The Print Volume 3, Issue 11

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PRINT

The official publication of Maynooth Students’ Union

Tuesday 3rd April 2012 - Volume 3, Issue 11

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USI Debate Funding Preferendum, Croke Park Agreement Renegociation SHANE McNALLY @thobiasinkblot

USI Congress this year has seen some very interesting turns of events, from a defeat of the proposed preferendum on fees to USI deciding to scrap the Croke Park Agreement. In a sense it has been division that has been the common denominator of the entire congress with some progressive motions being passed that were at the very least a reflection of how far Ireland has progressed as a society.

First off were policies in which there were no major issues. The conference then moved onto the preferendum. Each of the options were to be debated then voted on were proposed and debated by various delegates. The most interesting events being the passionate and well crafted speeches for and against the ‘exchequer funded’ option, the student loan and the graduate tax. Gary Redmond, current USI president spoke on behalf of a graduate tax as something he ‘believes in’. Needless to say this caused a bit of a stir. Many also spoke in favour of voting for ‘none of the above’ in protest over the manner in which the preferendum was carried out.

A 9D was then proposed from the floor (9D: sending it back to special congress to be reshaped into something that may be in fact viable)in an effort to delay the motion on the preferedum due to a number of objections that delegates had. This motion came about as a result of a closed meeting of presidents earlier this year. At this meeting the preferendum was proposed and then rolled out with little or no consultation to other sabbatical officers.

What resulted then was rushed preferendums in various colleges. Trinity, a college of over 17,000 students got a turnout of 442 students in favour of a student loan scheme. The college then deemed the vote to be a mandate: a vote of under three percent.

Maynooth Student Union ran one during Sabbat

elections, but decided that there had not been enough consultation with students on the options that they were voting on so deemed the ballot null and void. Maynooth Students’ Union was the major proponent of the 9D along with GMIT and various other colleges. After much debate the 9D was just about carried with an almost evenly split room, of 92 votes to 84 to an uproarious response from those opposing the motion.

Day two was also full of major debate with several significant motions being passed. The first such motion was the decision of USI to reaffirm its stance on equal rights for all, specifically for marriage and adoption. This debate saw some of the best speeches of the day in favour of LGBT rights with Maynooth’s Keith Broni being very impressive in his maiden speech. The motion was passed unanimously, a clear indication of a progressive Union.

The cohesion that characterised the former debate was not present in a later debate on the Croke Park agreement, that turned out to be a left right divide, the former arguing against a renegotiation. Maynooth again had some very impressive speakers in Séamus Reynolds and Ruaidhrí Boland. Aengus Ó Maoláin former president of Maynooth and now education officer of USI also spoke against the motion of a renegotiation of the Agreement. Speakers for the motion included the current president of UCD Pat de Brun. The motion then went to the floor and was carried meaning USI will now lobby for a renegotiation of the deal as it believes that it is affecting the student body negatively.

A clear theme of the day was division, but this was characterised by a very well informed and excellent standard of debate on some of the most major issues currently affecting Ireland. There is certainly much more to come from this conference.

Irish Colleges Fall In Times University Ranks CONOR O’BRIEN News Co-Editor @ConorWOBrien

Ireland’s higher education system took another body blow to its international reputation last month with the publication of the latest Times University Rankings, with none of the country’s eight universities managing to make the prestigious Top 100.

This completes a drastic decline in the standards of Irish university education in recent years, with both TCD and UCD, regular features in the Top 100 until this point, absent from the elite list all together.

Instead, universities from Asia (China in particular) appear to be on the rise, rubbing shoulders with familiar giants such as Harvard (top of the pile), Cambridge (3rd) and Stanford (4th). In total, 19 countries were represented in the Top 100, but worryingly for a certain Ruairi Quinn, Ireland was not among them.

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The alarming decline in standards is directly linked to the funding shortage afflicting Irish universities at the present time, availing of only a fraction of the budget enjoyed by their counterparts in the UK. This is likely to bring the contentious issue of college fees to the fore once more, with speculation abound within the higher education sector that registration charges could rise to €3,000 over the coming years. However, even this sharp rise (an increase of over €1,000 in less than a decade) may not be enough to finance the already overstretched sector, with numbers expected to rise substantially over the coming decades.

Despite this bleak outlook, the Department of Education remains convinced of the continued standard of Irish universities. When contacted by the Print, a department spokesperson claimed that the overall performance of the underfunded Irish system was highly ranked; 17th overall and 6th relative to our GDP. The department also warned that rankings such

as these – being subjective – need to be interpreted with caution, noting how Cambridge came 3rd on the Times table and 1st on the QS list.

“Notwithstanding these reservations, it is recognised that league tables are referenced by international investors, employers and students as a marker of quality across systems and as such they cannot be ignored” said the spokesperson.

“Delivering high quality higher education for a growing proportion of our population will mean that we need to maintain a clear focus on system performance overall rather than a narrower focus on individual institutional performance.

In this regard, the National Strategy for Higher Education and recent proposals issued by the Higher Education Authority make a range of recommendations, currently being implemented, which seek to enhance the quality and efficiency of the Irish system.”

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Young Fine Gael Host Holocaust Survivor Gender Quota Debate Gives Talk On Campus CONOR O’BRIEN News Co-Editor @ConorWOBrien

On Monday the 26th of March, Young Fine Gael held a debate entitled “Gender Quotas: A Necessary Evil?” in Physics Hall on South Campus.

The event began at 7:00pm and was attended by members of both the Maynooth and DCU branches of YFG. Also present was guest speaker Clair McGing of the Geography Department here at NUIM, whose research interests include gender politics, electoral geographies and gender quotas, and Shane O’Dwyer, chairperson of the Kildare South constituency.

Ms. McGing commenced proceedings with some damning statistics about the state of equal gender representation in Irish politics, noting that there have been only 12 women in cabinet since the foundation of the state and 21 constituencies in the country have no female TD’s. Furthermore, despite Fine Gael having a female membership of 42%, only 15% of its electoral candidates in the last general election were women. While this is a problem endemic across Ireland’s political spectrum, it is especially notable in Fine Gael.

Ms. McGing went on to explain the 5 C’s, or challenges, preventing higher levels of female political participation; care, cash, confidence, culture and candidate selection. She argued that our current system favours male candidates who can afford to spend less time looking after their homes and thus more time building rapport with their electorate, and in many cases candidates are selected by parties based on their specific location and local profile as opposed to their actual merit.

Gender quotas, if implemented with a set expiry date, could help get more women on the ballot

paper and sufficiently alter the paternal nature of Ireland’s political culture, an affect that they have had in over 100 countries worldwide.

The motion was then contested by four speakers on each side, with each speaker allocated five minutes to argue their case. Those in support of gender quotas contended that equal representation of both gender’s was required, that quotas would correspond to nominations as opposed to actual seats in the Dail and that their implementation could help reduce the “pub culture” rampant throughout the current political system. They also added that more female representation could help bring fresh ideas and perspective to government issues, a notion given credence by Clair McGing after the debate when she stated that female representatives do more community casework than their male counterparts, are more active on socio-cultural issues and that a good sample of the population is needed for diverse issues and opinions to be represented.

Those opposed to the motion argued that gender quotas were unjust and discriminatory, contradicting Fine Gael’s commitment to equal opportunity had no constitutional basis and were ultimately undemocratic. Other points raised were that gender quotas would lead to further limitations based on race or sexuality, and that government representatives at national and local level represent community issues of relevance to all, not just the interests of women. Furthermore, opponents of gender quotas contended that in a republic no group should receive superior treatment and that to implement quotas would be symptomatic of a “Nanny state” were parties are told what to do and candidates are not selected based on merit.

The motion was carried by vote at the conclusion of proceedings.

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PRINT Issue #11 Contents

NEWS 1 FEATURES 6 ENTERTAINMENT & CULTURE 8 PROCRASTINATION 15 OPINION & COMMENT 17 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 18 SPORTS 20

SHAUNA LOUISE KELLY @YourTextHere

NUI Maynooth’s History Society hosted a talk from Holocaust survivor Zoltan Zinn-Collis on Tuesday 27 March to a packed Iontas lecture theatre. Zinn-Collis, who was held in BergenBelsen concentration camp in 1945, gripped the audience with his story of life as a young child in the camp, and the horrors that occurred within.

He has been travelling around Ireland in recent years giving talks, mainly to secondary school students, about these experiences. An important tenet of Zinn-Collis’ talk is remembering all those who were killed during the Holocaust, a staggering twelve million people. Amongst this number is an estimated six million Jews. the death total included gypsies, people with disabilities, homosexuals and any other group which was felt as a threat to the Master Race.

Zoltan Zinn-Collis was born in Slovakia to a Slovakian Jewish father and a Hungarian Protestant mother. Although he was not raised in the Jewish tradition, the fact that his father was sealed the family’s fate. Film shot by British Army cameraman Bill Lawrie on the liberation of the concentration camp is shown during Zinn-Collis’ story. The images show the absolute depravity and desolate conditions under which the people interred in the camp had to live. It is hard not to feel absolute horror at what was let happen by the Nazis in these camps whilst viewing the film. The audience are transported back in time to this period with the power of Zoltan Zinn-Collis’ story, and it is easy to see why a large number of people were openly emotional during the talk.

An Irish doctor, Bob Collis, brought five children back to Ireland from Bergen-Belsen. Zoltan and his older sister Edit were adopted by Dr Collis and his

wife, and the other three children were adopted by other willing Irish families. During the talk, Zoltan mentions an anecdote which he says he heard many times from his adoptive father over the years. A young nurse was originally tending to him, but she felt he needed more expert medical attention, so she called Dr Collis over to examine him. Zoltan then announced to the doctor that “my father is dead. You are now my father”. He has spent the rest of his life in Ireland, where he married and has four daughters, who make up an important part of his talk. The main message that is received from Zoltan Zinn-Collis’ talk is that the world should never forget what was done to the tens of millions of people imprisoned and killed in concentration camps throughout the 1930s and 40s. The number of survivors is getting smaller as the years pass by, but this message still needs to be heard.

Editor In Chief / Production Editor: Keith Broni News Editors: Conor O’Brien & Áine Kirwan Features Editor: Grainne Hallinan Entertainments & Culture Editors: Lyndsey Farrell & Christina Murphy Opinion & Comment Editor: Kate Phelan Technology Editor: Shane Kiernan Sports Editor: Conor Phelan Additional Proofing: Robert Munnelly Contributors: Aibhin Austin, Tara Byrne, Aisha Qasim Butt, John Carroll, Dylan Colley, Darren Crowe, Dara Folan, Eoghan Dunne, Rob Gilmour, Conor Hanlon, Tadgh Hoey, Maeve Kavanagh, Shauna Louise Kelly, Ally Kerr, Martin Larkin, Shauna Leamy, John Lydon, Karl O’Dwyer, Rowan Moorkins O’Reilly, Michael O’Toole, Breonie MacMahon, Conor McCrave, Aine McManus, Shane McNally, Simon Mernagh, Majella Rogers, Eoghan Ryan, Enda Shevin, Cillian Shields, Glen Spratt, Aoife Thomas, Pamela Young.

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Maynooth Student Lights Salamanca Plaza Green For St. Patrick’s Day DARA FOLAN The Spanish are not renowned for partaking in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, presumed Costa Del Sol Irish drug lord parties notwithstanding. As such, it is somewhat surprising that the picturesque city of Salamanca, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site, has illuminated its famous Plaza de Mayor in a swathe of green to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint. The concept and process of ‘greening’ the city of Salamanca was the brainchild of NUI Maynooth student Ben Finnegan, currently studying in the University of Salamanca as part of the european erasmus programme. “I set out to try and get [the Plaza de Mayor] lit up green for St. Patrick’s day. I contacted more than 6 TD’s who were members of the tourism committee, I contacted Tourism Ireland, the Irish Spanish Embassy, numerous PR and event organisers here in Salamanca and all of whom told me that it was a good idea but wouldn’t happen. I was given a number of excuses and told ‘maybe next year’.”

The city officials would later contact Ben in the lead up to St. Patrick’s Day to express their

enthusiasm and excitement at the prospect of staging the festivities. The ‘greening’ of Salamanca proved to be a huge success with thousands of people from all over the world taking to the streets in celebration. The campaign generated substantial media attention both in Ireland and Spain, most notably Ben appeared on RTE’s John Murray show to discuss the event.

The opportunity to expand ‘greening’ further afield is one that Ben is all too aware of; “The coverage and response here has been unbelievable.

Everyone here in the city is talking about Ireland.

I literally spent an hour getting photos with locals and listened to how they were ‘planning a holiday back to Éire’. I have created a facebook page called ‘Greening your city for Saint Patrick’s Day’. My aim is to next year get maybe three or four other cities with Irish Erasmus students to attempt the ‘greening’ and hopefully each year it will escalate.”

While the Lord Mayor of Salamanca, Alfonso Fernández Manueco, was quick to express his gratitude, other esteemed figures of the political sphere also passed on their plaudits. President Michael D. Higgins wrote a personal letter to Ben stating his delight and pride at the stellar efforts of the NUIM student. The scope for the ‘greening’ campaign could certainly benefit the current international status of Ireland, as Ben himself outlines, “I hope that this small act will encourage more Irish people to demonstrate their pride and passion for our small country and prove to the world that we have a big voice.”

Given that the Irish diaspora is becoming increasingly far flung and dispersed than the more traditional emigration routes, the growth of Ben’s

‘greening’ campaign could potentially bring St. Patrick’s Day to previously uncharted destinations.

Body Of Missing Student Che Guevara Statue To Be Erected In Galway Paul Bunbury Found SHAUNA LOUISE KELLY @YourTextHere

A body pulled from the water at Dublin Port on 13 March was confirmed to be that of nineteen year old missing Dublin City University student Paul Bunbury. Mr Bunbury had last been seen near the O2 Arena in Dublin’s Docklands on Thursday 2 February. Large scale searches had been organised in the intervening weeks to help trace Paul, with posters put up all over the country. These searches were led by groups including the Gardai and students from DCU. A Facebook page was also set up to help in the search.

Paul, who had been in his third year of a computer science degree, was described as a quiet, friendly, and extremely clever man. Originally from Wexford, he had been living in Dublin since beginning his studies at DCU. When the news of his remains being found was announced, condolences flooded into his family and friends over the internet, most notably on Facebook and boards.ie, where Paul had been a respected member and poster since 2009.

A post by Paul’s friend and fellow DCU Redbrick member, Conor Farrell, appeared on satirical Irish current affairs blog broadsheet.ie a few days after Paul’s death was announced. An exerpt from his tribute follows: “[…] I had known Paul for almost two and a half years, ever since he joined Redbrick, DCU’s computer networking society. It was obvious even then that Paul would go on to play a big part in the lives of other society members and the friends he would make as he settled into college life. He had a dry, and very witty, sense of humour.

If ever someone attempted to rile him, they would

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be very swiftly cut down with a large helping of sarcasm. He managed to tell even the most boring stories in a hugely entertaining way, and one that always left people smiling. On our numerous nights out with friends, I always noticed how people gathered around Paul to share the craic, as he was genuinely the life and soul of the party […] It was very clear from his conversations that he was a very skilled programmer and extremely intelligent student. People looked up to him for guidance and advice in his field of expertise, and collaborated with him on exciting projects. […] We won’t forget his smile and his laugh and how he made those around him so happy. He went too soon, but I’m proud that I could call him a friend”.

Galway City Council has announced its plan to erect a statue in honour of Marxist revolutionary Ernesto “Che” Guevara. The guerrilla fighter, who helped Fidel Castro’s 26th of July movement to power in Cuba in 1959, is expected to be commemorated due to his Irish Ancestry.

Che, who was portrayed by Benicio Del Toro in 2008, remains a highly controversial figure, having served as commander of La Cabaña Fortress prison following the Cuban revolution, seeing him responsible for the deaths of many supporters of the previous American-backed Fulgencio Batista regime by firing squad.

While the US House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has written to the Taoiseach asking him to impede the construction of the proposed statue in Eyre Square to the South American revolutionary, Councillor Billy Cameron insists the plan will go ahead, stating that “Guevara is descended from two families who are tribes of Galway – the Blakes and Lynches. We’re honouring one of our own from a distance” according to the Irish Times.

The statue has been met with much opposition, including Libertas founder Declan Ganley. Ganley

quoted as stating that the statue would bring shame on the people of Galway, comparing Guevara to Pol Pot, Stalin and Idi Amin. This is a sentiment shared by Foreign affairs Chairwoman Ileana RosLehtinen, a Republican Representative for Florida, who described Che as a “mass murderer” and a human rights abuser in the letter to the Taoiseach.

While the proposed statue is a topic of much debate, organisers of the second annual Che Do Bheatha festival, due to be held in the town of Kilkee this coming September, believe the dispute will not affect their event.

Organiser Tom Byrne has stated that the festival, which involves speeches, exhibitions and music acts, is more a celebration of the image of Guevara, made famous by artist Jim Fitzpatrick, with Guevara’s daughter Aleida believed to be making an appearance.

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“Miss Representation” Feminist Documentary Screened On Campus SHAUNA LOUISE KELLY @YourTextHere

A screening of the documentary Miss Representation took place in NUI Maynooth on Thursday 29 March. The screening, organised by the NUIM FemSoc, also included a panel discussion on the documentary. Miss Representation, written, produced and directed

by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, explores how the mainstream media, specifically television and advertising, portray women who are in or who wish to obtain positions of power in a negative light. Examples from reality television shows, music videos and ads are used to show this to great effect throughout the documentary.

The panel leading the discussion on the documentary was comprised of a number of successful and influential women. These were Ailbhe Smyth, former head of the Department of Gender Studies at University College Dublin and respected feminist author and activist, Dr Sinéad Kennedy, a lecturer from the NUIM English

Department, Claire McGing, a PhD student from the NUIM Geography Department, and Emma Regan from the Irish Feminist Network. The discussion was chaired by FemSoc Chairperson Fionn Fitzpatrick. There was a lively debate regarding the perceived successes and failures of the documentary, with many of the people present agreeing that Miss Representation does not portray the experiences of women outside those of educated, middle-class and mostly white Americans. It was also felt that the importance placed by Siebel Newsom on women’s roles as mothers and protectors was inherently alienating.

However, the overarching message of the documentary was met with acceptance.

Issues surrounding feminism and gender have not only been brought to the fore in Maynooth recently, but on a national stage as well. A number of TDs recently tabled legislation on the X Case Supreme Court ruling, which has been pencilled in for discussion in the Dáil on Wednesday 18 April. A bill on the introduction of gender quotas in elections, which was published by the government in December 2011, is also set to be discussed in the coming weeks. If the bill is passed, it will ensure that women will have to make up at least thirty per cent of a party’s election candidates.

RoboEireann Come 2nd Convicted Nazi Guard In German Open Event Demjanjuk Dies At 91 KARL O’DWYER

EOGHAN RYAN

Hopes were high going to Magdeburg with the Maynooth based “RoboEireann” team well aware of the challenges that lay ahead, they have computed a route over this terrain in the past.

Strong performances in the quarter and semifinals secured a place in the final against the reigning world champions B-Human from the Univeristy of Breman. The humanoids from Maynooth put up a good fight, but lost 8 - nil.

RoboEireann competes in the “Standard Platform” League where each team is required to use the same model of short human like robot, posing many interesting challenges which must be overcome, finding the ball, finding the goal and lining up to take a kick don’t come naturally to robots, this simple sequence alone poses a significant number of challenges. The pace of the robots currently is more akin to an all priests over 75’s team then say the premier league, so the software controlling the robot is the most crucial part of the competition.

This weekend’s performance can only bode well going into the RoboCup 2012 in Mexico with teams usually using the open tournaments to test their

John Demjanjuk, a convicted Nazi guard at Sobibor death camp, has died aged 91.

Convicted in May of last year on 28,060 counts of being an accessory to murder Demjnjuk was sentenced to five years in prison, before dying in a nursing home in south Bavaria following his release pending an appeal.

The Ukrainian-born Demjanjuk had persistently denied involvement in the Holocaust, protesting his innocence for over three decades. Maintaining that he was a victim of the Nazi’s himself, Demjanjuk claimed to have first been wounded as a soviet soldier, before being held as a prison of war.

According to the Guardian, his son has stated that his father was “a victim and survivor of Soviet and German brutality since childhood,” Demjanjuk Jr. Stated that “He loved life, family and humanity.

History will show Germany used him as a scapegoat to blame helpless Ukrainian PoWs for the deeds of Nazi Germans.”

Presiding Judge Ralph Alt stated that the evidence showed Demjanjuk was a piece of the Nazis’ “machinery of destruction”.

Ruling that “The court is convinced that the defendant … served as a guard at Sobibor” from 27

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performance and to tune strategies and algorithms in preparation for the big tournament.

The eventual goal of the research into robotic football is to have a team of robots which could compete against and beat the top human players in the world, in much the same way that computers can now best the top humans in chess. We here at the print would like to welcome our new robotic overlords.

March, 1943, until September 1943.

Having been mistaken for a guard known as “Ivan the Terrible” at the Treblinka extermination camp, Demjanjuk successfully defended himself, but remained under investigation in the United States, before prosecutors in Germany filed charges in 2009, stating that Demjanjuk could be linked to Sobibor and Trawniki, with evidence proving that he had volunteered to serve with the SS and had trained as a prison camp guard.

Following the war, Demjanjuk was sent to a displaced persons camp before seeking American citizenship, having claimed to have been a farmer in Sobibor, Poland during the course of the war.

Demjanjuk is survived by his son John Jr and daughters Lydia and Irene.

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The Pirate Bay To Use Airborn Server To Continue Illegal File Sharing MICHAEL O’TOOLE @bassmastashadez

Swedish file-sharing site The Pirate Bay has declared its plans to use unmanned drone aeroplanes as network connections to avoid being shut down.

With data being transmitted from the planes to land-based servers it will make the job of shutting down their operations much more difficult for anti-piracy forces. The idea is that if anti-piracy authorities were to try to shut down the drones they would have to use their own planes to do so, ‘a real act of war’. Site administrator MrSpock elaborated on the proposed project in a blog post on Sunday (18th March): “We can’t limit ourselves to hosting things just on land anymore. These Low Orbit Server Stations (LOSS) are just the first attempt.

With modern radio transmitters we can get over 100Mbps per node up to 50km away. For the proxy system we’re building, that’s more than enough.”

This is just the latest of a number of ambitious projects that TPB has tried in order to elude the authorities, including an attempt to operate from

the Principality of Sealand, a fortress in the North Sea. As one of the most infamous and widely used file-sharing sites it has long attracted the attention of anti-piracy forces and just recently its four founders were given prison sentences and fines by the Swedish Supreme Court for running the site. They have also been raided several times and have had fears lately that they would be shut down completely. This drone project would be an effort to prevent TPB’s closure.

While many have been sceptical about the project there are others claim that it is completely do-able because the technology is there. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Stuart Mackintosh of communications firm OpusVL said that “It’s certainly not complete fantasy” so long as TPB have the capital to invest in the project. He also expressed his opinion of the project as an excellent publicity stunt that may attract more custom: “it may be seen to be very cool to download pirated content from flying hubs by many of the typical clients.”

In a lot of ways this project is highly reminiscent of the days of pirate radio with stations, including Swedish station Radio Nord, operating from ships anchored in international waters in the North Sea in the 1960s. However, while the plan may be exciting, the high costs involved in initiating such a project have been noted by many IT experts.

Joey Barton’s Home Broken Suicide Of Rape Victim In To And Lived In Sparks Morocan Protest CILLIAN SHIELDS @pile_of_eggs

Joey Barton’s antics on twitter are well known to every football fan on the social networking site. The QPR midfielder’s relationship with his followers is like no other Premier League footballers. Barton tweets practically every day and quite frequently too. From arguing with Premier League fans who take to the social network to abuse him, to pouring his heart out about in contemplation over The Only Way Is Essex, and even talking about his plans to become vegetarian for Lent; Joseph Barton is one of twitter’s more eccentric characters.

But recently, the ex-Newcastle player has delivered the news that his house was broken into and lived in by, according to him, heroin-addicted squatters over twitter.

The first tweet read; “Just heard the news some squatters had broken into my house last night and changed the locks. The cheeky bastards.....”

Barton went on to ask his 1,330,000+ followers if they knew what the law was regarding squatters; people who live in uninhabited houses. The house in question was one in London that Barton was having renovated for his family.

The 29 year old explained that the house was completely locked and secured with the correct hoarding outside, before pondering whether this classified the “set of cheeky f*ckers” as burglars.

The footballer has a history of violence in his life. In 2008, he served 77 days of a six-month sentence in prison after assaulting a man in a McDonalds in Liverpool. He was also given a four month suspended sentence for assault occasioning in actual bodily harm on former Manchester City

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teammate Ousmane Dabo. Also, in 2005 he broke a pedestrian’s leg in Liverpool while driving at 2 am.

Through his twitter account, Barton threatened the people squatting in his house, saying that “Who ever they are, I hope their f*cking fast runners......“ [sic]. But before he tweeted his ideas to the world about buying twenty tarantulas and snakes and delivering them to the house through the letterbox, and hoping that they would still be in the house when the builders began work on knocking walls down the following day, Barton confessed that he was actually trying to be a changed man.

“Luckily for them, I’m trying to give up violence.....#jammybastards“; the tweet read.

Eventually though, the issue was soon resolved when those who broke into the house left. Barton also delivered this news to the world via his twitter feed. He said; “Squatter issue over and fully sorted. What a firm of cheeky, heroin riddled barstewards they were. Thankfully they sh*t it and left #muppets.”

The tragic suicide of a sixteen year old girl, forced to marry the man who raped her, has prompted protests outside the Moroccan Parliament.

Approximately 200 women have taken part in the protest which was inspired by the death of Amina al-Filali, a sixteen year old rape victim, who died following the ingestion of a lethal amount of rat poison. The protestors held signs which read “We are all Amina’s” and “The Law Killed Me” in an attempt to change the penal code which exempts convicted rapists from serving jail-time, if they agree to marry their victim and are granted parental consent.

While such unions are agreed to as it is seen as shameful to have a daughter whose virginity is lost out of marriage, Amina’s father Lahcen al-Filali stated at the protest on Thursday the 15th of March, that he opposed the union but his wife insisted.

“She said we had to do it so people would stop deriding us, to remove the shame,” he told AFP. A banner at the protest, written in Arabic, Amazigh and French read: “Women’s Dignity.

End Sexual Harassment.” Houda Bouzil of the Democratic Association of the Women of Morocco

told AFP: “In 2008, the government introduced a bill, which has since been shelved, to demand an overhaul of the penal code in order to end discrimination and violence.”

The government has pledged to re-examine the penal code, while officers summoned and released Amina’s rapist following the suicide.

Under Moroccan law, rape is punishable by between five and 10 years in prison or between 10 and 20 years if the victim is under the age of eighteen. Under the penal code, the rapist cannot be legally pursued if he agrees to the marriage, unless the victim manages to obtain a divorce, but the decision of a judge authorising such a marriage is not allowed to be reversed.

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25 Years Of The Galway Cycle

MARTIN LARKIN & SHAUNA LEAMY

I’m sure when Martin Rocks aka ‘Roxy’ asked 11 others to join him for a quick spin they didn’t plan on ‘spinning’ all the way to Galway. 25 years ago that’s where they ended up, all in aid of the ISPCC. 25 years on and they still end up in the same spot with different charities in mind.

5am on the 23rd of March 2012, as dawn was breaking, the sound of tired voices slowly made their way through the gates of Maynooth college.

Hungry, they filed into ‘Chill’ cafe where Michael had been sweating it out since 3am (and you thought 5am was early!) to get the food ready to feed to the masses. To get 11 people to cycle to Galway was a good turnout but I bet when ‘Roxy’ turned around 25years on to see 214 cyclists behind him, it pretty much took his breath away. En route to Galway and as 8am neared and the first stop in Kinnegad got ever closer, the hunger began and the legs cried out for a stretchin’. The Applegreen crew made sure we wouldn’t be running on empty with endless amounts of Lucozade, cereal bars, water and even more Lucozade to keep us going. Once fuelled up, the peloton took off again. The journey got tiresome and just as we began to feel beat, in the distance came the sound of cheering voices and a vague mass of red. As we drew closer we were pleased to see the cheery faces of the collectors spurring us on from the roadside.

Every cyclist was in this for the same reason, the charity. This year Down Syndrome Ireland was the chosen charity and was never far from anyone’s mind. An early development programme was much needed and this gang would do their utmost to help them get it.

We could hear it, we could just about see it, Eyre square was in our midst. After almost 12 hours on the saddle we had made it. Elation filled the square as we rolled in, hugs, congratulations and a general feeling of “We’ve done it lads” echoed around. After the speeches were made, and the bikes put away, well, wasn’t a pint only fair.

Saturday, and the whole Galway Cycle crew, over 300 people, support crew, collectors and cyclists descended on Galway city. We shook buckets, we sang, we danced, we even ran around in animal costumes to raise as much as possible for Down

Syndrome Ireland. Calls of “Please support the Galway Cycle in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland” were to be heard up and down Shop Street and Eyre square, after saying it 100 times it becomes a mouthful! That night we met in Monroe’s bar for food and speeches. Awards were given and rear of the year was won and eventually the running total raised was announced. As treasurer Caoimhe Ryan took to the stage a hush landed amongst us. When the grand total of €122,000 was announced the roof was raised with cheers. This was what it was all about, the highest sum ever raised by the Galway Cycle and all for a worthy cause. Pat Clarke’s face from Down Syndrome Ireland read disbelief, joy and gratitude.

The night was partied away until it was realised that alarms would be sounding at 6.30am to do it all again back to Maynooth. And so we did, weary eyes and tired legs we saddled up once again and took off. The same stops were made to refuel and for the collectors to file off the bus and collect even more money for the charity, every little helps as they say. We regrouped in Kilcock, our final stop before Maynooth, and as ‘Roxy’ stood up to say his piece of thanks and well done to everyone my eyes fell to Donnacha Gayer, our president. The pride that was to be seen on his face said it all, such a momentous occasion for all involved and he had the role of presiding over it. What a moment. As we came into Maynooth, the tired legs were to be felt no more and the adrenaline took over. We cycled up to Brady’s like never before to be greeted by family and friends and more celebrations. Tears were shed by all, tears of disbelief but above all happiness and pride. Proud to be part of such an amazing group of people and proud to have raised a record breaking amount of money for the Galway Cycle all for Down Syndrome Ireland. A moment that brought it together for me was nothing major, I stood saying my thanks when I felt two arms wrapping around my legs, I looked down to see a young boy who has Down Syndrome giving me a hug, I bent down to him, he looked me in the eye and just said “thank you”, what more could I say.

To sum up the Galway Cycle experience in fewer words than I, I urge you to read a piece composed by our very own Leanne Haggerty just to give you a taste of the very best experience of our days:

Choose a president, choose a charity, choose a bike, choose training cycles, choose cleats, fall off, get back on, fall off again, choose more training cycles, feel the nerves, choose setting off at 6.30am with 213 people, grit your teeth going uphill, reap the reward of going downhill, choose a new friend every few kilometres, choose lucozade, lucozade and more bloody lucozade, choose arriving in Eyre square to tears and laughs and heartfelt hugs, choose dancing the night away on aching legs,

djs have performed, five djs from the around the country battled it out in the Regional Heat.

Each Dj was given 20minutess to impress a panel of Spin1038 Djs in order to advance to the final. The top two would go through and battle against the three Dublin finalists.

After an impressive show, DKiT and NUIM came out on top.

With a delayed announcement that the two finalists’ judges would be Dj Tu-Ki and Sunil Sharpe, two of Ireland’s most respected djs/ producers, excitement and tension rose in the Basement.

The announcement that Tivo would perform second last left us with an anxious wait until his slot.

With the quality rising by a milestone in comparison to the regionals we didn’t get our hopes up.

We immediately forgot all nerves though as the basement began to move to Tivo’s insanely unique blend of Hip-Hop/Irish Trad/Techno/Reggae and Dancehall which also got the judges smiling.

Playing everything from Little Richard, to Aphex Twin – no one could quite guess what was coming next, especially his finale – The End by the Doors, leaving us as confident contenders.

After a short wait, the announcement was made

that the winner of the DIT SpinOff 2012 was Shane Tivenan from NUIM and he would get a slot on Spin 1038’s ‘Resistance’ and a slot at Irelands biggest electronic music festival, Life Festival alongside some of the world’s biggest dance acts.

We would like to thank all the regulars who have attended the meetings and supported the society,

choose shaking buckets, singing songs and painting faces, dress as wonder woman, a smurf, a monkey, raise over €122,000, choose not to sleep, choose pushing your body past its limits, take a ride in a ambulance, recover and get back on, choose making yourself proud, choose making the best of friends and memories that will last a lifetime, choose a feeling that you’ll find nowhere else, choose Galway Cycle for the best time of your life!

DJ Soc: From New Soc To Intervarity Champs

JOHN CARROLL & TADGH HOEY

From the first day we stood in the Arts Block back in November with an A4 page with ‘NUIM DJ Soc’ scrawled across it, hassling passerbys for signatures, we realised there was a lot of work to be put in trying to get a society up and running.

We were however, surprised and motivated by the amount of interest that came from students who were desperately seeking the outlet we were trying to provide.

Three months later, after a movie screening, two meetings, and one successful event in the event, we were contacted by DIT Dj Society, asking us would we like to enter their annual Intervarsity Spin-Off. With the competition less than three weeks away, we had to pick a member quickly who would best represent the society…

With his experience, unique style and diverse musical taste, we chose the trad-hop extraordinaire that is Shane “Tivo” Tivenan.

Fast forward three weeks after a few late night mixing sessions, we were all excited and nervous as we walked into The Twisted Pepper as it was our first outing and competition as a society outside of Maynooth.

In the infamous, dark Basement of the Twisted Pepper where many of the worlds most respected

and all the colleges who participated in the SpinOff, especially DIT for organising it!

With our first competition under our belt, we still have more big announcements to make this year!

Meetings as usual every Tuesday from 7-9pm in CS2 – all welcome!

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April 3rd 2012 - Volume 3, Issue 11

A Selection Of Criminal Celebrities AINE McMANUS George Clooney has become the latest in a long line of celebrities to turn criminal. Clooney was arrested outside the Sudanese Embassy in Washington D.C. whilst protesting with other Democrats including his father. They were protesting against the humanitarian emergency that is reportedly threatening the lives of half a million people in the war-torn African country Clooney paid a $100 fine and was released on bail saying that he hoped that it would bring attention to the issue at hand. The protestors were warned three times before crossing the Police line at the embassy, leading to their hands being restrained in plastic cables and driven away in a U.S. secret service van. Clooney stated that the arrest was ‘a pretty humiliating thing’.

If getting arrested is so humiliating to the glittering celebrities of tinsel town, how come so many of them participate in activities which is likely to lead to an arrest?

One famous arrest that comes to mind is that of chick flick actor Hugh Grant in June 1995. The Two Week’s Notice star had been caught with prostitute Divine Brown in L.A. He received just under $2000 of a fine and also had to complete an AIDS education programme.

In respective interviews with Jay Leno and Larry King not long after the incident, Grant is thought to have boosted his career. Although what Grant was arrested for is viewed as a crime in the eyes of

the law, he made no excuses for his actions and his honesty perhaps possibly led to him becoming one of the most popular choices of actor for male roles in chick flicks.

Since the infamous arrest the actor has gone on to portray love rat Daniel Cleaver in the Bridget Jones franchise. In a lesser incident Grant was also arrested in 2007 for alleged assault against paparazzi but charges were promptly dropped.

Another arrest which we all know about is Lindsay Lohan and her ongoing saga with the American law. Her first arrest came in May 2007 when Lohan was caught losing control of her car and driving up against the curb. A ‘useable’ amount of cocaine was also found in the troubled stars possession. She was charged for driving under the influence of alcohol. She subsequently entered rehab for 45 days however her second arrest came not long after her release.

In July of the same year Lohan was arrested once again for driving under the influence and charged this time for possession of cocaine and also her license was suspended. She pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to one day imprisonment and 10 days of community service.

The Mean Girls actress also was placed on three year’s probation which the actress seemed to keep breaking. This early run in with the law due to her alcohol and drug abuse is seen as the ultimate fall of her rising stardom.

George Michael is another arrested celebrity.

In 1998 the singer was arrested in public toilets in Beverly Hills by an undercover cop for ‘engaging in a lewd act.’ Since the arrest Michael has admitted his sexuality. He received a small fine and 80 hours community service.

He also received a two year driving ban after being found slumped over the wheel of his car under the influence of drugs in 2006. In September 2009 the singer was once again arrested however this time it was for possession of drugs including

crack cocaine in a public toilet in London.

The most bizarre arrest came in 2010 where the Wham! front man crashed into a shop window. A branch of snappy snaps was the landing place for Michael’s car and he was subsequently revealed to be driving once again under the influence of drugs.

He was sentenced to eight weeks in jail four of which he served. He was also banned from driving for 5 years.

Finally with the ever closer release date of the new marvel film Avengers Assemble looming, it is only fitting to take a brief look back at the arrests of Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. In 1996 the child actor was arrested for possession of heroin and cocaine whilst driving under the influence of alcohol and carrying a handgun and was sentenced to three years probation.

three weeks ago, a set of ‘woollen breast pillows’ went on sale from Dublin 2. The practical and not at all embarrassing pillows were posted for only €25! Shockingly, the bargain price didn’t get enough attention and the cushions are now going for only €20. And just in case a careless body would happen to misplace the insides of these pillows, an ad from Wexford simply and defiantly titled ‘Cushion fillers?

Insides? Soft things!!’ offers to solve that problem.

Even more recently, an advertisement was posted with the intriguing, teasing title of ‘weird mug’ and a picture beside it of a Jack Russell terrier dog with a massive quiff and Elvis jumpsuit. On further inspection, the picture is in fact what adorns the mug. Echoing, undoubtedly, everyone else’s sentiments, the poster says in the description “I don’t know who thought this up but surely there’s a market out there somewhere?” Surprisingly, not even the low price of €5 has enticed any interest in the mug so far.

Unfortunately, waiting too long in the wings can prove fatal when moving in for a much desired item. Your hesitation may just mean someone else has the chance to swoop in on your prize. Or the poster might take it down after no interest has been shown. In my time, I have been struck with these disastrous losses. Particularly lamentable were the crates of 12 tins of Nova Tomato Puree, withdrawn in December last year. So valuable was this tomato puree, the seller would rather withdraw it altogether than swap a single crate for a collection of DVDs.

Similarly, my reserved nature forced me to miss out on what the seller could only describe as “old bits of wood”. The bits of wood were from an old laminate flooring and had been exposed to the rain, but they were free and could be used for God knows how many things. Lots, probably. They would have gone to one lucky Adverts dweller, had they not been lacking a car to pick it up. The bits of wood were then withdrawn.

One Clondalkin seller decided to take a more cryptic approach 3 months ago to getting (presumably) his item noticed. The title only detailed “For the busy male” and the description gave little else away. On closer inspection, the picture seemed to show a short, thin golden pole of some sort with a semi-cupped hand at the end, presented in a nice box. After much mental piecing together, the buyer soon realises it is, in fact, an arse scratcher! The poster’s techniques did not go unnoticed, and this lot sold for €15.

A quick search through the marshes of the ‘crazy random stuff ’ section of Adverts.ie will always yield, if not some item of interest, some sort of amusement. A casual browser could find anything from red brick paving to shop window mannequins. My all-time favourite find, however, came in the later months of 2011 under the title ‘Wagner the famous x factor artists official cup’.

It was, astoundingly, a cup that once belonged to X-Factor contestant Wagner! I could hardly believe it as I read how the cup was given personally by

In 1997 he was jailed for six months for violating his probation. The new millennium got off to a bad start for the actor also as in 2000 he was once again arrested for possession of drugs, this time valium and cocaine. He was also arrested in 2001 for being found to be under the influence of a controlled substance.

There are endless celebrities that have been arrested but these are just some of the most high profile arrests. Although it seems George Clooney’s arrest was less illegal than those of Grant’s or Lohan’s it was still worthy of an arrest.

So if the good guys of Tinsel town are turning bad, should we really be surprised when a celeb gets arrested anymore? It seems to be a trend growing in popularity as celebrities over estimate their importance, lose all control and break the law.

Weird And Wonderful Findings In The Adverts.ie ‘Crazy Random Stuff ’ Section DYLAN COLLEY @DylanColley

Online marketplace Adverts.ie can be a handy tool, whether you want to make some money on stuff you no longer want, trade equipment or find a Walkman to play those cassettes stagnating in your press. Launched in 2006 by Irish community forum Boards.ie, the website serves as a place for people within Ireland to place ads for their unwanted items. Said paraphernalia will often include mobile phones, jewellery, collector’s items, even cars and property. However, the truly perplexing, sometimes surreal side of Adverts.ie comes as you delve into its section entitled ‘crazy random stuff ’. In my time trawling the depths of this section, I have come across many an item, from collections of religious beads to a full set of saucy whips. However, every now and then something will catch my eye and I have to look into it. Here is just an assortment of the oddities and bargains to be found in my time.

A popular one amongst the advertisers seems to be cushions in the shape of human body parts. Just

Wagner to the seller, with pictures to prove it. Even more astoundingly, at only €150, the cup wasn’t sold and was withdrawn in December. Some people just don’t know a good deal when the see one.

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The Return Of The Game Of Thrones

GLEN SPRATT

In April of last year a new HBO television show was debuted to the world in the States and on Sky Atlantic on this side of the same named ocean the very next day. The show would go on to revolutionise people’s perception of epic fantasy in but ten episodes.

A Game of Thrones would be that show; adapted from George R. R. Martin’s critically acclaimed novel series A Song of Ice And Fire, the show draws upon the stories of the characters of the fictional continent of Westeros and other lands of A Song of Ice and Fire. The books of Martin are full of politics, intrigue and drama of all sorts and the show reflects this astoundingly well. It’s obvious that the scale and detail of this world would not have been possible to have been made into a film series like many fantasy series (ie. The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Narnia) as it takes some nine hours of scenes to put the first book alone on to screen, much less six more books (of which four are published).

Set in a dark, gritty almost-medieval world, Martin’s ASOIAF has waves of treachery, greed and lust as much as it has honour, selflessness and righteousness. The immoral kings, ignoble knights are well written and the stoic sell swords and barbaric wildmen have honour unlike the traditional honourable archetypes. There is no ‘Big Bad’ in this story like other epic fantasy, but many characters of many shades of grey, for there are no characters of such unbelievable black and white morals.

There is no lead character within the setting, as Martin has no main protagonist like many other epic fantasy novels. The show does shine light upon certain characters through its

promotions of the show, and as a result the Lord of the North, Eddard Stark (played wonderfully

by Sean Bean) features as the face of the show.

The first season seems to revolve around this character as the plot develops, and it would have us believe he is the hero. Martin is no common writer and his cunning surprises readers and viewers to the last.

The tale of the first novel (A Game of Thrones; from which the series takes its name) tells of the strife and plots, only beginning in this fictional, world of which will set the stage for the following books/seasons with such vast consequences and complications that it makes the first season/book seem almost irrelevant.

This show has everything; within the stories of the dozens of characters lies heroism, doubtless loyalty, strength and faith. It also shows deep rooted corruption, loyalty most questionable and acts so evil it would make the hardiest wince.

George R. R. Martin’s series redefined the epic fantasy genre in a manner akin to Tolkien before him, and will continue to do so. Similarly, the HBO series is hailed as the fantasy or medieval Sopranos, but I would say nay, instead that it is unlike anything that has come before it, a landmark for epic fantasy in pop culture like no other before.

This show will draw you in and its wicked and benign characters will have you wrapped around their intricately woven plots so tightly you’ll find yourself absorbed in the world of A Song of Ice And Fire.

With so many up and downs and shocks, this series will continue to captivate the world over with its brilliant writing and the actors’ excellent portrayal of every single character.

Peter Dinklage’s portrayal of Tyrion Lannister is one to watch out for, as well as Mark Addy’s

outstanding emotional moments as King Robert Baratheon. Though this series it is not for the faint-hearted. Sex and bloody violence features regularly in the show, and the books, which only gives greater realism to the show. Though beware, a certain incestuous duo will have you left with raised brows.

With the second season upon us, the mysterious plot of this epic tale is only just beginning; almost any viewer can find

enjoyment in A Game of Thrones. Its rotten and admirable characters will leave you wanting more, and you’ll want to tune in every week to see the meticulously laid storyline unfold.

With so many deaths, and more to come, you’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat. Kings will clash, people will fight and many will die.

“When you play the Game of Thrones, you win or you die”.

Anonn & Ar Ais Arís Liam Neeson Named As Greatest Irish Actor

JOHN Ó LIODÁIN @johnoliodain

Scríobhadh The Hobbit le J.R.R Tolkien sa bhliain 1937 agus tá clú bainte amach aige ón am sin mar ceann de na leabhair fantaisíochta is fearr i mBéarla ach tá Nicholas Williams tar éis leagan Gaeilge a chur i gcló leis an bhfoilsitheoir Evertype.

Is aistritheoir mór le rá é Nicholas Williams agus tá aistriúcháin déanta aige ar Alice in Wonderland nó Eachtraí Eilíse i dTír na nIontas agus Through the Looking-glass and What Alice Found There nó Lastall den Scáthán agus a bhFuair Eilís Ann Roimpi.

Aithnítear Tolkien mar cheannródaí i litríocht fantaisíochta mar gheall ar The Hobbit, Lord Of The Rings agus The Silmarillion agus tharla athbheochan dá chuid saothar mar gheall ar na scannáin LOTR. Tá gnéithe dá chuid scríbhneoireachta le brath go láidir sa sraitheanna mór-ráchairte ar nós Game Of Thrones agus Wheel of Time.

Fear mór na dteangacha ab ea Tolkien agus bhí stáidéar déanta aige ar roinnt teangacha; Breatnais, Spáinnis, Fionlainnis agus mórán nach iad. Tá gnéithe den Bhreatnais le feiceáil tríd saothar Tolkien i teanga na síoga agus is féidir nasc a dhéanamh idir na scéalta atá le fáil iontu agus

CONOR McCRAVE béaloideas na hÉireann, ach ní raibh mórán grá ag Tolkien don Ghaeilge mar teanga. Scríobh sé i gceann dá litir; “I go frequently to Ireland (Éire: southern Ireland) being fond of it and of (most of) its people; but the Irish language I find wholly unattractive.”

Tá roinnt leabhair aistrithe go Gaeilge le tréimhse anuas chun daoine a mhealladh chun litríocht a leamh as Gaeilge cé nar scríobhadh i nGaeilge ar dtús é, le aistriúcháin déanta ar Harry Potter agus an Orchloch agus tuilleadh nach iad.

Ní fada go mbeifear in ann léamh faoi Biolbó Baigín, Gandalf draoi, na habhaic, Smóg an dragan agus na carachtair uilig agus beidh an leabhar “An Hobad” sna siopaí ag deireadh na míosa.

Foilsitheoir-Publisher Aistritheoir-Translator Athbheochan- Renewed Interest Mór-ráchairte- Renowned Na habhaic- The dwarves

Irish born Liam Neeson, has hit the number 1 spot on two seperate movie polls, making him the Best Irish Actor according to Sky Movies and Lovefilm fans. Originally from Ballymena, Antrim Neeson has made a name for himself in Hollywood through movies including Schindlers List, The A-Team, and Taken.

The 59 year old came out on top of Sky Movies Poll taking almost a fifth of the votes followed by Peter O’Toole and Colin Farrell who took second and third place, with Pierce Brosnan following in fourth.

Although Neeson remained at number 1 spot, with Colin farell coming second the Lovefilm poll incorporated more recent talent into the mix as Michael Fassbender of Shame fame took third place.

Director of Sky Movies, Ian Lewis commented “Liam Neeson has shown why he is one of the most trusted and versatile actors of our time.”

Helen Crowley, editor of Lovefilm commented on thos who made it into the poll adding “These film champions have racked up a huge range of

films and some unforgettable scenes between them” Both polls saw actors triumph over actresses.

Tarzan actress Maureen O’Hara and Oscar winner Brenda Fricker were the only actresses mentioned in the Sky Movies Poll. O’Hara took the last spot in the Top 10 Poll with a poor 2.5% of the votes, while Fricker earned the 7th place with 4.6% of the votes.

Again, Lovefilm saw just two actresses place out of the 2,500 votes cast. Saoirse Ronan took 9th place with 2% and Sinead Cusack placed at the bottom with just 1% of the votes.

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The Dark Knight Rises This Summer MAJELLA ROGERS @majrog

DC Comics fictional character Batman has appeared in various films since his inception, with the first ever film being ‘Batman’ in 1940.

However, Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Dark Knight’ remains the most popular Batman film and the 11th highest grossing film of all time. The late Heath Ledger’s powerful performance as The Joker became a global phenomenon and images of Ledger as The Joker are now iconic. Four years on from the massive success of The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises is due to hit cinemas this summer.

The film is said to be based on Batman rising to protect Gotham City from new terrorist leader Bane, eight years after the Caped Crusader took the fall for the crimes of Two-Face. The Dark Knight resurfaces to protect a city that brands him an enemy, and the film’s dark themes, heroic adventure and new actors, including Anne Hathaway and Joseph-Gordon Levitt, makes the film one of this years most anticipated.

The Dark Knight Rises is the last film in Chris Nolan’s trilogy. Christian Bale, who has played Batman in throughout the trilogy, openly stated in an interview recently that unless Nolan opts

to do a fourth film in the Batman series (which is unlikely) then he too, will not feature in any further Batman films after The Dark Knight Rises. Nolan has told fans that the film is set eight years after The Dark Knight as in Frank Miller’s graphic novel, it had been a decade since the last reported sighting of Batman and Bruce Wayne as he has voluntarily retired from crime fighting.

The film will explore Batman’s plan: which is to fake his own death and lead his followers into caverns beyond the Batcave so that he can continue his fight. In an exciting twist, Nolan has added Anne Hathaway’s Catwoman and Joseph Gordan-Levitt’s characters as extras in the trilogy, which is a clever idea as fans and critics are interested as to how Nolan has written these new characters into the script and how they will appear in the film: hero’s or villains? Liam Neeson has confirmed that he will reprise his role as Batman mentor and nemesis Ra’s al Ghul.

Ghul served as the main villain in Nolan’s first instalment of the trilogy, Batman Begins. At the end of Batman Begins, Bale’s Caped Crusader left Neeson’s character to die on a runaway train headed for a fiery explosion. However, fans of the original comics will know that Ghul and his warped sense of justice have been roaming the earth for 600 years thanks to the regenerative powers of the Lazarus Pit. So with more action, new characters, added super-heroes, the return of Liam Neeson and the last Nolan and Bale film ever, this summer promises one of the most anticipated movies of recent years.

Impersonator Hired As John Carter Loses Disney $200 At The Box Office Batman In Brazil EOGHAN DUNNE

ALLY KERR @AllyKerr_

Batman can patrol Gotham City in the comics but can he do as good as a job in Brazil? Officials in the town of Taubaté, Brazil, have actually hired a former soldier to dress up as Batman to patrol the streets of the most crime-ridden estates.

The situation has gotten so out of hand that the police hope their caped co-worker (whose not-so-secret identity is André Luiz Pinheiro) can “help to combat crimes such as murder and drug trafficking which have increased in Taubaté,” according to the Brazilian website O Vale.

It’s unlikely that the Brazilian Batman will have a functioning utility-belt and the same crime-fighting tools as his comic book counterpart Bruce Wayne (such as SharkRepellent spray). However, Pinheiro believes that this batty idea (no pun intended) will truly help the town. He told O Vale, “I am eager to know how we can work together. If I can help bring the story to even one child that would be very nice.”

It remains to be seen whether the Brazilian Batman will be able to fight off the crooks of Taubaté but the police of the town are fully on-board with the idea. ComicBookMovie.com reports that Pinheiro’s duties are actually to be a conduit between the community and the police.

Disney is set to make a loss of an estimated $200 million on their big-budget Mars epic ‘John Carter’ for the fiscal quarter ending 31st March. Based on the book A Princess of Mars, by Tarzan author Edgar Rice Burroughs, and directed by ‘Wall-E’ and ‘Finding Nemo’ Academy Award winner Andrew Stanton, Disney seemed to have found in ‘John Carter’ a very lucrative franchise opportunity.

The film was made on a $250 million budget, and boasts amazing special effects, but audiences did not flock to see it in the same droves as other epics like James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ received.

The films stars Canadian actor Taylor Kitsch, best known for his role in the NBC series ‘Friday Night Lights‘. Tom Cruise was supposedly the main target to star, but plans to bring the undeniably bankable actor into the project fell through. Kitsch, while a well known character in FNL, does of course lack the universal fame of someone like Tom Cruise, and audiences seemed to find it more difficult to part with their money when a relatively unknown actor graced the John Carter poster. A seasoned action movie cliché actor may have been the missing ingredient in a project with a lot of potential.

‘John Carter’ had a massive budget due to the jaw-dropping special effects which look incredibly authentic, in particular the Mars landscape shots. The film did not go over budget as might be the assumption when the $200 million loss is highlighted. Stanton is clear to point this out.

Marketing costs are estimated between $50 million and $100 million. Burroughs’ book A Princess

of Mars was successful, and evolved into an 11 volume series of Barsoom novels, so Disney had every right to believe that their expensive project would make its money back, but admit that making a film is still an “art form, and not a science”. The film is a box office flop and should go down as the greatest loss in history, even when figures are adjusted for inflation. While good reviews certainly don’t mean that a film will be a box office smash, and a box office smash won’t always get good reviews, ‘John Carter’ has enjoyed neither.

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The Modern Music Making Methods

AIBHIN AUSTIN

Music has developed throughout the past ten years, from popular bands recording in major studios to groups of friends creating sounds on their iPhones and uploading them to the internet. Music has developed from the rigid style of instruments been played by a group of people, to friends creating a new kind of sound by using Apps on their phones or laptops.

Consequently, the development of technology has curved the path of music.

Downloads have replaced the trusty CD that we craved to buy and waited impatiently for to be released. Apple has created a new generation where we can buy a band’s album or new singles online and put it on an iPod in a matter of seconds. We have lost the benefit of holding the music in our hand, studying the sleeve of the CD, where some bands include pictures that reflect onto the band People discover bands through online sites such as YouTube or Sound-cloud.

Times have changed; musicians have developed new ways in being discovered. At a time, musicians were only discovered by hard work where they would send multiple copies of EPs and knocking down music companies doors.

However, with the development of technology bands are now recording on their iPads and laptops and uploading the songs to sites such as Sound- Cloud. This allows the bands to become more recognisable faster. Music companies

search these sites for the “new” sound they are trying to discover.

The Gorillaz released the single Revolving Doors; this was later discovered to have been recorded only using an iPad. This was one of the first mainstream bands to release a song only using iPads to compose. This began a trend where more bands were turning to technology by using iPads and laptops to compose their music.

Though DJ’s have played music using their laptops to create a technologic sound, the use of technology has allowed for bands to create sounds that sound like instruments using Apps.

A band Atomic Tom created a song on a New York subway in 2010 after their instruments were stolen. They composed this song using only Apps on their iPhones. The band sounded as if they were playing real instruments on the train as they were able to include distortion in the App. The band made a break through after they went viral because of their originality.

The production of music has evolved from bands being spotted by major music companies, to shows where contestants compete to win for a record label such as the X Factor, to a new generation where music is being discovered online by friends who recorded it in their room in a hope that someone will appreciate their sound.

S Club 7 To Reunite John Peel’s Record Collection Archived SHAUNA LOUISE KELLY @YourTextHere

Following in the footsteps of bands such as Take That and Boyzone, S Club 7 announced last week that they are set to make a return this summer, with a new album and a tour already planned.

The pop group, who were most successful in the early 2000s, achieving four number one singles in the UK Top 40, selling over seventeen million records worldwide and winning two BRIT awards.

Like many groups before them, including Sixties successes The Monkees, S Club 7 also featured on a successful children’s television series loosely based on their career called Miami 7.

According to a source close to the group, the members of S Club 7 have been inundated with offers to reunite over the past few years, but they had not felt the time was right for a return until now. They are planning to release a greatest hits record this summer along with an arena tour, and if these are received well they hope to release an album of new material in 2013. The band, which originally split in 2003, was created by former Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller, who later went on to introduce the format for the hugely successful Idol series of music-based reality television shows.

Some members of the group have courted celebrity since the split, the most infamous example of this being lead singer Jo O’Meara’s part in a race row with the now deceased Jade Goody and

MICHAEL O’TOOLE

Indian actress Shilpa Shetty on the 2007 edition of Celebrity Big Brother. Along with former bandmates Paul Cattermole and Bradley McIntosh, O’Meara performed S Club 7’s hits under the name S Club 3 in venues around Britain and Ireland in recent years, including a performance at NUI Maynooth’s very own Venue. Other members of the band have had varied careers since the split, with some achieving moderate success as solo singers, and others performing in West End musicals.

For those of you who have never heard of him, John Peel was one of the longest serving, best known and most loved radio DJ in Britain. He was known for his music taste and warm, honest broadcasting style. His long career began in 1967 and lasted right up until his death in 2004 at the age of 65. Peel is widely acknowledged as one of the first broadcasters to play psychedelic and progressive rock on British radio. His regular ‘Peel Sessions’ on his Radio 1 shows were also instrumental in the promotion of many artists of different genres. These sessions consisted of four songs live recorded by an artist or band right there in the BBC Studio and were often the first chance these artists (which often went on to achieve great fame) would get at national airplay.

Over his 40 year career with the BBC Peel built up a collection of around 25,000 vinyl LPs, 40,000 vinyl singles as well as an extensive collection of CDs. It has now been announced that The British Arts Council is recreating a large portion of this massive collection for an online archive/museum project called The Space.

The Arts Council is funding this project with backing from the BBC. Speaking to the BBC,

Tom Parker director of the John Peel Centre expressed the importance of this project: “This is the first step in the journey of making one of the most important archives in modern music history available completely.” Frank Prendergast of Eye Film and Television added: “The idea is to digitally recreate John’s home studio and record collection, which users will be able to interact with and contribute to, while viewing Peel’s personal notes, archive performances and new filmed interviews with musicians.” The project is as of yet an experimental service but is expected to receive further funding in the future to complete the archive. The Space will be available from May to October to PCs, Smartphones and even as a red button on-demand service on Freeview HD. Sheila Ravenscroft, John Peel’s wife and Patron of the John Peel Centre for Creative Arts also contributed her thoughts about the project: “We’re very happy that we’ve finally found a way to make John’s amazing collection available to his fans, as he would have wanted. This project is only the beginning of something very exciting.”

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Smithsonian “Art of Video Games” Exhibition Open To The Public DARREN CROWE Last year the American Supreme Court conferred video games full First Amendment recognition as a protected form of human expression. Now the Smithsonian, (America’s primary research and educational institute) has put together an exhibition that reflects upon the last four decades of gaming as an artistic medium that transcends the usual conservative and traditional forms of creative expression.

The “The Art of Video Games” expo boasts playable versions of such classic titles as Super Mario Bros., Myst, and The Secret of Monkey Island. The exhibit also features design sketches and accessories from many of yesteryear’s other equally great titles. A display of 20 computer and gaming systems and short films explaining the importance of four major games on each of those platforms (80 in total) takes pride of place among the Smithsonian’s marble and granite halls and as a nod to the interactivity of the gaming genre, the museum asked the public to vote on what would be displayed before the launch of the exhibit. They had a choice from among three options in each of four categories

on each system, called Action, Target, Adventure and Tactics.

From this questionnaire the curators wanted to show how games have become more sophisticated over time while also retaining common core elements. So for example while an Action game once meant Pac-Man or Donkey Kong, it now means Uncharted 2: Among Thieves or Super Mario Galaxy 2. Furthermore one can see how the Adventure category progressed from Pitfall! in 1982 to Heavy Rain in 2010.

However from its initial fanfare the exhibition failed to impress visitors and received widespread criticism from the gaming community. This may have been down to several reasons and according to sources the omittance of several iconic games such as Tetris (perhaps the most universal electronic game of all time), Pong, all sports games, all traditional arcade consoles and also the lack of emphasis on the Internet or mobile games in the exhibit did not provoke positive feedback. They received further backlash for failing to include any of the Grand Theft Auto series of games for the PS2 which defined the machine as the best-selling home game console in history.

In conclusion though not many believe “The Art of Video Games” is outright amazing, most admit it’s a first step for major art institutions acknowledging the legitimacy of video games as an art form, though the question still remains: is it the first decent step?

Tool To Record New Album This Summer ALLY KERR @AllyKerr_

It’s been nearly six years since the release of Tool‘s last album, drummer Danny Carey says that the wait is nearly over. Carey says the band plans to enter the studio this June and talks about how the new songs are shaping up thus far.

The band released two albums in the last decade - Lateralus (2001) and 10,000 Days (2006). Last year vocalist Maynard James Keenan announced that the band had begun writing the follow-up to 2006′s ’10,000 Days,’ leaving fans hopeful that the prog metal giants will have a new album out in 2012 — now it appears that those hopes are becoming a reality.

In a recent interview, Carey sheds descibes how the band’s songwriting process all comes together.

“We all just get in there and grind ‘em out, you know? Sometimes if I come up with a beat the guys will come up with a riff to that,” says Carey. “Justin [Chancellor, bass] has really been prolific on this record. He’s been coming in with tons of riffs. I usually try to find something to complement it rather than play what he’s playing.”

A part of what makes Tool’s sound so definitive is their frequent use of odd time signatures. Carey explains that it’s not always easy being the stickman in a band that writes unusually timed songs. “It’s kind of confusing sometimes, especially with some the riffs those guys come up with too — like in 13 or 21 or whatever, we have one in 17 that we’re doing now,” reveals Carey. “It’s coming together soon though. I’m hoping we’ll get in the studio

by June or July and start tracking, that’s the plan anyway.”

Once Tool does enter the studio, Carey says that the tracking process usually comes together fairly rapidly. “The tracking part I’d say [takes] two to three months then probably a month to mix and master and that’s it.”

Tool’s ’10,000 Days’ was the band’s second consecutive album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard albums chart and sold nearly 3 million copies worldwide by the end of 2006. The title or exact release date of the next album are not officially decided yet. It will, no doubt, be a wicked record.

Rolling Stones Not To Tour On 50th Anniversary SIMON MERNAGH

It’s official: The Rolling Stones will not be celebrating their 50th anniversary with an accompanying world tour.

It had been believed the band would launch an elaborate, money-spinning world tour to mark their 50th anniversary this year. However, according to Rolling Stone magazine, concerns over Richards’ health are a major factor influencing the decision not to tour. It reports that “Stones insiders” claim that Richards’ performances allegedly “declined” after he underwent surgery in 2006 after falling out of a tree while in holiday in Fiji. This accused decline was seen by some fans in his guitar playing on Martin Scorsese’s ‘Shine a Light’ documentary, which was described by many as ‘weak’, and often inaudible.

“They don’t want to do a full tour. They don’t want to travel, and there are concerns about Keith’s health,” an unnamed source in the concert business told the magazine. It is more likely that the band play several nights in a row in major cities around the world. Sources cite large arenas such as New York’s Madison Square Garden, the Staples Center in Los Angeles and London’s O2 Arena as likely venues. In regards to potential Irish concerts, The O2 in Dublin and Belfast’s Odyssey Arena would be likely candidates.

Richards, now 68, himself told Rolling Stone magazine that the delay was simply down to the band not being ‘ready’. “Basically, we’re just not ready” he explained. Asked if 2013 was the new goal, he said: “I have a feeling that’s more realistic”.

However, there is some good news for Stones fans: after a few years apart, the band seems to be back together. They reconvened in London in December for a jam session that included former bassist Bill Wyman. “On the third day, Mick turned up, which was a real joy,” Richards said. “I set it up really as a magnet, you know. It went very well. We played a lot of blues and outtakes of Some Girls and things like that.” If the Stones do wind up touring in 2013, it will come after a particularly long period of inactivity in the group’s long history.

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A Blog from Abroad: Fun Fitness For The Barcelona, Spain Fashionable Female MAEVE KAVANAGH @maevekxxx

ROWAN MOORKENS O’REILLY A party hotspot, a fashion capital, a skateboarding paradise, a museum theme park - Catalonia’s capital is all of these, attractive to both the young and old. Visitors come to enjoy a city renowned for its culture and history, a Spanish sun holiday devoid of the artificial entrapments of the Costa Del Sol, yet supported by the city’s nightlife, personified by the vibrant Razzmatazz. Ultimately, it does not matter what quarter of Barcelona you reside in – everything looks stunning.

Be sure to arrive in the early morning before the queues when visiting the Sagrada Familia, arguably the most famous work of Antoni Gaudí. The Nativity Façade is alive with intricate carvings, each filled with wonder and symbolism. Every surface has been touched by Gaudí’s genius. In deep contrast, the Passion Façade is filled with angular, sinister figures designed by Josep Maria Subirach. Those who brave the vertigo-inducing spiral staircases are rewarded with excellent views of the city from sculpted balconies, placed amongst the Venetian mosaics. When sunlight passes through the stain glass windows, the interior is lit up like a rainbow.

The iridescence of the greens, blues, oranges and reds against stone is intense, and sparkling crystals are embedded in the pillars. Imagination and originality went into this creation, and it somehow feels simultaneously old and modern. It is Gaudi’s masterpiece, and contains the architect’s tomb. As the name suggests, it is more than a church - it’s a temple.

Gaudí’s legacy can be seen throughout the city, and nowhere is it more evident than in the sculpted earth of Park Güell. Containing the world’s longest bench, visitors become unsure if what they are looking at is natural or manmade, as it looks as if someone has photoshopped the terrain. The white and blue mosaics against the romantic palm trees and waterfalls recall images of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the park remains tranquil both day and night.

Other Gaudí buildings include the Casa Milà, a rather grand mansion that is contrasted by the abstract roof, lined with sculptures reminiscint of Imperial Stormtroopers. It is seen as a perfect example of Catalan Moderisme, comforting the visitor - unlike most modern architecture, it is warm, rather than sterile. It makes one feel cosy. In contrast, the vivid Casa Batlló is filled with bizarre, otherworldly shapes and interiors that would not be out of place in Alice in Wonderland. Tiles form Dragon scales across the roof atop a façade of bones, and the structure feels organic, like the belly of an alien monster. It almost feels alive.

Food lovers must visit La Boqueria. Gorgeous to

look at, heavenly to taste, everything in this market is fresh and beautifully presented, with rows lined with watermelons, cactus fruit, octopus, spices of all kinds, chocolate embedded with raspberries and chilli, and strawberries the size of apples. A meal here provides a fusion of different tastes. For a more Catalonian feel, be sure to try Arros Negre, a hearty black variant of paella that has been saturated in squid ink.

On the other side of the bustling, crowded La Rambla is the Gothic Quarter, with the wonderful Barcelona Cathedral and Santa María del Mar. The old Royal Palace is nearby, with the Museu d’Història de la Ciutat. Its historical significance surprises you; the underground section includes the most extensive and complete subterranean Roman Ruins in the world. As you ascend the palace, you travel through the centuries, culminating in the hall where Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand received Columbus after his return from the new world, as well as the seat of the Spanish Inquisition.

Other must-sees include the Palau de la Música Catalana, Montaner’s awe-inspiring landmark of modernista tilework, sculpture and glorious stained glass. Montjuïc, comprised of buildings constructed for the 1929 International Fair and the 1992 Olympic Games, boasts countless attractions and nightclubs, and remains Barcelona’s biggest recreation area. And anyone with an interest in art is obliged to visit the Museu Picasso.

To understand Catalan culture, one must visit the Monestir de Montserrat. A Benedictine monastery complex built into the seemingly organic face of Catalonia’s serrated mountain, this sacred enclosure dates back to the 9th century, and became a beacon of Catalan culture during the Franco years. Within the golden basilica, one can visit the patroness of Catalonia, La Moreneta, a black statue of the Virgin Mary, her wooden orb protruding for pilgrims to touch. Every surface is decorated, and the monastery is home to Spain’s most famous choir, the Escolania, whose singing can be heard daily.

I finish writing this from the summit of Tibidabo, from the highest level of the Sagrat Cor. It is a monument of cold, sterile grey stone compared to the wondrous buildings in the city, but it is the location that makes this landmark spectacular.

Sitting here amongst the statues, overlooking the entire city, I stumble across a revelation in the mountain’s name. Inspired by the view of the city, it comes from the Latin “tibi dabo” – “I shall give to you” – referencing the Temptation of Christ at a peak where the entire world could be seen, where Satan offered all that was in sight. With over two thousand years of history, and providing something for everyone, Barcelona remains a devilish city that offers you the world.

In an effort to inspire all you guys, I‘ve tracked down some super fun ways of keeping fit and active. The recommended amount of exercise is between 30 – 60 minutes per day. Anyone who finds it hard to push themselves into going to the gym or a run everyday should look into alternatives to keep up a healthy lifestyle.

Pole fitness: is definitely the ultimate workout for the modern day woman. It combines both cardio and strength training. His activity is brilliant for toning your body and you’ll be amazed at how fast you improve. A specific warm up is done before moving onto the pole. The cool down releases the tense from your muscles and enhances your flexibility which will benefit you the next lesson. Locally, lessons are available from Terri Fierce of Fierce Fitness Dance Studio in Maynooth Business Campus.

Kick boxing: refers to a group of martial arts and stand-up combat sports based on kicking and

punching, historically developed from karate, Muay Thai and western boxing. Kickboxing is often practiced for self-defense, general fitness, or as a contact sport. It is said to be formed from the combination of elements of various traditional styles. Classes are available on campus, check out Maynooth Kickboxing on Facebook. Classes take place Mon & Weds at 6pm.

Aqua aerobics: is the performance of aerobic exercise in shallow water such as a swimming pool. In some areas it is known as AquaFit or “aqua aerobics”, and is a type of resistance training. In addition to the standard benefits of any exercise, the use of water in water aerobics supports the body and reduces the risk of muscle or joint injury. Locally, people can go to classes in the Glenroyal hotel.

Zumba: A new fitness dance sensation featuring exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats. Before participants know it, they’re getting fit and their energy levels are soaring! There’s no other fitness class like a Zumba Fitness-Party. It’s easy to do, effective and totally exhilarating, often building a deep-rooted community among returning students. On campus, Dance soc provide classes at 2pm on Mondays.

Trampolining: people perform acrobatics while bouncing on a trampoline. These can include simple jumps in the pike, tuck or straddle position to more complex combinations of forward or backward somersaults and twists. Classes are provided on campus Monday 3pm-5pm, Tuesday 8:30pm-10pm & Thursday 12pm-3pm. Check out Maynooth Tramps on Facebook.

The Empty Glass Guide ROB GILMOUR & SHANE McNALLY Framboise, Boon 2010

Score: 85.

Price: €5.80 (Porterhouse, take-out) Value: 4

A pale ruby beer, with it’s head dancing between pink and purple. The beers nose is pronounced and clean with an intense nose of tarted fruits, raspberries (oddly) the most pronounced aspect of the beer. On the palate it’s a love hate thing, I am a lover in this case, a strong bout of acidity, lactic sourness complementing a slight wild raspberry tart. Notes of seed/pip and fleshy raspberry also begin to emerge on a medium to long finish. Overall a refreshing mouthful. Bang on as an aperitif or even better as a dessert beer to accompany some plain vanilla ice-cream or a fitting raspberry tart. Even if it is a love hate thing, it’s well worth trying.

Petit-Fume, 2010

Score: 88 Price: €16.95 (Mill Wine Cellar) Value: 4.5

Clear, with an what could only be conveyed by shouting pale lemon over and over again. Really a rather beautifully transcendent colour. Clean, with brilliantly distinct, and clean fruits. Notes of lime, and green fruits. Passion fruit very elegantly displays itself, what is distinguishing about this wine however is the levels of restraint and the ability to still offer pronounced fruit both on the nose and palate. The finish shows up something for the fine terroir we have here. Terrior is simply the conditions the vines are grown in, it has some slightly mythical aspects in a sense, yet it’s not something to discount and with wines like these you can really see what the terroir can do. To finish on this wine while the acidity comes across elegant there is still quite a lot of it, best have nibbles with this.

Trimbach, Riesling 2008

Score: 91 Price: €15.95 (Mill Wine Cellar) Value: 5

Having put aside my grievances that there will never be enough Riesling on this Island, and that in the vacuum left by its absence there will always shelves awash with watery, flat, monotone, hollow, shallow, overripe, ill-balanced, sickly, overpriced, uninteresting, dull, wanky, mass-produced, massmarketed filth in the form of both Sauvginon Blanc and Pinot Grigio in it’s place, I decided I would move on ever so slightly, and show you one of the more reasonable and fantastic wines made from the most Noble of grapes in one of its spiritual homes Alsace. Trimbach, are in a few words one of the finest white makers in the world. Elegance is the first trademark. This elegance dominates even the entry level wines which hail from their cellars.

This wine is no different. Crisp red apple swamps the palate initially, brilliantly and refreshingly dry without any harshness to the wine. Hints of honey follow. The distinct elements of minerality mark these wines out as kings of the white world. Better still, the 2008 vintage is a spectacular one, these wines are only going to get better, even at this entry point.

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Unsigned Band StoneFree On The Bring Of Irish Music Scene Success?

SHAUNA LOUISE KELLY @YourTextHere

Every new band starting out dreams of someday making it big, hearing their songs played on the radio, and playing in front of crowds of people. Pretty much everyone knows that usually these things don’t happen, but it’s nice to imagine it anyway. However, sometimes these things can happen, and those things may lie in the future for North-West based band Stonefree. A recent gig in well-known Dublin venue The Village, and an appearance on national television can only help their growing reputation. Their influences stem from bands such as The Rolling Stones and Kings of Leon, to Rory Gallagher, born in Ballyshannon, just down the road from where the lads are based.

Stonefree have seen their reputation rise rapidly in the last few months thanks to the release of track `Into the Night`, which features a video shot on the coast and beaches around scenic surfing haven Bundoran, Co. Donegal, where two members of the band are from, and all have spent significant amounts of time.

Maynooth student and Stonefree’s bassist,

Callum Condron, says it’s hard work that has helped get Stonefree to where they are right now. Constant gigging since the band started out, including playing at local debs balls and numerous birthday bashes of friends have allowed the band to hone their craft to the stage where they felt confident in writing their own material. `Into the Night` now has over eleven thousand views on Youtube, and have been entered into the Red Bull Bedroom Jam competition. The online competition, which saw Stonefree entered into the next round after receiving the highest number of votes, offers young unsigned bands a chance to broadcast a gig from one of their bedrooms, play at festivals around Ireland and spend time in the recording studio with a top producer.

The band has been very busy so far in 2012, spending the beginning of the year on a tour of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, with another visit to Europe is a possibility during the summer. They have also been getting ready for the release of a three track EP in March, the band’s first ever official recording. Callum says that they are all “hugely excited” to finally see their music in physical form. More antics are in store for the rest of the year, including local performances at the Carbon Dioxide festival being held on the July bank holiday weekend in Glenade, Leitrim, and the return of the Sea Sessions surf and music festival to Bundoran.

Keep up with the band’s latest news and exploits by searching for them on Facebook.

Hulk Hogan Sex Tape Discovered

LYNDSEY FARRELL

Entertainments & Culture Co-Editor @TheLyndog Oh my. Celebrity news and gossip website TMZ has revealed that a new sex tape has surfaced in the U.S. featuring WWE legend Hollywood Hulk Hogan. The announcement was made on the website on March 3rd, adding that those in the possession of the video were attempting to shop it to a “major porn studio.”

The video features the 58-year-old wrestler sporting a thong-shaped tan line (I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry at reading this myself) and a brunette woman engaging in sexual actions. Hogan goes on to tell the woman, who is not his wife Jennifer McDaniel, that he had “started to work out again”. The tape was said to have angered Hogan’s family, particularly his wife, as she began to question his loyalty towards her. However, Hogan claims that the tape was made before he had met her.

Hogan divorced his first wife Linda Hogan in 2007 and admits that in the four months following the split he went crazy: “It wasn’t just one brunette I was running wild for a few

months.” He insists that the tape was made in secret and without his consent, labelling it an “outrageous invasion of privacy”. Hogan’s lawyer David Houston released a statement to the public, promising to take all legal actions possible “to enforce both civil and criminal liability”.

This is the second time in the past year that Hogan, real name Terry Bollea, has found himself in the middle of legal drama. At the end of 2011 he sued his ex-wife Linda for false allegations she made in her autobiography, claiming that Hogan was abusive throughout their marriage. The book, entitled Wrestling the Hulk- My Life Against the Ropes, states that “Hulk tore [Linda’s] shirt, threw lamps, and held [her] down on the bed with his hands around [her] throat during arguments.” Linda has also made claims that Hogan has had homosexual relationships with his fellow wrestlers, which he himself says are just attempts to harm his reputation.

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JOHN CARTER

Film. 132 minutes. Directed by Andrew Stanton. Starring Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Samantha Morton, Mark Strong, Ciarán Hinds, Dominic West, James Purefoy, Willem Dafoe. Released 7th March 2012

John Carter is a film based on the first instalment of the ‘Barsoom’ series of novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs, and it marks the centenary of its publication. Carter is a civil war veteran who, while out prospecting for gold, stumbles across a cave which transports him to Mars. As another article in this issue of the Print explains, the film is a massive failure financially. I had not been expecting much: although I’m a fan of the books, the film’s long running time and its bad press made me wary. However, I quite enjoyed John Carter and would recommend it to any science fiction fan.

The dialogue is cheesy and clichéd, with character and place names very stereotypically nonsensical. It undoubtedly reads better than it sounds on screen; that being said, one can’t just go and change characters’ names from the original books. A criticism could be levied at the underdeveloped characters. Again, this is counteracted by the fact that the original Carter novels were examples of ‘pulp fiction’, which emphasised adventure and

GOTYE MAKING MIRRORS

Album. 42:21 minutes. Eleven Records.

Released 19th August 2011.

In this increasingly media driven world, it can sometimes be a bit shocking to consider how long it can often take for certain artists to spread commercially from one country to another. That is, of course, if a certain artist lacks a major label distributions deal. The Australian singer Gotye officially released the first single off this record in October 2010 with the single “Eyes Wide Open”, and yet it is now March 2012 and he has just now finally exploded in Europe through his hit radio single “Somebody That I Used to Know”. But success is finally here, and we now get to experience this tasty little collective of songs with a fresh summer filled perspective. Interestingly, this is his third official album but I am just going to assume we are all starting from scratch with this Belgian born Australian based artist.

Making Mirrors, as the title suggests, is literally about the album recording process itself. This is a very appropriate name as lead singer Wouter “Wally” De Backer really attempts to let the musical instruments do the talking on this record. There is certainly a lot of love to be found

situational drama rather than complex narrative or deep characterisation. Critics are livid at the film’s supposed unoriginality. However, they may not be aware that John Carter was the blueprint for the next century’s worth of science fiction. Many films robbed its ideas: Star Wars based their vehicle design on those found in John Carter, Avatar took the idea of the human living among aliens and even Superman stole Carter’s ability to jump great distances (Superman initially jumped rather than flew, for those who aren’t aware). However, since all of the aforementioned movies have been made already, John Carter may seem like a rehash of these admittedly superior films.

Though John Carter suffers from all these criticisms, it still manages to be an enjoyable and entertaining fantasy.

Taylor Kitsch does a good job of playing the disdainful and reluctant hero. The warrior princess Dejah, played by Lynn Collins, is tough, intelligent and not a stereotypical damsel in distress or token eye candy. The battles are synchronized well, and the film looks absolutely spectacular. I saw it in 2D but reliable sources tell me the 3D adds nothing to the experience except a pricier ticket. The plot reads like a story you could recite in your sleep but this doesn’t detract from how fun this movie is. That said, director Andrew Stanton, (the legend behind Finding Nemo and WALL-E) could have cut 15-20 minutes off it and made a much tighter and more succinct film.

SIMON MERNAGH

within these songs, although if you are coming at the record expecting to hear a collection of songs similar to “Somebody That I Used to Know” you will surely be disappointed. The music here is instead only similar in tone to the breakout hit; they are all quite delicate and musically spacious. Album track “Smoke and Mirrors” is the typical relaxing jaunt to be found on the album but he can certainly speed it up in places too, such as on “Eyes Wide Open”. You may even enjoy a bit of triumphant hand clapping on “I Feel Better”.

To place De Backer into existing musical terms; his voice is reminiscent of a young Peter Gabriel with the tentative music of the ever popular Snow Patrol. The pop twist is evident on the sunny tracks, but it is the appearance of strings and piano keys which is most notable on the charming work. I couldn’t help but be struck by how similar “In Your Light” was to “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” from The Lion King Soundtrack in certain places; that is the type of relaxation that awaits listeners to the work. However, the down side to this album appears to be in lack the commercial ambition in the songs. This album is being sold from the point of the popular single it has spawned, and people will surely come at it expecting something similar. They won’t find this and perhaps it will suffer because of the perceived expectations. Gotye has made a super album here; it just seems to be a bit more intimate than it is currently being sold as.

DEAN HEALY @OnaedInSpace

MADONNA MDNA

Album. 50:47 minutes. Interscope Records.

Released 23rd March 2012.

The aging process sure is a cruel mistress. But this 53 year old is defying all the odds by not only remaining culturally relevant but also extremely active at a time when most of her peers are beginning to worry about the inevitable hip problems that comes with a career of spine shattering dance music. Laughing in the face of back problems, Madonna returns by shoving this 2012 version of an apparently dangerous drug into our faces; MDNA. However, the actual music presented here is quite often a straight up rip-off from almost every dance fad that has flooded the dance floors since the mid 2000’s. Track “I’m Addicted” sounds like it was ripped straight from a Daft Punk song. “Gang Bang” flirts with a rave-lite sound and of course dubstep. “Girl Gone Wild” is the slow building rave spasm that explodes in your gut.

She even brings in the current generation of somewhat angry female singers with M.I.A and Nicki Minaj featuring on first single “Gimme All Your Luvin”; a move to perhaps unite the golden oldies with the younger generations who are just discovering their version of the hip-hop Vs dance

scene. Ironically on “Gimme All Your Luvin” she actually states the line “every record sounds the same, you gotta’ step into my world”; at least the iconic goddess has a bit of humour in her, eh? Although despite the rehash of an already culturally established dance sound, Madonna still attempts to commands the record as only her distinct voice really can. The problems though arise through the production standards which just mostly gloss over her voice until it is barely passionate in places; her melodies are quite dull on a lot of tracks and the album falls flat because of it. No amount of dance pulsing can hide a bored and jaded singer who no longer believes in the lyrics.

Pleasantly “I’m A Sinner” initially returns to an earlier sound, in the vein of albums Ray of Light or True Blue, but with a more upbeat take on her voice, but it just reverts to the dance nonsense by the end of the track. This happens again on track “Love Spent” and it is not until “Masterpiece” that Madonna is allowed to finally succeed in reminiscing on past calmer and perhaps more enjoyable sounds. The track even struts out some Spanish guitar which doesn’t really fit with the vibe of the album but is a welcome return from the processed dance madness. In fact, the second half of the album is relatively calm and delicate. But of course, the vast amount of producers had to go and ruin it by the albums end with the return of dance beats and even a trance based track entitled “Best Friend”. The album overall is a pleasant take on some of the terrible music that is pumped out by radio stations nowadays, but man is it boring. Madonna is still queen, but she is starting to fade.

DEAN HEALY

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Irish Men And Their Other Halves AINE McMANUS ‘Don’t Tell The Bride’ Ireland has caught my attention recently. For those of you who don’t know what that is, it’s an TV programme where the groom organises the wedding without the bride knowing any details - not even what her dress looks like. I was a fan of the British one, in which many grooms indulged in extravagant receptions on boats and in castles and neglected the thoughts of their wives-to-be. One hell-bound groom even thought a Las Vegas wedding would be a great idea, apart from the fact that the majority of her loved ones would not be there. Needless to say this did not go down well, with tears being shed and doubts being aired at the check in gates.

The Irish version however portrays our own home grown fellas in a different light. Irish men seem to understand their partners more. They know if they get it wrong, the cold side of the bed awaits and their diet will consist of nothing more than frys and ham sandwiches - not that I’m branding all Irish men with the one stick here, this is just the impression the show gives off. Nor am I branding all Irish women as harsh and hard to please, I guess the programme just reveals the stress of

organising a wedding - or rather knowing the male is organising the wedding - and all the demons it can bring out in you.

Irish men know that the dress is the most important thing on the day. This goes for men and their girlfriend’s clothes in general. They rarely attempt to buy us ladies clothes, and this is with good reason. Not all us girls are as particular as me when it comes to the items of clothing I chose to wear, but many are, and do men really want to risk being kicked out to the doghouse over a dodgy jumper? I think not.

But credit where credit is due, many of the grooms displayed a remarkable knowledge of their fiancé’s fashion sense and chose dresses which, when the Brides donned them, made them look superb. Some of the grooms even managed to pick dresses that suited the ladies much more than their dream dresses.

Lest not forget though that lads will be lads and practical jokes are their forte. A girl’s idea of a night out may involve all her friends, a bottle or two of wine, or perhaps a night at a show - whatever floats her boat, but one thing I would not be interested in doing is spending a day on a farm milking cows and paintballing. Some boys will just never learn. That poor Bride who spent her hen party with Friesians and farmers alike is probably still getting over the shock of also getting married in her local school.

Another unfortunate soul celebrated her new nuptials in the local pub. Need any more be said ladies? The men responsible for these crimes tried, but failed miserably in their endeavours to create the perfect day for their other halves.

All the same, maybe it’s the Irish charm that

does it, but it is hard not to look at these men and say, you know what, they tried their best.

They genuinely think this is what will please their girlfriends most, and they plough on with their ideas anyway, even though they were probably hinted at thousands of times to do otherwise.

And despite their wacky ideas, their ladies always are bursting with happiness at the end of the day, making Irish guys not the worst in the world. They try their best, and that’s why we love them.

Trayvon Martin Killing March In Maynooth: Books, Lectures... Sun?

MATTHEW MULLIGIAN @sususummertime

Trayvon Martin was a 17 year old boy who was shot and killed by George Zimmermann in Florida on February 26th last. Trayvon was unarmed, and was pursued through the gated community where his father lived. Zimmermann had been told by police to stay in his car and not pursue Trayvon. He did, and Trayvon was shot dead.

Trayvon was black, and his shooter a Hispanic man. The attacker couldn’t have been motivated by race, his defendants said, because “he’s Hispanic”.

They rolled out this defence over and over, as if racism only existed between blacks and whites. As if a Hispanic man who was caught on the 911 call uttering a racial slur and saying “they always get away”, wasn’t referring to momentous amount of emergency calls he had made in the past regarding “suspicious looking” black males.

No, Zimmermann could not be a racist. No community watch officer could be racist; he has a job in for all the community - except we found out that Zimmermann was nothing but a self-appointed gun toting paranoid person. He was someone who had been arrested in the past for battery of a police officer. But thankfully, the law is on Trayvon’s side right?

NO. No, the law is on the shooter’s side. “Stand Your Ground” is the principle law which applies here, and it is not a Florida specific law. It states that you have the right to defend yourself by any means if you believe your life is in threat. Obviously by getting out of his car, chasing a 17 year old and being armed with a gun Zimmermann felt under threat.

Zimmermann, armed with a gun with the intention of following and dealing with Trayvon, (remember, “They always get away!”) felt under threat. This law was in the American national interest a few years ago, when a man saw his neighbour’s house being burgled, went next door,

AOIFE THOMAS

entered the house and shot each of them dead in the back. He obviously felt the need to stand his ground so much it expanded to standing his ground on someone else’s property.

Where is the logic in this law? Where is the logic of not arresting a man who shot a boy who moments before was talking to his girlfriend stating his fear of Zimmermann stalking him. A boy who was told to run by his distraught girlfriend.

Where is the justice? Where is the outcry? One of the major outcries was when President Obama stated that if he had a son, “he’d look like Trayvon”.

Republicans accused him of as disgusting a tactic as race-baiting. “Obama is the racist” they said.

Maybe Obama just wanted to touch on the great injustice that even though an African American is in the highest office in the nation, prejudices and violence still exist. And even though this is not purely an issue of race (though Zimmermann DID use racial language), what is wrong with someone saying “I’m black. This boy was black, and ‘suspicious’, like the majority of his peers are perceived. And now he’s dead.” We want justice: for everyone.

With the clocks going forward one hour last Saturday night, summer has welcomed itself to our shores. With temperatures reaching above 20°C in most places and remaining in the mid-teens for much of the day, college goers seem to be basking in the sunshine.

The current warm spell is set to continue for much of the week, with clear skies and sunshine.

Our highest recorded temperature for this week was 21°C, a Mediterranean climate that is more than the average weather conditions of Greece and Turkey during this time of year.

It is an attractive spell of hot weather that remains close to the record line, explained Met Eireann when they described; “temperatures of 15.5 degrees as exceptionally high” Many students at NUI Maynooth could be found spread out on the grass outside John Hume or enjoying a refreshing drink outside the SU. Students commented that they hoped the good weather would continue as; “it brings a good atmosphere to the campus.”

Inside, however, lecturers apologised for bringing the few, remaining dedicated students in from the hot weather, admitting that they “felt a small bit guilty about it” but many continued with a lecture for the duration of the class.

With the summer exams looming, ice-cream and

cold beers would have to be exchanged for books and laptops if the sunny weather continued to attract people to the outdoors.

With last year’s summer being a disappointing low for much of the season, the new lease of sunshine can only bring positivity in the hope that we haven’t seen the last of the sunny weather.

Have a topic you feel strongly about?

Why not get it published in your official Students’ Union publication. Whether it be rant, rave or simple observation, drop an e-mail pitching your article idea to: editor@theprint.ie

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Video Game Trade-In Culture Accused Of Stifling The Industry SIMON MERNAGH The used games market is killing the video games industry, according to several notable developers.

Jameson Durall, a former designer for Electronic Arts and Oddworld Inhabitants, and currently a designer for Volition Inc. recently struck out against shops that resell games. In his blog he stated “I think what most consumers don’t realize is that every time they buy a used game, there is ZERO money making it back to the Game Developers. All of those profits are going directly to the re-seller and making it more and more difficult for us to continue making higher quality products.”

David Braben, the inventor of Raspberry Pi and co-creator of Elite, outlined his criticism of the used games market in an interview with Gamasutra. “The real problem when you think about it brutally, if you look at just core gamer games, pre-owned has really killed core games,”

Braben told Gamasutra. “In some cases, it’s killed them dead. I know publishers who have stopped games in development because most shops won’t reorder stock after initial release, because they rely on the churn from the re-sales.”

He continued: “It’s killing single player games in particular, because they will get pre-owned, and it means your day one sales are it, making them super high risk. I mean, the idea of a game selling out used to be a good thing, but nowadays, those people who buy it on day one may well finish it and return it. Developers and publishers need that revenue to be able to keep doing high production value games, and so we keep seeing fewer and fewer of them.”

Game developers are divided on how to deal with this potential crisis. Sony are considering a 10% price reduction on digital editions of their PS Vita games, while the next generation Xbox may not play used games at all, according to an article on Kotaku.com. Downloadable Content (DLC) could potentially be another way forward.

The Research & Analysis division of analyst firm Forecasting & Analyzing Digital Entertainment estimate that over $1 billion USD was generated by DLC sales between the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 consoles last year.

Companies Requesting Self-Repairing Plastic Unveiled In San Diego Facebook Passwords CONOR PHELAN

CONOR HANLON

Facebook has said that it is looking at the possibility of suing employers who demand their potential employee’s Facebook password. More and more people have found that companies are looking to see into their social media to see what kind of person they actually are.

In a time where jobs are scarce, many of these cases have gone unreported as people cannot afford to turn a job down on principle.

The social networking giant is not known for their protection of users’ privacy, however this time they have taken a strong stance against what they see as a serious infringement on their users’ privacy.

It has become common practice in businesses to search for an applicant online to see their public social media pages such as Facebook or Twitter. However, Orin Kerr, a George Washington University law professor and former federal prosecutor claimed asking a person for their password is “akin to requiring someone’s house keys.”

Facebook already have rules in place that ban the sharing or soliciting of a person’s password, and Facebook released a statement that read:

The days of cracked screens on mobile phones could soon be over as scientists have developed a new type of plastic which is capable of mimicking the healing properties of skin. The plastic is normally transparent but changes to a red colour when cut or damaged. The product can then be stimulated to repair itself by exposing itself to changes in temperature or pH, or by exposing it to intense light. The discovery was unveiled by scientists at the annual American Chemical Society meeting in San Diego. Lead researcher Professor Marek Urban, from the University of Southern Mississippi, explained how their project aimed to mimic the healing properties of nature. “Mother Nature has endowed all kinds of biological systems with the ability to repair themselves. Some we can see, like the skin healing and new bark forming in cuts on a tree trunk. Some are invisible, but help keep us alive and healthy, like the self-repair system that DNA uses to fix genetic damage to genes” said Urban. “Our new plastic tries to mimic nature, issuing a red signal when damaged and then renewing itself when exposed to visible light, temperature or pH changes.”

The technology has a multitude of potential uses in various consumer products. Dreaded cracks to

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“As a user, you shouldn’t be forced to share your private information and communications just to get a job,” Facebook said. “And as the friend of a user, you shouldn’t have to worry that your private information or communications will be revealed to someone you don’t know and didn’t intend to share with just because that user is looking for a job.

That’s why we’ve made it a violation of Facebook’s Statement of Rights and Responsibilities to share or solicit a Facebook password.”

However, Facebook released an updated statement to respond to question of whether or not they would sue companies directly. They said “While we do not have any immediate plans to take legal action against any specific employers, we look forward to engaging with policy makers and other stakeholders, to help better safeguard the privacy of our users.”

The issue is that although companies are breaking Facebook’s privacy laws, they are not directly affected by it, however, this may be an issue that the government will have to regulate in the future.

expensive smartphones may become as easy to fix as shining a bright lamp on it. Repairs to unsightly scratches on a car’s bodywork could be dramatically reduced in cost. Urban also noted that the colour changing properties could be a great advancement in aircraft safety as it could be used as an indicator of critical structural faults, allowing a decision to be made on whether to replace the component or repair it with a blast of light. Because the plastic works by rebuilding itself on a molecular level it can be fixed over and over again. Another benefit of this technology is that its production is water based, making it more environmentally friendly than the process of making many other plastics because it avoids the use of toxic chemicals. Urban acknowledged that some of the team’s research funding is coming from the US department of defence. Currently the research team is aiming to expand the possibilities of this technology by attempting to improve the plastic’s ability to withstand much higher temperatures.

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Dublin City Of Science 2012

ENDA SHEVIN

Hear ye! Hear ye! Dublin, the capital city of a country famed for producing such scientific giants as Robert Boyle, John Tyndall, Ernst Walton and Jocelyn Bell Burnell has hereby reclaimed its rightful place at the summit of European scientific endeavour by officially inaugurating itself as the City of Science 2012.

Launched at the Convention Centre, Dublin

by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton and comedian Dara O’Briain amongst approximately 400 others, Dublin City of Science promises to be a milestone in affirming Ireland, not only as a global hub of ideas and expertise, but also as a country with the chutzpah required to lead from the front and pull off the groundbreaking discoveries that the world requires both today and in the future.

Signifying the importance of the event was the attendance of The People’s Republic of China’s ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Luo Linquan together with his Science and Technology secretary Yang Zjihun. Both were enthusiastic in their attendance and effervescent in expounding the potential for collaboration between the two countries. Dublin goalkeeper and science teacher Stephen Cluxton together with PhD student and television presenter Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin were also present as science ambassadors for the celebrations.

Throughout 2012, over 160 events are planned, all with the express aim of fostering environments which lend themselves equally to both the curious amateurs and the devoted experts, and hopefully also, to plenty of liberal conversation between the two. A good example is the Dublin Maker Faire which will serve as a showcase for home spun innovations, whether they be homemade experimental projects or fully patented, ready-tomarket inventions. An ‘open call’ for participants

opens in February which gives anybody with ideas to share, the opportunity to get involved.

Central to the year-long City of Science celebrations is Dublin’s hosting of the ultraprestigious European Science Open Forum (ESOF). This biannual event, previously held in Munich, Barcelona and Torino comes to Dublin after a competitive bidding process in which the city pledged to showcase not only the country’s scientific prowess but also its rich heritage in the arts. How the two combine will be a pervasive theme throughout both the forum and the year’s activites.

The ESOF itself will create an explosive mix of over 5,000 elite and multidisciplinary scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, communicators and policy makers and is frankly staggering in both scale and ambition. Four Nobel Laureates will be attending: Peter Doherty (1996), Jules Hoffmann (2011) James Watson (1962) and James Heckman (2000). Doherty and Hoffmann were awarded the prize for discoveries concerning how immune cells recognise distinct markers on viruses and bacteria respectively (particularly relevant giving NUI Maynooth’s and Ireland’s increasingly prominent standing on Immunology’s world stage). Watson, as part of the famous ‘Watson and Crick’ duo was the first to discover the ‘double helix’ structure of DNA. Heckmen was awarded the Nobel prize for his work on microeconomics. Interested yet?

Others to look out for include the Director General of CERN, Rolf-Dieter Heuer and Craig Ventner, probably the world’s most influential and well-known molecular biologist. Heuer will hopefully present a more definitive answer regarding the Large Hadron Collider’s search for the existence of the Higgs boson a.k.a. ‘The God Particle’. This much heralded search is expected to be completed within the coming months meaning a major announcement is a definite possibility.

Ventner on the other hand, as the man responsible for producing the first draft of the human genome not to mention the successful engineering of the first life form controlled entirely by manmade DNA, will hopefully bring events back to a more ‘grounded’ but equally enrapturing state.

A place should also be reserved in advance for the European Space Agency’s Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain whose work oversees the Planck and Herschel telescopes, the Galelio Satellite Navigation System (an upgraded version of America’s GPS) and Europe’s contributions to the International Space Station. Add to all this, contributions from Mary Robsinon and Bob Geldof on human rights, the European Commissioner for Research and Innovation, Maire Geoghegan Quinn as well as influential communicators such as the editors of the journals Science and Nature and also the science and technology editors from the BBC and the Financial Times.

Robin Ince, the co-host of BBC Radio Four’s

acclaimed Science comedy series “The Infinite Monkey Cage” will also be in attendance. Fans of the show may be pleased to hear that when asked

by The Print whether The Infinite Monkey Cage were considering attending Dublin City of Science, Dara O’Briain, who has appeared on the show previously said “it was a great idea” and “worth keeping in mind”. Attempts by The Print to contact the BBC regarding their appearance however, were unsuccessful prior to going to press.

At a time when enthusiasm for science is riding high but competition for funding capital has become increasingly fierce, Dublin City of Science 2012, combined with the Euroscience Open Forum is a promising reminder to ourselves and both potential and established colleagues abroad that Ireland is competing and winning on the scientific stage. Future students in particular should take note.

A full list of ESOF speakers is available on The Print’s website.

AISHA QASIM BUTT

providing a useful blueprint for the design of future drugs to better treat patients.

Although two HCV specific drugs have been approved by the U.S. authorities for treatment of chronic hepatitis C in 2011, “the lack of detailed information on how inhibitors lock onto the viral genome target has hampered the development of better drugs,” said Thomas Hermann, an associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of California.

The research paper details the ability of the molecule to induce HCV’s DNA-like material to literally open up a portion of its structure and encapsulate the inhibitor in a perfect lock and key mechanism. The presence of the inhibitor within the virus’ genome acts as a barrier to its replication and in turn stops the production of viral proteins in infected host cells. X-ray crystallography, a method of determining the arrangement of atoms within a crystal of protein, in which a beam of X-rays strikes a crystal and causes the beam of light to spread or diffract was used to determine the detailed 3-D atomic structure of the molecule. “The architecture of the well-defined binding site will be a valuable starting point for the structure based design of HCV inhibitors” said Hermann, which could support an effective treatment against severe chronic liver disease and related complications in the future.

Our Basic Instinct(s) Hepatitus: Solving The Crystal Maze

PAMELA YOUNG

We share about 40% of our genes with the common fruitfly and some very basic instincts. A study by Dr. Koob and colleagues at the University of California in San Francisco has revealed a startlingly common attribute. During ‘dry-spells’ of a sexual nature, male flies of the species Drosophila drink a lot more beer than their otherwise more ‘virile’ friends.

To illustrate this, the scientists generated two groups of flies. One group was allowed to mate with virgin females for 4 days (looks like stamina beats size!) while the second group was sexually rejected for 4 days by already mated and therefore indifferent females. Both groups of males were then given the choice of alcohol free or alcohol spiked food. After hours of torment the rejected males developed a distinct preference for alcohol laden food – an effect not seen in those who ‘pulled’ a female. A parallel can thus be drawn between guys and flies, both at the bottom of an empty bottle, at the end a lonely night.

So this is all very entertaining but why is vital research money being spent on investigating why men turn to booze after they’ve been given the cold shoulder, surely we knew that already? Well the overall aim here was to piece together the jigsaw puzzle that is the brain’s reward system. In general, it reinforces behaviours that ally with our survival and is the reason why activities such as eating, social interaction and sexual reproduction make us happy (or at least less grumpy). However, in times of stress, humans (as you probably noticed) and now flies, often turn to drugs such as alcohol

to hijack these pathways and create an artificial ‘buzz’. Unfortunately, addiction is a common and detrimental side-effect. The neuroscientists involved in this study discovered that a protein called neuropeptide F (NPF) was lower in the brains of the flies who were ‘sex starved’ and this may have been responsible for their alcohol cravings. Indeed, boosting NPF levels reversed their alcohol dependence. All we need now is a drug that mimics this protein and we need never drink again. One begs to ask the question is the same true for the female of the species? In times of the dreaded ‘dry spell’ does she turn to the nearest bottle of chardonnay or yet another box of milk tray? I always wondered why I developed these unstoppable cravings after a yet another date disaster. Now I know.

The crystal structure of a molecule that binds to the genome of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) to prevent it from replicating and thus halting a live infection has been produced by scientists at the University of California, San Diego, USA. HCV has been linked with chronic liver disease and is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. There are more than 170 million people infected with HCV and 20 % of them are expected to eventually develop liver complications and cirrhosis. This subset will also have a 4–7 % annual risk of progressing to liver cancer. In developing countries in Asia and Africa, where detection levels are low, several decades of chronic infection has led to the emergence of a ‘silent epidemic’. So why can’t we treat it?

The development of an effective HCV vaccine has long been a challenge because of a weak immune response to HCV and the inability of the human immune system to switch off HCV replication upon infection. However, a recent publication in the journal ‘Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences’, has revealed a detailed high resolution structure of a molecule (currently used in clinical practice to treat HCV sufferers) that efficiently fits into the viruses’ genetic material to inhibit its replication. Strikingly, the researchers were able to view, in 3-D, how exactly the molecule binds to individual proteins within the virus - thus

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The Cheltenham Experience

BREONIE MACMAHON

Being raised in a country where horseracing is not the ‘sport of kings’, my experiences with racing were few and far between. Instead of glamour, the racetracks are held together by paint, with many of them closing throughout Canada. Occasionally my family and I would travel to Leopardstown at Christmas, and I have a vivid memory of my small cousin placing a ‘pound on number four’, but other than that, horseracing did not control much of my attention. My passion since I was about seven has been showjumping; I thought it would stay that way forever and only fools bet on horses, until I moved to Ireland last September.

After convincing my friends to go to the Punchestown Winter Festival last November, randomly joining a stag night and having one of the best days and nights of my life, I thought nothing would be able to top it. And nothing had, though I’ve had wonderful experiences in Ireland since, both at the races and not. That is, until I went to the 2012 Cheltenham Festival last week. Not knowing at all what my liver or bank account were getting ourselves in for, I flew to Birmingham last Monday.

I met up with a good friend and ventured to Cheltenham for racing on Tuesday.

With the Irish doing a little less well than we had hoped in the horseracing, we completely made up for it in the bant. ‘Totes bants’ is the proper way to describe the week that we had, with an Irishman named Emilio, a Hurricane Fly, way too much champagne and being mistaken for famous people.

Instead of paying to get into Club 21 on Thursday

night, my friend and I convinced the bouncer that we were the real deal. Instead of paying countless pounds to get in, we were given guest-list entry due to our brilliance. My alter ego of Britney, the Latin dance instructor from Minnesota emerged as a way to talk to actual famous racing individuals.

We were awarded numerous stickers from Jake representing Fever, an after hours club, and we informed him that due to the recession in Ireland, we could not even afford to print our own stickers.

On Wednesday night, my Latin dance partner and a DJ from Fever escorted us to the only chipper open at 5:30 in the morning, Turkish Delight, owned and operated by none other than Ali G. Brad (not to be mistaken for Pitt) drove us home and was given a glorious rendition of the Cheltenham Festival charity song, set to the tune of ‘Downtown’.

After a long conversation with an English girl in the bathroom, with me assuming that there was a ‘bum scare’ at the Primark in Derry, I was later corrected that it was in fact a ‘bomb scare’, and there was not a homeless man running around Penney’s in Derry.

Even though we didn’t back many winners over the week, one of my friend’s favorite horses came in for her. A fourteen-year-old veteran to the sport, A New Story came second in the Glenfarclas Handicap Chase ahead of a few favorites. A week of shock and disappointment with Big Zeb, Sizing Europe and Hurricane Fly not performing well, a horse that simply loves to do his job fought hard against the youth and came in second.

Though you may not be able to experience the bant of epic proportions that is Cheltenham

this year, as a member of the Equestrian Club, I encourage you to get a ticket for the SPIN 1038 Student Race Day being held at Leopardstown on

Wednesday, March 28th. Tickets are €10 and can be purchased from the Equestrian Club.

NUIM Ladies Loose Fabrice Muamba Shows Out In Giles Cup Final Signs Of Recovery

TARA BYRNE

The NUI Maynooth ladies GAA team last weekend competed in the Giles Cup finals which this year were hosted by University of Ulster, Jordanstown.

Their weekend kicked off on Saturday with a semi-final against old foes Waterford IT, who the ladies had beaten already in the group stages of the tournament.

Before getting to this stage the ladies had convincing wins over their two great rivals St. Pats, Drumcondra (3-21 0-03) as well as Waterford IT (7-21 2-07).

Yet not everything went to plan in the build up to the Cup, with a desperate loss to a young and inexperienced Kildare team, it was back to the drawing board for the girls.

They managed to find the answers to the questions that Kildare asked as they entered the tournament, battle hardened and hungry for success.

Previously winning this tournament in 2010 against Waterford IT gave this current bunch of girls the taste of success, and it would be an understatement to say that this years semi-final draw had whet their appetite for more.

Mary Immaculate College, Limerick proved another stumbling block for the Maynooth ladies in their league semi-final, losing out by a couple of points in Limerick, but these girls were determine to set the record straight in Jordanstown.

Waterford were the semi-final opponents, a game many would take as a foregone conclusion given their recent victory over them in the round-robin stage of the Giles Cup, yet nothing is ever than simple in GAA. A hard fought semi-final saw the Maynooth

CONOR PHELAN Sports Editor @conorphelan1

ladies run out seven point victors on a scoreline of 2-15 to 2-09, setting up a mouthwatering rematch with Mary Immaculate College, who overcame IT Tralee by a single score, on a scoreline of 1-19 to 2-15.

Maynooth embarked on a mission to capture their second All-Ireland title in three years, against league semi-final victors Mary Immaculate. A tough challenge ensued for both team and neither were willing to be beaten easily. Ending normal time on a 1-09 to 1-09 scoreline extra-time loomed.

During extra-time the game hung in the balance, before Sarah Lynch stepped up to kick the winning point for Mary Immaculate, securing their first Giles Cup title after a 3-11 to 2-13 thriller.

Fabrice Muamba is making great strides towards recovery after his on-pitch cardiac arrest on St. Patrick’s Day. The Bolton Wanderers Midfielder has “exceeded expectations” of his consultant and it is believed that a “normal life is within the spectrum of possibility.”

He is being treated at the London Chest Hospital and it has been reported that he has taken to getting out of bed and staying awake for long periods of time.

Muamba’s Girlfriend posted a picture of him sitting up and smiling, with the message “Fab wanted me to post this pic for you all and to also say thank you for such overwhelming support.”

There has been a huge outpouring of emotion towards the Frenchman, with messages of goodwill coming from fans and footballers alike.

Fans left messages of well-wishing, flowers and jerseys outside the Reebok Stadium as well as online, while many football teams publicly showed their support for the Trotters’ man. Real Madrid wore jerseys with the inscription “Get well soon Muamba” along with “Animo Abidal” for the Barcelona defender who has to undergo a liver

transplant.

However, not all the messages about the 23-yearold have been positive though, 21-year-old Welsh student Liam Stacey has been given a 56-day jail sentence for tweeting “F*** Muama he’s dead!!! #Haha.” He was reported to Police by many users, including Stan Collymore, a radio and tv football pundit.

Bolton Manager Owen Coyle has praised Muamba’s recovery as miraculous and has continually thanked everyone that has been positive towards Muamba. He said that ‘The well-wishes have been really supportive and helped him no end, and I think he has taken great strength from that.

That will help in his continued fight to recover.’

Many in the club speculated that they would not replay the FA cup-tie that Muamba collapsed in.

At the wishes of Muamba’s girlfriend and family, Bolton rescheduled the tie to be played at the same venue. Bolton lost the game, and are now focused on their relegation battle and hoping that Muamba will be able to return to the pitch soon.

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A Six Nations 2012 Round-Up AOIFE THOMAS The 2012 Six nations tournament began for Ireland with and unsuccessful opening encounter against (the soon-to-be winners) Wales, and finished in a similar manner against England in Twickenham on March 17th. In between, however, the games against France, Scotland and Italy provided Ireland with a fighting chance.

The newly refurbished Lansdowne Road, played host for the first time to the RBS tournament witnessing an initial loss against Wales and successive wins over Scotland and Italy. The modernised, recession friendly Aviva Stadium was humorously described by George Hook to be something of a; ‘Pop Sporting ground.’ It now has music from Lady GAGA and the likes synchronised to play when a goal or try has been scored.

Although this is aimed to increase the ambiance of the stadium, with a capacity of 50,000 one would wonder the connection Lady GAGA has with the sporting fans.

With the wintery, unsettled weather that covered much of Europe through the duration on the six nation’s tournament, the teams were met with

resistance on February 11th when France played host to Ireland in the ‘Stade de France’. The pitch was deemed as being unfit for play being completely frozen just minutes before secluded kick-off. The prolonged break for the Irish squad may have been a benefit, but Declan Kidney expressed his agitation at the French Rugby officials as many Irish fans were left out of pocket and bitterly disappointed.

The postponed match resumed on March 4th and ended with a decisive draw between the two teams.

Each owning their own half of the ninety minute game, Ireland took the lead with an intercept try from Tommy Bowe followed by a second and Sexton making the conversions. However, Ireland failed to keep their momentum in the second half while the French, on hand with Parra at the 58th minute made their way up to finish the game on 17 all.

Tommy bow appeared as the leading man for much of the tournament while Donnacha Ryan and Jonathon Sexton played were also praised.

Paul O’Connell captained the team until an injury during the French encounter ended his role at an early stage of the tournament. However, the close win and further successive wins over Italy and Scotland seemed to leave Ireland with a new lease of energy, motivation and comradery that would take them over the finish line on St. Patricks Day with a win against England. But the English side came out determined to bring us down on their home ground. With a loss of 30-9, English fly-half; Owen Farrell helped himself to 20 points while the strength of the English scrum demoralised the fighting chances for Ireland.

At the conclusion of the 2012 tournament Ireland took 3rd place in an unlikely manner and an unfortunate loss against England, the squad seem more determined than ever. Using the experience

to highlight their mistakes and pinpoint their efforts, 2013 could bring even more excitement, determination and a ‘Pause, Touch, Engage’ system that could take us over every try line.

Shane Horgan Retires Jim Stynes Passes Away

TARA BYRNE

Shane Horgan last week ended a sad month for Irish rugby announcing his retirement from the game with immediate effect following surgery on a long-term knee injury.

Following in the footsteps of Ireland and Munster Hooker Jerry Flannery, Horgan has taken the decision to call it quits aged just 33.

Over a career spanning 13 years Horgan made 207 appearances for Leinster after making his debut in 1998 against Ulster and 65 apperances for Ireland since his 2000 debut against Scotland, appearing in both the 2007 and 2003 World cups, scoring 121 career tries and also 1 drop goal against Munster in the 2011 Magners League grand final in Thomond Park.

He also made 3 appearances for the 2005 British and Irish Loins during their trip to New Zealand.

Horgan had been regarded by most as the greatest winger in European rugby when at his best, with his ability, vision and also an arial threat.

Leaving Irish fans with the most memorable try against England in 2007, to remember the legend he was.

Winning silverware was not outside Horgan remit. Managing to rack up two Celtic Leagues, two Heineken Cups and three Triple Crowns, but he sadly missed out on the Grand Slam success of Ireland in 2009.

Yet his life in the spot light has not all been plain sailing after pleading guilty to assaulting a club doorman in Galway in 2000 after being refused entry. Yet as this was and still remains an isolated incident in Horgan’s career Judge Carl Moran applied the Probation Act. Since the announcement tributes have poured in for the former Meath minor footballer, from all angles of the rugby world including former team mate Frankie Sheehan. “Shane Horgan is one of the greatest wingers this country has ever had,” Sheehan said. “He epitomised the ‘Golden Generation’.’’

TARA BYRNE While announcing his retirement last week Horan said “Every professional sportsman realises that, at some point, their career will come to an end. I have been extremely fortunate to have played regularly for my province and with Ireland since my debut with Leinster in 1998 and, while I am disappointed that injury has forced me to retire now, I know I have been very lucky to have had such a long and largely injury-free career.”

“To perform at the top of any professional sport, players need good coaches and Ireland has been well served during my time with the National squad. At Leinster, to have played under Mike Ruddock, Matt Williams, Michael Cheika and, as it turned out for the last season of my career, Joe Schmidt, represents the kind of good fortune that only lucky’ players get’’.

“My final expression of thanks is to the supporters of both Ireland and Leinster with whom I have shared some special days that I will never forget.”

It is hard to know if we will ever see the likes of Horgan again, but he has given us 13 years of unwilting drive and determination on the wing for both Leinster and Ireland. He has been more than a player to fans often been seen as an institution on the wing, hopefully inspiring a young rugby prodigy to one day rise and give us the next great winger, yet he will not be the next Horgan. One thing everyone can agree is that there will only ever be one Shane Horgan.

Dublin born Aussie Rules legend Mr. Indestructible Jim Stynes passed away recently following a two-and-a-half year battle with cancer.

In 2009 the former minor Dublin footballer, AllIreland winner and Melbourne footballing legend was diagnosed with a tumour on the spine for which he underwent six surgeries removing more than 20 tumours.

News of Stynes’ passing was announced by his wife Samantha on Facebook where she paid tribute to her husband saying ‘he was pain-free, dignified and peaceful’.

In 1984 Stynes set off for Australia after catching the eye of Ron Barassi and Melbourne FC, making his senior debut in 1987 against Geelong. By the end of that season he had cemented a senior berth in the side, which he would not relinquish for 10 years.

In 1991 Stynes became the only Irish player to have won the Brownlow Medal.

During the 11 years from 1987 to 1998 Stynes played 244 consecutive games, not even letting broken ribs come between him and the game in 1993.

Retiring in 1998 his achievements kept coming, these included his position in the Melbourne Team of the Century as well as his induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2003. The most visible of his achievements to his Irish supporters was The Jim Stynes Medal, awarded to the best Australian player in the International Rules Series.

In 2008 Stynes took over as president of

Melbourne FC, which was crippled under a $5 million debt. Stynes began the ‘Debt Demolition’ campaign leaving Melbourne FC debt free in 3 years.

In 2009 Stynes was diagnosed with cancer, and even this failed to remove him from his beloved Melbourne. Often making the footy most weekends against the wish of his medical team.

In one of his final public appearances in September 2011 Stynes told his supporters that the worst of his fight with cancer was behind him, before tossing the coin at the first test in the International Series between Ireland and Australia that November.

Earlier this year Stynes finally steped down as Melbourne president to concentrate on his family and health.

This battle came to an end on March 19 as Stynes finally succumbed to the disease that gripped the last two-and-a-half years of his life, but even then, he beat it two years longer than he was supposed to.

Even the week before he died he defied the odds and lived his life to its fullest even managing to celebrate his son Tiernan’s seventh birthday.

His is only the third sportsperson ever to be bestowed the honour of a state funeral in Victoria.

Such is the legend of the man.

He is survived by his wife Samantha and his two children Matisse and Tiernan.

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“Are you Alf Bill?”: The Legacy Of O’Herlihy, Giles & Dumphy DARA FOLAN RTE do a lot of things half-assed. The inhouse programming leaves much to be desired, specifically the comedy (yes, you Republic of Telly), the employment opportunities for annoying youth hipster presenters are apparently plentiful (nepotism) and we live in a state where Derek Mooney is given license to clog the national airwaves with his eclectic brand of hogwash. These are the troubling realities of our state broadcaster, but there is something to salvage, some form of respite, a slot in the timetable that is free of the shite-talk and histrionics that so dominate terrestrial broadcasting in this country.

This relief is the RTE Sport department, specifically the triumvirate of stalwarts that have constituted the backbone of soccer analysis for over 30 years, Bill O’Herlihy, Johnny Giles and Eamon Dunphy. Their maintained prevalence on Irish television is a testament in itself given that the early 90s advent of Sky Sports has since prescribed a uniform template for bland, inoffensive and family friendly football commentary; these are football’s

last angry men. The only time BBC’s Gary Lineker led operation should ever be watched by living human eyes is during the unavoidable ad breaks on RTE and as means to compare the two.

This article is in response to the worrying realisation that O’Herlihy, Giles and Dunphy are in fact mortal, and with a combined age of 210, retirement is a likely logical step. In this respect Euro 2012 may be the last major tournament for the A team and while their array of underlings, Brady, Souness et al have provided a good foil (usually to be goaded by Dunphy) for the aforementioned key players, Irish football wouldn’t be the same without the trio.

Yes, they are unashamedly old-school, yes they might not pronounce the players names correctly and they do routinely confess ignorance to certain aspects of the game, but they manage to keep football grounded in a media environment where sport has become overcomplicated and overanalysed. Football is after all a simple game, such is the reason for its popularity and accessibility, a reality that is reinstated by the paradoxically wizened yet refreshing analysis of the RTE panel.

Given that TV3 Trevor Welch’s commentary can cause aural bleeding, cherish these auld boys while you can, the future looks grim.

Dunphy’s finest moments (forget those McDonalds ads): On Niall Quinn - “Niall Quinn is a creep. The man’s

an idiot, a Mother Theresa.”

On Harry Kewell - “Kewell should have been yanked off the pitch at half time and put in a hot bath, a boiling hot bath.”

Still on Harry Kewell – “He’s fat and a clown, Bill, a fat clown for all to see.”

On a Sven/Garth Crooks interview – “That’s the first time I’ve seen sex between two men on the

BBC” To Liam Brady – “You’ve jumped over the fence baby!”

To Bill O’ Herlihy – “You are Alf (1980′s television alien) Bill!”

On Steve Staunton – “Would you let him drive the train to Cork?”

Irish Olympian Behan GAA Referees: Joys Defies All The Odds Of Being In Charge?

TARA BYRNE

AINE McMANUS Irish Olympian hopeful Kieran Behan has something extra to be proud of when he participates in London. The 22 year old was told twice he would never walk again after numerous complications involving a non cancerous tumour on his leg and a head injury due to a sporting accident.

Behan was wheelchair bound when he was just ten years old due to a tumour on his leg.

Complications arose during the operation to remove the tumour and Behan was told he may never have the ability to walk again, however just under a year and a half later Behan was fully recovered and out of the wheelchair.

Behan returned to the gym and gymnastics only to be struck by a freak accident. Aged just 12 Behan slipped on the high bar, striking his head off it leaving him with brain damage. The youngster experienced a blackout with any sudden movement following the event. This meant that Behan had to relearn the simplest of things such as sitting. He was unable to train for 3 years due to this horrific accident.

Much time in rehab, and with support from his nearest and dearest, Behan remarkably returned to the sport and gained much praise from experts

in gymnastics as a youth. Injury prone Behan was ruled out until the end of 2010 however with ruptured ligaments in both his knees following separate incidents.

Incredibly Behan is only the second Irish gymnast ever to qualify for an Olympics, despite his misfortune with injury. Barry Mac Donald was the first gymnast to compete for Ireland at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

Behan’s speciality piece is the floor. Looking forward to this event later on in the year Behan said, ‘I’ve definitely got the execution I just need a little bit more on my start value now and that would be the main objective.’ Behan will complete six pieces at the Olympic Games and is hopeful of the outcome. Speaking of his whole experience, ‘I was told ‘you’re never going to be able to walk again let alone do gymnastics’ to find out I’m going to the Olympic Games is something that dreams are made of.’

Who’d be a referee? Every weekend referees up and down the country take to the field to give us the joy of a game. Yet they’re the only people who can leave as both the winner and loser. Every decision that is made is sure to rile half the people watching, regardless of how obvious the decision.

Over recent years the abuse of referees has become more and more prevalent in GAA, yet at the same time it is being successfully eradicated in sports like Rugby, why is this?

There are many urban myths of the treatment that referees receive after contentious games, from being put in car boots to being physically attacked, but now we are starting to see referees being confronted during the game also.

In recent season the GAA have introduced the Give Respect, Get Respect initiative in the aim to remove this plague from football and hurling, but this unfortunately has not been the result. Recently we have seen this behaviour sink to an all new low with a referee in Sligo receiving a 6 month ban for abusing a fellow referee while attending a game.

It has become more and more prevalent. We have seen this also on a national level following the 2009 Leinster final between Meath and Louth, where referee Martin Sludden was attacked by a Louth supporter following a controversial ending to the game. This behaviour is occurring on a weekly basis at club level.

It again came to the attention of national media earlier this year, when angry scenes followed the Sigerson clash between St. Mary’s and NUIG. This brings up the question that we are almost sick of hearing, how do we stop it?

In Rugby we see the referee getting the utmost respect from players, team management as well as spectators. Why is there a difference between Rugby and GAA? In GAA we are all too aware that there is very little consequences to people who chose to abuse the referee, all too often financial penalties occur for the county, college or club involved, ignoring the real culprit. In Rugby if this behaviour occurs the penalty is paid by the person responsible, not the club. This behaviour has become so ingrained in the culture of the GAA that is is now at the stage that it is almost accepted by the referee themselves.