Editorial: In These Uncertain TImes

FROM THE EDITOR"S DESK

In These Uncertain Times...

Something I have always struggled with, personally, is the sense of uncertainty that comes with the future. I often look back to the year of my Leaving Cert, and remember how uncertain I was about what I would do the following year. Would I end up getting the course I wanted here in UCC? Would I fall short by a few points, and have to follow a backup plan? Uncertainty certainly is a deeply ingrained vice for me. I therefore find a lot of comfort in knowing that I’m not the only person who struggles with these feelings, worrying about what may happen tomorrow or a month from now, or even in ten years time.

Even now as I sit here once again in my pyjamas, already writing my second editorial of the year, I wonder what the rest of my time as Editor will bring. I guess what I am trying to say is that it’s okay to be uncertain sometimes, after all, it’s a very human way to feel. I would like, however, to encourage anyone who may be struggling with their feelings at the moment to reach out and talk to somebody. Sometimes taking a moment to just put everything into perspective and give yourself a chance to breath can make all the difference in the world.

As we now enter a busy and stressful time of the year for many students around the country, I would like to think that we here at Motley Magazine can provide a little respite and give you something enjoyable to focus your attention on, even if only for a few minutes of the day.

In Current Affairs, our fantastic section editor Maeve McTaggart takes a look into the work of young climate activists in her interview with Lilya Iman Chala, who founded Extinction Rebellion Youth Cork at the age of fifteen. Deputy Molly Kavanagh delivers her opinion on the latest developments in everyone’s favourite running joke, Brexit. Our Features section this month is jam-packed, thanks to the hard work and dedication of Méabh Lonergan. From Deputy Editor Laurie Shelly’s cover interview with Orla Gartland to an interesting look at a little known figure in Cork history, there is something for everyone here. Entertainment once again proves to be very entertaining (I know that has the makings of a very bad dad joke, but sorry, not sorry). Andrew Burke provides an insightful look into the comedy scene here in Cork City, while Deputy Editor and allaround music guru Cathal Donovan O’Neill explores the city’s heavy metal scene. In Fashion, Editor Paul McLauchlan delivers another fantastic fashion shoot and also continues to gauge the UCC student population’s reactions to his unique style decisions. This month certainly packs a punch when it comes to content, and I hope that we can serve as a little distraction from the stress of exams and assignments, if even just for a short while. Once again, if you enjoy what you are reading and want to get involved, please do not hesitate to send me an email at editor@motley.ie I hope everyone enjoys the fun and hijinks that come with the spooky Halloween season. I think in uncertain times like these, we could all do with acting like kids again, even just for one day.

Dan Webb, Editor-In-Chief.

Ronan O'Shea