F R E E S T U D E N T N E W S PA P E R , V o l . 1 2 I S S U E 5 , 1 6 . 1 1 . 2 0 1 0
National march turnout largest in a generation Pic: Eibhlin Seoighthe
Galway to hold first regional march By Grainne Coyne Over 40,000 students protested against a possible doubling of registration fee and cuts to the grant by marching on November 3rd. The march ended in violent clashes between students and Gardaí outside the Department of Finance. The march, which is the largest in a generation, began in Parnell
Square and students marched down O’Connell Street, to O’Connell Bridge, past Trinity College and finally reaching Merrion Square where the rally took place outside the Government buildings held by the USI. Some students didn’t attend the rally and went to a sit-in protest at the Department of Finance at
Merrion Row. When Gardaí attempted to remove these students, violent clashes ensued. Eggs, beer cans and protest signs were thrown at Gardaí. When the rally was completed, many students ran to the riot outside the Department of Finance. The Gardaí riot squad intervened and dispersed the
crowd. Many videos highlight the use of excessive force by Gardaí against students. This includes charging against students on horses and using batons and dogs. Students have called on the Garda Ombudsman to carry out an investigation into the matter. A Facebook group “Demand Public hearing on Garda brutality against students in
Dublin” was started and currently has over 3,000 members. USI President, Gary Redmond was quick to condemn the actions of students, releasing a statement later that day. Redmond said: “The organisation is deeply disappointed... continued on page 3
NEWS
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Top ten NUIG academics earn €1.5 million per year By Richard Manton
Tell your TD campaign generates over 25,000 letters in two weeks By Richard Manton The ‘Tell your TD’ campaign, launched by NUIG SU has been branded a major success. The website generated 25,000 letters to TDs in 14 days. The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has adopted the idea and it has become part of the national ‘Education, not Emigration’ campaign. The website tellyourtd.com enables students and the public to voice their concerns to their elected representatives, and is due to be adapted to allow voters in the Donegal SW constituency to contact candidates in the November 25th byelection. Peter Mannion, President of NUIG SU said: “People all over the country realise that possible increases in the
According to figures compiled by the Irish Times, the top ten highest paid staff in NUIG earn a total of €1.5 million annually. The figures show that NUIG President, Jim Browne is the joint seventh highest paid in the entire education sector.
fairly implemented”. University staff, as public sector workers have been subject to pay cuts through the pension levy and tax increases, however the salaries of the top academics in NUIG remain some of the highest in Ireland.
Browne’s salary is €212,755 – approximately six times the average industrial wage. The next highest earners are the Registrar (Jim Ward), Secretary (Seamus Mac Mathúna) and Bursar (Mary Dooley), who each earn €156,249. In the education sector, as a whole, sixty people earn over €150,000 and 536 earn more than €110,000.
The salary figures were released just one week after Browne reiterated his call for increased student contribution to the cost of university education. This call was put in the context of state cutbacks to the third level sector: “Unless these cutbacks are mitigated by a private contribution, I think the education system will be in danger and the economy will therefore be in danger.”
Last year, the seven university presidents refused to take a voluntary pay cut when asked by the then Minister for Education, Batt O’Keefe. In an article in the Irish Times, Jim Browne argued that salary cuts in the public sector “must be properly structured and
Many political commentators have argued that a salary cap of €100,000 be introduced in the public sector, as a means to cut expenditure. In this context, over €500,000 would be saved in the NUIG salary bill – the equivalent of 333 registration fees.
An Evening Celebrating Women in Action ‘An Evening Celebrating Women in Action’ is a dynamic cultural event that will celebrate and promote women’s activism, work, and contribution to the arts. It will take place in the Crane Bar on Friday, November 26th from 6pm to 9pm. This event is part of the ‘Women in Action – Active Genders’ postgraduate feminist and gender studies conference taking place in NUIG on Saturday November 27th. The cultural evening will showcase over 15 different acts performed by established and up and coming women artists. Performances include music & song (Irish trad, classical, bluegrass, folk), dance (south Indian classical), comedy, art film, photography, poetry readings and storytelling. Importantly
Registration Fee and reductions in the student maintenance grant would put Third Level education beyond the reach of many. These cuts would condemn thousands of potential students to look towards emigration or the social welfare offices rather than Third Level education. The Tell Your TD campaign allows anyone, who believes that education needs to be protected, to have their voices heard in the lead up to the Budget. The tellyourtd.com website enables students, their families and anyone interested to send a personal letter to their TDs stating that education policy will influence how they vote in the next election.”
this event coincides with and links Galway and in particular NUIG to the well established global campaign 16 Days of Activism against Violence against Women, which begins on November 25th and runs until December 10th when local groups and NGOs, students, activists and media all over the world call attention to and call for an end to violence against women. All monies raised by this event will therefore go to the Galway Rape Crisis Centre and all of the artists, many of whom are NUIG students, are performing most generously on their own time, without charging a fee. Local businesses have also kindly donated a wonderful selection of raffle prizes. Tickets for An Evening Celebrating Women in Action are €10 euro and light refreshments will be provided on the night. For more information about our exciting line-up and ticket sales please go to http://celebratingwomeninaction.word press.com
NEWS
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National march turnout largest in a generation
forward for the students of Ireland.” The statement did not contain any condemnation of Garda brutality. This has led to groups of students calling for Redmond’s resignation.
continued from page 1
The national march will be followed up by a series of regional marches against possible increases in registration fee and cuts on student grants. The first of these regional marches will take place in Galway on Thursday, November 18th.
at the destructive behaviour of a minority of people at the Department of Finance, which occurred seperately from the USI march. We do not condone destructive behaviour and believe that peaceful protest and open discussion and debate is the way
Construction stops at NUIG By Richard Manton Construction work by Michael McNamara Construction has stopped in NUIG. A receiver has been appointed to
See pages 16 and 17 for further coverage
€20 million, although it is believed that the firm made a profit of €6 million over the last six months. Michael McNamara Construction is owned by Bernard McNamara. NAMA recently rejected the company’s business plan and informed McNamara that they would be appointing a receiver on Wednesday evening.
Website to protect mental health services By Lisa Jackson
A new campaign healthrisk.ie is aimed at protecting mental health services from cuts in the upcoming budget. It is calling on students to take one minute of their time to visit www.healthrisk.ie and send a pre-drafted email to government ministers and their local representatives. NUI, Galway lecturer, Dr Mary Keys, is one of the campaigners who signed an open letter from the movement that was delivered to the Dáil in late October. The letter highlights that mental health cuts in the upcoming budget will “condemn another generation of Irish people to a mental health system left over from the Victorian age of asylums.” Dr Keys is also one of thirteen members of the Irish Mental Health Commission, an independent statutory body to promote high standards in the delivery of mental health services. She notes that “one in four people may need help with a mental health issue in their life making it a very human condition.” She believes it is “an extraordinarily neglected area” as “everyone needs good mental health to function.”
Pic: Leah Mollica
the firm, which has the contract for three research buildings in the university. According to the Sunday Business Post, the firm has loans and overdrafts to the tune of €11 million and owes a total of
McNamara owes €1.5 billion in total. It is not known when work on the buildings will resume. Representatives from the university are to meet representatives from the company and the receiver in the coming weeks.
Over 80 Irish organisations and individuals, including Amnesty International Ireland, the Irish Mental Health Coalition and Barnardos, are involved in running the healthrisk.ie campaign. In Galway, 800 signatures were already gathered on Shop Street on Saturday 30 October in support of the movement but students can still become involved through www.healthrisk.ie. The site features an interactive map of Ireland where visitors can select their constituency and send separate personalised predrafted emails containing the text of
the open letter to their TDs and cabinet ministers. For example, a person living in Galway West can click on the interactive map in their area and it allows them to send an email to Frank Fahey (FF), Noel Grealish (Ind), Michael D. Higgins TD, Pádraic McCormack (FG) and Minister Éamon Ó Cuív (FF). The cabinet ministers featured are Brian Cowen, Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney, Minister of State with Responsibility for Mental Health and Disability John Moloney and the Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan. The pre-drafted email includes the following: “We know there is a financial crisis - and that it is making the mental health crisis worse. Financial stress, debt and unemployment are putting a massive burden on people’s mental health. Demand for services is growing as people look for support, and suicide and self-harm levels rose sharply last year.” The campaign highlights that mental health services have already been hit hard. It states that mental health workers make up only 9 per cent of the HSE health workforce but that over half of all HSE staff cuts in 2009 were from mental health. It also notes that assessment waiting lists for children and adolescents have grown by 14 per cent in less than a year. Dr Keys says that the healthrisk.ie is “a campaign of making Ministers aware” of mental health issues and “every possible pressure is important.” She urged students who wished to show their support to log onto the website www.healthrisk.ie. .”
NEWS
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NUIG Dramsoc to host ISDA
16 Days Campaign of Activism against Violence against Women
By Abby Noyce The Irish Student Drama Awards have been running annually for the last 61 years, most recently last year in Trinity College Dublin. Involving approximately 300 students from across the country, each of the major third-level institutions will send at least one show to the festival. Next year the ISDAs will take place in early March. The festival will feature twenty-two productions in venues all across the city throughout the week, along with a more light-hearted Fringe Festival made up of free afternoon shows and street theatre. Dramsoc is currently planning this event; if you are interested in the ISDAs or would like to get involved, please contact dramsoc@socs.nuigalway.ie or on Facebook under 'NUIG Dramsoc'. Several fundraisers are in the pipeline, notably the English Society’s Literary Quiz at 7pm, Nov 23rd in the College Bar and a special performance of last year’s sell-out production, Metal Gear Solid, yet to be scheduled. Dramsoc also hopes to organise a 24-hour theatre event in January and more information will be released nearer the date. Meanwhile, Dramsoc has just closed play submissions for Semester 2. The
By Richard Manton
first semester has been a great success and will total nine productions by December. The plays have spanned various styles and genres from both Irish and International playwrights. Included were productions from Shakespeare, Harold Pinter and Patrick Galvin to name but a few. Dramsoc has launched a new venture this year with Stagehands. The Stagehands scheme incorporates people into the more technical side of theatre, training light and sound technicians and allowing backstage and front of house staff to gain theatrical experience without being on stage. If you have a profound and understimulated love for theatre, but not specifically acting, get in contact with Dramsoc via Facebook or email. Dramsoc presents The Morning after Optimism from Monday 15th-19th in the Bank of Ireland Theatre at 8pm, followed by The Lonesome West from Wednesday 24th-27th also in the Bank of Ireland Theatre at 8pm. Tickets are sold from the Socsbox and on the door priced €5 for students and €8 for adults. Staged & Confused takes place every Wednesday in The View from 79pm followed by Open Mic in the Cellar Bar.
In recognition of the 16 Days Campaign of Activism against Violence against Women, The Global Women’s Studies Programme in the School of Political Science and Sociology is hosting a series of events, culminating in a roundtable chaired by Michael D. Higgins, that showcase topics of critical concern to Women’s Human Rights. These events are open to the public, and all are invited to attend. ‘ ‘More than a hangover’: Youth, Alcohol and Rape in Ireland’ is a roundtable event that will be held from 2-4pm on December 1st in CA107, Cairns Building. This event will be held in conjunction with the Rape Crisis Network Ireland and will feature Caroline Counihan – RCNI Legal Director, Padraig MacNeela –School of Psychology, Stacey Scriver – co-author of Rape and Justice in Ireland and Saoirse Nic Gabhainn (Chair) School of Health Sciences, NUI Galway. This event is free and will be followed by a reception. The series of events will be capped off with another roundtable event. ‘Renewing our Democracy, reviving our economy: time for more women at the helm?’ will take place on December 9th at 7pm in MY243, Áras Moyola.
The event will feature Michael D. Higgins, President of the Labour Party, Mary Murphy, Lecturer in Irish Politics and Society at NUI Maynooth, Gemma Hussey, former member of the Seanad and Dail Eireann, and David Farrell, Professor of Politics at UCD. This event is free and will be followed by light refreshments. Throughout the 16 Days, students from the GWSP postgraduate and BA CONNECT in Global Women’s Studies programmes will be running ‘White Ribbon Stands’. White Ribbons cost €2 each and all proceeds will go to COPE to support women survivors of domestic violence. The 16 Days Campaign of Activism against Violence against Women is an international campaign with participants in over 164 countries and involving more than 3, 400 organisations. The campaign links November 25th International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10th, International Human Rights Day, in order to symbolically connect violence against women and human rights and to emphasize that such violence is a human rights violation.
ROPES seeks submissions for literary journal B y Va l e r i e Ha r t n e t t ROPES (Review of Postgraduate English Studies) is an annual literary journal produced by the MA in Literature and Publishing class at NUI Galway. ROPES provides emerging writers and artists with an opportunity to showcase their work alongside more established names. Previous ROPES
contributors include Seamus Heaney, Peter Fallon and Nuala Ní Chonchúir. The theme of this year’s edition is “change”, which may include, but is not limited to topics such as personal, cultural, or economic change. All proceeds from this publication will be donated to Aware, an organisation which works to prevent suicide in
Ireland by raising awareness of depression and offering support to those who are affected by depression and related illnesses. ROPES accepts short stories, extracts, reviews, plays, poerty, screenplays, etc., and all forms of photography art and illustration.
The closing date for submission is January 17th, 2011. Contributors can submit a maximum of three pieces. Prose should not exceed 5,000 words and poetry should not be more than 50 lines. All artwork will be reproduced in black and white. Email submissions to ropesgalway@gmail.com . The closing date for submissions is January 17th, 2011.
NEWS
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Global Women’s Studies to host postgraduate conference By Aura Lounasmaa and Clíonadh O’Keeffe A postgraduate conference Women in Action – Active Genders will take place in NUIG on Saturday November 27th. Organised by PhD students from the NUIG ‘Global Women’s Studies Programme’, in conjunction with Sibéal, the Irish postgraduate feminist and gender studies network, the conference will bring together PhD students from several All-Ireland universities. Throughout the conference, presentations and panel discussions will facilitate the exchange of ideas and encourage participants to engage in thought provoking topical debates on the subjects of: Gender and Civil Society - Gender, Memory and Identity - Gender and Political Participation Gender Representations in Mexican Popular Culture and, - Gender Representations in Culture and the Arts.
This conference offers postgraduate students immediate opportunities to network and learn from one another and to share their research in a national forum. It also offers NUIG the potential to advance its reputation in the area of gender and feminist research. Women in Action – Active Genders is open to all students and staff from All-Ireland universities and we especially welcome students from NUIG who have an interest in feminist and gender research. To register, please email info@sibeal.ie. Registration costs €10 which includes lunch and refreshments and is payable on the day. This event is supported by NUIG Graduate Studies Office, the Global Women’s Studies Programme and the School of Political Science and Sociology in NUI Galway. Please see the Sibéal website www.sibeal.ie for further details including conference programme.
S.V.P. Soc appeals to NUIG students By Kevin Mc Cague The NUI Galway Saint Vincent de Paul Society is organising a number of events in the run-up to the Christmas season. Traditionally the busiest time for the organisation across Ireland, S.V.P. Soc wants to give fellow students the chance to contribute in the same generous way as the wider community. More than ever, families in the Galway area are suffering from the kind of economic deprivation that means that, perhaps for the first time, they will not be able to celebrate Christmas in a way that most of us take for granted. It is hoped that through the S.V.P. Soc, the student body can successfully and inventively help to alleviate the tough situation for several families. On Wednesday, 17th November, the society will set up in a prominant location on campus, giving information
about the appeals that will take place the following week; specifically, there will be a list of the items that would not be too expensive, yet ideal for a colourful Christmas hamper that would help a family through the holiday period. The hamper is a chance to put students’ inventiveness to good work and to put the price of a tin of beans or two into an attractive gift. A ‘giving tree’ will also be located on campus. Recognising the difficult financial situation of most students, the ‘giving tree’ allows as many people as possible to make a small donation towards a gift to a child who would benefit greatly from it. The collection of these items will take place towards the end of next week. Keep an eye out for posters around campus, or email the society at svp@socs.nuigalway.ie
NUIG students address pro-life conference By Maria Mahoney As part of the annual Viva la Vida prolife youth conference, two NUIG students addressed a packed audience of young people from all over Ireland and the world on 5 -7 November in Griffith College Dublin. Life Society members Adrian O Boyle and Maria Mahoney spoke on the importance of defending life and ways to make an impact on university students. They shared a stage with internationally renowned experts and speakers such as Dr. Colin McGuckin, Jill Stanek, Andy Pollard, Hillary White, and Bryan Kemper. Dr. Colin McGuckin, who has been invited to speak at NUIG in the Spring, is the founder of CTI-Lyon Cell Therapy Research Institute in France which is finding cures using stem cells derived from consenting adults and umbilical cord blood. In 2005 he made medical history by creating the world’s first mini liver from cord blood. Dr. McGuckin urged Ireland to promote adult stem cell research which has provided treatment for 73 different conditions to date while embryonic experiments have
produced none, despite receiving massive amounts of money from ideologically-driven governments and foundations. He explained how the controversy surrounding lethal experiments on human embryos generates financial contributions, while morally sensitive and successful research on adult stem cells quietly struggles for resources. Dr. McGuckin is unable to carry out his research in his native Ireland. Along with the informative and inspirational speakers, the conference provided a chance for students and young people to meet and share ideas to promote the culture of life. At the céilí on Saturday night, the international attendees got a chance to learn some Irish dances and songs as well. Chatting to the speakers and asking them questions during meals and evening social events proved to be one of the highlights of the conference. NUIG Life Society members thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and look forward to attending the Viva la Vida conference again next year in Madrid.
Draíocht society organises skydive
The Draíocht society is organising a skydive on the 29th January with the Irish Parachute club in Offaly. Proceeds will fund the charity’s work in Nepal, which includes an orphanage and health camp.
The skydive will cost each person €216€260, depending on the number of participants and each person must raise €260 to give to Draíocht. It is hoped that there will be bag packing in the next 2-3 weeks and after Christmas as well as carol singing after the exams. This will be optional to help people raise the €260, should they wish. A bus will also be organised to and from the jump and the societies office will kindly cover half of the travel cost. Sign-up sheets, information leaflets and sponsorship cards available from the Socs Box. Contact 087 2906927 for further details.
LETTERS
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men in a negative light-I felt it
dealt with in my eyes. It has
was poor and was clearly biased
the Deepwater Horizon semi-
was a rather accurate portrayal of
shown that afterall students do
in favour of the opinion of the
submersible Mobile Offshore
Dear Sir,
many male students attitudes to
seem to care about the taste and
local people. Phrases such as
Drilling Unit (MODU) exploded
Is am writing in regard to the
sex. Finally I wish to respond to
quality of journalistic integrity
‘Shell is evil’ or ‘Shell is a bully’
killing eleven workers and
article entitled ‘We’ve Got to
the letter from S. Garrity which
that their newspaper operates
are unacceptable as the article did
injuring seventeen others. Imagine
Fight for Our Rights to Study’,
drew a connection between the
with. Also it demonstrated of
not explore both sides of the
the risk of explosion in Rossport
(pg. 20 Issue 4, 02/11/10). I found
articles and two recent assaults
how passionate students are
story. First and foremost I would
had Shell bowed to the requests
the article to be a great piece of
on female students. I believe this
about issues regarding sexism,
like to point out that Shell is
of the protesters to build
writing. I’m glad that someone is
to be an absolutely outrageous
gender based violence, equality,
legally entitled to be there and is
offshore. Readers of the article
finally putting the stereotype of
insinuation and any attempt to
tolerance and respect on campus.
legally entitled to claim expenses
should be cautious of accepting
the lazy college student to rest!
pin any blame for these horrific
Thanks to all the people who
against tax. Shell is a positive
the accusation that there is a ‘kill
As a student of NUIG and an Arts
incidents upon Sin or its editor is
voiced their anger, frustration and
asset to our lagging economy. As a
zone of two metres either side of
student at that, I find that
completely unwarranted. There is
opinion and came together to
corporation Shell provides much
the pipe’ and that there is ‘a zone
whenever I talk to people of the
an enormous difference between
complain, talk about the issues
needed jobs in the area and in
of destruction that spans miles
‘real world’, I get the usual: “oh
wishing to indulge in casual sex
and contributed to the change
fact, the protests themselves are
beyond this’ when you consider
sure you’ve got nothing to do
and sexual assault. I am honestly
that has come through the paper
further boosting the economy
the campaign that Greenpeace
you’re a college student”.
bewildered by the level of
in the last issue.
because of the necessity to hire
launched against Shell in 1995 to
Needless to say I spend many
controversy this article has
Sincerely,
security personnel to protect the
prevent the corporation from
hours arguing my point that
attracted having initially seen it as
Caroline Wiegand
corporation from the actions of
abandoning the Breton Spar oil
college students do in fact have
merely a humorous addition to
protesters. The author of the
platform in the North Sea.
plenty to do and don’t just spend
the newspaper which I welcomed.
article described the situation in
Greenpeace overestimated by a
Rossport as comparable that of a
factor of 37 the amount of
developing country but what
hydrocarbons in the rig which
Right to study
Corrib Village is a prison
our days dossing around drinking
I hope Sin’s content does not
or vegetating in front of a
become overly tame and unwilling
television. At least now I know
to risk controversy because of
Dear Sir,
makes Rossport so special when
might leak into the sea. The
I’m not the only one and
these events.
There is no longer any doubt in
the Galway water crisis of 2007 is
environmental organisation was
hopefully Valerie’s article can help
Yours,
my mind that Corrib Village is a
equally comparable as being on
later forced to apologise for its
the general public realise the
Kieran Duffy
prison. Visitors are allowed at
par with a developing country?
mistake over the Brenton Spar oil
plight of the college student!
certain hours. Key cards are
The article did not consider the
rig but the incident underlined
Yours,
needed to get through each bleak
necessity of extracting fuel from
how scientific facts frequently
doorway. High fences surround
Rossport. This necessity is due to
play second fiddle to politics. If
the perimeter. The guards are far
the issue of the Russian pipeline.
the author were to dispute this
Dear Sir,
more concerned with who goes in
The main pipeline that supplies
letter I imagine (based on the
In reference to the latest issue of
and out than what goes on within
fuel to Europe runs through
content of her article) that she
Sin I have to congratulate the sin
the gates. If the inmates attack
Russia. Whenever there is
would do so on the basis that the people of Rossport have had their
Another stressed out student
Shift-gate overstated
Sin’s response to shift-gate
Dear Sir,
editor and the sin team. All the
each other it’s their own problem.
political instability in the country
I wish to comment on the
complaints about appropriateness
Contact with the outside world is
threats to cut off the supply of
human rights violated. As a
ongoing controversy over James
of certain content seem to have
restricted by shoddy (or
fuel to the continent are issued. It
student at this university studying
Mahon's articles. While I
found open ears after all. I
nonexistent in my case) internet.
is too expensive to import fuel
human rights I am able to
understand why some people may
recognise a change that has gone
If one inmate destroys another’s
from the USA or the Middle East
distinguish between a theoretical
have found the articles somewhat
through the paper from the last
cell the second is the one who has
and Norway wishes to keep its
concept that has severely limited
offensive I feel much of the
issue and was delighted to read it.
to cough up because that’s easier
fuel resources for its own
access to legal proceedings and
response has been overblown and
A lot of work has gone into
for the guards. Yet the only crime
population; therefore it is
the reality of the situation in
overly critical of Mr Mahon.
improving the quality of the
we have committed is
essential to develop Rossport. The
Rossport. The author of the
Firstly I wish to address the
paper and to regain journalistic
outrageously overpaying for our
locals are enraged that Shell
article suggests that ‘you can bet
complaints that his articles have
integrity through re-establishing
accommodation.
developed the pipeline inland but
that the men in power benefited
portrayed women as being merely
the balance between freedom of
Yours etc.,
they would be in a far more
in some way’ from the situation. I
sexual objects. I do not feel this
speech and proper etiquette. The
Maggie Nic Aonghusa
precarious situation had Shell
would like to ask the author
to be the case, viewing the
current issue masters to
decided to build an oil rig at sea in
where her proof of this is and to
articles as merely a humorous
distinguish between
the stormy Atlantic Ocean, where
present it in the next issue of Sin,
description of casual relationships
appropriateness and intolerance
the risks of extracting methane in
otherwise she should refrain from
with the opposite sex. Were an
with the reputation of the paper
those conditions would be
making outrageous accusations or
opposing article detailing a
and the NUI Galway Students
Dear Sir,
substantially higher. There are
give up her mediocre attempt to
females efforts to 'get the ride' to
that it represents in mind. The
I am writing in response to the
thousands of offshore oil rigs in
sound like a journalist.
be published I would have no
issues that many students and
clearly biased article written by
the Gulf of Mexico where
Sincerely,
objections. Secondly I disagree
staff had with content and style
Stephanie Furlong about the
weather conditions are much
C. Sweeney
with the complaints it portrayed
of writing in previous issues of
situation in Rossport. The
calmer than those of the Atlantic
the paper have been sufficiently
standard of writing in the article
Ocean, yet in April of this year
Rossport article
editorial/LETTERS SIN TEAM: Editor Richard Manton
Both the government and the economy are in big trouble. Third level education hangs in the balance.
editor@sin.ie News Editors Méabh McDonnell Gráinne Coyne Reviews Editor Darragh O’Connor Literary Editor Johanna Stock Web Editor Chris Cosgrove Photography Leah Mollica
The current government is the weakest in decades and will attempt to impose the harshest budget in decades. Its majority has been reduced to three and by November 26th will most like be down to just two. The Donegal SW byelection, which the government had to be forced, kicking and screaming, to call, will most likely be seen as a referendum on the government, will give voters a chance to punish FF and will most likely result in a victory for Pearse Doherty and Sinn Féin. The government will be forced to rely on independents, FF TDs outside the whip and nervous backbenchers – any few of which could go for a PR stunt, vote against the Budget, bring down the government and force a general election.
Contributors
The economy has had a tough few weeks. The bond markets have been behaving like a first year after their first bottle of Buckfast. Investors’ fears of Ireland’s incapability to pay led to interest rates topping 9%. This means that the cost of borrowing will be higher and a greater sum will have to be borrowed or cut, creating even further instability.
drop in the ocean of protest and outrage – it will be difficult to have our voices heard. Our votes will be rendered almost meaningless for two reasons. Firstly, the main parties intentionally hold elections on days that are extremely inconvenient for students, usually Thursdays. Secondly, Fianna Fáil will have resigned themselves to a massacre, most likely halving their Dáil representation. Registering students to vote and lobbying TDs can only be one prong of students’ opposition to the government. We should return to the forms of protest made famous by struggles such as France 1968. Mass struggles are often, if not usually, precipitated by students and young people in general – the wind shakes the top of the trees first. The tactics employed here include occupations, sit-downs and student strikes. These are peaceful, yet extremely effective tactics if organised well and mass in character.
The lessons of the national march should be carefully drawn out. It would be wrong to dismiss the clashes as riotous youths or loony lefts going nuts. The attempted tactics of an occupation of the Department of Finance and the sit-down outside the Dáil were good ideas and represent the way forward, but were organised terribly. The consequence was that students were subjected to clear Garda brutality. The lesson of the march is not that we have to be more passive and conservative, it’s that we have to be more active – but it should be organised, massive and led. USI would do well to spend more time reading about France 1968 than condemning students for the actions of the Gardaí.
This Budget will seek to reduce the deficit by €6 billion: €4.5 billion in cuts, €1.5 billion in tax increases. Education
The impact of this deepening crisis on third level is simple, but devastating. The front-loading of cuts will mean that universities are hit harder and sooner. Any cuts that the government had previously ruled out, such as fees, could now be back on the agenda. Furthermore, the government may be more desensitised to protest and lobbying. In the wake of the budget, should it get through, students will be a
Student hardship application
some vague reference to the household
tarnished this view and have given the
with that of someone alive? With my
income. Who knows, some one could
media any other news item to focus on
first anniversary approaching, it seems
Dear Sir,
have accidentally entered a 6 on the
except our main cause - to show our
slightly distasteful that I confront
When the student hardship
calculator rather than a 1 and suddenly
outrage at the government's thoughts
people from the grave. I fully
application/info email went around a
my father is on €65,000 a year rather
regarding education cuts.
appreciate that it will be difficult to
Layout Tom Parandyk
will be one of the hardest sectors hit. Having originally planned a correction of €3 billion, Brian Lenihan decided to front-load the pain - part of the reason for which the deepening of Ireland’s economic crisis.
page 7
The other lesson is that the march and campaign did have an impact - talk of doubling the registration fee to €3,000 has changed to talk of an increase by €500-800. A small step, but the first on a long road.
Lisa Jackson Niamh Dennis Mary McDonnell Abby Noyce Clíonadh O’Keefe Aura Lounasmaa
few weeks ago I said to myself that 'I
than €15,000. There is no way for us to
Valerie Hartnett
don't qualify for that', so I deleted it.
check.
Maria Mahoney
Now a few weeks later I have received
Kevin McCague
a reject letter from the council. My fees application is denied on the grounds
Sinéad Evans Conor Lane Aisling Scally Fiona Ní Mháille
perhaps you should institute a Search
march this Thursday can be pulled off
Committee?
Without such a detailed breakdown of
flawlessly - gan trioblóid, gan stró.
Yours from the Twilight Zone,
their decision are we supposed to hang
Maybe then our TDs will show us some
Maggie Jones RIP
that my pensioner parents earn too
our heads and slump our shoulders and
compassion, and grant us relief from
much and I as a 'dependant' son living
walk away with a swallowed 'okaaaay'?
these overburdening registration fees
Maggie,
in the house have lost my right to the
Regards,
that threaten to arise.
It is with great dismay that I learned of
fees being covered.
Chris Loughnane
Yours,
your untimely demise. I had great
Seán Mo.
respect for you as an actress and
Cillian Lineen Sam Wheway
Needless to say I am not nor could I ask
persistent battleaxe, hence my
Philip Conor
my parents for the last few bob in their
Valentina Dillon
pockets. I got the letter yesterday and
Erin Grant
this morning spent 90 minutes at the
Dear Sir,
council counter writing a letter begging them to reconsider... I doubt it will have any affect.
Áine McWilliams Conor Harrington Colm McElligott Joe Loughnane Kevin O’Connor
find someone of my status and calibre; Our only hope now is that the Galway
I am now facing the prospect of either
National March clashes
selection of your image for our Agony Blanche, the Agony Aunt
Aunt column.
Having attended the USI march on
Dear Sir,
I am glad to hear of your beyond-the-
Wednesday 3rd, I was glad that so
I’ve just found some of my old
grave communication abilities and that
many students turned out to show
letterhead stationery and thought I’d
recognition of Sin has reached the
their outrage at the registration fees'
put pen to paper, well truth be told, tis
other realm. I can assure your estate is
increase.
a virtual laptop these days. Agony Aunt
in very good shape, however as I do not
here, well at least the earthly vestige of
wish to incur supernatural legal action,
leaving the house and forcing my
Paddy McMenamin
mother with a bag back and/or father
However, I was absolutely shocked and
Miss Maggie Jones who used to play
I will replace your image. I can imagine
Jason Browne
with bad diabetes to carry in the fuel
appalled at how a select few could turn
Mrs Blanche Hunt in Coronation Street
that you have quite a selection of
for the night etc. or leave college. I have
the overall view of the march into
fought too long and hard to throw in
something negative. Say what you want
Imagine my surprise to see my photo
the towel just yet.
about gardaí brutality, but they can
on page 14 of Sin, 2 November, 2010 as
I have chosen Ann Widdecombe as
stand by the fact that we attacked
perhaps you didn’t know that I died on
your replacement. Ann retired from
Kevin Hough Ryan Kelly Ciarán Kelly
lawyers at your current residence.
James Brophy
This has highlighted how quick things
first. The hoodlums who participated in
2nd December, 2009. Travel is a lot
politics earlier this year, so she has
Sinéad Farrell
can go bad, one minute I am
the dáil's vandalism should be ashamed
easier now that I’m on the astral plan;
plenty of time on her hands to
concentrating on my studies and next
of themselves for allowing the
hence my awareness of Sin. I hope my
compose responses for our Agony Aunt
everything is in doubt.
government to write off our outcry as
agent is claiming residual appearance
column. She also possesses your
'a disturbance of the peace'.
fees for my appearance in your
battleaxe qualities, as Minister for
newspaper; my estate could do with
Prisons, she had pregnant women
the money.
prisoners handcuffed while in hospital.
Siobhán Harkin Sarah Dillon Martin King Diarmuid Lavelle John Coleman Hynes Oisín O’Carroll
I would add their rejection letter is a complete insult. They throw out
That day was meant to be our one
'decisions' without any figurative
chance to show the ministers that we
information on where or what exactly
are adults and our voices will count in
Would you be so kind as to investigate
performances also.
the decision is based on. Instead we get
elections. Shame on those that have
the possibility of replacing my photo
Best wishes, Richard
Perhaps she can draw on her Strictly
page 8
Government Instability and the Forthcoming Budget By Méabh McDonnell In the last week Finance minister Brian Lenihan has conducted interviews with BBC Newsnight where he has assured the people that Ireland “will not lose its sovereignty”, that we do not need to accept any of the EU bailout schemes, that our economy can stand on its own. However, this interview left the possibility that Ireland will sustain itself without the aid of EU bailouts in doubt, given that the markets have not been improving in the last year. There is doubt surrounding the country’s ability to survive which increases the lessening trust people have in this government. Even the smallest of changes in the current government will most likely rock the very fragile boat they are floating in at the moment. The instability is growing especially with the independent majority of three TD’s possibly descending to two following the Donegal South West by-election. There is too much uncertainty within the government at the moment to inspire any sort of confidence from the people. The media is dominated with stories of fear for the economy and the future of the country as a whole.
Despite this, the Taoiseach has not addressed the public, there has been little or no communication between the Ministers of the Dáil and the people of this country, except the reports that the various media outlets have provided. Without communication there cannot be any sort of hope. This has led to people watching the news with the anticipation of failure, and the expectance of more hardship. The only feeling of solidarity is that we are all bundled up into the mess together. The situation could be described as one where pillars that hold the Dáil up are collapsing around them. Just last Wednesday Labour’s Deputy Pat Rabbitte called on the Taoiseach to hold an immediate general election, “It is like the last days of the Roman Empire around here at present. Would it not be better for the Taoiseach to get into his car, go to the Áras and dissolve the Dáil, and let us return some certainty and confidence to the governance of this country?” There has been much speculation around the country about a general election being just around the corner, however Pat Rabbitte’s analogy did not lead to the Taoiseach considering the idea of a general election. The idea
Dáil numbers, B y
was dismissed outwardly however it did leave an echo hanging in the air, the anticipation that this will not have been the first call for a general election among the opposition in the weeks to follow. RTE’s political correspondent David Davin Power highlighted in a report from government buildings last week that, “Fianna Fáil government backbenchers are generally in a somber and a fearful mood, and there is a lot of talk about the timing of the next general election”. He further highlighted in his report the fluid nature of the government at present, “there is a lot of uncertainty at the moment”. However, the budget remains a massive concern for all those involved in the government and while there have been many calls for a general election before Christmas, the issue remains that it may not be in the interest of the opposition to have this occur. The budget would still have to be implemented and as it is likely to be the worst in living memory, as David Davin Power pointed out. In that case the likelihood of a spring election is stronger. The budget itself is the main
Richard Manton
Government:
82
Combined Opposition:
79
Total sitting TDs:
161
Fianna Fáil
70
Fine Gael
51
Ceann Comhairle4
FF TDs outside whip1
3
Labour Party
20
4 by-elections to be held5
Green Party
6
Sinn Féin
4
Total seats:
Independents2
3
Independents3
4
166
concern of the majority of citizens and speculation has been rife. While the Irish Times reported that, “Taoiseach Brian Cowen has stressed in recent days that no final decisions on the detail of the budget cuts have yet been made.” the speculation that surrounds the Dáil about the budget is everywhere. There is speculation involving the targeting of the wealthier pensioners, Furthermore it has come to light, following the student protests two weeks ago that the registration fee is likely to go up in the region of €500-€800. This would have the majority of students paying up more than €2,000 a year for their college education. Furthermore it has been confirmed by Brian Lenihan that the Government would be seeking to reduce the deficit next year by €6bn through spending cuts and tax increases” All of these problems root back to the economic problems that the government faces and while there is much
Notes: 1. Mattie McGrath, Jimmy Devins and Eamon Scanlon have left the FF whip and could vote against the government on the budget, but it is unlikely. 2. Michael Lowry and Jackie Healy-Rae are independents, but support the government. Could be persuaded to vote for the budget with a deal for their constituencies 3. Finian McGrath, Maureen
division in the government about how to deal with these, they are being encouraged to present a united front, despite their differences, “European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Olli Rehn has called for political consensus to back the Government's four-year economic plan and the Budget”, according to RTE. The importance of a united government when the situation is at its worst was highlighted. However, the Irish Times reported that the Central Bank governor, Patrick Honohan said that “there was no reason why Ireland’s borrowing costs would not fall back to more sustainable levels, if the Government’s fiscal policies were implemented.” This idea of a united front to support government policies is being promoted as possibly Ireland’s only saving grace. However, with the economy in its current situation the instability within the government does not look likely to settle.
O’Sullivan, Noel Grealish and Joe Behan are a mixed bunch of independents. Grealish and Behan are former members of the government and may be cajoled into supporting once again. 4. The current Ceann Comhairle is Seamus Kirk, a FF TD. The Ceann Comhairle has the casting vote in deadlock. 5. By-elections are to take place in Donegal SW, Donegal NE, Dublin South and Waterford.
page 9
1 in 7 people suffer from tinnitus “What’s that noise?” “What noise?” “That loud ringing noise, don’t you hear it?” “No.” This is an example of a short conversation that has been taking place more frequently over the last number of years. The answer to the question will change a person’s life in more ways than they could have ever wanted, and it will affect most of their social decisions and how they think about their health. Tinnitus is a disorder that most people do not think about until it is too late. It is an increasingly common condition that is afflicting today’s teenagers. From a personal perspective, having had tinnitus from an early age, it has made me think on a level of philosophical thought like nothing else I have experienced. It has helped me understand so clearly how one constant in my life has affected most of the variables that a young man encounters. An important aspect of tinnitus that is crucial in knowing is: depending on the severity, if you let it, it will destroy you on an emotional level and incapacitate your ability to relate with society. According to the Irish Tinnitus Association (ITA), any sound level above 90 decibels can be hazardous over a prolonged period of time. This is not a high threshold, considering the average washing machine runs at about 75 decibels. Tinnitus is described as a “ringing or buzzing in the ears” without any external sound, but it is so much more than that. Tinnitus in its most basic form is a noise perceived by the brain as a sound due to a damaged cochlea within either of your ears; therefore your brain constantly sends these signals back and forth to your ear, creating a constant cycle of sound. For some people, it’s a long road of distress, misery and pain. Ludwig van Beethoven recounted his deteriorating hearing and the “whooshing and rushing” sounds that were driving him into isolating madness. He noted how he was beginning to lose touch with reality, and social occasions were becoming more difficult for him as his condition worsened. There are thousands of cases of soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who have noise-induced hearing loss which resulted in tinnitus. The New York Daily News reported that up to 30 per cent of soldiers who returned home from war had tinnitus, while up to 50 per cent of those men suffered it due to their vulnerability to road blasts. Over $400 million was paid in disability claims to veterans suffering with the condition. It’s a tremendous shame for the brave men and women who return from war, many of whom spend their lives hearing exactly what they want to forget: the sound of war resonating in their brain’s memory. Most of these men were likely to have been given earplugs that were not sufficient and were easily lost when under attack. For individuals like myself, tinnitus is a source of mild discomfort and anxiety. For some, “it sounds like a drill that never fades away” inside their head, while others say it sounds “like a whistle used to train dogs”, a noise that can be reduced by ambient sounds. So where does this growing problem stem from? Its origins are in listening to loud music or exposure to loud noises. Some people know this but still think it’s worth the risk of going out on a Friday night to a club that has its speakers blaring far beyond the legal limit. During the start of my first year at secondary school I thought I’d try out a local disco which had its music at a level where I would have to shout just so someone standing next to me could hear. I went three
times and as it turned out, it was three times too many for my ears. That was all it took for me to develop tinnitus. I would like to know whose job it is to check on the noise levels in clubs because from my experience they haven’t been doing a very good job. Tinnitus is a condition that can also be hereditary, as some people will have lower hearing thresholds for dealing with loud noises, or it can occur out of the blue. William Shatner once said that when an explosion occurred while filming Star Trek, he started to hear a ringing, one that has persisted ever since. He described how he didn’t know whether he would be able to carry on with his life as the stress of his new condition grew, but he learned to deal with it and made it his mission to promote tinnitus awareness. You may think you’re the type of person who can withstand loud noises, but whether it’s in one year or 10, it could catch up with you, and trust me when I tell you that it’s going to be very distressing. Up to 1 in 7 people have tinnitus to some degree but the (ITA) reported that between “15,000-20,000 Irish people have persistent tinnitus where it has a negative effect on their quality of life and can lead to anxiety, insomnia, and depression.” It’s not all bad news. There are ways to protect yourself and there are treatments which may help. However, do not be lulled into a false sense of security by thinking, “Oh well, I’ll do whatever I want and if I get tinnitus, I’ll just get it fixed.” It’s not that easy. Recently The Irish Times ran a piece on an experimental method of curing tinnitus. The researcher explained a method of sending sound signals through your tongue to the brain in order to focus your brain on a different source of sound. But having spent the last number of years trying to rid myself of tinnitus, I’ve learned that it’s likely to be with me forever. For a lucky few, tinnitus can be the result of built-up wax or an ear infection, hence my decision to spend two months taking herbs to clear my sinuses, alas, to no avail. My ears kept ringing. Several years ago, in Blackrock Clinic, I had moulds of my ears taken to fashion a pair of earplugs. They have improved my life in so many ways, it’s hard to describe. I can go to a football match and be comfortable in my seat while the crowd roars. As they are clear in colour, I am less selfconscious when I am wearing them. To quote Bono, a sufferer of tinnitus, in the song Staring at the Sun: “there’s an insect in your ear if you scratch, it won’t disappear, It’s gonna itch and burn and sting, do you want to see what the scratching brings, waves that leave me out of reach, breaking on your back like a beach, will we ever live in peace, cause those that can’t do often have to, those that can’t do often have to preach”. In the near future I will undergo tinnitus retraining therapy. Some specialists believe that by listening to a device that has the same pitch as your tinnitus for extended periods of time, it will be able to knock the tinnitus sound out of sync with your brain. The best thing I can do is to prevent it from getting worse by being smart about where I go and what noises I’m going to be around. The same goes for you. If you would like to learn more about tinnitus, see www.wikipedia.com and www.ata.org or look up “what does tinnitus sound like” on www.youtube.com. By Conor Lane
Sin Style
page 10
5 Steps to Winter Footwear By Aislig Scally
There are many great things about Galway; unfortunately the weather is definitely not one of them. How many times have you left the house only to step in a puddle, ruining your suede pump and sending that sad little shiver up the back of your neck? How many times have you pranced out the door in ballet flats only to be sprayed shamelessly by a mutinous motorist? How many times have you entered Áras Uí Chathail in sunny climes and been assaulted by hail stones the size of hamsters on the way out? Let’s face it, there are more surprises in 24 hours of Galwegian weather than there are in Lady Gaga’s wardrobe. It’s more tempest oceanic than temperate, and us ladies need to dress accordingly; after all, nothing feels less glamorous than soaking wet feet. We all know that sinking feeling, sitting in the O’Flaherty , dangerously close to catching hypothermia and fantasising about fuzzy socks and hot water bottles instead of taking notes. With the majority of students walking to college, comfortable and relatively waterproof footwear is a must in winter. Your mum always emphasized the merits of “sensible shoes”, and unfortunately most of us are under the impression that this term means a pair of wedge-heeled loafers. This is certainly not the case however, and with a few strategic tips you can easily avoid the dreaded frozen foot syndrome and look stylish at the same time. 1. Pump it Up Pumps were a fabulous invention. Effortlessly elegant and classy, I could bask in the humble comfort of these bad boys every day. However, they prove to be quite the false friend when the clouds open. I hate to say it, but pumps are not a winter shoe. Delicate and light by nature, you will feel every degree of coldness through their paper thin soles and god only help you if you step in a puddle. In the monsoon rains of the past couple of weeks the amount of blue-hued hooves I’ve seen cold footing it around campus is inexcusable. You actually might as well pop out barefoot as wear pumps in the rain, your feet will get soaked and your flats will more than likely be ruined. These are perfect shoes for every other season, give them a break in Winter! If you can’t bear to part with your precious pumps look for some with a relatively sturdy sole, or try some brogues. The leather variety are a fantastic and relatively weather-proof alternative to our flat and flimsy friends.
a local pond. Also, canvas soaks through, and fast. Unfortunately I’ve also had a couple of light coloured pairs ruined from dark denim running when wet, so don’t indulge in their retro charm on rainy days! 3. These Boots Were Made for Walking I’ll be honest, I live in boots from October to March. They are the best invention ever. If you don’t own a pair already, what the hell are you thinking? Seriously, get thee to the nearest shop and invest! Leather boots may cost a pretty penny but they will certainly pay you back in the long term. If looked after properly they’ll last you years, and you can frollock around college footloose and fancy free with the toastiest tootsies and driest digits no matter what the weather. Riding boots are huge this season and look incredible when worn with skinny jeans and knits or long cardis, and equally hot with skirts or daytime dresses. River Island and Topshop have some exquisite efforts, and they’re abundant in all the hardcore shoe shops so there’s really no excuse. Ankle boots are another great alternative, as they’re still sturdy and all your foot is covered so no sneaky water can make its way in. Non-leather boots should provide you with a certain amount of durability, and are certainly better than nothing! Widely available in places like New Look and Penneys they won’t break the bank and will certainly try to keep you dry. 4. Giving it Welly Ask any farmer, fisherman or frequenter of festivalswellies are the only truly 100% waterproof option when it comes to footwear. Commonly seen on our American visitors, you either love them or loathe them. Probably best worn with a skirt or leggings these rubber rebels will certainly get you noticed, for all the right (or wrong) reasons. Just don’t try and glamorize them by calling them rainboots. Like the word fetch, it won’t catch on and you’ll just sound like a knob.
2. Don’t Be Con’d by Allstars These cool canvas creations have been around longer than the quad and prove a solid and more supportive alternative to pumps. Infinitely comfortable and relatively sturdy, Cons are extremely versatile and can be worn with skirts, jeans and everything in between. However, they are also a bad choice in the rain. Maybe it’s their rubber sole, maybe it’s something in the lining (I’m no scientist here), but Converse make the most hideous squelching noise when wet. There’s little more cringe-inducing than parading through the relatively silent library squeaking and squelching like you just emerged from
5. Suedey lady Finally, avoid suede - its silky texture will last approximately 15 seconds in a shower and will be ruined beyond repair. Chanel and Dior have not bottled Eau de Wet Suede for a reason - it reeks. The same goes for Uggs. They will dissolve faster than Disprin in a downpour if not coated generously with protector, and even if they are it’s worth bearing in mind that these babies were made for the sandy dunes of Bondi beach, not the blustery banks of the Corrib. Also, their soles are super slippy when soaked, I’ve the bruises to prove it; they’re best kept for crisp cold weather. So there you have it, these five tips should help you keep your trotters warm and dry this winter. I’ve conveniently but strategically left heels out of the equation as they’re best left to nights out, and are generally only worn by mature students and members of staff during the day. How they manage on concourse I’ll never know.
Sin Style
page 11
Karen Trayn or can seen s be uppor t in g the newes t tren ds in t synag he ogue a nd on campu s. She teams her tr ouser s with simila r shad es for effort an less ch ic look. Top m arks o n hair stylin g Kare n! Big hair m eans y ou're closer to hea v en! Oi Vey!
Baroque and Roll By Fiona Ní Mháille This season, it’s all about vintage. Before you burn a hole in your pocket, check out your mother’s, grandmother’s and aunt’s wardrobes (God Auntie Sue, you were so slim...what happened?). Vintage is back with a bang. Why walk your dog when you can wear it? Faux fur is huge this season. Love puppies? Never be without them again! Draped around shoulders or in a whole coat, fur can be timeless and elegant. Pick just one item to wear-a bag or a wrap or a coat. An overdose of fur may look Cruella Devilleish and can send out a “let them eat cake” message. This season is all about the baroque must-haves: velvet (like fur, choose just one piece. Otherwise you may look like outdated curtains); lace (where did I put that doily?); and fur. Louis Vuitton kicked off this fabulous trend with the fifties influence on his fall collection. We’re talking midi (mid-calf) poof skirts clenched in at the waist, kitten heels and lots of bows. The fifties style puts a huge emphasise on the waist and aims for the perfect hour-glass shape. This style looks sensational on curvy girls. Valentino brings us frills and lace with his trade-mark romantic looks. He teams frilly, fitted tops with fur jackets and waistcoats for a cosy winter look. Chloe veers towards the 70s with high-waisted, volumised flares that go beautifully with fitted tops. Chloe also brings double-
breasted loose coats to the table a la Whitney Port. Soon to be seen on the Socs
You can leave your hat on! With 80% of the body’s heat going out through the head, Irish people are finally realising that hats are practical and chic. Accessorize and Penneys have a huge range to boast. Ivy caps (the farmer/ sixpense hat); beanie caps; berets; and trapper hats (flapped and furry) are all huge this winter. The hat that is predicted to be the biggest this season is the cloche hat. These hats are available at River Island and Topshop. These hats were huge in the 1920s and are said to make a huge come-back this year. If you’re too bigheaded for hats, a snood is a great alternative. Hats are a great way to cover up on a bad hair day. We’ve all had our fair share of battles with umbrellas in the Galway winds. Those €4 umbrellas we all buy last about a week and end up looking like an iron spider at the end of a path. Let’s face it, nobody wants to bring a golf umbrella into college. If you do, it’d have to be the one dry day in the week. I have a huge fear of ending up like Mary Poppins and lifted into the air with my umbrella, although it’d take a seriously strong wind to lift me. If you don’t have a hood on your coat, buy a hat! The half-drowned cat look is not in this season. These fantastic trends have been filtered down to the high-street shops like Miss Selfridge, Warehouse and Topshop. Always remember: if it’s not baroque, don’t fix it!
and the City runway are Colin Draper and Ann-Marie Fitzgerald. Draper is an apt surname for this clothes horse, who clearly has a penchant for purple and sophisticated style. AnnMarie strikes a killer pose and puts the fizz in Fitzgerald with some Cheryl-esque harem pants, an excellent alternative to the sluggish sweatpant but retaining all of the comfort. Both models cite the ever elegant Eoin Keane as their fashion icon, stating his man coats are among the chicest around. Catch them all in action next Thursday night in the Radisson.
rd has flown Muireann Bi headed west! the nest and rch this pe On far-off ears bangw rd bi pensive s teamed on-trend boot irt, making with a mini sk r legs. When he of the best e tips asked for styl id: “Wear sa n an re ui M good in!” what you feel
page 12
Dear Agony Aunt, Help! My housemates are slobs who never
by Grainne Coyne
Overheard in NUIG
clean anything! They see nothing wrong with dirty floors and overflowing bins, and I’m sick of doing it all by myself, or else living in filth.
Niamh Crowley: Girl in the
should know.
concourse: 'I didn't even get the shift
Guy1: I should be with her though? Guy2: Feck her actually, come on and
when I was painted green!'
play Fifa. Seconds Away from an Ulcer, 24. Dear Seconds Away, You have my deepest sympathy in this, really, you do. There’s only one thing you can do before the stress drives you crazy, or the exterminators are called to evict your resident family of mice. You’ll have to talk to them. Chances are, lazy as your housemates seem, they’ve been quick enough to spot that if they don’t clean up, you will. And why would they want their handy set-up to come to an
Eric Ó Banáin: On the concourse: Guy 1: ... I was at the party in Dublin.
Dylan Walsh: Outside college bar:
We went to Copper's.
Girl: "Sure the only exercise I get is the
Guy 2: What did you think of it? Guy 1: It's overrated. It was full of
walk of shame..."
Dubs.
Ciaran Mc Donagh: Two girls outside the student union shop today,
Muireann Ni Raghallaigh: History
all I heard was "It came everywhere
Lecturer: "The women actually had a
and right in my face as well"
end? They’ve been enjoying the benefits of your hard work without having to lift
big enough role to play in the
a finger. I hate to add to your list of chores, but unless Kim and Aggie show up on
revolution. They used to do things like
Damian Gunning: Blonde Dublin girl
your doorstep, it’s up to you to tell them that their behaviour isn’t acceptable.
lift up their skirts and show their bare
in Bialann: ''My two favourite places in
Organise a rota for common household chores. If they won’t heed you, have a
backsides to the priests, and it was
Galway are Salthill and the Spanish
word with your landlord or agency. Maybe they can get the shysters to wash a
supposed to inspire terror."
Ark.''
David O'Meara: Outside reading
Aisling Boland: Guy on concourse:
room
“The counties in Connaught are: Sligo,
Guy1: Look just don't tell her we're
Leitrim, Donegal, Fermanagh, Meath,
doing it.
Kildare, Waterford and Tipperary.”
few floors or tables on occasion. Good Luck.
Agony Aunt.
Guy2: Why not, she's your bird? She
Coming out in NUIG “The closet” is a place where one stores clothes, or other various objects. It can
change in another person’s eyes when they come out.
also be a portal to Narnia. “The closet”, though, is slang used for where one “hides” when they haven’t told anyone of their sexuality. “Coming out of the
Often it can be hard to produce the words in the first place. Even writing it down
closet”, or just “coming out”, is telling people that you are LGBT.
on a small sheet of paper can make it ten times easier! It may sound cheesy or silly, but it can actually be a much easier way. Once you’ve said the words once,
Coming out can be one of the hardest things you do in your life. This is why
it’s much easier to say them again and again. Talking about the issue with friends
many people don’t come out, or wait until they’re much older. Sometimes, people
or family becomes more relaxed and comfortable after a while.
only tell their friends, and not their family for fear of rejection. In many instances, a friend will tell someone “Oh you should really come out and tell your
For those who know that their friends and/or family would react negatively,
parents”. There is never any rush. If you don’t feel ready to come out, then don’t!
there isn’t any easy answer. You may still wish to come out, and argue your case
Your sexuality is your business. If you don’t feel ready to come out, it’s just as
with them, maybe even teach them to accept it, but this isn’t a guarantee. To this,
safe and cosy in the closet. (Unless you’re in Narnia, where it’s snowing and an
I say be careful WHO you tell. Sometimes, people are better left in the dark.
annoying goat will stalk you). With relation to choosing not to come out, be careful again. Bottling up But what if you DO want to come out, but don’t know how to go about it?
emotions is not healthy, and keeping certain things secret can damage you
There’s no right or wrong way, but there are certain things you should avoid
psychologically. As I said in the last issue, there is counselling available free to all
doing.
students. Also, NUIG’s lovely Equality officer Robin Allen is available at the Student’s Union (su.equality@nuigalway.ie) or you could contact NUIG’s LGBT
Don’t make a joke of it. Take a serious approach, but try to be a little light
society, GigSoc (gigsoc@socs.nuigalway.ie) and talk to a committee member.
hearted and positive about it. Stay calm. To echo what I said last week, don’t panic. This could cause your
Remember, in the words of Katy Perry, you’re a firework. Let your colours burn.
friends or family (whoever you’re telling) to also panic. However, becoming a
(This song was actually dedicated to the recent LGBT teenagers who committed
little emotional can be hard to avoid.
suicide in America.) In the next issue, I’ll be discussing homophobia and bullying.
Keep referring back to the fact that you are still who you are. Coming out
Look out for it!
doesn’t change a thing; you’re still the same person. Often a person’s image may
By Cillian Lineen
page 13
An Irish Guide to Spotting American Students You can always spot an American in college, they may
an Irish person it would sound more like Darude’s
not be wrapped up in the stars and stripes but
Sandstorm... and be coming from a bush.
somehow you just know. There are so many visiting
Americans may not know what a kettle is, FACT. Once met an American who thought it was a water purifier.
American students at NUIG that it must be a social
Americans may visit the Cliffs of Moher and discuss
10 guesses how they boiled their water? A pint to
group back home. You know there’s the jocks, the
this experience with you. In my own experience it
whoever said “put a glass in the microwave”. Barbarians.
geeks, the nerds etc. And, oh yeah, the group that go to Ireland for a year. There are some easy
Americans may replace the time-proven method of
markers, for instance an accent that cuts across a
creating nicknames (replacing the last syllable with
room quicker than Chlamydia spreads across the
an ‘o’ or ‘y’) and call each other nicknames such as
GPO. But even other seemingly obvious things like
“anal girl”, obviously because she’s particularly
North Face jackets aren’t guaranteed giveaways,
specific about things. Well, she’d wanna be
there are evidently some Irish people who just like
particularly specific about a certain kind of sex or
to camp (and not just on COD). So although these
she can head back over the Atlantic fairly sharp.
points won’t apply to all Americans, it may help identify some of them and their damn outrageous
Americans may use different words than you. They
habits.
could call assignments ‘papers’, don’t know what Selotape is, will ask what your major is and don’t
Americans may, even when you completely getting
take kindly to being told that Gaelic is a sport, not
along with them, show a complete
a language.
miscomprehension of ‘the craic’. This varies in intensity with the highest expertly demonstrated
Americans may order two pints of “Black and Tan”.
by one American tour video describing craic as a
(For all the Irish that just shuddered, it’s apparently
synonym for conversation, but it drips down to all
some ale-beer mix-up. For Americans, Google it.)
Americans. The Irish will endeavour to insult each
They may also be shocked when a particularly witty
other as terms of endearment where as Americans, if
seems that a significant portion of the Irish people has
barman returns with said two pints and says “there’s
they have avoided being offended and partake in this
no idea where the Cliffs are, let alone visited them (it’s
your twin towers”.
custom, will seek you out an apologise just to make
probably just the ones that wear North Face).
sure you know they’re “just giving you shit”. How rude.
If any American took offence to this please contact Americans may return affection tenfold. An inter-Irish
justhavingthecraic@eircom.net. We make fun of
Americans may say sentences like “I drink a lot of
affair might involve an exchange of names, where as
everyone, get over it.
vodka”. This is an easy one; had this been coming from
Americans expect a soon-to-be-via-Skype relationship.
By Philip Connor
There are a hundred superficial ways you could define our generation, ways that will make similarly
People Like Us
superficial people laugh and nod knowingly as though
We’ve moved on from the ‘cool’ of our parents’ generation, though it’s no less ephemeral. The cliché and truism states that it’s impossible and innately
the joke was remotely original. To use an obvious but
unfashionable to try to define what ‘cool’ is (do we
universal example, we are the ‘Facebook Generation’,
desperate clutch at ‘individuality’ by taking an
even use the word anymore?) But if you’ll allow me to
with its legions of fans and naysayers.
extreme stance on a widely accepted matter. Here’s a
have a go, I would suggest that nowadays it’s to have
hint – it doesn’t work if everyone else is doing the
found something that you really dig, and to have stuck
same thing.
by it. Not to slate a trend, or proclaim your dedication
There are those who claim to hate it, for the most part because it seems cool to be ‘counter-cultural’ (read:
to it; let’s face it, neither stance is very original or
different). They insist that people don’t really know
That’s a very negative way to start, and I hate to be
appealing. It’s not you, it’s an ostensibly radical
each other anymore, that having hundreds of
negative. Really, there are very few people like the
opinion that you’ve very consciously decided to
Facebook friends doesn’t make you popular, that
ones I’ve described, and it is for that encouraging
subscribe to, in order to have something to say that
engaging in a proper conversation in the pub is what
reason that I wanted to write this piece. Because I
you think will shock people into admiring you.
we should really all be doing. Well, they’re right. But
would suggest a far more lasting and optimistic label
we all know that, and the few people who don’t
for our generation – that we are one of acceptance.
wouldn’t have anything to say to each other ‘in the pub’ anyway.
Well, I understand. But if any of the above applies to you, try something else, just for kicks. Stop trying to
Of course, I don’t know. I don’t know what’s going on
be different in a contrived and predictable way, and
outside my little circle, how the hundreds of people I
start nurturing your genuinely unique tastes and
The only thing cooler, of course, is to declare that
walk past every day actually feel about Chess Soc or
opinions. You’ll find a deeper satisfaction in true
actually, you love it, it’s a very handy way of keeping
Ballet fanatics. But I get the impression that if you sat
individualism, and wouldn’t you know it, you’ll be
up to date and sharing your good times, and you
down before your lecture tomorrow, turned to the
accepted far more readily – you’ll be cool. And if
couldn’t live without it. Also pretty much true; that’s
person next to you, and started enthusing about the
you’re that guy/girl who is desperate not to be cool,
not the point. The point is that either way they’re as
new Metal/YéYé/Trance band you’d discovered, they’d
or ‘doesn’t care what people think of you’, please, go
bad as each other, because there’s nothing so
like you for it.
back to the top of this article.
unattractive (and, if I may be frank, annoying) as a
By Sam Wheway
SU Sessions: Music Week – Wednesday November 17th, Evil Uncle
As part of Music Week, the SU Sessions will be hosting a special afternoon gig in The Hub at 1pm. Evil Uncle will be gracing us with his beautiful melodies and infuriatingly catchy tunes. Simply put - Evil is the new good. Evil Uncle is a Kinks and Absinth cocktail that will have you singing all the way to the funny farm. Before you know it you will find yourself deep in the mind of a very strange human being. A taster EP (Songs for the Road) was unleashed on the unsuspecting public in September with 7,000 free copies being planted in strange places across Ireland by the Evil Uncle Guerrilla
Distribution Army. He is about to release His debut album "Two Lights Not Broken" from its cage where it has been prowling menacingly. This was recorded by Evil Uncle in various spaces across India and Europe and it is well worth getting your hands on. To have a quick listen to his stuff check out www.EvilUncle.eu The SU Sessions are a free weekly event open to the public and hosted by NUI, Galway Students’ Union in An Bialann (The Canteen) every Tuesday at 6pm. www.myspace.com/thesusessions .
Exam Time In case you didn’t know already your personal timetables are up online at www.nuigalway.ie/exams. Remember if you need any extra help that you can find tutors in most subjects on our Grinds Register, all you need to do is check www.su.nuigalway.ie/grind_adverts/. There are also other great free resources available to help you such as the Student Writing Support Centre and SUMS. The free student writing support centre in the Library is available Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings 11:00 – 13:00 in Group Study Room 3 on the 2nd floor and Monday to Thursday evenings 19:00 –
21:00 in the Foyer Consultation Room (just at the entrance). Bíonn seirbhís Ghaeilge ar fáil maidin Dé Céadaoin agus maidin Dé hAoine (11:00-13:00). For more information on the Writing Support Centre you can email them at writingcentre@nuigalway.ie. If you are having trouble with Maths, then check out SUMS, a free support service. More information on SUMS can be found at www.maths.nuigalway.ie/sums/ If you have any problems about your exams contact Emmet at su.education@nuigalway.ie
NUI Galway Students’ Union has joined forces with the “Movember” Campaign this year. Movember aims to raise awareness of men’s health issues, particularly prostate cancer. The campaign also raises funds for Action Prostate Programme run by the Irish Cancer Society. Throughout the month of November, men are encouraged to grow a moustache or “Mo” and collect sponsorship from friends and family. Students and staff alike then have one month to grow the most impressive
“Mo”. For those of you that have not registered yet you can still sign up as a Mo Bro or a Mo Sista by joining team NUI Galway Students' Union online: http://ie.movember.com/mospace/559 972/ to help us raise money for the Irish Cancer Society's Action Prostate Cancer Programme. There will be a table quiz on in aid of Movember on Monday November 15th from 7:30 in the College Bar. It only costs €5 per person and there will be loads of great prizes.
Student Assistance Fund
Students with Disabilities
Please note that application forms for this year’s Student Assistance Fund are now available on the NUI Galway Student Services website http://www.nuigalway.ie/student_servi ces/student_assistance_fund.html More information is available from Emma at su.welfare@nuigalway.ie and applications must be submitted by the 18th of November.
To all Students with disabilities, even one that you don’t consider serious, it may be worth your while registering with the Disability Office before exams. This is confidential, and can be a huge support during exam time, and in some cases very necessary. The time to register for full support is very quickly disappearing, so it is imperative to register as soon as possible, as an assessment may be needed beforehand for the more complicated supports. For anyone who indicated a disability on their CAO, you are automatically registered. You can contact the Disability Officer on 087 91 493541 or elizabeth.walsh@nuigalway.ie.
WWW.SU.NUIGALWAY.IE | WWW.EDUCATIONNOTEMIGRATION.IE
Third level education is under serious threat in the budget this December. Possible increases in the Registration Fee and reductions in the grant would put third-level education beyond the reach of many. After speaking with government TDs it is our understanding that the Government is considering increasing in the Registration Fee, which is currently €1,500, to as much as €3,000 per student, per year. The Government is also considering a possible cut to the Student Grant of a further 5%, on top of the 5% cut made in the budget last year. Finally the Student Assistance Fund, which helps students in dire financial circumstances, may be cut. Final decisions on these issues have not been made so we still have time to show that students are a powerful force. To prevent these potentially devastating cuts to third-level education we need all students to be active and make your voice heard over the coming weeks!
L TEUL R TD YO
Please tell your elected representatives that you think it's important to preserve access to third level education in the next budget.
www.tellyourtd.com allows you to send a letter to your TDs stating that education should be protected in Budget 2011. All you have to do is fill out your name and address and the Students' Union will look after the rest! It only takes a few seconds!
Galway March Thursday 18th November Leaving Áras na Mac Léinn at 1pm, marching to the Spanish Arch. Contact Peter at su.president@nuigalway.ie for more information.
page 16
National March up close As a member of FEE (Free Education for Everyone) and the USI, I was a part of the peaceful sit-down protest occupying the lobby of the Department of Finance. The Left Bloc, having articulated that students should not be content with just listening to right-wing student leaders such as Gary Redmond telling them to go home quietly, marched to the front of the Dail. Over two thousand broke away with stewards panicking to stop more from joining the alternative route. Members of the student union from the National College of Art and Design began a sit-in outside the gates of the Dail while others made their way to Merrion Row to stage a sit-in at the minimally guarded Department of Finance. Some 30 people occupied the reception of the Department. Over one thousand cheered them on outside the building. The atmosphere was relaxed and good natured with drumbeats accompanying the slogans. The only mild physical expression of anger was the throwing of eggs which must be said, hit as many student as they did Gardai or the Building itself. No one was to expect the sickening reaction mounted by the Gardai. Backup gardai arrived on the scene mounted on horseback and in riot gear. Without notice, they began dragging and
The National Student March will no
We arrived at Parnell Square, the
These riots took away the success of
beating students inside the reception. One protesters necks
doubt be famous for the riots which
atmosphere was full of excitement
the national march which had been for
was stood on, another was knocked unconscious and
took place on November 3rd, but little
students chanting, whistle blowing,
the most part peaceful, and the largest
thrown out onto the pavement. Outside, gardai dressed in
publicity has been given to the
and throwing volleyballs back and
student protest in years.
riot gear attacked students in baton charges. The vast
successful turnout of students which
forth within the crowd, there were
majority of the students sat down on the road and linked
were beyond the USI’s expectations.
witty posters with various famous
The clips that I have seen on the
catchphrases. We eventually began
internet were violent and in some
arms to avoid being singled out for a beating. Many tried to persuade the uniformed bullies to stop their attacks and
My friends and I arrived at the
marching through Dublin peacefully,
cases the Gardaí launched
began the chant of “peaceful protest”.
quadrangle and were met with the
however on reaching Merrion Square,
unnecessarily at students who were
Disgracefully the President of the USI, Gary Redmond
“never ending queue” which spun
the crowd began to turn left towards
standing peacefully but I witnessed
claimed the protesters didn't belong to the USI, effectively
around nearly the whole of the
the Department of Finance, we were
firsthand objects being thrown at the
disowning his members. He went on to condemn the sit-in,
quadrangle. We eventually boarded a
about to join them, when a steward
Gardaí also. I believe an inquiry is
this is despite the fact that only last year he took part in the
bus and on arrival headed straight to
informed, us not to, as it wasn’t part of
necessary to find out what happened.
occupation of Wicklow County Council offices. This can
Parnell Square and followed the many
the official march.
The National March’s success maybe
lead many to reject the students' unions as a whole rather
yellow t-shirts which seemed to be
than those particular individuals who misrepresent student
scattered across the city. We were
We then attempted to continue to
many arguing that the government will
interests. The main problem with the USI is the lack of
handed many leaflets from different
march straight ahead as advised, but
still raise the registration fee and
accountability to it's members. Students need to argue for
political groups on walking to the
we were still being pushed towards the
continue to cut the grants, November
large open forums in the colleges and universities where
march, one of the members of these
Finance buildings, eventually however
3rd proved that students will not take
democratic decisions can be made by ordinary students.
groups called us and other students to
we arrived at Merrion Square. When
it laying down nor will they on
FEE will be holding a meeting entitled: Whose streets? -
join their protest, and “that the USI
the rally ended, we witnessed a riot at
November 18th in Galway’s student
Public meeting on the right to protest, on Wednesday the
and Gary Redmond weren’t doing
Merrion row where we saw eggs and
protest and in the ballot box.
17th at 8pm in AC 201.
enough”, however he was ignored by
objects being thrown at the Gardaí
By Joe Loughnane
the majority.
who were in full riot gear on horses.
overshadowed by the riots, despite
By Grainne Coyne
page 17
“Outside, gardai dressed in riot gear attacked students in baton charges...”
“There is a time when the operation of the machine
wasting away on the dole, or take whatever you could
A 90-minute march around the capital is all well and good,
becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart, that you
scrimp together from the social welfare and buy a plane
but that's been done before, all it did was delay the
can't take part. And you've got to put your bodies upon the
ticket to somewhere, anywhere, possibly never to return. I
inevitable. 25,000 people is a loud voice, revolutions have
gears and upon the wheels, upon the levers, upon all the
took the only choice I had and left, first for the south of
been won with far fewer. I'm not suggesting violent action
apparatus, and you've got to make it stop! And you've got to
France and now to rural Thailand.
like we saw two weeks ago, if we want to live in a peaceful
indicate to the people who run it, to the people who own it
democracy we have to accept that the state has the
— that unless you're free, the machine will be prevented
Young people are among the least represented people in our
monopoly on violence, beating up Gardaí isn't the answer,
from working at all.”
society and yet will have to endure the worst of the
there are alternatives.
hardships. The increase in education fees is just the Mario Savio's words ran through my mind when I first heard
beginning of it, next month's budget will determine your
What if you all registered in Galway and voted for the same
about the events in Dublin two weeks ago. I'm sure some
future; whether or not the dole is enough to live on,
person? What if those 25,000 people simply sat down in the
version of these sentiments was also running through the
whether or not you'll have to move back home, whether
street instead of marching? What about 50,000? They
minds of the 30 or so protesters who attempted to occupy
your local shop can afford to take you on part time, whether
couldn't arrest you all, their horses and dogs would tire
the Dept of Finance or those who took part in the sit-down
or not your parents will have to sell their house... whether or
sooner than you, their batons would break before you, their
protest outside, until the Gardaí deemed it necessary to
not they can still afford to send you to college.
voices would go hoarse before yours and their will would
employ tactics that would be more at home in Burma or China.
bend before yours. What if you left Ireland? What if you You can't rely on the opposition government, you can't rely
had to?
on the Green Party to suddenly grow a spine, you can't rely The second thought that ran through my mind was “It's
on the left to suddenly get their act together and provide a
I started with Mario Savio, so I'll give him the last word:
about time.”
realistic and sustained alternative, you can't rely on USI in its
“You can't disobey the rules every time you disapprove.
current form to ever be more than an ineffective
However, when you're considering something that
Two years ago, when I graduated, I had spent the previous
mouthpiece who are just happy that they even have a seat at
constitutes an extreme abridgement of your rights,
four years training for a career that suddenly didn't exist any
the table.
conscience is the court of last resort.”
more, my friends and I were faced with the choice of either
By Kevin O'Connor
page 18
Clearly, they’re going out? Why is it that in society women can’t say, ‘Oh, him?
da, conclusion confirmed, gossip plan formulated, this
foreheads? Must we enter a pub, club or party, stand on
Were just friends’ without getting the same old
girl’s previous relationship is heading for divorce.
a podium and declare that we are in a relationship? We
response of, ‘Yeaaah sure’ followed by the casual nod
Congratulations darlings, you’ve ruined another casual
can’t communicate with any member of the male
and wink?
friendship and potentially a previous relationship.
species for fear of speculation. I’m afraid it’s heading that way ladies and gents. We ladies don’t need to fall
You know I’m right; we’ve all been through it. It’s
Some girls are unfaithful and they shouldn’t get away
victim to this ridiculous regime any longer. You should
ignorance leads you to jump to nasty, ridiculous
with cheating. It is not acceptable, however, to judge all
be allowed go out with male friends, make new male
conclusions. Don’t be rude, think before you blab all
of the ladies out there on this one view. The male
friends and not face multiple texts in the morning,
over someone’s future.
response of ‘I trust you, not other men’ is rubbish, leave
piercing looks in the halls or snide comments on
your girlfriends to make male friends; it shows far
facebook. I hope in reading this, women and men will
greater trust in the long run.
lay off the stupid remarks and see that just because
simple, in this rumour spreading, lovemaking society, a guy and a gal can no longer be ‘just friends’. We can’t sit in our local and chat with a good looking male friend without the gossips splurging out all the latest ‘facts’ in less than half an hour later. ‘I thought she was in a relationship?’ well, she still is, and happily so, but your
Then, we have the ‘house party scenario’. An attractive, well-liked girl seen engaging in conversation with an
physically and biologically we can have sex with each
attractive well-liked guy must obviously be planning to
Is this the age where women now have to parade
other, doesn’t mean we always want to.
have some equally attractive well liked intercourse. Ta-
around with their facebook status stamped to their
By Erin Grant
Sport in Corrib “All the world’s a stage and all the men and women
involve a Knorr cuppa soup and where its bones and
mama told you as a boy don’t apply (it’s not just the
merely players” - Shakespeare didn’t know just how
not hurdles that are ‘jumped’.
participation that counts). A somewhat
right he was!
Whether it’s in our ‘state of the art’ playground, ‘up to
accommodating sport, in which aids such as Viagra
When you live in a place like Corrib Village, you meet
the minute’ tennis court, ‘contemporary’ mini market
and Levitra are provided for the ‘less able’. If this sport
them all-the poor ole single standards, the posh
or ‘ultra modern’ laundrette, these players are out in
had a prize it’d be less ‘Sam Maguire’ and more ‘Rider
ensuites, the boggers, the D4’s, the D6’s, the arts
force. Most of these come well equipped with all
Cup’.
students, the party animals, the party poopers, the
their gear; Hollister shirt, jeans straight from the floor,
And finally, a note of advice to all you players: like in
dirty ones, the clean freaks and so on and so forth.
Vans and enough Lynx Africa to punch a new hole in
any game, there’ll be times when you break the rules,
However, there is one category most of them will fall
the ozone layer.
lose focus, get a red card, have to stand on the side
under: The Players. We now live in a society where
All the participants in this game follow the boy scouts
line, maybe even face disqualification. In these times
women are ‘scored’ and not courted, where it’s a
promise (to come prepared) and have all their
of despair, just think of the famous words of the
woman and not a horse that’s ‘rode’. ‘Shift’ is no
‘equipment’ working (here’s hoping). It’s a strange
renowned sports journalist Grantland Rice: “For when
longer just a key on the keyboard. It’s no longer doors
game where the girl and not the boy is advised to
the One Great Scorer comes to mark against your
that are ‘banged’ or corks that are ‘screwed’. A place
wear the cup for protection. The ‘Coach’ usually
name, he writes - not how you won or lost - but how
where it’s ‘birds’ and not eggs that get ‘laid’. A land
comes in the form of The Player’s drunk best friend
you played the game”. Then think about what a prick
where a ‘hump’ happens in the bedroom and not on a
uttering the words ‘Go on my son’ or ‘Get in there
you’ve been, apologise and I’m sure it’ll all be good in
camel’s back. Now that school is over, ‘grind’ has a
kid’. A pastime where it’s pints and not points that
the hood!
whole new meaning. An area where its uglies and not
gets you closer to the goal. A contest where the final
By Valentina Dylan
heads that are ‘bumped’. Where a quickie doesn’t
is short, but unfortunately for some, the words your
page 19
Paddy Garcia Diary of an Arts Graduate
A trip to the dole office It seemed like my eyes had been closed forever. I
myself as a German WW1 officer, I just said: Sure,
or stay up all night dancing naked on a beach
opened them and found myself in space. I was
see you in the back of the smoking area.
around a fire. But I'm far too much of a coward to
enveloped by total blackness, pierced with
actually come out and say that, to be honest with
undiluted specks of perfect light from galaxies and
I had met her a month before, standing in line at
her, to see that look on her face as I say “We need
solar systems never before observed with the
the chippers at three a.m., she was gorgeous, her
to talk...”. I'll do what I always do, wait it out until
naked eye. For the first time in my life, I was
handbag was worth more than anything I have
an opportunity comes to sabotage the
absolutely still. No forces were acting upon my
ever owned. She said she was a model of some
relationship, a war of attrition until she relents
body and I was floating in perfect nothingness. I
sort and that the only reason she likes getting
and moves on, another name added to my list of
wasn't bound by gravity, compelled by any action
drunk is so she can binge on junk food, I
people to avoid in the street.
or indeed limited by resistance. Absolute and total
convinced her to try the battered sausage, she
silence is the hardest sound to contemplate; space
gave me her number.
makes the most peaceful of country meadows seem like a riot of noise and alarm.
Our third date went fine, a few pints in a 'trendy old man pub', an oxymoron if ever there was one. I
I didn't text her, I don't go in for that sort of thing;
walked her to my place, invited her in. She said
going for coffee, calling the next day, arranging
she'd wait inside for her taxi, I shrugged. We
Far off galaxies revealed themselves to me in discs
another date, goodnight kisses, sleeping with each
began to kiss on the couch and I asked her to stay.
and spirals, dancing to a rhythm so precise as to
other on the third date, meeting her friends,
“It's not that I don't want to, it's just that it's too
predict and pre-empt every event and that has
Christmas at her parents', going on holiday
early, I like to play by the rules.” I nodded,
ever taken place or will ever take place so as to
together where I ask her to marry me, conceiving
pretending to understand. If you want to do
make control, power and choice as meaningless as
on the honeymoon, taking a management job at an
something you do it, there are no rules for dating,
the lines in the sand left after the tide, yet at the
insurance firm to pay for private school, winter ski
you're not baking a cake, people have been
same time the vastness of it all made the concept
holidays, waking up in the middle of the night at
fucking and pairing off for millions of years, it
of fate and pre-ordination as unimportant as the
fifty three and realising I was never happy with
baffles me that we could be so arrogant as to
path of the swirls in a milky cup of tea. Distance
her and now it's too late to find someone else
think we could improve it by putting restraints on
and perspective lost all meaning and I was at once
because I'm bald and impotent.
it. Her taxi came and she left.
everywhere and nowhere, time was nothing but a
It was all perfectly clear that's how it would play
mere concept, I was at once now and eternity,
out when I met her, better to stop before it even
I put on some Dylan, sat down in my smoke filled
yesterday and tomorrow, never and always, I had
started.
room and opened a blank page. An hour later and I
lived for a billion years and had yet to be
was still trying to remember what came to me in
conceived. Answers to every question ever posed
A week later, a friend of mine was playing a DJ set
the dole office while I was tripping off my tits. “It
and every thought that will ever be imagined were
in a popular nightclub in town and I went along to
had something to do with space.” I said to the
presented to me and explained as easily as the
show my support by taking a pill and chewing on
empty room. My train of thought was interrupted
simple truth of the difference between zero and
my own lip in the corner of the room for three
by a phone call. “Come over if you're up.” the
one. And then...
hours, it really wasn't my scene; the smell of fake
voice on the other end said. It was an ex of mine,
tan in the air, sugary alcopops, the same songs
we'd been having some sort of thing whereby she
“Hey, wake up” a voice interrupted me.
every night, how could anyone enjoy this? And
calls me up when she comes in drunk and lonely,
I opened my eyes, “Are you God?” I asked softly.
there she was, it made perfect sense, this was her
we never speak to each other apart from that. It's
“Wha? Listen, ya can't sleep here, we're closin' for
comfort zone, she fit in perfectly. She saw me
working out quite well for both of us.
lunch. Come back after.”
across the room and came over, demanding why I
It slowly dawned on me that I was in the dole
hadn't texted her, the confidence of vodka on her
A couple of hours later and we're lying together
office, absolutely tripping off my balls on magic
breath. In that moment I relented, she looked
naked in the dim candlelight. “I've never been
mushrooms. I felt as if my teeth were melting and
amazing in the lights of the dancefloor, through
anyone's mistress before.” was what she said after
my jaw was about to fall off, I held my hand over
the MDMA haze.
I told her about the model, “I think I'll like it.”
We arranged a date the next night and now here
“I'm breaking up with her” I said, flatly “it wouldn't
I went home as quickly as possible, without
we are, about to go on date number three. The
be fair. It's like Updike said, the wife can never
making eye contact with anyone, they knew, they
previous two dates went well, exactly as
know more about the man than the mistress. She
all knew, the dog on the corner of my street said
predicted, some dancing, the usual chit chat, I paid
only suspects the man may be a liar, the mistress
hello to me and I sped up until I reached my door
for her Chardonnay, walked her home to her place
knows for certain.” But she was already asleep,
and fell into bed fully clothed, I slept a dreamless
with her arm in mine, a goodnight kiss and then
and I was left alone in the perfect stillness of
sleep for over twenty hours. I was woken up by a
home by 2 a.m. I really don't know what's going
space.
text message: HI HUN IL B L8 SEE U @ 10
on, there's nothing wrong with her, she's perfectly
my mouth and said: “I'll be back tomorrow.”
pleasant and intelligent as well as being gorgeous, Are we still doing this, the block capitals? The text
we're the same age and have lots in common, and
speak? It's just as easier to write a proper message
yet, I can't wait to be rid of her, she doesn't get
you know. I didn't say that though as I imagined
me, she'd never in a million years take mushrooms,
Societies Music Week Events and More!
page 20
MONDAY 15TH NOVEMBER Rock Soc Campus Busking Time: 12:00 - 23:59 Venue: NUIG Campus
Energy Society Dept of Geography & Energy Society Lecture "Galway Energy & Emissions" Time: 13:00 - 14:00 Venue: AC201
Name of Society:
Rock Soc Rock Soc Showcase Time: 16:00 - 18:00 Venue: the HUB, Aras na Mac Lýinn (TBC)
Lotus Society Beginners Yoga! Time: 17:15 - 18:15 Venue: The Space
The charity money collected by our society goes to people in need and there are no strings
Polish Society Polish Language and Culture Course 1 Time: 18:00 - 20:00 Venue: Block S, Room 109
Poker Poker Tournament Time: 18:00 - 23:59 Venue: The View
Orchestra Soc Orchestra Rehearsal Time: 19:00 - 20:30 Venue: Large acoustic room
Polish Society Polish Language and Culture Course 2 Time: 18:00 - 20:00 Venue: Block S, Room 109
Compsoc Monday Mashup Time: 19:00 - 21:00 Venue: The Space, Áras na Mac Léinn
Juggling Soc Weekly Workshop & Practice Time: 18:00 - 20:00 Venue: Áras Na Mac Leinn
Best Buddies Best Buddies Training Time: 19:00 - 23:59 Venue: AC201 & IT125
Dansoc Intermediate Hip Hop Time: 18:00 - 19:00 Venue: The Cube, Aras Na Mac Leinn
Slainte Soc. Movember Table Quiz Time: 19:30 - 23:00 Venue: College Bar
Choral Soc Weekly Rehearsal Time: 18:00 - 20:00 Venue: College Chapel
Comic Book Society Comic Soc - General Meeting! Time: 20:00 - 21:30 Venue: The Art Room, Áras na Mac Léinn
FLAC Society Free Legal Advice Centre (FLAC) Clinic Time: 18:00 - 19:30 Venue: Meeting Rooms 1 and 2, Áras Na McLeinn
Muslim Youth Society. Describe your society: The official student's Islamic society (ISOC) of National University of Ireland Galway. One interesting fact that people may not know about your society: attached. We operate like the “concern charity”. What are looking forward to most this year? There are going to be many events held during the year such as henna parlour, cake bake sale, talks, Eid party and many more through which we hope to raise awareness about Islam and clarify the misunderstandings that people associate with Islam. Our regular meeting is held on wed 1st week of every month at the time which is appropriate for everyone. muslimyouth@socs.nuigalway.ie Name of Society: N.U.I.G. Choral Society Describe your society: We’re N.U.I.G.’s resident student choir, including members from across male and female vocal parts, and the best thing is we’re not auditioned. There’s something special about a collective musical experience and we’re all about performing choral music, whatever the genre, for the sheer joy of it. And, if we’re lucky, we might make it as far as a competition or two. One interesting fact that people may not know about your society: Last year, during Muscailt week, we had a few impromptu performances on campus, including in the library foyer and by the yellow thing. It was an interesting experiment to bring the music out of its usual confines and into a new environment. Next time we’ll rope passersby into joining in and see what happens... What are looking forward to most this year? We’re embarking on a new adventure this year: new conductor, many new members and a bigger and better sound! Ideas about the possible musical direction of the choir are very welcome. We’re hoping to pack as much into the year as possible, including trips away, on-campus
Dramsoc The Morning after Optimism Time: 20:00 - 21:30 Venue: BOI Theatre TUESDAY 16TH NOVEMBER Intermediate Yoga! Time: 07:40 - 08:50 Venue: The View
performances, Christmas and end of year concerts and, of course, great nights out in Galway. Tuesdays, 6-8p.m. in the College Chapel. nuigchoralsociety@gmail.com Name of Society: Marine Society
Energy Society
Describe your society:
NUIG Energy Society Lecture Series "The transition to a decarbonised power system – a transmission system operator perspective" Time: 18:15 - 19:45 Venue: ac203 Speakers: Philip O'Donnell and Ken McDonnell, EirGrid.
We are the folk you can find on the beach marvelling at rock pools or devoting our afternoons to David Attenborough’s ‘The Blue Planet’ series. MarSoc encompass people who share an interest in marine life, water sports like scuba-diving as well as raise awareness of overfishing, marine pollution and other problems plaguing today’s seas. After all, there is no better place than Galway to learn more about the ocean- the Atlantic is on your doorstep! One interesting fact that people may not know about your society:
Just like a pod of dolphins we are all about socialising and working side by side for a united Organic Gardening Society Open Garden Time: 13:00 - 14:00 Venue: Organic Garden - DIstillery Road, to left of Security Building
Sinn Fein Soc
cause - every year MarSoc raises charity for the Irish Seal Sanctuary.
Ogra Shinn Fein Soc Time: 19:00 - 20:00 Venue: AC 216 - Down Behind the Bank Of Ireland
What are looking forward to most this year?
To better appreciate the marine fauna we will be going whale watching in 2nd semester. As well as organise the annual society’s trip abroad to chart the unknown waters. :) marine@socs.nuigalway.ie
Writers’ Page
Enron Enron Lama Sabachthani
page 21
Small minded small timers know the difference between business and family Old money new money cash money family money money Nary has a soliloquy ever sounded so much like press packet lies High C over E (over O My Lord in unleavened bread Like so many unfinished similes End of days, end parentheses Like a drop of slaughter in the ocean Of citric litigation that invites and inspires sacrilicious dividends Gethsemane blows the whistle and our means just defy the ends Divine requisition forms stacked up on St. Pete’s table “Hey buddy looks like they’re gonna need a new Orleans Semi-colon upper case d How about you grab a six-pack and I’ll see you down there Crying like a financial portfolio in the dark Everyone unabashedly and unknowingly taking parts In LARP larks End of quotation marks
By Fearghal Hand
The Unaccountables
By Shaun Leonard
It wasn’t raining at the time, but it had been not long before and everything glistened in the pale sunlight. Gareth and Barry swaggered through the streets with an inexplicable arrogance chattering nonsense and lies. Club K last night – mental. How come I didn’t know you were goin’ out? I wasn’t. I just ended up there y’know? Ok. Got the shift too. Yeah? Yeah. Fuckin’ hot too. Did you take the Mahon leap of faith? Oh... I was going too and I definitely could have, but I was really hungry so... Curry cheese chip. Yeah. As they crossed the bridge Barry just stared at the water below as if in a trance. Gareth thumped him in the arm. Watch this, he said. He grabbed a passing woman by the coat, grinning at her shock, and he flung her off the bridge laughing at her very vocal terror. Jesus! What the fuck? Relax. Relax? You just killed somebody. It’s just a story, man. It’s a...what? Watch. He pulled a handgun the size of a small cannon out of the back of his jeans and fired at the driver of a passing lorry. The truck screeched as it swerved, smashing into a car and sending them both tumbling into the water. People were screaming and running, Gareth was smiling and laughing firing into the crowd and Barry stood,
head in his hands expecting to wake up any second. Stop worrying. Look in your bag. Barry swung off his back pack, reached in a pulled out an assault rifle. Did you get that bag from Laura Croft! This makes no sense... Told you. None of this is real. We can do whatever we like. Oh what fun, what fun. They grinned like bloody thirsty Cheshire cats. Put on your mask, Gareth said. Why? I dunno. It just seems right. They reached up and pulled down rubber Nixon masks. Let’s rob a fucking bank! They stormed the bank roaring and shooting the roof. GIMME ALL YOUR FUCKING MONEY! The people emptied their wallets. The bank opened their vault. Gareth and Barry just laughed, lit the money on fire and started shooting people. In the streets they lost the run of themselves. They were caught up in their own perverse ultraviolent catastrophe. Laughing and screaming and shooting and murdering like sick rabid dogs. People ran and screamed and people died. It was a horrible story. It was Barry who found her, cowering in a puddle behind a bin crying her eyes out. He froze when she looked at him. All she said was, why? She kept whispering again and again choking on her tears and words. Gareth was across the street. It had
begun to rain again lightly and the rubber masks glistened with this and the blood. Barry! He crossed the street, looked at the woman, then at Barry. What the fuck? Nobody moved. Why? Why not? Nothing’s gonna happen. People are dying, she wailed. No. They are not. And he shot her in the face. But, it didn’t break the skin. What the...? They all looked around to see me standing among the bloody carnage. You two disgust me. Everything about this disgusts me. Gareth raised his gun and shot the man in the chest. The bullet fell harmlessly to the ground. How’d everyone get so bullet proof all of a sudden? This is my story and I can do whatever I like, I said, and honestly, I’m none too pleased with what I’ve written. It’s damn weird and more than a little sick. I don’t appreciate anything connected to grotesque murders in or about my head. So I’d be happier if you never existed. And then they didn’t and the street was full of pedestrians again, rushing, shopping, talking, and the sun began to shine. The woman looked up and smiled. God bless Deus Ex Machina, she said. Amen...
page 22
YOU’RE SOOOOOOO SOUND…… Spontaneous and passionate are two words that can
medium you work in, more so about ideas and how you
describe i102104 radio presenter Fergal D’Arcy. His
develop them in any medium whether it be print, TV or
drive time show “igohome with Fergal D’Arcy” leaves
radio. In college, I was editor of our student paper for
his audience entertained to say the least. A Ballinasloe
two years - that taught me how to get a story and be
native and currently the world record holder for getting
organised, I won a Smedia award for radio production -
as many underpants on in an hour as possible (240 pairs
that taught me that perseverance will be rewarded and
in 33 mins impressive!), Ferg talks to Áine Mc Williams
I was part of drama soc - that gave me confidence. All
about his career and the ups and downs of radio.
of these little things gave my life a sort of drive.
Why did you choose a career in radio?
After I finished my degree, I joined ClareFM where I did
Whenever priests talk about their decision to join the
everything from co-presenting Breakfast to becoming
RCC they always speak of a 'calling'. I think that I
their Agricultural Editor. I owe a lot to them I learned a
always had a type of mystic 'calling' to get involved in
lot there and it really cut my teeth. Then one day I got
media and entertainment.
a phone call from the Programme Director in iRadio and he told me he'd like to meet. I knew straight away
I was always involved in publications, so I did
this was the kind of radio I wanted to get into...quirky,
journalism and Irish in DIT. I never really considered
up beat and energetic. It was a big difference from
radio as a career but fell in love with the concept in
reading mart reports.
There in NUIG you have one of the best bases in the country to mould, encourage and promote new
college and it appealed to me a hell of a lot more than
presenters. I'm a big fan of Flirt FM and the work they
print. When I left, I got a job in Clare FM and the rest is history.
What advice would you give students looking for a career in radio?
How did you get to where you are now?
Be original, never let anyone knock you and chase your
I think I owe a lot to college life when it comes to
dreams. I always say to the lads in work that nothing is
Igohome with Fergal D’arcy is on i102104 weekdays
where I am now. To me it's not really about the
impossible, there has to be some way to tackle it.
from 2.50p.m.
do. It's a breath of fresh air, so if I was a student and I wanted in on radio, I'd start there.
Tweet Chide of Brian: How much Influence does Twitter really have? Dave Marash, a stalwart of the American news scene,
one of the biggest political stories of the year. No mean
largely to
recently dismissed the influence of Twitter on news
feat considering the cataclysmic political events
the Cowen
reporting. ‘Anything that can be said in 140 characters
currently taking place.
and O’ Dea
or less isn’t worth saying’, he said. 70 characters; the
scandals. In
man would be a natural on twitter, assuming he would
Of course it is not clear whether Coveney knew the
fact, a
be bothered converting his own soundbytes into text.
significance of his remarks at the time. Part of the
recent
reason so many Irish journalists ‘follow’ politicians on
survey of the twelve leading French news websites
This year, Irish political life has been forced to recognise,
Twitter is that TDs don’t seem to realise that a tweet
revealed that Twitter was only responsible for 0.1% of
if not embrace, the growing influence of social
can have the same knock on effects as an ill-thought out
news traffic. Twitter however, is only four years old and
networking, and Twitter in particular on the relaying of
press release or interview, and as such must be subject
this ‘market share’ of news is likely to grow.
news. Willie O’ Dea felt the sharp end of a tweet when
to the same self-editing.
Senator Dan Boyle of the Greens declared the then
Any medium which can hasten or improve the transfer
Minister for Defence to be ‘compromised’, while An
In countries such as China or Iran, where anything
of news is to be welcome, but as it stands the only news
Taoiseach accused Simon Coveney of having sunk to a
approaching the degree of freedom enjoyed by the
which can be gleaned directly from Twitter comes from
new political low for writing tweets that speculated as
western press is unthinkable, Twitter has played a vital
direct statements made in tweets by newsworthy (but
to whether Cowen was drunk on Morning Ireland.
role in allowing dissenting voices to be heard. The
not necessarily news-savvy) public figures such as
recent silence in Chinese media relating to Liu Xiaobo’s
politicians or footballers. As the public relations gurus
In reality, Coveney could just as easily claim to have
Nobel Peace prize was in marked contrast to the flurry
who already exert such a strong hold over the
reached a more advanced plain in his political activity,
of tweets emanating from the Chinese, but this is more
traditional media begin to reign in these errant
using as he did the latest incarnation of the political
social-political activism than news dissemination.
celebrities, we may find that the content of their tweets
talking-shop to further his aims. Instead of a whispered
will become increasingly sanitised and bland, and that
rumour in the Dáil bar, which may or may not have been
The extent to which Twitter and other social
Twitter may not become the new face of the media
taken up on in the media, Coveney unleashed his
networking sites are a tangible source of news has been
after all.
rumour upon the wider internet community, creating
greatly exaggerated, especially in this country, thanks
By Conor Harrington
tech reviews
page 23
Call of Duty:
Call of Duty: Black Ops is now available from HMV
Black Ops game review
Galway for €47.99
Another year, another Call of Duty. This time around
helped by a high standard of voice acting. Sam
always seem to be exploding, so it’s not likely you’ll
it’s Treyarchs turn to bang out a game in the now
Worthington (your man from Avatar and Terminator
notice it too much. And it’s hardly as if you all bought
ridiculously famous franchise. For those who don’t
Salvation), does a stellar job of playing the player
the game just for the single player is it? You did? I don’t
know, it was Infinity Ward that made the hugely
character “Mason”, and is helped out by Ed Harris and
believe you.
popular Modern Warfare titles and Treyarch have been
another famous actor who I won’t name for fear of
filling the gaps with Call of Duty 3 and World at War,
ruining the surprise. That’s another thing, this game is
Never has their been a series so strong in it’s
games which were seen as sub-par by many in
full of twists and contains plenty of “holy shit did you
multiplayer aspect as Call of Duty, and amazingly Black
comparison. So those of you who played the
see that!” moments to keep players on their toes. There
Ops manages to raise the bar even higher. Those
blockbuster Modern Warfare 2, (and I’m going to
are some great references to World at War and people
familiar with the Modern Warfare games will feel right
assume that’s all of you), will know that
at home here, as the game borrows heavily from
there is a tough act to be followed.
them. However, the most significant change is
Does this game do the series justice?
the introduction of COD points. Instead of simply unlocking weapons and perks by
Short answer is yes. Oh dear god yes.
levelling up, players must now
Rather than try something entirely
purchase them with points earned by killing
different, Black Ops takes everything
enemies, winning games, and completing
that made Modern Warfare 2 so
contracts. To help you make money quicker
amazing and somehow manages to
there is a brand new feature called wager
make it even better. While not set in a
matches, these allow you to bet your hard
“modern” setting as such, (it spans a
earned COD points and if you place in the top
variety of years, but mostly takes place
three then the rewards can be substantial. Lose
in the 60’s) it does have much the same
and it’s tough luck I’m afraid. Also new to the
weapons and feel of the last game, just
series is the inclusion of a Theatre mode similar
with cooler songs. To say that this is
(well the exact same really), to the one in the
Call of Duty: Vietnam would be a
Halo games.
serious error, and yes while there are several missions that take place during that conflict, it
Finally, I will say that yes, there are Nazi Zombies, and
would be more accurate to say this is Call of Duty: Cold
who played that game are in for a treat. It even
yes it’s amazing. Once again, Treyarch have added
War. The missions are as diverse as they are action
manages to keep everything on track and lead it all to a
something completely separate to the main package
packed. One minute you’ll be tracking down Fidel
climatic finale. What happens after the credits roll is so
and can even be considered a game in itself. It really is
Castro in the Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba, the next
amazing, I can’t even write it for fear of my head
the cherry on top of what I can now safely say, is one of
minute you could be on a boat down a river in East Asia
exploding.
the greatest Call of Duty titles made so far and quite
shooting up Vietcong to the soundtrack of the Rolling Stones.
possibly the best game we’ll see this year. I’m still super Unfortunately by today’s standards the AI is quite poor,
excited to see what’s going to happen when Infinity
with enemies and teammates alike doing stupid things
Ward comes back and do Modern Warfare 3, but now
The campaign story is without a doubt the strongest
that serve to remind me that I’m playing a game. Then
thanks to Black Ops, I really don’t mind waiting.
that I’ve seen in a Call of Duty game, and is largely
again there’s always so much going on and everything
By Darragh O Connor
Gamers Corner It’s been a good few weeks for gaming. The new
to find a single title that excites me. Granted, we’re
like an eejit then I would have joined an aerobics class.
Assassins Creed is out this week and is meant to be
into November, and the season of publishers throwing
For feck sake publishers! I know that ye have to get
superb, only a few days ago the new Call of Duty
their winter titles at us in advance of Christmas is
the good titles out in lots of time for Santa’s birthday
arrived to rapturous applause, see the review on this
coming to an end, but do I really have to wait until a
but this is ridiculous! You’re leaving me like a heroin
page (as if you can miss it), and let’s not forget in
few months into next year to play something decent?
addict who never had to worry about supply and is
recent weeks we’ve had Halo Reach, Fallout New
The end of January brings Mass Effect 2 to the
now about to lose all sources of his sweet sweet
Vegas and of course, the amazing Undead Nightmare
Playstation 3 but we Xbox folk have already had it for
nectar.
zombie add on to Red Dead Redemption. All in all,
months. The latest World of Warcraft expansion is
My advice to you people reading out there, stock up
there have been decent pickings. The question on my
out soonish but I stopped being that kind of nerd a
on the decent games while the getting’s good, because
mind however, is what now? I’m sitting here with a list
few years ago. And don’t even try and mention Kinect
it’s going to be a looong winter.
of upcoming releases in front of me and am struggling
to me, if I wanted to wave my arms around looking
By Darragh O Connor
page 24
The X-factor: What is it and who has it? A new year has begun. A new table of controversy has
looking for? “Something different” according to Simon
opened. Our Saturday evenings until Christmas have
Cowell. This year’s line-up certainly have that. Cheryl
been pre-booked as we wrap up in oversized hoodies
Cole’s category, the girls, are probably getting more
beside the fire, glued to our TV screens, listening to the
attention than all of the other categories combined.
rain bucketing outside. We are once again confident in
Treyc Cohen from Tamoworth had a voice of
the knowledge that the X-factor will bring us the
perfection to boast, a huge advantage over some of the
height of entertainment and drama. Last year was the
other contestants, such as Wagnor, who has been
first year for an X-factor artist to be knocked out of the
labelled as a flash in the pan by Cheryl. But with a
Christmas number one spot. Last Christmas, Joe Mc
personality to rival wallpaper she was sent home as
Elderly was beaten by Rage Against the Machine. Have
Katie Waissel was saved by the public. 24-year-old
manufactured popstars lost their appeal? Judging by the
Katie was labelled a “drama queen” by her mentor. My
labelled a “chav” and was thought to be too fragile-
X-factor’s history I’d say absolutely not!
brother labels her a “spa”. Initially, I was intrigued by
both physically and emotionally-to compete in the live
her quirky vintage style, but now I think Louis Walsh
shows. Many thought she would crumble under the
Leona Lewis, the biggest star to ever come out of the
was right in saying she had “more style than substance”.
pressure that comes with fame, but so far, she has
X-factor, has become a worldwide phenomenon with
When she wore feather eyelashes and a lace umbrella
“turned her swag on” and proven the critics wrong.
Oprah and Denzel Washington on her fan list.
to Cheryl Cole’s house, we all groaned in our couches
Alexandra Burke has had four number ones in the UK
with our tea and hobnobs. At week 2, she had already
Last, but certainly not least, there is 24 year old
and Ireland. JLS, Diana Vickers and Jedward have
reached a level of insufferable annoyance. If she lifts
Rebecca Ferguson. With her old Hollywood style and
proven that you don’t have to win the X-factor to get
the veil of melodrama, we might love what’s
Marilyn-inspired clothes, she is without a doubt a class
an amazing career out of it. Jedward-love them or hate
underneath.
act. She has a huge sense of who she is and every week,
them-definitely have something appealing with a
her confidence grows. Her timid nature is perhaps due
double platinum album under their belts, numerous
Cher Lloyd, 17, from Worcestershire, was lucky to have
to the struggles she has admitted to having with
appearances on the Late Late show and sell-out tours in
Cheryl as her mentor. Cheryl seems to understand what
motherhood. Her shy and humble reactions to the
both Ireland and England. They have the X-factor,
Cher is about as an artist. With similar taste in make-
judges praise makes her so appealing. So this year, the
whatever that is.
up, hand tattoos and a passion for R&B, it’s no wonder
X-factor has most certainly not lost its appeal.
So just what is the X-factor? What are the judges
Cheryl said she was “right up her street”. Cher has been
By Fiona Ní Mháille
The Social Network
comes to fame and fortune and how having a great idea can sometimes cause more hassle than it is worth. The
The ingenious part of the movie is that it makes what
plot continues to thicken as a result of this and at
would seem to be a very boring plot quite interesting
The Social Network sees the story of Mark Zuckerberg
and the movie keeps the audience glued from start to
and his ascension into the hall of fame as one of the
finish. We learn of how Facebook came about and we
most successful tech businessman in the world at the
get to know Mark that little bit more as well which
moment. The story of the movie focuses on the idea of
makes the movie very interesting for more than just the
Facebook and how Zuckerberg came up with or ‘stole’
nerd audience people would speculate it is aimed at. The
the idea of Facebook. In the movie, we are shown the
beauty of it is that the plot remains to be appealing to
price one has to pay for wealth and fame as the plot of
all audiences. The characters and events throughout the
the movie centralises around the court cases brought
movie make it an interesting watch for all and to think
against Zuckerberg after he has made his millions off
that the behemoth social network that is Facebook all
the phenomena that is Facebook.
stemmed from a boy’s drunken rant over the break-up of his girlfriend makes it all the more mind boggling and
Zuckerberg is portrayed as a pompous and highly
interesting to see.
intelligent individual but he lacks any social skills, which
By Christopher Cosgrove
proves to be ironic as he develops the idea for the biggest and most famous social site in the history if the internet. This irony is highlighted throughout the movie
Competition:
as Zuckerberg’s lack of people skills land him into
To be in with a chance to win 1 of 5 Social Network t-shirts, simply answer the following question:
difficult situations and from the very beginning we can see the slippery slope he is on and as the movie
Between which hours is Facebook ordinarily banned in campus PC suites?
progresses things only seem to get worse as his creation grows in popularity and strength. certain points in the movie we are confused at times as Along with an insight into the awkward life of Mark we
whether to feel sorry for Mark or feel content he is
come to understand how fickle people can be when it
receiving his just desserts for being such a jerk.
Send you answers to editor@sin.ie Closing date for entries: Monday, 22nd November
page 25
Harry Potter and the Money Printing Film Franchise
This month nine years ago saw the release of the very first Harry Potter film to worldwide audiences. Makes you feel old doesn’t it? After all, most of us were seated at the back of Fifth class attempting to muster some enthusiasm about learning when ‘i’ went before ‘e’ before the bell announced PE class. Sin itself had only come out of infancy the year before to the bleary eyes of hung-over undergrads. And with the seventh instalment just around the corner, now seems the appropriate time to break out Professor Trelawney’s crystal ball and look into both the past and present of one of the most successful franchises of all time. Based on the best-selling novels by J.K. Rowling, the Harry Potter film franchise began in 2001 with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Sorcerer’s Stone to you crazy Americans). Possibly the most faithful of all the adaptations, the film chronicles young Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) as he discovers that he’s a wizard and is whisked off to Hogwarts School for witchcraft and wizardry, a place so endearingly bizarre it made the average school all the more
dull. Not before long Harry and friends discover a plot to resurrect Lord Voldermort, the wizard who had attempted to kill Harry as a child, only for the spell to literally backfire. Thus begins a long running enmity between the two that spans the entirety of the series. Directed by Chris Columbus, Philosopher’s Stone has come to be seen as a modern children’s classic in the vein of Mary Poppins and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory. Just as the book had entranced readers, the film mesmerises the viewer with its simultaneously fantastical and whimsical depiction of a magical world within our own. Critical to the film’s success is how quintessentially British it is; the humour, the cast, and overall tone ring all the more true because it sticks firmly to its British roots. The second in the franchise, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, is likewise as faithful, though it can be mawkish in ways Philosopher’s Stone isn’t. A likely cause may be the lack of character development as all three leads seem unchanged since the first film. Another fault may be director Columbus’ penchant for sentimentality and preference for child characters
rather than teenagers. A change of pace was needed for the darker third film and so Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón was brought in to add more style and maturity for the first film to deal with the aging of the characters into teenagers. A more gothic aesthetic was adopted to convey both the corporeal fear of the Dementors and the psychological fears of insecurity and social acceptance that come with teenage years. This also marks the first film in which Radcliffe begins to be more comfortable in his role as Harry, though the show is once again stolen by Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley. Another film, another change of director for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. For this instalment, Mike Newell took the chair to become the first English director of a Harry Potter film. A more mature film than the first two and less stylized than the third, Goblet of Fire still retained that feel of magic and wonderment so integral to the series, though has a more episodic plot not seen since the first film. The fifth film, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and sixth, Harry
Potter and the Half-blood Prince are both directed by David Yates, who also directs the two final films, making him the director with most Potter films under his belt. Phoenix stands as one of the best in the series, achieving a more stable narrative flow the others don’t. The sixth suffers somewhat in being a lead up to the finale, but has the most shocking of all finales in the film franchise. Part 1 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows comes to our screens next week, with the second part due to arrive in July of next year. Whether this means it will be the most faithful of adaptations or if the filmmakers have added in more material we’ll have to wait and see, but from the looks of the trailer Harry will be getting the send-off he deserves, and we can finally close the book on the biggest pop culture phenomenon of the decade. By Colm McElligott
music and drama reviews
page 26
Grenades
the hour-long production we catch a grasp of rural
symbolism and imagery throughout are powerful
village life in a close knit community and the sudden
reflections on life, adolescence in a cruel adult world;
impact of violent death.
the hidden secret in the grandfather’s shed; the Nun’s
We ventured along to see Tara Mc Kevitt’s new play
foreboding words; the biscuit tin, the gun, the flag, the
‘Grenades’ during the Galway Theatre Festival recently
The play takes us through a maze of images that leaves
death, the wake, the unrelenting sea crashing into the
and it turned out to be explosive (if you’ll excuse the
us wondering what exactly is going to happen next?
dunes, and the sad soft sound of lost youth.
pun), to say the least. Expecting a drama examining
The early introduction of Oran as a young ‘Jesus’ clearly
family conflict, which as we all know is like a primed
has a parallel conclusion on his selfless actions to save
This was Tara McKevitt’s first full-length play and after
grenade at the best of times, the hour long play took us
others on the beach in later life. The writer questions
receiving an airing on RTÉ radio during the summer, it
on a journey through the emotions of life as seen
‘what’s happened him?’, the community question what
received the PJ O’Connor award, and it’s debut
through a child’s eyes, but then trying to make sense
happened him in later life? The play goes off on one
appearance came on stage at Nun’s Island last month.
off with the benefit of hindsight.
tangent after another led brilliantly by O’Grady, and it
The writer is a product of NUIG’s Drama & Theatre
is so convincing that there seems no one more
MA, originally from Donegal and has previously worked
surprised where we eventually end up, than ‘Nuala’!
with BBC Scotland. At present she is part of the
From a gaol cell, the teenage Nuala, played brilliantly by Emma O’Grady, looks back on a violent world, with the
Mephisto Theatre Company in Galway.
backdrop of the northern conflict, and traces the life of
A youthful experience for the writer gave life to this
her brother, Oran, who becomes an unwitting human
interesting piece of drama, which gives vivid testimony
sacrifice on a lonely beach in Inishowen. Crammed into
to the power of our subconscious memory. The
By Paddy Mc Menamin
Cee Lo Green “The Lady Killer” album review Cee Lo Green’s been at this juncture of popular music
throughout is outstanding, dense but never less than
before. The ubiquity of ‘Fuck You’ mirrors his success
pristine, and the continuity is good despite the revolving
with Gnarls Barkley’s ‘Crazy,’ the 2006 leftfield hit
door of producers.
whose infectious melody and razor-sharp electro-soul production masked a dark and troubled lyric. ‘Fuck You’
‘The Lady Killer Intro’ sets the mood with a sultry
is nowhere near as subtle, and is explicit in every sense
(higher-pitched), Barry White-like monologue,
of the word, but it ticks just about all the other boxes,
streaming into ‘Bright Lights Bigger City,’ a punchy
from vibrant Motown production to a chorus so catchy
dance floor-filler that briefly reprises John Barry’s Bond
it’ll stick to your ears. The lyric video alone garnered 2
Theme ‘You Only Live Twice’ (or Robbie Williams’
million hits in its first week on YouTube.
‘Millennium’ – whichever you prefer). Other highlights
something about modern listening habits that a label
include the tender ‘Cry Baby’ and the Al Green-
would flippantly shove two versions of the same song
According to the man himself, Cee Lo recorded 70 songs
channelling duet with Selah Sue, ‘Please.’ There are nods
on a CD and leave it up to the listener to decide which
for The Lady Killer and was aware that his first two solo
to just about every great soul performer, from Stevie
one he’ll put in the recycle bin. Another odd choice was
records flopped commercially, left it to the label to
Wonder and Marvin Gaye to the aforementioned White
the total omission of beautiful summer single ‘Georgia,’
choose the final running order. Thus we get ‘Forget You’
and Green, but ‘It’s OK’ is surely worth an award for the
but on balance The Lady Killer is one of the year’s most
as track 3 and ‘Fuck You’ shoved on the end following
most nods per capita.
interesting pop releases and will surely produce a couple
the outro. That aside, the majority of the album flows
more hit singles over the coming months.
quite well with only a couple of filler tracks in the
One final word on the tracklisting: It would be a stretch
middle interrupting the momentum. The production
to call it a watershed moment, but it clearly says
By Darragh O’Connor
The Last Burning Review The Last Burning by Patrick Galvin is the story of a
she captured one of the most integral and difficult-to-
that’s if you’re lucky. The very same audience set up
town in Tipperary at the end of the 1800’s. The town
define aspects of theatre perfectly. From the set
which contributes to the atmosphere has done away
is a quiet, idyllic setting until a local woman, Bridget
design - little touches such as church pews instead of
with a tiered seating plan, and your ability to see some
Foley, is accused by her husband Michael of being a
the Bank of Ireland’s usual complement of collapsible
scenes – especially ones which take place with the
witch. The villagers consult with a travelling voodoo
chairs - to the direction of the performers (the
performers seated – is greatly compromised by your
doctor by the name of Mr. Blaney, who tests Bridget
performance of the four witches throughout and the
location in the audience. If you choose the wrong part
throughout the play, spreading mistrust in the
final tableau left lasting impressions on everyone’s
of the theatre, or arrive late and are relegated to the
community. The play is loosely based on the last
minds as they left). In this respect she was ably helped
stands, then you will miss crucial parts of the play. The
actual case of witchcraft to occur in Ireland.
by a cast who, for the most part, created a wonderful
fact that the performers had to compete with the
atmosphere of a community in crisis.
adjacent College Bar caused difficulties in some
The director, Hannah O’Reilly, succeeded in creating a
scenes, where the energy lulled, but overall, this play
pervading atmosphere which lasted from it’s opening
When viewed as a whole, the lasting impression is
was ably performed by all involved, and all deserve a
on Halloween night to closing; in her directorial debut
that you’ve seen an excellent play – and you have. But
pat on the back. By Jason Browne
sport
page 27
Autumn Rugby Internationals: problems on and off the pitch One hundred Euro can get you a lot of things these
Connell makes a swift recovery from his injury
days, in fact I can sell you a nice little Ford Focus for
troubles because unless these areas are rectified, Italy
around that, which even if she isn’t great to start, is
may well be eyeing a scalp at the World Cup and the
probably still better value than paying the same sum to
‘golden generation’ could face the ignominy of failing
attend a veritable challenge game. Rugby, long thought
to qualify from the pool stages for the second
to be game of the affluent has transcended many
consecutive tournament.
boundaries in recent years largely due to the unique appeal of Munster rugby, however the IRFU give the
Probably the main discussion point over the next nine
feeling they want a return to the days of old. The fans,
or so months will be the destination of the number 10
as is their wont, voted with their feet, and the new
shirt. Jonathon Sexton again flattered to deceive
Aviva Stadium was barely at two thirds capacity for ‘the
against South Africa, and Ronan O Gara was sent into
night rugby came home’. It seems nothing is impervious
the fray to try and salvage some pride for the home
Darcy has never managed to reproduce his form of
to the current economic plight and whatever way these
side. To be fair, he succeeded. A trademark cross field
2004 and displays a noted inability to break the gain
Autumn Internationals are marketed, people are more
kick bought our long awaited first try, while an
line.
than aware they are non competitive encounters.
incredibly fortunate bounce took his misplaced pass into the grateful arms of Rob Kearney for a second.
New Zealand on Saturday will hopefully teach us a few
Down on the pitch itself, things weren’t much better as
Unfortunately Lady Luck managed to take her revenge
more lessons. Perhaps it’s better to be coming into a
Ireland slumped to a fourth successive defeat, their
just minutes later when his conversion attempt
World Cup year in a state of flux rather than the air of
worst run in 12 years. Ireland’s lamentable record at
rebounded from the inside of the post. The starting of
near superciliousness which preceded the last event.
producing true international standard prop forwards
the Leinster man and his replacement late on has been
Whatever of South Africa’s status as World
was again all too apparent, Buckley and Healy
a trademark tactic, but surely a new emphasis is
Champions, it’s the All Blacks that are the dominant
thoroughly outfought by their Springbok opponents.
required. If Sexton is to be first choice out half, then he
force on the planet and the game should make for a
Rory Best again contributed to a disastrous line out
must garner experience in the tumultuous and
decent spectacle, although forgive me if I don’t want to
with wayward throwing which compounded our set
pressurised later stages where games will be won and
pay 100 Euro for the privilege.
piece misery. All fingers will be crossed that Paul O
lost. Inside centre is another problem area, Gordon
By Kevin Hough
Champions League week 4: Gunners topple while Red Devils and Blues triumph
Shakhtar Donetsk 2 - 1 Arsenal Bursaspor 0 - 3 Manchester United Chelsea 4 - 1 Spartak Moscow
Arsenal were away to Shakhtar Donetsk in what was
Manchester United fielded a team with players who
French winger smashed the ball into the roof of the
perceived as an almost inevitable victory for the
we normally see in the Carling Cup so it was a good
net to all but secure victory and progression for
Gunners seeing as they easily demolished the
chance for some of them to prove their worth. The
United. That’s over 20 games unbeaten now in all
Ukrainians in the reverse fixture. It wasn’t so easy this
Red Devils were in Turkey playing relative unknowns
competitions.
time around. Arsenal made a good start by gaining a
Bursaspor. This was a first real chance to see Bebe in
lead only ten minutes in thanks to a goal from Theo
action who certainly seems to have ability but that
Chelsea were at home to Spartak Moscow and
Walcott who used his startling speed to burst clear
doesn’t stop every United fan from thinking, “Alex
continued their impressive home form by winning the
and pass the ball past the goalkeeper in a one on one
signed him without having seen him play” but he
match 4 - 1. Stamford Bridge is a daunting place for
situation. The hosts then made a good reply by hitting
showed good strength and speed and even scored on
any team to go and the away side did well to be level
the post before scoring a deflected goal in the 28th
his Champions League debut. Though he still has an
at half-time but that changed when Anelka scored
minute. It was old Arsenal boy Eduardo who came
awful lot to learn. Solskjaer described Bebe as a very
early into the second half. Drogba converted a penalty
back to haunt his former club by scoring the eventual
raw talent, one who is lacking in years of coaching and
and Ivanovic scored a brace to round off an easy night
winner just before half-time. The Arsenal fans cheered
developmental training but that there seems to be
out for Chelsea. They are many bookmakers favourites
when he scored at the Emirates but they certainly
something very special about him. Darren Fletcher
to land the Champions League trophy but that seems
didn’t cheer when he scored on this occasion.
who doesn’t score very often got a well taken goal as
to be the case every season. Comfortable for the Blues
Arsenal will more than likely progress but it’s results
he took down a pass from Michael Carrick very well in
as they maintain their 100% start in the competition.
like this that make people question exactly how far
the penalty box and slotted it into the opposite
they can go.
corner nicely. Gabriel Obertan got the goal of the night to cap of an impressive performance. The young
By Conor Lane
sport
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Gareth Bale: World Class? - Not Yet. Gareth Bale is a name that has dominated headlines in recent weeks. The young Welshman’s awe-inspiring performances against Inter in the Champions League elicited the highest of praise from a multitude of sources, including a number of respected analysts. Indeed, the twenty-one year old utterly captivated fans, players and coaches alike with his fearless displays, with some commentators boldly asserting that Bale had now catapulted himself into the same bracket of class as Andrés Iniesta, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, framed in the context of Bale’s entire career, such plaudits would seem to be slightly hyperbolic. In 2006, Bale made his debut for Southampton aged only sixteen and his remarkably assured performances at left-back won him many admirers. The young man received numerous accolades in his first season, even earning a callup to the senior Wales national team and when he made his debut, he became the youngest ever player to play for Wales. As a result of the widespread exposure that Bale was receiving, he naturally became a target for a number of Premier League clubs and in 2007, he was signed by Tottenham Hotspur for a reported fee of £5
million. However, Bale’s early career at Tottenham was largely uninspiring. Indeed, amusingly, there was a stage where he was actually considered by many Tottenham fans to be a type of bad luck charm – amazingly it took
Bale twenty five league games before he was part of a winning team. It is also interesting to note that for much of this time Bale struggled to get into the Tottenham side, due to the consistency of form shown by left-back Benoît Assou-Ekotto and as a result, Bale almost found himself on loan at Championship side, Nottingham Forest during the 2009 season.
When one considers this background, those two magnificent performances against Inter in the Champions League almost appear to be exceptions. For, while Bale tortured seasoned international players such as Maicon and Lúcio, impressively scoring a hat trick in the San Siro and setting up goals at White Hart Lane, he continues to find himself stifled by journeymen in the Premier League. Indeed, just a couple of weeks after those marvelous performances, it has already been said that Bale may find himself to be a victim of his own success. Nevertheless, Bale is young and there is absolutely no doubting his potential to be a topclass player. After all, he possesses all the attributes required of a genuinely world-class footballer: lightning pace, strength, deft technique and behind it all, the young man is an unassuming, down-to-earth character, ever intent on improving his game. However, Bale remains relatively unproven at the highest level and he has a long way to go before he can truly be considered world-class, but if he can ignore the hype and continue to perform like he did against Inter, his ascent is sure to be sooner, rather than later. By Ryan Kelly
Mancini facing the inevitable chop? 'My target is to arrive in the top four and next year we want to win the Premier League”Roberto Mancini. These were the words of Mancini in his first press conference as Manchester City manager on December 21, 2009. Already, with twelve games played and being seven points off the top, Mancini’s prophetic words have come back to haunt him. Mark Hughes’ last match in charge was on December 19, 2009 against Sunderland. His XI that day was symbolic of everything Hughes was about with a team of proven and experienced Premier League players who he knew would perform consistently and have desire. Seven of the eleven players came from the British Isles. These were Shay Given, Micah Richards, Nedum Onuoha, Stephen Ireland, Gareth Barry, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Craig Bellamy. Mancini has since wielded the axe which can be seen in his most recent starting line-up against Manchester United where he only used Barry and Kolo Toure from Hughes’ last selection. Despite his catenaccio tendencies, Mancini
invested heavily on flair players last summer, yet they lack the English appetite and identity which has been such a key element for previous title winners. They have become a club containing many mercenaries such as Emmanuel Adebayor, Carlos Tevez and Yaya Toure, who is on a staggering £185,000 a week. Chelsea built their successful title-winning sides of 2005, 2006 and 2010 around experienced, yet hungry, players. The local and indeed English identity was kept throughout these title wins with key players like John Terry, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and later with Ashley Cole. The same can be said for Manchester United’s consecutive title winning teams from 2006-2009 who were dominated by players from the British Isles. Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown, Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and John O’Shea all played prominent roles. Manchester City have not built a team under this successful blueprint. The club hierarchy seems to favour the foreign option rather than the consistent Premier League proven players. This
was evident even before Mancini took over as seen with Richard Dunne and later with Stephen Ireland. They were moved on to Aston Villa despite being Manchester City’s best performers in the 2008-2009 season. That’s also not forgetting the fearless Craig Bellamy whose attitude is often unfairly criticised and who is arguably what Man City are missing in a static frontline. Shay Given has been harshly frozen out completely, making just two appearances this season. Man City have lacked that player reliability and desire those players would have given them in their team this season. They were humbled at home to Arsenal, drew at home with Blackburn and lost away to Wolves and Sunderland. Although they edged a tactical bout with Chelsea, Manchester City lack the consistency to challenge for thirty-eight games. One wonders had Mark Hughes been giving more time, would he have finished in the top four in the 2009-2010 season and then gone on to challenge for the Premier League in 2010-2011. By Ciarán Kelly
sport
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Basketball team aims to follow up 2009/10 IV win Last April, NUI Galway’s Men's Varsity team ended a considerable drought when they won the All Ireland Intervarsities on their own home turf in the University Sports Complex, NUI Galway. The 2010-2011 season looks just as promising as 12 of last's year’s squad of 15 are returning. The team loses one starter in Cian Nihill who has graduated another change comes in the line of coaching. Last year’s victorious coach Lawrence "Puff" Summers has moved on from Galway and NUIG welcome Mason Ambler as head Basketball coach. He brings with him a pedigree that justifies his selection as coach. Mason spent four years playing NCAA Division 2 basketball at Coker College in the highly competitive Carolina Conference. As well as coaching he will play this year as the American for the Moycullen super league team. 12 of last year's team return with four of the starters from the memorable one point victory over UUJ. One of the key returnees is last year's Varsities MVP James Loughnane. After a fantastic tournament last April, Loughnane will be looking to build upon what is already a glowing reputation among players and coaches throughout the country. A strong Maree contingent is back again and ready and rearing to
go. Darren Callanan will look to lead from the front once again this season. He was one of the leaders on last year's team and if his performances for Maree recently are anything to go by, nothing has changed. Liam Conroy and Con Crowley also return hoping to bring their recent outstanding performances for Maree to the NUIG team. Also returning this year is newly appointed club captain James Brophy. He is a welcome return to the team with his great inside scoring ability and his rebounding prowess. Two of the more promising prospects coming back are Dylan Cunningham and Stephen Tummon. Cunningham is one of the premier young talents in the country and his increased minutes for Moycullen this season will only benefit NUIG as well. Stephen Tummon is back on campus, and his off-season workouts have paid off. He has been looking like a formidable force in the post in his extremely encouraging off season games for Moycullen. NUIG have two postgraduate students returning for another chance to win it all. 6’7 Garnett Griffin raw athleticism and delicate shooting touch will once again be a huge asset to the
Sportsfile: Alison Nolan After a short break from my matriculation of the sporting spectrum here in NUIG, I recommenced my journey by discussing the progress of the women’s rugby club with captain, and Clare native Alison Nolan. Having started her rugby career as a fresher in the college, she quickly established a profound admiration for the sport and is keen to maintain a firm interest in it beyond the realms of college rugby when she graduates at the end of this year. “I will definitely continue playing after I finish college, I love it and I wouldn’t swap it for anything. I can’t play for a regional team at the moment because we train on a Monday and Wednesday evening which makes it difficult to commute home and play for a home team but I will when college is finished”. The club, as an organisation, has a ten year existence and is no stranger to success in tournaments. “In recent years especially, the team has really performed well and last year we reached the varsity and development league
finals. We’re confident that we can match that achievement and hopefully win them this year, UL would be our main rival, but UCC and DCU are also in our division so it’s a tough competition”. Alison can be seen fashioning the number 10 or 15 jersey on the pitch, which she informs me is quite a tiring task. “It’s a position that requires a lot of running, but it’s worth the effort”. Erasmus students are due to return to the squad next semester, and with members featuring on the international stage, NUIG rugby is evolving in power. “We have players who play on the Connaught side and their captain Carol Staunton, who is also captain of the Irish team is also a rugby player here, we don’t have any coach at the moment but there is tremendous work being done behind the scenes to help get us one”. Coming from a GAA background, Alison is the only representative of rugby in her household, but it’s been an easy transition for the 21-year-
team. Chris McNairney is back as well and hopes to rekindle his form from last year. McNairney was one of the college’s most prolific scorers last season and he hopes to add to his impressive resume once the games get going. Eoghan Maxwell will be hungrier than most for the season to start. He was cruelly sidelined only days before the varsities and he was unable to show off his skills. Final year student Paul O’Brien won’t let his studies keep him from representing the college with all the pride and passion he has shown in the past three years. Two returning sharp-shooters are James O’ Brien and Gerald Lyons. Both will looks to capitalise on the opportunities which are sure to come their way. One thing is certain though, NUI Galway’s Men’s Basketball is gearing up for another big year and are rearing to get going in the college league in the upcoming weeks. By James Brophy
Sport: Women’s Rugby Age: 21, Course: Arts old arts student. “Well my Dad is a football fan and my sister isn’t necessarily sporty but they’ve been really supportive of me so that’s really important”. Every sport preaches about the critical need for good morale among the members. Alison is no exception and she praises her own charges for the bond they share which permeates in their performances. “Everyone’s really close both on and off the field and when we play, it’s for each other and that’s crucial for any team. I’ve never experienced that kind of atmosphere in a team before so I’m grateful to be a part of it” she says. This unity is further strengthened by their attachment with their male counterparts with whom they divide the grant offered by the college. The women’s team will be performing against UCC next Tuesday in the development leagues 1st round and all are invited to travel out for what is sure to be a closely contested encounter.
clubs page
page 30
Aikido Club demonstrate skills By Diarmuid Lavelle The NUIG Aikido club recently gave a demonstration in the Galway museum as part of a Japanese cultural weekend involving a Japanese film festival from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th of November. On Saturday morning, an Aikido demonstration was followed by a tea ceremony and traditional Japanese singing. The weekend was organised by the Japanese Embassy represented by Yashiro Yamauchi and the Japanese Cultural Society represented
by Yoshimi Hayakawa. The NUIG Aikido club has been operating for more than fifteen years and its senior instructor Diarmuid Lavelle, 3rd Dan, has recently been granted the status of “Fukoshodoin” (assistant instructor to the hombu dojo in Japan). The NUIG Aikido club is affiliated to the Irish Aikido Federation, headed by sensie John Rogers, 6th Dan and sanctioned by the hombu dojo in Japan. NUIG Aikido
club and Ballybane Aikido club (run by Ronan Kane, 2nd Dan) are recognised Aikikai clubs operating here in Galway. Aikido is translated as “the way of harmony”; it is a non competitive martial art and has its roots in several other Japanese martial arts including the sword. For more information on the NUIG Aikido club please email aikidogalway@gmail.com
Judo club win Event of the Year By Siobhán Harkin and Sarah Dillon NUI Galway Judo Club were awarded best single day event at the CUSAI Inter Collegiate Event of the Year in October, for the manner in which they hosted the annual Judo Championships in Galway in February 2010. The club was acknowledged for their efforts in organising and hosting the event in which colleges from
around the country took part. The club is delighted to have won this award as they finished runners up in 20052006 in the same category. Credit is given to the Judo trainer Colm O’Riordan, the captain for the year 20092010, Alan Mordaunt and all of the committee members that were involved in the
organisation. Pictured representing NUIG’s Judo Club (from left to right) Andrew Mulligan, Alumni, Siobhan Harkin, 3rd year science, Sarah Dillion, 3rd year science, Joe Geoghan, 3rd year science.
MA in Drama and Theatre Studies student wins SnowSports holiday
Pictured in the rock paper scissors finale of the SnowSports Challenge (from left to right) Hilary Coyle, runner up; Kevin Fitzgerald, Captain of SnowSports Club; Eric Coleman-Brockie, Clubs Captain; Kate McCarthy, winner. Missing from photo Martin King, vice captain of SnowSports Club.
By Martin King After 3 weeks of exhilarating events the SnowSports challenge came to an end. The competition to award a NUIG student with an all inclusive ski holiday worth €850 to Alpe D’Huez in the French Alps came to a climatic finish last Thursday. Teams spent the last 3 weeks answering quizzes, solving riddles, collecting codes, constructing towers from spaghetti along with other
events to earn points in hope of winning the holiday. Once the SnowSports crew eliminated competitors down to two students there was only one fair way to award the holiday. The final two students – Kate McCarthy and Hilary Coyle stood face to face and were informed one of them would walk away with the package holiday while the other would be awarded a set of skies/snowboard. Tensions ran high between the two girls
as all the eliminated students gathered around in wonder, as to what the final event would be. Once the room had settled down the SnowSports crew revealed that they would give the holiday away on a game of rock paper scissors! The room erupted with applause as paper triumphed over rock sending Kate McCarthy to France! That’s right - a holiday was given away on a game of rock paper scissors. It was that simple.
Kate, a Masters student in Drama and Theatre studies walked away with an €850 ski holiday to France with 150 other NUIG students. Kate had the following to say on the SnowSports challenge “I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it from the expansive table quiz followed by the challenging and vigorous treasure hunt, which really put us through our paces, finally only two of us
remained. And in a heart stopping skirmish of rock – paper- - scissors, paper won out and I claimed my jaw dropping victory and luxury SnowSports holiday”. After the success of the SnowSports challenge the SnowSports Club has decided it will be an annual event, so keep your eyes open next year to be in with a chance to win a holiday.
sports news
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NUIG ‘Get Off the Couch’ Fun Run By Oisin O’Carroll Organised by the NUIG Sports and Recreation Unit in association with the Athletics Club, the next ‘Get Off the Couch’ Fun Run will take place on Tuesday, 16th November. Participants can choose to run over 5km or 10km. The run takes place around Dangan at 1.15pm on 16th November. All levels are welcome. Participants can sign up online at http://www.nuigalway.ie/sp orts/
Full details of the event may be found here. http://www.otc.nuigalway.ie/i ndex/index.php OFF THE COUCH IS A RECREATIONAL PROGRAMME DESIGNED TO GET NUI GALWAY STUDENTS & STAFF ACTIVE DURING THE COLLEGE YEAR. THROUGH A NUMBER OF NON COMPETITIVE AND COMPETITIVE ACTIVITIES EVERYONE IS INVITED TO GET OFF THE COUCH.
Ladies Soccer: NUIG 3-3 WIT By John Coleman Hynes Last week in Salthill Devon’s Drom pitch NUIG Ladies Soccer team met a highly rated Waterford IT in monsoon conditions. With the warm up consisting of only a team huddle, NUIG’s captain Nuala Marshall gave encouraging instructions to her team, as a highly rated Waterford IT team sprinkled with players who have represented the Irish ladies soccer team. NUIG started against the wind and rain and after only 30 seconds, a great pass from defence put the ball through to NUIG’s Siobhan Tully. Tully beat a rash challenge to expertly put the ball past the keeper to put NUIG into an early lead. Despite playing into
the wind NUIG’s Leona Doolin made vital saves to keep NUIG’s lead. Eventually Waterford equalised after 20 minutes but great defending from the back four of Rosa Shine, Julia Walsh, Aine Barrett and captain Marshall kept them to at bay. Just before half time a rebound shot hit the top of the net to put Waterford IT 21 up at half time. The second half was not even 30 seconds old when again a through ball by Ciara McDonnell put the ever dangerous Tully in to beat the keeper again to make the game 2-2. Ten minutes later Daniella Gordon on the left wing
turned the Waterford full back inside out to whip a low cross into the box. The pass found Canadian Nuala Marshall who hammered home a goal to put NUIG 3-2 up. NUIG could not get that killer goal to put Waterford away, with the eventuality happening with 3 minutes to go a break by Waterford ended up in a goal to make the game 3-3. Final whistle 3-3, a draw in these weather conditions a fair result in a game where the standard of football was very high. NUIG ladies soccer team will look forward to the next home game with a win as top priority after a fantastic and gutsy performance.
NUIG students taking part in the First ever world cup of Culture held in October. This event ran during the FAI’S FARE (Football against Racism Ireland) fortnight.
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Galway March Thursday November 18th, Spanish Arch, Galway Leaving Áras Na Mac Léinn, NUI Galway at 13:00
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