Final waffler

The Waffler

Issue 1 - Jan 2014

Changing times in Syria

The Waffler

How the Syrian revolution changed lives A house in Homs completely destroyed by rockets launched by Assad forces. This house is one of many others destroyed due to cuurent conflict. Image credits to HouseFreedom

The Syrian revolution has had an impact on every Syrian citizen, including children, it has changed them. Children were deprived of their childhood, women were stipped of their femininty, and everyone was declined the right for a peaceful life.

Walaa Ajjawi

“I

was more afraid of getting arrested than getting killed, I had no problem with dying, because if you die, that is it, it is fate, I was afraid of getting arrested because I know what happens when you are arrested by the Syrian government security, things that are a million times worse than dying.”

It has been almost 3 years since the beginning of the revolution in Syria. Yet there has been no solution, nor does it look like there is going to be a solution anytime in the near future. Approximate-

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ly 120, 000 people have died since the beginning of the war by the Syrian regime’s army as well as the Syrian rebels.

According to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there are about 2 million Syrian refugees outside the Syrian boarders, seeking shelter in neighboring countries such as Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Turkey, and about 10 million Syrians in need of food, drink, and medical help, their situation ranges between very bad to tragic.

Child martyr Nawras Ghazzawi, Syria.

Image credits to HouseFreedom

Mazen Gharibah is a 25 year old journalist from Homs, Syria. Before the Syrian revolution, he was a simple, ordinary guy who had a dream of travelling abroad and finishing his studies, but several events changed his life 3 years ago, the Syrian revolution being the main one. He is now a freelance journalist, currently living in the Czech Republic; he has worked with news agencies such as AFP, Reuters, and France24, he has been in Syria several times since the revolution started. Mazen took the time to talk to me about the Syrian situation, how he became a journalist, and why he would risk his life to cover the Syrian crisis.

“For 40 years we were never able to speak out loud or express our opinions. We had to ‘be quiet’ if we were to talk about politics, even

in our own homes. We were always living in fear, we did not have freedom.” Mazen said, when asked why he is against the Syrian regime.

For 3 years now, we have seen horrific footage of what the Syrian regime led by president Bashar Al-Assad is doing to civilians and all those who are against him, but we have also seen what many people say are Islamic extremists fighting alongside the rebels in Syria, including Al-Qaeda. This raises the question, should we be against the rise of extremists in Syria, or should we be against the dictator who has no mercy towards his own people, and who is killing women and children for the sake of remaining in power?

Mazen said that he, alongside many people of the opposition “acknowledge” that extremists do exist in Syria,

Young girl holds a sign that says: "Wanted, dead or alive", in reference to Al-Assad. Image credits to HouseFreedom.

Al-Assad will fall, because even though there is no unanimous agreement about it yet, he does not have a way back, it is too late.

including Al-Qaeda, and many of them are fighting against the regime, but he insists that it does not mean all the opposition are extremists, as most of them are not, and that “extremism does not define the Syrian revolution.”

However, the way the news about Syria is being covered

by European media is very different from the way it is being covered by Arabic media. European media seems to only cover the news which interests the public, while Arabic media has been accused of being unprofessional and bias. News agencies such as Aljazeera, which was once the most trusted news channel in the Middle East, is now hated by many for

its way of covering the Arab revolutions.

Mazen thinks that European media covers the news according to what interests the European citizen and “grabs their attention,”, he said they cover controversial news that would win them the best viewing rates, such as the news about extremists getting involved in the Syrian war, forgetting to cover other news such as the humanitarian and the civil work.

“In general, the media coverage of the Syrian situation is unfair, the Syrian crisis is not getting enough coverage,” Mazen said. “They focus on specific topics and ignore the bigger picture,” he added.

He moved on to talk about

Assad crimes continue. A family is displaced to Qaa in Lebanon from Syria. Lost lives and childhoods. Image credits to HouseFreedom.

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The Name

A young man cries after the death of his father, who was killed during a government attack, in the Sha-ar neighborhood of Aleppo o

the Arabic media coverage of the 3 year crisis, saying that Arabic news agencies such as Aljazeera and Alarabiya are non-objective and non-neutral: “they do not have credibility nor do they have objectivity, they take one side over the other.

Therefore, they are a part of the problem.”

While the media plays a crucial role in everything that occurs in the world now, it can sometimes have a negative effect on the news its covering.

“Take the focus on the extremists in Syria as an example, it led the world public opinion to look at the Syrians’ ‘right for freedom’ as an Islamic extremist revo-

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lution, therefore we lost a big part of the European public’s support, meaning the media had a negative effect on the Syrian revolution.” Mazen said.

Even though he had no previous experience in reporting or covering news, Mazen was able work with worldwide known news agencies such as AFP and Reuters. When asked how he was able to link to them, he said it was surprisingly “very simple”, seeing as at the beginning of the revolution news agencies were in need of someone from the inside to help them cover the news.

“I simply went on to their website; AFP that is, found an email address and contact-

ed them. I said that I am a Syrian citizen living in Homs and I would like to cover the news.”

You wonder if after 3 years there is a part of Mazen that regrets the revolution and wishes it never happened. When asked that he answered immediately and firmly “No”, adding that the Syrian revolution was “destined” to happen, sooner or later, and that the Arab Spring only made it happen sooner rather than later.

“The Syrian revolution, in my opinion, was the greatest revolution in history in its first 8 months, because it was a peaceful revolution. It turned to an armed revolution because there were no

other options left. I do not regret the revolution, as it showed how brave and great Syrians are.”

When asked why he would risk his life to cover the crisis in Syria, he said: “I have many reasons, for one I believe in the issue, even though I am completely aware that it is very complicated and I know the Syrian regime won’t fall easily.” He said he had made the decision to continue until the end, no matter what the result might be.

Mazen then took a breath, paused for a while, then continued by talking about his second reason, which is the death of his best friend who died while trying to treat

an injured civilian. “When he died I then had a personal reason, a will my best friend left for me, to finish what he started.”

As we were running out of time, a final question came to mind, how long will this situation continue, and will Al-Assad regime ever fall?

Mazen said he believes in the mean time there is no sign to suggest the end of the conflict is near, adding that he believes the situation will continue until the second half of 2014, and that the

situation cannot be resolved unless Al-Assad regime falls: “It is impossible to have another solution, there is no other solution”.

“Al-Assad will fall, because even though there is no unanimous agreement about it yet, he left no room for support, he does not have a way back, it is too late.” He added that just because the regime will fall does not mean Syria will be the same, but the falling of the regime will be the first step towards “recovery".

on October 10, 2012. Image taken by HouseFreedom.

Dealing with loss Mazhar Tayara was Mazen's closest friend, they knew each other since primary school, they were best friends. Mazhar died while trying to help an innocent who was injured following a rocket attack by Assad forces.While he was trying to pull the innocent away from the attack, a rocket came down on a house close to where Mazhar was standing, he passed out as he was bleeding heavily, He waa immediately rushed to the hospital. Mazen got a call: "it was around 2am, i think.

One of my friends called me and told me Mazhar is in the hospital and it's not looking good", Mazen said. He continured by saying that a few hours later, he got another call from the same friend, he told him that Mazhar has gone to heaven and that he should not feel sad.

"Mazhar will always be in my heart," Mazen said. it is because of him that i continue fighting this regime, i owe him that, he added.

25 year old journalist Mazen Gharibah holding a sign that says: "We are coming, we are coming", in relference to Al-Assad..

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The Waffler

Syria Chapters Free Syrian Army secure a street in the suburbs of Damascus. Image Credits: Syria Freedom

We now look at the neglected stories of the ongoing Syrian civil war.

Nirvana Tandon going old civil war. We talk about his concerns and his take on the ongoing Syrian uprising midst the noisy back ground at the annual conference held by the European Association of Osseointegration. Anas is here to attend the conference.

Even though it has been over 2 years that Anas has not been back home and has not experiencewd the first hand effect of the war, the strain of the conflict can be seen on him. Anas left Damascus during the 1990s for Switzerland to study abroad.

His plan was to comeback home but he met the love of his life there and decided to start a family and settle in Zurich.

While many of us might have imagined that Syrian emigrants like Anas did not want to return back home because life back home was not good enough he tells us otherwise. Only more than few years ago Syria was a very different picture. The country was doing well and the people did not have to suffer from many hardships like in some other countries. The changes are very recent. However, even Anas is appalled by the extent of changes in this short span of time.

“I used to visit home often before the out break of the revolution,” says Anas.

“But now when I see what the situation is back home on TV and when I hear what my friends and relatives say about the place it just feels like we are Abdullah Ahmed(10) outside his tent at a camp on a different page.” for displaced Syrians in Atmeh, Syria. Image Credits: According to Anas, the people in Syria Freedom Syria could see it coming. It is just that Anas Wassouf is a very regular surgeon based in Switzerland. The only thing that makes him different is his constant concern for his homeland hidden by his day-to-day work. Like any other Syrian citizen living in a foreign land, every night he falls asleep having grave concern about his country, and family and friends still struggling back home in the middle of the 2 year on

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they did not expect the injustice to happen in such a large scale. Hafez al-Assad who started the Assad regime on 1970 was from the military (Air force). However, when his son, Bashar al-Assad came into power people expected changes to happen. Bashar al-Assad was educated in England so it was natural for the Syrian citizens to think that he would have a broader point of view and would do justice while ruling the country. They did not expect the new generation who has been brought up and educated well to follow the wrongful path set by his father.

The Syrian uprising started from March 2011. The protesters demanded resignation of President Bashar al-Assad. By late 2011 the uprising had become huge and extreme. The number of deaths in Syria has reached 12000 already. Qatar and Saudi Arabia started supplying weapons to the rebels while Russia and Iran supported the regime. The Syrian government consists mostly of the family of family members of Bashar al-Assad or people who strongly support the reason. This is one of the reasons why it is very hard to take the power from the president’s hand.

The uprising is getting out of control with now many outsiders being involved too. Moreover, the Assad regime is encouraging this to make matters worse. Assad is trying to ‘create’ villains because he wants to be the good guy.

He wants to imply that he is the best

This is the ace card in the hand of the regime.

Revolution Statistics option available.

For many years there has been harmony between different religious groups in the nation. The Assads want to be known as the stability factor between these religious groups and the nation but the fact is that the stability had already existed there beforehand.

If anything at all, the regime tried to meddle with the harmony and elongate the struggle as soon as they saw that there was room for one. “The regime planned to prolong the tension going on between different religious groups for as long as it can. Their purpose on doing so was so that he could act as a hero in rescue and also show to the West and everybody else that they have no other choice. He needs a bad scenario to do so. This is the ace card in the hand of the regime,” explains Anas.

Anas said that at first he supported Democracy. He supported democracy because he was not quite satisfied with Bashar al-Assad and his regime and he also believes there are many other people who think the same. He supported the initial peaceful protests.

However, what ever the reason was he never expected such an extreme reaction from the regime. The regime answered the protests through armed forces. Anas says, “His aggressive reaction for me was a shock, that created another aggressive reaction from the opposition which is really bad. So at the moment I do not support anyone but at the end of the day I do support Democracy.”

Anas along with his other Syrian friends residing in Switzerland try as much as they can to reach out and

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help their homeland, which is in dire need of help. They collect aids, clothes and medicines and send it back to Syria. Anas- “We are leading helping programs in Switzerland. I support the refugee camps with a lot of medical equipment and medications.” However, there is only so much they can do with the guarantee not being there if the aids they have collected has been reaching Damascus and other heavily war affected areas.

“From the help that we can provide we might be able to help a few lives, even in that case we are glad. But it is a big effort and we are only a few

An antiregime demonstration in Al Qsair. Image Credits: Syria Freedom

Syrians killed: +72,665 Children killed: +4,981 Females killed: +3,953 Soldiers killed: +8,538 Protesters killed under torture: +1,582 Missing: +60,000 Protesters currently incarcerated: +200,000 Syrians injured: +137,000 Syrian refugees since March: +1,364,268 Refugees in Turkey: +400,000 Refugees in Lebanon: +336,997 Refugees in Jordan: +420,000 Refugees in Iraq: +107,271 Refugees in Egypt: +100,000w

individuals,” Anas explains, “We are talking about 9 million refugees in their own land; 2 million outside Syria, 150,000 200,000 killed people and let us not even get started about the people who are dislocated from their homes. Such kind of effort should be put in by big organizations.”

He along with many of his friends think that the West are not reacting because they do not want to upset the strong allies of the regime such as Russia and Iran and also Iraq which is under Iran.

This revolution has been called the ‘orphan revolution’ with no many help being involved to stop the dispute. In the past we have seen many revolution, especially in the Arab World, which has been intervened by other organizations or other nations, but in the Syrian revolution no such involvement is visible. With so many lives at stake and the existence of a whole nation in question all we can do is hope for the best.

A series of pictures mirroring the image in Syria since the civil wat started in 2011. Image Credits: Syria Freedom

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The Waffler

Dyspraxia Ireland's furture in doubt Fay Dunn of Dyspraxia Ireland speaks to the wwaffler

By Colm Lawless

D

yspraxia, you mean dyslexia? No i didn’t spell it wrong. It’s a real and commonly misdiagnosed condition which particularly affects the younger members in our society.

I caught up with Fay Dunn of Dyspraxia Ireland, one of the groups three staff, to talk about the group and what support it offers and also to raise awareness of the condition which affects roughly 6% of the worlds population. To start off with i asked Fay,what is Dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia is a condition which affects the parts of the brain that deal with thinking, planning and carrying out sensory/motor tasks.

The condition affects a person's muscle tone and can slow people down by up three times as much as a non-sufferer in daily tasks such as getting out of bed, getting ready for school or work.

It can impact on daily tasks that require hand eye coordination and movement. The condition, which is often left undiagnosed due to Ireland’s two - three year long waiting list.

This waiting list is only for a consultation to make the diagnoses of the condition, not for any sort of treatment.

I asked Fay if it can lead to any other conditions and she

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Image courtesy of www.dyspraxia.ie went on to say it is possible that due to being clumsy, having great difficulty when it comes to P.E or any sort of sporting activity and struggling to keep up with the pace of their classmates is all they are able to think about

In a group of ten people, four out of the ten people would be suffers of dyspraxia. and this can lead to depression, anxiety and finding it even harder in school.

Although anyone who suffers from dyspraxia is not automatically going to suffer from any of these these fur-

ther conditions are brought on if treatment is not made available to the sufferer.

Fay said that due to the HSE’s waiting list the only way to get a prompt diagnosis is to go private. However the problem with going private is the sheer cost of everything, from a consultation right down to occupational therapy, is eye-watering.

Meaning more and more sufferers of the disability are likely to go undiagnosed due to the current economic climate. The condition or disability, which it is, is not curable but is treatable with one on one therapy.

Dyspraxia is not due to an underlying mental condition. According to ‘Dyspraxia Ireland’ (who i’ll get on to in a moment) “There is no known cause of Dyspraxia.

No clinical neurological abnormality is present to explain the condition. Research suggests that it is due to an

Dyspraxia •

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Dyspraxia effects more males than females.

Dyspraxia Ireland is Irelands only awareness group for the disability.

Signs for dyspraxia are simple things like struggling to grip a pencil.

Learning to drive can be a real issue for people with Dyspraxia.

Even the simplest communitcation or tasks can be a challenge.

Image courtesy of Melaine Holtsman of http://goo.gl/iWZUeE immaturity of neurone development in the central nervous system.”

When asked who suffers mostly from the condition Fay replied with: “Mainly boys”, she said. In a group of ten people, four out of the ten people would be suffers of dyspraxia.

Their is no reason as to why it affects more boys than girls. Fay said it is more than likely hereditary.

The volunteer organisation who are about to lose their one and only full time member of staff, according to Fay. The reason she said is due to lack of funding and recognition of the condition.

Sadly the groups future is quite uncertain at the moment as they require donations and public support to remain open and there for anyone who needs them. She said that one large donation isn’t going to keep the group going, it may protect them and keep their one employee in work for a little while longer but is not a viable long term option.

When dyspraxia Ireland was originally set up, it was founded by parents. Now there is an office, which consists of three people. Fay(who deals with the hotline, and any other inquiries that people might have),

Harry Conway and their I.T and social media moderator. The hotline is not a 24-7 hour hotline, it runs from (9am5pm weekdays).

Fay said they have lost all funding and when Harry loses his job, the future is very uncertain for dyspraxia Ireland but the support groups will remain. I put the question to Fay, has there been any political support for the disability? And her reply was that, Harry Conway from dys-

Fay said they have lost all funding the future is very uncertain for dyspraxia Ireland praxia Ireland is trying desperately to get TD’s on board with the organisation and to try and build its public support.

She also pointed out that Sinn Fein

President Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health, James Reilly, that if dyspraxia was to be recognised as a disability would people who suffer from dyspraxia be entitled to the adequate services and support required to assist them. Minister Reilly replied with “...From a health perspective, there is no cure for dyspraxia, but a number of therapies can make it easier for the child to cope with their problems.

These include speech and language therapy, to improve speech and communication skills, and occupational therapy to find ways to remain independent and complete everyday tasks.

The provision of health related services is an operational matter for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy with information regarding the specific health services available for these children”. For those suffering from dyspraxia, help is out there. You can call this number 01-8747085 or email the office at info@dyspraxia.ie and i also mentioned earlier that you can donate to save the organisation and their only full time member of staff, check out www.dyspraxiaireland.ie

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The Waffler

Protest to be held outside the Dail Protesters come for the peaceful protests on 6th november 2013

Legalise cannabis protesters Photo credits William Murphy

Cathy Suen

O

n the 5th and 6th of November 2013, The 2013 Cannabis Regulation Bill will be presented to the Dail by Independent TD Luke Ming Flanagan .Mr Kevin Higgins of Dublin who works closely with the Roscommon TD Luke Ming Flanagan described in an interview that cannabis would help revive our economy. The recession has meant that many of us have had to make ma jor cut backs. He discusses how it will rejuvenate our economy if we legalise cannabis for Medicinal and recreational use in a regulated market.

Therefore legalising the cultivation and sale of cannabis in Ireland.

Cannabis is illegal in Ireland at the moment, but in cases such as the Netherlands it is legal. It has reduced crime such as pub brawls, crime relating to drugs such as drug trafficking. This crime still happens in Ireland but can deteriorate over time if we introduce the legalization of cannabis to Ireland. It will not only help our economy but it will also reduce crime related activities. This can also help reduce overcrowding in prisons, as civilians are being arrested for petty crimes to do with cannabis.

Such as having very small amounts of cannabis in their possession. Many suspects who are caught with small quantities of the drug in their possession get court dates resulting in them getting

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legal aid as they normally can’t afford to pay for legal costs therefore costing the government. Mr Higgins Strongly believes that wwpetty crimes such as this is only costing the government and such laws against having minimum amounts of cannabis should be demolished.

Kevin Higgins said “The legalisation

The legalisation of cannabis could generate over E300 million a year for the Irish economy. of cannabis could generate over E300 million a year for the Irish economy. He also says it could increase savings to the criminal justice system and produce more revenue than the household charge, through its taxation.” The Journal held a vote to see who would be for the bill and who would be against it. 84 per cent said yes for both recreational and medicinal, 8 per cent said only for medicinal reasons, 4 per cent said no and the remaining 2 per cent said I’m

not sure.

Supporters of the herb argue that it is less harmful than other drugs such as alcohol and smoking of tobacco. This has been proven to be true by the EU drugs agency .Statistics show not one person has died due to the intake of cannabis, but people have died from a high intake of alcohol, also it is shown that smoking of tobacco has caused many deaths for example it is proven to cause lung cancer. It has been said that people have been high when they died but was not the cause of death.

Therefore we shouldn’t really be anticannabis; we should really be antismoking and drinking. If we were to go back in time and educate people on the harmful effects of smoking and drinking more than likely neither of these would be legalised. If cannabis was legalised it would give young adults from eighteen onwards an option to choose a safer drug other than smoking and drinking which are both known for problems such as liver problems and lung problems. The Dail is afraid of it being a “gateway drug” but that could be said about a lot of things specially drinking and smoking tobacco.

Prescription for medical purposes could reduce the National Health Service's dependence on other costly drugs. Cannabis has also been known

for its healing powers, Cannabis has been proven to reduce high blood pressure and stress. Food and Drug Administration approved that an active chemical in the herb is used to treat terminal conditions such as Cancer, Arthritis, Parkinson’s, AIDS, HIV, glaucoma, Epilepsy and plenty of others. “The Netherlands, France, Israel, Austria, Germany, Spain, Czech Rep, USA and the Canada allow medical cannabis use.”

“Washington and Colorado has already introduced a legalised cannabis regulated market.” Says Kevin Higgins Mr Kevin Higgins added “On the 6th of November many of us will be outside the Dail on Kildare street Dublin from 7pm till 10pm so it would be much appreciated if people came and showed

Protesters hold home made banners Photo credits to Sebastian Dooris

their support for the regulation of cannabis in Ireland.”

The peaceful protest will

The peaceful protest will have live music and speeches as well as video clips being played and spoken outside the Dail have live music and speeches as well as video clips being played and spoken outside the Dail. The Gardaí have

shown some support of the protest by planning on closing roads off so that the protest can be managed in an enclosed area on Kildare Street. This Protest has caught the attention of many people and publishers such as Hot Press who have been supporting Luke Ming Flanagan with his 2013 bill for the regulation of medicinal cannabis. They have been putting online updates about the TDS every next step. Hot Press have also been helping to promote the protest outside the Dail on the 6th of November by posting updates on their online page.

Not only have they been promoting it but they have also been getting involved by helping Luke Ming Flanagan and his team with getting live music for the day.

Juicy Bits •

Luke Flanagan "Ming" TD 17,784 likes on his facebook page.

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40358 people voted in a poll on the the journal. ie that cannabis should be legalised for medicinal and recreational purposes.

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Luke Flanagan would like to set up "Cannabis social clubs in Ireland if legalised".

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NORML ireland is a group of people with thousands of followers working in legalising cannabis in Ireland.

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The legalisation of cannabis could generate ovr 300 million euro a year for the Irish economy.

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People die from alcohol overdoses but there has never been a fatal cannabis overdose.

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The Waffler

Cooking Up A Storm

Photo by Robert Morrissey: Neven Maguire at the launch of Ben’s Beginners competition.

Neven Maguire is one of Ireland’s most well-known Chefs, from his appearances on RTÉ’s ‘Home Chef’ to his books, he has acquired many fans throughout his career.

By Robert Morrissey

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n a interview with Neven, he talks about his inspirations, local produce and his new partnership with Ben’s Beginners to get the nation’s youth cooking.

For many of us, we learn how to cook by watching our parents as kids, and for TV Chef Neven Maguire it was no different. Growing up in a family of nine, Neven learned to cook under the watchful eye of his mum at the age of 6. Despite being the only one in the family

to take it up professionally, Neven’s mother ensured that the whole family learned together.

As inspirations go, Neven’s mum was by far his biggest, as the top chef learned his tricks from working with his mum for over 20 years. Baking was the particular favourite when it came to cooking, as he learned to make everything from flapjacks to bread. When it came to main courses, casseroles and stirfries were usually the popular meals.

In one of his latest ventures, Neven has launched Ben’s

Beginners, a new cooking initiative set up by Uncle Ben’s to encourage parents to get their children cooking.

The programme will also offer families the chance to win a €5,000 in cash, with a further €10,000 for their school. “I think it’s hugely important for children to get cooking early, because it is good for their health, but also for them to enjoy food and to have fun with it.” says Neven, “Cooking together allows for bonding and it also encourages you to eat together”.

On the subject of healthy eating, Neven believes that

I think it’s hugely important for children to get cooking early,

education and using local produce are key to Irish people improving our eating habits. Speaking on his work with Bord Bia and about the news of the horse-meat scandal earlier this year, he gives us his insight into the importance of eating Irish food and why it’s never been a better time to do so “I think knowing where our food comes from is the important thing, because looking at the horse-meat scandal earlier this year, it sent more people back to their local butcher.”

In order to get people into cooking, the Cavan born chef believes tasting different foods is the best way to encourage anybody to get cooking in the kitchen. It may not be a hit first time round, but a few tries should encourage anybody to get into the habit of making their own meals. Be age 4 or 24, it’s never to late to get into the kitchen or even help with the dinner preparations.

On the topic of Student Eating, Neven recommends mince meat and vegetables are the basics that anyone should have.

A recipe for a meal like vegetable soup is one of the many reusable ideas for those who want extend the life of their cooking produce.

Talking about the ethos that the ‘Home Chef’ star has, meeting the people who make your ingredients is vital to insure what you get is genuine “When you go to places like the Farmer’s Market, your meeting the people who are growing the food” says Neven, “Buying within the Seasons, cook seasonal food because you’ll get the best taste and the best price.”

The chef also believes that we shouldn’t be importing as much, as all sorts of food from meat to dairy. “We’ve got such natural produce and keeping that is very important.”

Next year, Neven will also bring his ideas into his new Cookery School, which will be based near his restaurant in MacNean House in Co. Cavan. The idea is to bring 16 people at time and teach them how to cook, although the food won’t be at Chef level of intensity, the students will get to cook hands on with Neven himself. From Irish stew to breakfast recipes, those on the course will learn to cook the basics before experimenting themselves.

In a world where nearly every meal is also available in packaged form, the ethos that Neven has will be brought into the school to show students that they can cook it too.

In his latest book ‘The Nation’s Favourite Food’, Neven compiles 100 of his recipes that he has ‘tried, tested and perfected’ himself.’ The book features pictures of the finished meals, which are accompanied by the guide to make them. This will also be the eleventh book Neven has written.

Other than his books, Neven also has entered his sixth series of the RTÉ ‘Home Chef’ TV show, which is soon to be

broadcast in the US from series one, with the sixth series being broadcast here in January 2014.

In his latest series, Neven also visits recent Michelin Star winning Chef Cormac Rowe from the Mount Juliet Hotel and Estate in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny. “I still have the same passion after all these years, It’s great that I have so much variety in the line of work I do by meeting other people.”

For those who are unfamiliar with ‘Home Chef’, Neven takes off around the country to cook with chefs and try new recipes There is also an iPhone app called ‘The Official Neven Maguire Recipe App’, which features videos of recipes from Neven’s catalogue. The app is regularly updated with new recipes all the time, since it’s release three years ago.

MacNean House, Neven’s restaurant in Blacklion, Co.Cavan, is also doing well.

But the star chef is keen to add that the tourism tax rate of 9% is a key factor in his ability to keep staff levels at a high. “It’s great that there is an initiative like this, but I think there are more industries that need this also” Neven points out, “I was able to take on 10 more people, which is fantastic for me. But I was also able to pass that saving onto the customers as they got less-expensive food, so it was a win-win for everyone.”

For more info, visit the Ben’s Beginners Facebook Page.

We’ve got such natural produce and keeping that is very important.

A new ‘Home’ Neven has filmed his sixth series of the RTÉ’s ‘Home Chef’ TV show, which is soon to be broadcast in the US from series one, with the sixth series being broadcast here in January 2014.

PBS are showing ‘Home Chef’ in it’s new home on US television since November of this year.

The TV chef will also be running cookery classes from his restuarant in MacNean House, Cavan over the coming months.

Neven took over at the restaurant following the passing of his mohter in October 2001.

The Waffler

Lupus: The Great Mystery Lupus is a rare auto immune disease that attacks the body's heathly tissue.

Lauren Denver

I

t’s the 21st century and we are still faced with horrible diseases.

Thankfully we have managed to develop cures for some, but as for others, a cure it yet to be found. Earlier this month I caught up with Jessica O Bryan who is the chairperson the an auto immune disease group lupus.

Jessica is a lupus patient and she set up the Lupus Group Ireland organisation with hopes to bring awareness to the public about the unfamiliar disease.

Lupus is one of the hardest diseases to diagnose as there are so many different symptoms. From chest pains to migraines, it could be a sign of lupus. Jessica defined lupus as ‘’an auto immune disease that attacks the body’s healthy tissue’’. The immune system is there to fight off infection but it sees your body as an infection, so basically your immune system gets ‘’confused’’.

Because lupus has so many different symptoms, it is often misdiagnosed. It is known as ‘’the great imitator’’ as it ‘’mimics’’ so many other conditions, says Jessica. Such misdiagnosis includes MS and cancer. Because it is often misdiagnosed as these two serious illnesses, just heightens how bad lupus can be.

It is a serious illness that has very little research and answers. Doctors ‘’think’’ it could be triggered by a virus, but recent research shows that they are leaning towards the hormone oestrogen, seeing as nine out of ten patients are female.

They also think it could be genetics, meaning it is passed down the family line. The Lupus Group Ireland organisation is currently trying to fund the research in Ireland, as it is desperately needed. It seems the research has only started in recent years as ‘’about 30

4

years ago lupus was seen as a terminal condition, so if you were diagnosed you were given about 3-4 years to live’’. Jessica explained that ‘’some of the girls in the group were given ten years to live and they have by passed it, which is brilliant because of the new research and medication out there’’. The research ‘’has come on but it is relatively new when you compare it to the likes of MS. You don’t hear a lot about lupus research’’.

Lupus is as serious as cancer and MS but it lacks the information because lupus ‘’is a mystery and it is difficult to pin point it’’.

The lack of research is a big issue in this country as there is no exact number of how many patients there are. They say 1500 suffer with lupus in Ireland but there is no real figure because Ireland doesn’t even have a database for lupus.

That just goes to show how far behind we are on the research in Ireland.

There is currently no cure for lupus, so therefore it is a long term illness. Patients in Ireland are ‘’not issued a medical card, and it is not recognised as a long term illness’’. Jessica and the Lupus Group Ireland team tried to get it on the long term illness scheme but it is very limited to certain illnesses. Only certain types of leukemia and diabetes are on

It is a mystery and it is difficult to pin point it

it. As for the medical card only people with income issues are issued one. It would be very hard to get lupus on the medical card system now as they are currently being assessed and taken off some people. So it is unlikely they will be issued to lupus patients.

Lupus Group Ireland is a support group that was set up in 2011. It is an online support and advice networking allowing all involved to connect and interact with each other. Last month (October) was the Lupus awareness month and Jessica and her team set up meetings around the country to anyone who wanted advice or information could get together. The group held competitions and events such as sky diving all in aid of the awareness group. The awareness isn’t just about the month, so these meetings are going to be held all year around. All fields of people are welcome to attend.

The group are currently getting ready for the release of the ‘’Living with Lupus’’ book. The book contains 20 member’s stories of their journey to diagnoses and how they coped after the diagnoses. It gives the different perspectives of the lupus patients and of their family members. It describes the difficulty some of the patients faced. The stories go from one extreme to another. One describes the death of a girl’s sister as she battled lupus for years and another explains Emma’s happy outcome after an extremely difficult time in hospital. Emma was giving 24 hours to live and in the time all of her organs shut down and there was no hope left for her. Four years later (today) Emma is married with a family and has a full time job. She was told she

Jessica O Bryan (right) after the dublin marathon raising awareness for lupus

About Jessica would never be able to have kids and today she does.

Jessica said that the idea of the book is ‘’more of an awareness and educational element than a fund raising one’’. People are so unaware of lupus so this is definitely ‘’needed’’. The group have plans to send it into radio stations and hospitals purely for educational reasons. This way doctors will be fully aware of lupus (as some are not) and they will be able to identify some symptoms as lupus symptoms. The doctors with lupus patient will also be able to have a better understanding. There was a recent interview on an American show where Judge Judy made hurtful comments about lupus, leaving all patients outraged. The Judge stated that her daughter in law had lupus and that her condition only meant that she was tired sometimes. This made the group write to the Judge looking for an apology and informing the Judge of what lupus really is. I asked Jessica was there any good outcome

It's known as the great mimicer

of this negative comment made on live TV. Jessica said the response from the public was ‘’incredible’’ as many people online shared the letter that was sent to the judge informing her of the condition. This meant that more and more people became interested as Judge Judy is in the public eye and because it was a negative comment about an illness made people want to know more about the illness. ‘’It’s people who say comments like that that need to educate themselves and read the book so they are fully aware of the condition.

It’s not right to make a comment about something they are unaware of’’. People in the public eye seem to be key to making people aware of different conditions, so in a small way, it was a good thing Judge Judy said what she said as it got the public discussing the illness.

Awareness for lupus is absolutely crucial right now. The more awareness in Ireland means there will finally be a database. This is the number one hope from the group this year. Once there is a database there will be more research done as there will be enough information to work off. It is currently the group that is funding the research. There is very little government funding going into the research of lupus. There is just so much to be done about the auto immune illness in Ireland.

The best place to start is just by educating yourself and being aware. Hopefully the rest will soon follow.

Jessica is a full time worker who battles lupus everday. Despite the extremes of lupus, she has no choice but to get through her day as normal.

As well as working at the courts, Jessica sees Lupus Group Ireland as her second job as there is just so much to do. Awareness is key and volenteers are always needed.

Jessica's goal is to create awarness about lupus as it is a very extreme illness. A lot of people may have symtoms and may never do anything about it.

She plas to encourage lupus patients to spread awarenss because the more awareness there is, the more research there will be .

5

The Waffler

The Life Of Predators How everyday group of fans created something big out of their hobby.

The predators posing vicotoriously at the Eirtikon.

Photo by: Ciaran McGuiness

The predator and Transformer seeing light for the first time.

Photo by: Ciaran McGuiness

Marina Kotlova Last weekend of eirtikon, an animation convention, I saw a man walking around dressed like a Predator from the movie known as “Predators.” Memorized by the quality of the costume I approached him to ask where one can obtain it but to my disappointment I found out it was fan made by the fans of the movie franchise, who formed a group called Predators Ireland. I didn’t know who they were but after asking them to tell me about it a little more the whole group gathered and said “Hey let’s go for pints and see how people react as we casually converse.” After that I had a feeling they weren’t as unapproachable as the crowd of fans made them seem to be.

Predators Ireland formed one spontaneous night while a group of friends were watching Predators in the cinema and because they were so impressed by the movie that they decided to cosplay the characters from the movie. After a great respond from the public they formed a team called Predators Ireland. “Actually, at some point we even walked around O’Connel street, just looking at things and wondering away”, said Brian, the team manager, as he took a sip from his drink, “People were looking at us with either shock or amusement of how much free

4

time we had.” After that Jay intervened and said “Just for everyone information, we all took a day off for that time!”

Seeing the quality of the costumes I couldn’t help but wonder how long it took to make that costume. “It takes approximately two to three weeks to make a costume for one person so its pretty time consuming and often costs a lot to cosplay characters such as a Transformer.”

Said by the man in a full Transformer suit which can actually transform. I could see just why as it was a big costume. “It’s pretty awkward to walk through doors but doors are nice to us compared to crowds because everyone runs over and cups a feel!” The whole group laughed as one interrupted “Sometimes you’ll go for a pose for a picture and attempt to put your hand around a fan and you hand is already held by someone else with curiosity!”

That seemed very scary thinking about how it was hard to move your body not because of a costume but because your fans are on you, literally. “Ever since that awkward incident we have another

team member with no costume to supervise he one who has a big or a favoured costume.”

After their hobby each one of the group members comes home to their personal life and it can be fun and challenging. “Sometimes you’ll tell a girl what your hobby is and you just know she’s not going to talk to you after today and other times you meet a long-term girlfriend.”

And of course I had to find out how the parents react to it all.

“My mum was first confused, trying to figure out why I would do this but my dad got a kick out of it!”

After each of the team members reassured their family that this was a hobby and they will still continue to work at their jobs, they families began texting and calling about all the different costumes for a bargain price and offering help, “My mum will often text me with least needed things but I never have the

It takes two to three weeks to complete a costume.

Replenishing their strength at the Starbucks while scaring a local.

Photo by: Ciaran McGuiness

Small Facts heart to tell her that so I always say ‘Thanks mum, really helped me out again.’” Looking over at Jay who was dressed as a female character Servalan from the movie Blake’s 7, I was intrigued by the idea how often he dresses as a female character. “Not often but when I do, I come home dressed like the person and my girlfriend often says “If there was a mood, it would be disappointed” so I try to avoid it,” Jay said as the lads mocked his “sleek female figure” all in good means. “Yes, I was actually chatted up just now as I went to get myself a pint, do people not see the awkward man walk I do on these heels?” He said in frustration.

So we knew their fun side of having amazing costumes but I wanted to know if they had challeges with their costumes. “It is often so awkward, you will be walking around and some bit falls off and its never the one you can get away with it always the face, leg

or the piece covering up your behind!” The whole crowd burst out laughing, “And to make it worse there are always people who take pictures with that particular body part so the hard part is not reattaching it, its the part where you try to get it off a fan!” v “Our next costume will be ready for the next convention in Galway, AkumaCon, and it will all be revealed to the public eyes.” This made me wonder will this be only for AkumaCon, “No, it will be a costume that is constantly on going, I mean we at some point were asked to dress up for a movie premiere and we since kept the costume and show it to the general public, even if its just wondering around O’Connel street.”

This could have been a successful business from the sound of it and seeing with my own eyes at the animation convention, the crown loved Predators Ireland. “I don’t think this will become a business because often we see people who change their hobbies into business and become alienated from the rest of the public.” Said Brian and Paul added “That and it’s too personal to make it into a business plus it seems like profits are everywhere but we barely cover our costs by being paid guests.”

So if you are a fan go ahead join the fun, it is made for you.

Your limbs don't always have their freedom.

During the making of the costume, the group of friends often take a day or two off so they can help each other out when procrastinating or genuinely getting work done.

The masks take up most of the time because it requires a universal facial expression to be molded using liquid latex, that mean layering in bit by bit which take up to few days, and it also requires to be shaped appropriately for the head of the wearer.

The costumes are costly mainly because the Predators prefer to use light and flexible material which can often cost more than planned but it helps them in the long run because it prevents the heat suffocation and gives them the mobility they need and already lack so much.

Overall process always ends up taking up around three weeks to complete and approximately mile long length of nerves and patience to finally be able to showcase the costume.

5

The Waffler

Independent Irish Metal: The Story of Doomsgame Colm Clohessy talks about his time as part of the underground metal scene in Ireland.

We used to jam every Sunday on Howth Pier - We'd make a hell of a racket.

Sara Byrne

T

he Irish Metal scene over the last 25 years has been one generally overlooked by indigenous music lovers.

However, despite lack of exposure, it has been thriving in the underground and talented bands have been continuously emerging from the woodwork for the last quarter of a century.

Since the formation of the ‘Irish Metal Archives’ on Facebook, BlogSpot, and Twitter, fans have had the chance to discover previously overlooked Irish Metal bands and these bands have gotten the exposure they deserve.

These include bands that we may not have known much of before, but who have had some great success.

Many metal sub-genres began forming throughout the country in the late 80s, and thanks to the influential emergence of death metal in Britain and the US, Ireland’s own extreme metal scene really began to take flight.

A most notable Irish metal band was ‘Doomsgame’.

Drummer Colm Clohessy was always optimistic that the death metal scene in Ireland would draw loyal crowds and inspire Irish metal lovers. ‘‘I remember walking into Sound Cellar in Dublin in the late 80s, and the guys walking in and out would have all been old-school metal fans; Iron Maiden, Metallica, but then you’d start to notice the odd Napalm

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Line Up! Cover art for Doomsgame's 'We Are The Enemy' EP.

Death patch, or Morbid Angel hoodie sneaking in, and that was cool to see because it gave us hope that the genre was getting into gear.’’

Doomsgame was founded in 1989 and began Jamming around Howth.

“We used to jam every Sunday in a fish processing plant on Howth Pier. We’d make a hell of a racket.”

Colm, along with friend, Michael Richards, founded the band and began advertising for members.

When the full line up was eventually formed, the band began to gig, and play anywhere they could find live music vacancies.

Doomsgame's lineup originally consisted of: Michael Richards- Rhythm guitar Colm Clohessy- Drums/Vocals Lead/Rhythm guitar- John Giles Bass/Keyboards- Glen Fulham Vocals- Rory Byrne

‘We played our first gig in the Fox and Pheasant and we were s***e, but you know your first gig, you’re nervous, at your first gig all your family and friends come out to support you, but its scary. We got better in time and that was when we started to kick off.’

Doomsgame soon began to gain recognition within the underground scene, and after the release of their second set of demos, ‘Who is the enemy?’ the offers for live performances began to flood in.

‘We started touring and gigging a lot more often, and even got the opportunity to support Carcass, that was a big deal, they were my favourite band at the time.

That was a great night and felt like a super achievement.

We played with them in McGonagall’s and I still keep in touch with them now. We used to talk on the phone and everything, I’d love them to play here again soon.’

Following their landmark support to Carcass, Doomsgame’s success continued as they began to build up a repertoire as a live band, supporting English metallers, Bolt Thrower on tour in the UK. The band continued recording, and soon released their first EP, ‘We are the Enemy’ which featured ‘Biological Artillery’, a song which found solid success in 1995. This created a larger fan base for the five musicians from Howth- in Ireland and around Europe ‘The EP was pretty badly recorded. If we were to record it now it would be so different because back then, when you walked into

a studio, there were big reels on the walls and rooms and rooms of equipment, now its all on a little box. I mean you can get it all on a computer now. Our equipment was basic, but I was happy with the success it brought us.'

It would have been nice to say we supported Nirvana.

The band’s choice of recording studio was one they had built themselves; ‘Trackmix’, which is located in Blanchardstown, is still fully operational to this day.

Doomsgame, although

highly influenced by bands such as Sepultura and Morbid Angel, brought about a new type of death metal, a sound that was different from any type of metal that had been heard in Ireland before, and one that would still be very much in demand if they were to reform.

Doomsgame’s elusive big break nearly came in 1990 just before the release of their EP, when the manager of McGonagall’s requested they support an up and coming band from the US; a band by the name of Nirvana.

‘Well we were asked, and I had never heard of them before, nobody I knew had, it was just before they released ‘Smells like Teen Spirit’. I started to hear that song on the radio then, and well, they became superstars overnight and McGonagall’s was no longer on their list of venues to play. I think it would have been more the Point at that stage to be honest. I was disappointed though, it would have been nice to say we supported Nirvana.’’

In 1997, eight years of metal came to a head for Doomsgame, as family and business became all too important.

‘Ah life just gets in the way you know, myself and Michael had just set up a music shop and there was a lot of work to do, and the other lads had things to do as well.’

Doomsgame have contributed hugely to the death metal scene in Ireland and have left behind a legacy greater than any other Irish Death Metal band before them. To this day their music can still be found on YouTube and their EPs, although rare, are still available all around the country.

Is there any chance of a Doomsgame reunion? Well only time will tell. Colm is optimistic.

‘We meet up every year at Christmas and get very drunk. We always chat about reforming, just for the craic, but unfortunately, we haven’t done so just yet. But hey, you never know, I may very well pick up the sticks again in

5

The Waffler

Young kids watching as the U-17 team practices at Seapoint Rugby facility

A long journey with

Rugby

59 years old Dr. Derick Nylon played and refereed Rugby coached a junior team and now is a vice president of Seapoint Rugby Club

By Sovit Karki Dr. Derick Neylan started playing rugby 45 years ago, coached and refried numerous games and still looks confident to take it further as a senior member of Seapoint Rugby Club located in Killiany, County Dublin. He is also time part- lecturer at DIT and Trinity Medical School. “I started playing Ruby since I was 12 and today I am at my late 50s and still on it very determined to take it further,” he says.

Dr. Neylan was born and raised in Sandymont, and started his career in rugby from Sandymont High School. “I was a hooker, passer number 2 while, there later I went to play for Seapoint Rugby Club, ”he says. Later he went to United States to teach in a university at Miami and came back on 1988 and again played senior rugby for Seapoint.

Now Dr. Nylon is the executive vice 4 president for Seapoint Rugby Club

which emphasize on developing young players from its youth and mini rugby systems. According to him the club has 400 junior members from the age 7 to 16 and also has the team for the players with special needs known as Seapoint Dragons. The club also got promoted to All-Ireland League Division 2a for season 2011-2012.

Dr. Nylen has a great story to tell. He recalls his from the year 1989 to 1999 as golden odes. “During that time I was coaching the U-17 team in Seapoint and had a great experience,” he says. “Later, I went to Wales for referring in the under 14 tournaments.” Not only Rugby but Nylen also played water polo for Marion College and bagged 5 medals.

Dr.Nylen has lot to say about Rugby and its implications. Is Rugby today different than it used to be during his prime time? His answer is yes.

. “I

started playing Ruby since I was 12 and today I am at my late 50s and still on it very determined to take it further”

“Today Rugby is more competitive and physical game where players are very committed, with increased physical level and with lots of travelling involved,” he says. “Players are now making their luxurious living from playing Rugby today which was very rare in the past.’’

“Rugby today has grown huge, in one sense things have changed which we have never expected,” he says. He adds, “It was very rare to see big teams playing but now every renowned teams including All Blacks come here and we go to play everywhere.” We can’t deny him saying good things are happening in Rugby now. “Big tournaments live 6-Nations, Heineken rugby held which attract millions of fans and numerous sponsors creating a massive economy,” he further adds.

Rugby is not a globally known sport like soccer. But it has very strong influence in some of the nations. Dr. Neylan admits Rugby is developing everyday in Ireland. He says Rugby now has a strong bond with the Irish society.

“Now most Irish people know almost every professional Rugby players from Ireland in comparison to other sports like soccer,” he says. “This is the only game now where we can internationally

represent Ireland.’’

One popular theory about rugby players is size and physique. Dr. Neylen does not hesitate to agree on this theory. “Yes, one needs a good physique and strength in order to become a good rugby player today,” he says. “If two equivalent players with same capability but different size are to be selected, then the coach will definitely favor the bigger player.”

Then, is Rugby encouraging the young people to eat more? His answer is, No. “We basically don’t encourage eating more to become a rugby player,” he says. “You need tough training, lift weights and become physically strong.’’ Neylan though make aggressive comments on using the steroids to build up muscles. He says, “We always encourage our players to come and workout at Seapoint Gym if you want to build your body.’’

Neylan used to coach the U-16 team during his coaching career. Now Seapoint Rugby Club is mostly about youth players. He thinks that a lot of young people are attracted towards the game. “When these young fellows see a rugby team arriving in the town, looking physically strong and playing

with a huge passion, they want to become like them,’’ he says. “The young lads thus want to get involved, work hard with the dream of wearing the green jersey.” He further said rugby is not only encouraging them to become physically fit but that also is making them mentally strong.

Not only these young people but Dr. Neylan argues that rugby is impacting the whole society and the nation. He says; “First of all it is creating unity among us, especially through the games when Ireland plays. People either go the games, watch in local pubs or their home get their country going and even contributing the country financially.”

Dr. Neylon does not reluctant to compare the current Irish rugby scenario with the English football trend during 60s and 70s. “As Jack Charlton and Bobby Charlton drove their country with football craze and success, currently Ireland is being driven by Rugby.”

Dr. Nylon does not consider Rugby as a dangerous game. He says that some injuries and collisions are just part of every game. When players are well coached and physically fit it is not too bad. “I broke my nose 5 times, while

. “First of all it is creating unity among us, especially through the games when Ireland plays. People either go the games, watch in local pubs or their home get their country going and even contributing the country financially.”

About Seapoint Rugby Football Club

Dr. Nylon poses after the interview

Seapoint Rugby Football Club was founded in 1934.

The club has been a key focal point for developing players attending schools in Cabinteely, Ballybrack and Greater Dun Laoghaire area. The club played in Division One of th e Leinster League in the 2009/2010 season. The club got promoted to play All Ireland League Division 2a after 2011/2012 season. John power is the current President and Dr. Derick Nylon is the vice President of the club. Further information about the club can be obtained from: http://www. pitchero.com/clubs/seapointrugbyclub/

The Waffler playing few water polo games but broke my nose one while playing rugby numerous games,” he says.

One of the serious problems with Rugby today is concession. Concussions are likely to occur in games like rugby and American football.

“I know you play more likely to blow their heads off in rugby, but again it is the matter of following the guidelines,” he says. “It is a serious problem and is also recognized by IRFU and thus IRFU guidelines should be always applied during a game.”

Dr. Nylon does not believe, introducing hamlets as in American football into rugby would be a problem. He says; “I don’t see any reasons why we should not introduce hamlets for head protection in rugby since it does not have any negative impacts.

He further says if a person is trained with hamlets from the beginning, they will be used to it and it will become normal . Dr. Nylon presenting award at Seapoint Rugby club ceremony later on.

Dr.Nylon also points that women’s rugby is growing immensely and getting popular. According to him, in support from IRFU Seapoint Rugby Club hosted the Leinster Women’s Rugby Cup Finals on April 20th, 2013 and was well attended. He further says he would be delighted to see Irish ladies team going to 6-Nations. “The Rugby is very much male oriented game now, but if such things can happen it would attract women and bring them to a bond”, he adds.

If everything goes well, then Nylon says he will be running for the president of the club next year. He has a lot of commitments and dreams to take the

club further. He says he has a plan of building a female rugby team for Seapoint. As the club has three flooded pitches the club is also planning to host a renowned team at Seapoint.

According to Nylon, the Seapoint Rugby Club is in a verge to resister its name in Guinness book of records for Seapoint Blitz by hosting 2250 young players next April. He is very optimistic that Ireland is ready to make a bid for 2023 World Cup. He says; “We are absolutely ready to host and win the world cup as everything is going good on Irish rugby.”

Dr. Nylon while playing against Arras from France 4