admitting that you’re struggling to cope with something. Yet, over half (57.4 percent) say they sometimes felt

overwhelmed by their problems.

Young adults are the least likely to want to burden others with their problems and the most likely to feel ‘embarrassed’ or ‘weak’ if they do, the survey found. A third (29.6 percent) feared they’ll be seen as ‘weird’.

Elsewhere, the survey also revealed that many young people had strong listening skills, with 55.5 percent saying that people went to them with their problems. Samaritans are calling on Freshers to utilise these listening skills and watch out for friends who may be struggling with the way that they are feeling.

Executive Director, Catherine Brogan said; “University life is often portrayed as a wild, fun journey of self-discovery. Whilst that can be the case for some, the reality is that moving away from home, making new friends, managing a new workload and financial pressures can be a struggle for many young people.

“Samaritans are making an urgent plea to new students to remember that help is always at hand. Samaritans know that having a listening ear when times get tough helps people work through their problems. If you, or anybody you know, is struggling to cope, for whatever reason, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can tell us anything; it stays between us.”

People can free call Samaritans on: 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of the nearest branch. Samaritans offers round-the-clock support for anyone who’s struggling, whoever they are, however they are feeling, and whatever life has done to them.

14 FEATURES

Sin Vol. 17 Issue 02

“He would risk everything to beat the system” Original ‘Rogue Trader’ Nick Leeson gives lecture in NUI Galway

By Niamh Cullen It’s difficult to know what kind of reception a former derivatives broker who was responsible for the collapse of a 233 British merchant bank and the loss of £862 million will receive when he walks into a room. When rogue trader Nick Leeson steps foot into Áras Moyola’s Lecture Hall, he exhibits that sense of uncertainty.

“I’m never sure whether people should clap or boo when I stand up to talk,” he starts. His first utterance is preceded with claps from most audience members, which constitutes primarily of finance students and the BBC One Show crew, ready to record. He expresses a desire to pass on life lessons he wished he was aware of before his short financial career ended with his arrest in Frankfurt Airport, two days before his 28th birthday on 23 November 1995.

Leeson exhibits a rags-to-riches story; “When I failed my A-level maths, I knew I was made for banking,” jokes the son of a plasterer. His first advice is to utilise humour wherever possible as a coping mechanism. His accent reminds you of his Watford origins, as he talks of how The Queen of England was a customer of Barings, who lost £40 million pounds as a result of the collapse.

Although he had plans to go to university having left school at 18, his aspirations skyrocketed when he was recruited to work for Queens Bank Coutts & Co., one of the most renowned banks in the world. There he worked for two years before he was headhunted aged 20 to the liability and management department of Morgan Stanley international in 1987. Age 22 saw his climb to Barings, where he was sent around the world before settling in Singapore to run the futures markets operations on the Singapore Monetary Exchange (SIMEX) aged 25.

Leeson plays a scene from the 1999 movie Rogue Trader (“Sorry I don’t look anything like Ewan McGregor,” he teases), based on his autobiography of the same title. The scene cuts to a series of breaking news videos, one of which shows his final moments as a free man in Changi airport. He explains that his downfall came about from an error made by a new colleague, who had lost £20,000 in trades one day. He had set up the “5 8s” account to hide her error, which he then tried to rectify by making large trades with the bank’s money, all of which fell against him. Surprisingly, the account was never checked primarily due to Leeson being in charge at SIMEX.

“Disgraced banker, the original rogue trader, criminal, fraud”: these were the some of the many titles used by the press at the time. “None of these titles sit with me very well. It wasn’t intentional, although I knew what I was doing and I knew I shouldn’t have done it”. He scans the room with his eyes. The audience maintains its silence. “I do accept full responsibility for everything that happened.”

His resulting arrest saw him spend four and a half years in maximum security prison Tanah Merah. “I slept on a cold hard floor, my wife divorced me, and it was there that I developed colon cancer,” he muses, before adding “my inability to cope definitely contributed to my illness. I regret not asking for help; if I had that life lesson with me at the time, I would have gone in the right direction.”

When he was released in 1999, Leeson was greeted with a £100 million bill from the courts; however in 2005 liquidators gave up chasing him for the money. He now enjoys a handsome income source of around £80,000 as a debt counsellor and regular speaker for conference and dinner talks. He lives what he describes as a quiet life with his second wife Leona Tormay and three children in Barna, Co. Galway. He tells us that he regularly says to 11 and 16 year old sons that “talking about your mistakes, rather than hiding them, is crucial in life.”

Although Leeson regularly expressed his remorse throughout the talk, he is adamant about one thing; “Do I regard myself as a criminal? I understand the definition of it, but there was no criminal intent. I was merely trying to trade my way out of the situation I was in.”

Reserve Defence Forces recruiting students to D Company

By Cian Moran First Battalion’s D Company recently engaged in a highly successful recruiting day in NUI Galway.

The Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) was established in 2005 replacing An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil and An Slua Muirá as the reserve component of the Irish Defence Forces.

In recent years, the RDF underwent extensive reorganisation to bring it in line with the Irish military’s full time Permanent Defence Forces. As such, under the new “Single force concept”, both the permanent and reserve components of the Irish Defence Forces work in tandem and have the same recruitment, fitness and marksmanship standards.

However, unlike the PDF, the RDF operates on a part time basis, with the typical commitment involving two evening training sessions every month and full-time training in the summer of between two and four weeks.

As such, being an army reservist is highly compatible with being a full time student and First Battalion’s is actively recruiting members for D Company (Galway city), C Company (Clifden) and E Company (Ennis).

Those interested in joining must be: • Aged 18-35.

• An Irish citizen or a citizen of an EU member state.

• Non EU nationals can apply provided they are not seeking asylum, have lived for three or

more years in Ireland and are in possession of a certificate of Registration (Certificate of Residency) issued by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform covering the period of potential RDF involvement.

• Capable of passing the Defence Forces Fitness Test.

• Able to attend training nights and full time training.

After filling out an online application, potential recruits will be invited for a fitness test and successful applicants will then attend an interview and medical check before being sworn in as soldiers in the Irish Defence Forces.

Upon enlistment, recruits to D Company will attend training at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa barracks in Renmore before heading away on full-time-training in the summer. There they will spend two weeks learning marksmanship, drill, weapons handling and field craft.

There are numerous benefits to joining the RDF, particularly the opportunity to avail of adventure and training unavailable to civilians, including military exercises conducted with the PDF. Likewise, the camaraderie and fulfilment it offers are unparalleled.

An open day will be held by D Company in the coming weeks where further information on the RDF will be provided; those interested in attending should email dcoy1cncois@gmail. com to be added to the mailing list.

FEATURES 15

September 29 2015

Gary Ridge Year of graduation: 2004 (11 years ago, eek!)

Course at NUI Galway: Marine Science Current Occupation: Environmental consultant

What is your fondest memory of NUI Galway?

Oh I don't really have any one specific memory that would be my favourite. I quite simply love NUI Galway for giving me the opportunity to further my education and for helping me realise my dream of becoming a marine scientist. It was so rewarding to be able to follow my passion for science in a wonderful learning environment. I also made so many good friends through my college life at NUI Galway, and we had some really great times together. And I always enjoyed sitting around with my friends at Smokey Joe's in between lectures, sipping coffee, eating bagels and having a chat, I loved it.

Has NUI Galway changed since you were here?

Not that much to be honest! It's definitely expanded and there's an amazing state-of-theart gym now along with a whole load of new buildings and a variety of upgrades, but it still has the same warm welcoming atmosphere and charm that it's always had.

How did attending NUI Galway develop you as a person?

Well I would have to say that it was instrumental in helping me become the person I am today. I

used to be quite quiet until I came to university, and I didn't change straight away, but I learned to be more honest and open about myself and make new friends more easily. It definitely helped me to be myself more.

Did you partake in any societies, sports clubs or volunteering at NUI Galway?

I tried my hand at Karate and Taekwondo, and while I didn't pursue them for long, I enjoyed learning about martial arts. I was a member of FilmSoc and MarSoc too. And I joined the Scuba-diving Club and trained to dive, I love studying marine animals and seeing what life is like underwater is incredible!

What was the college newspaper like when you were in NUI Galway? Did you write for it?

I liked it a lot, I'd read it as soon as it was published. I never wrote for it but I loved reading it for the articles on topics that directly affect students and university life.

Any juicy stories of your time here?

Hmm, I've loads, but they might be a bit risqué to publish here, haha. Meet me in person for lunch sometime and I might spill the beans, but you'll have to take an oath of secrecy, so be ready to be shocked!

What advice would you give to current NUI Galway students?

Just to try your best to enjoy every single minute of it, the time flies so fast between everything that goes on, and it should be enjoyed to the max. Try as many different clubs and societies as you can, they're nearly all very inexpensive to join and to be involved in. Finding the balance between study and social life is tricky sometimes but it's worth making the effort, and you can have it all.

It's so important not to get too stressed about things, and make the most of it because it'll be all over before you know it.

Do you ever miss NUI Galway?

If you could go back and do it all again, what would you do differently?

I miss it a lot actually and I would love to take up a course again sometime, even if it was just a shortterm one, just to be more involved in campus life again. But I still visit the uni regularly because I train at the Kingfisher club and I often cycle through the grounds for old-times sake.

Not much! I think I got it just about right the first time around.

And if I did have a chance to go back in time to change something for the better, I think I would end up messing some-

thing up irreparably, by accident, destroying the space-time continuum as we know it.

Also, I currently have the honour of being called Mr Gay Galway! I actually came out just over 12 months ago, after years of denial and struggling with my identity. I am so thankful for the support of my friends and family.

I helped raise money for the Guide Clinic in St James' Hospital in Dublin, which assists people living with HIV and AIDS. The fundraising events I organised were in preparation for the Mr Gay Ireland competition last October.

Since then, I've been involved with the board of AMACH! LGBT Galway, which aims to help set up a resource centre in the coming months, to provide support and to accommodate services for Galway's LGBT community. I also joined the Yes Equality campaign this year, actively canvassing door-to-door in a number of neighbourhoods in Galway City and county during the weeks leading up to the referendum on May 22.

I encouraged everyone to vote Yes of course, and I am absolutely delighted with the enormous success of the campaign.

I'm so happy that the Irish people voted for historic change to allow couples of the same gender the chance to marry and to celebrate the love they share for each other. We're living in an equal society now, and I am just so incredibly grateful to be part of a better 21st century Ireland.

A NATIONAL DISGRACE: The Housing Crisis

By Feidhlim Seoighe There are no more houses left for students. There are no more apartments left for young professionals. There is no more social housing for those who are on the brink of homelessness.

How does this happen in a seemingly welldeveloped country? How can we stand by and let students defer, or refuse their courses in NUI Galway, as they do not have a bed to sleep on?

How can we allow the most vulnerable in society to sleep on the streets?

There is a national housing crisis. It is a national scandal and embarrassment. The current housing model is unsustainable, and the authorities should have known better.

Four weeks into the academic calendar and approaching the middle of the first semester, there are still hundreds of Students still looking for accommodation. Commuting, couch-surfing and sleeping in hostels are a reality for most of these students, while others have decided to defer the year, in the hope that next year will reap better results in finding accommodation.

In 2007, the €400 Million University Development Plan suggested to students that their campus, and indeed the City of Galway, would see remarkable new buildings being built, allowing more students than ever to study in NUI Galway. This plan had no mention of student accommodation.

The Government’s newly-published strategy on dealing with the housing crisis also has

no mention of Student accommodation. For the further growth of the city of Galway, and of NUI Galway, these issue needs to be addressed immediately.

The medium and long-term effects of the current crisis will be immense. The Higher Education Authority figures suggest that a 15 percent increase in the amount of full-time students in higher education in the next five years, and a daft. ie report on the shortage of rental accommodation in urban areas do not make for easy reading.

NUI Galway are somewhat addressing this issue, although it could be argued that it doesn’t go far enough. The 400-bed complex proposed for Newcastle will ease the demand, although that will not be completed until at least 2019.

The Government need to produce specific policy on the fast-tracking of planning permission to developers in zoned areas specified for Student accommodation. And this needs to be done now.

The one fact that we cannot escape is that there will be more students in Higher Education, and if action is not immediately taken by the Government, Local Authorities, and the decision-makers in the University, it will affect Galway for decades to come. It will reverse the reputation that Galway has fought for, and built upon, as the Silicon Valley of Western Europe, and as a hub of intellectual activity.

Feidhlim Seoighe is the Vice President of the Border Midlands and Western Area of the Union of Students in Ireland.

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connected With the Alumni Association and support NUI Galway’s vision for the future For more information on priority projects, events & activities contact Galway University Foundation.

Visit us @ www.guf.ie l www.nuigalway.ie/alumni l T: 091 493536 Find us on Facebook and join National University of Ireland Galway on LinkedIn

THE SU PAGES Pre-Budget Briefing to the Oireachtas:

Education Is

By Phelim Kelly Hi Everyone, Hope ye are all doing well and enjoying your first couple of weeks.

The Students’ Union has been actively lobbying for your needs over the summer and on Tuesday 22 September, I attended the national Students’ Union Pre-budget briefing where I lobbied several TDs and senators highlighting issues facing students today.

I met with representatives from mainly Galway East and West constituencies as well as the spokesperson for education in Fianna Fáil.

Our key asks in this year’s budget are as follows: 1.) STUDENT GRANT REFORM: Last year, I along with my peers in other institutions highlighted the main issues with the SUSI grant system and produced a document for all public representatives to see and advocate for in the Dáil. Issues around Estrangement, Adjacency rates, Family income thresholds ad postgraduate supports were all highlighted and this has been received well by members of the Oireachtas. This paper has come

from extensive research into officers casework both herein NUI Galway and around the country.

Representatives have welcomed this paper as instead of screaming about this issue we have given them a solution to the problems.

From the briefing, it appears there is genuine support for our research.

2.) STUDENT SUPPORTS: As part of our lobby we have asked for the return of the cost of education allowance for students in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA). This bursary of ¤500 is used to get mature students back on their feet and prepared for college. This was taken away a number of years ago and we have asked for reinstatement of this bursary.

Many returning students will know the value of the Financial Aid fund in terms of retention and whether or not you can continue your studies through financial hardship. The financial aid fund is there for students who are on the verge of dropping out of college for whatever reason. This fund has kept students in third level in the past and we have asked that past cuts

USI President Kevin Donoghoue, NUI Galway SU President Phelim Kelly, Senator Hildegarde Naughton, USI VP Welfare Aoife Ní Shuilleabháin and USI VP Border Midlands and Western area officer Feidhlím Seoighe be reversed from this fund so that we can help students in real need of financial assistance. This fund has been severely depleted in the past and we are calling for it to be increased in Budget 2016.

3.) THE STUDENT CONTRIBUTION CHARGE: In the past 4 years, the student contribution charge has risen by ¤1000. Ireland, which is seen as a free fees country has the second highest tuition fees in Europe behind the UK. We are calling for this fee to be reduced in line with the economic recovery as it acts as

SU President Phelim Kelly with Charlie McConalogue who is the spokesperson for education in Fianna Fáil.

a barrier to third level education for many families in Ireland and abroad. The national union believes this should begin to be reduced until a sustainable form of income and funding is made available to third level education currently being considered by the higher education authority working group.

4.) UNDER 26 SOCIAL WELFARE PAYMENTS: Now more than ever we see many of our friends and family fleeing the country in order to get jobs as they cannot physical live in Ireland with such minimal support. We realise that these are not students in particular but that should they be able to sustain themselves in a healthy budget they would come to college/ University. We have called that the previous cuts to people under the age of 26 be reversed to a sustainable payment. Currently under 25s receive ¤100 per week and people under the age of 26 receiving ¤144 per week. This is no way for anyone to live and it is important to realise that these payments have negative effects on the general and mental wellbeing of these people and students once they leave college without employment are directly affected by this. We are calling that this be reverted back to a standard payment for all.

5.) STUDENT ACCOMMODATION: It is no surprise that Ireland is facing an accommodation crisis. This is not news by any means but it is only going to get worse. As part

of our pre-budget submissions, we have asked that a Student housing strategy for 2020 be done alongside the construction 2020 strategy. If there are more purpose built student accommodation in this country it will help ease up private accommodation for professionals. We have asked that for those commuting to college they would receive an aid/ support similar to other European countries to help alleviate this financial burden on students and their families.

These are just some of our asks in terms of the 2016 budget. We will be continuously lobbying our representatives to let them know our voice is heard and that our needs are addressed. Social justice and equality are on the agenda for the Students’ Union this year.

Last year we #MadeGráTheLaw by our efforts to register as many NUIG students as possible and we will be calling on you again for the general elections as well as the referendum to repeal the 8th amendment (which will hopefully be coming up soon). We have for the first time in history, political capital and we have to build on this, especially when so many of you voted last May. Remember, you are the Students’ Union so if you want a particular issue raised with your local representative let us know and we will do what we can.

You can find all our details on the Students’ Union website at su.nuigalway.ie

NUI Galway Students’ Union presents

MONDAY

12

TH

OCTOBER

Cuireann Comhaltas na Mac Léinn

DAVID O’DOHERTY We Are All in the Gutter, But Some of Us Are Looking at David O'Doherty 8pm Monday 12th October 2015 The O’Flaherty Theatre 8 i.n., Dé Luain, An 12 Deireadh Fómhair 2015 i dtéatar Uí Fhlaithearta Tickets €5 from the SU Office and the SU Engineering Desk €5 An ticéad, le fail ó Oifig an Chomhaltais agus ó dheasc Innealtóireachta an Chomhaltas

www.su.nuigalway.ie

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18 FEATURES

Sin Vol. 17 Issue 02

Do the text-obsessed need their own lane?

US university introduces a separate lane for screen-obsessed pedestrians

By Tomás M. Creamer Even among so-called Millennials (which is the generation most people reading this belongs to), the smartphone has not been around for a large amount of time – for many of us, our first phones were typically bulky Nokias from the brick-era of Mobiles.

Many of us often had to do with for several years before we could have anywhere near enough money saved to buy smartphones, which have really only been adopted on a massive scale in the last several years.

However, especially when you consider those who were able to immediately buy the smartphones as soon as they became popularised, the smartphone has been around long enough to create concern over its usage.

The most commonplace of these concerns relate to those who walk around while texting – a pretty harmless activity, for the most part. However, this is not without its dangers.

Last year, a study done by the Car insurance giant, AXA, revealed that around 23% of students admit to been distracted while crossing a road on their way to school. In Britain, it is believed that up to 10% of people have suffered some minor injury while using a mobile.

With such statistics showing the dangers of distraction by mobiles, it is not surprising that drivers of vehicles are now banned from using them while on the road. However, that doesn’t stop pedestrians from putting themselves into danger as a result of mobile use – as the 35% rise in pedestrian injuries linked to mobile use in the US testifies to.

There is an idea for creating a special pedestrian lane for those glued to their phones, and the Utah Valley University in the United States has actually introduced one, on a staircase in their Student Life and Wellness centre.

It consists of three lanes, demarcated by neon tape – one for walkers, one for runners, and one for those who want to text while walking. Although, it should be pointed out that it is not exactly a serious attempt to actually direct traffic flow with the University’s corridors.

Matt Bambrough, Utah Valley’s creative director, stated that the aim was “to engage our students, to catch their attention and to let them know we are aware of who they are and where they’re coming from. The design was meant for people to laugh at, rather than a real attempt to direct traffic flow.”

In fairness, they are not exactly pioneering the idea of texting lanes. It has been done before, in Antwerp in the Netherlands, and in Chongqing in China.

While a private mobile company and an area management company respectively have been responsible for each of these efforts, like in the Utah Valley University, they are not meant to be serious attempts to strictly direct pedestrian traffic – the main motivation seems to be a bit of tongue-in-check fun.

However, texting lanes have sometimes been created with more serious intent in mind – namely, for research purposes, as was the case in Washington DC (USA) back in July, by National Geographic Television.

In this case, a section of a footpath in the American capital was divided into two zones. One was a mobile phone-free zone, for those who wanted to walk quickly to their destinations. The other was dedicated to those who wanted to look at their mobile phones.

The researchers behind the experiment found that only a small amount of people actually bothered to move into the correct lane, once they spotted the markings. So clearly people are not too bothered in general by those who are focused on their phones – at least, not so much that they would actually bother changing lane to avoid them.

Regardless, in both Chongqing and in Washington, the footpaths did nonetheless attract notice, as the urge to photograph the lanes proved too much for many smartphone-toting pedestrians,

and became local points of interest as a result.

So, should Ireland consider introducing these lanes? Well, again, none of the above places actually introduced these footpaths due to any actual practical consideration – motives for their instalment have ranged from scientific research to a simple marketing ploy.

However, it is worth going back to the motivation behind their introduction on the campus in Utah Valley University, where the texting lane was installed in order to raise awareness about the problems that come from obsessive texting.

If you are going to actually take anything away from this article, maybe consider whether or not you have become more absorbed in the technology in your hand, than in the world around you.

Don’t get me wrong, the invention of mobile phones – and subsequently, smartphones – has made quick, on-the-fly communication much more convenient than was ever thought to be possible even 30 years ago.

But as someone who does not have the luxury of owning a smartphone with enough space to download a free-text app, I do know that it’s definitely possible to keep in touch with what’s going on in your social circle without looking at your mobile every few seconds.

At least when walking from A to B, you should be able to wait to get somewhere to sit down for a few minutes, before checking out your Facebook feed.

DCU’s PredictED system helping students stay on track New software helps first years with the transition to college life

By Kieran Kilkelly College can be a daunting place at times, especially if you are just starting out. You're away from home, class sizes have increased and you probably know next to no one in the lecture hall you're sitting in. It is easy to get lost with the new-found freedom that comes with attending university.

And when students tend to have problems settling into new surroundings it's their college work and grades that suffer. The Higher Education Authrority, in their most recent study, found that there was a 16 percent drop-out rate among first years attending university in Ireland. That means that one in every six students who started a course didn't progress to second year; an alarmingly high rate for a country with our education record.

This is where Alan Smeaton, the director of the Insights Centre for Data Analytics at DCU saw a potential solution to the problem. He developed a new system called PredictED which was aimed at aiding first year college students through the transition from second level to third level education.

Of course, colleges throughout Ireland already have procedures in place to help first years get used to their new surroundings; University of Limerick have a “first seven weeks” initiative, University College Cork have a first year experience coordinator and here at NUI Galway we have student mentors; but they all seem to have been lacking one thing, and that is where Alan Smeaton's idea came in.

The PredictED sytem was linked with Moodle, a learning management system in a trial at the

beginning of 2014 which ran across ten modules ranging from maths to politics to biology. All of the modules selected had high failure rates to truly test whether this new application would be a success or not. The signing up of the trial was optional but an impressive 75 percent decided to partake in the learning study.

The thinking behind it is with regard to constant feedback such as a first year would be used to coming from the Leaving Certificate. A weekly email tracking the individual’s progress would be sent, which would compare the person and their use of Moodle with other members of their class.

It would also contain suggestions, tell them if they are on course to pass or not and tips of who to approach for help if needs be.

With the trial being deemed a success - “everyone who opted in had a boost of three percent in their overall mark in that exam” (even when controlled factors such as previous Leaving Certificate results were taken into the equation) – Smeaton suggested that “feedback of any kind is what [the students] were taking solace from” and possibly proving that it is the shock of major change that leaves first years struggling.

This claim was backed up by study participant, Killian O'Donnell from Athlone. He found that the PredictED software gave him “the reminder to help focus” something all students, not just first years, need.

His results speak for themselves, as he ended up getting a 2.1 in the course and said that he “didn't think he would have done as well without it”.

FEATURES 19

September 29 2015

An afternoon with Google Representatives of the tech giant give tips on how to get into Google

By Ruairi McNicholas A presentation by Google gave students of computer science and related courses an insight into the work that goes on in the company, as well as best practices for getting a job with the tech giant.

The event, held on 22 September in the Bailey Allen Hall, discussed the work that goes into running Google’s many services, explored 10 attention-grabbing CV tips, and showed how a typical interview with Google is done.

The talk began with an introduction to Site Reliability Engineering, given by Google employees Magnus Deininger and Ryan Thomas.

Think of Site Reliability Engineers as the paramedics of the tech world; your pager buzzes at 2am. A data centre has just been struck by lightning, four times in a row, and someone needs to fix it. Having flown down the motorway, you arrive at the data centre, and work gets underway. When a server running 10,000+ Gmail accounts is melting down, these are the people that jump in and fix it.

Maintenance such as this is vital to the running of services that are accessed by millions of users daily.

Site Reliability Engineers expect the unexpected, and much of their work focuses on Disaster Recovery Testing: ensuring contingency plans for services and products work in an emergency. The underlying principal is to ‘Learn from controlled failure, rather than uncontrolled’.

Deininger and Thomas delved into topics such as the Bus Factor: can a system still function if person X is hit by a bus? Or can a system pass the coffee test: will it function if a cup of hot coffee is spilled on a machine or person?

The tech talk was followed by CV preparations tips from Jenniffer Petoff: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Demonstrate that you can code.

Prove your points.

Keep it relevant.

Quantify the impact of your achievements.

5. What differentiates you from the rest?

6. Don’t pad your CV.

Working together… while apart Swoodle app allows for collaboration on group projects in real time

By Samantha Kelly Swoodle is a new and developing free app that is a must for students to have as a tool for success this academic year.

It collaborates free messaging, working on documents and the ability to have multi-way video feeds, but most importantly you can access documents from anywhere at anytime.

The free messaging system allows you to incorporate text, voice and video calls, which is always a plus for us ever-running-out-ofphone-credit students.

The ability to access all your documents, images, pdfs and slide-decks is now even quicker and easier. Not to mention how practical it is that you can even edit, annotate and mark-up all of your documents through this new app.

However what is most impressive about Swoodle is that it is the perfect tool for those dreaded, nevertheless approaching group projects. As each student can work from home while still working as part of a group, Swoodle is a clever way of keeping on top of your work.

Now there is no more need for those Facebook chat groups, weekly booking in library rooms or crowding around a loud and messy table in the Bialann. This app allows a group to work together, even when they are miles apart and make visible changes on projects so that everyone can be productively involved from wherever they are, either by means of the multi-way video feed or by the messaging tool.

This app was created and developed by DisplayNote Technologies. Kris Nixon who is the content crafter for DisplayNote Technologies in Belfast, wanted to highlight just how successful this app really is, especially for students who have so many ways of getting in contact with one another but cannot actually use a proficient way of contact for any productive means. There are even video tutorials online of how this app works on www.goswoodle.com and www.twitter.com/goswoodle.

Paul Brown the CEO of DisplayNote Technologies says; "Swoodle was born out of our frustrations with trying to combine using video conferencing units, document management solutions, screen-sharing, email and ad-hoc video calls."

Developing this app really made it so much easier for the busy professional and academic to get in contact and keep dynamic.

Basically Swoodle is a quick and effortless way of connecting with others to efficiently get a move on with work without wasting time. Something I'm sure all of us student will agree is a welcomed app.

This app was first launched in Dublin's Web Summit and in the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona – two massive events that just demonstrate how impressive this app really is.

Not only has it been used by students for group work purposes but it is also used by professionals who work together on contracts and projects but cannot always meet to work in person; and by designers who share and edit images for companies; and by academics who often have to collaborate on a paper.

Do download this app, simply search for ‘Swoodle’ in the App Store or Google Play.

7. Go for substance over style.

8. Keep it short and sweet.

9. Have no spelling errors.

10. Don’t exaggerate.

Petoff stressed the fact that your CV is simply your ticket to the interview; don’t rely on it to get you all the way to the job. Experience is key; participate in coding competitions and events, contribute to open source projects, have a go at creating your own app. Other skills are also of benefit, as your ability to code is only the baseline; Petoff’s PhD is in Chemistry.

Overall, the presentation gave a unique insight into the running of Google, the various positions available for computer science graduates, and tips for getting your foot in the door.

Google receive over six thousand CV’s a day; making yours stand out is critical to success. That’s a lot of CV’s going into the bin, and everyone wants theirs to be noticed. If you fancy free soft drinks, 20% free time to work on your own projects and more beanbags than you can shake a stick at, get coding.

Site Reliability Engineers are the paramedics of the tech world. Your pager buzzes at 2am.

A data centre has just been struck by lightning, four times in a row, and someone needs to fix it.

Having flown down the motorway, you arrive at the data centre, and work gets underway. When a server running 10,000+ Gmail accounts is melting down, these are the people that jump in and fix it.

Happy 20th Birthday to Flirt FM 101.3 Celebrating 20 years of Flirt memories

22 LIFESTYLE

Sin Vol. 17 Issue 02

FASHION FIX: The autumn trends to transform your summer wardrobe

By Liley-Beth Griffin Electric Picnic really marked the end of summer for me and with it the end of summer fashion choices.

Many of us are still clutching to hopes of an Indian summer to ease us into autumn but the reality is that it’s time to ditch the Levi cut-offs for another year.

But do not fear, my fashion forward friends: transitioning from summer to autumn need not be the fashion dilemma that some perceive it to be. Here are my picks for an autumn wardrobe that will help you to get over your summer fashion hangover.

The Seventies dominated last season, from flares and bell-bottoms to fringe and peasant blouses, the decade made a huge come back on the runway and on the high street.

However, the fashion flash-back is far from over, as the seventies style was still a big trend in the autumn/winter collections at New York fashion week.

I for one am delighted to see this style throwback stay put as I now own far too many tasselled pieces of clothing than one sane person should.

But how do we do Seventies in autumn I hear you cry? Well, imagine the cooler older sister of summer’s seventies chic who grows up and goes to college. Think lots of cord, patchwork, folk motifs and anything button up.

Switch out your fringed ankle boots for lace up knee-highs and your fringed suede jacket for a shearling coat. You will definitely stay warm this autumn because Seventies fashion has seen an arctic twist, with knitted sweater dresses, turtle necks and fur trimmed coats making the trend super-cosy.

Another autumn trend that will transform your look is the lady-loafer. From Stella McCartney to Chanel offering a take on this comfy footwear, it looks like our feet are in for a treat.

The perfect option for work or college, loafers would look effortlessly chic paired with cropped cigarette pants, you’re welcome.

The statement white blouse made a comeback in many autumn/winter collections, with Chanel and Michael Kors opting for a twist on the classic. Hit two trends with one stone and elect for a white blouse with a high Victorian collar. Team with tweed and you have officially conquered autumn fashion.

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The runways have seen a big Eastern influence this season. You can embrace the oriental style with lots of embroidery, dragons, lace and gold. If you’re feeling brave an ornate nose ring would really see you at the fore of the fashpack.

The textile of the season is set to be the ever luxurious velvet. Take inspiration from Lanvin and don a velvet cape to keep the autumn chill at bay while looking suitably fabulous. Or perhaps you’d rather work the

Makeup on a student budget How to look good for less

By Deirdre Leonard With Autumn underway and funds drying up for the Winter, it can be hard to buy the basics let alone spend money on any makeup you might need. But there are a number of budget-friendly products that are worth much more than their price tag.

TOP SAVING TIPS • Keep an eye on websites like cloud10beauty.com, feelunique.com or boots.com that offer low or free shipping costs. Check back at the weekends and sign up for their email newsletters as there are usually sales or offer codes available every few weeks.

• Sign up for loyalty cards in places like Boots and Cara. Your loyalty card points will build up and earn you discounts in no time.

• Make use of your student discount.

Student discounts can usually be applied online or in places like Cara pharmacy who do 10% off for students on Wednesdays.

With these tips in mind, here’s a list of some affordable products you can pick up in local stores: FOUNDATION: Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation (¤9.99) offers medium coverage with a dewy finish. This foundation is long-lasting and perfect for normal/dry skin or oily skin if powdered.

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fabric into your going-out attire, in which case a plunging velvet jumpsuit is the way to go , á la Sonia Rykiel’s autumn collection.

Really we need not fear that autumn means we have to stop having fun with fashion. Keeping warm doesn’t have to be a staid affair when velvet and fur are out to play. Most importantly, any summer wardrobe can be transformed by incorporating some of these key autumn trends.

CONCEALER: For concealing your face, the Collection Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer (¤5.79 in Boots) is a real gem. It offers high coverage that doesn’t look unnatural.

FOR UNDER YOUR EYES: Try the Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer

(¤6.99). It’s a lightweight, luminous concealer that really brightens the under eye area.

POWDER: The Essence All About Matt! Fixing Compact Powder (¤3.49) is a finely-milled translucent powder that keeps foundation matte for hours without looking cakey.

CONTOUR: The Sleek Face Form palette (¤13.49) comes with a contour, highlight and blush and each shade is highly pigmented. It’s a great on-thego palette to save money and room in your makeup bag.

EYE SHADOW: There are a lot of great cheap eye palettes on the high street. Things like the Sleek i-Divine eyeshadow palettes (¤10.49) or Maybelline The Nudes palette (¤14.99) have blendable, pigmented shadows that come in a number of different shades and are well worth the initial investment.

MASCARA: Maybelline has some of the best mascaras out there and their latest launch, the Lash Sensational (¤11.99), offers voluminous lashes that hold a curl all day.

EYELINER: The Essence Superfine eyeliner (¤3 approx.) is a great, longlasting budget option. It has a long and fine point that’s perfect for creating a winged look or just defining your upper lash line.

BROWS: The Catrice Eyebrow set (¤3.99) is a small compact that comes with a dark and light brown powder.

LIPS: There are a lot of great and affordable lipsticks and liners out right now. Brands like Rimmel and Seventeen do a wide variety of longlasting lipsticks for between ¤5 and ¤8 that should definitely be checked out.

LIFESTYLE 23

September 29 2015

Standing on the shoulder of giants

By John Mulry Have you ever felt inspired by something you heard, saw or read which lead you to taking a particular action? Have you ever wondered why it is that some days you feel like you can conquer the world and others you feel like hiding from it all? The answer isn’t because you’re “having a bad day” – the answer is due to how well you stack the odds in your favour.

In the first issue of this new column I introduced you to the concept of standing on the shoulders of giants. We all have people, places, giants, things in our life that can inspire us and by sharing some of my giants with you I’m hoping it’ll inspire you to find your own.

Inspiration is defined as “the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something”.

This mental stimulation can come in many forms, not just in the forms of people we look up to, wish to learn from, emulate, etc. In this issue’s article I want to share with you some of my ‘giants’ that are not actual people per se but they are the written word of people.

I’m referring to three books that have been giants for me and if you have not read them I

highly recommend you do. Reading specific types of books can provide massive inspiration to us all, no matter your age, gender, social status, upbringing or financial situation.

One of the famous speakers Zig Ziglar said that “people say that motivation doesn’t last.

Well neither does bathing, and that’s why we recommend it daily.”

I believe this is a missing ingredient in people’s lack of success today. They get motivated, inspired every now and again but then it dwindles and fades away when life comes along and punches you square in the face.

Books can provide you with a constant stream of inspiration because they are so readily available and they are so inexpensive. I study constantly the habits of the super successful in every realm and one thing that stands out more than anything else – more than genetics, more than the college degree they have (or don’t have), more than their upbringing – is their insatiable thirst to learn more and do more…

There are three books in particular that have helped me immensely and I recommend anyone who is striving to improve themselves, in any aspect of their lives, should read these books. One of these books is actually credited by the most successful people the world as a must-read and one they credit their success to.

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: Written in 1937 by Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich is the book that some of the most successful sports stars, celebrities and businessmen and women have credited with their success. In the book, Hill outlines 16 laws that the most successful people on the world applied rigourously to achieve their success.

Of these 16 laws my favourite are: 1. Definite of purpose; meaning you know exactly without a shadow of a doubt what you want.

2. Action; you take measured action every single day towards what you want. If you’ve never heard of this book, or have and have never read it I cannot stress how much of an impact this book will have on you.

Psycho Cybernetics by Dr. Maxwell Maltz Psycho Cybernetics, written in 1960 is another book which has helped me immensely. For years I struggled with self-doubt, low self esteem and was afraid to take action on the things that mattered to me the most.

The exercises and habits I’ve learned from this book, for example mental rehearsal and visualization have greatly improved my ability to achieve the things I set out to achieve. This is another book many have credited for their success.

Pete Sampras used to say that he practiced winning Wimbledon over and over in his head so much that when it came time for him to play live, it was a walk in the park. That’s visualization and mental rehearsal. Get the book, read it, then read it again at least once a year.

The Go Giver by John David Mann and Bob Burg This little book could be the best kept secret in business today. A parable of a just 144 pages, it details the story of a young up-and-coming professional who is striving for success. When I first got started in business I came across this book and it blew me away so much that I started handing it out to everyone I met.

This little book contains five principles or laws which I’ve transferred into my business: the law of value, the law of compensation, the law of influence, the law of authenticity and the law of receptivity. It’s one of my all-time favourite books and one I cannot recommend highly enough.

These three books, as well as countless others, are my ‘giants’ when it comes to getting a constant stream of inspiration. Life happens and it can oftentimes feel like we’re getting battered and beaten from every angle.

A few words form the right book here, or a story of triumph there can be the difference between those who give up and those who get up.

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24 ENTERTAINMENT

Sin Vol. 17 Issue 02

Frank Cronin: Former NUI Galway student talks to Sin about college, camping and comedy

By Jessica Thompson

Climbing the career ladder How one student is making his own dreams come true For Frank Cronin, there are a few defining moments of the 2012/2013 academic year (aside from the obvious living-in-a-tent stuff).

Just before Christmas, he started bringing guests into his tent and interviewing them for his YouTube Channel, Glowpunk. One of those guests was the very popular Des Bishop who was on campus for a show.

But an important milestone was Frank’s performance of his very own show, Tent Boy, in the Bank of Ireland Theatre as part of the Múscailt Arts Festival. Since then, he’s gone from strength to strength, climbing the rungs of the career ladder and bringing his unique Irish charm to the comedy clubs of California.

“For a long time I watched comedy from the wings. I wondered what it would be like to do it.

Then I met some people who explained the process of becoming a comedian, which involves a lot of time and repeated public failure,” he explains.

“It’s a brutal art, forged with public mistakes.

I started to jot down ideas, simple observations and puns. Eventually, these scribblings turned into jokes, and then well-rounded bits. The first time I got on stage was at an open mic and I bombed badly. But I was too naïve to know how bad I was; I was just happy I finally tried to do what had been a burning ambition. I’ve probably done about 500 sets since.”

Frank moved to LA about a year ago, drawn to the big city by its incredible comedy scene, and the opportunity to become a star. He certainly went to the right place, with a number of opportunities popping up for him over the last 12 months.

“I find that people in LA are most interested in your perspective on their culture and your life experiences and that is what I lean towards.

There is endless stage time in LA compared to Ireland. You could do five open mics in a day if you schedule your day well. It’s also very competitive. The bonus here is that if you do well, there are often people who can give you a TV

break sitting in the audience,” he says.

“I have had great opportunities to perform with international talents such as Dana Carvey, Christopher Titus, Elayne Boosler, Bull Burr, etc.”

He recently appeared on the Mailu Henner Show and is a regular guest on Comedians On, which is produced by the world-famous Ray William Johnson and the ‘Equals Three’ crew.

Ray William Johnson is one of the biggest internet content-creators in the world, with almost 12 million subscribers.

“I also just co-starred in an Indie movie, A Friend in Need, which has been received very well worldwide, with the talented Indian actor Mohit Shrivastava… the luck of the Irish.”

Naturally, Frank is working on bringing his ‘living-in-a-tent’ story onto the LA stage with him; “it’s so weird that it would be a sin not to talk about it in my stand-up. I’m thinking of writing a little bookeen on that time – small and fun with some stories from the adventure.

I think I will live in a tent when I’m older too!”

At the moment, Frank is studying full-time at the Stella Adler Academy of Acting and doing as much comedy as his schedule will allow. He’ll be home for Christmas, though, to do a few big shows in Ireland; “I can’t wait.

Ireland will always be my home. Olé, Olé, Olé!”

And of course he’ll be gracing the stage of one of Galway’s top venues too, so stay tuned to find out when and where you’ll get to see him live.

To enjoy some of Frank’s comedy right now, though, check out his YouTube channel, Glowpunk, or the Equals Three Comedians On. That should get you laughing.

Finding accommodation has never been so hard for the students of Ireland. There are fewer houses to rent and those that are available will cost you an arm and a leg (at least). And that’s before I even mention the scams that are going around on daft. ie, the number of students dropping out of college because they can’t commute to and from Galway every day of the week, and the incredible amount of stress so many young people are under as a result.

It all brings back memories of three years ago when one NUI Galway student decided not to waste his time and effort (or money for that matter) on house-hunting.

Instead, he packed up his tent and sleeping bag and found himself a nice bit of shrubbery to camp in… for the entire academic year.

Since leaving NUI Galway, awardwinning actor and comedian Frank Cronin has gone on to become a household name in the Irish comedy landscape. His extraordinary talent for channelling comedic characters and his ability to entertain the masses with his viral creations is outstanding. He is a rising Irish star with a career now blossoming on a global scale, and is someone of whom the Irish can be rightfully proud.

I had a chance to catch up with him in LA where he has been pursuing his acting and comedy career.

And guess what: he is still as humble as when he lived in his tent.

“Life seems so short to me. And the part of that life that you are carefree for is even shorter. So when I get a gut feeling, I always try and follow it,” he explains. He could be referring to any part of his life, from joining the army, to opening a restaurant in Mexico, or even to choosing a career of acting and comedy over a life of money and security.

But in this case, his gut feeling was to finish his degree, while braving the elements and living in the deepest, darkest, most secret parts of the NUI Galway campus.

“I was low on cash, had a YouTube channel and thought it would be fun to document the year in a tent. The economy was bad in Ireland at the time and I was sick of all the negative linear thinking and moaning from all sides. So I just went to ‘Planet Frank’ and lived in a tent.”

‘Planet Frank’ proved to be a very interesting place to live, as it forced him to appreciate the little things in life, let go of the materialistic things he didn’t need, and connect with nature in a way you or I could never do from our warm, comfortable beds.

“It was and still is the closest I’ve ever been to Mother Nature. I became more sensitive to the seasons and the earth over time. I loved waking up to the birds, listening to the howling wind, noticing if a dewy spider web had been extended overnight,” he says.

ENTERTAINMENT 25

September 29 2015

From‘Tent Boy’ to LA star I know what you’re thinking: this guy must have looked like Tom Hanks in Cast Away. Or maybe he lived like Bear Grylls, drinking his own… erm…

Not so! In fact, Frank was as clean and tidy as the rest of us. Naturally, he couldn’t roll out of bed and into the bathroom for a nice, hot shower while his clothes warmed up on the radiator. But he made his situation work, paying for gym membership and using the shower facilities there every morning (after a workout, of course), and spending his evenings in the warmth of the library before hitting the sack.

The staff and students of NUI Galway were very supportive of Frank’s living situation, with many becoming curious about his lifestyle. Where exactly was he living?

Was he not scared? Could the rest of us do it? The simple answer there is: no.

Frank has an army background, so his survival instinct has always been strong during his adventures, which include crossing Ireland in a kayak, camping on a desert island off the coast of Mexico, and jumping on the famous ‘Train of Death’, a network of Mexican freight trains used by USbound migrants getting out of Mexico.

So when it comes to risk, he knows what he’s doing. The rest of us, for the most part, have lived quiet, sheltered lives, where our only experience of camping is at Electric Picnic or similar summer festivals. Camping alone near a built-up, potentially dangerous area comes with “an element of risk”.

“Firstly, there’s the physical threat. If you choose to live like I did in a bush, you are isolated and therefore somewhere where no one can hear your screams. Sadly, it’s not a joke. The occasional bad bastard exists. It’s a judgement call

you have to make about your own personal safety,” says Frank.

“Secondly, the elemental threat: it gets very cold. There were some nights that I had to stave off hypothermia. The morning fog lifting off the river was brutally cold. I used to love overcoming it; it was the first hurdle of the day. But I have a military background, so I guess I felt pretty comfortable about it all.

“Thirdly, accidents; if you are hiding from everybody in a place that is hard to find and you hurt yourself there, then the chances are no-one will find you for quite some time.

An elderly gentleman from England who was sleeping in a tent not far from mine for about a week had heart problems. I was worried that someday I would find him dead. He was grand though. We fell out of contact… he had no phone.”

So the moral of the story is: don’t try this at home.

QUESTION TIME: Getting to know Frank Born and raised in Templeogue, Dublin, Francis Cronin graduated from NUI Galway in 2013 with a BA in Psychological Studies and Spanish.

If you could describe yourself in five words, what would they be?

Now that’s a tough one.

What are your hobbies?

Hanging out, running, traveling and exploring new places and things with friends. People watching with friends is always a laugh.

Anything social or outdoor-based.

What was your childhood like?

What do people hate about you?

I had a great childhood. My parents exposed us to lots of games, cultures, nature and comedy throughout my childhood. My family’s default setting was making each other laugh.

There was a lot of joy in my house.

I’ve no time for hate. It’s a sordid emotion. Love has some value. I give hate no airtime. What’s there to really hate about a guy living his life and not hurting anyone?

What do people like about you?

Honestly everyone. I try on the best bits from everyone I meet and discard what doesn't feel good.

In real life: my parents, they gave me such a strong foundation of love and adventure that makes me feel safe enough to live my life like a lunatic.

In acting: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Christian Bale, Cillian Murphy, Brendan Gleeson and Meryl Streep.

In comedy: Dylan Moran, Tommy Tiernan, Bill Burr, Dana Carvey, Des Bishop, Noel Fielding, Robin Williams and Russell Brand and all of them for different aspects of what they do.

People always tell me I’m one of the most optimistic people they know.

That I’ll try anything and it makes them feel good to see me taking chances in life and perusing my dreams. I’ve been blessed with a naturally positive disposition. This is something for which I am very grateful.

Who inspires you?

How did attending NUI Galway develop you as a person?

There is a great diversity of thinking and people in NUIG. Galway is like the Irish California. In NUIG, by studying so broadly and writing so many papers, I learned to organize my thoughts, bolster them with facts and clearly express a view point. I didn't know it at the time but it’s a very handy skill to have in stand-up comedy. I would often re-work a paragraph for hours until I thought it flowed elegantly. It may not have been Einstein informa-

tionally, but I would always try to make it lexically sexy.

What was the college newspaper like when you were in NUI Galway?

I believe Jessica Thompson had just taken over and she was working on modernizing the whole thing and bringing it online. It had a pretty big circulation too.

There were the usual funny bits of student news (like the pigeons on the concourse) mixed with the serious issues of the day. It was fun to read: a lovely companion for any lonesome student.

Do you ever miss NUI Galway?

Ah yeah! NUIG was great; the rushy banks of the river, the meandering streets of the city, the tiles of the concourse, the madness at Supermac’s and the diving boards at Salthill. You couldn't walk 100 metres in the city without seeing a friendly face. There was very little not to like. Well, except the seemingly never-ending rain.

Did you ever get in trouble while you were here?

Damn right! I made a point of it.

What’s the point in being young if you are not taking chances? I believe in being a little disruptive as long as you don’t hurt anyone else.

Any other juicy stories of your time here?

When I was living in the tent, girls used to send me messages on Facebook propositioning me with their wildest tent fantasies.

Apparently living in a tent is a turn on. Who knew? Also, I remember walking into my living room in the years prior to tent life and seeing a person being body slammed through a table. One of my house mates had set up a wrestling match as a form of entertainment for a house party. We threw good house parties.

What advice would you give to current NUI Galway students?

Have fun and remember university is a gymnasium for the mind where you expand your ability to process information. The facts you learn and regurgitate in exams are (in my opinion) secondary to expanding your capacity to think. Unless you’re an engineer or a doctor; then your clients will appreciate your verbatim learning.

If you could go back and do it all again, what would you do differently?

Maybe jump off the diving boards at Salthill in the nip. Never did that.

I wouldn’t change much. Maybe asked out another girl or two.

26 ENTERTAINMENT

Sin Vol. 17 Issue 02

You can dance, you can jive DanSoc invites students and alumni to put on your dancing shoes

By Jessica Thompson There’s something for everyone in NUI Galway’s Dance Society, according to the society’s auditor, Ryan McCarthy, who has extended an invitation to students and graduates of the university to join one of its fastest-growing societies.

Run in accordance with NUI Galway’s Societies Office, DanSoc aims to

provide a safe and creative space for students and graduates to learn how to dance, exercise or just meet new people while taking part in various dance classes, including Hip Hop, Irish Dancing, Contemporary Dance, Ballet and Jazz.

“As a student society, DanSoc thrives on an influx of fresh, new faces and new talent. If you have a good ear for music, a good eye for design

or you pride yourself on your moves, then we have a place for you,” said Mr McCarthy, who has been part of the society for four years now.

Rya n h i m s e l f n e ve r envisioned himself joining DanSoc when he started college. But when he went to the Societies Day, the friendliness of the society members and the great music coming from their stand was too much to resist.

He went to one of the classes “as a joke” and “never looked back”. They were so welcoming, he said, and it didn’t matter that he wasn’t a dancer. Four years later, he’s the auditor of the society.

“We have dancers that have been dancing ballet and contemporary since they were four and people who have never danced before. It’s one of those societies that’s just very open to all standards and all walks of life,” he said.

“No matter who you are, you’re going to be welcomed with open arms. And that’s something that we’ve held near and dear for the last few years, and this year, we want to expand it a little bit more. We’re thinking of holding workshops for kids and bringing them in and just teaching them a couple of eight-counts and getting them active – getting the brains working a little bit and get that creative side flowing.”

DanSoc has a core group of 40 or 50 dancers who get on really well. But there are several other society members who come to the

showcases and events, and show their support at the national competitions.

“It’s a community and that’s what I loved about the society when I first came into it. It was that immediate sense of community.

“It changed my whole perspective on college and the college experience. And it changed my whole attitude towards fitness as well.

Fitness does not at all have to be going to the gym and lifting weights and going for a half an hour run and trying to beat 5k or your personal best. It’s fun and you meet some great people.”

Because the society has such a variety of classes – from ballet to jazz, hip hop to Zumba – the society meets seven or eight times a week, with many of its members enjoying the society so much that they go to every class.

And then there are those who don’t dance at all. Surprisingly, you don’t have to dance to be a member of DanSoc. While there are many dancers in the society, who love to perform on stage and compete in the intervarsities, there are many who bring other skills to the table.

“People have this misconception that you have to be a dancer to join the Dance Society. Whereas last year we had people who were DJs, people who were interested in making costumes, people who were

interested in doing makeup or hair,” said Mr McCarthy.

“So this year we’re trying to take advantage of the few people we have at the moment and have them hold workshops, so if you’re not interested in dancing or you don’t want to perform, you can end up doing our DJ workshop, which will probably end up being in collaboration with the DJ Society.

“We’re going to try and get Style Soc in and we hope to do a fashion show that will get them involved.

So we have big plans for getting people involved who aren’t dancers. Because I didn’t think I was a dancer.

I ended up fitting into the dance side of things, but I’m very interested in music production, so that’s a route that I’m hoping to go down this year.”

The society has been growing from strength to strength over the last number of years. Two years ago DanSoc had around 700 members. Last year that number was upward of 1,000 members. This year, the DanSoc committee are hoping to increase that number again.

Those interested in dancing, mixing music, having fun or even competing at a national level in one of the six styles of dance can get more information on the DanSoc Facebook page or by emailing dansoc@gmail. com.

ENTERTAINMENT 27

September 29 2015

Why Not? Adventure Film Festival returning to Galway

By Joshua Kenehan

Climber and adventurer, Will Gadd, makes his way up Niagra Falls.

The Why Not? Adventure Film Festival is an annual celebration of adventure sport that takes place in a number of counties throughout Ireland in October and November. The purpose of the occasion is to inspire us all to reach for greatness and exhilaration in our lives.

With the main event here in Galway, the festival will tour to Castlebar, Sligo, Dublin and Cork. 1,000 people are expected to attend the various events planned for the festival's tour. For the fourth time, Why Not? returns to Galway's An Taibhdhearc theatre, on 10 October.

The programme is made up of 14 films that were whittled down from 167 entries, from 37 countries. The films that will be shown on the day were judged by a group of four adventurers of worldwide renown (including Mike Jones, Guinness World Record Holder), so rest assured that their quality of excitement has been approved.

As well as that, a workshop will be held at the venue and three adventurers will speak about the incredible feats that they have accomplished. The ‘Leave No Trace’ outdoor workshop is free to attend and runs from 10am to 12.30pm.

The speakers, who will talk about their lives as thrill-seekers, include Breifne Earley, Paul

Sheils and Olive 'Raindance' McCloin, the first Irish woman in history to walk a return journey of the Pacific Crest Trail – a 5,300 mile journey. These inspirational people are at the core of what this festival represents.

Three programmes of films will be shown at the Galway event throughout the day. The runtimes of each film vary from three minutes to 98.

At the first showing of the day will be the Irish Premiere of Red Dot on the Ocean: The Matt Rutherford Story, which follows the journey of an American sailing legend and holder of two Guinness World Records. Also on show, at the third programme of the day, will be Valley Uprising, the story of the deathdefying Yosemite Valley rock climbers.

The day holds plenty of excitement, and a ticket for all events during the day can be purchased for €33 at www.whynotadventurefilmfestival.com or by phone at 091 563600.

The booking office at An Taibhdhearc is also selling tickets for the Galway event.

The film festival is sure to be an exhilarating and awe-inspiring experience, especially to hear from those who have completed great works of human endurance. Any of Why Not?'s tour dates hold the possibility of great fun and excitement, but in particular the Galway Festival on 10 October promises to be beyond compare.

The underappreciated movie: The Road

A new movie: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

“A darkly powerful exploration of a post-apocalyptic earth”

“A charmingly offbeat tragicomic teem film”

By Patrick Fallon French philosopher Albert Camus wrote extensively on the meaningless of life and wondered why we don’t simply kill ourselves. Ultimately Camus stated we should cope as well as we can with our absurd existence and try to triumph over the constant possibility of hopelessness.

There are interesting parallels between John Hillcoat’s bleak adaptation of the bleaker Cormac McCarthy novel The Road and Camus’ work. The man (Viggo Mortensen) and the boy’s (Kodi Smit-Mcphee) journey through a post-apocalyptic earth seems largely meaningless and absurd, however by the film’s conclusion we are reminded why life can be worth enduring even its darkest moments.

The relationship between the man and the boy is the most fascinating aspect of the film.

Mortensen plays the single-minded, stubborn father who protects his son at all costs as they head for the coast. His plight seems largely hopeless but he carries on out of a modicum of belief that his son might find salvation.

Flashbacks narrated with a hypnotic, poetic voiceover reveal the heart-breaking loss he has suffered. He is infected with paranoia and, in an encounter with a thief we see a disturbingly cruel side.

Viggo’s performance is superb, able to explore his dark side without ever losing touch with his humanity and love for his son. By contrast the boy is endearingly hopeful; born into the horrifying world, he knows no different. The man does his best to impart his wisdom and to

keep his spirits up, telling him that they are “the good guys” and that he must “carry the fire”.

The fire represents the humanity and empathy crushed in many of the survivors of the unnamed disaster that occurred sometime in the recent past. Kodi Smit-McPhee is a revelation in his tender, balanced performance. The relationship is never heart-warming in the traditional sense but is nonetheless a rewardingly affecting one.

Many films that open at rock bottom often fail to maintain interest due to the fact that the narrative has nowhere left to go. Hillcoat maintains tension well by splicing in the threat of cannibals and other suspicious travellers throughout the journey. An encounter with an old man (Robert Duvall) whose reflections provide a fascinating allegory with our apathy towards the environment is particularly fascinating.

The wasteland created by the set design team is awe-inspiring. Turning cornerstones of American infrastructure and culture such as highways and fun fairs into decimated piles of debris and mud gives the film pathos with constant subtle reminders of the extent of the destruction. No other film has been created a post-apocalyptic world quite so visually evocative.

Ultimately what makes this film great are the little moments of beauty amidst the darkness such as little jokes between the pair or brief moments of safety and comfort. While at times emotionally gruelling, the film reminds us of the beauty and worth of life even in the darkest and most despairing of times.

Make no mistake this is a haunting, grim film but its life-affirming message and satisfying (if uncomfortably ambiguous) ending make this a truly great film.

By Patrick Fallon Advertised along similar lines to The Fault in Our Stars, I approached this film with some trepidation, worried that it would be a lazy rip-off capitalizing on the success of the 2014 teen drama. But I ended being won over by this somewhat flawed but charming and delightful film.

Greg (Thomas Mann) is a socially awkward, self-loathing film-obsessed student in the classic American high school with severe attachment issues to boot. His one passion is making film pastiches by turning classic film titles into puns (A Sockwork Orange and A box of daisies wow are particular highlights), with his friend Earl whom he refers to as his “co-worker” due to previously mentioned attachment issues.

He is forced to spend time with an acquaintance, Rachel, who has recently been diagnosed with cancer. They grow closer but thankfully a love angle is never forced in as they are in many young adult films. Greg and his relationships with those around him develop in a natural and pleasing way.

Much of the backlash against the film comes from distaste at Greg’s seeming selfcentredness; however these criticisms lack perspective on the film’s theme. This isn’t a film about Rachel dealing with cancer but about Greg dealing with the fact that someone he cares deeply about is suffering in a way he’ll never understand nor be able to help with.

Personally, I thought the filmmakers approached it with the correct amount of sensitivity to both parties. Greg can be self-centred at times but why should we expect characters in such difficult situations to be perfect humans?

He tries the best he can and that’s what makes him a likable character.

The film’s greatest achievement is striking a balance between being self-reflexive and knowing without losing its genuine heart. Being able to use wry voiceovers from Greg that proclaim how they “never fall in love” without being grating or seeming pretentious is a remarkable achievement. The writing is clever and it is clear that the actors have a great understanding and empathy for the characters they portray.

Some problems do arise from the film’s hyper stylised form. Director Alfonso GomezRejon employs an abundance of techniques throughout the film: long dolly shots, wide angle lenses and startling Dutch angles to name a few. While visually pleasing, many of these techniques do not aid the story visually but distract from it.

Oftentimes, less is more and cutting out about a third of the techniques employed would have helped focus more on the plot and made the effective shots more powerful. On a more minor note, the film did engage in one aspect of trickery that was both unnecessary and devious to the audience that I cannot reveal due to spoilers.

Despite the above criticisms my feelings towards this film are positive. In my opinion, this film had an undeniable charm and genuine warmth absent in many of the cynically manipulative teen movies pushed out by studios today.

28 ENTERTAINMENT

Sin Vol. 17 Issue 02

The greatest works of Yeats in the west Yeats and the West exhibition is open until December

By Siobhán Mulvey ‘Yeats and the West’ brings an exhibition showcasing some of William Butler Yeats’s greatest works which are associated with the West of Ireland.

This extraordinary exhibition of ‘Yeats and the West’ is currently on display in NUI Galway’s Hardiman Research Building, located next to the foyer of the library. Admission is free, and the exhibition remains available until December 2015.

The exhibition was an important part of Culture Night which recently passed, with the public experiencing tours of the exhibition with curators Adrian Paterson and Barry Houlihan.

‘Yeats and the West’ explores the influence the West of Ireland holds on the writing of Yeats.

The West of Ireland possesses a rich and unrivalled landscape which is largely represented in the lines of Yeats’s most famous poetry.

Yeats was a key figure in the cultural and

literary revolution which took place in Ireland a hundred years ago. The exhibition looks at how 20th century literature was shaped

by Yeats’ love of the West. Yeats had a strong connection especially with the western counties of Sligo and Galway. He widely travelled the landscape of the West, admiring its rural beauty. Yeats was happy to spend most of his life in the West, and chose his burial place under Benbulbin in County Sligo.

The exhibition displays several of Yeats’ poems in large print, along with photographs of Yeats and the areas which he wrote on and loved so dearly. Within glass cases, the exhibition contains a mass of exclusive material.

‘Yeats and the West’ showcases first edition copies of Yeats’ books, The Wandering of Oisin and Other Poems (1889), and The Secret Rose (1897). The exhibition also includes a display of first editions copies of Cuala Press books, from Yeats, Lady Gregory, and Frank O’Connor.

The exhibition contains plays which were placed into the Irish theatre scene and abroad

by Yeats’ influence. Copies of the Playboy of the Western World are on show and information on how Irish literature and stories spread as far as Hollywood is documented.

‘Yeats and the West’ also includes descriptions of the successes of Yeats’ brother and

later family. Yeats’ exemplary literary talent and emphasis on the West of Ireland had a positive influence on his nearest companions.

Yeats had a particular connection with Galway, especially through his friendship with Lady Gregory. Lady Gregory’s estate at Coole Park was inspiration for many of Yeats’ poems, such as ‘Into the Seven Woods’ amongst others. Yeats, like Lady Gregory, was in love with the large gardens of Coole Park.

It was here at Coole Park where Yeats and Lady Gregory worked on some of their most successful projects.

Plans for an Irish Literary Theatre to set up the first Irish theatre scene, the Abbey Theatre, were conducted at Coole Park. It was their initiative which made Dublin a centre of theatre, where an accurate representation of Irish identity and reality could be shown.

Coole Park is located in Gort, County Galway and remains open to the public, and is widely sought as a source of inspiration for writers.

Yeats lived in County Sligo in the West of Ireland for the majority of his life. The rural beauty of Sligo was his inspiration for one of his most famous poems, ‘The Lake Isle of Innisfree.’ He also appreciated the beauty of County Leitrim, and wrote his poem ‘The Stolen Child’, based on the area surrounding Glencar Waterfall.

Although Yeats was born in Dublin and travelled far across Europe and visited the US, he chose his burial place outside Sligo town.

Yeats wrote his wish to be buried and his preferred epitaph in his poem ‘Under Benbulbin.’

This shows his love of the landscape of the West of Ireland.

‘Yeats and the West’ also focuses on the historical developments which occurred as Yeats wrote on the West of Ireland. The upcoming centenary of the 1916 Rising holds particular significance in his poetry as he was a witness to the events of Easter 1916, and does much to capture the experience in his poetry.

1916 had a profound impact on the people living in the West at the time. Many of the images or ideals we associate with the 1916 Rising today can be sourced from the words of Yeats. The language and literature of the early 20th century increasingly created a thirst for change and commemoration.

The ‘Yeats and the West’ exhibition highlights the importance of Yeats’s connection with the West of Ireland and the influence this had on his literature.

‘Yeats and the West’ will be open until December 2015 and the exhibition can be seen in the Hardiman Research Building. Admission is free.

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By Paul Corcoran • Bill Bailey (Never Mind the Buzz­ cocks, Black Books) will perform his new show Limboland, in the Black Box Theatre on Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 September.

• Dublin noise-rock outfit Girl Band play the Roisin Dubh on Thursday 1 October. Their new album Holding Hands with Jamie, has just been released on Rough Trade. The band released a number of well-received singles in 2014 and performed at Iceland Airwaves this year.

• Rocktoberfest takes place in Monroe’s Live from Thursday 1 until Sunday 4 October. This year’s acts include The Hot Sprockets, Grounds for Invasion, The Mighty Steff and many more.

• Irish music legends, The 4 of Us, perform in the Roisin Dubh on Friday 2 October. The 4 of Us’ career spans over 25 years. They have released a string of hit singles in that time, such as ‘Mary’ and ‘She Hits Me’.

• The New Triangle will grace the Town Hall Theatre stage on Monday 5 October. Original member of The Dubliners, John Sheehan, will perform traditional songs, with some new material included, alongside Damien Dempsey and Declan

O’Rourke. The group brings together the last surviving and original member of The Dubliners and two of Ireland’s finest modern songwriters.

• The Minutes are set to play the Roisin Dubh on Thursday 8 October. The Dublin band’s sophomore album ‘Live Well, Change Often’, was released last year and the band have been touring since. The Minutes stop-off in the West is part of an extensive thirteen-date Irish tour.

• On the same night The Minutes play the Roisin Dubh, Irish indie stalwarts, Bell X1, play the Town Hall Theatre as part of their acoustic tour of Ireland.

Well known for hits, ‘Rocky Took a Lover’, and ‘The Great Defector’, Paul Noonan and company released Chop Chop last year to critical acclaim.

• Canadian folk/pop musician, Ron Sexsmith, plays the Roisin Dubh on Friday 9 October. The celebrated singer-songwriter has a long career in music releasing over ten albums, • Original Rude Boys will play Monroe’s Live on Sunday October 11. The popular acoustic/hip-hop trio are best known for tracks like, ‘Sunny Days’ and, ‘Stars in My Eyes’. Their most recent album, All We Are, was released in 2014 and peaked at number two in the Irish charts. This is an all ages show.

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5-7pm 7-9pm 9.-10.30pm 6-8pm 6-8pm 8-10pm 6-8pm 8-10pm 8-10pm 7-10pm 8.30-10.00pm 9.30 - 11pm

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Racquetball Court Hall 3 Hall 1 & 2 Hall 1 & 2(from 6pm) Hall 2 Hall 3 Full Pool

Swim - 2nd Squad/1st Squad8-9.30am/12-1.30pm Mountainbike - Spinning 6-7pm Handball 6-8pm Fencing 6-7.30pm Muay Thai 7.30-9.30pm Karate & Aikido 6-8pm Volleyball 8-10.30pm Kendo 6-7pm Ladies Basketball - Varsities7-8pm Cricket 9-10.30pm Mountaineering 7-10pm Kayak 9.30-11pm

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University Sports Clubs Get Active, Get Off The Couch this semester!

Check www.clubs.nuigalway.ie for updates Indoor Clubs Schedule – Kingfisher

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30 SPORT

Sin Vol. 17 Issue 02

8km to a better you NUI Galway and Kingfisher Fitness Club announce details of annual 8km race in aid of Jigsaw

By Neil Slevin In association with the Kingfisher Fitness Club, NUI Galway hosts its third annual charity 8km run/walk on Saturday 10 October at 10am.

The route is a traffic-free, mixed terrain run around the University’s campus and along the river Corrib’s banks. The event’s official charity partner is Jigsaw Galway and coincides with global events around World Mental Health Day. It is proudly supported

by Aerogen, and all proceeds raised from this event will go to Jigsaw Galway.

Jigsaw Galway is a free, confidential support group, also proudly supported by Aerogen, servicing the mental health and well-being of young people aged 15 to 25, living in Galway city and county. It also pro-

vides advice and guidance to parents, family members, friends and other professionals worried about a young person.

"We are so delighted to be the charity partner for the NUIG 8K; it has been such an amazing experience to be involved in this fantastic event,” said Justin McDermott of Jigsaw Galway.

“Not only do the funds raised for Jigsaw make a huge difference, it also gives us a unique opportunity to raise awareness amongst students and staff of NUIG, and indeed the wider community, of our service.”

This charity event forms part of the NUI Galway Alumni reunion programme, which takes place from 9 to 11 October on campus, and is a wonderful opportunity to bring together students, staff, alumni and friends of the University in one place to participate

At the launch of the NUI Galway 8k (back row, l-r): Kathy Hynes, Acting Head of Sport at NUI Galway; Emer Kavanagh, Aerogen; Justin McDermott, Jigsaw Galway; Dr Pat Morgan, VP for the Student Experience, NUI Galway; Brian King and Joe Cosgrave, Kingfisher Club.

At the launch of the NUI Galway 8k (l-r): Brian King, Kingfisher Club; Dr Pat Morgan, VP for the Student Experience, NUI Galway; Justin McDermott, Jigsaw Galway; and Emer Kavanagh, Aerogen. in a fun event suitable for all ages and levels of fitness.

There are lots of family-friendly activities planned to coincide with the race to encourage participants to bring their children and grandchildren along: from tours of the Zoology and Marine Biology Museum to live music and Sean Nós singing workshops, the day is perfect for families to come and walk and/or run the campus together.

In announcing the event, NUI Galway Vice-President for the Student Experience Dr Pat Morgan said; “Building on our very successful 8km event on campus last year, which attracted over 600 participants, we look forward to another great event for staff, students, alumni, friends and neighbours on October 10th.

“Little things make a difference, 'the more you move, the better your mood' being our key message in support of better mental health; take this opportunity to enjoy our wonderful campus and show your support for Jigsaw.”

The event is open to everyone, with runners and walkers of all fitness levels catered for. To register for the NUI Galway 8km, please log on to Run Ireland’s website: http://www. runireland.com/events/nui-galway-8k-0.

On the day of the event, participants should arrive at the Kingfisher Fitness Club for registration from 8am onwards; this will close at 9.15am. Registration will also be available at the Kingfisher on Friday 9 October from 6pm to 8pm. However, the Kingfisher would like to stress that registration on both days will be quite limited, and to encourage everyone – if possible – to register beforehand so that the Friday/Saturday can be used to collect numbers and resolve any last-minute issues.

Parking will be available on campus, drivers will need to follow local signage and directions from marshals and further updates are also available on the event’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ NUIGalway.8kRun. Also, just in case you need to fine-tune your fitness in advance of the event, the Kingfisher is running training sessions to help with your preparation at 1pm and 6pm every Monday and Wednesday, further details for which are available from www.kingfisherclub.com or by contacting the Kingfisher on 091 540 300.

Any queries you may have regarding the event can be sent to nuigalway8k@kingfisherclub.com.

Galway United lose out to St. Pat’s in EA Sports Cup Final

By Paul Corcoran The EA Sports Cup Final took place on Saturday 19 September. Eamonn Deacy Park was the site of the final, contested by Galway United and St. Patrick’s Athletic. St. Pat’s emerged victorious, on penalties, after a tough encounter in front of 3,662 fans.

Galway had not been to a cup final since 1997, while Pat’s are a reinvigorated force under manager, Liam Buckley and have won the League of Ireland and FAI Cup over the last couple of years.

A real sense of occasion surrounded the stadium on The Dyke Road on the Saturday evening. Fans began to pile in an hour and a half before kick-off. There seemed to be more FAI

officials than players in the stadium. A number of flares were set off by both sets of fans. Galway United fan supreme and Uachtarán na hÉireann, Michael D. Higgins was also in attendance.

To the game itself: the first half was fairly uneventful. Galway set up, playing in a deep defensive system. This was the third meeting between Galway and St. Pat’s this season. The Inchicore beating Galway well on the first two occasions.

With Galway playing deep, St. Pat’s went on the offensive. Very few clear cut chances resulted from their attacks. Their closest effort came from a Greg Bolger effort inside the box which came to nothing. At the other end, Jason Molloy found Jake Keegan with a cross, but the resulting header sailed harmlessly over the bar.

The second half was a more open affair.

St. Pat’s began to turn the screw, passing with purpose and looking far more threatening. Ger O’Brien played in Conan Byrne who rattled the post with a good effort.

Paul Sinnott and Jason Molloy had chances to put Galway ahead, Molloy drawing a good save from Pat’s keeper Conor O’Malley.

Enda Curran was brought down, outside the box, by Kenny Browne, one of a number of cynical challenges on the Galway striker.

The resulting free-kick from Curran was only stopped by a world-class save by the young Pat’s keeper, O’Malley.

A blistering effort from James Chambers was only just kept out by one of the saves of the season, by Galway shot-stopper Conor

Winn. There were scares at both ends, however the deadlock would not be broken and extra-time was needed.

Gary Shanahan had the best chance in extra-time after being played in by Marc Ludden, however, the winger couldn’t compose himself enough to get the shot off. With both sides visibly exhausted, very few chances to win the game appeared and penalties were finally required to decide the final.

Each Pat’s penalty was executed perfectly bar their final one. Galway United missed two; first, Jake Keegan with an unconvincing effort and finally, Andy O’Connell’s spot kick was saved by O’Malley to give Pat’s the cup.

St. Patrick’s Athletic: EA Sports Cup Champions 2015.

SPORT 31

September 29 2015

NUI Galway Rugby Club starting off the right way Victory over Ballyhaunis an excellent start to the season NUIG RFC got their season off to a flying start with a comprehensive victory over Ballyhaunis in the Curley Cup on Sunday. The cup, in its third year, is named after Hugh Curley, one of the founders of Ballyhaunis RFC, and the Mayo men were in no mood to let the students halt their progress in the competition.

The wet conditions did not lend themselves to a free-flowing game and it was the visitors who adapted better in the opening exchanges when their aggression at the ruck was rewarded with a kickable penalty after

just six minutes, which was duly converted to give Ballyhaunis an early lead.

College reacted with character and defiance though and soon hit their stride. The front row of Damo McNelis, Eugene Kilkenny and Chuck O’Neill started to get the upper hand in the scrums and the clean ball won gave the backline an excellent platform to work off, with James Junior Kennedy crashing over for the games first try after 10 minutes.

The high work rate of the students was thwarted by a stoic Ballyhaunis defence but fullback Ruairí Keogh Clarke found space on the wing to squeeze over the try-line after 20 minutes to give NUIG RFC a 10-3 lead going into the break.

The second half started much as the first

NUI Galway students pass on Ultimate Frisbee love to PE teachers around the county Three NUI Galway students from the Ultimate Frisbee Club – Aoife McDonagh, Emma O Callaghan and Ronan Fogarty – gave up their time after college to teach a group of secondary school PE teachers about the sport of Ultimate Frisbee.

The teachers came from all over Galway County on Tuesday 22 September to learn

the sport. The throws, the ethos, the rules and the game were outlined and discussed with everyone getting some hands-on experience.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the session.

It is hoped that this will promote and increase awareness of the sport among new NUI Galway students in the years to come.

3 NUIG students from the ultimate frisbee club - Aoife McDonagh, Emma O Callaghan and Ronan Fogarty gave up their time after college to teach a group of secondary school PE teachers about the sport of ultimate frisbee. The teachers came from all over Galway county on Tuesday 22nd of September to learn the sport. The throws, the ethos, the rules and the game were outlined and discussed with everyone getting some hands on experience. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the session. It is hoped that this will promote and increase awareness of the sport among new NUIG students in the years to come.

half finished and Junior added to his try tally just 2 minutes after the restart. The difficult touchline conversion fell agonisingly short but NUIG were thoroughly in control of the game. Centre Billy Delaney opened up his season’s try tally after 50 minutes and the students cruised home to a 20-3 victory.

Newly appointed Head Coach Brian McClearn was happy with his side’s performance, but was very much aware that things could be very different for the next game when Ballyhaunis would make the same trip to Galway for the opening Connacht Junior 1B League match.

Coiste Gnó

Executive Committee

Vice President/Education Officer Leas Uachtarán/Oifigeach Oideachais

President : Uachtarán

su.education@nuigalway.ie

su.president@nuigalway.ie

2015 - 2016

Vice President/Welfare Officer Leas Uachtarán/Oifigeach Leasa

Rebecca Melvin Phelim Kelly Jimmy McGovern 086 3853658

Oifigeach na Gaeilge

Laoighseach NI Choistealbha su.gaeilge@nuigalway.ie

086 8631986

Societies Chairperson Cathaoirleach na gCumann

Patrick O' Flaherty su.socs@nuigalway.ie

086 8523417

Convenor of the College of Science Tionólaí Choláiste na hEolaíochta

Tara Ward

su.science@nuigalway.ie

087 9612286

086 3855502

Equality Officer Oifigeach Comhionnais

Catherine Ryan

su.equality@nuigalway.ie

087 2644522

Clubs’ Captain Captaen na gClubanna

su.welfare@nuigalway.ie

086 3853659

Mature Students’ Officer Oifigeach Mic Léinn Lánfhásta

Postgraduate Officer An tOifigeach Iarchéime

su.Mature@nuigalway.ie

su.postgrad@nuigalway.ie

Robert Forde Cian Moran 085 1622560

Students’ Union Council Chairperson Cathaoirleach na Comhairle do Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn

Eoin Mangan

Cathal Sherlock

086 2101293

087 0665807

su.clubs@nuigalway.ie

Convenor of the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences Tionólaí Choláiste an Leighis, an Altranais & na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte

Aoife Bell

su.medicine@nuigalway.ie

087 2980917

su.council@nuigalway.ie

Convenor of the College of Business, Public Policy & Law Tionólaí Choláiste an Ghnó, an Bhearais Phoiblí agus an Dlí

087 2922599

Convenor of the College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies Tionólaí Choláiste na nDán, na nEolaíochtaí Sóisialta & an Léinn Cheiltigh

Jasmine Shaw su.arts@nuigalway.ie

089 4892969

Convenor of the College of Engineering & Informatics Tionólaí Choláiste na hInnealtóireachta agus na Faisnéisíochta

Niall Gaffney David Newell su.business@nuigalway.ie

085 2078685

su.engineering@nuigalway.ie

087 6130009