SIN Vol. 20 Issue 05

NUACHTÁN SAOR IN AISCE VOL.20 Issue 05. 06 NOV 2018

Student Independent News

No investment in NUI Galway library in nearly 20 years

Left: James Hardiman Library, NUI Galway. Right: The Brody Learning Commons, Johns Hopkins University.

By Áine Kenny NUI Galway’s James Hardiman Library has not been invested in or improved upon since 1999, SIN has learned.

The other six Irish universities have made investments of at least €20 million in the past ten years to modernise their library buildings, by either extending or replacing them.

NUI Galway has made no such investments.

In its annual LibQual survey, 85 per cent of the comments about the NUI Galway library’s physical environment were negative.

SIN spoke to John Cox, the University Librarian and the man in charge of the library. He is advocating for more investment.

“The current Main Library building dates from 1973 and was extended three times between then and 1999.”

“As such, it reflects traditional approaches to learning as an individual pursuit involving limited engagement with technology or with classmates.”

“University education is now very different, and the emphasis is on participation, interaction with other disciplines and independent or group learning beyond the lecture.”

“Newer university libraries facilitate collaborative project work, creating objects with 3-D printers, practice with giving presentations, and brainstorming ideas across disciplines.”

“Students at NUI Galway deserve a much more modern library building and it’s my top priority to continue advocating for this.”

“The current building, despite its poor condition, receives almost a million visits a year, so a new facility would make a huge difference to a lot of students in all subject areas.”

In comparison to other universities, NUI Galway’s current library facilities are very poor.

“Our library building scores poorly in international surveys and is bottom of the pile in Ireland in terms both of quality and quantity of space per student.”

“The University of Limerick has just opened a €31 million extension, offering a generous range of learning spaces and technologies, while the library at Maynooth University

is a great example of versatility, designed to meet at least seven different learning styles.”

“By comparison our library building is cramped, inflexible and uncomfortable.”

“We participate in an annual international survey and achieve good scores for our staff and collections, but the section on ‘Library as Place’ is always our worst rated area by a distance, and attracts most comments.”

“This year 85 per cen of the comments about our physical environment were negative.

Some examples include: • “Air conditioning please - do they want to suffocate us?”

• “More library spaces needed with plugs.”

• “A big let-down compared to the library in UCC where I completed my undergrad degree.”

• “Chill-out spaces would definitely help the library and study experience.”

• “There is barely enough space for students to work alone, and almost no space at all for group work.”

• “More diverse study spaces in terms of computer labs.”

Mr Cox says it is difficult to pin down why NUI Galway has not invested in its library.

“This is difficult to explain, given that a library is for everybody and is a real space of community on campus. The library plays an important social and academic role, which benefits student experience and retention.”

“The current University strategy, in a campus - wide buildings regeneration plan, commits to the ‘transformation of our Hardiman Library building into a dynamic learning environment, reflecting the culture of knowledge creation in a contemporary university’… but nothing has happened.”

An expensive feasibility study in 2014 produced a detailed plan for transforming the building. It estimated the transformation would cost NUI Galway €25 million.

So far, NUI Galway has not acted upon these detailed plans.

“Possibly the scale of the investment required has proved daunting, although similar sums have been found for other buildings,” Mr Cox says.

“Cramped, inflexible and uncomfortable… our students deserve better”

“There may be misperceptions that online access to information reduces the need for libraries, despite the million visits to our building annually.”

“Investment in research buildings has received a higher priority, perhaps because research funding awards generate a more obvious and immediate return, at least in financial terms, than libraries.

“This, however, ignores the long - term competitive advantage libraries can deliver in terms of attracting students, retaining them and contributing to their success.”

Mr Cox says that a Nursing and Midwifery Library was built on to the current building in 2009, but this is not enough.

“The Hardiman Research Building, which adjoins the Main Library, opened in 2013. But as its name implies, this is a facility for researchers. Undergraduates have to make do with the James Hardiman Library.”

“Library and Buildings Office staff have made great efforts over the years to make the best of the building. The Ground Floor got a new carpet and lighting system last summer.”

“Such improvements are welcome, of course, but they don’t represent the major investment needed to provide a fundamentally different building for students to align with new approaches to learning.”

Despite the 2014 feasibility study, there has been no commitment to act upon it.

“This is in spite of ongoing advocacy and the clear inadequacy of the current building to meet student needs. We have fallen well behind what is on offer elsewhere, and our students should expect better,” adds Mr Cox. “There has been a surprising lack of student protest at the poor quality of the current library building. The pressure for change has not been strong from those who need it most, and the student voice needs to be heard effectively on this issue.”

“I and the Library staff would be delighted to work with the student body to discuss and communicate your needs and expectations.”

The Registrar and the NUI Galway Press Office were unavailable to comment at this time.

2 NEWS & F E AT U R ES

SIN Vol. 20 Issue 05

INSIDE

Irish universities launch Save our Spark campaign to highlight dire need for third level investment 4 “I don’t do advocacy, I do persuasion”: Mary Robinson discusses human rights at NUI Galway event 5 1 in 3 Galway students commuting to college this year 6 Over 400 students attend NUI Galway consent workshops this semester 7 FINAL YEAR DIARIES: commutes and chaos 8 Vótáil tromlaigh cháilithe i gcúrsaí cánach sa CE? 9 FUTURISTIC ORWELLIANISM: the time is now 10 Marijuana legalisation must be accompanied by education 11 Would tracking devices in student IDs be a great and innovative idea? 12 This is college, not secondary school! 12 God is a Leprechaun 13 STYLED BY THE SHOW: Riverdale 15 The ultimate guide to cruelty free make-up 16 LIVING HER BEST LIFE: Ariana Grande 17 Meet Galway blogger CiaraSwalsh 18 A guide to men’s makeup 19 TARDIS parks in Montgomery, Alabama 22 TOXIC MASCULINITY? No, just a toxic person 23 Jonah Hill is “Under Construction” like us all 24 “Just one more episode”: procrastination and how to get even less done 25 SPORTS OPINION: open letter to Joe Brolly 28 Four athletes Usain Bolt is following in the footsteps of by switching sport 29 Plans for Galway United centre of excellence in Athenry should be welcomed 30

EDITOR: Áine Kenny editor.sin@gmail.com LAYOUT: Shannon Reeves

By Áine Kenny It is hard to believe that the penultimate edition of SIN has landed. It seems like just yesterday I was putting the SIN team together! We have another amazing issue for you, with many writers working hard to get you the inside scoop.

Olivia Hanna reveals that NUI Galway’s infamous charity Christmas Day has been cancelled, much to everyone’s dismay. This is very reminiscent of when a certain event week was cancelled not that long ago…

In further NUI Galway news, our library has not received an upgrade in almost 20 years. This is quite shocking, especially when you compare our facilities to other Irish universities. Our librarian John Cox has said that we as students deserve better, and I was glad to be able to interview him for this edition.

Hopefully we can gather some support amongst students to encourage the university to invest in this vital service.

We have some great features in this issue, with the return of our Erasmus, Irish, first year and final year columnists. Niamh Kelly takes a look at how disproportionately white and Irish our primary school teachers are, and Fiona Lee interviews some students about the new music course NUI Galway has launched.

Our opinion section is as good as ever, with articles about cannabis legalisation, college uniforms and

editor.sin@gmail.com

Find us online:

www.sin.ie

Last but not least we have the faithful sports section. Gary writes an open letter to Joe Brolly’s recent article condemning MMA. Owen Kennedy profiles NUI Galway’s swimming, water polo and lifesaving club. Oisín Bradley writes an excellent article in light of Usain Bolt’s recent turn to soccer. He examines the sports stars that have tried their hand at a new sport, and measures their success. Darragh Burke also comments on the plans to open up a soccer centre of excellence in Athenry, and says it can only be a positive thing to invest in the nation’s youth.

As you can see, this issue is jampacked! Hopefully you can find time in between readings, studying and writing essays to sit down and enjoy SIN – you’ve earned it! And as always, if anyone needs to contact me, just send me an email or a message on Facebook.

Christmas Day at college bar cancelled

C @NuigSin

Photo: Joanna Kavanagh

NOT SO JOLLY HOLIDAY:

By Olivia Hanna

An bhfuil rud éigin le rá agat?

Cur litir chuig an Eagarthóir chuig

ID trackers, as well as online dating when you are newly single. I for one have essentially resorted to wearing a uniform to college, with my varying jumper and jeans combination.

I think by the time you are in final year, you just give up trying to put together nice outfits for college. Or is that just me?

Our fashion and lifestyle section is particularly pretty this week, with a great article by Catherine Taylor on how to emulate Cheryl Blossom from Riverdale’s style. Love or hate the cringey show, you can’t deny Cheryl is an icon! We also have our regular living her best life column, featuring the one and only Ariana Grande. Her resilience is admiring, as is her style. We also have articles about male makeup, Instagram versus reality, cruelty free beauty as well as an interview with local Galway blogger, Ciara Walsh. Her story about scoliosis highlights the dire need for change in our health system.

In our arts and entertainment section we have plenty of commentary and criticism. It’s thumbs up from Harry King for Jonah Hill’s honesty and vulnerability, and thumbs down for Rihanna refusing to perform at the superbowl. Graham views it as a lost opportunity to make a political statement in support of Colin Kaepernick. What do you think? Also featured is our regular reeling in the years (1970 for this edition) and our what’s on in Galway guide. So there’s no excuse to be bored!

HRISTMAS DAY, one of NUI Galway’s Students’ Union’s main charity events, will not be happening on campus this year, SIN has learned.

Students’ Union President Megan Reilly said that the traditional Christmas Day would not be continuing this year.

“No, we’re not going to have a Christmas day as how it looked in previous years.”

Reilly said that although university officials have prohibited Christmas Day activities at Sult, the Students’ Union is hoping to host a charity Christmas jumper competition at Electric on 29 November.

These plans are not official, but Megan is hopeful as she added that the university and the Students’ Union “recognize some need for a big on - campus event.”

On - campus celebrations may include a Christmas tree lighting and caroling, as Reilly said there should still be a sense of a “feel good Christmas.”

In recent years, Christmas day has become a contentious event.

It was cancelled by Maynooth University last year and almost didn’t happen at NUI Galway, if it weren’t for the hard work put in by the Students’ Union.

Last year’s event was hosted in Sult, but unlike in previous years attendees had to purchase tickets, of which there was a limited amount. Reilly shared that

“last year’s event turned out to be a bit of a flop, people didn’t go to Sult itself”, but many students still participated by heading to pubs and clubs in the city.

According to Reilly, the university would not allow Christmas day to go forward for multiple reasons: security was one concern, as was the high level of drinking. Another reason was that the area around Áras na Mac Léinn and Sult have become much more of a teaching area since the completion of the Human Biology building, and last year’s event caused disruptions.

Though Reilly recognizes that the cancellation of the event is a disappointment, she stressed “we want people to be safe.”

N UAC HT

November 06 2018

DEPUTY AND NEWS EDITORIAL

OPINION EDITORIAL

By Martha Brennan

By Tarryn McGuire

Welcome to issue five everyone! As the excitement of graduations and Halloween fades away, the dreaded exam season is nearing closer and I’m sure panic mode is switching on for a lot of us.

The days are shorter and the weather is colder, applications are due, and interviews are already being organised for some final years.

But with all the stress of November, the things we love about winter come too! Soon we’ll have the Christmas market, cosy nights in with hot chocolate and our much - needed time off.

But until then we have to get through this crazy time in college – and a lot has been happening in the news world to go along with it.

NUI Galway researchers have been extremely busy and we have great coverage about new findings on colon cancer treatment, the lack of diversity among primary school teachers in Ireland and a new project about disability law.

Mary Robinson also made a visit to the college last month and Aileen has some inside quotes from her discussion on human rights.

Cathriona delves into the life of the college commuter as well in this issue, after a survey showed that 1 in 3 students were commuting to college in Galway this year.

One of my favorite stories in Ireland this month is the fight that DCU’s Students’ Union is currently waging against the deportation of one of its students. If you haven’t heard about the protests yet I would urge anyone to read up on Shepherd’s story and sign the online petition.

We also have updates for you on everyone’s number one question of the month, Christmas Day. So cosy up and take a quick breather with our latest issue and as always – shoot us a message if you have any story ideas!

As the frosty winter air settles here in Galway, I expect you’re all gathering up plenty of copies of SIN to take home, whether it’s for a good read or to keep your fires roaring, both seem equally important to me. If you are here for a good read, then head on over to our opinion section because it is just amazing in this issue!

Safety is key for our students here at NUI Galway, but does this mean we should be coming up with better ways of tracking our students? Sinead discusses why tracking devices being placed in students’ IDs may not be the best idea (don’t worry, this isn’t actually going to happen)!

Taking a closer look at modern dating, one of our writers gives their view on it and what to expect when you’re newly single.

It’s coming up to Christmas now (is it too early to say this? Halloween has passed, I think it’s okay) and what do all the little kiddies across Ireland want? A mobile phone?

Surely not. Sadly, it’s true, and Rachel Garvey explains why she thinks the most a ten-year-old should own with regards to a mobile phone is a good old Nokia Flip-up. I couldn’t agree more.

How angry would you all be if school uniforms were introduced into college tomorrow? Well, there’s no need to worry because it isn’t going to happen anytime soon, take a look at why us students appreciate being able to dress how we like every day, and why school uniforms are better off remaining in primary and secondary schools.

FEATURES EDITORIAL

By Olivia Hanna Happy November everyone! It feels like the semester just started, but here we are in week nine. With each passing issue of SIN, the standard of the contributions has increased ten-fold and I hope you all have noticed. That means that we have an excellent issue for everyone to dive into.

As always, keep up with Aileen and Darren as they share their experiences as final and first years, respectively. Get the scoop on the Students’ Union’s chosen charities from Rachel Garvey to see where your money is going, and learn about the heartwarming efforts of the Christmas shoebox appeal from Fiona Lee. Lights, camera, and action for this issue’s society spotlight, featuring FilmSoc, written by Kaylen Blanchier. Last, but certainly not least, we have an amazing profile of Ciaran MacChonncarriage and his work on ‘People of Galway’ by Sinead Walsh, a project I’ve followed and loved learning more about.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue, and if you want to be featured alongside these great writers, please feel free to join the SIN Team on Facebook, or send me an email: features.sined@ gmail.com.

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ite cringey teen drama Riverdale. Finally, our editor brings you an interview with past NUI Galway student and up and coming blogger Ciara Walsh. Happy reading everyone!

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITORIAL

These are just a few of the thought - provoking themes that are explored throughout the arts and entertainment section in this issue. If you have any observations you want to delve into, any movie you want to review or any poetry you’re willing to share – feel free to get in touch with me at artsentertainment.sined@gmail. com. Happy reading!

SPORTS EDITORIAL

By Graham Gillespie

By Sarah Gill So, the clocks have gone back and suddenly we are living in Baltic conditions. Our noses are red, our hands are numb, and our teeth are chattering - but still we power through! With a pair of mittens, a steaming cup of tea in hand and a hot water bottle smuggled beneath all our layers, we brave the elements to make it on to campus.

To reward yourself for making the trek in the freezing cold, envelop yourself in the fluffiest of blankets, make yourself the richest of hot chocolates and submerge yourself in this newspaper!

In this issue, we dissect the latest in celebrity news and hold up a mirror to some of the more questionable issues.

Toxic masculinity or just a toxic person? Are fairytales perpetuating a damsel in distress complex? Is Rihanna’s solidarity with Colin Kaepernick a missed opportunity to make a political statement?

Hello and welcome to semester one’s penultimate issue of SIN. In this issue’s sports section we have Owen Kennedy speaking to the NUI Galway Swimming, Water Polo and Lifesaving club in the latest club spotlight. We also have an update on how NUI Galway Taekwondo got on in recent competition.

Also, in this issue, Darragh Burke writes about the proposed new soccer centre of excellence in Athenry, while Gary Elbert responds to Joe Brolly’s criticism of MMA. Meanwhile, in light of Usain Bolt having a crack at professional soccer, Oisín Bradley discusses some of the other athletes who have switched sports. Finally, Owen Kennedy also writes about Simon Zebo getting into trouble for celebrating in a recent Champions Cup game.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed so far this year and if anyone wants to get in touch with me contact sport.sined@gmail.com.

FASHION AND LIFESTYLE EDITORIAL

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By Molly Fitzpatrick Welcome to the latest issue of SIN! In the past few weeks women have really been shaking the internet, read all about how Lady Gaga’s power suit made headline news showing the true impact that fashion can have on the world.

Our own Roz Purcell has also got people talking, Veronica writes about how her candid Instagram post about body image and the pressure to appear perfect on Instagram got her thinking. The world of Instagram is changing with people opting to follow people just like them, rather than edited, filtered barbie dolls.

The makeup industry is also at a pinnacle point of change with men’s makeup hitting the shelves of many well - known beauty counters, read all about it in our guide to men’s makeup.

The industry is changing in more ways than one, customers are no longer okay with animal testing and are demanding cruelty free makeup. If you’re stuck on where to begin when looking for cruelty free products, look no further, Tarryn brings us the ultimate guide.

Make sure not to miss out on your dose of fashion inspiration with a ‘styled by the show’ inspired by everyone’s favour-

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4 NEWS & F E ATU R ES

SIN Vol. 20 Issue 05

Irish universities launch Save our Spark campaign to highlight dire need for third level investment By Áine Kenny Seven Irish universities have launched a ‘Save Our Spark’ campaign, urging the public to sign a petition to protect Ireland’s third level education system.

The Irish University Association, who are spearheading the campaign, warned that inaction could lead to a serious drop in quality or a shortfall in places for students in the future.

The campaign is aimed at encouraging the public to demand that the Government tackles the funding crisis in third level education.

State funding per third level student in Ireland, at €5000, is

The campaign was developed following more than two years of inaction after the publication of the Cassells Report, in which meaningful funding reform for higher education was recommended by a Government-appointed expert group.

#ItStopsNow campaign aims to end sexual violence on Irish college campuses

By Amy McMahon The National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) has partnered with Ending Sexual Harassment and Violence in Third Level Education (ESHTE) in a new campaign, #ItStopsNow. The campaign has come about as an answer to the growing problem of sexual violence and harassment faced by third - level students.

It calls for collective action to ensure the safety, equality and full participation of every student.

31 per cent of female students in Ireland have reported feeling harassed in their current educational institution, with one in four experiencing unwanted physical groping.

Research shows that women from marginalised groups are most at risk, particularly those living with disabilities or from migrant or ethnic minority communities.

Campaign co-ordinator Tara Brown stated that; “the highest risk factor in experiencing sexual violence is simply being a woman. In Europe, women and girls represent 8 out of 10 victims of sexual assault. This is particularly prevalent amongst women aged 18 – 25.” “#ItStopsNow builds on the momentum of movements like #MeToo by empowering students to lead change, by ending victim - blaming attitudes, believing and supporting survivors, challenging toxic behaviours, and understanding and ensuring genuine consent.” #ItStopsNow is informed by extensive research and student focus groups across four European countries.

The campaign showcases the experiences and perspectives of students on issues of sexual violence and gender inequality, ranging from incidents of rape, groping, stalking and catcalling to online harassment, secret filming, and the shar-

ing of private or unsolicited, explicit images.

Under - reporting of these issues remains a significant problem, with only three per cent of students reporting incidents to their institute or An Garda Síochána.

Director of NWCI Orla O’Connor said; “The #ItStopsNow campaign envisions a future where women students do not have to contend with sexual harassment and violence.”

“Working with all stakeholders and participants in third - level life, the campaign promotes meaningful institutional and cultural change.”

“This includes the development of policy frameworks which outline effective reporting and disclosure channels, offering positive support services, and providing ongoing training to ensure a long - term, progressive impact.”

This article was originally published in HotPress.

barely half of what it was a decade ago, and a fraction of what it is in other similar - sized European countries.

Budget 2019 provided a small funding increase, but it did not address the underlying gap in funding, according to the IUA. The campaign was developed following more than two years of inaction after the publication of the Cassells Report, in which meaningful funding reform for higher education was recommended by a Government - appointed expert group.

Jim Miley, Director General of the IUA said; “For the first time ever, all seven Irish universities are coming together to demand urgent action on the funding crisis, as we need substantial investment to accommodate the extra students that are expected to enter the system over the next decade.”

“Our universities are where the Irish spark burns brightest, and the key to protecting that spark is to secure better state funding. The Government simply can’t continue to ignore this crisis.”

“It’s time to take action now and we’re encouraging students, their parents and everyone with an interest in the future of the country to visit the Save Our Spark website, sign our petition and contact public representatives about the issue.”

Loran Farren, Director of Marketing and Communications at NUI Galway, said that there is a serious need for the Irish government to fund our univerisites.

“People mightn’t be aware that the European Universities Association has deemed Ireland’s University System to be one of three ‘Systems in Danger’ in Europe, and that State funding per University student has halved in a decade.”

“At NUI Galway, we have the highest percentage of students living away from home in Ireland, so the impact of the accommodation crisis is strongly felt by many in our community, who are dealing with rising rents alongside the payment of University fees.”

“This is a sectoral issue, and the IUA has joined with THEA (The Technological Higher Education Association), the USI, the Irish Federation of University Teachers and the Teachers Union of Ireland to jointly call for the government to address the issue of funding in higher education.”

“When it comes to government funding, there are a lot of areas looking for a share of limited resources. Our students are the next generation of innovators and they will make an impact on the economy and society, so investment in their education needs to be ­prioritised.”

“I think our University and Students’ Union Presidents put it really well in their recent Irish Times opinion piece on funding - if we don’t support students, how can we expect our society to flourish?”

For more information, please visit the Save Our Spark website at https://saveourspark.ie/

‘SAVE OUR SHEPHERD’: A DCU student’s fight against deportation

By Martha Brennan More than 13,000 people backed a campaign launched by Dublin City University’s Students’ Union after a second-year student in the university received a deportation order.

Shepherd Machaya, 32, has lived in Ireland for nine years and was offered a place in DCU last year as part of the University of Sanctuary scholarship program.

Earlier this month, Machaya, who has been living in a direct provision centre since he arrived in Dublin, was issued a deportation order to return to his native Zimbabwe by 21 October, after his application for asylum failed.

The Students’ Union created a petition following the news to try to push the Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan, to revoke the deportation order.

DCU Students’ Union announced on Friday 26 October that their agitation had been successful.

Machaya was granted an extended stay by the Department of Justice and Equality. This means the DCU student’s deportation order has been postponed until February 2019.

The DCU SU say they will continue to support Shepherd and campaign to ensure he is “afforded the same opportunities as us.” The Union also extended their sincerest thanks to all those involved in the campaign.

Machaya explained the political situation that led him to flee Zimbabwe in a video posted on the DCUSU Facebook page.

“Ireland to me has become my second home. This is the only place I know other than Zimbabwe,” he said. “My life is still in danger if I go back.”

The president of DCU’s Students’ Union, Vito Moloney Burke, said that Machaya proved he was a “model citizen” through his commitment to study and his willingness to contribute to society.

“We urge Minister Flanagan to prevent him from being forcibly returned to a place where he was tortured, and his best friend was murdered,” Burke stated.

Dublin City University’s President Prof Brian MacCraith has also joined in the calls to the Minister.

In a press statement, MacCraith said he was calling on Flanagan “to review Shepherd’s case with a view to allowing him to remain in Ireland in order that he may complete his course of studies at DCU.” The Union of Students in Ireland has backed the campaign with its president, Síona Cahill, stating; “Pulling any student from their studies is unjust, pulling a man from a country where he calls home only to be sent back to where he courageously left due to life threatening circumstances is barbaric and downright immoral.”

“The national student movement stands behind Shepherd and will be actively campaigning on his behalf alongside DCU Students’ Union to keep him in Ireland.”

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November 06 2018

“I don’t do advocacy, I do persuasion”: Mary Robinson discusses human rights at NUI Galway event

By Aileen O’Leary On 24 October NUI Galway hosted Dr Mary Robinson, former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and President of Ireland, for a discussion about the importance of human rights.

‘The Necessity of Advocacy’ event was organised by the Irish Centre for Human Rights and the School of Law - a university - based institution for the study and promotion of human rights and humanitarian law.

The director of the centre, Professor Siobhan Mullally, said that the event was held this year because “2018 marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the 50th anniversary of the civil rights movement.”

Dr Robinson joined a discussion panel on the night, which highlighted the need for advocacy in today’s climate.

The panel was chaired by High Court Judge Tony O’Connor and also included Dr Gearoid O’Cuinn and Gerry Liston of the Global Legal Action Network. Dr Maeve O’Rourke from the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and Justice

for Magdalenes group, NUI Galway Professor and Law Reform Commission member Donncha O’Connell, and NUI Galway Professors Niamh Reilly and Siobhan Mullally were also on the panel.

Key issues highlighted by the panel included family unity, refugee rights and legal and political change.

The message behind the discussion was the ‘politics of the possible’ and what could be achieved through advocacy.

Speaking on the night, Dr Robinson recalled how at a young age she took part actively in debates during her time at Trinity College, and how advocacy played a major role in her career.

“We needed to open up Irish society, we needed to remove the criminality of suicide and divorce,” she said on the night.

She spoke about her passion for these topics and how she wanted to tackle the issue of family planning early on in her career.

Dr Robinson spoke about how she received hate mail, was denounced in newspapers and defamed in churches because of her actions.

“I had opportunities as a law-

yer and a teacher to promote advocacy. My life changed when I was elected President,” she said.

She spoke passionately about her 1992 trip to Somalia, which was against the wishes of the government at the time, and a press conference in which she let her emotions overwhelm her, but it reached out to the world.

“I don’t do advocacy, I do persuasion,” she stated.

The panel also discussed how law and human rights can work together to encourage advocacy and how charities in Ireland cannot legally advocate for human rights under Irish Law. “We want to use the law as an instrument for change,” Global Legal Action Network Director Dr Gearoid O’Cuinn said on the night.

Dr Maeve O’Rourke, who announced that she would be joining NUI Galway next year as a lecturer, spoke about the need for “lawyers engaging collaboratively with human rights advocacy.”

The overall message from the panel was to encourage law students to engage in human rights advocacy and work collaboratively with human rights advocates.

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NUI Galway launches first ever music degree

By Fiona Lee This year NUI Galway accepted its first round of students who are undertaking a new Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music.

The new degree consists of a variety of music modules, such as music theory, sound technology, traditional Irish music, arts administration and management, harmony and many more.

An opportunity for work placement is offered in the third year of the course, as well as study abroad or a supervised project, which would lead to an end of year performance.

The students will be learning from leading professional musicians during their degree through masterclasses and concerts.

Music is studied along with another Arts subject.

Speaking at the launch of the course, Dr Aidan Thomson, newly appointed Senior Lecturer in Music at NUI Galway, said: “The new degree is ideal for students wanting a career in music.”

“It combines rigorous musical training with the chance to work with top musical professionals from a variety of fields.”

“I am confident that it will attract academically excellent students, for it has already done so: this year, the Leaving Certificate points for entry to the course were the highest for any Music degree in Ireland.”

The entry points for the first year of the course were 462.

Katie Feeney, a student in the new course, spoke to SIN about her experience with the course so far.

“The course is going really well. We have 26 students in our class so it’s a lot more personal than the big arts lectures that have hundreds of people in them.”

“The course is really enjoyable, we are studying music history, Irish traditional music, music theory and critical listening for this semester, and we start our performance module in semester two, which I’m very excited for.”

“I’ve always wanted to study music and I thought that the culture here would really compliment the course. There’s so much music all around Galway, I was so glad when I heard it was starting this year. I just think Galway is the perfect place to study music,” she said.

Dr Aidan Thomson spoke about the cultural importance of Galway as a musical hub.

“The timing of this new degree could not be better. Introducing music has the potential to make NUI Galway an important hub for musical performance, creation and thought.”

“It builds on Galway’s reputation as a centre for artistic excellence, as recognized in its City of Culture status in 2020.”

The new degree differs from other music courses on offer in University College Dublin, University of Limerick and University College Cork in terms of study and work placement opportunities.

The degree is also aligned with the requirements of the Irish Teaching Council, meaning that graduates will be equipped to take postgraduate teaching qualifications in Music at primary and secondary level.

The university is currently developing partnerships with the Galway Music Residency and Music for Galway and is building on existing expertise in Music in different disciplines within the institution to improve the new course further.

NUI Galway Research Project Celebrates the Lived Experience of Disabled People

By Stevie Buckley The Centre for Disability Law and Policy at NUI Galway has celebrated the completion and launch of its new project ‘The Voices of Individuals: Collectively Exploring Self-determination’ (VOICES).

It celebrated the achievement with an exhibition of its edited collection in the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission from 22-24 October.

Participants from eleven different countries spanning five continents co-operated to co-author a chapter in the edited collection called ‘Global Perspectives on Legal Capacity Reform: Our Voices, Our Stories’.

Rosaleen McDonagh of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission launched the collection on 24 October.

The principal investigator of the VOICES project and director of the Centre for Disability Law and policy, Eilionóir Flynn, said; “By publishing this edited collection, VOICES demonstrates that it is no longer acceptable for the law to silence disabled people and deny their personhood – and that those who have experienced rights violations are best placed to imagine

better and design a more equal, just and compassionate world.”

The VOICES project was funded by a European Research Council Starting Grant, which was awarded to Ms Flynn, who is the youngest person ever to receive the award.

In the book, the prominent Irish dementia advocate Helen Rochford Brennan reveals her experiences of travelling and the lack of services and support available for people with dementia in airports and other public settings.

She said that when she arrives at an airport there is often a wheelchair waiting for her. She has to explain that she doesn’t need the chair and that she does, in fact, require someone to help her navigate.

“I have to say, ‘look, I have Alzheimer’s.’ You feel like pulling out your dementia card. I had a business card made up that says on the back ‘I have Alzheimer’s disease. Please be patient with me’,” she said.

There is also a chapter written

by Claire Hendrick, one of the few people in Ireland to be discharged from being a Ward of Court.

She recounted her experience by saying that wardship is “a disgrace” and is “like mental torture.”

“They take away your power, your power to make your own decisions,” she said of the system.

Wardship is where a court decides whether a person is capable of managing their own property or not, and can appoint a committee to control the person’s assets.

Ms Hendrick is now under the care of family members and says she would have chosen that over being involuntarily made a Ward of Court.

Dermot Lowndes, from Dublin, is a self - advocate and also tells his story in the collection.

He shared his experience of getting legal advice and making inheritance decisions following the death of his mother.

He said that the legal system is bad for working class people and just as bad for people with disabilities, and that people think you don’t understand the law just because you have a disability.

“There is no legal advice for a person, or no private solicitor that can come and say, well, I’ll do this for the person with a disability, because they think because you have the disability, that you don’t understand the law,” Mr Lowndes said.

Further information on the project is available at www.ercvoices.com.

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6 N E WS & F E AT U R ES

SIN Vol. 20 Issue 05

1 in 3 Galway students commuting to college this year

By Cathriona M Coleman A recent survey published in the Connacht Tribune shows that 1 in 3 students are commuting to college in Galway.

The survey was carried out with students of NUI Galway and Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology.

According to the survey, roughly 31 per cent of students are commuting to college in Galway this year.

SIN spoke with a number of students following the results to gain a better insight in to the reality of commuting.

NUI Galway student Faye Mulvany, who commutes daily from over 40 minutes away, said; “The main issue with commuters would be accommodation prices. They are rising and it’s too expensive for people.”

“In first year, I spent roughly €5000 on accommodation, whereas commuting I spent only €1,500.”

“A new purpose - built accommodation would help a lot of students, but it depends on what the pricing would be because it’s too expensive for some.”

Paddy, a post - graduate student in NUI Galway, said with regards to more student accommodation: “it’s

quite expensive and only really a short - term solution to a long - term problem.”

He commutes on a daily basis for one hour each way. Often, this means getting up on cold, dark winters mornings to get an early train.

“You are waking up, it’s dark, you are getting up in the morning for 6am for class at 10am, often not getting home till 8pm in the evening.”

Paddy said that commuting had a huge impact mentally, which at times affected his ability to study.

He strongly emphasized that if students can avail of some sort of

accommodation that they “would be better off.”

There are a number of factors influencing the decision to commute, but most of the time it goes down to one issue only: the housing crisis.

Lorna Farren from NUI Galway’s press office said; “In relation to accommodation, work on the next phase of accommodation for a further 470 students is underway and is currently in the design phase.”

Megan Reilly, NUI Galway Students’ Union President said that the increasing numbers of students commuting is a concern.

“We would worry about the numbers of students who are being forced to commute from further distances, and how that might affect someone’s study and overall college experience.

Obviously it adds to congestion in the city, which is what myself and Aaron, the President of GMIT Students’ Union, presented to the city council, as we knew it would be a concern of theirs.”

“We would always advocate for an increase in adequate and affordable purpose built student accommodation so that no one has commute when they don’t want to.”

Christmas comes early to Galway – and is taken down the same week

By Martha Brennan Those who walked down Shop Street in the city centre a fortnight ago may have noticed Christmas coming early to Galway.

The annual Christmas lights were installed prematurely on 15 October, to the dismay of many members of the public – especially those involved with the famous Macnas Halloween parade.

Having the lights erected before the parade would cause a huge inconvenience to the performers, and the large floats would struggle to fit underneath the decorations.

Members of the public also felt having the seasonal decorations up would take away from the Halloween parade.

The early installation has been cited as a misunderstanding and the lights were taken down later in the week.

The city’s Christmas lights are organised by Galway businesses through the Galway City Business Association, whose engineering contractor had set to work early this year.

As soon as the lights were spotted by organisers from Macnas, the

Business Association were informed of the problem and the lights were taken down.

Galway City Mayor, Niall McNelis, told the Connacht Tribune news group last week that “Macnas contacted the GCBA because some of their floats wouldn’t go under the lights.”

“So, the engineer had to go around and take them all down. It was a waste of three or four days’ work.”

“They’ll still be able to use the wires and sockets he put up, but they’ll have to leave the main job until after Macnas,” the Mayor explained.

“The GCBA hadn’t realised the Macnas parade wouldn’t go under some of the lights. Sometimes the early bird doesn’t catch all the worms.”

“That’s the way it should be anyway. It’s way too early to be putting up the lights – it’s not fair to the kids.

Let’s get Halloween out of the way first,” he concluded.

The annual Macnas parade is the largest free Halloween event in Ireland, and largest annual event in the West of Ireland. Last year over 54,000 people lined the streets of Galway to view the spectacle.

Every year the parade celebrates a different theme, with this year’s parade titled ‘Out of the Wild Sky’.

“This year’s story celebrates the act of transformation being unleashed upon the city, changing into a world that is hypnotic and intoxicating, glittering, mysterious and filled with shadow and nobility,” said Macnas.

The parade took place at 5.30pm on Sunday 28 October, with the route beginning at NUI Galway’s Campus, where the Macnas group is located. It travelled through the city centre and finished up at Claddagh Quay.

NUI Galway study shows lack of diversity NUI Galway researchers make colon cancer treatment among Irish primary school teachers breakthrough

By Niamh Kelly

There is a serious lack of non - white, non - Irish, and non - religious teachers in Irish primary schools, a recent NUI Galway study has found.

The research was carried out by Dr Manuela Heinz and Dr Elaine Keane from the School of Education in NUI Galway, and is the first nationwide study of its kind carried out in Ireland.

In the study, Dr Heinz and Dr Keane found that 99 per cent of trainee teachers in Ireland identify as white Irish - this can be compared to figures from the Central Statistics Office which show that 82.2 per cent of Ireland’s population identify similarly.

The research also shows that 100 per cent of trainee primary school teachers in Ireland have either English or Irish as their first language.

It was also found that 90 per cent of trainee teachers identify as Roman Catholic and only five per cent identify as non - religious. The CSO shows that 78 per cent of Ireland’s population identify as Roman Catholic and 10 per cent identify as non - religious.

This perhaps alienates children who are not native to Ireland and who do not belong to a religious group, as they develop a fixed view of what a teacher looks like, and may doubt if they will ever have a chance at becoming a teacher themselves.

It may be a justified doubt because, as highlighted by Dr Heinz, students who are not native to Ireland and wish to be primary school teachers may struggle to get a pass mark in higher level Irish, which is an essential subject in Ireland to progress to a primary teaching degree.

In the study, Dr Heinz and Dr Keane found that 99 per cent of trainee teachers in Ireland identify as white Irish – as compared to 82.2 per cent of the population.

Dr Heinz said, “For many students who are refugees, have certain learning difficulties, or have come from abroad and did not speak English when they enrolled in school, the door to primary teaching is closed early, as they can be granted an exemption from the otherwise obligatory Irish instruction at school.”

“We need to look critically at Ireland’s teacher education and school system and explore possible barriers that may prevent individuals from

underrepresented/minority groups from considering teaching as a career,” Dr Heinz added.

“Such barriers may include hiring practices in schools, career guidance practices in schools, financial issues including programme fees, living costs, access to grants and other financial supports and the religious, mostly Catholic, ethos of Irish schools and primary teacher education institutions.”

A Trinity College Dublin conference that was held in May of this year pointed out that there are only 93 non - denominational primary schools available across Ireland, while 2800 primary school are denominational primary schools owned by the Catholic Church.

While religious orders still largely govern the Irish education system, there are some efforts being made to nudge Irish schools in the direction of secularisation, with new legislation being introduced next year to tackle the ‘baptism barrier’ in primary schools.

There are also four second - level schools to be opened in Drogheda, Wicklow, North Dublin, and Galway that will be under the patronage of Educate Together in 2019.

Dr Heinz says she hopes that the new research will push this further and “trigger more thinking about teacher demand and supply, and the characteristics and qualities we are looking for in teachers.”

By Olivia Hanna In conjunction with Queen’s University Belfast, NUI Galway researchers from the Regenerative Medicine Institute have discovered cell functions in colon cancer patients that can aid in treatment.

The research team, led by Dr Aideen Ryan, has found that an immune suppressing protein, PD-L1, which is found in tumour cells, can also be found in the normal stromal cells within the tumour.

PD–L1 ‘cloaks’ cells and tumours from the immune system, preventing the system from killing cancerous cells.

The team then found that anti- PD-L1 therapy prevented the ability of the tumour to grow and metastasize. This therapy will increase the effectiveness of anti – tumour T cells used in immunotherapy.

Dr Ryan said; “This study proposes a change in thinking. Until now, if we wanted to know whether a colon cancer patient was likely to respond to immunotherapy, we would look at their tumour cells. This study has shown us that instead of just looking at the tumour cells, we need to look at the environment surrounding the tumour as well.”

“Our findings address previous observations of positive anti-tumor responses to PD-1 immunotherapy in patients whose tumours have been deemed PD-L1 negative. Our findings provide a clear

motivation to assess stromal cell PD-L1 expression in order to better choose patients for immunotherapy.”

Colon cancer is one of the leading cancers in both men and women throughout Ireland. According to the Irish Cancer society, bowel cancer, which includes both the colon and rectum, is diagnosed an average of 2,775 times each year.

Dr Robert O’Connor, Head of Research at Irish Cancer Society commented on the study, saying; “This important study illustrates the extent of cutting - edge cancer research being undertaken by hugely talented scientists across Ireland.”

“The findings by Dr Ryan and her colleagues are significant because they may point the way to much needed new applications of immune - based treatments for bowel and possibly other forms of cancer.”

“Our future research will investigate the exact ways by which the colon cancer cells interact with and dictate the function of normal stroma within tumours to prevent recognition by immune cells,” Dr Ryan added.

“Understanding exactly how this happens may help to discover new ways in which we can prevent this, and enhance responses to new immune based therapy.”

The full study can found in the journal Cancer Immunology Research.

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November 06 2018

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How well do we know the People of Galway?

By Sinéad Walsh What are you most passionate about right now? For most of us, it’s a difficult question to answer. NUI Galway student Ciarán MacChoncarraige is posing difficult questions like this to the people on the streets of Galway, and uncovering the most heart - warming, hilarious and quirky responses.

by emotional and powerful excerpts of his conversations with Galway’s inhabitants. The subjects are as diverse as one can imagine; stories from young and old, male and female, natives, visitors and everyone else in between.

Ciarán is a final year Spanish and French student in NUI Galway and commenced his photography venture just six months ago when he picked up a camera

In the digital age of smartphones and social media, how many of us really take the time to get to know those around us? How many times have we been intrigued by someone but never truly made the effort to uncover their story?

Through the Instagram page of Galway’s captivating events guide, This Is Galway (@ thisisgalway), Ciarán has begun documenting the untold stories of artists, tourists, locals, buskers, shopkeepers and unsuspecting coffee - sippers. The movement is called #PeopleOfGalway, and it showcases the very depths of the city’s diversity.

‘People of Galway’ is a series of street portraits taken by Ciarán, accompanied

and everything fell into place.

“I felt like it was magic as soon as I picked up a camera,” Ciarán explains.

What once began with annoying his friends by constantly snapping their photo has blossomed into carefully poised and structured portraits that hold a magnitude of emotion, and paved the way for documenting the people of this unique city.

A Galway native himself, Ciarán exudes a deeply - rooted passion for showcasing Galway city and its people, for telling stories that wouldn’t otherwise be told, and doing something in Galway that hasn’t been done before.

Taking inspiration from the powerful ‘Humans of New York’ sensation, Ciarán cites Brandon Stanton as his muse.

Despite this, Ciarán has brought his own flair and personality to this project and after reading the powerful sentiments that accompany his portraits, one cannot but wonder how he has procured such intimate stories.

The aspiring photo journalist relays how his passion for street photography began while on an Erasmus in France, using his sister’s borrowed DSLR. What began with taking candid photos of his friends progressed into a miniseries called ‘The People of Nuance’, produced while on a weekend trip by taking street portraits of strangers and asking them their stories.

Ciarán admits; “it was a very primitive version of what [People of Galway] is.” Following his success collecting intimate stories from people on the streets of France, Ciarán was inspired to continue this back home. He considers this

the origin of his photography journey; “that was the beginning for me. I started in the deep-end.”

So, what is the secret to unravelling a stranger’s story? He explains that it was difficult in the beginning - traditionally, Irish people are not receptible to the prying questions of strangers. But Ciarán approaches people in a personal way, he asks for a chat and a photo and it all takes off from there. He explains that it isn’t quite as nerve - wrecking as it would seem. It’s simply about finding the right person and reaching out to them on a personal level.

Ciarán’s attitude is something many of us could learn from, considering the many people each of us pass by every day that we never have the courage to reach out to. “It’s incredible how many cool people you meet when you just put yourself out there,” he reminds us.

In the digital age of smartphones and social media, how many of us really take the time to get to know those around us?

How many times have we been intrigued by someone but never truly made the effort to uncover their story? How many of us are willing to breakdown the intangible barriers separating us from passers - by and establish a genuine human connection?

Ciarán MacChonarraige is taking steps towards breaking down these barriers; he is inviting us into the lives of the people we are too afraid to approach, and he is telling the stories that otherwise may not be told. This is the essence behind Ciarán’s project, and combined with the mastery of his street portraits, #PeopleOfGalway leaves a powerful impact.

So, what’s next for Ciarán? The aspiring photojournalist has many more creative ideas up his sleeve including exhibitions, new projects and photography workshops to hand down his valuable lessons to others. Just as he has invited us into each other’s lives through the project ‘People of Galway’, Ciarán would like to disassemble the traditional structure of galleries and exhibitions, and make his own work accessible to all.

Ciarán’s ambition and obsessive desire to improve signify that there is a lot more to come from this NUI Galway student – so watch this space. “I feel I have a lot more to offer the world in terms of documentary and photo journalism,” Ciarán acknowledges.

In the meantime, check out Ciarán’s posts on his Instagram @macchoncarraige and his Facebook page www.facebook.com/macchoncarraige.

Over 400 students attend NUI Galway Student’s Union consent workshops this semester Nominated Charities

By Julia Tereno Over 400 people attended sexual consent workshops held by NUI Galway this past September.

The Smart Consent programme, which runs the workshops, started in NUI Galway in 2015 and was created by the university’s psychology department.

Dr Siobhán O’ Higgins, Research Fellow in the School of Psychology, conducted research with her partners on the topic of sexual consent for six years before creating the programme.

They investigated alcohol and sexual behavior among third level students and used this information to create the workshops.

“How young people feel about sex is very different from what they think other people are feeling about sex,” Dr O’ Higgins told SIN this week.

The workshops explore what consent is by looking at different stories, asking the students attending if they think the characters in the stories gave consent, and then students are given some ideas on how they can make consent clearer.

Dr O’ Higgins said the programme gives students the opportunity to reflect and come up with their own conclusions.

“It’s about them coming up with something that they could actually work with,” she said.

The research group currently works with 10 different colleges around the country, training people to deliver the

Smart Consent workshops, and share their resources with other institutions to get the message across.

Dr O’ Higgins also said that consent needs to be more openly explored and schools should offer better sexual education; “to make sure that sex is not felt to be compulsory.”

“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do and it should be about a mutual, wonderful experience,” she said.

However, she pointed out that the educational system itself should improve, and the programme is working with numerous schools across Ireland also.

2018 is the first year that NUI Galway’s Students Union took the lead on implementing the workshops in the university.

Clare Austick, Vice President and Welfare and Equality Officer in the Students Union spoke to SIN following the workshops.

“I definitely believe there’s a lack of education and awareness around sexual health and consent in secondary schools, so it’s really important,” she said.

Austick also said that before the Students Union took the task to implement the workshops alongside the Smart Consent Program, not enough was being done to tackle the issue on campus.

Now that they have spoken to Students Services, they are hoping to make it a part of the Orientation Week next year.

Dr Siobhán O’ Higgins, Research Fellow in the School of Psychology, conducted research with her partners on the topic of sexual consent for six years before creating the programme. “How young people feel about sex is very different from what they think other people are feeling about sex,” Dr O’Higgins told SIN this week.

The workshops were aimed at first year students and were held at the Corrib Village and Goldcrest student accommodation complexes with an average of 20 people per session.

By Rachel Garvey Upon speaking with the Student’s Union Vice President/Welfare and Equality Officer Clare Austick, SIN was given an insight into how the decision was made concerning what charities to choose for the Union’s yearly fundraising campaigns.

The decision was made by the Executive Committee with each individual asked to look at all the applications of the different charities and to select their top five choices.

There were 20 charities displayed on the board for everyone to see, and a tick was to be placed beside the charity people wanted to vote on.

There were charities that had one tick, others had five ticks but anything below one was eliminated.

A vote was put to the remaining charities and Cope Galway and The Galway Rape Crisis Centre were voted to be the two chosen charities.

“Cope was a really good charity to choose,” Clare told SIN. “It was really great, especially with the accommodation crisis happening. The volunteers go out and give out hats and scarves to the homeless, and give information on where to find accommodation and give temporary accommodation.”

Cope works hard to support the homeless people here in Galway and, as Clare explained, it fit in so well with the comparison to the accommodation crisis.

“It’s self-explanatory, really [our choices],” Clare told SIN. “The Galway Rape Crisis Centre is a counselling service, either over the phone or a one on one meeting for victims of sexual assault, sexual abuse or rape victims. A 24-hour phone service is also on hand for anyone who needs a person to talk to”.

This is another charity that fits in well with what is going on in NUI Galway nowadays, for example the consent workshops. If anyone is dealing with any problems related to sexual assault or abuse, then the Galway Rape Crisis Centre is the place to go, or even anyone in the Student’s Union, they will listen to you and help resolve the issue. “We are really happy to have it as one of our charities this year,” added Clare.

“There has been no proper planning made yet for future charity fundraising events. The events for now are the SU Bake sale, Sex Toy Bingo for SHAG week, the usual,” Clare explained.

Volunteers are needed to help out with these charities and to raise money for them. The Student Union will make all students aware by email or on Facebook of when volunteers are needed at these events.

“The more the better, because not everyone is going to be able to volunteer on a certain day or time, so the more volunteers, the better,” concluded Clare.

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SIN Vol. 20 Issue 05

Final year diaries: First year diaries: commutes and chaos Striking that college/ life balance

By Aileen O’Leary Sundays, the dreariest of days if you’re returning to college. Sundays are for sleeping in late, and having dinner before starting the long commute back to college. For most of us, this commute can start anywhere between four pm and six pm, and can take between four and six hours.

Somewhere along the way you find yourself plugging in to music on the bus, train, or even if you’re getting a lift. It consists of shuffling in and out of buses and walking from town out to your accommodation, only to drop your bags and turn around and head for the shop.

Sundays are the longest day of my week. By nine o’clock Sunday night I’m exhausted, from the three - hour long bus ride, trudging through Dunne’s for food and trying my best to unpack. Mostly my bags sit in the corner of my room until I get sick of staring at them and decide it’s better to unpack them than live out of a suitcase for the rest of the week.

It almost feels like constantly shuffling between two places, home and my home away from home. It’s a rare time in your life when you’re both independent and co - dependent at the same time.

On one hand you’re living away

from home, making your own meals and doing shopping, but on the other hand you’re also relying on the bank of mam and dad. You bring your washing home every weekend and take up dinners your mam has ready and packed to go on Sunday before the bus. Nothing beats her Shepard’s pie.

Before you know it the week is over, you’re packing your bag, heading to your last lecture and then off to the bus or train or car and suddenly the distance doesn’t seem so far. Suddenly you realise you were never too far from home, and your two lives overlap. College is the only time in your adult life where you can have the best of both worlds.

Of course, there are those times when you’ve missed the bus, your train gets delayed, it takes you six hours to get home. It can be frustrating, and I know for

those out there working weekends it feels like you’re never home, you come back from college, go to work, come home, sleep, eat and leave again. That’s all part of the chaos that is college life.

The perfect balance between the two means making time for home and college. Maybe take a weekend off every now and then, spend it with your friends back home or your family. As for college, treat yourself to a night off, go to the cinema, go out for dinner, or even a shopping spree.

College is never easy, so take a break when you can.

To my fellow final years, congratulations on making it this far, the commutes and chaos have only begun.

Make sure to pick up a copy of the next issue of SIN which contains the next instalment in the final year diaries.

Photo by Melanie Brown on Unsplash

Quiet on set!

By Kaylen Blanchier This week, production officer Claudia Nussbaumer takes us behind the scenes of one of the biggest societies in NUI Galway: Film Soc. Cameras are rolling, cue to the society spotlight.

With more than 600 students signed up at this year’s Societies Day, Film Soc has grown more and more over the past five years, so much so as to become one of the most established societies on campus. So what’s their secret?

First and foremost, the society is led by a very passionate committee who meet up once a week to discuss the three activities that are held weekly, as well as special events. Secondly, “no, we’re not just watching movies,” Claudia reminds us.

On Tuesdays, Film Soc offers the best student deal ever on cinema tickets thanks to its partnership with the Pálás cinema.

By Darren Casserly It’s mad to think that this time next month we’ll have Christmas exams. It feels like only yesterday I was in the Baily Allen Hall listening to the President of the University address us. People told me before the start of the year that I better enjoy my time here because it flies by, and I have to say they were right, the last couple of months have gone by in a flash.

For many first years it will be the first time they’ve studied since the leaving cert, and for nearly everyone that leaves a few bad memories of trying to cram information before the exams. I assume for some people, including myself, it won’t be much different this time around.

I know that not everyone will take it that seriously since it’s only a percentage of your overall mark, but getting into a good study habit is important. Around

this time is when people start to skip lectures to try to get their work done, and sometimes you can’t blame people. The way some lectures are structured, there is no point in going to them, but saying that I don’t know many people who look back at missed lectures on BlackBoard.

I know that people will think that study week will be enough time to get everything done, it probably won’t be. It can become really difficult for some people to find time to study around now, with the constant stream of essays coming at us, you’d wonder when do they expect us to study at all.

I know from personally doing a BA Connect, some of the lecturers think that the only subject we’re doing is their one. I know I speak for many BA Connect students in that there is definitely more work involved than normal arts, doing near identical workloads for three arts subjects as

well as our connect subject can be a bit much for some people.

One of the most difficult things about first year is finding the college/life balance especially around this time, with so much work to do its easy for it to pile up and leave it till the last minute. One of the best ways I’ve found to strike a healthy college/life balance is don’t overdo it when you go out, because the next day is a complete waste. This can really impact the amount of time you have for working on your essays, and if you’re like me and you don’t deal well with deadlines, it can really be a killer. But, on the other hand college is about having fun as well.

Photo by Paul Schafer on Unsplash

You get to see the most recent films for the ridiculous price of three euro! On one condition: you must show up 15 minutes earlier to the cinema because there’s a limited number of reduced tickets.

The screening is then followed by a discussion for cinema enthusiasts who want to have a word about Blade Runner’s spectacular CGI or Christopher Nolan’s complicated storylines. On Wednesdays, it’s free pizza and a movie just like your typical Friday night, in the D’Arcy Thompson theatre at 7pm. The choice of movie is usually determined by the theme of the month, so welcome to moustache-themed ‘Movember’!

On Thursday, Claudia hosts practical and theoretical two hour workshops. During the first part of the session, the focus is on different aspects of moviemaking (cameras, screenwriting, editing, and more). The remainder of the session is a meeting for people who are anticipating their Hollywood debut, and they get to be part of the production for upcoming shootings.

Special events include table quizzes or other bigger events such as film festivals like OFFline that the crew are just back

from, and upcoming ADIFF. I asked Claudia if it was required or helpful to be doing Film Studies to join the society and her answer spoke for itself; “in our committee there’s only one person doing Film Studies!”

She couldn’t emphasize enough the feeling of community that is shared in this society. She joined Film Soc in the second semester of her first year when she had a high interest in film analysis and making movies herself, but couldn’t exercise her passion in her course.

She found exactly what she was looking for and started as an OCM. Here she is now, at the wheel, and praising the society that welcomed her a year ago: “It’s a nice way of looking behind the scenes and finding people who are like-minded, and you get a chance to watch movies without having to stream them!”

The team will be very happy to give you more information if you email them at filmsoc@socs.nuigalway.ie or check out NUIG Film Society on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

And that’s a wrap!

N UAC HT

November 06 2018

Vótáil tromlaigh cháilithe i gcúrsaí cánach sa CE?

le Quinton Beck Bail ó Dhia oraibh, a lucht léite dhílis. Seo hé an dara halt anois i sraith reatha ina leanfar polaitíocht na hEorpa agus ina bpléifear ábhar amháin suntais i gcoinne na coicíse.

Eisíodh an 23 Deireadh Fómhair 2018 Clár Oibre an Choimisiúin Eorpaigh don bhliain 2019. I measc na mbeartas agus na dtosaíochtaí polaitiúla eile a léiríodh sa Chlár Oibre nua seo, rinneadh tagairt do smaoineamh amháin a chuireas scéin ar Éireann: go mbeadh deireadh le riachtanas na haontoilíochta i gcúrsaí cánach sa Choimisiún.

Dóibh siúd nár chuala trácht ar an díospóireacht seo cheana, an fhadhb bhunúsach atá ann ná go ndéanann miontíortha beaga, ar nós na hÉireann, margaí éagothroma do chomhlachtaí móra ar leith. Tugann na tíortha sin deis do na comhlachtaí siúd a mbrabús

a sheoladh tríothusan seachas trí thíortha eile na hEorpa agus ráta cánach a d’íslíodh d’aon ghnó a íoc air. Trína leithéid de scéimeanna, éiríonn le tíortha le geilleagair gan tábhacht ceannárais agus príomhoifigí comhlachtaí móra a mhealladh chucu mar aon lena gcuid cánach.

Is í Éire an tír is mó cáil uirthi mar tearmann cánach in Eoraip le déanaí ón gcorraíl mhór a ghin cás Apple, an comhlacht iomráiteach Meiriceánach ar ordaigh an Coimisiún air os cionn €14 billiún a íoc i gcánacha do rialtas na hÉireann, bíodh is gur shéan rialtas na tíre seo nach raibh an t-airgead uaidh arís agus arís eile.

Is le seachtainí beaga anuas atá na comharthaí ann go bhfuil an Coimisiún ar son vótáil tromlaigh cháilithe i gcúrsaí cánach.

Labhair Jean-Claude Juncker, uachtarán an Choimisiúin Eorpaigh, faoin smaoineamh ina aitheasc ar Staid an Aontais i mí Mhéan Fómhair seo caite. Cháin sé Éire, chomh maith leis an mBeilg, an gCipir, an Ísiltír, Lucsamburg, Malta, agus an Ungáir mar tíortha atá comhpháirteach le comhlachtaí móra ilnáisiúnta san éagóir atá i bhfeidhm acu ar an ngnáthshaoránach Eorpach.

Ní uisce faoi thalamh atá i gceist anseo, áfach; rinne rialtas na hÉireann, mar sham-

pla, na margaí leatromacha seo a thairiscint agus a cheangal go hoscailte. Níl aon dlí ann i gcoinne na margaí seo i mBaile Átha Cliath ná sa Bhruiséal. Agus sin í an fhadhb ansin.

Ní achtófar aon dlí in éadan na margaí cánach a fhad is go mairfidh riachtanas na haontoilíochta i gcúrsaí cánach sa Choimisiún Eorpach. Más aontoilíocht atá de dhíth, beidh ceart crosta ag Éirinn agus ag na tíortha ciontacha eile go deo.

Bheadh sé sodhéanta dlíthe i gcoinne na margaí cánach a achtú dá mbeadh vótáil tromlaigh cháilithe i bhfeidhm. Sa chóras vótála siúd, ní gá ach 16 ballstát agus 65% de dhaonra an Aontais chun dlí a achtú.

Níl sna seacht dtír a dhéanas an saghas seo margaidh ach tuairim is 9% de dhaonra an Aontais.

Ach fós féin, is beag seans go n-éireoidh leis an dtogra. Eiseoidh oifig uachtarán an Choimisiún ‘scéala’ nó communiqué i dtosach na bliana seo chugainn agus ní móide go mbeidh an t-am lena phlé roimh olltoghchán na hEorpa. Fiú amháin dá bpléifí é, agus in ainneoin go bhfuil formhór mór thíortha agus shaoránaigh na hEorpa ar son an athruithe, ná coinnímis ár n-anáil istigh. Caithfear aontoilíocht a bheith ann chun fáil réidh le riachtanas na haontoilíochta!

Christmas Shoebox Appeal Changes the Lives of Children Globally

By Fiona Lee The Christmas Shoebox Appeal started with a few simple questions; how can we give children who have nothing of their own? How can we make them feel cared for in distressing conditions, and how can we help them celebrate a day of peace and giving? All the answers to these questions fit into a simple shoebox.

Peggy McGuire, a volunteer who has been involved in this project from the very beginning, told SIN the history and the makings of this appeal.

“At the very beginning, it started in Wales.

It goes back to the time in Romania when the children were in the cots. Tied in cots. Someone from Wales saw it on the television and this man said ‘we must do something about this’.”

“He was sitting down one day with his family and they were trying to decide what to do to give these children something for themselves. I think it was his son who said ‘put

it in a shoebox’. It was something so simple.

It’s amazing what you can get in a shoebox.”

The appeal follows the ‘four W’s’ rule when thinking of what to put in a shoebox.

“You always want to have a wow factor and not every box that comes in has enough in them. When we talk about the four W’s, we mean something to wear, something to wash, something to write, and there’s a wow factor.

A group of women meet in an old crèche in Barna to knit teddies. The volunteers really enjoy it.”

• Something to wear: wooly hats, scarves, underwear, socks, gloves.

• Something to wash: face cloths, a bar of soap, toothbrush, toothpaste.

• Something to write: copy book, pencils, rubbers, markers and crayons.

• Wow Factor: A toy, teddy, doll, ball or car, any kind of gift that will brighten up their day! Other recommended gifts are something like a tennis ball especially, or a yoyo, simple things that will provide immense entertainment.

Boxes can be incredibly cheap to make, but still be well made. Crayons and markers that were never really used litter most family houses and can be gathered together, copy books can be made pretty by being covered with festive

wrapping paper, teddies and toys can be bought in charity shops and you can find every hat and cloth under the sun in your local Penneys!

Peggy puts up a presentation in the Westside Library, showing examples of boxes and posters explaining where the boxes go worldwide. These countries include: Kosova, Romania, Belarus, Latvia, Ukraine, Albania, Kenya, Congo, Swaziland and many more.

“You can pick up leaflets there too, all the information is on them. How to do a box, what to put in a box, the age of the child, and €4 for posting and package. I remember one time there was a little girl and she was late coming with her box and a lady said she’d post it. It cost €13! People think €4 is a lot, but it’s not really.”

Peggy stresses the importance of volunteers in this organisation and what they do to help out. “Without the volunteers we wouldn’t be able to do this. I’m a volunteer all my life nearly, doing this. They’re out there every night from 7-10pm on the racecourse in Ballybrit. People come from work and they love doing it, they love helping out. Anyone is welcome to come out any time!”

“The schools are great support and it’s really good for the kids. Most of the schools I visited are all still doing them. They’re still interested! Some schools come out on a bus to help out in the warehouse too.”

This appeal not only brings joy and care to children who are disadvantaged, but has brought together communities both locally and globally to achieve a simple goal that changes lives.

For those looking to get involved in this lovely tradition, you can find out more information on teamhope.ie

7

GNÉ -ALTANNA

9

ERASMUS DIARIES

By Anne Rieger As I write this, Halloween is approaching in fast steps.

Now that all the midterms essays are done it is time to dress up as something funny, or just as something. When you read this column, Halloween is already over, but I still want to go into the difference between Halloween in Ireland and Germany.

After getting invited to a Halloween party I was curious about costumes and if I had to dress up. Where I come from we have two events a year where we dress up: Carnival and Halloween. Halloween is for all these spooky costumes, like vampires and witches, but it’s not really a big thing when you don’t dress up, and on carnival everything must be as colourful and as fun as possible. Those two events seem to be mashed together with Irish Halloween, and I’m confused. I thought I could get away with putting on some cat ears and drawing a little cat face on, but apparently my costume must be actually as good as my carnival costumes (I dressed up as a different Pokémon every year).

Another thing is that every society and every pub has their special Halloween event. Like a Halloween party, Halloween pumpkin carving or a Halloween lecture (yes, a lecture). Even the university has in that Halloween fever, and it is screening Frankenstein the day before Halloween as part of a whole Frankenstein themed week.

I mean, as Halloween is coming from Samhain, an Irish festival that used to mark the end of the harvest season, Ireland better be proud of their traditions.

(Even though I doubt that medieval and pre - medieval Celts dressed up as “sexy vampire” or “spooky pizza” – that is a thing, google it – for Samhain). It is the time of the year when the door between the underworld and our world is open, and we are closer to everything that is on “the other side.” As a Celtic civilisation student, I’d love to see Cú Chulainn coming back from the dead or listen to Colum Cille preach about Christianity.

After all, Halloween here is kind of fun. I love pumpkins and the smell of fancy dress makeup (the distinct smell of chemical particles in cheap lipstick) because brings me back to my childhood. I can’t wait to go out and see all these creatives costumes on Halloween night, even though I’m pretty sure that mine will be rather cheesy or uncreative. I am kind of stuck between deciding if a cereal killer would be a better option than a bread winner (get it – get it?).

10 O PI NIO N

Why I changed my mind about Irish

By Jason Sherlock I hated Irish at during my time in secondary; I always thought it was a useless, dead language. I would have said it was obsolete like Latin. I refused to learn it at school; I received so many teacher notes and detentions for refusing to engage with it.

One time I even met my GP to get him to write me a letter saying Irish was affecting my health dearly, and it would be best (with regards to my mental health) if I dropped it.

That didn’t work out, so I even took an official dyslexia test and cheated on it to make my score worse so I could drop Irish, but that didn’t work either.

I also brought my German homework into my Irish class to work on instead of Irish, because at the time I saw that as more beneficial to me. I was born in Ireland and I attended Primary school here, so there wasn’t a possibility of me dropping it. I also never heard it being spoken amongst my peers either so I thought, why bother?

My opinion of Irish changed when I left secondary. I started to realise that Irish is my language. I refused to accept that until recently. I started to wonder why most of us do not speak it, or even try to speak it. Why don’t we speak our mother tongue? Irish is ours.

It’s the one thing we can have, no matter what is taken from us. I realised Irish is a part of who I am, it is my identity.

It’s a shame that our language is declining after we got the bit of independence we have. Why is Irish continuing to decline, especially in the Gaeltachts? That’s a fundamental question for our government.

I decided I needed to find myself, and I found me through Gaeilge. I signed myself up for a diploma in Gaeilge and I’ve been attending evening courses in Aras na Gaeilge in the Acadamh since then.

I learned to love the language instead of hating it, and it has really worked for me. I’m a happier person than I was. Irish is fundamental to me as a person, and we should all speak it.

I’ve been inspired by the music videos on YouTube by TG Lurgan, they translate the most popular songs into Irish and sing them. I saw that Irish language is very much alive as so many people, older and younger than me, sang it. I felt ashamed that I neglected my identity for so long.

I recently graduated with a Dioplóma i nGaeilge on Friday 19 October. It filled me with such pride knowing I accomplished something. I hope my experience is a source of inspiration for others. We can all start learning Irish if we give it go. We can take it step by step, day by day. Irish is only dead in your life if you let it be. Keep it alive. Tá an Gaeilge beo!

SIN Vol. 20 Issue 05

Futuristic orwellianism: the time is now

By Gary Elbert The proposal that we are living in a computer simulation has almost scraped the surface of mainstream conceptions in our rapidly expanding technological world. Notable public figures such as Elon Musk have repeatedly articulated the notion, citing it as a realistic possibility.

Philosopher Philip Bostrom has explored the argument in detail, grounding it in a scientific futurist logic that is both compelling and solid. Bostrom has stated “it could be the case that the vast majority of minds like ours do not belong to the original race but rather to people simulated by the advanced descendants of an original race.”

Critics of the notion of free will may find this outlook attractive.

What are human beings but pleasure - seeking machines, whose quality of life is dependent on accessing satiety and reward? Our brains are purposefully evolved and selected to reward ourselves, regardless of the fundamental futility of many of the vices we pursue.

The biological necessity of consumption has exceeded its original evolutionary purpose so much so that obesity levels across the post industrial West are now at critical

levels. We cannot control our drives, that is abundantly clear.

Futuristic Orwellian constructs such as simulated reality make up much of the narratives of sci-fi series Black Mirror, and the show’s creators have announced that a future episode will be an interactive ‘viewer as actor’ scenario. The details are sketchy at this point, but the episode may represent the first primitive advance into virtual reality and usher in an era of increased interaction with audiences, eager to transcend the traditional passive role of the viewer.

Computer game giants have also attempted this concept of viewer/ player as active participant in narrative structure, to mixed results.

In the long run, the lines between reality and virtual identity seem destined to continually blur.

Some would argue this evolution interfaced identity is already in full maturational mode. How many of us harness an idealistic identity online, while failing to live up to our perfectionist digital curation in person?

Once upon a time the concept of self was interlinked with how other view us in physical and concrete interactions, but the rise of technological innovation has facilitated a third way of being, a new method of displaying ourselves free of fear

In China, a Black Mirror storyline is set to become a reality with the introduction of a social credit system which the government hopes to introduce fully by 2020. The aim will be to incentivise all citizens through social engineering, and to produce a utopian society straight out of 1984: free of deviance, crime, and anti-social individualism. and flatulence. The online identity is infinitely powerful with huge monetisation potential.

But such constructions and presentations of self are fraught with self - destructive potential. Witness the Australian woman Belle Gibson who claimed to be a brain cancer survivor until exposed as a fraud, but not before amassing millions of empathetic followers online who swallowed her redemptive hero narrative whole. Does it matter what we believe if we can coast on the pleasurable deindividuation of belief itself?

It has been speculated that Gibson suffers from ‘factitious disorder’ which is exacerbated by social media’s incessant demand and desire for attention and acceptance. The danger humanity faces centres on our belief in myths.

Rapidly advancing technology represents a new dangerous conjuncture in terms of human identity, and uncovers myriad potential fractions and subdivisions of how we view ourselves and how we think others view us.

The digital space may become the only space worth occupying, as new adaptations of the human brain begin to develop in response to new configurations of society and self.

Why walk to the grocery store and check on the elderly owner, when one can click online and remove the intermediary of verbal contact with irrelevant fellow occupiers of the physical world?

In the aftermath of suicidal tragedy, how often have you heard a phrase like “I was only talking to him/her on Facebook last week.”

The mooted episode of Black Mirror may just be the next step on the hierarchy of human - technology interaction, leading to future possibitlies of full immersion into digital reality as vast swathes of traditional labour modes are rendered obsolete by artificial intelligence.

Reality may become secondary to the removal of all dangers and the constant arousal of reward and pleasure pathways in the brain as humanity opts out of the rat race, and retreats further into technological oblivion.

In China, a Black Mirror storyline is set to become a reality with the introduction of a social credit system which the government hopes to introduce fully by 2020. The aim will be to incentivise all citizens through social engineering, and to produce a utopian society straight out of 1984: free of deviance, crime, and anti – social individualism.

The project represents the possibility of pacifying and controlling an entire population through exploitation of those reward pathways in our brain circuitry. This is Big Data meeting Big Brother in a dystopian surveillance system where human beings are becoming hackable entities.

Those on the bottom rung of the social credit ladder find themselves locked out of society, categorised as enemies and unable to access services such as travel and health.

Investigative journalists already have found themselves classified and marginalised. The penalty for non conformity in this Disneyland dystopia is social isolation and financial limitation.

Many respected philosophers have voiced concern about the potentially devastating implications for humanity if we continue our current path. China and America are currently embroiled in an A.I arms race, with climate change looming large and solutions underfunded.

We may not know if we are living in a simulation, but already humans are simulating new versions of reality and instigating technological based retreats from reality that do not bode well for future flourishing.

TUAIRIM

November 06 2018

11

Marijuana legalisation must be accompanied by education

By Gary Elbert The drugs legalisation process is fraught with problems. In Lisbon, marijuana’s decriminalised status is credited with reducing crime rates and gang related violence, yet on a recent stroll around the city I was pestered by shifty men offering me a laboratory of potent narcotics. They did this openly, with an apparent indifference from law enforcement. The walk lost its lustre, as one’s sense of safety appeared compromised. Open - air drug sales in tight urban environments does not allow a visiting tourist to remain relaxed.

Amsterdam is often touted as a successful concrete symbol of hashish legalisation. Its crime rates are stable, and it is a haven of tourism for hippies, hound dogs, and incels. A recent report from Colorado found a reduction in certain types of crime and alcohol use, coinciding with legalisation of marijuana. In terms of physical damage and violence, it is difficult to claim that legal availability of cannabis can increase such scourges on society.

So, what’s the problem then? Why not legalise it, and allow society to reconfigure itself around laid back vibes and communal living? The onset of widespread work automation may in fact necessitate the drugs legalisation. We are faced with huge swathes of society excluded from the digital age’s labour requirements. Marijuana can facilitate the gradual retreat of the human brain into virtual reality and submission to algorithmic gods.

The drug has long been adopted as a fashion accessory of the agitated left movement, a phenomenon that spilled out from the baby boomer Woodstock generation of the 1960’s. Many a self - respecting young socialist adorns their bedroom wall with a picture of Che Guevara aligned with a poster of a hash plant. Campaigning for its legalisation is a badge of honour for the type of activist who cites its criminalisation as evidence of a malevolent capitalist system, depriving humankind of this healthy, advantageous herb.

Recent campaigns in Ireland centre on the medicinal benefits of the plant, especially for young children with certain debilitating illnesses. When a parent passionately espouses the need for legalisation as a health and welfare issue for suffering children, it’s hard to advocate against consumer availability.

However, the scientific literature is polarised on the issue. Evidence exists of a correlation between marijuana usage in adolescence and a potential genetic predisposition to schizophrenia.

Should we legalise it and make it as easy to purchase as a box of teabags? Are we endangering the mental health of our teenagers in the process?

The mental health paradox adds a further cloudy dimension to our question here. With increasing incidents of anxiety and depression in Ireland, would marijuana worsen or ease our collective gloom? And what about the gradual retreat into self - imposed digital isolation? Would a drug, not noted for its ability to energise or motivate, speed

When a parent passionately espouses the need for legalisation as a health and welfare issue for suffering children, it’s hard to advocate against consumer availability. However, the scientific literature is polarised on the issue. Should we legalise it and make it as easy to purchase as a box of teabags? Are we endangering the mental health of our teenagers in the process? up these cocoons of digital fantasy our lives are on the precipice of becoming?

The drug appears to have medicinal value and trades off an image of ‘peace ‘n love’ communalism, but rigorous psychological research suggests a destructive effect on adolescent neuro - development. The pros and cons are of equal value and not easily dismissed.

I would argue that decriminalisation would overall be advantageous to society, provided the government are involved in the extraction and pharmaceutical production of an elite product available in various forms and of strength, potency, and ingestion.

This policy would remove the rebellious attraction of the drug, which charac-

terises its romantic allure to teenagers.

Strong policy measures, rigorous testing protocols and an educational press campaign outlining the drug’s positive and negative features would symbolise a mature, liberal and grown up society, striving to evolve from the divisive class riddled predicament that we currently occupy.

I didn’t know what a ‘selfie’ was at that age

By Rachel Garvey Nowadays, I see young little kids with their selfie sticks taking selfies and contorting their face into that god - awful duck face pose and I think to myself,

Photo by Hal Gatewood on Unsplash

why aren’t they out playing in the street? Look at the colourful leaves on the ground, why don’t they go over and throw them about the place instead of worrying about how they look in a selfie?

I grew up that way, playing outside

with friends and causing trouble the way kids do, but it’s a different generation today. A generation where technology clouds their vision, and if we were to take that technology away we would have the biggest tantrums ever on our hands.

I remember on my Communion day, I was given my first phone ever. It was a grey and white Nokia phone and it was a little bundle of joy. I didn’t care that it had no camera and I wasn’t even aware that the Internet existed! All I cared about was being able to play the snake game.

Do you remember the snake game?

The one where the more food the snake eats the longer it grows, and you must try not to direct the snake into any walls or its growing body? That was a fun game. Now, it’s all Fortnite and other online games that over - rule any game that was labelled fun years previous. There was also a sheer thrill from listening to the different ringtones and

calling someone when they were right beside me. No one cares about that anymore though, it’s all online shopping and posting the best Instagram pictures to see who’ll get the most likes.

Personally, I think the ideal age for a child to get a phone is the age of 10.

However, the type of phone should be a flip phone or the one with just the screen and buttons. I think children should earn their parents trust first before a more updated phone is bought.

The simple type of phones will teach the child to learn how to use a phone in times of an emergency, and to be grateful for what they have. Also, around that age they will be learning about the importance of the internet and social media safety in their schools. I don’t understand the whole concept of buying a state-of-the-art iPhone or Android and willingly give it to a child without creating some boundaries.

How is a child supposed to know what they can and cannot do online? I wasn’t

given my first touch screen until I was 14. I considered that a good age because I was aware of the dangers of social media and knew better than to post anything personal on whatever apps I was on. I was strictly forbidden to join Facebook until a certain age, so I was allowed start off small by joining Snapchat. I only used it for talking to my friends and the rest of my time was devoted to roaming the games on the Google PlayStore.

Every parent should explain the dangers of the online world to their child, especially when a new phone is involved.

There are predators at every corner and the importance of staying safe online should be emphasised to children today.

Technology is at every angle in society, with people on their laptops in cafes, people’s eyes glued to their phone screen and young children stressing over their low phone battery instead of playing outside in the fresh air. I didn’t know what a ‘selfie’ was at their age, and that doesn’t even bother me now.

12 O PI N IO N

SIN Vol. 20 Issue 05

Would tracking devices in student IDs be a great and innovative idea?

By Sinéad Whelan As technology progresses and the world adapts accordingly, it can be intimidating and occasionally feel like we have entered into an episode of Black Mirror. My immediate thought was that a tracking system for student IDs could help to deal with the issues Galway has with

so many students going missing on nights out.

We have already willingly given away our right to privacy by owning a mobile phone that we carry everywhere with us, and rarely put much thought into personal privacy when we absent - mindedly click the accept button on every website we visit, so why is this any different? If

a system like this was put in place in our university solely as a safety precaution, and students could choose whether or not they wanted an ID card with a tracking device in it, then I might be inclined to support it.

Students going missing has become a very common occurrence in Galway, and many people keep their student IDs on

them most of the time and use it as a form of ID for getting into bars or clubs. If it was possible to quickly locate them, even if they didn’t have their phone on them for some reason, it could make a difference and lower the number of missing persons.

I have personally been involved in searches for missing people, and technology like this

Photo by Jonas Svidras on Unsplash

could save people a lot of heartache as well as save on costs of professional search teams. However, if students were not allowed to opt in to this system, and it was used as a way to increase attendance, all the while costing students even more when they purchase their card for the first time or need replacements, the system seems a lot less necessary.

If a system like this was put in place in our university solely as a safety precaution, and students could choose whether or not they wanted an ID card with a tracking device in it, then I might be inclined to support it.

We need our student IDs just to access the library as well as other areas in the college and to sit our exams. Going to college without getting an ID would prove difficult, if not impossible, so more expensive tracking devices would be forced on every student.

When we buy a smart phone or share our location on Snapchat we make a conscious decision, it is our choice and we know we are handing over some of our right to privacy when we carry around something that could possibly eaves drop on us, as well as give our location to anyone who had the means to track it.

The key thing here though is the choice. As well as this, the future implications of this kind of system needs to be looked at, if it became a way to practically force people to attend college and became nothing more than a way for schools and colleges to make more money, then the educational facilities could become quite toxic and even more stress inducing that they already are.

Overall, it does not seem like a necessary breach of privacy, although it could be helpful. The possible downsides of a system like this outweighs the positives.

This is college, not secondary school!

By Rachel Garvey If the question of ‘should school uniforms be introduced into universities’ was put to you, what would be your answer? Say no, please say no. We are students who spend enough money on our accommodation, food and college text books, imagine having to spend another lump of money on a college uniform.

If anyone remembers primary school through secondary school and getting up every single morning to put on that ghastly outfit, then you’ll remember exactly why we are so glad we don’t have to wear uniforms nowadays. Do you remember the constant nagging anxiety to always keep it clean for fear that your Mam would give out holy hell to you if a stain got on it?

Do you remember the continuous pulling at your pathetic

little tie and unbuttoning the two top buttons in your school shirt because it felt uncomfortably tight? Or the worst one yet, everything had to be the same colour.

When I say everything had to be the same colour, I mean we had to wear the same colour socks. We weren’t allowed to wear the bright pink fluffy socks or the socks with the crazy designs on them, and it doesn’t matter if they were covered or not by the school pants that were way too long, but black or navy socks were only permitted. The wrong socks, shoes or clothes meant borrowing them from the school storage room or having our parents called in to replace the fluffy socks with normal black cotton socks. They are just pieces of cloth, it’s not like they will affect the way we learn or think. I do understand that

people represent their school when wearing the uniform and I respect that, but no uniform is perfect, so don’t try to make it perfect. If they make a big deal about socks, then what’s next?

Underwear?

As a college that supports all individual students, I think a school uniform would take away our identity. Students dress in their own specific and original way in order to express themselves and who they are. If we take that away and replace it with a uniform, then how will they show their identity?

As a college, our students all strive to have different styles to put a bit of colour and fun in the place, replace that with a uniform of the same colour for everyone and we would be walking around the college looking like one solid moving colour. No thank you! Imagine

Photo: Ray in Manila via Flickr tapping someone on the shoulder and saying “hey girl! Finally found you, ready for our fat night tonight?” and when the person turns around it’s the wrong person. At least if everyone was dressed in their own original clothes we would recognise them.

As a college, we don’t need uniforms. It won’t increase our attendance rates or the quality of our assignments and students will feel how everyone else feels, miserable at the thought of having the same identity as everyone else. We

will never need a school uniform, we show who we are by what we choose to wear every morning, not what we are permitted to wear. Plus, no student is in the mood for a lecture from their Mam on how to keep their uniform clean.

TUAIRIM

November 06 2018

13

God is a Leprechaun

By Katie O’Sullivan Who are this year’s candidates?

Joan Freeman on the wrong side of the abortion referendum.

Could we see Michael Healy-Rae seated in the oval office?

What about MacAleese, holding a bishop in a headlock?

Leonardo Di Caprio has been challenged by the Healey Raes’ to come out, run for office in Kerry, see how it plays out.

Higgins defends contesting second term ‘responding to requests to stand’, Forgets having ‘the book in his hand’.

Public engagements and travel arrangements When was Higgins ever asked a hard question?

Given that you repeatedly told voters in ‘11 that you’d only serve one term, aren’t you guilty sir, of wilfully deceiving the Irish people?

Cuinas a mhac.

Let the old man talk.

‘It’s not his fault he’s 77 years old’ Casey reasons, ‘Your expenses are outrageous’.

Jaysus, And the Travelers? It’ll make ya Blas-famous.

Casey accused of playing Trump card in Tipperary Considers withdrawing from the race, ‘American style black Advertisements’: Mickey’s delighted, ‘Because we do so much in the Arás, I don’t think we tell our story well’ Philosophy’s the key to stop the Infidel Castro – a ‘giant among global leaders’ Said he wasn’t aware of the torture and the killing.

God willing, the people of Ireland make the right decision.

Ni Riada, also hit out, said Palestine would be the first place she’d visit.

hate chubby babies and like the music of Maroon 5; Even if someone else could make it through the process of becoming president by climbing Mount Fire and out-riddling the wicked centaur who lives there or, alternatively, guessing Michael D’s real name!

‘People want to know who’s coming to the Arás?

Who’s visiting the Arás, where’s the President going?’

On being asked if he had met more people than his predecessors, Mr Higgins said he had but that he did it in more flexible ways; A little flexibility goes a long way in business.

However, there’s a sickness - some scowling, twisted, finger-pointing people who support the English soccer team and

What is the definition of blasphemy? ‘the action or offence of speaking sacrilegiously about God or sacred things’.

Don’t dare criticise Michael D Higgins, it would be ‘inappropriate’ to question him on his spiritual views.

‘I think he’s God or something’ If convicted of this offence, a person may be fined up to €25,000.

Is dating a thing of the past?

By Anonymous In my four years at college I’ve been in a few relationships. I was single for a majority of my first year and used apps like Tinder to find ‘Mr Right’.

I quickly learned that not everyone in college is looking for the same thing. I’ve had my fair share of hits and misses with Tinder, I only ever dated two guys that I met on that app.

I was sceptical of dating apps. I watch a lot of Criminal Minds and Law & Order SVU, so when I joined Tinder I was expecting the worst; I was ready

I learnt a lot about what I was looking for. Now, newly single I’m learning how to date again, and I honestly feel like a fish out of water.

My last relationship ended recently and coming from a slightly long - term relationship, being single is like learning who you are all over again. One of the first steps to getting back out there in this day and age is downloading Tinder or Bumble, or maybe you’re one of those hopeless romantics that think you’ll meet your match in a crowded room when they only have eyes for you. I was that naïve. Dating is never a smooth process, but I wouldn’t say romance is dead. While a majority of online dating is casual, it’s not impossible to turn casual into something substantial.

One flaw to the online dating scene; there’s a danger of knowing too much. With apps like Bumble linking your social media accounts, Spotify playlists, and requiring users to fill out information such as their drinking, smoking and exercise habits, you’ve already got a fair idea of the person you’ve just matched with. Before apps like these, getting to know someone took time; it took asking questions and learning these little details along the way.

The online dating scene isn’t the worst, but the days of a guy asking a girl out for coffee or dinner on campus may be long gone. When did online take over from real life? When did getting to know someone suddenly become too much?

Maybe you’re one of those hopeless romantics that think you’ll meet your match in a crowded room when they only have eyes for you. I was that naïve. to be catfished for some reason. The reality is this, most of the guys I’ve matched with are looking for something ‘casual’. Whether it’s a ‘friends with benefits’ situation, someone to hang out with or in some cases just a warm body for the night.

It is 2018 and in the spirit of equality these guys were very clear with their intentions, it may not have been what I was looking for but that’s the reality of dating in college. Having gone out with someone I met online, I’ll be the first to admit it is a weird concept to wrap your head around.

Meeting a complete stranger for the first time, you’re risking a lot but the potential for something more is worth risking it.

While things didn’t work out,

Sinn Fein Whatsapp group shut down after members mock Michael D Higgins calling him a ‘leprechaun who needs a booster seat’ Laughing emojis. ‘That’s gas,’ ‘They had to angle his mic downwards as it would be blocking his face’ Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin, said: ‘Liadh is kicking his ass right now.’

The Whatsapp group has since been shut down.

A homily at Windy Arbour critiqued the lack of Christian talk

Claims the crib was removed from Newbridge HQ, Spokesman declined to answer on the fate of the chaplain, If the crib was taken, and if there will be disciplinary action: ‘Get that man into a sauna and cook him like the little raw chicken rat that he is!’

Michael’s ‘secret’ house in Galway has nothing owed; He stands to get a tax windfall on No 2 Sylvan Road.

Michael D claims he’d have no hassle ‘staying in a tent’ Meanwhile Mum-of-nine lives in one with six kids in Cork though later, when asked why she had so many despite her circumstances, ‘a lot of trouble with the contraceptive coil’ is how she answers.

‘I have no shame in labelling Mickey D’ ‘Sellout midget parasite’ ‘They couldn’t give a s****’ ‘I’m looking forward to serving for the next seven years’ Vote Higgins number one.

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November 06 2018

By Catherine Taylor When the CW’s Riverdale first graced our Netflix recommendations in 2017, the show presented itself as a kooky alternative to the standard teen mystery - dramas that preceded it (we’re looking at you, Pretty Little Liars). Now in its third season, this melodramatic, sometimes cringe - inducing, ever - entertaining teen soap continues to shock viewers, and has made stars out of its previously unknown principal cast.

Arguably, the breakout star of

FAIS EAN

Riverdale is the talented Madelaine Petsch, who plays fiery redheaded cheerleader Cheryl Blossom. Adored by Riverdale fans for her scathingly witty one - liners (‘Is being the gay best friend still a thing?’) and her ever - optimistic attitude, Cheryl nonetheless has a darker, more complex side to her character, and her wardrobe reflects this. So buckle up, Vixens, because we’re about to show you how to emulate Cheryl’s enviable style, all on a student budget.

Perhaps the most prevalent feature of Cheryl’s style is her penchant for the colour red. Rarely seen without at least one clothing item in this bold hue, Cheryl’s love of red perfectly reflects her vivid personality. Historically, red has been the colour of choice for those seeking to emulate power and radiance, whilst simultaneously suggesting more sinister connotations: red is often used in film and television to foreshadow bloodshed and violence.

Red boots, €50 at Topshop Red top, €36 at Topshop Leather skirt €35 at River Island Varsity Jacket €254 at Tommy Hilfiger

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Red, much like Cheryl, is a colour of contradictions. On the surface Cheryl is calculating, fiery and ambitious. However, as the show’s seasons come and go, we discover an alternate side to Cheryl, what lies beneath her bubbly exterior. Add edge to any Cheryl - inspired outfit with one statement red piece: think bold coats or heeled boots in various shades of scarlet. Remember Cheryl’s iconic red cape coat? Obsessed.

As captain of her beloved cheerleading squad the River Vixens, Cheryl often incorporates preppy items into her wardrobe to best reflect her position as Queen Bee of Riverdale High. The Cher Horowitz of TV in 2018, Cheryl doesn’t shy away from patterns in her sartorial choices. Check skirts and coats are staples of her wardrobe, as are polka dot and star patterns. To achieve Cheryl’s preppy look, don’t be afraid to experiment! Pair a classic check skirt with a ruffle blouse for a look that’s equal parts flirty and feminine.

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Alternatively, a notable feature of Cheryl’s style is the edge that she brings to even her most feminine outfits. In earlier seasons this took the form of Cheryl’s iconic spider brooch, which adorned everything from maroon leather jackets to white high-neck blouses. Think spiders can only be a staple of your Halloween costume? Think again, as there are subtle ways to incorporate everyone’s favourite creepy-crawlies into your look. ASOS is currently selling a cute replica spider brooch for less than €5, allowing avid Cheryl fans (namely, us!) to channel their favourite River Vixen on a budget.

In terms of textures, Cheryl’s holy trinity consists of lace, leather and fur. These types of items are typical staples of the winter months, with fur coats remaining a permanent fixture on the high street for autumn/winter 2018. Channel Cheryl’s classic lace top and leather skirt outfit combination for a night out, or alternatively dress down your fur jacket with jeans and trainers for an outfit that’s sophisticated, yet not over the top.

Finally, in terms of makeup, Cheryl’s look may in fact be the easiest to replicate of all the Riverdale leading ladies. If there’s one makeup staple you’re sure to never see Ms Blossom without, it’s her signature red lip.

We’d recommend MAC’s classic Ruby Woo to nail this one. Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but don’t tell Cheryl that we’re trying to copy her. She may be in the mood for chaos!

16 FA SH IO N & L I F EST Y L E Roz Purcell shares her insecurities in powerful Instagram post about body image

SIN Vol. 20 Issue 05

The ultimate guide to

cruelty free make-up

By Veronica Murphy

By Tarryn McGuire

Scrolling, scrolling, scrolling: it’s addictive.

You know you could be doing much more productive things with your time, but you’re stuck. There are few who haven’t been sucked into Instagram’s deep, dark hole of gawking at the lives of those who seem to have it all.

The perfect face, the enviable body, the endless getaways to the other side of the globe. Instagram is all about projecting your best moments, best angles and best self to the world. We continue to follow the footsteps of these people, be it celebrities or those who just appear more fortunate than us. But how does this really make us feel? The constant comparing is mentally exhausting.

A few weeks ago, Irish model turned fitness/health guru Roz Purcell uploaded an image to Instagram that garnered quite a bit more attention than her usual posts of recipes from her Natural Born Feeder book, or photos of her flaunting her gym gear.

The series of shots show firstly the perfect picture, the “Instagram worthy” shot. Swipe left, and she shows us the ones deemed by society as not good enough. Unposed as she frolics on the beach. She looks less like her picture - perfect self, and more like any one of us.

Her caption promotes a powerful message to everyone out there who finds it difficult to separate real life from life online. She reiterates; “this is the highlight reel.” Sometimes we may forget the 50 other pictures that came before the perfect shot. We show our best angle, we get the best lighting possible and even then that doesn’t seem to be good enough.

We then resort to filters and editing apps like Facetune and VSCO. It may be hard to believe when looking at Roz that she too can have her insecurities. She admits to having struggled with body image for most of her life during her modelling years. Conscious of her dimples and rolls, she has learned to acquire a “f *** it” attitude that I think we could all do with taking on.

I myself have followed Roz on Instagram for quite a while now, something about her just felt like a breath of fresh air, she felt a lot more authentic and genuine compared to some of the others on the app.

Unlike many of the big stars with perfect bodies on Instagram who promote weight loss teas and supplements that do more harm than good, just to make themselves a few extra bob, Roz has written her own recipe book, full to the brim of simple and most importantly healthy meals.

Roz is a force to be reckoned with, not afraid to hit back at the body shamers and doing things a little differently. If your Instagram feed is making you feel bad about yourself, do your mental health a favour and declutter.

If scrolling through your feed only makes you feel bad about yourself, you’re doing Instagram wrong. We are all too wrapped up in the social media bubble, filtering not only our photos, but also our true selves to conform to society’s ideals.

Who said it’s hard to find cruelty free make up? With a little research it’s easy to find out which brands you want to support and spend your money on. Below are five cruelty free brands available to purchase in Ireland. Keep in mind, this is only a short list and there are hundreds of cruelty-free brands out there, you just have to know where to look!

E.L.F I’d be surprised if you hadn’t heard of this brand.

E.L.F cosmetics are known for their affordable but high - quality makeup products. I had never really seen much of E.L.F cosmetics here in Ireland until they were introduced into Penneys not so long ago.

There has been some confusion about E.L.F making and selling their products in China and whether their products are required by law to be tested on animals. In case you didn’t know, all imported cosmetics in Mainland China are required by law to be tested on animals. E.L.F have confirmed that although they do manufacture their products in China, they don’t sell them there because of their animal testing laws. The must tries are their highlighters, foundation and Prep and Hydrate Balm, which match up to high - end brands.

Kat Von D Kat Von D Beauty is a brand that really sticks out from all the others, Kat Von D herself is a tattoo artist that is well known for her support of veganism and her love of animals. A vegan herself, she has brought attention to animal rights issues. The brand has confirmed that their products are not tested on animals at any point during production, either by them or by a third party. In addition to this, the brand is not sold in mainland China and they’re also on PETA’s list of cruelty free brands.

If you are looking to invest in some amazing, high quality, cruelty free make-up, then Kat Von D should definitely be at the top of your list.

T he Body Shop

How can you not walk into this store when you’re passing it in town? I mean it looks gorgeous, it smells gorgeous and it even ensures the planet’s beautiful animals are protected. The Body Shop is a well - known cruelty free brand and accredited by Cruelty Free International. The Body Shop started campaigning to end animal testing in cosmetics, the first global cosmetics company to do so. In 2018 they reached 8 million signatures in their campaign with Cruelty Free International. They have now taken their petition to the United Nations to ban animal testing in cosmetics worldwide. From make-up, to fragrances to shampoo, the Body Shop has it all, while proving to the world that you don’t need to test on animals to produce amazing products!

Urban Decay Known for their unbeatable ‘All Nighter’ setting spray, Urban Decay is a cruelty free brand that is also committed to ending animal testing. The brand makes it very clear that they are cruelty free by announcing on their website that; “We do not test our products on animals, nor do we allow others to test on our behalf.” The Urban Decay brand is certified by PETA. Now, we can set our faces and hug boys in white shirts without leaving a print of our face on his chest, while also supporting a great cause, sounds like a win- win to me!

BH Cosmetics This brand has been making quite a name for itself lately, with the release of the Zodiac palette. This palette has such amazing pigmentation, especially the metallic shimmer shades that left YouTubers such as Tati Westbrook, @GlamLifeGuru lost for words. To top it all off, BH Cosmetics is indeed cruelty free, with vegan options. BH Cosmetics is certified by the Leaping Bunny, an internationally

recognized cruelty-free certification program.

I honestly don’t think this brand gets as much recognition as it should, it is an incredibly affordable brand that has a huge range of eyeshadow palettes to die for. Give them a go, they won’t disappoint.

In 2018 T he Body Shop reached 8 million signatures in their campaign with Cruelty Free International. T hey have now taken their petition to the United Nations to ban animal testing in cosmetics worldwide.

Left to right: E.L.F. Prep and Hydrate Balm; E.L.F. highlighters; Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray; and BH Cosmetics’ Zodiac Palette

November 06 2018

FAIS EAN

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Living g her best est life:

ArianaGrande

Recreating your favourite star’s boujie lifestyle on a budget!

By Amy McMahon Granted, Ariana Grande has not been living her best life in recent years. However, her resilient nature and continued positivity is something to celebrated. Through her break - up with Pete Davidson and ex - boyfriend Mac Miller’s passing, the singer has once again been faced with a challenging year.

Grande is a force to be reckoned with. It is clear she can over come anything thrown at her, with dignity and class. She is a terrific role model to her fans, inspiring us all to rise even when we fall.

In addition to her character, Grande’s style is something to be admired. Somehow, she makes an oversized jumper look amazing. She’s one of those stunning celebrities that could wear a bin bag one day and the world would go into frenzy copying her look. Luckily that hasn’t happened - just yet. Her signature look is much easier to replicate. Grande was snapped wearing her Sweetener merchandise combining casual with typical night out accessories. True fans will already own the merch, but if $60 is a little too pricey for one jumper, I have found dupes.

Pretty Little Thing are masters at recreating the Jenner -Kardashian must have pieces, but it appears the line has branched out with iconic Ariana Grande items. This oversized sweater dress is only €28 and identical to Grande’s original (shade stone), cute and cosy. Pair it with a diamond choker, €6, also from Pretty Little Thing.

To finish the look off, add in faux suede over - the - knee boots from Missguided, now in the sale for €25 - down from €61, a steal! Zara added a collection of transparent bags starting at €15.95, which make for the perfect merch dupes.

When it comes to copying Grande’s makeup look, less is more. Eyeliner, bronzer and a nude lipstick are the key products to use. Once you have those down, you’re good to go. Of course, you can find all three products on a budget from Boots. I recommend the Bourjois ‘Liner Feutre Slim Eyeliner’ to create the perfect cat eye, €9.49. Bourjois also make great bronzers, some even smell like chocolate. Try the ‘Paris Maxi Delight Bronzer’ for a golden look even in winter, €12.99. Lastly

my lipstick of choice is cheap and cheerful from Rimmel, €8.99. Their nude lipstick in the shade ‘700 Trendsetter’ rivals any matte Mac lippy, and is long lasting. Boojie on a budget tip: save some cash and check when the 3 for 2 offers are available in Boots.

Now time to walk the walk. We’ve all seen the amazing impressions the God Is A Woman singer can do on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

In turn, you and your friends could sign up for open mic in the college bar and showcase your hidden Celine Dion impression. Or for a more chill night in, binge - watch all the Harry Potter movies. Ariana Grande is a known Potter fan (she’s a Slytherin btw). Seeing as the complete set is coming to Netflix this month, it gives you the perfect opportunity to sit back, relax and release your inner Grande.

Finally, the easiest way to channel your inner icon: grab a coffee. The singer has posted many a selfie with a coffee in hand. During her Carpool Karaoke with James Corden, Grande revealed her Starbucks order to the world. In the episode she ordered an iced soy latte, grande obviously.

Next time you’re in need of a caffeine boost head over to the Starbucks in the Cairns building and order the Grande special. Your new pick me up sorted!

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18 FA SH I O N & L I F EST Y L E

SIN Vol. 20 Issue 05

Meet Galway blogger

CiaraSwalsh By Áine Kenny

NUI Galway alumnus Ciara Walsh is making waves on Instagram and in the blogosphere. Ciara studied the BA International with Psychology and Italian, and graduated one year ago.

SIN caught up with her to find out about her time spent in Italy, what being a blogger is really like and her battle with scoliosis.

When asked why she started blogging, Ciara says she always loved fashion. “From a young age, I remember collecting so many magazines because I wanted to see all the clothes in them. I also wanted to create my own magazine. But then the blogging world came, so I decided to make CiaraSwalsh!”

Ciara adds that while she loves blogging, it isn’t all fun and games. It can be quite hard to get a return from the online world.

“I think people who aren’t in the blogging industry don’t think it, but it’s so hard to make money. I’ve been blogging for three and a half years almost, and I’ve only had one proper paid sponsorship. I self - fund my blog.”

The Galway Instagram star also admits it is hard to switch off because her work is based online.

“I’m constantly on my phone. I’m always scrolling through Instagram for inspiration, or I’m editing pictures, which actually takes a while, or I’m organising my feed, checking emails, replying to people. The list is endless! So, I never really stop working on my blog.”

Ciara lived in Italy for two years, one for her Erasmus year and another when she was teaching English.

“I went on Erasmus in Bologna for one whole year in 2015/2016, and I lived in Catania, Sicily last year as I was teaching English in a secondary school. I hope to live in Rome in the future. I would call it my second home because my boyfriend is from there.”

Ciara has also been very vocal online about her experience with scoliosis. Scoliosis is a medical condition in which a person’s spine has a sideways curve, in a C or S shape. She believes it is important for her to talk about the condition.

“When I was younger, I never knew it was so common. I thought I was so different that I couldn’t tell people. I felt very isolated.”

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“So, knowing that it’s so common and people really need to watch out for it, I believe I can try help someone who has it too. Spreading awareness about my condition is something that needs to be done, some people never even heard of it, and they also need to be educated on its effects on the human body.

They could have it themselves and by catching it early, it’ll save your body from the severe deformity it’s capable of causing.”

“I’ve had two operations. One when I was fifteen, which was the main full spinal fusion and the second one was January 2017.”

“My first operation was impossible to get because of the horrid waiting lists in the public system.

I waited almost three years for mine whilst I curved. I was in hospital for 12 days when I did get it, and I had to learn how to walk again.”

“Your whole body changes when they straighten your spine. So, it was probably the lowest point for me, and for anyone who is just post - surgery.

While I was recovering I was trying to hide from my classmates that this was even going on.”

“My second operation was to remove two screws which were loose and making a bigger hole in my spine, causing terrible pain. That operation was easier to get, as I had to go private considering what happened last time on the public system. Hopefully I won’t have to get anymore operations!”

There are a lot of people still on waiting lists for spinal fusions, and Ciara thinks this should be addressed by the government, especially for those without medical insurance.

“As I said before, I waited years for mine, and if I had gotten my operation sooner I would have got-

Your whole body changes when

they straighten your spine. So, it was

probably the lowest point for me, and for anyone who is just post-surgery. ten a better correction. I’m still curved and always will be. Some people are waiting for years, and it’s actually so sad to see.”

“If it continues people won’t get good corrections and will continue to have problems. There isn’t a cure for scoliosis, if you’re severe you just get fused.

I remember crying over wondering when I would get an operation, as the pain is awful.”

“So, seeing how many people are on waiting lists honestly hurts. The waiting list need to be shortened, more operating theatres and wards need to be opened. I remember they closed a ward in Crumlin Children’s Hospital around the time of my operation. It’s just so sad. We need so much funding and staff to get the waiting lists shortened.”

Ciara also had some advice for people who want to start blogging.

“Two things: Honesty is the best policy, and, don’t do it for the ‘free’ stuff.”

“If you have a true passion for writing, photography, or sharing your opinions on things, I believe you should definitely go for it. Don’t buy followers or bots to get you more followers or likes, because people will see through it and you’ll lose your authenticity.”

“Always be nice to everyone you meet in public or online, even if you aren’t a fan of someone else’s work, always be nice.

You’ll be remembered for that. As well as that, for your Instagram if you want to get an eye - catching feed I’ll share a secret, get the app UNUM, it’ll help arrange your feed so you’ll always know that it’ll be looking good.”

“Last thing, as online is visual, put effort into your photography too. That’s something I’m constantly working on.”

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Ciara’s blog is www.­ciaraswalsh.com and her Instagram is ­CiaraSwalsh

FAIS EAN

November 06 2018

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19

The power of a power suit

By Sarah Gill “Today, I wear the pants.”

Lady Gaga has always been known for her deeply imaginative style. Whether it was her wearable art meat dress or her 10 - inch platform shoes, Gaga has always used fashion as a means of self - expression.

At Elle’s recent Women in Hollywood event, Gaga stripped everything back by wearing an oversized Marc

“...as a woman who was conditioned at a very young age to listen to what men told me to do, I decided today I wanted to take the power back.”

With each word Lady Gaga utters, swells of emotion and empowerment rise up

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inside the viewers.

Jacobs suit, a low bun and minimal makeup (by Gaga’s standards). The artist stunned the crowds of onlookers.

The thought process behind her outfit choice was explained in her deeply moving speech, during which Gaga spoke about mental health, being a survivor of sexual assault, and the importance of “work[ing] together to beckon the world towards kindness.”

After trying on ten of the finest dresses the world’s most famous designers had to offer, Gaga felt sick to her stomach at the notion that what she wore would be of more significance than her voice. When she tried on the suit, she knew who she was. Who she wants to be, and the message she wants to send, became abundantly clear to her.

“As a sexual assault survivor by someone in the entertainment industry, as a woman who is still not brave enough to say his name, as a woman who lives with chronic pain, as a woman who was conditioned at a very young age to listen to what men told me to do, I decided today I wanted to take the power back.”

With each word Lady Gaga utters, swells of emotion and empowerment rise up inside the viewers. The artist who had been broken down and left a shell of her former self at the hands of someone else has finally realised the truth of who she is. Nestled between the shoulder pads of an enormous suit, Lady Gaga bares her soul.

“We have the power to speak and be heard and fight back when we are

MEN’S MAKEUP

By Anastasia Burton Men using makeup and doing makeup tutorials on different social media platforms is no longer seen as a taboo, and is slowly but surely becoming accepted as ‘normal’ in today’s world. Our views are changing and it’s not out of the ordinary to see makeup as a unisex. The beauty industry is changing, becoming more inclusive, something once seen as a women’s industry is opening its arms to the opposite gender.

Male beauty influencers such as Jeffree Star, Manny MUA, James Charles, Wayne Goss, and PatrickStarrr among many others, are producing makeup tutorials which can be for both men and women, making their experience with makeup more diverse.

In South Korea, male idols wear makeup to freshen up their skin and look presentable for stage and everyday life activities, and it would be perfectly normal for them to do so. However, in the past, men wearing makeup would raise quite a few eyebrows and sometimes even lead to verbal abuse. It is a great relief that social media has made

an impact by exposing people to the fact that makeup is not just for women, men can enjoy it too.

There are now many world-famous brands such as Chanel, Tom Ford, and Clinique releasing “men’s” makeup.

But do men require special makeup?

Shouldn’t all makeup that is available for women also be used for men? Why do men have to pay higher prices and wait longer to receive makeup that would suit their skin tone and skin type?

When it comes to men’s makeup, the question of masculinity is often raised, does wearing cosmetics make you less masculine? Wearing makeup can be to hide blemishes and make one’s skin look more flawless, but it allows us to be creative in terms of our appearance, and why should creativity make a man less manly? Makeup is a form of art, so why should this art form be only for women to enjoy?

This is why it is wonderful to see that more male makeup gurus are popping up online and debunking the stereotype that only women can do makeup. Caring about one’s appear-

It is a great relief that social media has made an impact by exposing people to the fact that makeup is not just for women, men can enjoy it too. ance is a normal way for people to feel attractive and has been proven to boost confidence.

The beauty industry has always been targeted more towards females and now with the new wave of male makeup artists; they are beginning to become more inclusive with many brands using male models to promote

their makeup.

So I’d like to address the gentlemen and encourage them to flaunt their skills and to not to be afraid of judgment, the industry is changing and it’s for the better.

silenced,” proclaimed Gaga.

Visibly struggling to keep composure in the efforts of remaining measured, every word spoken by Gaga is loaded with meaning and consideration.

She beseeches the audience to “work together to heal one another … to try to find the strength in the best way [they] can … to ask for help if [they] need it.”

The sickening fact is that over 800,000 people die every year from suicide, and this echoed throughout the room and is, I’m sure, still ringing in the ears of everyone who watched her speech. Gaga and her mother seek to empower youth, inspire a kinder and braver world and have children learn about mental health and the importance of kindness from a young age through their Born This Way foundation. Gaga wants to see “mental health become a global priority”, which is a dream I am sure a lot of us share.

Lady Gaga is a true feminist, in every sense of the word. She asks that, not just as women, but as humans we raise our voices to achieve an equal standing for women, men and those with other identities. She asks that we realise that there are great men in the world that we should ask them to hold our hands, to work together for justice for all.

An inspiration, a beacon of empowerment, an icon. Bit by bit, Stefani Germanotta is being shown to the world, as the guise of Lady Gaga is gradually being pared back.

Coiste Gnó

2018-2019

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Vice President / Education Officer Leas Uachtarán / Oifigeach Oideachais

Eibhlín Seoighthe

President / Uachtarán

Vice-President / Welfare and Equality Officer Leas-Uachtarán / Oifigeach Leasa agus Comhionannais

su.president@nuigalway.ie 086 385 5502

su.welfare@nuigalway.ie 086 385 3659

Megan Reilly

su.education@nuigalway.ie 086 385 3658

Clare Austick

Oifigeach na Gaeilge

Mature Students’ Officer Oifigeach na Mac Léinn Lánfhásta

Postgraduate Taught Officer Oifigeach na nIarchéimithe Teagasctha

Postgraduate Research Officer Oifigeach na nIarchéimithe i mbun Taighde

su.gaeilge@nuigalway.ie 087 174 9570

su.maturestudents@nuigalway.ie 089 966 4053

su.pgtaught@nuigalway.ie 086 238 6183

su.pgresearch@nuigalway.ie 085 134 2748

Societies Chairperson Cathaoirleach na gCumann

Clubs Captain Captaen na gClubanna

SU Council Chairperson / Cathaoirleach na Comhairle do Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn

Convenor of the College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies / Tionólaí Choláiste na nDán, na nEolaíochtaí Sóisialta & an Léinn Cheiltigh

su.socs@nuigalway.ie 087 677 8449

su.clubs@nuigalway.ie 091 524 810

su.council@nuigalway.ie 085 176 2031

su.arts@nuigalway.ie 087 133 1473

Convenor of the College of Science Tionólaí Choláiste na hEolaíochta

Convenor of the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences / Tionólaí Choláiste an Leighis, an Altranais & na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte

Convenor of the College of Business, Public Policy & Law / Tionólaí Choláiste an Ghnó, an Bhearais Phoiblí agus an Dlí

Convenor of the College of Engineering & Informatics / Tionólaí Choláiste na hInnealtóireachta agus na Faisnéisíochta

su.science@nuigalway.ie 085 204 8786

su.medicine@nuigalway.ie 087 621 0216

su.business@nuigalway.ie 091 524 810

su.engineering@nuigalway.ie 089 223 7676

International Students Officer Oifigeach na Mac Léinn Idirnáisiúnta

Gender and LGBT+ Rights Officer Oifigeach um Chearta Inscne agus LADT+

Disability Rights Officer Oifigeach um Chearta Míchumais

Ethnic Minorities Officer Oifigeach na Mionlach Eitneach

su.international@nuigalway.ie 083 884 4332

su.lgbt@nuigalway.ie 085 816 3837

su.disability@nuigalway.ie 089 456 7106

Adhna Nic Dhonnchadha

Brandon Walsh

Ryan Guilfoyle

Scott Green

Daniel McFadden

Teil/Tel: Ríomhphost/Email:

Chuka Paul Oguekwe

+353 (0)91 493 570 studentsunion@nuigalway.ie

www.su.nuigalway.ie

Jibran Abbasi

Sabrina Vaughan

Liezel Ravenscroft

Alex Coughlan

Cameron Keighron

Clodagh McGivern

Muireann O’Sullivan

Rían McKeagney

Roshan George

Victoria Chihumura

su.ethnicminorities@nuigalway.ie 085 231 3107

Áras na Mac Léinn, NUI Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland. Áras na Mac Léinn, OÉ Gaillimh, Bóthar na hOllscoile, Gaillimh, Éire.

facebook.com/NUIGalwayStudentsUnion

twitter.com/NUIGSU

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22 A RT S & E NT E RTAIN M EN T Double 2018 Silver Achievement Awards at Flirt FM Two of Flirt FM’s radio shows, Trivia Matters and The Galway Gamer, have received a 2018 Silver Achievement Award from The Community Radio Forum of Ireland – CRAOL. Trivia Matters airs every Friday afternoon at 2pm on Flirt FM 101.3, and features a full hour of fun topics, witty chat and good music, with a panel of studio guests.

The Galway Gamer is broadcast on Thursdays at 2pm. Hosted by Eoghan Murphy, the show features gaming chiptunes and soundtracks, together with gaming news, trivia and interviews.

CRAOL judges described Trivia Matters as an “upbeat and lively programme, reflecting student life (and) shows the strong involvement of the station’s volunteers.”

The Galway Gamer was praised as a “great example how the social media could be used in producing an interesting programme on subjects rarely covered.”

Commenting on the award, Trivia

Matters Producer/Presenter Brian Currie said that the show is very much a team project. “The award reflects the efforts of all of the contributors involved, especially Stan Quarterman, Mairead Smith, Eva Burke and Barry Ryan.”

Topics on Trivia Matters vary dramatically and can range from a Galway student making a living by playing poker, to Pope Francis using the “F” word. The show also includes regular segments such as Pet Peeves, Words of Wisdom and a Royal Report.

The award - winning clip featured Trivia Matters’ guests modestly offering tips and suggestions to NUI Galway President Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh. You can listen to the clip at https:// audiomack.com/artist/brian-currie.

Musical treats on Eoghan Murphy’s show The Galway Gamer vary from 8 - bit love to full orchestra pieces.

Flirt FM Radio 101.3 is Galway’s student and alternative station, with studios at NUI Galway. You can listen live online at www.flirtfm.ie.

SIN Vol. 20 Issue 05

TARDIS parks in Montgomery, Alabama

By Stevie Buckley The lastest episode of Doctor Who travelled to 1950s America and told the story of Rosa Parks, whose work gave traction to the civil rights movement. There have been many positive reviews of this episode, with a friend of mine calling it one of their favourite episodes ever.

This was a moving episode which told a story we know in a way that we didn’t expect. This episode goes deep into racial segregation and violence in the 1950s United States. We see the pure disgust of the white people towards people who aren’t of their own race, including Ryan and Yas, companions of the Doctor. There are a number of scenes of discrimination in this episode against non - whites such as Ryan and Rosa, with both being subjected to racial violence at different points in this episode.

However, this episode also shows the danger that black people faced (and still face) from white supremacists, with one character in this episode set on making Rosa Parks not stay sitting on the bus. He tried everything from smashing in bus windscreens to blocking the road with a car in order to keep black people segregated and to keep black people ‘in their place’, as he would put it.

This episode is made especially poignant by the fact that it was co - written by Malorie Blackman, who is a famous black female writer. Black people and other non - white people know more than anyone else about this racial discrimination, so it was especially fitting. This gave it a perspective that no white person would be able to bring to such a story.

There has been acclaim for this episode, with every tweet and post I find saying only postive things. I think it was one of those episodes that you can’t help but love. People are praising it for telling the younger generations about the story

of Rosa Parks, as well as for not taking her agency away.

I think the best tweet I’ve seen is from David Tennant’s wife, who also happened to be a Doctor Who cast member. She says “My daughter hasn’t cried this much at #drwho since she watched her father turn into Prince Phillip. #rosaparks”, which gave me, as a fan of Doctor Who, a laugh.

Overall, this episode was a classic, which taught us all something about the past of the world we live in. The characters all added to the story and we got the ending that changed the world for the better.

Image: BBC

Are fairytales problematic?

By Áine Kenny

What’s on in Galway

By Sarah Gill Assignments, deadlines, exams and pressure are knocking down all our doors at this point in the year, and stress levels are at an all - time high. Taking up residence in the library until they kick you out is fast becoming a reality, but life is all about balance, isn’t it? Here are some ways to keep your head clear and let your hair down in between study sessions.

MACK FLEETWOOD AT MONROES

Are you among the hordes of disappointed Fleetwood Mac fans left without a ticket to their upcoming gig in the RDS? If so, here is the next best thing! On Friday 16 November Ireland’s premiere Fleetwood Mac tribute band will be taking to the stage of Monroes Live Venue.

DAZED AND CONFUSED AT PÁLÁS

Alright, alright, alright. The iconic cult favourite’s 25th anniversary

is being celebrated with a special screening at Pálás cinema on 10 November. This coming of age classic follows the shenanigans of a group of teens on their last day of school in 1976.

Recently, famous actress Kristen Bell said that she uses fairytales to teach her children about consent. She asks her kids about Snow White taking the poisoned apple without asking about the Queen’s intentions, and she teaches them how to say no. Are fairytales constructive in this way? Or are they problematic when we look at them through a modern lens, by perpetuating the damsel in distress trope?

Firstly, I think it is worth mentioning that fairytales have been incredibly sanitised by Disney. If you read the Brother Grimm (the clue is in the name) or some Hans Christian Andersen, you’ll quickly see

HOOLIE AT ELECTRIC

Every Thursday Hoolie churns out the very best tunes in Electric Garden & Theatre. A staple in every student’s itinerary and an ideal way to let your hair down! Get dressed up, round up your friends and dance away the stress of your college schedule.

DAYSHIFT AT TOWN HALL THEATRE

An evening at the theatre is the perfect way to unwind after a long stint in the reading room! On 6 November Darren Donohue’s Dayshift will be running in Town Hall Theatre. The play follows the adventures of Mr Day as he takes up a new position within a vast, complex organisation.

Image: Disney

that fairytales are more of a scare - tactic behavioral guide for children, rather than a concrete plot line with a happy ending.

For example, in the original Grimm’s Snow White, the evil queen meets a rather sinister end. She has to dance continuously, while wearing a pair of red - hot iron shoes, until she dies. This wouldn’t be out of place in a SAW film.

Perhaps even more disturbing is Andersen’s The Little Mermaid. Ariel doesn’t have to give up her voice (as problematic is that is anyway). Instead, she has to drink a potion, which makes her feel like he is waking on knives when she steps foot on land. And get this: the Prince doesn’t even marry her after all that! He goes off with someone else, and

the little mermaid throws herself into the ocean where she dissolves into sea foam… you can make your own inferences from that.

So, what we see here in effect isn’t merely the perpetuation of the damsel in distress trope, it is actually a moral tale. Fairytales of old instructed children to not speak to strangers, and to not trust love at first sight. They coupled this with a dollop of violence just to scare the children straight.

So, perhaps it isn’t fairytales themselves that are the issue, but rather the Disney machine? By removing the sticky ends of the fairytales, the moral of the story is completely lost, and they all live happily ever after. This sets up completely unrealistic expectations for children, who think that happiness is something that happens by chance, and not through forging mental resilience and getting through hard times.

That being said, Disney has taken a more critical approach to the fairytale in recent years. This can be seen through their very underrated Enchanted and Tangled films. In Enchanted, Giselle is given a good healthy dose of common sense, while Robert is given some positivity in return. In Tangled, they deal with issues of class when it comes to Flynn, and abusive parents when it comes to Rapunzel. By discussing these sensitive topics, Disney are reminding children that it is okay to be serious/silly, and how to cope with manipulative parents. All in all, that is quite a good ending to a fairytale!

C U LT ÚR

November 06 2018

7

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Reeling in the years, 1970: the iconic year that kicked off the ‘Me Decade’

By Sarah Gill In contrast to the heavily political 1960s, 1970 arrives, toning things down a notch. People are bettering themselves and shifting their focus to individual satisfaction. A quote

by President Kennedy; “ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country,” defined the previous decade.

But things are changing. The 1970s are all about expressing yourself.

1970 sees one of the most epic line - ups in music festival history. The Isle of Wight festival takes place from 26 - 31 August,

and is the last to take place on the island due to objections from the residents who were less than impressed with the influx of hippies and “freaks” descending on this retirement destination.

Headliners included Jimi Hendrix, Black Widow, Redbone, The Doors, The Who, Leonard Cohen and Kris Kristofferson. It was the ideal festival for those strapped for cash, as it’s venue was overlooked by a large hill that people stood on to watch the acts for free – you wouldn’t see it happening in this day and age, that’s for sure.

The Beatles release their final

album Let It Be in May. The month before, their break-up was publicly announced by Paul McCartney, following his decision to leave the band. Simon and Garfunkel are another act who release their final album together in 1970. Bridge Over Troubled Water, the album’s title track scooped up the Grammy title for Song of the Year also.

David Bowie releases the revolutionary album The Man Who Sold The World, making reference to his schizophrenia, paranoia and delusions. It was a step away from his acoustic, soft style in Space Oddity, released the

year before, and a step toward more heavy rock. Bowie becomes now, more than ever, a force to be reckoned with. His androgynous style and shifting genre add more fuel to the fire, leading Bowie to become one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

Two historic events take place on the streets of NYC. The first New York marathon and the first gay rights march take place months apart. This monumental moment for the LGBT community has since become a tradition celebrated annually, and is now known as the Pride Parade.

1970 also brings the untimely deaths of two iconic stars due to drug overdose – Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. It also, however, is the year that sees the survival of astronauts James Lovell, John Swigert and Fred Haise, occupants of the Apollo 13 spacecraft, against all odds. We’re talking about the mission to the moon that made the statement “Houston, we’ve had a problem” famous. Despite exploding oxygen tanks, loss of water and electricity, and having to reconfigure their course to earth, the crew crash - landed in the Pacific Ocean safely and soundly.

1970’s bestselling books include Erich Segal’s romance novel Love Story which sat on The New York Times’ bestselling list for 41 consecutive weeks and Ernest Hemingway’s Islands in the Stream, published posthumously.

People are also reading Mario Puzo’s The Godfather. Though published the year before, this masterpiece is here to stay, later to be adapted to a film franchise.

Kids play with Barbie dolls and Hot Wheels and the US and UK governments lowered the voting age from the age of 21 to 18. What an epic year to kick - off an epic decade.

TOXIC MASCULINITY? No, just a toxic person

By Gary Elbert Piers Morgan recently mocked a “demasculated James Bond” when tweeting a picture of alpha male icon Daniel Craig carrying his infant child with the assistance of a trendy postmodern man accessory, termed a papoose. Defender of male sensitivity Chris Evans hit back with a withering twitter reply which called out Morgan’s apparent “toxic masculinity.”

“You really have to be so uncertain of your own masculinity to concern yourself with how another man carries his child. Any man who wastes time quantifying masculinity is terrified on the inside,” wrote Evans.

Let’s try and unpack this all - round foolishness in a sensible and neutral manner.

F i r s t l y, P i e r s M o r g a n should not be taken seriously

as a broadcaster, journalist, or cultural commentator but apparently, he is, and he receives considerable financial support to voice his opinions.

Morgan, let’s not forget, was a central figure in a widespread phone tapping scandal at a British tabloid before re inventing himself in the role of token Brit on American talk shows.

No moral authority, nor respect, can be afforded to him.

His flagrant breach of journalism’s core ethical principles excludes him from worthwhile analysis.

His troll - like verbal Twitter vomit belongs to a subdivision of excruciating conservative tropism alongside Katie Hopkins. Morgan clings to a dying inflammatory style of journalism that is measured on amounts of outrage and attention garnered. Substance

and evidence of deep objective thinking are not required. The goal is to lasso in a few hundred thousand online lemmings with the attention spans of an army of houseflies.

Evan’s holier than thou reply can also be equally cast to the rubbish bin. Evans portrays himself as a new kind of sensitive feminist modern man, determined to put the shackles on figures of an ailing patriarchy such as Morgan.

Evan’s view is entirely subjective and does not warrant deep reflection. This concept of slapping individual stupidity with damning broad categorisations is foolish. We see this anti - intellectual approach poison almost all our political and ethical discourse, to the point where discourse and rationality itself is secondary to soundbite riddled point scoring.

Maybe its not a sign of toxic

masculinity, but rather a sign of Piers Morgan being an idiot.

Piers Morgan does not represent toxic masculinity, nor are his deliberately provocative attention seeking tweets representative of masculinity in general.

Does Kate Hopkins represent toxic femininity?

What Morgan represents however is a tired and formulaic brand of sensationalist journalism that needs permanent extinction.

Rather than scroll and react to these frivolous Twitter tiffs we should log out and engage in real interactions with noted writers and thinkers on such concepts, form our own views, steel manned by rigorous study, and gradually construct well scaffolded views.

But of course, that approach won’t garner any likes, tweets, or outrage.

24 A RT S & E NT E RTAIN M EN T

SIN Vol. 20 Issue 05

I see a little silhouetto Jonah Hill is “under construction” like us all of an Oscar

By Harry King

Image: Josh Jensen via Flickr

Recently Jonah Hill has teamed up with A24 films to produce a zine, entitled Inner Children. This is a companion piece to the new film Mid90s, which is Hill’s directing debut. In it, he talks to 12 people he respects and admires, from his ex - costar Michael Cera to his therapist Dr Phil Stutz.

During an interview he did on The Ellen Show, he shed light on his motivation to produce the free zine. In the past four years, he said he has come to the realisation and belief that everybody has a snapshot of themselves when they are young, a version of themselves that tries to hide from the world.

As a star of several ‘goofy comedies’, he said that everyone had their own opinion on what he should be and how they could speak to him. He talks about how he has only realised now the effect that has had on him. We now see a different Jonah Hill to his comedic 21 - year - old self when he first arrived on the scene.

This magazine is a way to help the reader realize their self - worth. Growing up is hard. Many people have a snapshot of themselves that they feel a certain way about. Growing up can be awkward and/or lonely for some, and Hill explains that you will always carry a bit of your youth with you. He has come to learn to love himself and urges us to do the same, to accept yourself and how imperfect the world is. Easier said than done of course, but a meaningful and beautiful message nonetheless.

Mid 90s has a theme of just wanting to belong.

On The Jimmy Fallon Show, which you might think would be a funny, light interview, was in fact full of emotion and open honesty on the part of Hill. He

recalls going to a great acting school and learning from the best. He was taught that you only get one chance to make a first film.

“All these people, their first film really came from the heart and it meant something to them, and for me I waited till I had something to say and Mid90s is my heart.” As he looks like he is beginning to hold back tears one can’t help but be awestruck with admiration for him. The courage it takes to come out and say how he really feels about the way he has been treated is phenomenal.

All the interviews that are conducted in the zine have the same central theme of “what is that snapshot for you?” In his movie, he covers everything from the toxic masculine culture he found himself in when he was younger, to sexuality and loneliness.

His aim is to present a pallet of these issues and let the audience judge them.

As Ellen compliments him: “I am glad you love yourself”, he smiles and replies “I’m under construction like we all are.”

By Kaylen Blanchier It was a sold-out Wembley. One night later, it was a full house here in Galway. The long - awaited Bohemian Rhapsody premiere brought Queen and Freddie Mercury fans from all generations together for the night, all leaving the cinema shyly humming Don’t Stop Me Now. It isn’t the story of the band, of Mercury’s sexuality or a historical insight on the Aids epidemic in the 1980s. A documentary will show you that. Of course, the film couldn’t silence these milestones either, but the choice was to pay tribute to this artist, for his personal life shouldn’t have had anything to do with the music he and his band created.

The band, Freddie’s sister and other close acquaintances of the singer supervised the shooting, which perhaps took away the apprehension of a glamourised biopic and promised a more trustworthy biography. In this regard, the film was a success. However…

Bohemian Rhapsody is not a masterpiece. The critics are harsh but unfortunately honest. It feels like

there are missing pieces to the singer’s life, which leave unfilled gaps in the storyline because of necessary editing choices. Besides, the behind the scenes of a grimy music industry is very stereotypically depicted.

While the film probably won’t be nominated for ‘Best film’, no time for losers; its star student and very own killer queen Rami Malek will most likely not only be nominated but awarded ‘best actor’ at next year’s 91st Oscars.

Malek has mentioned in many interviews the amount of preparation and rehearsals required for such a role, and his hard work and dedication are indisputably convincing throughout the film. Cheeky and sassy, yet so vulnerable and fragile, Malek portrays Freddie with an exceptional sincerity that sparks countless moments of laughter because of the unique character that was Freddie Mercury. Some very emotional, heartwarming and endearing scenes were made possible through the lead actor’s extraordinary performance.

The meticulous replica of the Wembley Live Aid concert from 1985, the grand finale of the film (which actually wasn’t even shot at the stadium) blew me away! Details are so carefully featured that if you blinked you could miss a young U2 exiting the Live Aid stage. Who could have imagined that 33 years later in that same stadium, fans would sell out the premiere of Mercury’s life story?

Costume designers, make - up artists, casting directors, production designers and choreographers are the unspoken heroes who are responsible for the authenticity of the film and without who Rami could never have become Freddie.

Freddie Mercury refashioned the musical stage and in turn, Rami Malek is humbly setting the bar higher for the Hollywood scene. Someone once said that the show must go on, and Rami Malek made very well sure it did.

Rihanna misses out on huge opportunity to continue Kaepernick’s protest

By Graham Gillespie

Photo: celebrityabc via Flickr

It’s one of the most iconic images in Olympic history. Mexico City, 16 October, 1968. Two African American athletes, Tommie Smith and Juan Carlos, stand on the first and third steps of the 200 – metre sprint podium, Smith wearing a black scarf to represent black pride, Carlos with his tracksuit unzipped for America’s blue-collar workers and wearing a necklace to commemorate those that had died in lynchings. Both men had no shoes, only black socks to symbolise black poverty. Crucially, both also had their heads bowed and a black gloved fist raised in the instantly recognisable Black Power salute.

Fifty years on from that famous protest, perhaps the preeminent successor to Smith and Carlos in terms of civil rights protest by athletes is Colin Kaepernick. The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback has not played in the NFL since 2016 because of his kneeling protest during the national anthem before games.

Despite what much of the US right - wing would tell you, Kaepernick doesn’t have an issue with the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ itself, but is instead protesting social injustices such as black oppression and police brutality. Kaepernick is also currently in the middle of lawsuit against NFL owners who he claimed have colluded against him to prevent him returning to the league.

This long preamble finally brings us to Rihanna, who was recently asked by the NFL to perform the

2019 Superbowl halftime show in Atlanta. In protest of the NFL’s treatment of Kaepernick, the artist declined the offer. Maroon 5 have now taken the Barbados singer’s place.

Rihanna’s intentions seem genuine and she is completely within her rights to protest however she pleases. However, it must be asked: has she missed a massive opportunity to continue Kaepernick’s protest on one of the biggest platforms?

Smith and Carlos’ protest is still remembered today, as the two men used the one time they knew the eyes of the World would be on them to make a statement. Rihanna would have a similar platform at the Superbowl, a platform that she will never have again.

Despite claims of reduced popularity, the NFL in general and Superbowl in particular are still by far the most watched TV programmes in America every year. In fact, the nine most recent Superbowls since 2010 are all in the top ten most watched TV programmes of all time in America, with 103.4 million having watched the 2018 edition. That’s nearly 70 million more than how many watched Donald Trump’s inauguration.

Given Rihanna’s awareness of the Kaepernick situation, perhaps she could have used the Superbowl half - time show to display solidarity with Kaepernick. Naturally, she could not tell the halftime organisers about her protest, but given that all she would have to do was kneel to get the message across, this wouldn’t have been hard.

Photo: Mike Morbeck via Flickr It is also true that if Rihanna did this, it would possibly have the side effect of boosting the NFL’s ratings. It must be remembered that despite Kaepernick’s lawsuit, the NFL are not the real enemy here.

As Kaepernick said in 2016 to NFL reporter Steve Wyche, “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way.

There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

The purpose of Kaepernick’s protest in many ways has been forgotten. If Rihanna did kneel during her performance, there would have been an opportunity to reignite debate about social injustices which is what Kaepernick wanted in the first place.

Boycotts are a valid form of protest, but they usually don’t generate an unforgettable “I remember where I was when…” moment. Just like Tommie Smith and Juan Carlos’ salute fifty years ago this month, if Rihanna had taken a knee at the Superbowl it would have been a moment that few people would have forgotten.

C U LT ÚR

November 06 2018

7

SIAMSAÍO CHT

25

“JUST ONE MORE EPISODE”: procrastination and how to get even less done

My favourite podcast of all time and one I’ve been trying (unsuccessfully) to get my friends to listen to for years. The Magnus Archives’ last archivist died under mysterious circumstances and now Jonathan Simms must step in to record and investigate all the cases brought into the archive, but will he discover what happened to his predecessor? Each episode is a self - contained story read aloud by the head - archivist, but connections start to appear, and an overarching story line begins to emerge from the fantastically written ‘statements.’ With 120 episodes at 30 minutes each, and a new episode each week, there’s a lot

Girl Boss A ‘loose, real loose’ retelling of the beginnings of brand Nasty Gal. After finding a motorcycle jacket for $9 and selling it for $600, Sofia Marlowe sets up her own vintage clothing eBay store in the dark years of the mid noughties. The show has received mixed reviews from critics, but I would take the series with a pinch of salt – it’s a light - hearted and thoroughly entertaining show that’s not try-

Sally Grissom is a government scientist with more secrets than you’d think. She’s an accidental time traveller who’s ended up in 1943 with no feasible way home. In the middle of a war and a veritable boy’s club of scientists, Sally settles in to take the long way home, but her top secret work on time travel and the addition of a time travelling bullet, will the future be the same one she left behind? This podcast is both for fans of sci - fi and for people who think they don’t like the genre.

Although set in a world of science fiction, Ars Paradoxica focuses on its diverse and growing list of characters who span decades and in one case, live outside of time entirely itself. Full of humour but with a great script to keep you enthralled, this is a great podcast for people who are new to the platform.

So, there’s a lot to divide your attention! Or, you know, you could just clean your room.

FFS

CREATIVE CORNER

By Xavier Ruiz

You are not alone

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only “You” but “You are not alone”. This creates a paradox between the solitude of the word “You” and the rest of the poem stating that you are not t le Cárta t le Cárta alone as “You” is followed by three more words. scin scin C C iri iri Furthermore, it should be noticed that there is no full stop at the end, entrapping your existence to three words or people. The words “in this world” could be added, or even an entire stanza,i ror ir C i s c page C isc int le Cárta int le Cárta or book. This only depends on “You”.

In terms of aesthetics, the poem plays with what it is showing and what it is stating. Regardless of “You” not being alone, it stands within a nt le Cárta nt le Cárta sci sci C small group of words which, as they arer iprinted, C ri are alone in a box or universe. It should be appreciated that the font is a standard Calibri (Body) SU CARD OFFER size 11. This signifies that “You” and its group are ri C ri sc regular people: black, white, brown, yellow, s c green, t a C int le Cárta int le Cár blue; tall, short, average size; bald, blonde, brunt le Cárta nette; two - legged, one - legged, disabled, three sci C ri - legged; blind, deaf, mute… any adjective you can add to a person, but all of them regular people.

SU CARD O FFER This poem might come across as a simple selection of four words in order to create a pun. ri C sc int le Cárta However, it goes beyond this. It tries to help “You” identify your position in the universe and in society, letting you know that there is room for more people to make you feel less alone, no matter how big the universe is. This overlaps with the aesthetics of the poem as regular size words and people are small when compared to the size of the universe or even the world. However, there is room for expansion, as the rest of the page can be overwritten.

Ta

i

According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the word universe derives from the Latin word Universum, meaning “all things, everybody, the whole world.” However, literally, it means turned into one, from the word Onus (One, Unique), and the verb Vertere, meaning to turn or to turn back.

Thus, the universe is the collection of everything into one single unit. Now that the title of the poem has been defined, it should be analysed. The title is basically a pun: uni (one) verse, oneverse. But as this is art, there is much more to it than a fine pun. As the universe, the box on paper where the poem is placed, has its limits, or at least limits that we consider, words could written over the box continuing on the page, around the back, and it continues either going to the front of the page again or simply link to the next page. Even if rest of the pages have words or pictures, we as humans can write over them as if it was the present over the past giving way to the future.

What I am trying to get at is that the universe has its limits and obstacles, but only limits and obstacles that we have created in our heads.

The sentence “You are not alone” has to be interpreted within the context of the title Universe. The sentence stands on its own in the universe, however, what it is telling the reader is just the opposite. The word “You” should be understood as the singular pronoun rather than the plural. Thus, according to the poem it is you, and ONLY you, who is not alone. Yet again, there is a juxtaposition in the meaning as the poem is not

Ars Paradoxica

T

Universe

to keep you entertained. Just don’t listen in the dark…

ML

“Welcome! Everything is fine.” Eleanor Shellstrop is dead and has been sent to ‘The Good Place’ for all the good deeds and selfless acts she performed during her life. The only problem is that that wasn’t her, and a case of mistaken identity has landed her

The Magnus Archives

i

The Good Place

ing to be anything it isn’t, and with RuPaul as a co - star, how could you go wrong? Watch wisely, because the show was cancelled after the first season – I watched this in a day and there’s nothing worse than realising you’ve just watched the last episode.

Ta

Every student procrastinates – and don’t you dare try and deny it! Sometimes it’s just too late in the evening to start work, sometimes the temptation of watching one more episode is too much, sometimes you just can’t face doing that assignment – sure look at me, why do you think I’m writing this article? Meta. Most people turn to Netflix to find fuel for their procrastination, so I’ve compiled some of my Netflix favourites and also some of the best podcasts to while away the hours – just don’t shout at me if you don’t get your homework done.

here. With the help of her soulmate Chidi, her frenemy Tahani and Tahani’s soulmate, can she learn to be a good person and stay in The Good Place? Or is she doomed to spend eternity in The Bad Place?

Seasons One and Two first aired in 2016 but now a third season, consisting of 13 episodes, is being uploaded to Netflix with one new episode a week, so once you get your initial fix of this hilarious but thought - provoking series, you’ll be coming back again and again to see where Eleanor will finally end up.

Ta

Ellen Corbett

cin

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CM

€10

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Mental Health Monday: “Let’s Talk About Sex (baby)” stand at Smokey’s Café & “How many condoms can you pack in 1 minute?” Competition.

5pm-7pm

FREE STI Clinic in the Student Health Unit. Phone 091 492 604 for appointment.

Tuesday 6th of November / Dé Máirt, an 6 Samhain 10am-1.30pm

Disclosure Training with Galway Rape Crisis Centre in The Space. €10 Register in advance in SU.

11am-4pm

Share your most embarrassing sex story with Journos Media Soc at Smokey’s Café for their radio show Illuminaughty.

4pm-5pm

Consent Screening in AM250 Colm O’Heocha Theatre.

Wednesday 7th of November / Dé Céadaoin, an 7 Samhain 2pm-5pm

Free Rapid HIV Testing with AIDS West in The Space.

7pm-9pm

“How Well Do You Know Your Hun?” with GIG Soc in IT202.

8pm

Sex Toy Bingo at Sult.

Thursday 8th of November / Déardaoin, an 8 Samhain 5pm-8pm

“Peaches, Pears or Bananas – Loving Your Sexual Body” with Anna Keogh in SC200A.

5pm-7pm

FREE STI Clinic in the Student Health Unit. Phone 091 492 604 for appointment.

ALL WEEK • Guess how many condoms are in the jar. Entry €1 goes to SU Charities.

• Free Condoms and Tompax.

• Look Out For STI-nder.

• Methods of Birth Control Online.

• Journos Media Soc - Facebook giveaway for a year's subscription to OMGYes in return for people sharing a post about sex positivity and kindness. Winner announced Thursday.

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28 SPORT

SIN Vol. 20 Issue 05

SPORTS OPINION: open letter to Joe Brolly Parochial tribalism has always been a feature of the sport you participated in as an amateur back in the nineties. Yet, your moral concern never reaches the same levels as it does when writing deliberately inflammatory rants about a sport you have never participated in, nor know anything about.

By Gary Elbert A day after the Las Vegas event UFC 229, a Gaelic football match took place in Ulster and degenerated into a mass brawl off the pitch featuring players, coaches, and supporters assaulting each other in front of onlooking children. Another game the following week held in Kerry also ended in a montage of players punching and attacking each other, in the full view of young spectators.

The absurd parochial tribalism on display at these utterly miniscule sporting events is, was, and has always been a feature of the sport you participated in as an amateur back in the nineties.

Countless incidents of underage players being racially abused go side by side with repeated outbreaks of violence and assault at GAA games. Yet, your moral concern never reaches the same levels as it does when writing deliberately inflammatory rants about a sport you have never participated in, nor know anything about.

You proceed to selectively describe the fighters and commentators as violent and mindless thugs, aliens compared to the rest of placid and empathetic humanity.

How much contact and interaction have you had with the thriving MMA scene in Ireland?

How aware are you of the massive transformative effect taking up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has had for thousands of Irish people? Unlike the GAA, MMA doesn’t discriminate.

Open mat training, sparring, and learning in all MMA gyms doesn’t sideline people according to their gender or skill level.

Only the truly elite athletes will ever compete inside the cage, and only one in a million athletes like Conor McGregor will reach the peak of mixed martial arts and be capable of defeating the best Brazilian and American opponents.

You see Joe, 99 per cent of people who train MMA will never get close to the heart, madness, power, skill, and courage you saw in the octagon in Las Vegas last week. For everyone else it’s a learning process, to be enjoyed, to be part of a club, a movement and a community where egos are left at the door, and people foster a deeper appreciation of themselves and each other. That’s what martial arts was, is, and always has been.

You write as if the UFC are responsible for the violence we see across society. Just one thing

however: our societies across the western world have been experiencing a decline in violence since the end of the bloody medieval period. You talk as if MMA can trigger the dark side of human beings, as if anyone can be Tony Ferguson or Conor McGregor or Khabib Nurmagomedov.

And that is where your argument falls apart.

You believe violence to be easily accessible and innate, a drive we all must heroically suppress.

But that’s not the case at all. Most people are not violent, and have no clue how to protect or defend themselves should a violent assault take place.

That’s why people choose to watch and enjoy elite athletes and mixed martial artists who chose, by their own free will, to compete at the mountaintop. It is because they know, deep down, they could never do it.

Joe then goes on to cite the destructive influence MMA has on Irish kids, a common trope.

Those who actively copy the McGregor swagger are innocent fanboys who have never stepped foot in an MMA gym, or challenged themselves to learn. They are of no danger to society. Anybody who is trained and disciplined in

a martial art is overwhelmingly humble, and symbols of self - control outside of competition.

The growth of MMA and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu will continue in Ireland. It has served as a vital valve for young people’s struggles, suffered as a result of economic incompetence and mismanagement.

Oh, and another thing Joe. You know that mental health crisis that’s gripping the country, and driving young men especially to suicide? MMA is on the frontlines in saving people. Men and women, all ages, shapes and sizes will speak about the redemption they found in these new sporting activities.

I know people whose lives were saved by MMA and Jiu Jitsu. Your sport, which only allows 15 of the best to take part, offered them nothing. And it certainly offers women nothing. Yet MMA fills in an existentialist gap for many people.

Nurses, students, factory workers, computer scientists, mothers, fathers, the unemployed, and the managers… they all seem to find real enjoyment and sustenance from participation.

Meanwhile, an Ulster football match descended into a wild brawl.

Again.

CLUB SPOTLIGHT: NUI Galway Swimming, Water Polo and Lifesaving club making a splash on campus

By Owen Kennedy The NUI Galway Swimming, Water Polo and Lifesaving club is one of the most prominent clubs in the college.

After winning Club of the Year last year, Padraic Toomey now commands the club and is hoping to reach new heights.

What got you interested in the club in the first place?

I’ve always had an interest in swimming and I did competitive swimming from the age of ten. I wanted to continue it on when I got into university.

I really thought it was a great way to meet new people, and in general, just a great and productive way to spend some time.

What has made you stick with the club for so long?

I think the sense of community has made me stay with it. It’s a really good group of people. We get on really well.

There’s no tension, we just come here to swim, have a good chat before and

after… I think the fact that we have something in common, that we’ve all done growing up. We all have that individual competitiveness. I don’t think many other sports can have this key factor due the fact that so many sports are team – focused. Swimming is different wherein it’s completely yourself, and it’s really nice to find people who are in the same situation who are as individually competitive as you are.

What is the funniest thing to have happened to you whilst with the club?

I went out on a Tuesday night and had the great idea of going to swimming at 7am the next morning. I got home at 4:30am and got up at 6:30am to be in the pool on time. I didn’t last too long in the pool though.

What’s the worst part of the sport, if any?

I’d say the early morning sessions. No matter how much I do them, I do get into a routine of doing them but at the same time I do like sleeping in and get-

ting up 10 minutes before my lecture instead of two hours earlier.

What are your recommendations for people who want to get into swimming with the club?

It’s never too late to start. We run a learn to swim programme for people who’ve never been in the water before. We had a guy here at the start of the semester who had never swam before and after two lessons he was trying lengths. Personally, I think this is not only amazing but inspiring. We also do fitness squad for those who wish to swim lengths to maintain their health and we also run racing squad for those who are really invested in their competitive careers.

People don’t realise how big the club is. There’s every entry level, from ‘I can’t stay afloat’ to ‘I’m an amazing swimmer’ and I’d love if more people knew about it. Even if swimming isn’t your thing we run a lifeguard course and we have our own water polo team.

There really is something for everyone at the club.

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November 06 2018

29

Four athletes Usain Bolt is following in the footsteps of by switching sport

By Oisín Bradley

Michael Jordan (Basketball to Baseball):

Conor McGregor (MMA to Boxing):

The worlds of football and athletics alike have been captivated by Usain Bolt’s decision to swap the running track for the football field as he tries to forge a path into the world of football. The World record 100 metre runner and eight – time Olympic Champion scored a brace for Central Coast Mariners in a trial game, and has caught the eye of Maltese league champions Valletta FC. Bolt’s agent Ricky Simms has stated that the Jamaican has been offered a contract, and his move has drawn criticism from many sources, the most notable one being A – League and ex – Ireland striker Andy Keogh, who stated that he has a touch “like a trampoline.”

Bolt is not the only athlete to have switched codes in the past, so let’s look at some other examples from history and see how their career changes worked out.

One of the greatest players to grace the basketball courts, Jordan’s legacy as a basketball player is a strong one, with more accolades than you could shake a stick at. However, the same cannot be said for his brief stint in baseball. Jordan signed for Chicago White Sox in an attempt to fulfil his father’s wish of having a professional baseball player as a son.

The Hall of Famer had played briefly in his childhood years, but endured a torrid time on the baseball field, and Steve Wulf wrote on the cover of Sports Illustrated that “Jordan and the White Sox are embarrassing baseball.” Jordan was aware of his lack of quality, and branded himself as the “worst player” at Scottsdale Scorpions. MJ knew his failings, and in March 1995 he put the baseball bat away and returned to the NBA in a simple two word statement; “I’m back.”

The Notorious was at the peak of his powers post UFC 205, and decided to swap the cage for the boxing ring, ambitiously calling out one of the undisputed greats of the boxing game: Floyd Mayweather Jr. McGregor put his MMA career on hold, and subsequently lost his UFC belts. Mayweather came out of retirement for the middleweight bout, and prior to the fight boasted an unbeaten record of 49-0.

Ultimately the fight ended in defeat for McGregor, who was beaten in the tenth round when the man in the middle Robert Byrd awarded the Michigan native a TKO. The Irishman was always up against it in his maiden boxing match, but gave a decent account of himself all things considered, and at least made the fight competitive. Financially the fight was an enormous success for both parties, with each reportedly earning nine figure sums on the back of PPV sales.

Success for NUI Galway Taekwondo at Redking Rumble and Connacht Championship On Saturday 20 October, two members from NUI Galway Taekwondo club, Agata Rzeznik and Nathan Deane-Huggins, went to Cork to compete in the Redking Rumble tournament. The two competitors managed to walk away with three medals between them, with Agata getting bronze in the senior female colour belt division and Nathan winning bronze in senior male colour belt sparring.

On Sunday 21 October, nine members of the NUI Galway Taekwondo Club, Cathal Ó Murchú, Aaron Croke, Tomás Lane, Agata Rzeznik, Nathan Deane-Huggins, Lorcán McCarthy, Stephen Hughes, Christopher O’Brien and Luke Thompson, took part in the Connacht Taekwondo Championships.

The team had a very successful day, bringing back 12 medals with not a single person leaving empty handed. Since it was a very first competition for all our white belts, we are most proud of their results.

The male competitors got on very well from the start in patterns with Aaron Croke earning a silver in green belt, to black tag division and Nathan

Deane-Huggins getting a deserved gold.

The white belt to green tag division went even better, with three medals going to NUI Galway students. Christopher O’Brien got a bronze, Stephen Hughes got a silver and Lorcan McCarthy won a gold medal.

The senior male competitors also succeeded in sparring in the green belt to black tag division, with Tomás Lane getting bronze, Nathan Deane-Huggins getting silver and Cathal ÓMurchú winning gold.

The white belt to green tag senior male division went very well for both our light and heavyweight competitors, with Luke Thompson finsihing joint third place with Stephen Hughes and Lorcán McCarthy getting a silver and Christopher O’Brien winning a gold medal.

Agata Rzeznik also managed to grab a silver medal in senior female colour belt sparring, unfortunately missing out on gold by only one point.

Congrats to all our competitors for what was a great start to the season.

NIGEL OWENS V SIMON ZEBO: Justified or unfairly punished?

By Owen Kennedy Simon Zebo and Nigel Owens fell into their own pits of controversy following the Racing 92 versus Ulster match on 20 October. Following his try in the 75th minute, Simon Zebo shimmied in front of the crowd in jubilation. This caught the attention of Owens who was not impressed with this action. He brought Zebo in and discussed his actions with him, making Zebo apologise for his shimmy.

This caused a divide between rugby fans, some saying Owens’ actions were justified, whilst others defended Zebo and were somewhat enraged by Owens.

After the match, following fans reacting to his decision, Owens took to Twitter saying; “Credit where credit is due to @SimonZebo. When in the heat of battle things happen but u realise it was not in the spirit of the game

& apologise for it. It takes a good man to do that. Credit to both Racing & Ulster for playing a great game of @ ChampionsCup rugby. Well done all (sic).”

Zebo responded to Owens’ tweet, defending his decision by saying; “Really sorry to Michael Lowry. Got too excited and I don’t do stuff like that as long as I’ve played. I wouldn’t like my kids doing that and I’m disappointed in myself. Made a mistake, not in the spirit of the game. Keep up the great work, sorry again.”

The debate continued on and in his column for Wales Online, Owens put his interactions with the controversy to rest; “It wasn’t a big deal for me, I wasn’t calling him out in public or in front of everyone or giving a penalty.

I just had what I’d intended to be a quiet word with a player I was refereeing ... only problem is it’s not quiet anymore because we’re mic’d up.”

Paulo Maldini (Football to Tennis): Paulo Maldini will go down as one of the all - time great defenders in football history. The AC Milan defender’s career spanned three decades, having retired at the aged of forty. Eight years on, the Italian defender surfaced at a professional tennis tournament in Milan. Maldini and his tennis coach Stefano Landonio entered the qualifiers for the

Aspria Tennis Cup as a doubles team and ended up making it to the tournament. Ultimately, the five - time Champions League winner lost 6-1, 6-1 to his opponents on the day.

Kevin Moran (Gaelic Football to Football): Without a doubt the most successful athlete on our list. Kevin Moran is the only man to have won both a Celtic Cross and an FA Cup medal. Moran’s first love was the O’Neills. The Good Counsel player was called into the Dublin Senior Panel at the start of the 1976 by bainisteoir Kevin Heffernan. The impact Moran had for the Boys in Blue was immediate, helping them to lift Sam Maguire in ’76 and ’77. Moran was awarded an All – Star for his heroic efforts in his maiden season with the Dubs, and also won three Leinster titles as well as a National League.

The hierarchy at Man Utd took a keen interest in Moran and signed the then 24 – year – old in 1978.

The centre – back had a prolific career for the Red Devils also, and was renowned for his aerial ability. Moran was the first player to have been sent off in an FA Cup Final in 1985. Moran’s legacy at Old Trafford is impressive, having scored 21 goals in 231 games for the Red Devils. His record for the Boys in Green isn’t to be sniffed at either, with six goals in his 71 caps for the Republic.

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30 SPORT

SIN Vol. 20 Issue 05

Plans for Galway United centre of excellence in Athenry should be welcomed

By Darragh Burke There is fantastic news for football in the west of Ireland and for the country as a whole. The Comer brothers have announced plans to turn a 103 - acre site outside Athenry into a football centre of excellence. The facility will be the biggest of its type in the country and will feature six football pitches, a gymnasium, and apartments which will house the young footballers.

The centre will act as a feeder for Galway United, which is owned by the Comer brothers as they aim to turn the club into one of the top sides in the country.

This is the type of development which should be greatly encouraged, and frankly it shouldn’t have to be left to private investors to undertake such a project.

The only way to improve football in this country is by investing in our youth, not throwing money at the senior team for a quick solution.

Throwing crazy money at the senior’s team management team was never going to be more than a short - term fix which is currently unravelling at an alarming rate. Martin O’Neill is the fourth highest paid international manager in Europe, commanding a salary of €2 million. This puts the former Celtic boss on terms with Gareth Southgate, while earning more than the Croatian and Denmark coaches. Astonishingly his assistant, Roy Keane, rakes in more for being Ireland’s assistant manager than Ryan Giggs pockets for managing Wales.

The fact that given the new contracts the pair received in January, it would cost the FAI an estimated €3 million to rid the men of their positions. This short - sightedness perfectly captures the FAI’s failure to football in this country. Money spent on mangers and the salaries of the top brass is a huge injustice to the plethora of young players our nation has.

In today’s climate, budding football stars are forced to move across the water to England in order to progress and avail

of top - class facilities. So many are lost in the sea of players brought into the English game. We are then left to search for English rejects who have an Irish granny.

Our national team management wait for somebody else to decide whether a player is good enough. Daryl Horgan, Sean Maguire and Graham Burke are only worthy of a call up after they hop onto the magic plane over to England.

There is no pathway to the national team through progression in our own national league. This forces our best talent to move across the water, leaving their clubs with giant shoes to fill, halting the league’s progression.

The introduction of centres such as the proposed site in Athenry can help develop players and feed them into our national league. It is an opportunity to create a culture of playing football in this country, as opposed to just lumping the football up the pitch, which our national team currently treats us to.

Investing in youth and in the future is the best move the FAI can make,

Dublin Marathon 2018

By Gary Elbert

A

clear crisp bank holiday Sunday morning greeted twenty thousand hardy souls in Merrion Square. The atmosphere was full of cautious optimism and nervous energy, the streets of Dublin coated in golden promise. Shedded orange and brown hued leaves were joined by gloves, hats, and training tops.

The amount of gear discarded on those early kilometres would fill a sports shop for a year.

A man dressed as a rubex cube limbers up at the start line. The faces are determined, readying themselves for an extraordinary examination of the human body, conscious of what may go wrong but placing themselves in the eye of danger. People underestimate the fear attached to accepting the challenge of running a marathon.

It is a stern test of human spirit and a dice roll with danger, with no personal financial reward. A type of challenge that offers a deeper redemptive quality not easily found in everyday life.

Off we went. Cautious, settling in behind the four - hour pacemaker who ran with red balloons. Pulsing through the city centre and into Stoneybatter, and glimpsing traditional Dublin inner city life. Well wishers border the

road urging us on, old men clap holding the Sunday paper under their elbows.

There are moments in the race where humanity’s thirst for brightness, unity, and optimism transformed my brain. Endless smiles and happy support elevated me onto brief clouds of euphoria as children offered their palms eagerly expecting recognition.

One kid shouted, “Free jellies here!” somewhere in Harold’s Cross while later another shouted into a microphone “Hurry up will yis, ye are slowing down.” Runners laughed along with the crowd, savouring these bright beautiful moments of sheer joy amidst the rising pain.

The dream - like states such as these that a marathon delivers are unlikely to be found in everyday existence. These moments are the central hubs of ecstasy that deepen the marathon experience.

The land beyond our comfort zones serves up deeper moments of our beauty and humanity when materialistic greed and competition is stripped away, however fleetingly.

The marathon is a snapshot sample of our intrinsic beauty and fragility; showcasing humans need to drive forward, to overcome pain, to better themselves, to succeed.

The striving, this yearning for something more than washing machines and social media provide

the central drive for such events.

Indeed, marathons are essentially anti scientific, illogical and irrational yet their popularity has grown exponentially since the rise of technology.

Reaching the southside of the city these areas are greener, but the crowds are the same; positive, happy, and feeding off the conveyor belt of stubbornness and spirit trundling past. Students of psychology will know of the social facilitation concept. Marathon runners will testify to it. Something happens when approaching a vociferous crowd, an invisible carpet of energy gives a gliding sensation as you pick up speed, the cheers, urges, and smiles reinvigorating you. For this race, class, politics, money… none of it matters.

Our determination, our inner spirit, our drive to overcome shines through like the gorgeous sunlight streaming through the autumn leaves as we head for the last few miles.

My legs have seized up now. Two to three days of pain guaranteed.

As I drive forward into Merrion Square the finish line awaits. On each side, strangers urge me home.

3.54 is my time but that doesn’t matter.

A middle aged German man with no English talks to me as we limp towards our medals.

and I believe it is the only way to bring footballing success back to this nation.

Providing the facilities and opportunity to kids to become the next generation to don the green jersey is both beautiful and necessary. Providing a pathway from the academy, through our leagues and into the national team is essential.

Give young players a chance, invest and believe in them, as the Comer brothers are so admirably doing.

As for what can be done as of today, give the young players a shot at the national team. Being part of the squad and the whole experience would be of unparalleled value to any young player.

Just look at the Welsh team, full of teenagers who brushed us aside at home without their talisman Bale and without Ramsey. Given the chance, their young stars shone at the Aviva, where there wasn’t a young Irishman in sight.

The men’s U21 and U19 sides constantly give players in our domestic league a chance and it clearly works with the U19’s winning all of their games in Euro-

pean Championship qualifying, including an impressive defeat of the Dutch.

Players like Josh Cullen (a teammate of Declan Rice at West Ham) need to be brought into the senior fold before another situation like Rice boils up again, no pun intended.

Iceland’s recent endearing success is down to the commitment and investment in youth made many years ago, not through shovelling money at their team’s management staff.

I urge the FAI to follow the Comer’s lead, it isn’t something that they should do, it’s something they must do. It’s hard to believe that it’s taking private investors with their own money to rebuild football in this county, not the national governing body itself.

The FAI must follow suit and invest in the future, provide a pathway and save football in this country. As for now, I look forward to seeing men turning out for the Boys in Green who came through the Comer’s centre, and hopefully through other similar centres throughout the country.

Photo: Gary Elbert

“Well done,” I say.

“Danke,” he replies, his eyes beaming with relief, joy, and appreciation.

We share this moment of pained bliss, imprisoned by linguistic variation, before parting ways.

We did it. We achieved it.

And the pain of tomorrow or the next day or the next day will not diminish this feeling or this memory.

Faith in humanity has been restored and rebooted.

Pictured are NUI Galway sport scholarship students with Director of Sport Mike Heskin

NUI Galway Students’ Union Presents The Ultimate Study Break: Cuireann Comhaltas na Mac Léinn, OÉ Gaillimh, An Briseadh Staidéar Iontach i Láthair:

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Farm Visit 11r.n. – 3.30i.n., Dé Céadaoin, an 5 Nollaig 2018 Áras na Mac Léinn

There will be sheep, chickens, ducks, guinea pigs, chicks, cake, tea, a raffle and tunes from Flirt FM LOGO

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