NUACHTÁIN SAOR IN AISCE VOL.18 Issue 11. 14 MAR 2017
Student Independent News
SU ELECTION RESULT
Students #CountOnLorcán as Ó Maoileannaigh wins the vote By Sorcha O’Connor On Friday 3 March, candidates in the annual NUI Galway Students’ Union election gathered in The View in Áras na Mac Léinn for a tense and suspenseful morning at the all-important count. The election held on Thursday 2 March saw 3,450 students turn out to vote in the university, with 10 spoiled votes making a valid poll of 3,440. The candidates certainly mixed it up this year with some inventive campaign videos and even some campaign hats for supporters of one nominee. Lorcán Ó Maoileannaigh reigned supreme on the day, deemed elected as Students’ Union president with 1,842 votes by the fourth count. Lorcán told SIN he had thoroughly enjoyed the campaign and was looking forward to delivering on his manifesto points in the coming academic year 2017-18. “My time over the course of the campaign was an experience that I shall never forget,” said Lorcán. “People gave me their time, concerns and ideas and I hope to return people's trust in me over the course of the coming year by delivering on my manifesto points, and also by addressing issues brought to light by various students during the week.” Among Lorcán’s main aims were to set up a food delivery service for students that would provide them with a week’s supply of food and recipes on a Sunday night that were within the student budget; to launch the Green Star initiative on campus to increase awareness of Mental Health services available for students; and to encourage the use of the Irish language on the bilingual campus of the university. He was very appreciative of the efforts his canvassers and family and friends put in for him, and explained that running for election was something he would remember forever. “It was a truly humbling experience to be elected and a moment that I will treasure as many of my closest friends along with my parents were there to share in the experience,” he said. “Huge credit and respect must be given to my opposing candidates as they each came up to me and shook my hand and congratulated me. I hope that I can do them and the student body proud in the coming year and will be my very best to deliver a progressive, approachable and representative Students’ Union.” Lorcán will be supported by two vice-presidents: Andrew Forde, elected as Education Officer
Andrew Forde, Education Officer, Lorcán Ó Maoilleanaigh, President and Megan Reilly, Welfare Officer on the day by 1,632 voters and Megan Reilly, elected as Welfare Officer by 1,650. Like Lorcán, both Andrew and Megan were no strangers to the Students’ Union, all three having held part-time roles in the Union this year. Andrew was very grateful to all the students who had turned out to vote for him in his race against Ciarán Mac Choncarraige, in what he described as “the most enjoyable and intense week of [his] college experience”. “It is a massive honour to have been elected as your Vice President for Education,” said Andrew. “To have had such a strong and wonderful team come out and canvass, to have had the opportunity to pitch our vision of what the SU should do to help students, and to have been given a mandate by the students of NUI Galway is all the encouragement needed to deliver on what we promised,” he continued. “I plan to stick my manifesto up on the wall in the SU office and, working with both Megan, Lorcán and the SU team, go about implementing the change we stood for, one policy at a time.” Megan was equally thrilled with her opportunity to make a difference for students of NUI Galway, running a campaign centred around mental health and equality.
“It was one of the best feelings in the world, I was ecstatic,” she said. “I’m so proud of my team and what we achieved. They’re just the most wonderful people and I owe everything to them.” Megan hopes to be a non-judgemental advisor for students and make her office an approachable place for students. Part-time officers were also elected Friday 10 March. You can see the full results in our infographics for both elections.
#STRIKE4REPEAL:
8th Amendment protest held in Galway By Sorcha O’Connor March 8, International Women’s Day saw NUI Galway Femsoc, Pro-Choice Galway, Parents for Choice, and SU and USI representatives march with individuals in favour of repealing the 8th amendment of the Irish constitution in solidarity with protestors across Ireland. Inspired by Black Monday in Poland, this was part of the nationwide call on Irish women to ‘strike’ to protest the inaction of the Government to call a referendum on the 8th amendment: to leave work, and to not partake in any usual daily duties they perform such as housework. While undoubtedly Dublin protests drew the largest crowd, with thousands gathering in the capital, Galway Pro-Choice were very happy with how the day unfolded Corribside. “We are delighted at how the Strike4Repeal Galway event went,” Jenni Owen-Thomas of the organisation told SIN. “The turnout far exceeded our expectations and we feel it really shows that change is happening. We need to keep up the momentum now, get out and keep talking about what Repeal really means. As we learned yesterday, this is far more than an abortion issue.” Some students of NUI Galway participated in a walk-out at 12 noon as part of the strike. USI President Annie Hoey was on campus on the day and with current Students’ Union Education Officer Cathal Sherlock organised the students of NUI Galway for a march into town, practising chants such as ‘Get your rosaries off my ovaries’ and ‘1, 2, 3, 4, the 8th Amendment has to go, 2, 4, 6, 8, time to Repeal the 8th’ outside the Concourse. Campaigners and supporters were predominately dressed in black, as requested by Strike4Repeal organisers, in solidarity with an average of 9 Irish women a day who travel abroad for abortion (figure for 2016, according to The Journal.ie), and many held colourful signs calling for repeal. Continued on page 6
Crowds gather on campus ready for the rally
2 NE WS Position: Position:
SIN Vol. 18 Issue 11
NUI Galway Students' Union 2017 ELECTION RESULTS
President President
Position: Total Poll: 3,450President Spoilt Votes: 10 Total Poll:
3,450
Spoilt Votes: 10
Valid Poll:
3,440 Quota:
1,721
Valid Poll:
3,440 Quota: Candidate
Total Poll:
3,450
1,721 1st Count
Candidate FINN, Eoghan
Valid Poll: FINN, Eoghan
GAFFNEY, Niall
1st Count 624
3,440 Quota: 624
421
Spoilt Votes: 10 2nd Count
1,721+6
630 428
+7
421 48
+7 1st Count -
428 -
MORAN, Cillian Ó CURRAOIN, Diarmuid FINN, Eoghan
48 403
+5 624
408
403 1,573
GAFFNEY, NiallLorcán Ó MAOILEANNAIGH, RYAN, Cat
353 18
Vice President Welfare Officer
408 1,586
+9
1,586 362
+9 48 -
362 -
Position: Vice PresidentLorcán Welfare Officer1,573 Ó MAOILEANNAIGH, Total Poll: Valid Poll: Total Poll: RYAN, Valid Poll:
3,259
3,259 3,202 3,259 Cat 3,202
4th Count +143 836
+63 +45
+143 -
836 -
-
3rd Count -
693 473
+6 +7
+66 +66 +111 +111 -
Position:
-
630474
474 1,697
428 1,697 -
-
-
+104 +63
+104 +144
+45 +144 -
578 578 1,842 1,842 -
693 473
-
-
-
Vice President Education Officer
sult
337
14
787
Spoilt Votes: 58
Total Poll:
787
Spoilt Votes: 58
Total Poll: Valid Poll:
787 729
Spoilt Votes: 58 Quota: 365
Valid Poll:
729 Candidate Valid Poll: 729 4th Count Candidate CUNNINGHAM, John Candidate +143 836 CUNNINGHAM, John O’FLAHERTY, Eugne CUNNINGHAM, John O’FLAHERTY, Eugne Re-Open Nominations O’FLAHERTY, Eugne Re-Open Nominations Non Transferable Position: Equality OfficerRe-Open Nominations Non Transferable
Position: +13 Total Poll:
1,586 3,242
Vice President Education +111 Officer1,697 Spoilt Votes: 40
Total Poll: Valid Poll:
Spoilt Quota:Votes: 57 1,602 Spoilt Votes: 57353 Quota: 1,602
Total Poll: Valid Poll: Total+9 Poll: Valid Poll:
3,242 3,202 3,242 362 3,202
Spoilt Quota:Votes: 40 1,602 Spoilt-Votes: 40 Quota: 1,602
Valid Poll:
3,202 Quota: 1,602 Valid Poll: 3,202 Quota: 1,602 Candidate 1st Count 1,602 Candidate Re-Open Nominations 18 - 1st Count Valid Poll: 3,202 Quota: Valid -Poll: 3,202 Quota: 1,602 Candidate 1st Count Candidate 1st Count MURRAY, Sharon 968 FORDE, Andrew 1,632 Candidate 1st Count Candidate Non Transferable 26 681st Count MURRAY, Sharon 968 FORDE, Andrew 1,632 Candidate 1st1,650 Count Candidate 1st1,495 Count REILLY, Megan MacCHONCARRAIGE, Ciarán MURRAY, Sharon 968 FORDE, Andrew 1,632 REILLY, Megan 1,650 MacCHONCARRAIGE, Ciarán 1,495 MURRAY, Sharon 968 FORDE, Andrew 1,632 TIERNEY, Rebecca 537 Re-Open Nominations 75 REILLY, Megan 1,650 MacCHONCARRAIGE, Ciarán 1,495 TIERNEY, Rebecca 537 Re-Open Nominations 75 REILLY, Megan 1,650 MacCHONCARRAIGE, Ciarán 1,495 Re-Open Nominations 47 TIERNEY, Rebecca 537 Re-Open Nominations 75 Position: Referendum on the Students’ Re-Open Nominations 47 Union position on the reunification of the island of Ireland. TIERNEY, Rebecca 537 Re-Open Nominations 75 Re-Open Nominations 47 Union position on the reunification Position: Referendum on the Students’ of the island of Ireland. Position: Oifigeach na Gaeilge Re-Open s’ Union position on the reunification ofVotes: the47island Total Poll: Nominations 3,231 Spoilt 80 of Ireland. Total Poll:
3,231
Spoilt Votes: 80
Valid Poll:
3,151
Quota:
1,576
Valid Poll:
3,151
Quota:
1,576
1,576
Total Poll:
Spoilt Votes: 57
Valid Poll:
80
Mature Students’ Officer Mature Students’ Officer Mature Students’ Officer
Quota: Quota:
365 1st Count 365 1st Count 330 1st Count 330 362 330 362 37 362 37 37 -
2nd Count +3 +3 +2 +3 +2 +2 -
Position: Equality Officer Non Transferable - Position: 68 Vice President 82 Education Equality Officer +5 408 +66 Officer 474 Position: +104 578Spoilt Votes: 24Total Poll: 811 - Position: 68 Vice President 82 Education Officer Total Poll: 3,242 Spoilt Votes: 40 Total Poll: 811 Spoilt Votes: 24
Re-Open Nominations 18 Non Transferable - Officer 26 Position: Vice President Ó CURRAOIN, DiarmuidWelfare 403 Non Transferable - Officer 26 Position: Vice President Welfare Total Poll: 3,259 Spoilt Votes: 57
Total Poll:
4th Count
3rd Count +63 693
+45 473 2nd - Count -
+5 +13
421 +13
1,573 353
RYAN, Cat MORAN, Cillian Re-Open Nominations
Position:
3rd Count
2nd Count +6 630
GAFFNEY, Niall MORAN, CillianCandidate
Ó CURRAOIN, Diarmuid Ó MAOILEANNAIGH, Lorcán
Position: Position: Position:
Total Poll:
794
Spoilt Votes: 29
Valid Poll:
765
Quota:
Result
Candidate
383 1st Count
Tá / Yes
Result 2,337
74%
Ó CORRA, Cónall
683
Tá // Yes Níl No 74% Níl / No
2,337 814
74% 26%
Re-Open Nominations
82
814
26%
26%
-
+144 811 787
1,842 Spoilt Quota:Votes:
787 Quota: Candidate Count - 1st Valid Poll: 787 Quota: Candidate 1st Count AUSTICK, Clare 265 Candidate 1st Count - 265 AUSTICK, ClareFEENEY, Georgia 158 AUSTICK, Clare 265 FEENEY, Georgia 158 HAMID, Rema82 213 FEENEY, Georgia 158 HAMID, Rema 213 NOLAN, Tomás 140 HAMID, Rema 213 NOLAN, Tomás 140 Re-Open Nominations 11 NOLAN, Tomás 140 Re-Open Nominations 11 Non Transferable Re-Open Nominations 11 Position: Societies Position: Societies Chairperson Chairperson Non Transferable -
2nd Count 333 2nd Count 333 364 333 364 364 32 32
-
32
24 394 394 394
2nd Count 2nd Count +30 295 2nd Count +30 295 +21 179 +30 295 +21 179 +19 232 +21 179 +19 232 +19 232 8 8 Position:
3rd Count
3rd Count +74 369 3rd Count +74 369 +74 369 +52 284 +52 284 +52 284 53 53 College of Arts, Social Scie Convenor of the
Position: Societies Chairperson Non Transferable 8 53 College of Arts, Social Scie Position: Convenor of the Position: Societies Chairperson Total 43 Spoilt 0 Position: Convenor the College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies Total Poll: Poll: 43 SpoiltofVotes: Votes: 0 Total Poll:
43
Total Poll:
Spoilt Votes: 0
290
Spoilt Votes: 4
Total Poll: 290 Spoilt Votes: 4 Total Poll: 43 Spoilt Votes: 0 Valid 43 Quota: 22 Total Poll: 290 Spoilt 4 Valid Poll: Poll: 43 Quota: 22 Votes: Valid Poll: 286 Quota: 144 Valid Poll: 43 Quota: 22 Valid Poll: 286 Quota: 144 Candidate 1st Count Candidate Valid Poll: 43 Quota: 1st Count 22 Candidate 1st Count Valid Poll: 286 Quota: 144 Candidate 1st Count GALLAGHER,Candidate Ronan 7 Candidate 1st Count GALLAGHER, Ronan 7 1st Count VAUGHAN, Sabrina 270 Candidate 1st Count GALLAGHER, Ronan 7 SWEENEY, Ruth 33 VAUGHAN, Sabrina 270 SWEENEY, Ruth 33 GALLAGHER, Ronan 7 Re-Open Nominations Position: Convenor of the College of16 Science VAUGHAN, Sabrina 270 SWEENEY, Ruth 33 Re-Open Nominations 3 Re-Open Nominations Position: Convenor of the College of16 Science Re-Open Nominations 3 SWEENEY, Ruth 33 Re-Open Nominations 3 Re-Open Nominations 16Position: Convenor of the College of Total Poll: 177 Spoilt Votes:Science 2 Re-Open Nominations 3 Total Poll: 177 Spoilt Votes: 2 Total Poll: Valid Poll:
177 175
Spoilt 2 Quota:Votes: 88
Valid Poll:
175 Quota: 88 Candidate 1st Count Valid Poll: 175 Quota: 88 Candidate 1st Count GUINAN, Sean 157 Candidate 1st Count GUINAN, Sean 157 Re-Open Nominations 18 GUINAN, Sean 157 Re-Open Nominations Position: Convenor of the College of18 Medicine, Nursin Re-Open Nominations Position: Convenor of the College of18 Medicine, Nursin
Heading to college, going home or
just looking for Pokémon? Position:
Convenor of the College ofTotal Medicine, Nursing & Health Spoilt Sciences Poll: 115 Votes: 0
Total Poll:
115
Total Poll:
115
Spoilt Votes: 0
Spoilt Votes: Valid0 Poll:
115
Quota:
115 Candidate
Quota:
Valid Poll: Valid Poll:
115
Quota:
58
58 58 1st Count
Candidate 1st Count MURPHY, Sarah 112 1st Count MURPHY, Sarah 112 Re-Open Nominations 3 112 Position: Convenor of the College of Engineering & In Re-Open Nominations 3
Candidate MURPHY, Sarah
Position: Convenor of the College of Engineering & In 3 Convenor of the College of Engineering & Informatics
Re-Open Nominations
Position: Total Poll:
Valid Poll:
95
93 Candidate
D’ARCY-MORKAN, Christopher Re-Open Nominations
Position:
expressway.ie
Total Poll:
22 routes nationally, all with extra comfy seats and Free Wi-Fi
Frequent departures & faster journeys
For best fares, go to expressway.ie
Use your smartphone to show your ticket
Valid Poll:
Total Poll:
95
Total Poll: Spoilt Votes: 2 Valid Poll:
95
Spoilt Votes: 2
93
Quota:
Valid Poll: 47
Quota:
93 Candidate
Spoilt Votes: 2
Quota:
47 47 1st Count
Candidate 1st Count D’ARCY-MORKAN, Christopher 83 1st Count D’ARCY-MORKAN, Christopher 83 Re-Open Nominations 10 83 Position: Convenor of the College of Business, Public Re-Open Nominations 10 10Position: Convenor of the College of Business, Public
Convenor of the College of Business, Public Policy & Law 100
100 Candidate
Mac SUIBHNE, Fiachra Re-Open Nominations
Total Poll:
100
Spoilt Votes: 0
Total Poll: Spoilt Votes: 0 Valid Poll:
100
Spoilt Votes: 0
100
Quota:
Valid Poll: 51
100 Candidate
Quota:
Quota:
Candidate Mac SUIBHNE, Fiachra 1st Count Mac SUIBHNE, Fiachra Re-Open Nominations 87 Re-Open Nominations 13
51 51 1st Count 1st Count 87 87 13 13
NUACHT
March 14 2017 NEWS EDITORIAL: CATHY LEE AND CATHAL KELLY Your news this week is a collection of celebrations of student events and activities. We are delighted here at SIN to give you an insight to what’s really going on in the university. We think there is no better way to
get #sinformed than reading it right here! We hope you find out something interesting whether you read about equality week, the Writers’ Society Convention or the magnificent Mike McCormack. Enjoy!
FEATURES EDITORIAL: DEIRDRE LEONARD With only two weeks left in the semester, the stress of that final stretch might be starting to hit you. Exams are important but your mental health is what matters most, so we’ve got great articles from Aileen O’Leary and Brigid Fox on taking care of yourself and planning ahead for the next few weeks. If you’re looking for something to fill your procrasti-
nat- *ahem* free time with, we’ve got all our usual columnists back with some hilarious pieces, as well a bit of Paddy’s day comedy from Briain Kelly to get you in the mood to celebrate. We’ll see you again at the end of the semester but in the meantime, take care of yourselves and enjoy the few weeks left, they always go faster than you want them to.
OPINION EDITORIAL: EOIN MOLLOY Since the eminent and all-knowing celebrities and show-hosts of Hollywood have decided to become partisan mouthpieces, my job here at SIN has become a little redundant. I mean, who could contend with the cutting political insight of Jimmy Kimmel or the cast of Stranger Things? In today’s hyper-politicised climate, news and opinion is hurled at you
from all directions. In a last-ditch effort to retain relevancy, we have attempted to cut through the noise in a balanced way. Our writers have as usual taken a variety of different ideological stances on the most important issues of the day, with the gender pay gap in Ireland and Wayne Shaw’s untimely retirement from football leading the way.
LIFESTYLE EDITORIAL: KAYLEIGH MCCOY Sometimes, when you’re this far into a semester it’s hard to really take time out to think about anything other than your college work, let alone the arts. Heck, I’m an Arts student, and I feel like I might as well be studying science when it comes to appreci-
ating the Arts. As a result, I thought it would be a good idea to give the lifestyle section an artsy revamp this week; it’s only fair considering Galway will be one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2020. So get those art supplies out, sit back, and let’s get creative!
EDITOR: Sorcha O’Connor editor@sin.ie LAYOUT: Shannon Reeves
Find us online:
www.sin.ie
LeadingLadies Workshops
Mon 23rd of February 2017 Orla Sheridan Dressing for Success Tues 7th of March 2017 Maeve Ahern O’Neill The Branding of Me- Unique ways to enhance your career prospects and build your personal brand Thurs 9th of March2017
An bhfuil rud éigin le rá agat? Cur litir chuig an Eagarthóir chuig editor@sin.ie.
Editorial Can you believe this is the second last issue of SIN for this year? That time has gone by in an absolute whirlwind of groundbreaking campus news and some controversial columns, and I hope you’ve enjoyed reading the paper as much as I’ve enjoyed (stressfully) putting it together every fortnight with the brilliant SIN team. This issue we have all the results from the Students’ Union vote – and all the coverage you need on the other vote on everyone’s lips: a referendum on repealing the 8th. Whether you’re for or against it, it is certainly a hot topic right now and #Strike4Repeal held on International Women’s Day was one event on campus that could not escape notice. With drums and whistles, campaigners and members of USI and the SU marched from NUI Galway and through the streets of the city to Eyres Square and the Spanish Arch to demand a
Wed 22nd of March 2017 Brenda Romero ‘Jiggle Physics and the Gaming Industry’ Ellen Roche Innovation through Soft Robotics
Sorcha.
Engineering Building renamed after first female graduate NUI Galway Biomedical Engineer selected as commander of Mars mission Path Breaking Women of NUI Galway March Madness, Stateside Ill-Informed: An interview with a user of the Disability Support Services in NUI Galway Lessons to be learned: Pacific island’s war on sugar Interested in working for the EU? The disconnect between new media and old EOIN DRONES: Divided minds and the politics of victimhood The ‘gender pay gap’ is a myth, employed by politicians to buy votes Plus Size Models: A response to Donal O’Shea’s interview with the Irish Times How to get the most out of a Kilo Sale 8 simple rules for helping your mental health this month Do the Arts really benefit your life? "...There’s an app for that..." What’s going on in Galway: 7 – 20 March The essential sequel and reboot guide for 2017 NUIG Ladies Soccer into All-Ireland Final Why the critics are wrong to tip Galway United for relegation Is there any stopping Chelsea at the top of the Premier League?
Thurs 9th of March 2017 Accenture Professionalism and Business Etiquette
Wed 29th of March 2017
referendum be held to repeal the 8th amendment. Check out our photos and report from the day. We also have all the usual craic from our hilarious columnists Aisling and Caoimhe – Aisling is still learning to drive and this week encountered her first check point; Caoimhe is still in Final Year and has 20 nuggets of wisdom to instil upon us all before she embarks on the Adult World. In the Opinion section, Eoin Drones hones in on Intersectionality in society, and on campus, and asks whether we are allowing superficial differences obfuscate universal issues. We have the best and worst dressed of the Brit Awards, we give advice on how to make the most of vintage kilo sales, and if it’s some TLC you’re after, Lifestyle have all the tips for looking after your Mental Health in study season and also some fun homemade facemasks that won’t break the bank. Our Sport Editor also had the chance to catch up with Conor Barry, NUI Galway student and rising star of the national soccer scene. Definitely worth a read! Hopefully that’s enough for you all to get stuck into as you enjoy a flat white in INC this fortnight. I’ll be back in two weeks’ time with our final issue of 2016/17, Until then,
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SIN Vol. 18 Issue 11
NUI Galway’s new Engineering Building theatre opens its doors renamed after first By Shelly Hannigan NUI Galway’s O’Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance staged its first ever play this month, the classic American drama Machinal. The show ran from 1 – 3 March with a special Saturday matinee on Saturday 4 March. Planning permission for the 120-seat theatre near SULT bar was granted in 2014 and is now fully up and running. Sophie Treadwell’s 1928 play, inspired by true events, follows a young woman suffocated by a restrictive and unfeeling machine-like society. Directed by Dr Ian R Walsh, Treadwell’s expressionistic play in this new production was updated to reflect our contemporary technology-saturated age and was performed by NUI Galway undergraduates of Drama and Theatre Studies. Dr Walsh is a lecturer in Drama and Theatre Studies in the college and has directed many productions such as Purple Path to the Poppy
Field and The Magic Flute. He has also written books such as Experimental Irish Theatre and The Theatre of Enda Walsh. Speaking ahead of the production, Dr Walsh said: “This will be the first full production in the new stateo f- t h e - a r t O ’ D o n o g h u e Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance, home to Drama and Theatre Studies at NUI Galway. Our students are delighted to stage this innovative play for Galway audiences.” Professor of Drama and Theatre Studies at NUI Galway, Patrick Lonergan, stated that the production of Machinal was part of the University’s commitment to staging new work. “We are staging four new productions this year with our students, two written by women and two written by men – with further details to be announced in the months ahead. Sophie Treadwell’s Machinal is a famous but rarely seen play that will showcase the best of our
facilities and our students’ talents. As Galway moves towards 2020 and the European Capital of Culture, we are delighted to play our part in contributing to the cultural richness of Galway and the wider region.” Ritchie Fitzgerald, a student in the MA in Drama and Theatre Studies said that the new theatre was a fantastic facility for the drama department. “It is a versatile space,” said Ritchie. “The 120-capacity seating rig is removable which leaves a large black box style theatre space ideal for workshops or more immersive theatre productions. The back-stage facilities are of the highest quality and the lighting and sound rigs boasts some of the most advanced equipment in the country.” Three rehearsal rooms and a classroom also surround the theatre and will “greatly aid the creativity and efficiency” of the work of drama students in NUI Galway, according to Ritchie.
Literary Convention something to write home about By Briain Kelly The Writer’s Society had a diverse range of activities on for its annual Literary Convention on Sunday 26 February in Áras na Mac Léinn. Ruth Sweeney, Auditor of the Writer’s Soc, pops in and out of different workshops and lectures that she organised with volunteers from the Society. “Any concept that is both literary and academic, and sort of devious and fun, is something we’ve tried to focus on,” she said. Dr Rebecca Barr and Muireann O’Cinneide from the English department gave lectures on 18 th and 19th century literature. They were joined by guests Mary Kennelly, Ann Eagan, Gabriel Fitzmaurice, Kevin Higgins and Susan DuMars who spoke about their own work.
She admits that organising a day long convention and coordinating so many guests was a difficult task. “I have gone bald. I have gone bald from the stress,” Ruth joked, before praising the work put in by the committee and everyone who volunteered. Galway has always had a strong Arts community and they engaged with the day, taking part in the workshops on writing for politics, video games, or dropping a rhyme at the poetry slam. “The literary community in Galway is very strong, and they always support their own. It’s important to keep things local and encouraged,” said Ruth. The Writers’ Soc tried to do just that for younger fans of writing in Galway schools by holding an awards ceremony for school students
who submitted their work. “We had these amazing winners. We had a winner for short stories, opinion pieces, and poetry who were just incredible writers. And fostering that kind of talent is really what this convention is all about,” said Ruth. For those who wanted to take a break from the lectures and workshops, there was a bake sale on in the hub. The evening saw a Table Quiz, which was held to close out the day and both of these raised funds for the Society. This is the third annual Literary Convention that the Writers’ Soc has held and Ruth is hopeful that the tradition will stay strong. “Every year it gets bigger and it gets stronger, and builds a momentum that we hope to keep up for many years to come,” she said.
female graduate By Sorcha O’Connor The Engineering building was renamed the Alice Perry Engineering Building last week. Alice Perry was the first woman in Ireland or the UK to earn a degree in engineering in 1906, graduating from Queen’s College Galway. The naming of the building is the culmination of a series of activities focusing on equality and diversity in Engineering at NUI Galway’s award-winning Engineering building during Engineering Week and International Women’s Week. “We are delighted to collaborate with Engineers Ireland on this important event during Engineers’ Week. This week in NUI Galway is also being celebrated as International Women’s Week. We are enormously proud of Alice Perry and what her life’s
work symbolises,” said Professor Anne Scott, Vice President for Equality and Diversity at NUI Galway. “Decisions on career paths are shaped by the world around us. Having a visible tribute to the achievements of trailblazers like Alice Perry on campus can serve to both recognise an individual legacy and also to inspire the next generation when they make their own career decisions.” A scholarship to encourage female students to consider engineering courses has also been established by distinguished engineering alumna of NUI Galway Áine Brazil through Galway University Foundation. Professor Peter McHugh, Dean of Engineering was very positive about the changes. “This is a fantastic development for Engineering at NUI Galway and a clear demon-
stration of our commitment to equality of opportunity, education and career development,” he said. “It is most appropriate that we should name the Engineering Building for one of our most notable and pioneering alumni, with Alice Perry being the first female engineering graduate in the UK and Ireland. I believe that this an extremely positive and progressive decision by the University, and it should serve as an inspiration to all students as to the wonderfully rich and diverse career opportunities open to both men and women in the engineering domain.” Alice Perry will feature in the Path-Breaking Women of NUI Galway exhibition, which will take place on campus in March 2017. For further details see: www.nuigalway.ie/ pathbreakingwomen.
“Kicking for the Kids!” NUIG Muay Thai’s charity event By Harry Lewis NUIG Muay Thai club in association with Dave Joyce Martial Arts Academy will be holding their annual charity ‘Kicking for the Kids” on 21 March in the Kingfisher. The event will start at 7.30pm. The students of NUIG Muay Thai will perform 1,000 Muay Thai kicks to raise Money for the Golden Horse Monastery,
an orphanage in the very poor north-western part of Thailand called Chiang Rai. The monastery, who take in orphaned kids and animals destined for slaughter, relies totally on donations for funding. Donations can be made to NUIG Muay Thai club online or directly to the club on the night and the club will be holding a bake sale in Smokey’s in NUI Galway on 21 March to further
help fundraise. All proceeds will be donated to the Monastery. There will also be a raffle with fantastic prizes donated generously by local businesses. NUIG Muay Thai would like to thank the following businesses for sponsoring the event and prizes: Galway City Karting, Red Bull, Avonmore, HealthyHorse Consultancy, Spar Roscam, Fightershop, Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa and Mountain Warehouse.
NUACHT
March 14 2017
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NUI Galway Biomedical Engineer selected as commander of Mars mission A PhD student of Biomedical Engineering at NUI Galway was recently selected as Commander of Crew 172, an international mission for the Mars Desert Research Station, which supports Earthbased research required for human space exploration. The Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS), owned and operated by the Mars Society, is a full-scale analog facility in Utah in the United States that supports Earth-based research in pursuit of the technology, operations, and science required for human exploration on Mars.
The extreme mission is not unlike the fictional story behind the 2016 Oscar nominated movie The Martian, starring Matt Damon. The Hollywood star plays astronaut Mark Watney who is left behind when an unexpected storm hits Mars, leaving him to engineer ways to feed himself and survive the harsh environment of Mars. Ilaria Cinelli, a PhD student in the College of Engineering and Informatics at NUI Galway was selected as Emerging Space Leader of the Mars Mission thanks to her extracurricular activities in this field. Ms Cinelli led an interna-
tional crew of six people under the constraints of a simulated Mars mission over four weeks. The unique facility in Utah is surrounded by terrain that is a geologic Mars analog, which offered Commander Cinelli and her crew opportunities for rigorous field studies as they would be conducted during an actual space mission. This study will lead to new insights into the nature and evolution of Mars, the Earth, and life on Mars. Commander Cinelli’s leadership role allowed her to measure the impact of human behaviour among
NUI Galway celebrates author Mike McCormack By Cathy Lee Mike McCormack, award winning Irish writer, was celebrated in the Aula Maxima, Quadrangle NUI Galway recently. Originally from Mayo, the author and lecturer is well recognised in the Irish and UK literary scene for his short stories and award-winning 2016 novel “Solar Bones”. Last year the author won prestigious awards such as UK Goldsmith Prize for Literature as well as Novel of the Year prize at the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards and the Eason Book Club Irish Novel of the Year. “Solar Bones” was published by independent publishing group Tramp Press and is set in the West of Ireland, in the County Mayo town of Louisburgh, near Westport. The author received a great response to the novel but describes it as an “experimental” book. His collections of short stories include Getting It In The Head (1996) and Forensic Songs (2012).
McCormack is the longstanding teacher of fiction on NUI Galway’s MA in Writing and he recently took up the directorship of the BA Creative Writing programme. The event will include readings from some of McCormack’s previous works and a reading by himself from his “Solar Bones”. Professor Felix Ó Murchadha, Head of the School of Humanities said Mike McCormack “Generously shares his craft with students here at NUI Galway”. With this, tonight will see former students of McCormack’s who have had recent successes in the writing and publishing world take part in the celebrations. Professor Ó Murchadha, added “We are so fortunate to have a writer of Mike McCormack’s stature teaching and mentoring in the School of Humanities”. Dr Elizabeth Tilley, Head of the Discipline of English, said: “Mike’s
colleagues in the Discipline of English are delighted to have the opportunity to congratulate him publicly on these wonderful awards”. On the evening, previous students read out pieces from past works of Mike McCormack. The appreciation of his writings and teachings could be felt in the room from the students who varied in age and background. The university also appreciated how this students had gone on to achieve in their fields of writing, directly related to working with Dr McCormack as a mentor. Mike McCormack enjoyed the well-attended event with his wife and colleagues. Refreshments and food were supplied which added to the pleasant atmosphere of celebration and appreciation in a talent that is being recognised both nationally and internationally. With thanks to the Galway Independent.
her crew, brought about by living in such a confined environment and the loss of personal contact with family and friends. Ms Cinelli collected databased research on the crew’s changing behaviour patterns throughout the mission. Due to monotony, loneliness, lack of social contacts, major responsibilities and stress, Ms Cinelli’s research observed a marked improvement in the crew’s performance in the development of successful strategies; increased confidence in performance; the ability to independently deal with complex problems; higher levels of inner emotional energy, a resistance to stress, increased internal control and social growth. Commenting on the Mars mission, Commander Cinelli said: “The purpose of this mission was to investigate the impact of isolation on human behaviour, performance and leadership. The Mars simulation experiment is aimed at increasing the physiological and technical autonomy of the crew in preparation for an actual long-term mission over a number of years. During these missions, the marsonauts are
training to make full use of the available resources and independence of decision making from remote support. The MDRS is in the middle of the Utah desert and three hours away from the nearest town. Extreme conditions were created due to the limited amount of resources available such as food, water, electricity and WiFi. The mission was the first for most of the crew who had never experienced living in such an extreme environment before. They made great progress throughout the mission by stepping outside of their comfort zone, overcoming stress, increasing control and overall performance.” MDRS officially began operations in 2001 as a fully volunteer enterprise, which is now in its 16th field season. To date, over 1,000 people have participated as crew members at the habitat, and many are now involved in other studies at different locations around the world. For more information about The Mars Desert Research Station visit: http://mdrs.marssociety.org/
All-Star Panel as Cumann de Barra Mark International Women’s Day PR from Cumann de Barra On Monday 6 March, over 30 students and members of the public gathered in NUI Galway as Ógra’s Cumann de Barra marked International Women’s Day by hosting a Women In Politics Evening. Panellists included Fianna Fáil T.D.’s Anne Rabbitte (Galway East), Lisa Chambers (Mayo) and Fiona O’Loughlin (Kildare South), as well as Galway County Councillor Mary Hoade (Tuam). The panellists shared their experiences of life in politics and the challenges facing women entering politics. The panel were asked their thoughts on gender quotas. Deputy Chambers said she was all for them and that they are a “necessary tool” and the quotas aim to break through traditional party culture. Deputy O’Loughlin said she wasn’t a “big fan” of the quotas and that
“any situation where there’s a dictat whether a candidate should be a man or a woman isn’t right” and that the last election saw many cases of “token women” being added to party tickets to manipulate the quotas. Deputy Rabbitte commented that the quotas are a step in the right direction with Councillor Hoade adding that “it’s sad that there is no other way to achieve parity apart from introducing quotas”. Other topics on the night ranged from the panellists life before politics to who their role models were growing up. Deputy Chambers spoke of her admiration for both her grandmothers for hard working during a time there was so little respect and so little opportunity for women. The event was organised by the Cumann Committee and chaired by Cumann Cathaoirleach and Ógra’s Connacht/Ulster Organiser Tom Cahill.
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Path Breaking Women of NUI Galway NUI Galway last week launched the exhibition ‘Path Breaking Women of NUI Galway: 1912-1922 and Beyond’. This visual history project, led by Professor Niamh Reilly, School of Political Science and Sociology, is supported by the Irish Research Council New Foundations Scheme 2015 as part of the Decade of Centenaries. The Exhibition foregrounds 12 women, each a former faculty member or student of NUI Galway, who have made remarkable contributions, across the arts, sciences and political life, in the years around 1916, or subsequently in the first decades of Irish independence. The keynote address at the official launch was by Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, formerly TD for Galway West and first female cabinet minister in the state, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science from 2010 to 2014 and, most recently, Chairperson of a national review of gender equality in higher education institutions. Speaking at the event, Máire
Geoghegan-Quinn, said: “The exhibition focuses on the campaigns for social reform that animated Ireland in the early twentieth century – and how they led to women’s rights and a modern Ireland that would have been unimaginable when these women were starting out on their student days. The position of women has radically changed. But hasn’t changed enough. “This exhibition reminds us all – and I hope particularly younger women – of the power of passion and persistence. Of the importance of education, and the equal importance of doing something with that education.” Women profiled in the Exhibition include: Alice Perry (1885-1969), the first woman to earn an engineering degree in Ireland or the UK; Mary Donovan O’Sullivan (1887-1966), first Professor of History in University College Galway, appointed in 1914, aged 27; Ada English (1875-1944) prominent in Cumann na mBan in Galway, lecture in Mental Diseases at UCG, and reforming doctor in Ballinasloe asylum; Emily Ander-
son (1891-1962), acclaimed linguist and scholar of the personal letters of Mozart and Beethoven; Síle Ní Chinnéide (1900-1980), Irish language revivalist and one of UCG’s first lecturers in History through Irish; Margaret Heavey (1908-1980), multilinguist, classics scholar and influential shaper of her discipline and the university; Maureen O’Carroll (1913-1984), past student, first female Labour TD and mother Brendan and Eilish O’Carroll; Celia Lynch (1908-1989), graduate, first woman Fianna Fail chief whip and longest serving woman TD at the time of her retirement; Máirín de Valera (1912-1984), scientist and founder of Botany at UCG; Nora Niland (1913-1988), graduate, instrumental in promoting the association of Yeats with Sligo and building the Niland Collection at the Model arts centre in Sligo; Caitlín Maude (1941-1982), graduate, acclaimed sean-nós singer and first actress to perform the leading role in the Irish Language play about unmarried mothers, An Triail (1964); and Lorna Reynolds (1911-2003), an influential liter-
ary critic, life-long champion of progressive causes and leading biographer of the novelist Kate O’Brien. Professor Niamh Reilly, Principal Investigator on the project, commented: “The Path Breaking Women exhibition celebrates the exceptional but little-known achievements of 12 women asso-
ciated with NUI Galway over the last 100 years. It is a beginning, an invitation to find out more and raise awareness of these and other path-breaking women who have contributed so much to our university and wider society.” The Path Breaking Women project is also supported by the School of Political Science and
Sociology, the Centre for Global Women’s Studies and the Moore Institute for Research in the Humanities and Social Studies, NUI Galway in association with the Gender ARC research network and University Women’s Network at NUI Galway. Contributing researchers are Mary Clancy and Dr Muireann O’Cinneide.
SU Equality Week a great success By Georgia Feeney Students’ Union President Jimmy McGovern spoke to SIN about the importance of having an equality week: “the aim was to bring us closer to an inclusive and equal campus for all”. Students’ Union part-time officers Megan Reilly (Equality Officer) and Diarmuid Ó Curraoin (Convenor for Business, Public Policy and Law), teamed up to run events and talks throughout the week. Equality Officer, Megan Reilly arranged for new packs TOMPAX (Time of the Month Packs) to be distributed by Students’ Union volunteers to students across campus during the week. These packs, which contained free tampons and pads were welcomed as a new initiative of the Students’ Union. In a statement released by the Students’ Union, the aim of the ‘freebie of the week’ was explained: “The move is aimed to highlight the hidden costs of being a woman. Sanitary products are 23% more expensive in Ireland
than in the UK which has a high impact on cash strapped students”. Equality for women was also looked at during the week with a panel discussion on Repeal the Eighth which took place on the Tuesday evening. This was hosted by Amnesty International Society the event debated on the issue of reproductive rights in Ireland. The NUI Galway campus was also reviewed in establishing its level of accessibility for those who have a disability. The ESN arrived on campus on the Wednesday for their review, accompanied by the Equality Team to access what areas needed to be improved. “Equality week was a really collaborative undertaking by myself, other officers, societies and volunteers. I’m delighted with what we’ve been able to achieve and I hope we shed some light on issues of inequality in our society,” said Megan Reilly. She added that she was “proud to be able to highlight some of these, such as accessibility for
students with disabilities, gender inequality; in particular the stigma around periods, and the urgent need for bodily autonomy in this country”. The Students’ Union wanted to examine issues relating to student workers’ rights and Diarmuid Ó Curraoin organised a panel of Employment Relation representatives such as the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. Equality week was a chance for students to be educated in their rights, something which the Convener for Business, Public Policy and Law. Great importance was placed great importance having learned that while entitled to it, 42.2% of NUI Galway students did not hold a contract of employment. Diarmuid Ó Curraoin said; “There are laws in place to protect us in our places of work and students should be aware of these and feel they can speak out if they are being taken advantage of.” All in all, it was a very informative week with a lot of food for thought for students to take away.
#STRIKE4REPEAL: 8th Amendment protest held in Galway Continued from front page Protestors marched from the campus to Eyres Square where a rally was held to highlight the motives behind the movement. Three speeches were made at the rally, Owen-Thomas, mother of two receiving great applause for her speech as a Parent for Choice. “There is a certain perception out there that those who are
pro-choice must not be a parent or even are anti-children… that mothers, having carried their baby and brought them into the world should expect every woman to do the same,” she said. “Over 54% of women who need access to abortion already have one child,” she continued. “The amount of women in their thirties that have abortions is on the rise – these are not the
‘feckless’ young women people would have you believe! These are people who are making the best decision for themselves and their living, breathing children.” The rally was followed by a march towards the Spanish Arch where a large banner bearing the word ‘REPEAL’ was hung from the arch. The protest was not met with any counter protests on the day.
Strike4Repeal supporters. Photo: Jack O'Donovan
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DIARY OF A FINAL YEAR
20 things I have learned after 4 years of University By Caoimhe Tully 1. The semicolon is a way of joining two clauses of equal
importance to each other; it links ideas together. It’s not to be confused with a comma, a full stop or a colon (This was the first lesson in my Creative Writing class, and I believe it can take you places). 2. Water is the essence of beauty, drink all of the water. 3. Pasta is extremely diverse – one can survive on pasta for up to six days a week. (Well, I’m still here, aren’t I?!) 4. Procrastination has its pros. (I’m pretty much the queen of all-nighters when it comes to assignments and study. Over the years I have tried to change my work style and writing, but I’ve finally accepted that my best work is produced under pressure. And that’s okay). 5. Shut up complaining! I don’t know about you, but I like to complain. I whinge about the weather, about assignments, I say I have “writer’s block”, about the cost of a purple snack bar… but sometimes this can take over, and become a complete distraction from the opportunities we are all surrounded by. We are so lucky. There is no excuse for needless complaining. 6. Most landlords are greedy demon spawn. 7. Four cups of coffee in a row is too many cups of coffee. 8. Buy a bra that actually fits. Game changer. 9. It’s okay not to know what you’re going to do after college. I wasted a lot of this academic year worrying about what I’m going to do afterwards. I researched Masters, loans to do the Masters, Graduate visas, Sugar Daddies (lol, jk!)… but then I woke up one morning, and had a good chat with myself over a cup of coffee. “You’re only 22 years old. The years after you graduate are so open and filled with opportunity. Write, travel, learn, take risks, stop worrying”. 10. That tiny coffee shop in the IT building does the best coffee on campus. 11. “I’m a student/I’m in college” is a justification for almost anything. Drinking at 2pm on a Tuesday afternoon? Have a messy bedroom? Need to get a taxi for a few euro less? Stayed up till 6am watching Disney movies? Haven’t eaten anything but cereal in 2 days? Accidentally killed somebody? Most of these can be justified by your student status... most. 12. Leaving your teens behind does not mean leaving spotty skin behind. Adult acne is a thing too. 13. You don’t need to drink to have fun. Don’t get me wrong, I had my fair share of pre-drinks followed by Front Door drinks followed by after-party drinks followed by the cure drinks... but it turns out that being sober can be just as much craic. In fact, so much craic that I probably should have put this as number one on the list. 14. Two cups of green tea isn’t going to cleanse you of the pre-drinks followed by Front Door drinks followed by after-party drinks binge. Nor is two days of healthy eating going to turn you into an Instagram babe. 15. Reread 13 & 14. 16. You can iron your clothes with your hair straightener. 17. Return your library books. It’s not that hard. 18. You don’t have to read all of the books. You don’t even have to buy half of the books. But remember – you get out what you put in. 19. Don’t eat in the library, PC suite, lectures, or while you are walking. Just take 15 minutes for yourself and go eat somewhere appropriate (This is more a plea to the masses than a lesson I have learnt. Please). 20. Save some of your cash money dolla bills. Don’t rush into Penney’s the minute you get paid. Seriously, you don’t need three candles, fluffy socks and a pair of shoes you haven’t even tried on.
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Confessions of a Provisional Driver By Aisling Bonner My provisional licence turned nine months old last week. How is it, that in nine months a fully-fledged human complete with all bells and whistles could be formed and I can’t climb two rungs on the alphabet ladder from L to N? Nine months and I’m still quaking in my Nikes at the thought of tackling a town, far from the safety of my traffic-free country lane. Lately, however, I think I’ve been mistaking fear of driving for fear of the driving test. In reality, I’m not that scared of driving - I’m quite comfortable to churn up the radio and belt out a verse when the road is straight and rural enough. Confidence, eh? The test however, is a beast that I can’t overcome in my head let alone in my limbs. It’s that English Paper 2 feeling all over again, where you think you might just die of stress halfway through, if you don’t die sometime before. That’s what I imagine, anyway. To make matters worse, over the years I’ve been fuelled with horror stories to add to my bank of worries. From the friend that failed by two marks to the one that had too many to count – it doesn’t instil me with much hope for myself. One friend, who now buzzes around in her Micra like a pro, had a really rocky ride to shake that L. Having failed the first time for reasons she can only recall as “being too shit or somethin’”, this friend entered test two with even less confidence. Things got off to a bad start. Little did it know, the poor little Micra was about to get an awful shock when the particularly overweight tester positioned himself in the passenger seat. Positioned is a kind word to use in this scenario as his landing came with an almighty crack and a future trip to the mechanics for my unsuspecting friend. The passenger seat well and truly banjaxed, my poor friend had little capacity to concentrate on anything other than the tester slowly sliding towards the back seats in the ever-reclining chair. Understandably, this tale cannot end well. Halfway through the test, the honk of a horn from an impatient road-user was all it took to allow the prospective trip to the mechanic to sink in. The waterworks came and let’s just say
it was time to go back to base. Batter out. Needless to say if I see the looming figure of a larger tester in my rear view mirror I will be saving my own rear and swiftly exiting the centre, seat intact. Another collection of short stories come to mind: the friend whose tester was on the phone the entire time, the one who was told by another tester that hers would be too moody on a Friday evening to pass her, or the worst, the one who hit a dog. Now what kind of episode of Friends is that? So, I ought to cut myself some slack. By association, the odds are all against me – so there’s really nothing to lose. Like the part in Ed Sheeran’s ‘Castle on the Hill’ where he details how his friends have spent their lives, I can create a similar refrain for my friends and their driving mishaps. It’s a fairly pessimistic verse, and it goes something like this: ‘One friend failed the theory twice, one gives terrible advice, One passed first time but can’t reverse, one’s definitely getting worse. One can’t tell the road from the path, one’s a driving psychopath, But these people are prepping me and I can’t wait to fail’.
March Madness, Stateside By Saoirse Rafferty The month of March has come so fast. In the past two months I’ve tried, failed, and accomplished many things on my Erasmus experience in California. I’ve attempted roller blading on a Saturday night in a cool indoor skating hall with lights flashing and music playing. I had an eight year old girl reassure me I wouldn’t fall if I let go of the railing and to my surprise, she was right. I’ve dined in Gordon Ramsay’s steak house and been ashamed to admit the price that I paid for a small dish with a branded name. The most exciting venture though has been my road trip to the national parks, a trip that I’ll never forget. I did a road trip with four girls, including NUIG’s Laura Mc Grath, which involved a lot of driving, sing-
ing, and walking. Our first stop was Vegas where I got to visit Caesars Palace. It was hard not to love Vegas with its overwhelming bright lights and hotels that had shopping centres and paddle boats sailing down a canal inside; it was like a make believe world. We witnessed rain, snow, and sunshine all in one weekend – we saw waterfalls, made snow angels, sand angels, and came across beautiful scenery. We travelled to Arizona, Utah and Nevada. I made the mistake of sitting in the middle of the back seat for the journey, but this also meant being in the centre of our three person duet to tunes such as Bohemian Rhapsody and 500 miles. Safe to say, my throat and legs were quite sore after the journey. I hit Hollywood with a bang on the weekend of the Oscars. I saw the red carpet but unfortunately never got a chance to walk on it this time. I touched George Clooney’s hand at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, and saw Marilyn Monroe at Madame Tussauds. Other than my life of fame and fortune, I’ve had some not so pleasant experiences. I was a victim in a tragic accident where coffee was spilt all over my white jeans, and I’ve learnt that Chinese food here isn’t the same as the sweet and sour chicken with chips that we can pick up at home. I’ve had an American ask me if I lived in one of the hobbit homes that we have in Ireland, and I awkwardly had to explain to her that The Lord of The Rings is based in New Zealand. Despite these few moments that have forced me to doubt humanity, I love every minute of this experience. I wouldn’t trade the newness and excitement of each day for anything in the world - except maybe a cup of Barry’s tea with an Irish fry…
GNÉ -ALTANNA
March 14 2017
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ILL-INFORMED: An interview with a user of the Disability Support Services in NUI Galway By Jennifer O’Connor
symptoms?
Saoirse Connolly is a first-year Arts and Human Rights student at NUI Galway. I first met Saoirse at a time when I had exceptionally few friends who truly understand how difficult it can be to manoeuvre campus with a disability. Upon our first cup of coffee, I realised that she was the kind of person with the ability to make people listen. On behalf of the 700 members of the Disability Support Services (DSS), I ask you to take a moment of reprieve from your own life to learn about those around you. I can assure you, you won’t regret it and people like Saoirse and I, who are hidden in plain sight, will thank you.
Can you tell me a little bit about your specific disability? It’s called optical nerve hypoplasia and I have the bilateral form, which means that I have it in both of my eyes. I’m completely blind in one eye and I have about 12% vision in the other eye. I also suffer from nystagmus, which means my eyes shape. I also have a light sensitivity. But, in short, my eyes and my nervous system are affected.
Generally, what would you say are the biggest manifestations of this regarding
Well I have nerve pain, which causes migraines. Naturally, you have all the eye difficulties which certainly has its moments! Actually, one time I mistook an Aberdeen Angus cow, for my grandad in the field! I got closer and then I realised why he wasn’t answering me! Really, I’m so glad no one saw.
Do you think you’re good at laughing at those moments? Oh God, yeah! You must have a sense of humour, or else you wouldn’t go outside your door. The other day, for example, I walked into the door in the library as you pass the barriers. Lots of people saw, but you’ve got to keep walking!
Do those kinds of accidents happen on campus on nearly an everyday basis? Yes, definitely. I’m very accident-prone, that is entirely down to my eyesight problems. I mean, I always have a bruise somewhere! I always look like I just came out the other end of a fight.
Do people always expect you to have your cane with you? Yes – and sometimes I do have it with me. But if you’re in a hurry, you don’t. If you’re at home, you don’t so I try to manage. Like
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anything else, sometimes you forget it! I’d definitely bring it if I was meeting someone who didn’t know I was visually impaired, or going into a place that I know is going to be extremely busy and crowded where I need people to know to move out of my way, so an accident doesn’t happen.
Crowded or busy seems to describe NUI Galway in a nutshell, as there’s always so many people. How much does being familiar with the college help you?
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It means everything, really. The college is, overall, very accessible. Sometimes there can be problems with doors, as they can have a bump that I might not always see to step over. In the beginning, when I first moved here, the DSS were helpful for getting to know the campus. They still are incredibly good for everything, and so are my lecturers. I never really have any issues with the staff.
Is it with students that you find you have difficulties? Yes, but I think that comes from a lack of awareness. People don’t always respect that there’s a cane. A lot of times people can stare too. On occasion, people can kick my cane. These are all things you learn to cope with as it stems from a lack of awareness, so I don’t get upset.
As someone who has struggled with this aspect of college, I’d love your opinion on how much disabilities can affect the social aspect of college, if you don’t mind? Basically, there’s no part of your life left unaffected! I don’t really engage in the social life that first years usually have. In a way, though, I have other social outlets, but they’re not connected to college. I think a big problem can arise when a person doesn’t have someone to bring them into those other outlets and you can end up isolated. Most of my friends, I made through my work in a charity called Special Heroes Ireland that helps different families with any kind of disability and any help they might need.
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Do you find the DSS useful for accommodations you might need for classes or exams? They’re incredibly good. For me, it’s more dependent on my lecturers, but I’ve never had a problem. They’re always willing to print handouts with a larger font and different things like that. I also have an alternative exam venue, which is helpful.
Finally, can I ask you one thing you wish all people knew about disabilities? Simply - that we’re human. The worst feeling is when people forget that you’re human. People can assume that I don’t have feelings, or desires and I wish people would change and remember that I, and all people with disabilities exist. People can think that I don’t want a nice job, a family, a house of my own, when everyone wants the same thing and we all want to follow the same life patterns.
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10 F EAT U R E S
SIN Vol. 18 Issue 11
Top five Instagram accounts to follow LESSONS TO BE LEARNED: Pacific island’s war on sugar By Aileen O’ Leary
1. Retro-Flame
4. Feminist Fight Club
For those unaware of the NYC style and fashion blogger, Erika Fox is actually a former NUI Galway student. The Kerry native studied in NUI Galway before jetting off to the states where she now works full time on her blog Retro-Flame and her YouTube channel. Follow her travel filled adventures, steal her style and her amazing interior design. Her Instagram is retroflame and her YouTube is also linked in her bio.
Empowering, sassy and informed the Feminist Fight Club is not only an incredible book but also an amazing Instagram account. Follow along every day for your dose in the fight against the patriarchy, memes, gifs, videos and some bad ass quotes as well. Make sure to give them a follow @feministfightclub on Instagram.
2. National Geographic
5. Nine Crows Galway
Follow the path of the amazing team of photographers at national geographic. These amazing photos are taken from all corners of the world, with each photographer penning a short tale to accompany the photo, they’ve gone to some great lengths to capture these images and it will give you serious travel bug vibes and maybe inspire your next adventure. Follow along on Instagram at @natgeo.
For the style addicts looking for new threads, check out Nine Crows Galway for your daily fashion fix. They stock reworked pieces that won’t break the bank. Every day another outfit is posted, and whether its college casual or night out glamour, you’re sure to find something to suit your style. Also they do student discounts and have a fab store in the city centre so, what are you waiting for? Get following @ninecrowsgalway!
By Heather Robinson A small Pacific island nation called Vanuatu have planned to prohibit all junk food from entering their country. This little island with a population of 250,000 has one of the highest percentages of obesity in the world according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). On a similar scale, Ireland has seen a huge increase of obesity since 2000 and we are one of the fastest growing countries in obesity in Europe. The island nation intends to ban all imported foods at their government functions and tourist destinations in the hopes of encouraging people to enjoy more locally sourced and fresh food. The Torba Tourism Council in Vanuatu have attempted to outlaw particular foods before so could this time be any different? While the nation of Vanuatu is largely focused on obesity, this plan has come as a response to the growing rate of diabetes in their population. The major health risks posed by the presence of junk food and a people with apparently no self-control have spurred on the Council to take this drastic action. The image of a healthy eating and organic food haven they hope to replace it with should also increase tourist attraction. At present Vanuatu sees nearly 1,000 mostly European tourists each year. The promise of a junk food free zone will likely be in their favour. Could Ireland ever prohibit the importation or existence of junk food? While the intentions of the Torba Tourism Council seem ambitious, it is a smart move on their behalf and it suits their population size and culture. But if the Minister for Health ever attempted to imitate that law, our nation would be incensed. It’s not a secret that obesity is a growing problem in Ireland. The proof of this problem can be seen in our school-aged children whom are far chubbier now than we remember as kids ourselves. Children still enjoy running amuck outside, red-faced and glowing from exercise and the excitement of a game. But their lives are also more sedentary than the children who lived twenty years ago and their diets are higher in sugar. Obesity is also rampant in our elderly population. As we grow older the physical need to eat a certain amount of food declines slowly. Elderly people are not exerting the same energy as their younger selves and they still eat as though they do. It’s common nowadays to see older men with big pot bellies and women concealing themselves in flowy clothes. Your grandparents always have a stash of chocolates and sweets on their person and it’s not because they knew you were coming to visit. This problem of eating too much sugar also manifests itself in a different way whereby some people, of any age, may not be eating any proper food at all and they are emaciated and close to sickness. There is a change occurring in Ireland. The World Health Organisation estimated that Ireland would become the most obese nation by 2030, which our government rejected. In an article by the Irish Times on our obesity problem, they mention at the very end that recent figures show that the figures for obesity in the adult population have begun to level off. There is a generation who are more health conscious than their parents, and whom actively pursue healthy eating and activity in their daily lives. Student Unions around the country promote healthier lifestyles continuously and with the cult following amassed by Irish lifestyle and beauty bloggers, young adults in their twenties think it’s cooler to sleep 8-10 hours a night and eat three square meals during the day. Could our government successfully banish all junk food from our reaches? No, the effects would instil chaos. Instead our nation has decided to take control of their own diets rather than eating what they’re told. While the growing #fitspo empire is controversial, at least it signifies a corresponding growth in self-wellbeing. We don’t want to be the most obese nation in the world, but we still want our cake and to eat it too. The lessons our adult population are learning now will be passed onto their offspring and so hopefully the epidemic amongst our younger folk will dwindle away. We’ll see in 14 years, I guess.
3. The White Moose Café One of the most controversial accounts in Dublin, owner Paul Stenson is known for his quirky café. Follow them for new drama every day and on Snapchat as well where Paul and Jason star in the unfolding series of events at Charleville lodge and the White Moose Café. Filled with brilliant posts and some serious food envy make sure you’re following them at @whitemoosecafe.
GNÉ -ALTANNA
March 14 2017
11
Interested in working for the EU? By Nonie Baker Ever wondered what it would be like to work for a truly multinational organisation? The European Union offers a wealth of job possibilities to graduates from any discipline who are passionate about intercultural cooperation and communication. Working for one of the EU institutions could lead to you embarking on an exciting new life in Brussels or Luxembourg (though career opportunities are also available in many other EU delegations, including those in Dublin, Valletta, and Alicante, to name just a few!). You would be collaborating with people from a range of different countries on projects that aim to improve the lives and livelihood of over five hundred million people. Those working for the EU can also participate in its internal job mobility scheme, which facilitates employees moving between services and institutions. Among the job profiles on offer are opportunities to work as an economist, as a lawyer-linguist, as an auditor or an inter-
preter. The possibilities are near-endless! In order to be eligible to work for one of the EU institutions, you must speak at least two EU languages. These could be Irish and English, or English and Polish, or French and Spanish. What matters is that you can speak either English, French or German, and one other official language of the European Union. You also need to have EU citizenship to embark on a fulltime career with the EU, though paid five month traineeship programmes are available to graduates with both EU and non-EU citizenship who are looking to get experience working in a multicultural environment. The selection procedure for the generalist competition involves a series of different stages. Before applying, each potential candidate is asked to take a self-selection test and a self-evaluation test. These will help you determine if an EU career is right for you. You then complete a language declaration form listing which languages you know, and can move on to take the Pre-selection tests. These
are a series of computer-based tests that test your verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning and abstract reasoning. Those applying for an administrator post will also have to take a situational judgement test, and those applying for a translator role will have to also complete translation and language comprehension tests. The questions on these tests will all be in your mother tongue. If you pass the Pre-selection stage and have one of the highest total scores in the verbal and abstract reasoning sections, you can proceed to Stage 2, where you will be required to complete an E-tray exercise in your second language. This will assess your teamwork, analysis and problem-solving skills, among others. If you are in the top-scoring percentile of applicants for the E-tray exercise, you may be invited to complete Stage 3 of the application process: undergoing an Assessment Centre day in Brussels or Luxembourg. The Assessment Centre involves working alongside other candidates in a group exercise based on a case study. You will
have a structured interview and make an oral presentation of your findings from the group work. Roughly half of all candidates invited to the Assessment Centre will be placed on the List of Successful Candidates, a list which EU institutions consult when they have a job vacancy, and select candidates to interview from. Once you’ve got to this stage, you’ve made it: you’ve been hired by an EU institution! There are competitions upcoming for Generalist Administrators and for Nurses in March, for Specialists in Macroeconomics and Financial Economics in April, for Specialists in Food Safety in May, for Proofreaders/Language Editors (in Danish, German, English, Croatian, Maltese and Dutch) and Building Specialists in June, and for Translators (in German, French, Dutch and Irish) in July. So stay tuned – there’s something for everyone! Feel free to like the EU Careers NUI, Galway Facebook page for updates on deadlines for various competitions. You can also email eucareers.nuigalway@ gmail.com if you have any questions!
Saint Paddy? Say that to his face By Briain Kelly Welcome one and all to the most dissolute religious festival in Ireland. I mean, people say Christmas has been commercialised, but at least that’s in the form of giving and receiving gifts – and we’ll all generally pop into the church to say hi to the baby Jesus. But what exactly about aul man Padraig connects with the truly legendary drinkfest that is St Patrick’s Day? How you celebrate a holiday is an extension of what it’s about. Christmas is family and charity; Valentine’s Day is about love, so lots of romantic dinners and a five hundred percent mark-up on chocolate; Americans have Thanksgiving, family again - an easy theme to slot in. But what is St Patrick’s Day about, other than just simply being Chris-
tian. Snakes? So if we don’t know what we’re about, we don’t really know what to do and you get a big mish-mash of events: parades, mass, carnivals, and on and on. It’s no wonder everyone ends up in the pub, they’re bloody confused. Dublin pulls it off quite well I’ll admit. It’s an impressive display that they put on every year, one that draws people from all over the country. Not like New York, they try too hard, it’s very gauche. You’re not Irish if your great-great-great-something crossed the puddle in the 1840s, ok? Plus, green beer? Ugh. The worst place to be on St Patrick’s Day is in that category of town that’s just big enough to think they ought to have a parade, but can’t really put one together.
Seeing one, maybe two floats put together by primary school kids leading a procession of the local emergency services is just depressing. Look, there’s even a hearse that joined in by mistake because of the atmosphere. That kind of sight sends everyone where? You guessed it. For those looking for a more lively celebration in Dublin, the only piece of advice I can offer is to avoid Temple Bar. The most vibrant spot for Dublin nightlife, on any given weekend Temple Bar is packed. No fancy metaphor or analogy, it’s just really full. On “Paddy’s Day”, the most celebrated holiday in Ireland, where visitors flood into Dublin from around the country and the world, maybe give it a miss. On a good night out I personally am a fan of things like being able to move, or breathing air that’s
less than half other people’s sweat. Maybe that’s just me though. It could be your thing. Of course I’ve only covered Ireland. Emigration is the closest thing Ireland has to a national pastime, and everywhere we go we take Paddy’s Day with us. So there are celebrations in London, New York, Chicago, Munich, and... Shanghai? Huh. In a lot of cases it’s not even centred around diaspora any more. People are just taken with the idea of a holiday that’s simply a big party, without the effort that goes into Carnivale, or Mardi Gras. And every year the Taoiseach goes to America to visit the White House in a show of unity and support for the massive Irish community in the U.S. In honour of that special celebration he takes a gift both meaningful and laden with history... a bowl of salad.
always the fear that maybe you’ll realise you’ve made a horrible mistake, but let’s be honest, if something doesn’t feel right then they’re not the one for you. Or perhaps you both still have some lessons to learn and memories to make before you’ll be right for each other (though to be honest I try not to dwell on this option – false hope is a cruel, cruel mistress, trust me). Really, it’s all about being brave and doing what feels right. If you want to ask out the person you like – do it! This semester is nearly over and who knows where people will end up over summer. Especially if you’re in the final year of your course, just go for it, what have you got to lose if you’ll most likely never see the person again? And if you will see them again, who cares? Unless they’re a horrible person (in
which case why on earth do you want to go out with them?) they won’t humiliate you for asking them out if they’re not interested – they’ll just let you down gently. And hey, if you see a person that you like on a night out – talk to them, dance with them, have fun with them! I’m not saying you’re guaranteed to meet your prince or princess with this method, but who knows what might come from it. You might finally end up on a date with the person you’ve been crushing on all day/ week/semester/year/your life. You might spend the night getting to know a gorgeous stranger. You might even have one of the most adventurous nights of your life! The possibilities are endless if you’re brave enough to just take that leap. Promise.
Taking that leap of faith By Micaela Depinna I talk a lot about things not working out in relationships. Unfortunately that’s just part and parcel of dating – more often than not it just isn’t going to go the way that you’d hoped. But that doesn’t mean you should hold back. I know it can be hard, especially when you’ve just picked yourself up from falling flat on your face, but you just have to dust yourself off - maybe try the whole self-imposed ban on dating I mention in my piece last issue Giving up looking for love for Lent - and then try again. The whole point of a leap of faith is that you’re trusting blindly, which is as exciting as it is terrifying. I’m very much a person who believes in leaps of faith. While I’m quite cautious
when it comes to the dating game (or at least I try to be), when I’m in, I’m all in. And while this method admittedly hasn’t worked for me yet, I’ve seen it work with some of my friends who are in relationships which have spanned from First Year to Fourth Year. And my results haven’t all been utter disasters (shocking, I know). I’ve gained new friends and gotten to know old friends better, and while that may not have been what I was looking for at the time, it was what I needed. And taking a leap of faith is not confined to those on the fence about whether to go after the person they want or not, it’s also for people who are thinking that maybe the person they’re currently seeing isn’t the right one for them. Sometimes the scariest thing to do can be to let someone go. There’s
12 F EAT U R E S
SIN Vol. 18 Issue 11
The disconnect between new media and old By Connell McHugh Fiverr is a website which was set up in 2010 with the sole aim of providing a platform for people around the world to advertise their services. They range from linguists providing translation services to artists offering logo designs and musicians offering jingles; and it’s all for a fiver. Technically, you could make a six figure salary if you offer a lucrative service, such as Charmaine Pocek, a proof reader. All very respectable, isn’t it? Well, it’s the internet, and of course the internet has decided that nothing can be too respectable. A rather humorous (if frankly weird) part of the website is the “Your Message On…” section where people offer to write whatever the payer desires on various different objects; bananas, balloons and the human body all feature on the homepage. The possibilities are endless. Enter Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg aka Pewdiepie – the most popular person on YouTube. In six years, the Swedish native has amassed over 53 million subscribers for primarily providing commentary on video games. He earned an estimated $15 million in 2016 alone and is only 26 years old. Disney signed him on as an ambassador and YouTube gave him his own subscription series when they introduced YouTube Red in
late 2015. Safe to say he’s probably the most famous person you’ve never heard of (I hadn’t really known him before this either). Felix stumbled across the site Fiverr and decided to test the boundaries of it. He paid two adolescents from Sri Lanka to hold a sign with the words “Death to All Jews” while chanting the same and send him a video for proof. He then made a video for YouTube which highlighted the absurdity of this aspect of the website and the lengths that some people will go to earn money. The thumbnail for the video was a picture of the teenagers holding the sign and Felix’s shocked face at what he was witnessing. Of course, there was outrage among certain viewers. Lots of them believed that the message he was bringing across could have been achieved with a much simpler and less offensive sign. The murmurings of disapproval were beginning to rise but Felix kept the video up. The Wall Street Journal then decided to report on Felix. Three journalists decided that they would sit through the latest videos on his channel, focusing on everything since summer 2016. He uploads about six videos a week, all of which are about ten minutes long, so it was definitely a three man job. They came to the conclusion that nine of them contained anti-Semitic messages. In one, he pointed a finger in a Hitler-
like manner and in another Adolf himself made an appearance in the thumbnail. And I just cannot help but wonder what the point of the article was. Let’s not kid ourselves into believing that readers of the Wall Street Journal are avid viewers of online personalities such as Pewdiepie. He reaches the younger demographic of primarily male gamers while WSJ is a paid online subscription service. As of March 2013, the circulation of the WSJ was 2.4 million copies per day. That’s only 4% of the reach that Pewdiepie has. As I type this very sentence he uploaded a video ten hours ago which already has 2.1 million views. The Wall Street Journal saw Felix as a way to garner more traction online and to trend for a few hours on Twitter. It understood that there would be virtually no crossover between the audiences and proceeded to lead a smear campaign against a wildly successful online content creator. It didn’t care that in writing this absurd article Disney would be forced to drop him as an ambassador and that YouTube would axe his online series. He was branded a Nazi and a fascist by thousands of people who do not watch his videos or understand his humour and simply judged him off images and the opinions of reporters of ‘reputable’ outlets. Even J.K Rowling, a well-informed, smart woman tweeted a link to an Independent.co.uk article
Pewdiepie giving his viewers the iconic brofist which he offers at the end of many of his videos. which discussed the incident with her own caption of, “For those who think fascism is an edgy accessory…” Jon Ronson, a journalist for The Guardian, wrote a book titled ‘So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed’ in which he documented several accounts of people’s lives being ruined for remarks and jokes that were made (mainly on social media) which were perhaps taken out of context. Losing jobs was the main consequence, but interestingly, it is not the same in this case. In the two weeks following the article by WSJ, Pewdiepie gained three million subscribers, and it was WSJ
that received the hate online. It is a sad to think that if Felix didn’t have the job and following that he does, media outlets would have had the power to change the course of his life and employment. It is clear that traditional media outlets feel threatened by newer forms of media. They simply cannot keep up with the changing world of social media and understand that they are losing the influence they would have had twenty years ago. Let’s hope that a lesson is now learned and that they will move forward with respect for young influencers and their following.
Washing diversity out of Hollywood By Connell McHugh The Oscars have passed for another year and for the first time in a long time, non-white actors got deserved recognition. Viola Davis took Best Supporting Actress, Mahershala Ali took the male equivalent and, although there was a blunder with the Best Picture category, Moonlight came out on top with La La Land getting the most awkward runner-up award of all time. Overall, it was a successful year for actors of colour and positive steps were taken to distance the Academy from the ‘Oscars So White’ controversy of recent years. While actors of colour were recognised, there is still progress to be
made when it comes to the casting of characters which are intrinsically non-white. This practice is known as white-washing, and last year alone, there were numerous instances of it on the silver screen. Tilda Swinton, whose mother is Australian and father is British, was cast as the Ancient One in Marvel’s Doctor Strange; a character who is male and Tibetan. Zoe Saldana was in a film last year which depicted the life of African-American jazz musician Nina Simone. To make her look more like Simone, her skin was darkened and makeup prosthetics were used to widen her nose. The Great Wall which is currently in cinemas stars Matt Damon as a Caucasian man in China
Tilda Swinton (white British female) and The Ancient One (cartoon Tibetan male)... but which is which?
while the supporting cast is almost exclusively Asian. Scarlett Johansson, Finn Jones and Elizabeth Banks are all playing roles which have been whitewashed in the next few months. Needless to say; it’s a problem. However, some directors and people within the film industry are moving away from the act of whitewashing, with Angelina Jolie being a prime example. She is the director of the upcoming movie First They Killed My Father which takes a look at the life of a young girl during the Cambodian genocide. It is the true story of Loung Ung who wrote the autobiography that the film is based on. Instead of Jolie seeking American talent for production of the film
There is still progress to be made when it comes to the casting of characters which are intrinsically non-white. This practice is known as white-washing, and last year alone, there were numerous instances of it on the silver screen.
both on and off screen, she has hired almost exclusively Cambodian people. All the actors are Cambodian, the onscreen language will be the native one of Khmer, the author of the book helped pen the screenplay and even Jolie’s own adopted Cambodian son Maddox helped with production. It is set to be a true representation of this period in Cambodia’s history and many have praised Jolie for the directorial choices she has made. This is absolutely the way in which films like these should be made. Unfortunately, they just do not warrant the millions of dollars that film companies would have to pay to earn the rights to the film. Cinema is a money making industry that is hit or miss. Companies want to have as close to a guarantee as possible to make back the 50 million or so dollars that will be spent. Unknown actors such as the ones that Jolie has cast are exactly that; unknown. They have no fan-base, no experience on camera and potentially no knowledge of the industry they are getting involved in. They simply will not earn the money required to make a profit. For example, the Somali-American actor Barkhad Abdi was totally unknown when he took on the role of
a pirate in the 2013 film Captain Phillips. He acted alongside Tom Hanks and went on to be nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 2014 Oscars. The film made back the money that was spent on it, but Abdi has since struggled to get more roles in Hollywood, having only appeared again in 2015’s Eye in the Sky. Clearly the industry is nervous to hire talent that does not bring their following to the box office. This is evident in the medium in which Jolie’s movie is being distributed: Netflix. The streaming service is known for taking risks in their films and TV shows and so mainstream companies are allowing it to take the lead on this front. Netflix does not release viewing figures for their catalogue but are guaranteed to make enough money due to the sheer volume of subscribers it has (93 million by the end of 2016). They each pay about ten dollars or euro a month. You can do the maths on that one. We should hope that Jolie’s film is successful as it could then lead the way for more diverse films and stories hitting our screens. We’ve only just had the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar. Let’s broaden that scope to now include everyone.
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14 OPI NI O N
SIN Vol. 18 Issue 11
EOIN DRONES: Divided minds and the politics of victimhood By Eoin Molloy Intersectionality, a term first coined by American civil rights activist and academic Kimberle Williams Crenshaw, is the theory that social categorisations like race, class and gender are interconnected and can combine together to create over-lapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage. Simply put, it is a hierarchy of victimhood. Nowadays, student activism tends to focus around the pervasive issue of social oppression as it applies to people of different social categorisations. This would be a noble cause were it not for the divisive effect it has on our society. Intersectional activism seeks to place victims on a hierarchical scale, with the LGBT community, ethno-religious minorities and women all clustering for position ahead of straight while males at the very bottom. By this metric, the opinions of those at the top of the pile carry more weight than those at the bottom. The point of this column is not to opine my lack of victim status as a much-maligned straight white male, but to posit a simple question: Doesn’t intersectionality defeat Martin Luther King’s dream? The goal of an inclusive society, as MLK himself stated, is to be judged on the content of your character only. Therefore, self-organising into various socially-oppressed groups and seeking to be defined as such has a limiting effect on your personal development. Intersectionality follows the same logic that accompanied the rise of ‘safe space’ culture on college campuses in the US. The idea that some folks are so oppressed that they need to be insulated away from the
thoughts and opinions of other students is frankly absurd – you come to university to broaden your mind, not to entrench yourself further in your existing worldview. Thankfully though, the recent student elections here at NUI Galway passed by without any mention of the dreaded SS. Perhaps this is a sign that the world is now tending back towards rationality, or that we have at least stemmed the flow of identity-based politics. As any Roman general worth his salt will tell you, divided minds are much easier to conquer. Since we have wilfully compartmentalised large sections of our populace in the name of intersectional activism, we have become extremely prone to infighting – particularly here at NUI Galway. There is a clearly-discernible link between intersectionality and the growing intolerance of student activists to any viewpoint that contravenes their own. For example, I recently wrote a column about the dangers of political slogans, as it could be argued that they reduce the debate to its lowest common denominator and effectively hamstring discourse. Unsurprisingly, this column was received unfavourably by some abortion activists who saw the article as an attack on their right to choice, irrespective of the fact that the column was not anti-choice or anti-abortion in any way. The fact that I am a man writing about the slogans used by the Repeal the Eighth campaign was brought up, and it was alleged that as such, I have no authority to discuss a perceived women’s issue, thus proving the point that one’s social status as an individual now takes precedence over the merit of their opinion to the modern student activist. We should be willing to hear arguments out without shutting others down, regardless of the writer’s gender.
Subscribing to victim groups has a multi-layered detrimental effect on society. Firstly, it obfuscates class consciousness. Indeed, Marxist critiques of feminism often state that analysing society through the lens of sex erodes the primacy of class as a social identifier, thereby dividing the proletariat and ensuring that Capitalism remains intact. Simply put, feminist intersectionality causes us to compete amongst each other to see who is the most oppressed, while the big boys run away with all of the money. When Beyoncé stood proudly in front of a blacked-out screen that was boldly emblazoned with the word FEMINIST, the world applauded. Finally, thought millions of oppressed Western teenage girls, we have our saviour who will liberate us from the bonds of oppression. Queen Bey did that with a clean conscience while employing poverty-stricken Sri Lankan seamstresses to manufacture her Ivy Park clothing line for around eight dollars a day in horrifying conditions. This is but one example of how analysing society through the lens of gender only can obscure the real struggle: economic inequality. On a side note, it’s no wonder people refer to Beyonce as a queen, her utter contempt for working class people puts her on par with the likes of Marie Antoinette. In 1915, a pan-European socialist congress took place in Zimmerwald, Switzerland, with the sole objective of discussing how best an egalitarian society could be forged in the aftermath of the bloody, world-destroying, Great War. The meeting produced the Zimmerwald Manifesto, a document drafted by Lenin himself which accosted imperialism as the sole cause of the War. In my opinion, such a broad consensus could not be reached on the Left nowadays thanks to intersectionality and its desire to see every race, creed and gender represented in every single gathering.
In today’s hyper-sensitive world, you can guarantee that there would be a #ZimmerwaldSoWhite trend going on Twitter after Lenin, renowned straight white male, delivered the manifesto. Facetiousness aside, there is truth to the assertion that the modern activist is more concerned with diversity of
skin colour and gender as opposed to diversity of ideas. This incessant focus on superficial differences between us as humans obfuscates real issues. Taxes and the cost of living are on the rise in Ireland while wages remain stagnant. The great trade unions are all but gone. All the while, our student activists focus in on social issues that press incomparably less hard on working people and students – fees
and the ongoing housing crisis in Galway are but two issues in a myriad of under-agitated problems faced by students thanks to our obsession with intersectionality. To my mind, the greatest pitfall of intersectionality is that we have forgotten the simple truth that the only real freedom is economic freedom. Booker T. Washington, an American writer and thinker who was born into slavery, championed economic empowerment and financial independence as a means of achieving freedom from the shackles of oppression. He believed that without economic freedom, political freedom was pointless. Washington’s admirable rationality has become lost in the victim-oriented culture of today. What is the point in having the vote if you have no money to pay for transport to the polling booth? What is the point in having the freedom to legally alter your gender if you have no money for gender-reassigning surgery? This is the kind of logic that is lost when the entirety of society views itself as forming part of a hierarchical chain of oppression. There is real and tangible injustice in Ireland today. Our generation has been saddled with billions of euros of external debt we had no hand in creating, the housing crisis intensifies by the day and corruption is seemingly rife in the highest echelons of government. These injustices go unpunished and unaccounted for every single day because the demographic most likely to speak up, us as students, are too busy sub-dividing ourselves into neat little intersectional groups to notice anything is amiss. The solution to this problem is simple. We need to stop seeing ourselves as white or black, as straight or gay, and focus on the fact that we are all equally being screwed by the government as students and bind together to do something about it!
days after the result, promoting the ‘Love Trumps Hate’ slogan and demanding justice. Shia LaBeouf installed a ‘political performance art’ piece on inauguration day and promised to keep it going whilst Trump was still president. The installation was a participatory performance that invited the public to deliver the words “he will not divide us” into a camera mounted on a wall outside New York’s Museum of the Moving Image. The footage was streamed live on www.hewillnotdivideus.us for everybody to see. Ironically, the installation was taken down as it caused divisions amongst museum-goers. Shia was not deterred, moving the piece to Albuquerque and launching it again. After an attempt to boycott the stream by covering the camera with paint
after less than a week in Albuquerque, it was shut down when gunshots were heard near the scene. LaBeouf tweeted that the safety of participants was “paramount” and the livestream is now dormant. Perhaps this was not his finest hour – causing violence instead of discouraging it – but Shia LaBoeuf is fighting for what he believes in. To those that argue Hollywood should ‘stick to what it’s good at’, show me all the credentials that got Trump into office and I might just consider believing you. ‘With great power comes great responsibility’ is a phrase that I learned from when I was younger and I’m pretty sure Spiderman is not thinking of giving Donald any upside-down kisses in the rain any time soon. There is a certain amount of power in having an audience, and I think it is a celebrity’s right to use it.
As any Roman general worth his salt will tell you, divided minds are much easier to conquer. Since we have wilfully compartmentalised large sections of our populace in the name of intersectional activism, we have become extremely prone to infighting.
Trump versus the celebs By Grace Kieran Whether the last month or so has scared or intrigued you, it is highly unlikely that the marmite president has left you feeling indifferent. It is difficult to ignore a man who once thrived on making reality TV suffer through his supposed bathmophobia and publishing his nuclear banter all over Twitter. Since the inauguration, many have entered a hopeless hibernation known as the Trump Slump, tutting at their Timelines and sleeping their prime protesting days away. Feeling helpless, many donated to charities such as the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) as an apology on behalf of a racist leader. But if you had more than money, say, power: would you use it? Celebrities have been using their
influence for decades to encourage their followers to vote a certain way or support a certain cause. During the election campaigns themselves,
everyone from international popstar Beyoncé to vlogger Casey Neistat endorsed Hilary Clinton. Lady Gaga staged a protest outside Trump Tower
Shia LaBeouf at the scene of his 'political performance art' installation.
TUAIRIM
March 14 2017
HEAD to head
The Gender Wage Gap is a Myth
The ‘gender pay gap’ is a myth, employed by politicians to buy votes
When will being a woman finally mean being an equal?
By Eoin Molloy
By Deirdre Leonard
The gender pay gap became a worldwide talking point when then-president and media darling Barack Obama announced in January of last year that the institutional barriers which enabled evil, patriarchal companies to pay women 77 cents for every dollar shelled out to their male counter-parts would be done away with. Despite the moral dubiousness of deliberately recycling a fabricated myth to millions, this was a political master-stroke. By using carefully-selected data that did not take into account differences in profession, years of experience or hours worked, Obama managed to drastically increase his standing amongst 50% of the electorate who now believed they were being actively discriminated against. This was of course a mere ploy for votes that had the unfortunate residual effect of causing the demonstrably-untrue phrase ‘gender pay gap’ to be catapulted into the political lexicon forevermore. Before we begin to assess the data objectively, let me first posit a question: If companies do indeed employ women at lower rates than men, why are there any men in employment at all? Surely companies would opt for the lowest-cost workforce. The OECD released a report in early February stating that Ireland’s gender pay gap was now 16% in favour of men. Thankfully, TheJournal.ie had already conducted an extremely in-depth study into the matter in Ireland. They came to some illuminating conclusions. The report concluded that gender-based discrimination is illegal in Ireland under the Employment Equality Act. The pay gap, when adjusted for hours worked and sorted by profession stands at a paltry 1-2% for women and men under the age of 40. The gap then stretches out considerably to around about the 16% mark. Therefore, it is clear to see that the real issue here is a ‘motherhood gap’ and not some sort of insidious plot against women cooked up by evil old men with monocles. Women take time off to raise children, and that is a glorious thing. Without the career sacrifices women make, the human race would quite literally die out. The gender pay gap as it is often presented is a pervasive and dangerous myth. You cannot take broad lumps of non-specific data and use it to support a conclusion you have already reached. We cannot see inequality and presume there is inequity. Simply put, young girls nowadays receive every opportunity their male counter-parts receive. In many ways, the system is skewed in their favour. Girls hugely outperform boys in the Leaving Certificate, in 26 out of 32 subjects to be exact. Women are over-represented in college and have markedly low participation in some of the most gruelling jobs such as construction, security and refuse-collection. According to UCD’s National Workplace Survey, women made up a majority of the workforce in Ireland in 2009. This was because the fallout from the Great Recession disproportionately affected men, decimating traditionally-male professions like construction which in turn drove up suicide rates. But men did not complain, or seek to blame anyone for the fact that it was their professions that were hardest hit. We want equality and yet people do not opine the male unemployment crisis of 2008-2010 as feverishly as they do the ‘gender pay gap’.
It is hard to believe that there is some ongoing conspiracy against women when the educational system, and the jobs market, is stacked in their favour. Differences in pay reflect the different choices men and women make. According to the National Census Bureau of the United States, women make up just 24% of the workforce in high-paying STEM fields. This would go some way towards accounting for the discrepancies in wages earned between the two genders. On average, men tend to aim higher in terms of salary, whereas women prioritise a better work-life balance. There are genuine issues affecting women in the workplace. More women need to be encouraged to enter into higher-paying fields. The data also shows that men are more likely to aggressively pursue a promotion and have the confidence to ask for one. Therefore, the gender pay gap as it exists is more of a question of confidence than of discrimination. The simplest way of closing the gender pay gap would be to make our workplaces more conducive to family life. We need to ensure that women who take time off work to have children do not miss out on promotions. Equally, men should not be working such long hours of overtime. Surely the technological advances of the last century could facilitate a compression in working hours for all? If men were to work less hours, and less women were to miss out on promotions as a result of workplaces becoming more family-oriented, surely this would have the effect of closing the gap in terms of money earned by men and women, and then we could at last put to bed this insidious myth that women are discriminated against in terms of pay. The pay gap is a genuinely solvable issue. However, it goes unresolved because it is far too easy for politicians like Obama to say the right thing and watch his approval ratings sky-rocket, without actually implementing tangible policies to combat the issue. Those wilfully-manipulated folks who believe politicians like him without objectively consulting the data for themselves are worse again – science shows that people who feel victimised by the system are less likely to be ambitious, or to persevere with their goals. In this way, the gender pay gap has become a sort of a scape-goat for women who perhaps studied degrees that do not command a high wage rate. Why bother taking personal responsibility for choosing to study Creative Writing when its far easier to blame the evil patriarchy for paying you less than an engineering graduate? In summation, it must be re-iterated clearly that women do not earn less than men because of gender-based oppression. Do not buy into the machinations of political sleuths, nor allow yourself to be manipulated by those who seek to play politics with your emotions. Men earn more than women because they, on average, work longer hours in higher-paying fields, are more likely to ask for a raise and are unlikely to take paternity leave amongst other factors. That does not mean to say that we shouldn’t strive to strike a more egalitarian when it comes to balancing familial leave and promotions, because we absolutely should. These issues can be solved, however they will not be righted by passive-aggressively sharing memes about the patriarchy. If you want to be paid well, study a degree that leads to a high-paying field and take responsibility for your own wage.
15
A recent report published in The Irish Times has stated that in 2015, men earned an average of 14.8% more than women in Ireland, indicating that the pay disparity has increased from a low of 8.3% in 2012. Some believe the pay gap to be a myth, undoubtedly a mentality that stems from a lack of communication surrounding wages in the workplace. Others see it to be discriminatory on the basis of gender, an unlikely cause with the number of EU laws in place prevent job discrimination. So what is the reasoning behind this? Why have women consistently been paid less for doing the same job as men for decades? Men who may have less qualifications or experience, but who are statistically likely to be earning more money, are getting bigger pay increases and winning more promotions over time compared to their female counterparts. The Journal countered this Times report with an article that determined that this pay gap is ‘often
The global pay gap is at around 59% according to recent statistics from Morgan McKinley, with Ireland coming 25th in the world rankings for male to female pay ratios. In a developed, Western country where there are statistically more women than men, the pay gap should be significantly less than it currently is or, ideally, not present at all. strongly related to gender, but gender itself is not the cause’. Statistics show that the more qualifications and experience a woman has, the higher the gender pay gap is. With a lack of qualifications or experience not being contributing factors, all signs point to gender itself as the issue. Essentially, a job cannot fault you outright for being female, but it will take issue with you for some of the societal expectations that come with womanhood, like motherhood, or the consequences of the female body, like period related sick days. Many jobs set wages and give promotions based on performance and as The Journal points out, women can often fall behind in these areas due to motherhood. Maternity leave can force you out of a path towards promotion and give someone else plenty
of time to fill your spot. Mothers are often unable to work unsociable hours or travel for work, which means that someone like the young bachelor in your department is free to gain favour and progress faster by working outside of the clock. These are sadly the facts of any workplace but to suggest that a women should earn less because she is entitled to maternity leave, or because of her life decisions, is an archaic train of thought that belongs in a different millennium. Women with families are inherently already working two jobs, but having the responsibility of children and the flexibility that this requires is often seen as a weakness by employers looking for workers. I work within a department where women are the majority and for a company where the balance of women and men in top positions is fairly equal. I can’t speak to the pay of other people in these jobs, but on paper it checks out as being equal in representation. However, I know that this is not the case in a lot of workplaces. My mother has a Masters degree and works in a respectable government job that she has dedicated her adult life to and yet she was forced to take a second job during the Recession to cover the money lost through pay cuts. My father on the other hand, a man who suffered the curse of many young teens in rural Ireland in the 70s and 80s, left secondary school at a young age. He did not attend university, has no formal qualifications and yet he is in a job that pays almost as much as my mother’s because he has, what his company has deemed to be, a ‘risk filled occupation’. It is one that involves security, heavy lifting, and a number of other risky tasks that have most definitely influenced how the company hires. In his workplace, men are the majority and outside of admin work, a handful of women work alongside dozens of men in a day to day capacity. There are solutions to this problem. In the workforce, people do not talk about pay. It’s spoken in hushed tones between close work friends, with a fearful look and cautious voice, afraid to hear or say that you are earning more or less than the person sitting beside you. Last year, Ireland introduced new transparency rules whereby all companies made up of 50 employees or more must submit wage and bonus data for publication. It’s yet to be confirmed when these will be rolled out, but transparency is a powerful step towards resolving this issue, one step of many that needs to be taken to achieve the most basic form of equality. The global pay gap is at around 59% according to recent statistics from Morgan McKinley, with Ireland coming 25th in the world rankings for male to female pay ratios. In a developed, Western country where there are statistically more women than men, the pay gap should be significantly less than it currently is or, ideally, not present at all. Ireland prides itself on its education, its scientific and cultural progress, but we let ourselves down when we do not acknowledge one gender as being equal to another. In 2017, when battles for equal rights are being fought all over the world, we cannot move forward when we continue to take steps backward in the most basic of issues. Being a woman does not make you any less and it’s time our pay scales reflected and corrected this stifling social injustice.
16 FA SH I ON
SIN Vol. 18 Issue 11
Plus Size Models: A response to Donal Makeup Edition O’Shea’s interview with the Irish Times STEAL HER STYLE:
By Ciara Lynskey
By Amanda Leeson Emma Watson is no doubt set to be the name on everybody’s lips when the highly anticipated Beauty and the Beast hits cinemas. Emma is known for her minimal makeup look, keeping an element of grace and sophistication. Taking inspiration from her understated makeup look, here at SIN Fashion and Beauty we are getting set for spring/summer. This easy to recreate look offers the perfect combination of subtlety and class, the minimal makeup is also a bonus as it allows your skin to breathe. This makeup look incorporates one of this season’s big trends, the faux freckle trend. Of course that isn’t necessary to achieve this look and Emma’s are pretty natural we would imagine! The key to this trend is a light weight foundation or even a BB cream; you want to keep the skin looking as fresh as possible. The main focus of this look is in the brows, adding a wash of colour to the eyes and lips. This simple look will have you feeling more like a beauty than a beast in the warmer months ahead.
Products:
NYX – High voltage lipstick in “Flutter Kisses” €7.75 Rimmel – Professional eyebrow pencil €4.69 Catrice – Kohl kajal pencil in “Black” €2.30 Cailyn – BB touch fluid compact €29.95 Stila - Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in “Smoky Storm” €26.10
Irish Professor Donal O’Shea (Ireland’s leading obesity expert) has spoken out recently against the ‘plus size revolution’ in modelling. Twenty-seven ‘plus size’ models were seen on the catwalks during New York fashion week this year, the most in the event’s history. O’Shea puts forward the viewpoint that ‘curvy’ models are sending out the wrong message and ‘normalising something that isn’t normal’. First of all ‘plus size’ does not necessarily mean “unhealthy”. A plus size woman is classified as being a UK size twelve and up, it’s unfair to generalise and suggest that all ‘plus size’ women are overweight. This is simply not true. Take for example the plus size model Robyn Lawley; a size twelve model. She is incredibly toned and has a personal trainer, a
quick glance at her Instagram page and there is the perception that she eats quite healthily. Take one look at her pictures and it’s impossible to say that she is fat. This opinion seems to be shared by many on this side of the pond also. In an interview by the Irish Times in 2014, with Irish plus size model Brianna Connaughton she expressed that ‘being plus sized does not necessarily mean that you’re unhealthy nor does being a straight-up slim model’. Why is it we look at models like Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner and think “wow they’re so skinny, they must be extremely healthy” when some of these people are close to be dangerously underweight. Being underweight is just as dangerous as being overweight and this fact should be more prominent in the media. Besides all of this, it is important
that women’s bodies should be celebrated, regardless of size. O’Shea’s points can be understood but he over-generalises. Likening plus sized models to sumo-wrestlers is a bit of an extreme. It is important to be healthy. Obesity is becoming a major problem in Ireland, and the issue needs to be addressed. Despite this, it is unfair to attack plus size models who are trying to make a positive difference. Most people do not have the same proportions as Heidi Klum, in other words, we’re not all 5ft 11 and size 6. All different types of bodies should be represented in the media because there are millions of different sized women in the world. However, it is refreshing to see the figure of an average sized woman being represented on runways and in magazines - more familiar woman that we can relate to.
REVIEW: Vichy Dermablend By Michelle Hannigan Firstly if you’re as pale as I am then you know the absolute struggle of trying to find the perfect foundation-both in terms of shade and lasting factor. It’s an all too common issue for Irish girls. I picked up the palest shade of Vichy’s Dermablend: 05, porcelain. It’s still a bit dark for me but it’s the closest I’ve ever managed to get to my shade. (Tip: the Body Shop sell a foundation lightener for €17 for those in need). The coverage of this foundation is amaz-
ing; a small bit goes a long way. I have very oily skin so most foundations cause issues for me, and unfortunately this foundation isn’t an exception but it is the best I have used so far. If I keep up a routine of makeup remover, facemasks (Lush’s ‘Mask of Magnaminty’) and non-oil based moisturiser then it really helps. And a dab of translucent powder goes a long way. It covers redness, dark circles and any small marks you may have and doesn’t feel cakey. For around €21.99 it’s not exactly a cheap
‘everyday’ foundation but it lasts ages so it is worth the investment. Boots have a “2 for 1” offer at the moment which includes Vichy so stocking up when chemists have these offers is brilliant. It’s also fragrance and paraben free and can last up to 16 hours, although a dab with a fluffy brush mid-day is not unusual for me. Overall, it’s not the cheapest foundation out there but sometimes products are worth the investment and a good foundation is half the makeup battle. We at SIN Fashion and beauty definitely recommend!
FAISE AN
March 14 2017
Best and Worst dressed:
BRIT AWARDS 2017
17
By Aileen O’Leary We are in awards season folks. This issue I’ll be taking a look at the best and worst dressed at the Brit awards. One of the biggest nights in music on this side of the Atlantic, the annual event had a few memorable moments but the style was definitely the most unforgettable part. Let’s dive in with the five best and worst of the night.
1. MOLLY KING:
2. MICHELLE KEEGAN:
3. HOLLY WILLOUGHBY:
4. EMMA WILLS:
5. LIANNE LA HAVAS:
The former band member of the short lived Saturdays stunned in a shimmering mini and fur stole, the perfect combo of glamour and style.
Be still our beating hearts, the gorgeous bru-
Everyone’s favourite This Morning host looked gorgeous on the red carpet in sequin mini. Paired with sleek heels it was award show glam but not too formal for the Brits.
Co-host of the show, Wills looked simply stunning on the red carpet, proving style can be simple but elegant at the same time.
Pulling off sheer, shimmer and embroidered in this look paired with a choker. Effortless and jaw dropping.
BEST DRESSED
nette beauty kept it classic and simple on the red carpet, proof that you don’t need to go “OTT” to make a statement.
2. CHARLI XCX:
3. LOUISA JOHNSON:
4.NICOLE SCHERZINGER:
5. STACEY SOLOMON:
Ruffles, the attempt to pull off couture on the carpet has failed miserably. Props for trying though!
This outfit isn’t so good, frills, flares and a corset and shimmer.
Choose either the jacket or the boots Nicole, not both. Remember - less is more!
Anyone else having flash backs to underage disco days? Stacey’s outfit is giving off major throwback vibes.
WORST DRESSED
1.PIXIE LOTT: Gladiator, metallic, fringe, cut out, there’s just too much happening with this outfit.
HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF A KILO SALE By Brenda Herbert A Kilo Sale is exactly what it sounds like on the tin. Rather than pricing each garment separately, you pay for everything according to weight. This means that depending on what you pick, you can make some great savings. If you focus on light garments like shirts, shorts and summer dresses, you can get a few different pieces for a low price. On the other side of the spectrum, heavy items tend to be where you can get the most bang for your buck. While a wool coat or leather jacket might weigh an entire kilo or more, €20-€30 for either is still an incredible bargain. As a veteran kilo sale shopper I’m here to give you the lowdown on what to expect, as well as a few tips I’ve gleaned over the years.
There’s something for everyone at a kilo sale You will encounter some weird stuff, that’s for sure. I’ve been to kilo sales that stocked belly dancer costumes, wedding dresses and garish ski suits of the 1980s. But there are regular clothes too. Printed shirts, woolly jumpers, bomber jackets, 50 shades of denim and much, much more. They have items from a range of fashion trends and eras - the 90s is generally the best represented decade. Kilo sales
are a great way to inject some unique pieces into your wardrobe. You can experiment with different shapes and patterns and, if you keep an open mind, you might just find something really special.
Asthma and allergies Kilo sales are great big dust monsters. They’ve got old clothes, they’ve got wool, they’ve got fur, and sometimes they have feathers. For someone with asthma or hay-fever related allergies, this can be catastrophic! I’m not exaggerating. Before you do anything else, make sure that you bring your inhaler, your antihistamines or whatever you take to manage your allergies.
Don’t think, just grab it Don’t waste time agonising over every item you put in your bag. If you like it, throw it in your bag and keep shopping. The time for being critical about your purchases will come later.
Don’t pay attention to the sizes Sizing metrics are always changing, so it’s not surprising that vintage clothes can be sized inconsistently. Listen to your own judgement before the redundant number on the label.
The clothes will not be segregated according to gender As far as I am concerned, there is no such thing as a woman’s dress or a man’s shirt. There are simply dresses and shirts. At the kilo sale, there is no men’s or women’s sections. Everything is organised according to garment type, making it easy to flip through everything and grab whatever you like. You are the only person who decides what you wear, so don’t let preconceptions about gender stop you from rocking your style.
There might not be changing rooms I’m a firm believer in of not buying something until I’ve tried it on, but the lack of changing rooms can complicate this. With a little preparation, you can overcome this problem. It all depends on what you wear on the day. For the ladies, I’d recommend a long skirt. This can give you a little privacy when trying on shorts, trousers and skirts. A tight fitting vest top is great too. It won’t mess with how the clothes sit on your body, but it will offer a little bit more coverage. For the fellas, I’d say the something similar. If you don’t feel comfortable trying on clothes out in the open, see if you can wear something underneath your clothes that might make it
easier. If you’re going with a group of people, the human wall is also a viable option.
Time to weigh up You can get your bag weighed as many times as you want, with no obligation to buy anything. It’s easy to get carried away, so if your bill is higher than you expected you can step off to the side and reconsider some items. This is the time for difficult decisions; friends can be invaluable, but only if they promise to be honest.
Inspect the clothes carefully before buying them These are vintage pieces and while most of them are in good condition, there can be a few stained or torn garments that slip through the cracks. Also, wash everything before you wear it. Vintage clothes have long histories. It’s part of what makes them great, but it can also make them musty.
And finally... you do you No one else likes your favourite garment? Never fear, that’s just part of the game. Kilo sales are about going outside the box. So if you like it, you should get it.
18 L I F EST Y L E
SIN Vol. 18 Issue 11
HOMEMADE FACE MASKS: what to choose for your skin blues By Brigid Fox
apply generously to face, wait for 10-15 mins and voila!
As March seizes us for another most likely rainy and miserable month, it seems our skin can be the first one to be affected by the harsh weather. With shallow pockets and skint bank accounts creating a face mask from bits and pieces lying around the kitchen is the easiest and most fun way to pamper your face. This list will outline skin problems and how simple foods can get rid of them, it couldn’t be easier!
Oily Skin Is your skin prone to break outs, and to excess oil leaving you with a shiny appearance? Yoghurt and lemon juice are here to help. Mixing two big spoons of yoghurt with one/two teaspoons of lemon juice diluted in water and leave on skin for 15 mins then wash off completely. This mixture helps to exfoliate, tighten and brighten the skin.
Dry Skin
Acne
One of the first things that happens when the cold Galway wind hits your vulnerable face is it dries right up. If you struggle with this prob-
As nearly everyone has experienced acne at some point in their lives it’s not surprising it is a regular annoyance for a lot of people. In regards to homemade face masks and acne prone skin, honey, cinnamon and lemon juice are your friends. Mix two big spoons of honey, one tea spoon of cinnamon and one tea spoon of diluted lemon juice together; the cinnamon will create a paste that you can apply easily to your skin and wait 10-15 mins. Then wash off and enjoy your fresh face!
lem there are a couple of simple solutions. Honey and coconut oil are perfect for hydrating skin and giving it a really lovely glow. It can be used regularly and with other ingredients (for example a tea spoon of diluted lemon juice and honey help get rid of acne). Bananas also help moisturise your skin while reducing redness. Mix ingredients together,
€2.00 OFF COUPON Valid until March 10th
Redness and Dull Skin Late nights and early starts can leave your skin dull, tired and tight leading to patches of redness to deal with. To help fight back a combination of honey, cinnamon and cucumber brightens your face and reduces signs of redness and a dull completion. Mix the honey and cinnamon together while adding a small scoop of mushed up cucumber slices – a perfect homemade remedy for a fresh face! An additional note for all home made face mask enthusiasts if in need of a homemade face and body scrub mix two big spoons
8 simple rules for helping your mental health this month By Brigid Fox As week twelve in college approaches, stress levels can be at an all-time high, meaning our mental health can take a few bashings. When exam times and college deadlines start to build up maintaining good mental health is inevitably a priority. Here are eight simple rules - no, not for dating my teenage daughter - but to help your mental health during the coming month.
Open up Talking to a friend, a member of your family, a guided professional or even your dog can help your mental state in a tremendous way. Let them know your burdens and worries. Express how you’ve been feeling over the past couple of days and what type of stress you may be under. “A problem shared is a problem halved”.
Let it out Built up emotions, stress and worries can be the worst thing for mental health especially at points like this in the semester. Wondering how to let it go? Scribble thoughts into a notepad and let your mind rant, scream into a pillow, go for a long walk and let yourself breathe. Life can get hectic which can leave your head in a cloud of confusion, taking time out can help you feel revitalised and strengthened.
Download that app
Henchy’s
Within giving yourself some breathing room meditation can be the best way to keep your head clear, collected and calm. Apps such as Conscious, Mindfulness and Headspace (all writer tested and approved) can help you achieve a feeling of serenity quickly and easily with helpful exercises every day. Well worth taking up the memory space on your phone.
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of honey and brown sugar adding a small spoon of lemon juice and exfoliate the skin gently. The brown sugar works to get away any dead skin while the honey moisturises and soothes. Ideal for a fresh, gentle, budget scrub! NOTE: All methods and ingredients have been tested and approved but in case of a bad reactions to any of the masks try out the ingredients on the skin and leave for five to ten minutes before applying the complete mask. If skin reacts wash off and do not use as part of the face mask. Otherwise you’re good to go!
You know those motivational speeches you give your friends when they’re struggling with something that makes them feel like they
can conquer the world? Do that for yourself. Remind yourself of how far you’ve come and challenge yourself to be better in any way possible. This helps your confidence grow and motivation soar, improving your mental health.
Organise Keeping your mental health in check is more than just meditation and motivational speeches. Organisation is the key to a stressfree life. Planning ahead allows time to figure out what really needs to be done and stops that pile up of essays/assignments that most of us know all too well can happen very easily.
Colour It’s no wonder kids are so carefree with all the colouring they get up to! Buying cheap crayons and a colouring book from Dealz is not just a good method to keep you entertained when your housemate watches their fourth episode of Emmerdale, it can help calm anxiety, aid sleep and of course improve your colouring skills!
Treat yo’ self What better way to de stress from college mayhem than to pick up something that you really deserve. You’ve already gotten through the past two months of college a small treat is exactly what’s needed to start this new month off to a good start. Try doing something with friends, a trip to Salthill and the aquarium, or go see a movie in the cinema and get coffee afterwards. You’ll feel better in no time!
Put things into perspective Yes exams, coursework and assignments are very important, there is little doubt about that - but keeping a healthy state of mental health is, and always will be, the priority. Good mental health will always surpass the importance of exams in the long run and that’s why focusing on what’s really important can help to calm nerves and relieve some of the stress.
NÓS MAIRE ACHTÁLA
March 14 2017
19
Do the Arts really benefit your life? By Sequoia Hornsby In a city destined to be the European Capital of Culture 2020, where even the wet cobblestones seem to reflect art back at you, it can feel like the arts are everywhere. The city thrums with creativity, with the drive to produce art. But what if you’re not a “creative” person? Can the arts really make an impact on your life? If you don’t participate in them, it could be a struggle to understand the significance and relevance of all the creative arts. The value they hold is primarily intrinsic, and is therefore not always immediately obvious. Most of us do acknowledge the need for it, but that
is different from truly comprehending its value and appreciating what it can offer us. In a culture increasingly criticised for its consumerism, the creative arts offer us insight into the intricacies of the human condition. Consuming music, dance, theatre, literature, the visual arts, any of the creative modes of expression offers incredible benefits. They let you see the beauty humanity is capable of. Perhaps what you find beautiful is unimaginably different from me, in fact, I hope so. It is this variety which is vital to the survival of humanity. They offer the chance to explore how we view the world, even if this is by transporting you to another one, or another time, or another life.
"Consume art. Voraciously. Consume art from your community, from your home, from Galway. Consume Irish art, European, art from all around the globe (from off it too if you can get your hands on any)."
DIY: how to procrastin-art By Sequoia Hornsby The best type of procrastination occurs when you don’t even realise what you’re doing. If you get it right, you can waste hours and hours of your time, and not even feel guilty about it (until afterwards). You just have to be creative about it - there is more to this than doodling in the margins of your refill pad. The first step is to head over to Pinterest for inspiration, to get an idea of what you’d like to make. Wherever possible, try to begin with things you already have lying about, because recycling or reusing makes it cheaper and is better for the environment. If you can’t decide what to make, here are a few DIY activities that should be so absorbing you forget about whatever assignment it is you’re avoiding and help you to come back to it with a clearer head afterwards. Just think of them as a few tips and tricks to add a bit of creativity to your life!
Draw Personalise your college supplies by using Sharpies to cover them with fun designs. Use a gold Sharpie to draw tribal or henna patterns on your pencil case. If you want to decorate a copy or a folder, it might look better if you cover it with brown paper first, and then draw onto that. This is a deceptively easy thing to do, and can be very absorbing, espe-
cially if you are concentrating on a repetitive pattern. This technique can also be used to embellish other things, such as your phone case or a plain pair of canvas shoes, if you’re confident - or reckless - enough.
Cut Make a strand of bunting to give your room character. Find some card or paper with a pattern you like on it, or choose a variety of block colours, and cut it into triangles. Glue them equidistance apart along a length of twine, and blue-tack it to your wall. The length of bunting can be as long as you want, whether it stretches exuberantly all the way across your room or is just a short, delicate strand above your bed. If you’re up for the effort, you could make the bunting out of cheap tea-towels with a pretty pattern or colour, and sew the triangles in place.
Conversely, they can bring your focus into this one thing, making you feel present and miraculously alive, fragile and exalting in the face of reality. We need the arts to learn from the past, to dream of the future and to understand the present, and see the ways other people view the world, their unique and subjective perspectives, because these reveal universal truths. Without art how would we discuss the experience that is life? How would we understand it? The arts also provide an opportunity to gain insight into yourself, to investigate what makes you the person you are and who that person is. They can validate your emotions, and give you new perspectives on things, on yourself. Consuming the arts can be cathartic, inspiring, motivating, upsetting, uplifting, and more. There are as many ways to experience it as there are people. Watching a dancer perform can evoke both joy and sorrow, reawakening your sense of astonishment at life. Something in the world has recognised you, or you have recognised yourself in it. Consuming art with others also helps us to connect with people and the world we live in. Watching an artistic performance with others builds a sense of inclusion through this collective experience. Awe at witnessing something greater than yourself can help you transcend the limitations of being an individual, especially when sharing it with others, as this creates a primal feeling of connection within the audience. More tangibly, it leads to connection by providing access to a community, to a group of people who are all passionate
about the same thing. Not only do we benefit from consuming the art, but the artists, the people who create, they do as well. I urge you to engage, and react. It is all a type of discourse, about the way we experience the world, and dialogue is necessary. Let these people know that what they do matters, that you care, that it affects you. If you turn down an alley off of Shop Street and there is a man playing the concertina, don’t just drop a coin in his hat as you stride by. Listen to the music, how it sounds between these old walls, the way it contains something of both loss and hope. Pause - or at least slow down - and smile. Ultimately, the arts are about communication. A human shares something about the world they see, and it is our duty to let them know their creation has resonated with us in some way, whether it moves us deeply, or just makes our footstep a little lighter. Artistic creation is an attempt at communication, and communicating creates connection, and connection matters. It benefits the whole world. It benefits you. So, consume art. Voraciously. Consume art from your community, from your home, from Galway. Consume Irish art, European, art from all around the globe (from off it too if you can get your hands on any). It will help you learn about other people, and learn about yourself, and there’s nothing more relieving than feeling that someone, somehow, has understood you.
stick to one or two colours there’s more of a chance you’ll actually wear it. Make sure to wear gloves and cover the floor with bin-bags, as you don’t want to end up staining everything else you own as well.
book with photos, or glue them onto an empty shoebox and turn it into a handy storage box for your room.
Glue Making a collage in real life is undeniably more fun than making one for Facebook. Cut out photos of you and your friends, or just tear pages out of old magazines, and glue them onto anything you want. Stick with the traditional method and make a collage of friends, good memories and things you love, and hang it on your wall. You could also cover a note-
You now have a newly hand-crafted item to show for your troubles. If it was a success, the pride may help alleviate your procrastination guilt. You can use it to transform your room into a creative oasis, a comfortable and artsy retreat where you can hide from the realities of deadlines and academic referencing styles. If what you made was a failure, it doesn’t matter, because you have an excuse to start again, or try something different. Who knows, maybe it’ll even motivate you to finish that assignment!
Dye If you can rope a few people into it, tie-dyeing t-shirts is fun and entertaining in a group, and it’s always exciting to see how the t-shirts turn out. This is the perfect way to use old white clothes, especially if they are already stained. You’ll also need fabric dye, as many plastic bottles as you have colours of dye, and an avalanche of rubber bands. Using a rainbow of colours has an intense effect, so if you
A little bit of DIY art can transform your bedroom into a relaxing space to be enjoyed.
20 LI F E ST Y L E By Cathy Lee
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SIN Vol. 18 Issue 11
"...THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT..." T
t’s true to say that our interests and hobbies have changed and developed recently because of the role that the internet is playing in our lives. It’s easier to become self-taught, and for that skill of dedicating your own time to practise something to
become something normal and not extraordinary. It’s certainly cost effective and from what I’ve seen, some can make a great job of it. Those people being YouTube Vloggers or even online bloggers. They’ve found their niche and they’re willing to share it. I think that’s something we can celebrate in the 21st century.
Applications are relatively cheap things for the amount of content you get. There’s a huge education category that can help you with things such as the Driver Theory Test to improving Into makeup? There's an app for that.
basic French vocab.
But I will say that I cherish the memories of attending the various classes the majority of us were thrown into in the local community centre. It was a great way to meet friends from different schools and to develop a unique interest together. I guess that in itself is something priceless. But isn’t it time to move on? Time to put something in your life that’s manageable, fun and worthwhile. That sense of achievement doesn’t have to come from the approval of an instructor. Watching videos or reading blogs is a very secluded thing. Something usually done alone in a bedroom into the late hours when the idea of bettering yourself really comes to the forefront of the mind. I guess that doesn’t have to be the case though. Next time you invite friends over for Netflix or night of catch-ups, why not throw on something on YouTube and teach your group something different? Honestly the categories out there are endless. You really do have so much to get choosing from. The phrase “there’s an app for that” came about a couple of years back when the obsession with apps on smartphones came about. The free app of the week, the app charts and the categories out there on the likes of iTunes or Android Playstore were all the tech-heads could talk about. But really, there is an app for everything. It’s just a matter of finding the right one for you. Applications are relatively cheap things for the amount of content you get from just one app. There’s a huge education category
Want to get interactive with your fitness routine? There's an app for that. that can help you with things such as the Driver Theory Test to improving basic French vocab. With the social media world growing and developing all the time as well, following and keeping up with online trends has never been better. Equipping yourself with the right tools for this is essential though to avoid the unnecessary content that doesn’t meet your requirements.
he best way to find out what apps are out there is to talk among your friends and peers and see what they rely on. What apps do they use most often and have they noticed the appearance of any good ones. At the moment everyone has gone mad for counting their steps and trying to reach the daily 10,000 recommendation. The SU is even putting on a trial for the month of March to challenge students to try achieve the goal for the coming month. Well, if you had the app for it, I think you’d be ahead of the game. Honestly, personal development is hard work and it really is a
Don't know your right of way from your wrong? There's an app for that. commitment. Having the tools around you such as apps is such a help. If you are looking for ways for self-improvement, I would recommend starting with simply discovering the world of online apps that may be just in your pocket or at your desktop. It’s a huge world to discover. A brand new interest or hobby could come out of just taking that step. There’s also a huge online community with blogs and vlogs and from what I’ve seen of them, the majority are friendly and happy to help beginners. This new way of doing things is very interactive and that being said, you can get the feedback on something if you’re willing to ask for it. Whether you’re an MUA fan and like to follow those accounts to have your contour stand out on campus, or if you’re trying to get into fitness, there is so much out there. It’s all about looking around and really, it doesn’t take too much time at all - although it’s easy to get lost in the online world sometimes as there’s a lot going on. Don’t give up just yet! When you find something you like, bookmark it – save the link, go back again if you need to. Practise makes perfect. There’s a whole world out there so why not enjoy it? As I’ve said, it’s all at your fingertips. And the beauty of it? You don’t have to trudge out in the rain to your class, it’s just about having that good internet connection.
Need help discovering new apps? There's an app for that. (Actually, there are several.)
C U LT Ú R
March 14 2017
Childhood classics that still make us bawl By Aileen O’Leary For all millennials and 90s babies out there, prepare for major feels as we countdown five of the best tear-jerker films from childhood. These bad boys are not just Disney movies, we’ve got some Pixar and Warner Brother’s classics so check out ten of the best tear-jerkers right here in SIN.
that reference, then please sit yourself down and watch this cult classic in animation. At the forefront of a new age in animated movies The Lion King told the story of a lion returning to his pride to claim his throne that his uncle had stolen from him years earlier through a murderous vengeance. It’s an absolute gem, not to mention the amazing soundtrack.
My Girl
Free Willy
Vada and Thomas J’s friendship was almost too pure to be real. This film really tugs at the heartstrings - and for those who haven’t seen it we won’t spoil it for you - but that ending scene… It makes us cry, and not just cry, but ugly cry. It also stars every 90s kids bestie Macaulay Culkin before he was home alone.
If you did not sob watching this cheesefest of emotion then what kind of heartless monster are you? The film follows the unlikely bond between a young delinquent, Jesse, and a killer whale, Willy. Together their bond brings out the best in one another and we still blubber watching that bay scene – gets us every time. If you’ve never heard of it, we’re so sorry you were deprived of this experience as a child.
The Lion King Mufasa forever. If you don’t understand
Lilo and Stitch A modern version of E.T, featuring a young Hawaiian girl Lilo who is being raised by her older sister, Nani, after their parent’s death. With a social worker watching over them, Lilo adopts a strange looking dog, only to realise that Stitch is not a dog but an alien created by mad scientist Dr Jumba. This film is a tear-jerker and if you don’t cry when Stitch says ‘ohana means family’ you must have a heart of stone.
The Goonies Not only is this a film that tests the bonds of true friendship, it also showed us that the Goonies were a representation of curiosity and childhood innocence. We cried, we laughed, blubbered a bit at the end, but this was one of the greatest kid’s films.
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PREVIEW: How to Murder Your Life by Cat Marnell By Caoimhe Tully Back in the day - before people could become famous through Snapchat or Instagram - there was this thing called interning at magazines. This is how Cat Marnell got her foot in the door of her dream job, ambitiously working her way up - and also probably why I am dying to get my hands on her memoir. Marnell dreamed of being an editor since she was a child, and while she was creative, ambitious, and enviably beautiful enough to conquer the industry, her addiction to prescription drugs made it a struggle. With her psychiatrist father feeding the addiction with Adderall prescriptions, the book tells of how it all spiralled into junkie territory, landing her in rehab and derailing the admirable career she had built for herself in the process. The (hopefully very honest) memoir is a tale of her rise and fall in the industry, and how she dealt with living a double life, before deciding to try and get (semi-)clean. You may be familiar with her name, because she ironically became health and beauty editor at XOJANE, and rose to internet sensation through her scandalous beauty-based articles that alluded to her drug use at the time.
I’m drawn to the book, because I’m hoping for an honest glimpse behind the scenes of this competitive industry… perhaps it’s not so glamourous after all!
I’m also interested in how someone of such determination and talent can fall victim to the control of addiction, and what kind of life this leads to. I’ve read some of Cat Marnell’s online content over the years, so I’m hoping the same energetic writing voice and creative talent will shine through. Find out how I got on in the next edition of SIN!
What’s going on in Galway: 7 – 20 March By Róisín McMahon
The following is a list of upcoming events taking place around Galway during this period 7 – 20 March.
Seachtain na Gaeilge Festival, 1 – 17 March Seachtain na Gaeilge is an annual celebration of the Irish language, culture, and heritage. It promotes the use of the Irish language to all generations, and encourages people to continue using it to pass on to future generations. The festival itself has become the largest of its kind and has something of interest for everyone, whether you are Irish or not. The event is organised by Conradh na Gaeilge and takes place in Club Áras na Gael, on 45 Dominic Street. More information on the festival can be found at www. arasnangeal.ie.
Muscailt Arts Festival, 6 – 10 March The title of this event means to celebrate and inspire. This Spring Arts festival is hosted by NUI Galway, and this year marks its 17th anniversary. The festival consists of a week of art, music, and performance which all takes place on campus, and the college invites all staff, students, alumni, and the public to take part in this event.
Blossoms at the Róisín, 9 March Blossoms, a British band formed in 2013, hit the top of the album charts when their eponymous record debuted at number one last summer – and they’re hitting the Róisín Dubh. The band are currently enjoying critical acclaim, receiving 4* from Mojo, NME, the Evening Standard, and the Independent. Tickets are priced at €12.50, and the gig starts at 9pm. For further information and to purchase tickets, head to www.roisindubh.net.
Taibhdhearc Theatre, and Galway Theatre Festival will all be involved in the parade, along with community groups such as Foróige, GAA clubs, and the Russian Culture Club. The parade will conclude with Macnas presenting their youth ensemble, before Gamelan na Gaillimhe mark the end of the parade by chiming with their Indonesian gongs. For more information on the Galway St Patrick’s Day parade, visit http://www.galwaystpatricksparade.com.
Harry Potter Pub Crawl, 10 March
2017 Couch to 5K
Coyotes are holding a Harry Potter Pub Crawl starting at 7pm on Friday 10 March. The event will cost €12. There are prizes for best-dressed on the night, including two tickets for the Harry Potter Museum in London, and a two-night stay in the Harry Potter Hotel in London.
This 9-week programme begins on 18 March, and its main aim is to have participants build up a solid level of fitness so that by the last week, everyone taking part will be able to successfully complete a 5k run with no breaks. The course is completely free, and it is a mentored programme which aims to encourage running to all. You don’t need to purchase any new equipment, such as runners or workout gear to take part, whatever you have at home will do perfectly. The session occurs every Saturday, wherein participants will receive ‘homework’ that they must complete before the following week. The session begins at 8am and lasts roughly 45 minutes, and takes place at ‘Gotta Run’, an tSráid Mhor, Oranmore. Anyone who wishes to take part must register for the event on www.eventbrite.ie.
St Patrick’s Day, 17 March This year marks the 114th anniversary of the Galway St Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade starts at approximately 11.30am and will last until around 1pm. The aim of the parade is to showcase local artists and community groups, while celebrating the different cultures and talents that exist throughout the county of Galway. The parade is to mirror a carnival atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. Galway Arts Centre, Colours Street Theatre, an
22 A RT S & E N T E RTAIN M EN T
SIN Vol. 18 Issue 11
The essential sequel and reboot guide for 2017 By Stephen James If you love a good reboot or sequel to sink your teeth into, SIN’s got you covered.
Logan – In cinemas now Logan has only just hit cinemas, and if you haven’t seen it yet, make sure it’s on your to-do list. It serves as a sequel to both the main X-Men film series, and its spin-off Wolverine series. It will be the first R-rated film of the series, and Hugh Jackman’s last outing as the immortal mutant. It is sure to be an emotional goodbye to the actor, after spending 17 years playing the character. It will also introduce us to Wolverine’s clone, X-23, a ferocious young girl who is a favourite amongst X-Men fans.
KONG: SKULL ISLAND OUT 10 MARCH
Everybody knows King Kong at this stage, what with this being the eighth film to feature the giant gorilla since 1933. This latest offering boasts an exceptional cast made up of Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, and Samuel L. Jackson. And Kong himself is said to be bigger than ever before in this one. Which is good, as he is set to go head-to-head against another famous monster, when the sequel to this film, Godzilla V Kong, rolls into cinemas in 2020, as part of the planned MonsterVerse.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST OUT 17 MARCH
Disney fans are in for a treat on St. Patrick’s Day when the live-action remake of Beauty and the
Beast dances into cinemas. Emma Watson has been perfectly cast as Belle, with Dan Stevens taking on the role of the Beast. As well as that, acting royalty in the form of Ian McKellan, Emma Thompson, and Ewan McGregor will be voicing some of the famous inhabitants of the Beast’s enchanted castle. Disney remakes always attract huge crowds, and this is sure to be no different.
THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS
it would be “too weird”. They couldn’t have been more wrong. The first was a huge success, and the sequel is likely to be as well received. All the titular Guardians return, as well as Yondu and Nebula, played by Michael Rooker and Karen Gillian respectively. And Pom Klementieff joins the cast as new hero Mantis, who boasts the powers of plant manipulation and accelerated healing. The trailers have caused a huge buzz, especially around the hilarious Baby Groot scenes, so this should be huge when it lands in cinemas.
OUT 14 APRIL
You would think that after seven films, The Fast and the Furious franchise would show signs of slowing down. Not the case. After the tragic death of original star Paul Walker, it looked as if the series would be laid to rest with him. However, it was then announced that a final trilogy of films will be released that will bring the series to a close, with this being the first of the three. This time round, it looks as if Dom (played by series stalwart Vin Diesel) has turned to a life of crime and in the process, turned his back on his friends. Charlize Theron joins the cast as Cipher, the main villain of the film. Even Helen Mirren is getting in on the action, though her role remains a mystery at this stage. Here’s hoping we see her behind the wheel, partaking in a spot of geriatric drag-racing.
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY: VOL 2
WONDER WOMAN OUT 2 JUNE
You would be forgiven for thinking that Wonder Woman is a reboot or remake of a previous film, given that the character is over seventy-five years old. But, amazingly, this is her first outing on the big screen. The film is part of the DC Cinematic Universe and sees Diana Prince, played once again by Gal Gadot following her debut in last year’s Batman V Superman, leave her homeland of Themyscira to bring an end to World War 1. Gadot is an excellent choice for the role, and the trailers look promising, so hopefully this can steady the DC films ship, which hasn’t got off to the strongest of starts.
THE MUMMY OUT 9 JUNE
OUT 5 MAY
It’s hard to believe, but back before the first Guardians of the Galaxy was released, Marvel were worried that people wouldn’t take to it. They thought that even for a comic book movie,
she thinks is hers: the world. This looks like a bit of fun, but it could get swallowed up by some of the bigger blockbusters this summer.
KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE OUT 6 OCTOBER
The first Kingsman film was a runaway success, and turned Taron Egerton into a household name. This sequel has been delayed a bit, but it is now due to drop in October. The cast is frankly incredible, as joining Egerton will be Jeff Bridges, Elton John, Vinny Jones, Julianne Moore, Channing Tatum, Halle Berry and Mark Strong, amongst others. This will be a must see for action meets comedy fans.
MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS OUT 22 NOVEMBER
One of the most famous murder mysteries from the incredible Agatha Christie is getting a remake. The cast is amazing, boasting the likes of Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Judi Dench, Penelope Cruz and Daisy Ridley to name a few. It’s a great story, and really keeps you guessing right to the end, so it should be a popular choice amongst film goers at the end of the year.
STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII OUT 15 DECEMBER
The Mummy series was in much need of a reboot. This time, Tom Cruise takes over from Brendan Fraser, to fight the evil Princess Ahmanet, played by Sofia Boutella (who looks terrifying in the trailers). She has been resurrected to take back what
There is no need to say too much about this one. Star Wars has a huge following, and this sequel will feature Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia for the last time, after her tragic death last year.
MOVIE REVIEW: The Space Between Us By Orla Carty Oh, I know, I know. Reviewing this movie? During Oscar-worthy-movie season? How dare I? But, alas, I come bearing sense. You’ll all see a gazillion reviews on each of those – shall we say – more accolade-worthy films. What you won’t read is anything on the latest chick flick to bless our screens, and I know how many of you would prefer that anyway.
Well, that, and I happened to see it extremely recently. On Valentine’s Day to be precise. Ooh, romantic. Except for the fact that my housemate and I were actually on a friend date that also involved buying helium balloons for each other and cocktails-to-go, but I digress. The Space Between Us actually really surprised me. I watched two different trailers beforehand and went in expecting unrealistic teen bubble-gum that would warm my icy
This is one of those rare young adult films that has depth as well as being easy-watching material. It has all the heart-warming feels of young love for those who enjoy that vibe, but also the fantasy elements and humour to sustain anyone else.
heart by making it spasm with sympathy at cringe-worthy moments. Don’t get me wrong – those moments definitely existed – but it was of a lot better quality than I thought it would be. The movie, for anyone unaware, is about a boy who was born on Mars. Astronauts finally have found a way to get to Mars (quite relevant actually) and one of them ends up having a child while over there. Although the settlement he ends up in gains a lot of new members over time, Gardener longs for friends his own age. He connects online with a girl named Tulsa, back in Earth, but lies to her about a medical condition as it’s unknown whether he can survive away from Mars. Finally, the decision is made to test the waters and he’s sent over, which is when the storyline properly takes off. The beginning of the film is really cinematic, with great scenes detailing the original astronauts travelling through space. The writing doesn’t lean too heavily on over-emotional drama, like so many teen-focused films can. Instead it stands in its own right, with some tragic scenes that feel much more authentic without the extra force. As it goes on, the melodrama does admittedly come to the fore a little, but the plot retains enough vigour to keep even the least mushy people (like myself) intrigued. It’s also held in line through the humour, which strikes a brilliant cord. Asa Butterfield (who many might remember as Bruno in The Boy in the
Striped Pyjamas) emerges as a true entertainer in the scenes where Gardener experiences Earth for the first time, in particular, the atmosphere. In several interviews he’s stated that he practised his walk a lot, in preparation for what kind of style a feather-light boy from Mars would have, and it definitely paid off. I think I barked a laugh so loud in the cinema at one point that I scared the hands of the couple in front of me out of their conjoined popcorn. Britt Robertson also held her own opposite Butterfield. Although her character was a very predictable ‘I’m so misunderstood and different’ rebellious teen stereotype, she managed to keep the audience onside with her affection toward Gardener. I mean, if you stick alongside a weird gangly boy who says he’s from Mars without turning him in to some form of adult help, I guess you are a little different. And, of course, if you’re a Harry Potter fan, seeing Gary Oldman with shoulder-length hair again is enough of a throwback to be a treat within itself. He also plays his role as CEO of Genesis, the company that sends the original crew to Mars, well. Basically this movie is one of those rare young adult films that has depth as well as being easy-watching material. It has all the heart-warming feels of young love for those who enjoy that vibe, but also the fantasy elements and humour to sustain anyone else. It’s just gone out of the cinema, but I would definitely recommend it when it comes out on DVD.
NÍL ACH AN CHUID IS LÚ DEN SCÉAL AR EOLAS AGAT
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FAIGH AN SCÉAL IOMLÁN, FAIGH AN TÁSTÁIL Beidh Clinic STI faoi rún á reáchtáil SAOR IN AISCE san Aonad Sláinte Mic Léinn, Áras na Mac Léinn
An Mháirt, 5 - 7 i.n. An Chéadaoin, 5 - 7 i.n. Déan teagmháil leis an Aonad Sláinte Mic Léinn le coinne a dhéanamh. Arna chistiú ag Ciste na dTionscadal Mic Léinn www.su.nuigalway.ie
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SPÓ IRT
March 14 2017
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NUI Galway’s Man of the Match Conor Barry humble in victory By Trevor Murray NUI Galway Men’s soccer team emerged victorious at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown over IT Tallaght in the CUFL Division 1 final at the end of February on a score-line of 2-1. Attacking midfielder Conor Barry proved instrumental in securing the win thanks to an eye-catching Man of the Match performance in the number 10 role. Evan Boyce and Eoin Whelan netted both goals for John “Jumbo” Brennan’s charges in the opening 45 before Tallaght pulled one back in the second half, but NUI Galway had enough in reserve to hold out for the positive result which saw them earn a memorable promotion to the Premier Division. SIN caught up with Man of the Match Barry, who is also the team’s captain, following his integral role in the terrific outcome. “We’re absolutely delighted, it was a tough game,” Barry said. “Tallaght turned up to be fair to them and we did as well, but conditions were atrocious, to be honest, probably the worst conditions I’ve ever played in, between the wind and the rain. The surface was good, it was hard to get the ball down, but when we did we played well and eventually got the two goals and took them very well and got the win in the end.” Barry was singled out as ‘one to watch’ for the Collingwood Cup by thirdlevelfootball.ie and had a big task in battling against the blustery conditions which were not at all conducive to neat, passing football. Providing a creative role in a central position, he was successful in allowing his flair a decent platform, but remained coy in giving himself too much praise. “We all played very well, we had to play as a team – we had to be compact and be together because of the conditions,” he commented. “To be honest, anyone could have picked up the Man of the Match award because we all
played well, but on the day whenever I got on the ball I tried to be composed on it. Because a lot of the ball was in the air, I tried to get it on the ground and keep it on the ground.” It was a tactic that paid dividends for the Corribsiders, and proves that this side are adaptable to conditions and surfaces. Moreover, it shows that they have earned their promotion through sophisticated football, and are not keen to rely on long balls. With the majority of the squad here to stay for next season, too, we should see more of the same. “Next season we’re only missing two or three from this year’s squad you could say,” Barry explains. “Two of our centre midfielders are missing from the starting XI and everyone else is available for next year, so it’s exciting times going into next season especially with, hopefully, some new first years coming in that can add some quality. “We’re going into the Premier Division next season playing the likes of UCD and UCC so they are the teams you want to be playing week in, week out,” he added. Barry is set to head into final year come September and is currently studying for endof-semester exams, but the 21-year-old also plays League of Ireland football with Athlone Town in the SSE Airtricity League First Division. So, the Portumna native is now fully focused on helping them earn promotion to the top tier. Already, the midlands club have had an excellent start to the 2017 season with two wins from two at the time of publication over Waterford FC and Wexford FC. “To be fair, my performances have been decent with the college. We had a very good Collingwood [Cup], I did well in that as well and it was positive going into the final and now that the college season is over, we’re concentrating now on the League of Ireland. “We’re looking forward to the season ahead, it’s a big season for Athlone Town.”
DON’T BE A HERO WE ’VE GOT THIS ONE
NUIG Ladies Soccer into All-Ireland Final By Laura Carroll One goal was enough for NUI Galway to see off UCC in Dangan on Wednesday 1 March. NUI Galway Ladies Soccer faced UCC in the League Cup semi-final in Dangan. They went into this game with confidence, having played well all semester. The fortnight previous, they saw off Waterford IT 4-0, and a strong second half performance against UCD in February nearly caused a big upset for the Dublin side. The home team started off well, creating many chances, but unfortunately just not being clinical enough to convert their efforts into scores. Playing into Storm Doris didn’t deter the Galway girls however. They eventually broke the deadlock five minutes before half time, when Lisa Casserly reacted to an Aoife Walsh header in the 6 yard box. Calls for offside were ignored and NUIG went into half-time 1-0 up.
The home side did well in the second half to hold off the pressures of UCC. Chance after chance was saved by the regular back four and Louise Creaven in goal. A hailstone shower into the faces of UCC gave them a further challenge they were unable to overcome, and NUIG managed to see out the game with a clean sheet. What was a strong and determined performance from the Tribeswomen has booked them a spot in yet another All-Ireland final. They will meet UL in the WSCAI League Cup Final on Wednesday 15 March.
TEAM: Louise Creaven, Sam Taillon, Laura Carroll, Shauna Fox, Alina Cheatham, Ciara Lynagh, Mollie Farrell, Michelle Doherty, Alison McGonagle, Aoife Walsh, Lisa Casserly, vChelsi Curran, Emma Horgan, Tess Lohr, Sarah Peters, Ciara Collins, Shauna Gallagher, Sam Young.
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26 SPORT
SIN Vol. 18 Issue 11
Why the critics are wrong to tip Galway United for relegation By Trevor Murray Watching Galway United fall to a 1-0 defeat on the opening night of the SSE Airtricity Premier Division as a Gareth McCaffrey strike saw Drogheda United supporters leave Eamonn Deacy Park in fine spirits was not the ideal start for Shane Keegan and his troop of promising Tribesmen. But behind the disappointing tale of being denied maximum points was another more hopeful tale – the early signs are showing that the Corribsiders have changed into a more offensive, spirited and determined team. In the first half of their defeat to Drogs, the hosts created eight chances in contrast to Pete Mahon’s side manufacturing just the one so although it turned out to be the proverbial game of two halves, it was clear that this Galway side are having no trouble gelling together moving forward. The incision was there from the off, and although a solid pre-season would have predicted things to go well in that area of the pitch, the truth of it was that Keegan’s men were far too good for Drogheda and alongside the nine chances they wasted over the course
of the match’s 90-plus minutes, the biggest chance they failed to capitalise on of all was not bagging the three points when they should have. In the post-match press huddle following the game, the Laois native commented on the positives of United’s performance, but admitted that it ‘would be hard to sleep’ as they failed to give the Maroon Army the kick-start they were all craving in their own backyard. Defensively, they were ultimately undone by a spectacular goal – McCaffrey putting the finishing touch to a beautifully threaded ball from Sean Thornton as the 20-year-old striker, who had only recently been introduced from the substitutes’ bench, ran onto the wellweighted ball before rounding Ciaran Nugent and slotting in from a tight angle. It was an unfair result, but then again football is an unfair business at the best of times and Galway couldn’t find the equaliser as they lost their heads and started popping off shots from long range and loose balls. It was a panicked attempt at getting back into the game and it left a disappointing aftertaste in the minds of the departing home fans when the referee eventually blew his whistle. But it
won’t always be like this and one could sense it in the air as the players trudged off the pitch. Reflecting back on the team’s start to last season, they began with a bang and early on found themselves in and around the top three, vying for a European qualification spot as Tommy Dunne looked to have them playing some expansive football, a well as grinding out a draw with Cork City. By the time the curtain had come down on the 2016 campaign, however, United were near the foot of the table and Dunne had been sacked – so a good beginning is not always half the battle. Sometimes it’s a deception and can paper over the cracks that wind up appearing later.
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For Keegan, he has now received the benefit of getting one of the team’s weaknesses spelled out in bold, underlined font – they aren’t clinical enough in front of goal and won’t always be able to rely on Vinny Faherty for the goals. He might just need to call on some youthful exuberance to get them through certain tricky junctures to come. Indeed, the former Wexford Youths boss has already called up several players from the U19s so he has some reinforcements should he need them. It’s not all doom and gloom. The club have the foundations, they have strengthin-depth and they have time to tweak things. They’re still United.
The Principality Stadium in Cardiff is the stage for the climax to this year’s Champions League, two heavyweights going toe to toe in front of 75,000 people. A look back through the years would lead one to believe it won’t disappoint. It’s the occasion in which the best players in the world do battle, with stakes higher than any other of its kind. In no other competition do the titans of Barcelona, the kingpins from Munich, the behemoth that is Real Madrid and a scattering of challengers from around the continent duel in some of the most stunning venues the world has to offer. It’s not just about the individual quality of the clubs, either, because the entertainment follows close behind. Think Istanbul back in 2005. Barcelona in 1999. The Lisbon Lions, the Busby Babes, the all-conquering Los Blancos team of the 1950’s, Pep’s practically perfect Barca of the late 00’s. They all defined the era of their sport, built dynasties and the closest thing to empires one can reach in football. But none were invincible and there’s always room for the next champion. In the absence of any outright favourites, the question is: who will emerge from the pack on June 3? While the domestic leagues find the winners of each country, it can be relentless and the excitement can fizz out, especially seeing as the victors can be crowned before it’s even technically over. With the drama of knockout rounds in the UCL and a major spectacle for a finale, the overall atmosphere is added to. As with any tournament, the best team doesn’t necessarily win, but there takes a certain kind of mental strength and spirit to come out on top in a final. Chelsea’s only Champions League win is a perfect example. Bayern were almost
undoubtedly more talented on paper, but the underdogs came out on top with a late winner from legendary Blues striker Didier Drogba. Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan in 2010 also overcame the odds in their semi-final against the might of Lionel Messi and company. That wasn’t even arguably Mourinho’s biggest achievement in the competition, after his Porto side went from UEFA Cup winners in 2003 to unlikely Champions League victors in 2004. The format promotes the skill of knowing how to win regardless of the opposition or conditions, but sometimes a team comes along and everyone else can only gaze admiringly at their talent. Manchester United had two extremely well-rounded teams in 2009 and 2011, but the magic of Guardiola’s Barcelona side meant that they were simply never going to lose those finals. There’s also the fact that extra-time and penalties can occur, adding layers of excitement that simply wouldn’t happen in a league format. John Terry’s slip, Jerzy Dudek’s wobbly legs – all these kind of moments don’t seem to pop up in World Cups and European Championships. This season’s competition has provided fans all over the world with fascinating fixtures and riveting results. Paris Saint-Germain’s demolition of Barcelona and Bayern’s thrashing of Arsenal has sent the championship in a completely different direction. There was also the eight-goal thriller in the Etihad Stadium, while Leicester City’s shocking sacking of Claudio Ranieri drew huge attention to the second leg of that absorbing tie. It’s fair to say that not every team remaining realistically have a chance of winning it outright, but still, calling a winner from the contenders that are there is nigh impossible. Europe expects. Who shall deliver in the world’s greatest tournament?
SPÓ IRT
March 14 2017
27
Barcelona’s problems are not just of the footballing variety By Graham Gillespie Often in football, winning can cover up everything else that is happening at a club and sometimes a shock to the system is required for problems behind the scenes to come to light. After their crushing 4-0 defeat at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first-leg, Barcelona received one such shock leaving the rest of the football world to ask: what happened? Although the Catalan side are still well in the Spanish La Liga title race, the humbling at the Parc Des Princes, as well as the news that Luis Enrique will step down as manager in a few weeks, has brought many issues within the club to the forefront. Both on the pitch and off it. First off, let’s start by discussing what went wrong on the field of play. For a team that is usually dominant in the middle of the park, perhaps the most striking aspect of Barca’s abject performance was their midfield display. All three of the midfielders (Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Ivan
Since FC Barcelona are themselves also accused of illicit behaviour in the Neymar transfer it could be the case that the most important result of Barcelona’s season will be known after a jury’s final verdict instead of a referee’s final whistle.
Rakitic) who started in their 2015 Champions League final success against Juventus featured in the 4-0 defeat against PSG, but unfortunately for the Blaugrana two of those players find themselves well out of form this campaign. This is especially true of Busquets who is probably in the midst of his worst season. The steadying metronomic influence he exerted on games in Barcelona’s best years has not been discernible in 2016/17. It appears that this has had a knock-on effect on Iniesta who in the absence of Busquets’ usual stability doesn’t have the same degree of freedom to exploit. Andre Gomes made up the Spanish champions’ starting midfield triumvirate against the Parisians but he has not yet looked able to fit in a midfield that might now only be starting to truly miss the legendary Xavi Hernandez. Just as they might finally be missing Xavi, Barcelona may also be feeling the effect of no longer having another club legend: Dani Alves. Alves was notionally a rightback in his Camp Nou days but as his side often had so much of the
ball he was far from a traditional full back and played in a unique position much higher up the pitch. As a result, the main function he served in those teams was as an offensive weapon. The fact that Alves is one of only three players La Liga history (alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Figo) to have 100 assists and that no other player has set up Messi more at Barcelona is evidence of the effect he had on games going forward. Of course, the lethal ‘MSN’ front three haven’t performed at their breath-taking best in 2017 so far but the loss of Alves might be a contributing factor. Since leaving for Juventus, Alves has vented his frustrations about his former employer focusing particularly on those at the top of the club’s hierarchy. “The people who run Barcelona have no idea how to treat their players,” commented the Brazil international in an interview with Spanish newspaper ABC and with signings such as the aforementioned Andre Gomes, Lucas Digne and Paco Alcaser not working out, the board’s transfer policy has come under sharp criticism.
Manager Luis Enrique also should probably shoulder some blame and it might be significant that after the PSG game Busquets said they needed to be “better tactically”. However, perhaps Barcelona’s biggest problem this season has more to do with the courtroom than the football pitch. Last July, Lionel Messi got a 21-month jail sentence (which he is in the process of appealing) for tax fraud whilst Javier Mascherano received a one-year sentence. Following on from this, Neymar is now set to stand trial over corruption charges regarding his complex transfer from Santos. Regardless of whether these players intentionally committed these crimes or were just badly advised, it’s impossible to think that these cases have not had at least some negative effect on performance and team morale. Also, since FC Barcelona are themselves also accused of illicit behaviour in the Neymar transfer it could be the case that the most important result of Barcelona’s season will be known after a jury’s final verdict instead of a referee’s final whistle.
Is there any stopping Chelsea at the top of the Premier League? By Danny Keown At the beginning of the season, I did not foresee that we would be in the position with Chelsea sitting pretty perched atop the English Premier League’s summit. At the end of September, it didn’t look good for them. Chelsea had endured a rough September. After starting out their first EPL season under Antonio Conte with three up-and-down wins, they tied with lowly Swansea City, then lost two in a row to Liverpool and Arsenal. With both of those teams resurgent and Manchester City rounding into form under manager Pep Guardiola, it appeared that Chelsea’s goose was more or less cooked two months into the season. The Premier League is outlandishly competitive and coaches can get dumped over a bad two weeks’ display. However, instead of collapsing under the pressure, Chelsea have turned on the jets and now have plenty of breathing room at the summit. So, who is going to challenge the Pensioners for the title? There are sure to be more twists and turns as the season continues, but which of the top six faces the toughest run-in? Who has the
busiest schedule? And what about injuries? Chelsea’s run-in pits them against Middlesbrough, West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland in their final three games of the campaign, which suggests it is all the more important for Manchester City and Manchester United to take points off them when they go head-to-head before that. The north London derby in the final weeks of the campaign is likely to be significant, with both Tottenham and Arsenal also facing the Red Devils in their final three games of the campaign. Jose Mourinho’s side could therefore have a big say in the outcome of the title race and the battle for the top four. Chelsea are also dramatically helped by the fact that they haven’t had any European games to contend with this season. This has meant that they have not had the unruly experience of fatigue setting in to the same extent as most of their rivals, excluding Liverpool. They do not have any draining twolegged UCL ties to distract them so they can stay fresh and focused. Chelsea’s title prospects are further boosted by a completely clean bill of health. According to Physio-
room.com, Liverpool have had the most injuries to date with eight players ruled out, including Danny Ings and Dejan Lovren as well as the ever-injured Daniel Sturridge. Arsenal have only had three injuries but two of them have come to key midfielders Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey. While Guardiola’s Citizens were lately without five including Ilkay Gundogan, the goal-hungry Gabriel Jesus, Vincent Kompany, Gael Clichy and Alexander Kolarov.
Manchester United have had doubts over five players recently including Phil Jones, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Michael Carrick and James Wilson. Tottenham have had to contend with four influential players going missing like Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Danny Rose and Erik Lamela. The lack of injuries to key Chelsea players, can only be a good thing especially with the plethora of injuries sustained by the other title contenders. This in my opinion,
is the one statistic which ensures that they are in the driving seat for the title. With their current lead, it’s easy to see why Chelsea are the bookmakers’ favourites for the league title. Conte’s men are in fantastic form, they have a relatively kind run-in, and they don’t have any injury concerns as they head into a crucial period of the season. With all of these things going in their favour, it will take a miracle to stop the Blues from winning.
Soon-to-be Premier League Champions? Chelsea Football Club's 2016-17 season first team. Photo: chelseafc.com
Coiste Gnó Executive Committee
2016 - 2017 17
Vice President/Education Officer Leas Uachtarán/Oifigeach Oideachais
President Uachtarán
Vice President/Welfare Officer Leas Uachtarán/Oifigeach Leasa
su.education@nuigalway.ie 086 385 3658
su.president@nuigalway.ie 086 385 5502
su.welfare@nuigalway.ie 086 385 3659
Cathal Sherlock
Oifigeach na Gaeilge
Clíodhna Nic Giolla Chomháill
su.gaeilge@nuigalway.ie 0044 7534 459 894
Societies Chairperson Cathaoirleach na gCumann
Patrick O’Flaherty su.socs@nuigalway.ie 086 852 3417
Convenor of the College of Science Tionólaí Choláiste na hEolaíochta
Christopher Mc Brearty
su.science@nuigalway.ie 087 656 5387
660 Officer Poster.indd 1
Jimmy McGovern
Equality Officer Oifigeach Comhionnais
Daniel Khan
Mature Students’ Officer Oifigeach Mic Léinn Lánfhásta
Postgraduate Officer An tOifigeach Iarchéime
Megan Reilly
Damian Duddy
Colm Duffy
Clubs Captain Captaen na gClubanna
SU Council Chairperson | Cathaoirleach na Comhairle do Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn
Convenor of the College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies | Tionólaí Choláiste na nDán, na nEolaíochtaí Sóisialta & an Léinn Cheiltigh
su.clubs@nuigalway.ie 089 975 4741
su.council@nuigalway.ie 087 269 7232
su.equality@nuigalway.ie 086 228 3856
Caitlin Jansen
su.maturestudents@nuigalway.ie 091 524 810
Aaron Reeves
su.postgrad@nuigalway.ie 086 275 8527
Ciarán MacChoncarraige su.arts@nuigalway.ie 087 054 4499
Convenor of the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences | Tionólaí Choláiste an Leighis, an Altranais & na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte
Convenor of the College of Business, Public Policy & Law | Tionólaí Choláiste an Ghnó, an Bhearais Phoiblí agus an Dlí
Convenor of the College of Engineering & Informatics | Tionólaí Choláiste na hInnealtóireachtaagus na Faisnéisíochta
su.medicine@nuigalway.ie 087 768 7892
su.business@nuigalway.ie 087 065 5357
su.engineering@nuigalway.ie 086 026 0500
Lorcán Ó Maoileannaigh
Diarmuid Ó Curraoin
Tim Murphy
02/06/2016 11:59