SIN Vol. 21 Issue 04

NUACHTÁN SAOR IN AISCE VOL. 21 Issue 04. 22 OCT 2019

Student Independent News

WINNER: BEST NEWSPAPER AT THE NATIONAL STUDENT MEDIA AWARDS 2019

“This is more than a question of just tea and coffee; this is a question of language rights and of social spaces for Irish speakers”

Closure of Caifé na Gaeilge brings NUI Galway’s bilingual status into question

By Conor Brummell NUI Galway’s Students’ Union has officially confirmed the closure of Caifé na Gaeilge, located in Áras na Gaeilge. The Students’ Union released a statement, stating that the Caifé was closed, having been “operating on a loss since 2008”.

The statement detailed how Caifé na Gaeilge has had a history of being unprofitable for Students’ Union Commercial Services (SUCS Ltd), the company in charge of the licensing fees that the University pays to run other services on campus, such as the SU Shop, Sult, Smokey’s, An Bhialann, Friar’s and Zinc. SUCs Ltd took over the operation of the Caifé in 2008, on the basis that the University would pay for any losses incurred, as well as paying a management fee to SUCS Ltd. However, the statement claims that the University has been failing to keep its side of the agreement since 2010, stating, “The University has stopped paying its invoices and has failed to pay the management fees or cover losses”, and that, “the losses and management fees incurred by SUCs Ltd in Caifé na Gaeilge is in the region of €197,000”.

As well as this, the licensing fees required to run these commercial services on campus have risen to approximately €230,000 per annum.

This has resulted in SUCs Ltd informing the University that they can no longer continue to run Caifé na Gaeilge. The University has been asked to honour their original agreement by the Students’ Union, but they are reportedly unwilling to do so. The Students’ Union have also suggested that a small portion of the profits from the other commercial services on campus be ring-fenced to cover the losses of Caifé na Gaeilge. The University refused this proposal.

In response to the closure, a protest for the reopening of Caifé na Gaeilge was organised on the 9th of October, which saw more than 120 Irish speakers come to show their support to the cause. The protest was organised by the Cumann Gaelach in NUI Galway, and headed by Aimée Ní Chunaigh, auditor of the society.

Speaking to SIN after the protest, she stated that, “When I think of the crowd that appeared today,

the first thing I think is how thankful we are here at the Cumann Gaelach. People tend to think of Irish speakers as a minority, but you don’t realise how many of us are actually here and present and want to use this service through Irish. The next step is to give the University the chance to respond and try to rectify the decision to close Caifé na Gaeilge.”

NUI Galway’s willingness to call itself a bilingual campus has also been scrutinised. Speaking at the protest, Clare Austick, Students’ Union President in NUI Galway, stated, “Going forward, we must protect the spaces we have for Irish speakers on Campus. We must also encourage more spaces to become available for people to engage in the Irish language”.

“The University must be held accountable and they need to be questioned about their actions.

The University is quite happy to advertise itself as a bilingual campus, but what does that mean in practicality? Are they encouraging the Irish language on campus? I don’t think so.”

John Walsh, Senior Irish Lecturer in NUI Galway, also expressed his disappointment to SIN. “This is more than a question of just tea and coffee; this is a question of language rights and of social spaces for Irish speakers. There are very few spaces in society where Irish in general is dominant. There are very few places where people who are learning, or people who want to speak Irish, can go into where they’re sure Irish is the default language. That is why this protest is important. It doesn’t bother me that I have to walk an extra few minutes to go and get a cup of coffee, but it does bother me that the Irish language is not being given a social space where it can grow”.

Darragh Mac Giolla Phádraig, a fourth-year student who has been heavily involved with the Cumann Gaelach over the past few years, spoke about the Cumann’s next steps regarding the reopening of Caifé na Gaeilge. “We’re going to have to talk to the authorities. We’re going to have to sit down with both parties (the University and Students’ Union), along with ourselves, the Cumann Gaelach, in one room and thrash it out because, if we don’t, that’s how discrepancies and rumours come about”.

Darragh Mac Giolla Phádraig of Cumann Gaelach gets his message across at the protest over Caifé na Gaeilge “It’s just disappointing that the importance of the Caifé to Irish speakers on campus is being overlooked. It is stated that the University is a bilingual campus, yet why do we have to protest in order to get something as simple as a cafe? As a bilingual campus, they should have every service available through English and Irish - especially seeing how much Irish speakers pay the University in fees every year,” he concluded.

Finally, in her speech to the crowd at the protest, Aimée Ní Chunaigh quoted Nelson Mandela: “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart”.

In response, the Bursar for NUI Galway, Sharon Bailey, has informed SIN of the University’s position on the matter. “The University is disappointed that the Café is not open and functioning, but the reasons for this are not fully under the

control of the University. The Students’ Union Commercial Service (SUCS) was operating the Café on behalf of the University and informed the University that they are not in a position to continue to operate the Café. While this is disappointing, it is their decision and we understand that sales, which have suffered a significant reduction in recent years, may have been taken into account in making their decision”.

“The University is reviewing the matter in consultation with stakeholders with the intention of reopening the café food service and in the meantime the University has committed to keeping the Café space open and available to those who wish to use the facility”.

As NUI Galway closes the one and only service available through Irish on campus, the question of whether they can continue to call themselves a bilingual University remains unanswered.

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SIN Vol. 21 Issue 04

INSIDE

Student bodies slam Budget 2020 4 Pro-choice protesters in opposition to screening of Unplanned 5 NUI Galway Students’ Union launch year of fundraising by announcing designated charities 6 5th Annual William King Lecture takes place in University 7 Internationally acclaimed food symposium comes to NUI Galway 8 Habitat for Humanity’s Student Build: Cambodia 9 Mia, the Ryans and plantain 10 Mature Student Diary 11 Aonach an Phobail Rua 12 Big Boys Don’t Cry: A Note on Men’s Mental Health 13 Social Media: A space for inclusion or hate for members of the LGBT+ community? 14 Drug abuse in young adults 15 Bring on the education revolution 16 Travel Junkie: Amsterdam 18 The Foodie Diaries: How to cook pasta that’s not boring on a student budget 19 5 Bloggers to watch 20 Beauty Brand Reviews: Urban Decay 21 What’s on in Galway: Tuesday 22 October – Monday 4 November 22 Joker Review 23 Without Fear review 24 Ghosteen Review 25 Big Mouth: Netflix’s hilariously rude comedy has a soft side 25 Abbey Road at the big 5-0 26 Salazar ban raises suspicions about world’s athletic elite 28 Aaron Connolly, hope or hype? 29 Are Ireland scared of Schmidt’s retirement? 30 Crossword Competition: WIN €25 SU CARD CREDIT* 31

Welcome to Issue 4 of SIN! We have an incredible issue in store for you this week. Just trying to cram every chunk of content into these 32 pages was a difficult task, let me tell you. The bitterness of autumn has graced us once more, so get yourself a humungous cup of tea, find a nice, comfy couch under a roof and inside some walls, and read on.

If the front page didn’t catch your eye, I suggest you do a double take and delve a bit deeper. Conor brings us a powerful piece on the recent closure of, and subsequent protest over, Caifé na Gaeilge. It’s just one of several Irish language pieces in this issue, making Gaeilge a bit of a running theme. We’re featuring our brand new Dialann Gaeltachta, as well as news stories about developments with the Irish language, both as Gaeilge agus Béarla. As many people as there are that hated Irish in school, there are many of them who wish they were a bit more líofa in their native tongue. Often times, people merge the school subject and the language itself into the one being

An bhfuil rud éigin le rá agat?

Cur litir chuig an Eagarthóir chuig editor.sin@gmail.com

Find us online:

www.sin.ie

Foodie Diaries for tips on how to make scrumptious meals on a student budget. Of course, over the last two weeks, it’s been hard to avoid the Joker film. It’s a masterpiece, simple as, but it hammers home a harrowing point about neglecting those who are in need of help, the most vulnerable of us. Gary Elbert has a fascinating, in-depth look at the film as part of a wider analysis of our current society. As well as all of these excellent, thought-provoking pieces, don’t forget to do our Crossword Competition inside the back cover, for your chance to win €25 SU Card credit. In the meantime, until you get there, sit back, take a long sip from that humungous cup of tea and keep reading.

NUI Galway nanoscientist voyaging to Antarctica for women’s leadership

By Sadhbh Hendrick

EDITOR: Mark Lynch editor.sin@gmail.com LAYOUT: Shannon Reeves

in their minds, but this is an unwise move. This fails to account for the fact that languages aren’t learned by trawling through textbooks, pouring over poems, or reciting reams of rhetoric. Languages are learned by immersion, by speaking out loud, by putting yourself out there and trying, often failing, but trying again. Just because you didn’t get an A1 in Irish in the Leaving Cert doesn’t mean you can’t pick up cúpla focail around the place. One of the places this would have been possible is Caife na Gaeilge, which is why it’s so disappointing to see it close.

In other happenings this issue, food takes on a bit more importance.

With Food on the Edge taking place on campus, we’re witnessing some of the greatest minds in the food industry share their thoughts, which is something we should all treasure.

At the other end of the scale, though, many university students leave home not knowing how to cook anything for themselves. If that hits too close to home, check out Isabel Dwyer’s

A nanoscientist from NUI Galway’s School of Physics is fundraising for the Homeward Bound initiative, a groundbreaking leadership programme for women working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Homeward Bound culminates in a research trip to the Antarctica this November and aims to heighten the influence and impact of women in making decisions that shape the planet.

Dr Jessamyn Fairfield, originally from the United States, is a physicist specializing in nanomaterials and neuromorphic devices. In addition to research and teaching, Dr. Fairfield runs Bright Club in Ireland and appears regularly on Futureproof, the Newstalk science radio show. Dr. Fairfield says, “To solve societal challenges like climate change, we can’t ignore the talents of half the population, women, and especially at the leadership level. Research has shown that diverse groups produce better science, better business, and more creative solutions to problems. We don’t just need diversity of people - we need diversity of thought”.

This is the second major expedition Dr Fairfield will embark on. In June 2017, Jessamyn completed a two-week Arctic Circle residency programme on board a ship that brought together scientists

and artists, who, together, looked at ways of highlighting the importance of the Arctic and how the changes there will impact upon humanity. During the trip, Dr Fairfield built a detector out of ice to capture energy from cosmic particles passing through.

The initiative is dedicated to supporting women in science to significantly improve their clarity, confidence, shared vision and strategic capability. It helps women to take up leadership roles globally and to proactively contribute to a sustainable world both individually and collectively. At the end of the programme this November, Dr Fairfield and her cohort will travel to Antarctica, an iconic and challenging landscape, currently experiencing some of the most severe consequences of climate change, with implications for the entire world.

Regions of Antarctica are showing the fastest responses to some of the global sustainability problems the world currently faces. Antarctica offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe, first-hand, the influence of human activities on the environment and provide critical insights into the global-scale change required.

This iconic environment has captured the imagination of leaders in the past and the expedition experience of the Antarctic component of the Homeward Bound programme creates strong bonds between participants. Homeward Bound

was founded 10 years ago by Australian leadership activist and consultant, Fabian Dattner, in collaboration with Antarctic marine scientist Jess-Melbourne Thomas.

Together, they garnered the support of significant scientific bodies and women of influence, creating a strong leadership team and teaching faculty to get the project off the ground. In 2015, the project went viral and the first leadership programme and largest ever female-led Antarctic voyage took place in 2016.

Despite making up 45% of the global workforce, women are globally under-represented in leadership positions. This is despite women comprising 57% of recent college graduates. By providing these women with leadership and strategic skills, a sound understanding of the science, and a strong purposefully developed network to harness their skills, the Homeward Bound initiative hopes to enhance the impact women have on policy and decision-making for a sustainable future.

Dr Fairfield has opened a crowdfunding page to support this year’s programme and funds raised will go towards the Homeward Bound programme costs, which cover leadership coaching and tools, visibility and science instruction, and of course, the capstone voyage to Antarctica in November 2019 with 100 women in STEM from around the world. The programme is also funded in part by the Office of Equality and Diversity at NUI Galway.

N UAC HT

October 22 2019

NEWS EDITORIAL

By Paddy Henry Hi, everybody. As issue 4 arrives on campus, so too does the spooky feeling associated with this time of year.

However, it isn’t the Halloween festivities giving everybody the fright of their lives, but rather those dreaded mid-term assignments which are keeping the Library full and Sult (mostly) empty.

Once again, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to everybody who contributed to this issue of SIN, as you’ll see inside the standard of writing is exceptional, you are all a credit to yourselves.

Issue 4 is packed to the rafters with great stories for you to enjoy with your pumpkin spiced latté, or a cup of tea, if, like me, you were born without notions. Conor Brummell brings us the full story on the closure of Caife na Gaeilge, Rachel Garvey reports on the controversies surrounding the release of the film Unplanned, speaking to people on both sides of the debate. Aaron Deering speaks to Dr Padraig Lenihan about History being designated special status at secondary school level

by Education Minister Joe McHugh.

Caoimhe Killeen gives us the news on the launch of NUI Galway’s new School of Sanctuary Programme, which will run in conjunction with the college’s designation as an official University of Sanctuary. Caoimhe also has all the info on a funding boost for Irish courses in the college. Sadhbh Hendrick brings us the wonderful story of an NUI Galway researcher who is heading to the marginally cooler climes of Antarctica next month. As well as all of this, amid all the Brexit madness across the water, I speak to an NUI Galway lecturer who has contributed to a major new book on the subject, while Mark Lynch investigates what Budget 2020 means for us. On top of all that, there’s plenty more inside for you to feast your eyes upon inside, so enjoy!

FEATURES EDITORIAL

By Shauna McHugh Hello, lovely readers, Welcome to Issue 4 of SIN! It’s very difficult to fathom how we got here already. The college year is absolutely flying by, and it’s so crazy that we’re already halfway through semester one.

Getting this far is scary for all sorts of reasons, not least because everyone seems to be hammering away with dreaded mid-term assignments. If you’re stressing over long days in the library and trying to hit that word count, remember to take regular breaks! Grab a cuppa, sit back, and catch up on all the latest news, thanks to the fantastic contributors at SIN. This week, Vannessa Marovatsanga gives us a no-holds-barred account of

racial attitudes here in NUI Galway, while Aislinn O’Connor explains why we should be rejoicing at the number of sexual assault victims who are now reporting their attacks. Rachel Garvey also highlights a worrying trend in how technology is dumbing down the next generation.

Fiona Lee is back with her Erasmus Diary, and has some interesting pointers on policies that NUI Galway could do with adapting from her Canadian university. Meanwhile, the only time the words final year no longer give me a shiver of dread is when I see them alongside Sadhbh Hendrick’s byline.

Her diary is a much-needed dose of humour amongst all the stress of this year. No year is exempt from pressure, though, as Aoife Burke illuminates in her First Year Diary. Meanwhile, fellow history buffs and Daniel O’Connell fans won’t want to miss Jody Moylan’s latest Mature Student Diary.

With all this and much more packed into this issue, I’m sure that SIN can cure your mid-term blues.

Happy reading!

OPINION EDITORIAL

By Anastasia Burton Hi friends! Welcome back to my section!

My Christ, its October already, where did September go? The weather is cold and miserable but at least we get the cozy sweater cuddly season back!

Before we begin, I’d like to thank everyone who has put the time into writing articles for this section, your hard work is not going unnoticed and please don’t think that I hate you just because I don’t reply to emails! I’m just always so swamped in work, but I always read them. I would also like to thank our readers for taking the time to go through our articles and give us compliments and encouragement!

In this issue you will find articles that are sure to pique your interest as they have mine. You will find articles on drug abuse and why it is important to provide support against addiction. Themed Halloween parties! I’m already thinking pumpkins, witches, demons and spooky! Aren’t you? Ableism? What is that? If you are unsure and are curious as to what it is, come and flick through our pages to find out!

Susi Grant! Susi is a blessing and a curse, it’s amazing when you have it but oh, how quickly it vanishes!

The high costs of rent and groceries would make even the most financially stable ones of us struggle!

Want to read more about why the SUSI grant should be increased?

Go ahead and skip over to our section! Social Media, is it a place for inclusion or exclusion for the LGBT community? One would hope it would be a place of inclusion and safe space but make sure to flick the pages and find out what our writer thinks! We have a piece on the education revolution and how we should

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change the education system, as well as what happened at the protest in Salthill outside the cinema in relation to the movie Unplanned.

We will be happy to see you at our section and, as always, if you wish to contribute to the opinion section of the SIN paper, you can always come to our meetings or you can contact me at opinion.sined@gmail.com!

FASHION & LIFESTYLE EDITORIAL

By Catherine Taylor Hi everyone! Welcome to another issue of SIN. I hope that the last two weeks haven’t been too stressful.

With midterm deadlines looming, it can be hard to balance it all, so, sit back, relax with a cup of tea and let’s get into the fashion and lifestyle content for this issue!

For starters, we have a very helpful article on how to keep your health in check during flu season. Unfortunately, autumn isn’t only about pumpkin spice lattes and Halloween – colds, flus and bugs run rampant this time of year. Protect yourself with our practical tips for avoiding the sickness that permeates college campuses this time of year.

Elsewhere, our Travel Junkie feature sees Megan Frei explore the city of Amsterdam, whilst Ewelina contributes to our regular Weekend in her Style column with a piece focused on the fab street-wear of singer Selena Gomez.

Speaking of features, our fashion and lifestyle section now has a regular food column, The Foodie Diaries, where Isabel takes us through the best budget-friendly recipes available to students. This week, our resident chef shows us how to make a delicious pasta dish. Talk about taking a step up from plain ‘ol Dolmio!

Sick of trend-driven fashion in a sea of Instagram influencers? Then check out Sadhbh’s take on trends vs individualism. Is catwalk-inspired fashion robbing us of our individuality? Or do trends provide us with a comprehensive range of options when we go to update our wardrobes? We’ll let you decide.

Beauty Brand Reviews is back and, this time, Amy is breaking down the best and worst of Urban Decay’s makeup products. Is the cult beauty brand worth the hype, or is it all smoke and mirrors? Read on to find out.

Jade lets us in on her October monthly favourites, which include a thoroughly binge-worthy TV show, an affordable concealer and an infamous Lush product. Wake up and smell the coffee!

Finally, allow Maeve to introduce you to some of Ireland’s best bloggers. Whether you love them or hate them, influencers are changing the self-made business game.

As always, enjoy the issue!

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITORIAL

By Sarah Gill Hello there, you lovely SIN-readers!

It seems so surreal that we’re already over halfway through the semester…

Is anyone else struggling to remain calm? No? Just me? Nevertheless, this fabulous publication is here to simultaneously engage your brain and distract you after (or during) a busy day of hitting the books. Making up the Arts and Entertainment section in this issue is, as always, an excellent selection of reviews, some sensational poetry and a nice sprinkling of social commentary-type pieces to keep you all up to date with what’s been going on.

On its 50th anniversary, Emma O’Reilly reminisces on the complete and utter magic that is The Beatles’ Abbey Road.

Half a century after its initial release, the iconic album reclaimed its rightful place at the top of the charts, an occurrence which begs the question, will anyone ever top the fab four? I digress…

As always, if you’ve got a bone to pick with a questionable celebrity, a review of just about anything or some creative prowess you’d like to see published in the pages of SIN, get in touch at artsentertainment.sined@gmail.com

SPORTS EDITORIAL

By Darren Casserly Welcome, everyone, to Issue 4 of SIN. As always, we have a great selection of sports articles to look forward to. With everything from the Rugby World Cup to Alberto Salazar’s athletics bans, we have something for all sports fans.

Tom Molloy writes about the Galway hurling job debacle and why they don’t even have anyone lined up for the position. I cover the near certainty of a second-tier football championship and how there is no need for the fearmongering from smaller counties.

We have a must read from Darragh Nolan, who looks into the Alberto Salazar controversy and what state the world of athletics is currently in.

Owen Kennedy looks at what effect Joe Schmidt’s impending departure has had on the Irish squad, as well as who can fill the enormous hole that our captain Rory Best will be leaving on and off the pitch shortly.

In the soccer world, Paddy Henry discusses how the boy wonder Aaron Connolly can help the boys in green qualify for the European Championships.

Finally, Daniel Brennan also gives an ode to the former dictator in chief of the FAI, John Delaney and ponders if there is any way to save the fallen ship which is the FAI, or if it is too far gone.

As always, a big thanks to all the writers for contributing and if you want to get involved, especially if you could cover any of the NUI Galway sports matches, or just have any ideas for stories, you can email me at sport.sined@gmail.com.

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SIN Vol. 21 Issue 04

€500,000 Awarded to Student bodies NUI Galway for Irish slam Budget 2020 language courses • No reduction in third level fees • No increase in SUSI grant • No student support for accommodation

By Mark Lynch Budget 2020 has failed to address the issue of core funding at third level, according to the Students’ Union of NUI Galway, as well as the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) and the Irish Universities Association (IUA).

Minister for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, Pascal Donohue, announced Budget 2020 on October 8th, with the ever-growing possibility of a no-deal Brexit dominating his decisions. €1.2 billion of funding will be put aside to handle the fallout of what transpires as the UK attempts to leave the EU, which excludes the funding that the EU will provide. Elsewhere, €11 billion will go to the education sector as a whole, of which, The Irish Times reports, an unprecedented €1.8 billion will go towards the third level education sector. This would see an increase of €114 million on last year, mainly going towards the human capital initiative (where third level institutions would compete for funding by pitching courses in areas where skills gaps exist). Despite this additional funding to specific areas within third level, student bodies, both local and national, say that the Minister hasn’t addressed the main issue facing students at third level, which is still core funding.

The USI, which represents over 374,000 students across the island of Ireland, launched the ‘Break the Barriers’ campaign in August, which called on the Government to break the barriers to third level education – namely, financial barriers. This includes third level fees, the rising cost of accommodation, and the stagnant SUSI grant.

None of these were directly addressed in Budget 2020, which has led to criticism from student circles.

President of the Students’ Union in NUI Galway, Clare Austick, outlined how she feels that students were ignored, “It’s a very, very disappointing budget and the Minister definitely did not listen to, or consider, students in the budget.

It’s not a student-friendly budget”. She adds, “There is no core funding for existing services, which is badly needed. Everything that we asked for was ignored. We have lobbied TDs and Senators with the USI in July and submitted a budget document, but none of that was reflected in Budget 2020”.

USI President, Lorna Fitzpatrick, echoed the idea that the Government has, once again, let university students down. “Students across the country have been calling on the government to break the barriers of accessing and continuing in education. Students have been forgotten in this budget and for this, we are furious, but our voices will be heard. We asked for Budget 2020 to break the barriers to accessing education but instead it has effectively put more up”.

The IUA acknowledged that, to a certain extent, the Minister’s hands were tied, as Brexit takes priority, but has pointed to the “growing gap in core funding in our third level system” as an issue the Government needs to address, as it will lead to reduced quality in Irish universities. “Core funding shortfalls means that the student-teacher ratio, already one of the highest in Europe, will deteriorate in our universities as the numbers of students increase due to the inevitable democratic bulge”. Our own SU President also explained how the lack of core funding will manifest itself in university life, “Nothing will change for students.

They will still be struggling to pay for their fees, accommodation and the overall cost of living.

Students will continue to have to work part-time jobs to stay in college, defer the year to work or struggle financially for the year. The standard of support services on campuses across Ireland won’t be addressed, meaning students will be put on waiting lists to avail of the counselling service.

New buildings won’t be constructed, and existing ones will not be made more accessible, so the student-staff ratio will remain the same. There’ll be no change in the SUSI grant and the overall system of higher-level education”.

The failure of the Government to increase core funding at third level has some stark consequences, according to the IUA, who claim, “The growing funding crisis in universities is sowing the seeds of economic failure for Ireland. Upcoming generations will be short-changed. Ireland risks becoming less competitive. Ireland’s universities continue to slip down the international rankings. Employers may seek to locate elsewhere in Europe, where suitably qualified talent is available. All of this has a negative knock-on impact on the Exchequer. Independent research confirms that every Euro invested in our universities creates almost €9 in return for the economy. If we want to future-proof our society and economy, there’s no better investment than third level education”.

Ms Fitzpatrick, President of USI, profoundly vowed that, while students have been ignored in this budget, they won’t be ignored in future elections, “Budget 2020 will be remembered as the budget that lit a fire in students that won’t be put out until reasonable funding is put into third level education. Over the past few weeks, we have been in campuses across Ireland, registering students to vote and encouraging them to contact their TDs and Senators and we will continue to do so.

Our representatives will know that Budget 2020 has failed us and failed the future generation of students”. She finished, “While this budget failed to listen to students, we are adamant that this period of ignorance will end when we take to the ballot box in the next general election”.

By Caoimhe Killeen Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for the Gaeilge, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Seán Kyne, has approved funding worth €1.6 million to support Irish language courses at nine colleges and universities across Ireland, with NUI Galway being awarded €500,000 overall for two of its Irish language courses.

The two programmes that were awarded funding were the MA Dioplóma Iarchéime (LéannTeanga), which will receive €60,000 per annum over two years and the MA Dioplóma Iarchéime (Ateangaireacht Chomhdhála/Conference Interpreting), which will receive €190,000 per annum over two years. Other institutions, such as Letterkenny IT and Irish language organisation Gaelchultúr, were also awarded funding.

The funding supports courses that equip students with skills such as writing, commutating and translating in Irish, which will enable them to seek employment opportunities both in Ireland and abroad, particularly at EU level.

The two Masters programmes chosen for extra funding also met commitments under the Official Languages Act 2003, whose primary objective is to “ensure the improved provision of public services through the Irish language”.

It also supports the ongoing work to make Irish an official and full working language of the European Union, as well as a commitment to both the Twenty-Year Strategy and the Five-Year Action

plan for the Irish language.

These plans both seek to increase the amount of native Irish speakers, support Gaeltacht areas “where Irish is the household and community language”, as well as aiming to “ensure that Irish becomes more visible in our society, both as a spoken language by our citizens and also in areas such as signage and literature”.

Confirming the funding on a visit to Gaelchultúr, Minister Kyne commented: “A range of courses including Masters or diplomas in translation, in writing and communication, in law and in interpretation will equip students with the skills necessary to take up employment opportunities here at home and abroad”.

The allocation includes funding of €240,000 to ensure that law students can practice through Irish, which is vital so that legal cases can proceed through our native language, €500,000 for courses in language studies and interpretation at NUI Galway and Letterkenny IT and €240,000 to enable the expansion of Irish language organisation, Gaelchultúr’s translation studies qualification.

Speaking to SIN, a representative for Minister Kyne spoke about the importance of this additional finding, stating, “Figures from my department show that 42 students benefitted from courses funded under this scheme in the last academic year. With an increase in funding I expect this number to rise, providing Irish language speakers and students with more career opportunities”.

NUI Galway receives CINNTE stamp of approval

By Daniel Brennan NUI Galway has been awarded the CINNTE stamp of approval by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), the state body in charge of quality assurance of further and higher education in Ireland.

NUI Galway was commended for its openness and transparency during the report process, as well as for promoting equality and diversity through appointment of senior leadership, as well as student work on gender recognition.

The university was also praised for receiving a Bronze Athena SWAN Award for its work in promoting gender equality.

The academic writing, career development, learning, teacher and researcher development centres were also praised within the report.

The review also offered several recommendations for NUI Galway, recommending that the University “continues ongoing monitoring of the resourcing of the Counselling Service”, as well as recommending that the university “develop a system to mainstream support service projects that are successful and demonstrate impact, thus managing increasing student numbers and the complexity of their diverse needs in the areas of international, access, disability and mental health”.

President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said, “NUI Galway welcomes this pos-

itive QQI review, its findings and looks forward to addressing the valuable recommendations as we embark on a new strategic era here at the University. The review acknowledged our openness and transparency throughout the self-evaluation process, but also our commitment to driving a ‘culture of quality’ and promoting ‘equality and diversity’ throughout our community for the public good. We take quality very seriously and value the confirmation of our compliance with quality assurance regulatory and statutory requirements.

We commit to continuous improvement across the campus to meet the needs of our students, including our support services, our teaching and learning and our research agendas”.

The chair of the review panel, Professor Sibrandes Poppema, stated that “the Review Team was deeply impressed by the inclusive process of developing the Institutional Self-Evaluation Report, where staff and students were visibly involved, as well as by the format of the document, especially the integrated case studies. The open character of the process was reflected in the publication of the ISER on the external website. The institution has a clear direction and has taken commendable steps in developing an accessible policy and procedures repository, professional support services for the students, research quality improvement measures and internationalisation, equality and diversity, as reflected in the Bronze Athena Swan”.

N UAC HT

October 22 2019

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“I am over the moon that he had the courage to act” – NUI Galway’s Dr Padraig Lenihan welcomes Minister for Education’s decision to give History ‘special status’ at Junior Cert level

By Aaron Deering On the 1st of October 2019, Minister for Education Joe McHugh announced that history will be designated a ‘’special status’’ subject for the junior cycle. This move by the Minister went against the advice of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), which argued that history should remain an optional subject.

Responding to the Minister for Education Joe McHugh’s decision to make history a special status subject and mandatory at Junior Cert level, Dr Padraig Lenihan, Professor of History at NUI Galway, couldn’t hide his delight; “I am over the moon that he had the courage to act despite the advice of the Sir Humphreys Report, because the embedded departmental preference, reflected in the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment advice, was for packing in new subjects - in NCCA-speak ‘giving schools greater flexibility to meet students needs’ and squeezing out history as the designated target of such ‘flexibility’”. In response to criticism that the decision made by the Minister would affect the teaching of other subjects, such as science, Dr Padraig Lenihan said, “Critics object making history a core subject again because it will limit scope to deliver other subjects such as science, languages, and geography, but the real problem was that the curriculum was being overloaded with subjects (not science, languages or geography) of limited intellec-

tual or educational merit. McHugh’s decision was a ‘brave and bold act’ to quote the history Teachers Association”.

Mr McHugh has cited issues, such as Brexit, as key to highlight the importance of history as a subject and that current events, such as this, influenced his decision to make history a special status subject. When asked if he agreed that current events, such as Brexit, highlight the importance of History as a subject, Dr Lenihan looked to history to point out that this isn’t the first time Ireland has played a pivotal role in British affairs. “Most of what seems terribly important and urgent to us today will be forgotten. Probably not Brexit, though. That has thrown up a constitutional crisis, a breakdown in relationships within and between the various institutions, like parliament, monarch, and the judiciary. That crisis reminds me of nothing so much as the Home Rule crisis of 1912 and the army mutiny that accompanied it, encouraged by the parliamentary opposition, or the Catholic Emancipation controversy, which peaked in 1829 with the King’s initial refusal to sign off on Catholic Emancipation. All crises with an Irish dimension, interestingly”.

When asked why history is still an important subject for second-level students to study, Dr Lenihan remarked, “Most important is what Diarmaid Ferriter calls the ‘validation of history as an intrinsically important school subject’. History is about creating and shaping a story, a narrative arc, of collective experience. Without history, is there a way

to imagine and communicate collective experiences? Yes, stories will be thrown up, but a historical training gives the recipient the skill to discern the myths, the lies, the misrepresentations, the trivial”.

Asked how the Minister’s decision would affect history at third level, Dr Lenihan points out NUI Galway has been an exception, with demand for history staying steady. “Downgrading history at second level had already reduced the numbers taking the subject and, at a purely practical level, this would have hit the numbers taking history in university. We in Galway had not seen that yet. Demand is steady, having dropped some years ago because of a general turning away from the Arts subjects”, he noted.

The Minister for Education has ruled out giving any other subjects ‘special status’ and, when asked if he thinks other subjects should be granted a similar status, Dr Lenihan said that it wasn’t for him to say, but did acknowledge the important role other subjects played in his career; “In my own work, I think spatially, and always try to capture the regional variability of historical experience. I owe an awful lot to geographers for showing me how to attempt that and I especially admire the work of scholars like Patrick Duffy, William J. Smyth, Kevin Whelan, and Annaleigh Margey”.

When questioned on the challenges history, as a subject, faces and if there were any changes he’d make to attract more interest in the subject, Dr Lenihan points to three things, the absence of Gaelic Irish history being taught.

‘’How do you make history more interesting without ‘dumbing down’? Isn’t that the problem with any subject? That’s why we pay teachers so much and value them so highly. Seriously though, three things occur to me. History interconnects with so many other realms that it should explicitly draw from other subjects, especially geography and languages at second level, or other disciplines such as archaeology, philosophy, classics or law, not found at second level”.

He continued, “As someone who writes about the seventeenth century, I could be accused of special pleading, but I am often struck in teaching about Gaelic Ireland just how lamentably little my students – most of whom had studied history in second level – know about the world that existed before the Anglicizing blanket descended. Do they know that Irish was probably, after Greek and Latin, the first written language in Western Europe? That during the so-called ‘Dark Ages’, the Irish played a key role in transmitting Christian and classical learning?

The five-punt note had a picture of John Scotus Eriugena. Scotus was what someone from Ireland was called then and Eriu gena meant ‘Ireland-born’. This ninth century philosopher was the leading scholar of the whole epoch.

More prosaically, surnames – even today – are mostly of Gaelic origin, even when they have an English form. Most Smiths in Ireland are O’Gowans who tried to ‘pass’. Quirke and Oates are the same name. And so on. It can be interesting to try and locate them to some Oireacht”.

Online Irish language project Pro-choice protesters in launched in NUI Galway opposition to screening of Unplanned

By Mark Lynch

A new project to help people learn Irish abroad has been launched in NUI Galway. Gaeltacht.net provides a social network for Irish learners that are living overseas to help them make contact with fellow learners and develop their language skills and was launched in the James Hardiman Library on October 7th.

Members on the site can build a profile and message each other. The site also includes a feature allowing for instant messaging and video chats.

The slogan of Gaeltacht.net is ‘Connect, Create, Communicate’. Members are given the opportunity to meet on the online social network, develop their language skills through creative language tasks and help each other to improve. The project will run for four weeks.

There are three courses available at Gaeltacht. net: Tasc An Lae, Dúshlán na Seachtaine and Misean na Míosa. Short, simple tasks are provided for A1 and A2 (Beginner and Elementary) learners every day during the course. Each day focuses on one language skill – Monday is listening, Tuesday is reading, on Wednesday and Saturday a structured conversation session is available. On Thursday there is a written task, Friday is left open for participant suggestions, and Sunday is used as a day to revise, reflect and offer feedback to the research team.

In the course Dúshlán na Seachtaine, there will be a task provided every Monday for learners at B1 (Intermediate) level to complete during the course.

Finally, the Misean na Míosa is for those with a high level of Irish who want one Irish language challenge each month.

Ronan Connolly, a PhD student with NUI Galway’s School of Education, said: “The success of this community depends on participants being active, helping each other and fostering collaboration. The biggest challenge with a project like this is encouraging those with a good level of Irish to participate or register as a “Language Helper” and encourage the learners, the majority of whom are located in the USA. We are looking forward to many participants and helpers getting involved in this trial.”

He added, “This research project aims to provide support to learners overseas based on good educational practise. Everyone is welcome to register and take part, and all feedback is appreciated.”

For those who missed the launch, you can follow the project on Twitter by using the #Gaeltachtnet, while Ronan Connolly also wanted to make students aware they haven’t missed the boat. “Students who are interested are very welcome to register - the Gaeltacht.net research project runs until Nov 3rd and we still need more volunteer ‘Cúntóirí Teanga’ to interact online with the overseas learners!”

By Rachel Garvey On October 4th, Galway Pro-Choice held a protest outside Salthill’s newly opened Omniplex to oppose the screening of the film Unplanned.

The screening is based on the story of Abby Johnson, a young clinic director for Planned Parenthood, but after a life-changing experience, she becomes an anti-abortion activist. The protest commenced at 5:30pm outside the theatre before the film’s screening, which commenced at 6pm.

Galway Pro-Choice expressed how they felt about the screening, describing the film as a “dangerous piece of anti-choice propaganda funded by Christian extremists”, while further concerns expressed that the film contained multiple medical and factual inaccuracies. “We are outraged that this film is being shown in Galway, and we will not stand for it”, the Pro-Choice group stated, as it adds to the fact that it stigmatises abortion and those seeking access to the service.

SIN spoke to Sandra Parda, Auditor of the Life Society in NUI Galway, who shared her concerns, “Galway for choice has showed up at the opening night of the screening, protesting and chanting offensive slogans and harassing people going into

the cinema. Their behaviour is very appalling, but also baffling, as it doesn’t make sense for them to be advocating for choice but then refusing the choice of seeing this movie”. Sandra also shared, “I’m very concerned about the ongoing behaviour in the campus. We had put up posters advertising the free screening of the movie and within 3 hours of the putting them up most of the posters were either gone or torn down. This is very concerning behaviour, as the college itself claims to be very tolerant and inclusive. Galway for choice and people around campus have been trying their best to censor the movie here in the cinema, is it because they are afraid of people’s minds being changed?”

The film shows Abby Johnson’s journey, through which she witnesses an abortion taking place, her experience making her join the side of becoming anti-abortion. Protesters fear that people who are in favour of abortion will have a change of mind after watching the film. Sandra shared one final thought at the end of her interview, “The world would be a much better place if people could engage in a conversation and debate, willing to listen or at least be respectful of differentiation instead of harassing others and at all costs trying to shut them down”.

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SIN Vol. 21 Issue 04

NUI Galway Students’ Union NUI Galway launches schools of launch year of fundraising by sanctuary programme announcing designated charities

By Caoimhe Killeen.

By Mark Lynch NUI Galway Students’ Union will be supporting AIDS West and Domestic Violence Response this academic year, 2019/2020. Every year, the Students’ Union selects two charities that benefit from its fundraising initiatives. Last year, students took part in cake sales, table quizzes, a Christmas jumper party, comedy gigs, pet farm visits and collection days to raise €11,500. The Galway Rape Crisis Centre and COPE Galway were last year’s two nominated charities.

Students’ Union President Clare Austick stated, “We are delighted to be supporting two very worthy charities this year. Students in NUI Galway have a very proud tradition of fundraising for charity.

We hope to improve on last year’s total of €11,500 raised during the year”.

AIDS West offer the highest quality care and support to those affected by HIV/AIDS/STIs and to those worried about their sexual health. Joe McDonagh of AIDS West expressed his delight at the Students’ Union choosing this charity to benefit from its fundraising. “AIDS West (soon to be renamed Sexual Health West) are delighted to have been chosen as

a nominated charity by the Students’ Union, and that the importance of our essential work supporting students to maintain their sexual health has been recognised”.

He added, “New diagnoses of STI’s & HIV continue to rise in Ireland, with recent figures demonstrating a 66% increase in new cases of syphilis, an 18% increase in new cases of chlamydia, a 29% increase in new diagnoses of gonorrhoea, a 4% increase in herpes and a further 4% increase in new diagnoses of HIV. We are looking forward to further developing our work with students in NUI Galway”.

Domestic Violence Response are a community led organisation responding to the issue of domestic abuse in County Galway. Elizabeth Power of Domestic Violence Response commented, “We are delighted to be one of the NUI Galway Students’ Union nominated charities.

Fundraising enables us to provide a vital lifeline for women to deal with the impact of violence and abuse in their daily lives. The money raised will ensure we can continue to provide a range of supports for women in a non-judgemental, welcoming and safe way”.

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Minister of State at the Department of Education, Mary Mitchell-O’Connor, has launched NUI Galway’s Schools of Sanctuary Programme at Scoil Bride in Shantalla.

The launch coincides with the appointment of NUI Galway as a designated University of Sanctuary and Galway’s selection as European Capital of Culture 2020.

NUI Galway is the sixth third level institution in Ireland to achieve the status of Designated University of Sanctuary, following in the steps of other universities, including University College Cork and Dublin City University.

The NUI Galway Schools of Sanctuary programme is an outreach section of the University of Sanctuary initiative and NUI Galway’s access centre to postprimary schools.

A School of Sanctuary is defined as being a school that is committed to creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment that includes every pupil, including those who seek sanctuary. Schools that are designated this title must promote the welcoming of refugees, asylum seekers, Irish Travellers and other migrants into educational communities in meaningful ways.

Owen Ward, Coordinator of NUI Galway Schools of Sanctuary Programme, said: “Through the collaboration with the Places of Sanctuary Movement, Ireland, the NUI Galway Access Centre and the participating NUI Galway Access linked schools; a sanctuary will be created for all within each school that will ensure a levelling of the playing field for everyone. This programme will positively impact approximately 1,500 students this year”.

Another key aim of the program is to celebrate and promote cultural diversity in schools, as well as

promoting pathways into higher education. It aims to support increased access and increased participation from entrants from socio-economic groups with lower rates of involvement in second and third level education.

“Everyone involved in this programme will become beacons in the community and act as Ambassadors that promote and celebrate cultural diversity in addition to progression into higher education”, said Minister Mitchell O’Connor.

Principals of local secondary schools, Our Lady’s College and St Mary’s College, have already signed commitment pledges to begin the process of receiving the designation of an NUI Galway School of Sanctuary. “The benefits for the institutions as such are that they themselves promote inclusion and awareness. It’s all about common good, it’s all about shared values, it’s all about promoting equality, equity and social justice”, added Aidan Harte, also an NUI Galway Schools of Sanctuary Coordinator.

The University of Sanctuary initiative itself was formed in NUI Galway in 2016 as a student-led initiative. After determining that, while they were raising public awareness around international protection issues and refugees on campus, they were not having a direct impact on policy changes, the Fáilte Refugees Society sought an alternative method and came across the University of Sanctuary initiative, a British and Irish based charity that was set up in 2005. After getting in contact with the University of Sanctuary’s Irish network, the group started to work towards the eventual designation of NUI Galway as a University of Sanctuary.

The group will hope to celebrate this designation with a special event between 10am and 12pm in the Aula Maxima Hall on the 21st November.

NUI Galway Lecturer contributes to landmark Brexit study

By Paddy Henry An NUI Galway lecturer has contributed to a major new study on Brexit and the North of Ireland.

Tom Felle, Director of Journalism and Communications at the University, is one of 26 contributors to the book, ‘Brexit and Northern Ireland: Bordering on Confusion’, which brings together distinguished expoliticians, journalists, writers and academics from both sides of the Irish Sea, to examine the conundrum of Brexit and Northern Ireland in terms of its potential political, economic, social and cultural implications.

Other contributors to the piece include former Progressive Democrat TD, Liz O’Donnell and former Irish ambassador to Canada, Ray Bassett.

Mr Felle’s chapter, ‘A history lesson for Brexiteers’ delves into attitudes towards the Irish position from those in positions of power, along with how anti-Irish sentiment within sections of the British Press have propelled arguments in favour of a no deal Brexit into the mainstream, legitimising the suggestion.

Mr Felle, a former lecturer at the University of London, spoke about his contribution to the book, telling SIN, “My chapter explores the toxic relationship between power and the powerful - the British press-power relationship, and how a cabal of ultra-Conservative elites in the British media - in particular the Telegraph and the Mail - have repeatedly bent the truth and selectively reported on the Brexit debate. It did not start in 2016, however, the anti-EU bile had been pouring out Fleet Street for nearly 40 years. The framing of the debate as a choice between being “stuck” and “controlled” by a foreign EU or to be “free” by voting leave certainly helped convince, in part, the millions who voted leave.

Sections of the press were cheerleaders for the Leave

campaign, rather than reporting the truth. The chapter also explores the coverage of Ireland, and Ireland’s position. Before the referendum, Northern Ireland was hardly even mentioned. Now Ireland, and, in particular, the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, are being blamed as the reason Brexit isn’t happening. Ireland’s position - protecting the Good Friday agreement and the Irish economy - is not regarded as legitimate”.

The lecturer claimed that, “Large swathes of the British public have been conditioned for years by sections of the very hostile British press to be anti-EU, so it was, perhaps, no surprise the UK voted leave. That focus has now switched from the EU, in part, on to the Irish Government. The story is portrayed by the pro-Brexit press as one of the Irish being difficult and obstinate, and of the Taoiseach and Tánaiste as pandering to republicans. The legitimacy of Ireland’s position is never given a moment’s consideration on the pro-Brexit press”.

The Galway native also spoke about the impact that the United Kingdom’s impending departure from the EU will have on this island, politically and economically, arguing that, “Brexit has caused a seismic schism in British society and its scars will be felt for a generation. It has threatened the fragile peace in Northern Ireland and the economic well-being and prosperity of nearly six million people on the island of Ireland. The long-term damage to the British economy and society – no matter the outcome – will be monumental.

A handful of newspaper editors have played with fire when it came to influencing public opinion and setting the agenda regarding the EU for years”.

The book is edited by ex-BBC journalist John Mair and Dr Steve McCabe from the Centre for Brexit Studies at Birmingham City University. It will come out later this month.

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Enhance your career prospects with a postgraduate qualification Research shows that a postgraduate (PG) course can increase your earning potential and that your career progression greatly increases after you obtain a PG qualification. Statistics from the Careers Service Graduate Destinations Report indicate that 94% of NUI Galway postgraduates are in employment or further education/research six months after graduation. Come to our upcoming PG Open Day to find out what we offer at postgrad level that can enhance your prospects.

The Postgraduate Open Day (Tuesday 4 November from 12–3pm in the Bailey Allen Hall) will feature stands representing all our courses, where you can talk to programme directors and students about these PG programmes. Presentations at

the event will cover employability, how to make a successful PG application, funding, research, and more. You can also have your Personal Statement reviewed

by Career Development Service staff (you may need this statement to append to your PG application).

For Final Year undergraduates especially this is a “don’t miss event”: as from now till 31 December you can make a postgraduate application for FREE (email postgradadmissions@nuigalway. ie for details). So the Open Day is a great opportunity to check out courses and then make your free course application.

Pre-register for the event at www.­nuigalway.ie/postgraduateopenday

5th Annual William King Lecture takes place in University

By Kuntal Samadder On Thursday 10th October, NUI Galway hosted a lecture by Professor Chris Stringer on Neanderthals. Professor Stinger, of the Natural History Museum London, is one of the most high-profile experts in human origins research. During the 5th annual William King Lecture at NUI Galway, Professor Stinger was awarded the William King Medal for his exceptional contribution to the understanding of human evolution.

The naming of Homo Neanderthalensis dates back to the year 1863, when Queens College Galway’s (as NUI Galway was known back then) first Professor of Geology and Mineralogy, William King, proposed the formal scientific name for Neanderthal people. In order to honour the scientific legacy of Professor King, a series of lectures were established in his name in 2015. Co-organiser of the lecture, Professor Heinz Peter Nasheuer of Biochemistry, NUI Galway, spoke of Professor King’s legacy, stating, “William King would go on to become the first scientist to successfully name a new human species based on actual fossil remains.

It was a remarkable achievement, and also an extremely important step in the early development of palaeoanthropology in the Nineteenth Century”.

Prof. Stringer started working at the Natural History Museum in 1969 but joined permanently in 1973. His early studies centred around the relationship between Neanderthals and early modern humans in Europe, but through his extensive study on the recent African origin model for modern human origins, Prof Stringer now aims to reconstruct the evolution of modern humans globally, through a collaboration with archaeologists, dating specialists, and geneticists. His research findings have addressed one of the most fundamental questions in science: “What does it mean to be human?”

At the lecture, entitled, “The evolution and fate of the Neanderthals” , Professor Stringer commented that: “The last ten years have seen many exciting developments in the study of Neanderthals – from how they evolved through to when they disappeared, including the remarkable discovery that most of us alive today have about 2% of their DNA in our genomes. In my lecture, I will be presenting some of the latest evidence about these close relatives of ours”.

Professor Stringer is a Fellow of the Royal Society and an Honorary Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. In 2004, he was awarded the Rivers Memorial Medal from the Royal Anthropological Institute and, in 2008, won the Frink Medal of the Zoological Society of London. More recently, he was elected a Member of the American Philosophical Society. To date, he has published over 400 papers and books, and his recent output has included ‘The Origin of our Species’, ‘Britain: One Million Years of the Human Story’ and ‘Our Human Story’.

During the lecture, those in attendance were held spellbound by the eloquence of storytelling.

Prof. Stringer praised the audience for raising very appropriate questions during the Q&A session at the end of the lecture.

Dr. John Murray, from the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences at NUI Galway, and co-organiser of the lecture, stated, “We are really delighted to welcome one of the world’s leading and most highly respected Neanderthal experts to NUI Galway. Professor Stringer is an icon to many in palaeoanthropology; his research on those most enigmatic of prehistoric people, the Neanderthals, has enlightened and inspired in equal measure.

His investigations also continue in the spirit of work initially begun by William King here over a century and a half ago. The awarding of the King Medal to Professor Stringer, here in the institution where their formal scientific name was first coined, thus represents fitting completion of this scientific circle”.

POSTGRADUATE

OPEN DAY Tuesday 5 November 12–3pm

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REGISTER NOW: www.nuigalway.ie/postgraduateopenday

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SIN Vol. 21 Issue 04

Internationally acclaimed food symposium comes to NUI Galway

By Mark Lynch NUI Galway is hosting Food on the Edge, an international food symposium, for the second year in a row, over the 21st and 22nd October. The two-day convention brings a wide range of international chefs, food producers and thinkers together, in order to share, learn and discuss the future of food. Founder and symposium director, JP McMahon, caught up with SIN ahead of the event to give us an insight into what it’s all about.

Food on the Edge is now in its fifth year, having been founded in 2015. Over the 5 years, the aim has remained to promote Irish food to a global audience and the way it’s grown in that time has reflected that, says JP, “It’s grown as I expected in the sense that we brought over chefs to inspire industry professionals, other chefs, make food better, and also to inspire the chefs. Most of them have never been to Ireland before, so you’re bringing these high-profile people over. They go, ‘Oh, I love Ireland, but I’ve never been’, and they all have this image of the country roads and the fine trees and the cottages. When they come over, it’s good to bash reality up against that and they all leave really liking it, particularly the hospitality”.

What has surprised JP, however, is the international acclaim that the convention has received. “When I travel, a lot of people mention it as one of the best symposiums on the circuit”.

JP himself is the co-owner and operator of the Michelin Star restaurant Aniar, as well as Cava Bodega and Tartare Café and Wine Bar, along with his wife Drigín. The pair have become icons in the growing market of high-quality food experience in Ireland, especially

in Galway. The food culture that has developed here is still at an early stage, as JP explains, “We just haven’t had the confidence to talk about our food. We have amazing produce, a lot of which we export. We treat ourselves as producers, we produce a product and we give it to someone else to enjoy it for pleasure. It’s only in the last 20 years that we’ve realised we can sit down and enjoy it”. Along with this attitude exists the stereotypes about the Irish diet, “There’s the stereotypical image of Irish people as beef and potato eaters. We actually don’t produce enough potatoes to feed ourselves anymore. We’re a net importer of potatoes and yet, still, 90% of people would say their image of Irish food is the potato”.

Opening people’s minds, both in Ireland and abroad, is a slow process. “For me, it’s important to turn that around and change that. The difficulty with getting past those stereotypes is that they have a vision of Ireland, though they mightn’t have been here yet, and that vision is predominantly agrarian, rural and it’s very hard to pull that away from them.

Food on the Edge has helped change (that) and it’s a very slow change. You bring over a chef, change his opinion and then he goes back. In spite of the internet and social media, it still takes a long time because people have to come here for their minds to be changed. It’s not enough to see it on a phone, there’s an experiential dimension”.

NUI Galway hosts Food on the Edge for the second year running, after originally being held in the Spiegeltent in Eyre Square, the Town Hall and the Black Box Theatre. JP outlines why it suits the event as a venue. “The University is a good fit because there’s an educational message to Food on the

Edge. It’s important to keep an academic aspect and a thinking aspect, because the industry doesn’t reflect on itself enough. All the projects being done (in NUI Galway) could change the way we think about food and the University acts almost like a laboratory”.

Despite the growing confidence in the Irish food industry, students still find it difficult to experience high-quality food on restricted budgets. JP is aware how tough that can be, but that it’s not

the root of the problem, which is food education. “I do think, eating from the supermarket, it’s difficult, it’s a challenge, definitely. The other challenge for young students is the ability to cook. We don’t have a food education programme in Ireland. If we don’t set people up to cook by the time they get to university, they can’t cook and they’re all eating Pot Noodles, or whatever. I found that 20 years ago when I was a student. I had started cooking at 15, but many of my

friends couldn’t cook at all. It was just literally beans on toast and takeaways and it’s terrible to say that 20 years on, we still have the same problem”.

Food on the Edge is a ticketed event, however, for any students who want to learn from the symposium, there’s always another way. “The whole idea is that it shouldn’t be exclusive, so we record everything we do and put it online after the event, because it’s really important to document what we do”.

Photo credit: Declan Monaghan

Green Party proposes free transport to students pre-budget at cost €60 million to taxpayer

By Fergus Efe O’Donoghue The Green Party have proposed free public transportation for all students in the follow-up to this month’s budget, at a considerable expected cost to the taxpayer.

Though it has not yet been specified if the party’s cost calculation also factors in the potential cost-benefits of such a decision, leader of the Green Party, Eamon Ryan, has said the measure would cost the taxpayer around €60 million.

The decision can be traced back to Deputy Ryan having asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, last July, what the estimated annual cost would be to halve the cost of student Leap Cards, though it was not

clear whether the question addressed the cost of fares or of the Leap Card itself.

A short video on the party’s official website explains the rationale behind the proposal: “It’ll save money for parents, it’ll save money for students, it’s something we already give to a lot of secondary school students and indeed to older people when they retire… We’ve seen it work in other countries like Germany, we believe the time is right to do it here”.

SIN spoke to Kevin Leyden, Professor of Political Science here in NUI Galway, and also Co-Director of the Creative, Liveable and Sustainable Communities Cluster of the Whitaker Institute, for comment on the announcement. “In general, I favour any effort to enable people to walk more, cycle

more, or take more public transport. In light of that, I would lean toward supporting the idea of free public transportation for students,” Professor Leyden said.

“It isn’t entirely clear to me why, currently, we already do provide free bus service and transportation for the elderly, when some of the same concerns would be true of young people”. He continued, “They’re less likely to own a car; they’re far less likely to be able to afford a car…

And we do know that the riskiest drivers are young people. So, you are in a way reducing that risk of death and injury”.

“I think the taxpayer would see direct benefit. They would see direct benefit from a reduction of traffic, reduction of air pollution, reduction of carbon footprint, health

benefits, and a reduction of the likelihood of death or serious injury from car crashes.”

Professor Leyden explained that there are several universities across Europe and North America – such as KU Leuven, or West Virginia University (WVU) – where the university itself provides a similar arrangement for its students. In WVU, a €20 bus pass lasts students and faculty through the year, and for the former, an extra fee is included in the college tuition fees. In the case of WVU, the local bus company Mountain Lion is enthusiastic about receiving a guaranteed annual income, which Professor Leyden says incentivises transport companies to invest more in growth and better services.

While Fianna Fáil have announced that they plan to freeze fares for three years and “drastically reduce the price of young people’s fares,” Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay South Kate O’Connell has suggested making the National Transportation Authority-supported ‘Kids Go Free’ system permanent over its current annual summer form. Sinn Féin has called for free public transport for homeless children living in emergency accommodation, beyond the school term. Leap Card transport in Dublin is covered by a capping system, in which students can only spend up to €5 a day on bus services, or €7.50 if the card is used across different modes of transport.

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Underestimating the books, overestimating technology

By Rachel Garvey

Habitat for Humanity’s Student Build: Cambodia “Build, understand, develop” are the pillars of the work Habitat for Humanity carry out across 17 countries worldwide. Their aim is to provide more than just aid through bricks and mortar but to also rekindle a sense of safety, dignity and community in impoverished areas around the globe. On Wednesday 16th of October, Mary McGarry of ‘Habitat for Humanity’ took part in an information session to highlight the upcoming Student Build taking place in Cambodia and to raise awareness of the continued efforts by the organisation to improve the increasingly inadequate accommodation faced by millions in other countries, such as Romania, Ethiopia, Malawi and India.

Students from all across Ireland are invited to engage with the programme and join the build taking place from 23rd May to the 24th June in Cambodia, those who take the step will be rewarded with the enriching experience of reviving a community and will take part not only in the development of homes, water sanitation, and electricity access but also cultural activities and a celebration with the community once the process is complete.

Since 2007, NUI Galway have contributed over 128 volunteers to Habitat for Humanity’s cause in countries ranging from Ghana, Honduras, Bangladesh and Zambia. With the Cambodia build the hope is for this longstanding relationship to continue to reap benefits for those facing poverty and to further enhance the work being done by the charity.

Those interested are urged to sign up as soon as possible and can find all information on habitatireland.org or by emailing gv@ habitatireland.org.

With that in mind, Lorriane Tansey, ALIVE programme coordinator said, “We have lots of students on campus interested in volunteering on international projects.

We have two big tips to a successful international volunteering experience. First,

volunteer locally either here in Galway or in your home community so that you get a good idea and understanding of what it will be like to volunteer overseas. Second, do your research and do not hand over money for deposits or applications for volunteering without knowing if the organisation is a charity or a travel company. Always check the not-for-profit status of an organisation

and simply ask them if the funding for the charity is going to the project in the community overseas”. Students with concerns or questions and interest in international volunteering should visit ALIVE in Aras na Mac Leinn to pick up a copy of the helpful guide on international volunteering and also visit the ALIVE website – www.­ nuigalway.ie/alive.

A recent study in DCU has found that technology is causing children to read less. Two academics of Dublin College University, Dr Margaret O’Donnell, who lectures in special education, and Dr Therese McPhillips, who is a specialist in literacy, shared that reading is a vital skill, especially in today’s age of information overload.

“The importance of teaching children to read for pleasure - to give them the gift of reading, to read critically, to be able to distinguish fact from fiction - cannot be overstated”, both specialists declared. The ‘Growing Up in Ireland’ research study had shown them that 8,500 children who owned a mobile phone at the age of nine scored 4% less on standardised reading and maths tests at the age of 13. Nowadays, it is very clear to see how children in this generation have become addicted to technology, how we take notice that parents allow technology usage at a young age because it merely keeps their child occupied. Dr O’Donnell emphasised that it was important for parents to support and encourage their children, from a young age, to engage more with an actual book as opposed to reading off a kindle. Evidence is present that having your child engage with reading a book at a young age has an impact on household income or social class. She continued to share that “reading for pleasure among schoolchildren has been shown to have a positive correlation with reading achievement and performance on standardised measures of attainment”. Reading can make such a big impact on an individual’s performance from a young age if it’s encouraged, but if not, then it can have negative effects in the years to come.

Growing up, reading was always a vital part of my daily routine and library visits were weekly. Children can learn a lot from reading a book on fiction, as well as a book on fact, but no matter what genre, the knowledge and inspiration they gain from reading a book is underestimated.

At a very young age, there was a bedtime story nearly every night and a book to read every day, no matter if it was an old or new book. After reading from such a young age, I developed an unbreakable passion for books and writing. The enjoyment I experienced from reading a book inspired me to become a writer and return some of that inspiration to readers. Instead, it is clear to see that less children are present in libraries, children would rather watch television in their bedrooms before they sleep, and books have been abandoned for kindles and mobile phones. Studies have shown that children who have a television in their bedroom have poorer reading habits and lower scores in literacy tests.

As someone who is the oldest in her family with two younger siblings, the evidence shown has indeed proven true. There was a sense of pride when you see your two younger siblings enjoying reading a book, whether it’s at home or in school, the memories of library visits are still fond ones. However, over the past few years, there has been a dramatic change and the books have been pushed behind the curtain, replaced with televisions and iPhones. The truth is sad and there is a feeling of uncertainty in what the future will bring us. There is one thing that has stuck with me since I was a child, that the swipe of a page on a screen will never compare to the swipe of a page from an actual book, the scent of the pages wafting towards you, making you feel at ease.

You don’t get that with technology, we will never get that sense of ease with technology.

10 N E WS & F E ATU R ES

Erasmus Diary

By Fiona Lee Hello, everyone! I feel like I was just welcoming everyone back to college, but midterm exams and assignments are already upon us! It’s said every year, but the semester goes by too quickly.

While the stress of midterms is creeping up on me, the urge to travel more and more seems just as important! In the last few weeks, my group of friends and I spent a weekend in Quebec City. We didn’t have much of a plan and ended up just wandering around, but I couldn’t have enjoyed it more. There’s nothing worse than trying to co-ordinate a big group, trying to cram specific things into a weekend away and turning the trip into an organised stress-heap. We shopped, read some historical plaques, had drinks, found some scenic spots and zip-lined over a waterfall. We had a great weekend and it was really lovely to experience somewhere new with some lovely people.

Reading week is next. This will be the longest stretch of days we have without classes while I’m here, so I plan to make the most of it. While studying for midterm exams, I took a little break to book flights to Boston for a few days. I’ll be traveling there alone. All of my friends here had different ideas of what they wanted to do for those few days, and for whatever reason, I really wanted to go to Boston, so I’m going solo. It sounds a bit daunting, maybe a little lonely, but as someone that has never travelled alone before, I’m very excited to experience what it’s like. The hostel I’m staying at sounds really social too, so who knows, maybe I’ll meet a few friendly folks.

And yes, we have a reading week instead of a study week here in Ottawa. I wasn’t sure what to think of it at first, but then I found out why they decided to make the change away from the system NUI Galway still uses. They decided to give students a week in the middle of the semester off to go home, to study, to have a breather, in order to decrease rates of suicide amongst students. Apparently, it has worked to that affect dramatically and most Canadian universities have adopted it for the same reason.

It may sound stressful to not have a study week just before exams, but another major difference between University of Ottawa and NUI Galway is the weight and amount of continuous assessment (at least for Arts students). My usual semester in one module consists of a midterm essay worth maybe 40% of my grade, and 60% goes towards the exam. This generally encourages a month of mindlessly attending lectures and then disappearing from everyone for a week while I work on my essay, then the same again until study week.

There are a lot more assignments here, which seems like more work, but they’re all weighted more fairly, and I honestly feel more engaged with what I’m learning compared to my studies in NUI Galway. I’ll let you all know if the end of semester exams are more stressful as a consequence of no study week, but so far I’m very impressed with the system here and would love to see a similar change in NUI Galway. Today is World Mental Health Day (on the day of writing this article) and I think it’s time to stop offering cups of tea to overwhelmed students when we should be considering the problematic systems we have in place for them instead.

I shall now retreat back into my study cave, and I hope to come back in one piece after my travels next week. Good luck in your exams everyone!

SIN Vol. 21 Issue 04

Mia, the Ryans and plantain

By Vannessa Marovatsanga “Where am I supposed to go back home to?

Ennis?” Victoria Osikya chuckles at this.

It’s midday, going on late, and the three of us stand in the Hub’s kitchen. A plate of plantain, sliced thickly, awaits preparation.

“It’s like, I was born here right?”, Viki moves the plate away from an errant fly, covering it before continuing “I’m Irish but when [people] look at me I don’t look Irish -” “Like what does that even mean?” interjects her friend Antonia.

“How do you ‘look Irish’?” This part is said in unison and quickly followed by giggles. They move and speak occasionally in sync, in the manner that old friends often do, and, not for the first time, I am glad I am recording rather than writing.

“Like yeah I’m Irish, you look at my skin and I’m not Irish? I’d not call myself Irish – how are you going to back a coun-

For those not familiar with her, Gemma O’Doherty is “the It girl of Irish extremism”.

She cut her teeth on transphobia and soon moved onto other Alt-right favourites, such as Islamophobia, homophobia, hate speech as free speech, and, of course, constant criticism of the supposed elite of Irish media.

From time to time, she has been known to dabble in outright conspiracy theories – often alluding to 14 words and such.

This isn’t to say white Irish Twitter has been silent in response. Popular accounts have often derided and mocked her, with one account, run by Liam Hogan (@Limerick1914), constantly and succinctly debunking the falsified history and logic behind much of her tweets and other altright scaremongering, but if she has her opponents, she also has her audience and it’s seemingly growing day by day.

Decidedly invested in the 14 words, she went as far as to extend this theory to

Recently, the Ryans, an inter-ethnic couple who appeared in a widely broadcast Lidl campaign decided to leave Ireland. The reason behind their move? A vast amount of vitriol, online and IRL, even death threats following their singling out by online hate-monger and self-described journalist/full-time troll Gemma O’ Doherty. try that wouldn’t back you if worst came to worst?”

It certainly feels that way to some these days. Just this weekend, Mia O’Neill, a mixed-race teenager from Tipperary, died by suicide due to constant bullying, with much of the abuse focusing on her ethnicity. Prior to this, the Ryans, an inter-ethnic couple who appeared in a widely broadcast Lidl campaign decided to leave Ireland. The reason behind their move? A vast amount of vitriol, online and IRL, even death threats following their singling out by online hate-monger and self-described journalist/ full-time troll Gemma O’ Doherty.

suggest the use of the Ryans – an inter-ethnic couple – was “false advertising” and “destruction of indigenous retail”. The Altright Twitterati ate it up and so begun the deluge of hate. As of October 5th - the space of 8 days- the Ryans had decided to relocate to England.

Even here in Galway, we are not immune.

Leader of the National party Justin Barrett and a scattering of followers on September 27th held a banner declaring “Ireland belongs to the Irish”. Counter-protesters quickly assembled and outnumbered Mr. Barrett and his group, trampling on the offensive sign and quite literally running them off, but not

before heated words were exchanged and at least one milkshake thrown (on Justin Barrett). Even with such a show of resistance, it’s clear that racism is now being emboldened.

Scrapped up from dark, formerly isolated corners of pubs and internet forums, grown into a festering ...something.

But here in the Campus’ Hub kitchen, such things are not mentioned. We, us three black girls, know of this already. The girls tut that there’s stupid people everywhere, a young lad passing by comments that those eejits will die out soon.

Victoria disagrees. “Racism has always been there and it’s never going to die, I mean, just look at that guy in France – before he saved that child, he was an immigrant, after, he was a citizen.” She sucks her teeth in annoyance and moves the plantain to the stove. “I think it’s just that Ireland’s very old fashioned, especially the elderly. They need to know there’s lots of different people being born in Ireland and just be careful, you know?”

Having asked the opinion of two Irish born black citizens I decide to sit down with Bungani Nkosai, born in Malawi, a former resident of a Direct provision centre and recipient of a Centurian Scholarship. We talk at length, he tells me of initial distrust from locals, eventual acceptance and of his move to Galway. He tells me that in his 6 years in Galway, incidents have been few and sparing (mainly well-intentioned micro-aggressions and hyper-fanatic, white hip hop fans who are far too fond of the N-word). However, recently, within the last summer, he notes there have been verbal altercations, far more rudeness from certain people and without a doubt far more blatant discrimination. Little of it on campus, he assures me, but take for instance this newfound policy of certain nightclubs refusing entry to POC revellers – even when they are preforming there, as happened with his own photographer.

“I think we have to know, this idea that someone else is going to take care of it or handle it, that’s not right. We live in a society and these things affect all of us, so it’s important to step up when you see something like this going on”.

N UAC HT

October 22 2019

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Mature Student Diary

By Jody Moylan The first time I entered Parliament was in August 2014. I sat down in the House of Lords knowing full well I was breaking one of its most coveted rules. Some things are sacrosanct when you’re doing a walking tour of Westminster and this was one of them. The truth is I just wanted to feel like a lord for a moment, and when our guide — a militant old man with an umbrella — became

distracted by the sound of bells, abruptly turning as if to salute someone, I slipped into a red seat and felt instantly regal. Unfortunately, the throne itself was strictly off limits.

I had been in London in an attempt to gain some kind of knowledge of the inner workings of the nineteenth century political system that Daniel O’Connell had to wade through. I’d become interested in the great ‘Liberator’ to the point of obsession and was then in the process of writing a book on him. While the system was lopsided, corrupt and grossly unrepresentative, the reality back then was that this was Ireland’s Parliament too, after the one on College Green in Dublin had been abolished in

First year diary

By Aoife Burke Hello, everybody!

As I write this, it is late at night and the wind is howling outside. I can’t believe that by the time this is published, we will be halfway through the first semester. Everyone is at different stages of their courses but I am amazed at myself. My attendance is 100% and I have gotten through several books so far. Much of my time is spent reading textbooks, which are costing me a fortune, or writing up essays and reflective pieces. I may not have the most sophisticated of presentations but I can write essays for Ireland! My lovely brother picked out a second-hand Lenovo laptop for me, which cost €290 refurbished and I am delighted with it. I even got a leather laptop bag thrown in for free!

I literally think I can just manage the course work now, but I don’t know how I can fit in a part-time job. I have applied for retail work over Christmas so I am waiting to hear back. I am finding the cost of food expensive. I was delighted with the deal at Sult to buy a coffee and porridge for €2.20.

Also, pot noodles are a great idea. I am trying to bring in my own meals and, of course, trying to make sure I relax, as I have learned I work so much better when I have had some downtime. We are all there to learn and I am on a journalism programme, so I’m currently learning how to write news articles.

Not as easy as it looks but practice makes perfect.

I have at this stage started to read Beowulf for my English course and I really love it. Of course, it’s the translated version by Seamus Heaney. I have to make a decision next year whether I will choose law or English for my degree, as I can only do one. It seems to be a tough call. Perhaps, in time, I will be surer. I was down the courthouse for a law assign-

ment this morning and it’s a scary place. I’m glad I wasn’t in front of a judge, though she seemed lovely.

I’m really looking forward to Halloween in a few weeks time, and I have plans to buy and carve a pumpkin this year. We had that scary storm not too long ago. OK, Lorenzo wasn’t that scary, but you can never be too sure. Where I live, the porch gets flooded after a storm and then the postman puts the post on the wet ground. So annoying! Soggy post! We have started assignments now and I hope everyone gets good results!

I’m currently planning a trip to New York with my sisters. It’s booked for two years from now, but it’s really important to have something to look forward to. College can seem overwhelming sometimes, even though I’ve had a ball so far.

Until next time!

Aoife x

1800 at the beginning of the historic ‘Union’ of Great Britain and Ireland. While O’Connell was the first representative of Irish Catholics inside the House of Commons in over 300 years, there was never any chance he was going to be welcomed by the King, and not just because George IV, frankly, hated Dan. It was because the rules forbade it.

Then, as now, the monarch was not allowed to step inside the Commons, after Charles I had caused a storm (not literally) by barging through its doors in 1641. The head of state can now only enter the House of Lords; which they do each year to open the ‘Parliamentary Session’. O’Connell ridiculed the King’s speech after the opening of proceedings in 1830 but, crucially, did not use ‘unparliamentary language’. Had he done so, his put-downs and insults would not have been recorded. In that great Irish tradition, O’Connell used biting sarcasm to get his point across, having been forced to refrain from using some of language’s finest words: like blackguard, coward, guttersnipe, slimy, squirt and tart.

And though such words were forbidden, O’Connell remained an advocate of speaking English, as opposed to his native Irish. And a good job too, for no member of the Commons was or is allowed to give a speech in any language other than English.

Interesting as any number of these rules and traditions might be, what I was really looking for was a complete understanding of the basics of political language. I wanted to know precisely what the difference was between a Tory and a Whig, or a chief secretary and a lord lieutenant. What was the role

of the ‘master of rolls’ and how, exactly, did a bill become law in Great Britain and Ireland in the 1800s? It was while my mind was plunged into the complexities of the 1832 Reform Act, and the Litchfield House Compact of 1835, that I began to fully appreciate the time, and the challenges faced in that time, by both normal citizens and political radicals.

It was a reminder, too, of the importance of understanding the political world in which one lives. It might seem simple if you know it, but how many people in Ireland today know the difference between a bill and an act? What exactly is political reform? If I want to become a county councillor, or run as an Independent in the next election, where, exactly, do I start, and who is the first person I should call? Maybe these seem like questions we should all know the answers to, that maybe some of us are too embarrassed to ask. When the good fight seems to be fought by the young the world over, the young are being short-changed by a system that still refuses to educate them on the things that truly matter. If you’re going to get a vote it shouldn’t be wasted, and if you’re going to enter the Dail, or the House of Commons, you should be armed with the knowledge of how things work. Maybe, if the education system prioritized teaching politics, it would be the first real beginning of a positive step towards change. Gone are the days of kings and queens, of the old order, of being told where to stand, and where to sit. But still, in many ways, politics remains a closed world. The doors remain locked to all the citizens and radicals who could truly make a difference and it’s high time that changed.

12 NEWS & F E AT U R ES

SIN Vol. 21 Issue 04

Aonach an Phobail Rua

Dialann Gaeltachta

Jessica Ní Bhroin

Le Conor Brummell

Bhailigh idir óg agus aosta ag an gCrompán an Satharn seo caite chun plean teanga na Ceathrún Rua a sheoladh. Bhí neart ceardlainne agus taispeántais idir Judo, cniotáil, scéalaíocht, Róbataic agus éalaín ar bun san ionad. Bhí Eoghan Ó Loideáin ag coinneal smacht ar gach rud a bhí ag tarlú agus ag cur gach duine ar an eolas faoin méid a bhí ar siúl.

Bhí tuilleadh spraoi ag na cumainn spóirt taobh amuigh den ionad freisin. Bhí an ghrian ag scoilteadh na gcloch agus bhí an-spórt ag ‘An Ghaeltacht Rugbaí’, ‘Cumann Sacar Mhic Dara’ agus ‘C.L.G na Ceathrún Rua’ ar na páirceanna spóirt. Bronnfar málaí spóirt orthu le lógó an Phobail Rua ar dheireadh agus bhí gach uile dhuine sona sásta.

Bhí réimse leathan seastáin i láthair ag an ócáid. Bhí dúil ag muintir na háite do na creatháin bhainne a bhí á dhíol ag Bia Blasta agus na leabhair Ghaeilge do ghasúir a bhí ar fáil ann freisin. Bhí málaí athúsáidte á thabhairt amach ag seastáin Comhairle Chontae na Gaillimhe agus bhí neart cainte ag Coláiste Chiaráin agus Acadamh na hOllscoilaíochta Gaeilge, an Cheathrú Rua faoi na cúrsaí éagsúla atá ar fáil. Bhí tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta, Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta agus Muintreas ag tabhairt a dtacaíocht don ócáid freisin.

Anuas air sin, bhí beirt amhránaí ón gceantar, Sonny Ní Chathasaigh agus Róisín Seoige breá sásta cúpla amhráin a casadh. Caitheann Ní Chathasaigh a saol ag taisteal timpeall na hEorpa ag casadh a hamhráin féin. Is cumadóir iontach í Róisín Seoige freisin agus tá lear mór duaiseanna bronnta uirthi do scríbhneoireacht amhráin chomh maith lena guth álainn.

Cé go raibh an-spraoi ag gach duine a bhí i láthair ag an ócáid iontach seo, ba é aidhm na hócáide ná plean teanga an cheantair a sheoladh. Dúirt Majella Ní Chriocháin, Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga na Ceathrún Rua gurb é aidhm an phlean ná líon na gcainteoirí laethúil Gaeilge, taobh amuigh den chóras scoile a ardú 5%. Cuirfear céad míle euro in aghaidh na bliana, thar seacht mbliana ar fáil do chomharchumann Mhic Dara leis an bplean teanga a chuir i bhfeidhm. Teastaíonn ó Bhainisteoir an chomharchumainn, Séan Ó Domhnaill an Ghaeilge a spreagadh i measc na n-óg trí spórt, scéalaíocht, amhránaíocht chomh maith le tacaíocht phobail.

Bhí Séan Kyne, an tAire don Ghaeilge, Ghaeltacht agus na hOileáin i láthair ag an ócáid chun an phlean a sheoladh. Labhair sé ar an tábhacht a bhaineann leis an nGaeilge agus na ceantair Ghaeltachta. Mhól sé Majella agus an fhoireann uilg as an obair iontach atá ar bun acu.

SU LOCKERS

Dia daoibh, a chairde! Is mise Conor Brummell agus faoi láthair táim sa 3ú bliain den Ollscoil na hÉireann Gaillimh. Táim ag déanamh staidéir ar an Iriseoireacht le Gaeilge agus Stair, agus is cuid den chúrsa liom go ndéanfaidh mé socrúchán oibre. Mar gheall ar sin, táim amuigh ar an gCeathrú Rua ag an Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaillimh chun feabhas a chur ar mo chuid Gaeilge agus beidh mé in IRadio tar éis na Nollag. Tá sé ar intinn agam léargas a thabhairt isteach ar an saol atá againn anseo, agus na rudaí atá ar siúl againn. Is é an Seimeastar Gaeltachta an t-ainm a tugtar ar an tréimshe ina bhfuil muid anseo, agus is é an chéad uair riamh a chuir Roinn na Gaeilge an bhliain seo ar siúl do mhic léinn na Gaeilge. Is é seo anois seachtain 5, agus bhí go leor rudaí le déanamh againn go dtí seo. Gan a huile moille, inseoidh mé gach rud daoibh!

An fhírinne a dhéanamh, bíonn muid an-ghnóthach gach seachtain. Cuireann an tAcadamh a lán imeachtaí ar siúl dúinn, agus téimid ar turais gach Máirt. Le na seachtaine beaga anuas, chuamar go hInis Mór, TG4, Raidió na Gaeltachta, stiúideo Ros na Rún agus Europus, comhlacht aistriúcháin atá ar an gCeathrú Rua. Chomh maith leis sin, bhíodh ranganna

cocaireachta againn gach Deardaoin, ranganna damsha Sean Nós agus damsha líne. Táimid ag baint an-taitneamh as gach uile rud atá curtha ar fáil dúinn agus ag baint triail as rudaí nua freisin!

An rud is fearr faoin Seimeastar Gaeltachta ná na daoine atá anseo. Nuair a bhí mé sa chéad bhliain agus dara bliain, ní raibh aithne agam ar leath de na daoine a raibh ar an gcúrsa liom.

Anois, toisc go mbíonn muid ag déanamh gach rud le chéile, rinne mé cairdeas le beagnach gach duine. Is rud iontach go mothaíonn muid cosúil le teaghlach dá chéile tar éis cúpla seachtain. Déarfainn féin go gcabhróidh sé linn nuair a théann muid ar fad ar ais sa bhliain dheireanach agus an strus mór ag titim thart timpeall orainn.

Gan amhras, is tréimshe iontach é seo a thugann deis dúinn Gaeilgearacht a dhéanamh gan bhuairt. Ní raibh costas ard ar an gcúrsa chomh maith, rud a thugann sos dúinn óna cíosanna airde costasacha a bhíonn sna cathracha móra timpeall na tíre. Nílimid faoi bhrú uafásach anseo agus cé go bhfuil aistí agus sannta againn, is féidir linn díriú isteach ar an nGaeilge toisc nach bhfuil ábhar eile le déanamh againn i mbliana. Mar gheall ar sin, táim fíorbhuíoch agus thar a bheith sásta chun a bheith anseo ar an gCeathrú Rua!

Final year diary

NUI Galway Students’ Union

Seomra Cótaí SAOR IN AISCE Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn

By Sadhbh Hendrick Dearest Diary, The time is 2300 hours. Daylight is a distant memory. The air condition clicked off three hours ago. The soothing snap of the opening of a can of Monster (the white one) echoes through the air. It is accompanied by a harmonic symphony of yawns, coughs and sighs. The scene has been set, now, where am I? The reading room. Obviously. Another day, another dollar. Another week, another reason to google ‘Best Paid Careers without having a degree.’ Times are tough. Yes, they could be worse, but, God, they could be a lot better too. I don’t know if it’s a final year-specific situation or not. I do think the library has been exceptionally busy for week 5, but perhaps not. The assignments, midterms, projects, job applications are in full swing. All to be expected, I suppose.

Nights out seem a thing of Christmas past.

We now have to plan our social lives at least 5 working days in advance so we can all put in the extra libo hours in the lead up to a rare bop. Fitting in the time to write some articles is a much-appreciated break for the brain and sanity. There have been some late nights and early morning stints put in over the last few weeks, as everyone seems to be ever so slightly drowning, but that’s life, I suppose.

In a very sad, excruciatingly pathetic and definitely regrettable way, the library is kind of enjoyable these days? Yes, the purpose of going is to get study, notes and assignments done, granted. However, it is quite the social hub at the same time. Little bit of balance is required. For example, it’s not really acceptable to go for coffee every 30 mins, but on the hour, every hour? Off with ye. Getting those chats and strolls and

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whinges and laughs in are just as important as getting the staidéar done. (Or so I keep telling myself anyway).

Hot topics of the week seemed to have been The Joker. Haven’t ventured to see this apparently thought-provoking movie quite yet but you’ll most likely catch me there on Tuesday peering through my popcorn.

Also, Student Race day (last one </3), and Brexit. B r e x i t. BrExIt. Brexit is happening oh so soon. Yes, it’s boring hearing it on the daily but no, it is not okay that we have all somehow trained our brains to just tune out once we hear it. Big, big, big times ahead. Historical times. Think online shopping difficulties, study abroad difficulties, employment, border issues etc., but you probably haven’t even read the last few sentences because, like I said, we hear/see Brexit, our brains do that monkey playing the cymbals in The Simpsons thing.

That is all from me folks. My parting words, to discuss the library for the last time in this entry, what is the story with that fire alarm? It seems to just sing out for itself on the daily and that little high-pitched wail would give a paracetamol a headache.

GRMA, Sadhbh x

N UAC HT

October 22 2019

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BIG BOYS DON’T CRY: A Note on Men’s Mental Health

By Conor Brummell

Have you ever heard the words “shush now, big boys don’t cry”, when the lip of a young boy started to quiver?

That’s the truth about men’s mental health in Ireland. From a young age, men are taught that it’s a stigma to feel upset. They are told it is not okay to talk about their feelings when they are upset, and if they do, they’re weak for doing so. It’s this notion that it’s not okay for young men to express their emotions and ‘open up’ about their feelings that leads to many problems, and although the suicide rate in Ireland is falling steadily year upon year, figures show that the suicide rate among males aged between 15-34 is still extremely high.

In Ireland last year, there was 352 recorded cases of suicide and the rate of men taking their own lives was four times higher than women (according to Samaratians.ie) which means 8 out of 10 suicides were men.

Being a twenty-one-year-old male in Ireland, I could, and still can, see the toxic nature of masculinity whilst growing up in this country. There’s

a ‘lad culture’ present that I never really understood whilst still in secondary school, and, in a way, I still don’t. It’s like there is an unspoken competition between young men growing up - a competition to try and be the most dominant, powerful, attractive and sporty male in the room. If you weren’t any of these things, it seemed you weren’t in the competition and therefore you were not considered one of the lads. My friends in school were mostly girls, and I remember how sometimes that was difficult. Whether it was the locker room banter before P.E each Monday in Sixth year, in which I felt I could never participate (the talk of the weekend’s antics, about who had shifted who, and who had beaten who in FIFA), or not sitting with the lads in a certain class due to not knowing any of them well enough. I remember once thinking to myself, ‘was I too fat, too hairy, too ugly or had I kissed enough girls to be friends with them?’, and that there was the problem.

Young men in Ireland feel like they can’t be open to each other about these thoughts and feelings. That sense of inadequacy, of not being good enough- that you’re not as clever, or as fit

as someone else - is something that I didn’t think any lad would feel comfortable bringing up to their male friends until I got into college and realised this wasn’t the case. However, due to the stigma surrounding mental health that teaches us, as males, that it is a burden to be upset, I didn’t realise this. It is the burden that instead teaches us the only way for us to be normal is to remain silent. Staying silent and letting our problems just drift away as if everything will be fine, is theoretically wonderful, but it doesn’t work. It never has, and it never will - because these problems don’t just disappear. They fester, bubble and boil until, suddenly, these problems are no longer a deflated feeling in our chests but a dark cloud hanging over our heads that we can’t get to go away. No matter how hard things get, men seem to feel that they still can’t open up.

In Ireland, despite the saying ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’, men feel like a problem shared is a problem burdened on someone else. It’s this idea that if you ask for help, you’re using someone else as a punching bag for your feelings and that you’re bothering them, because

if you express how you’re feeling, you’re suddenly not coping by yourself. You’ve asked for help, and it’s that fear of being vulnerable that frightens so many men. You feel like suddenly opening up is letting go of whatever control you had over those problems, and the fear of being judged and ridiculed comes to the forefront of so many people’s brains because of what we have been taught growing up; men must be strong physically, and, as result, when we aren’t feeling strong mentally, we don’t know how to cope.

This isn’t right. We need to change our attitudes towards mental health in this country and start to teach boys and men that it’s okay not to be okay, that things will improve with time, and if we open up, that a problem shared will no longer be a problem burdened, but a problem that will be solved. Whether it is a bad day, week or month - things can and will improve if we get the message across. We need to show that there is help there and that it’s perfectly fine to go look for that help. In order to do that, we need to start teaching boys from a young age that it is okay to talk – but, better yet, I think it’s time we teach them that it’s okay to cry.

The silver lining to shocking sex crime statistics

By Aislinn O Connor According to the Central Statistics Office, sexual crimes reported to the Gardaí have significantly risen in the past year. Most recent reports state that there has been a nine per cent increase from last year.

Usually, sexual crimes are severely underreported, so why is there such a rise in these figures now? While it is good that people are reporting these types of crimes to the Gardaí, does it mean that there is in fact an increase in sexual assults? Or is it that there is just more people reporting crimes?

Over the past few years we have seen a rise in people reporting crimes, specifically sexual assualts. This includes a lot of high-profile sexual assault cases, which led to things like the #IbelieveHer phenomenon.

The #IBelieveHer movement all started when a Belfast rape trial began against high-profile rugby players. While the verdict found the men not guilty, society rallied behind the woman. Marches and protests were organised, with people screaming, “I believe her!” at the top of their lungs. It was a defining moment for victims of sexual assault, they knew that society was behind them, even if the courts were not.

Could this be the reason for the increase of sexual crimes being reported? Are people sick of hiding behind themsleves? Is it all because victims now know that society is sick and tired of this too?

Even if you agreed with the courts that day and believed the men to be not guilty, the ‘I believe her’ march is still a pinnacle moment in Irish history, as it showed exactly what people were thinking – ‘enough is enough’.

It is clear that the reason for this increase in sexual crimes reporting is down to society. Society

has begun teaching people that victims of sexual assualts are not to blame or to be embarrassed by anything.

Before the ‘I Believe Her’ case, society was a place that always gave the benefit of the doubt to the man or the accused, commonly citing that “men’s lives could be ruined”, but ‘#IbelieveHer’ turned that narrative upside down.

Before ‘#IBelieveHer’, there was the #MeToo movement, a movement that started in the USA, but spread across the entire world. It inspired people from all social classes to come forward and share their story of sexual assualt. The #Metoo movement was a movement against sexual assault and harrasment. The movement was made famous during the Harvey Weinstein controversy, when key Hollywood actresses came forward to accuse the director of sexual assault.

Rape Crisis Network Ireland’s excutive director Cliodhna Sadlier said to The Irish Times that the scale of the increase in reported sex crimes suggests that cultural and societal changes are encouraging more victims to come forward.

However, there is still one big problem. There is still the presumption that only 10 per cent of sexual offending is ever reported. That is an alarmingly low figure still. But at the end of the day, the main thing is that victims of sexual assault are reporting more and more and, hopefully, one day, that will be enough for it to stop.

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Social Media: A space for inclusion or hate for members of the LGBT+ community?

By Niamh Casey The social media platform is under constant scrutiny as to whether it has a positive or a negative impact on a number of different things. However, what is the impact it can have on an entire culture or community? One of social media’s largest impacts is on the LGBT+ community, and it’s not hard to see why. Social media apps and websites are an excellent way to connect people and communities. It is also a place of free expression, but does that expression come with a risk of receiving online hate?

Online hate is something that no one is free from. Once you post something online, it is automatically susceptible to online ‘trolls’, people who make hateful comments. The LGBT+ community was, and still is, a particular target of these comments. However, just like most things, attitudes towards the LGBT+ community have evolved since the early days of the internet. Hate and ‘trolls’ are much less tolerated and are often met by many more people defending the victim. “When it comes to [the] LGBT online [community], it largely depends on the platform”, says Lily, whose name has been changed for privacy purposes.

Lily is a teenager from the midlands of Ireland who is very active online. “I’m mostly active on Instagram and it’s honestly a largely positive community… Obviously there’s going to be a bad side, but I haven’t had to experience it”.

The internet has become much more a place of safe expression for LGBT+ people, especially young people.

Young people often use social media as a platform to ‘come out’ on. It is very inspiring to see people feeling safe to express themselves, particularly online. Even more inspiring is the amount of online support they receive. The online LGBT+ community is one of the most supportive and accepting communities there is. Social media is really connecting global members of the LGBT+ community.

Social media has made meeting people easier and is less daunting than meeting new people face to face. Dating apps have made meeting and talking to other people of the same sexuality much easier. Online dating has really brought the new generation of LGBT+ youths together and has banded together with the community even more. People feel safer being themselves and social media has had a large role in achieving that. “With the likes of following gay icons and drag queens or artists who post LGBT content, it normalizes the theme of LGBT and makes it more of an everyday, run of the mill, kind of thing”, says Lily. Another way social platforms have made being open about sexuality safer is by founding online support services, such as Belong To Youth Services, a national organization in Ireland that supports young LGBT+ people. Support services like this have really brought awareness to the new age of the online LGBT+ community and have made social media a much more inclusive space for people of all sexualities.

It is nearly impossible to say whether or not social media’s overall effect is negative or positive, as it largely comes down to individual experience. However, it would not be fair to say that the platform has not had any hand in normalizing different sexualities and making LGBT+ people feel more connected through the online community. Social media will continue to develop as a platform and hopefully be even more inclusive and accepting in the future.

SIN Vol. 21 Issue 04

Should SUSI rates be increased?

By Aislinn O Connor SUSI – it’s either the best thing ever, or the absolute worst. It can help people survive the entire college year or it can deny people in need. One thing is for sure though – it’s just not enough anymore. With the cost of living rising yearly, how does SUSI expect students to live off the same grant that has not increased in years?

Currently, 100% of the SUSI standard full maintenance nonadjacent rate grant is €336.11 per month. That is €3025 for the academic year. For some students living away from home, that covers absolutely nothing. Now, I understand that there is in fact a special rate grant that’s €657.22 per month, but that is also not a lot of money when you break things down.

My rent in Galway for the academic year 2018/19 was €520 per month for a tiny box room. How could I possibly afford to live if I was depending on only €336.11 a month? As a Corkonian and, therefore, not able to spend too long away from Cork, I spend around €35 every second week, if not every week, to get home.

That raises my own monthly spending to €590, when you add bills to that it costs nearly €645, and that is before I start spending on necessities, like, you know, food. Therefore, 100% of what I would have gotten from SUSI (if I got 100% of the grant) wouldn’t even cover half of what I would need. The question begs, how is anyone who is in dire need of financial support able to afford to live away from home on 100% of the SUSI grant?

As one of 8 siblings, having to depend on my parents for financial support really put my parents under financial pressure. But, then again, I am one of the lucky ones who can depend on my parents.

Many people cannot. One student I know who really can’t depend on her parents, and who receives the special rate SUSI grant, said that the grant was “stretched very thin” and it “was difficult to make ends meet.” She also comments that without SUSI, she “wouldn’t be able to afford to go to college.” Why are we putting students under so much pressure? Shouldn’t the grant be raised?

But would increasing the rate of the SUSI grant mean that other students wouldn’t get SUSI? This could be both a good and a bad thing. Some students would not be able to go to college without SUSI, so are they the ones that should get a higher amount? Should we take it from people who are getting SUSI, but who could still realistically continue going to college without it? Or what about if the government put more money into SUSI, would that mean they would take more money away from other valuable educational schemes, like the Back to Education Allowance of the HEAR scheme? These things can be such a catch-22, but one thing that is for definite, though, is that the SUSI grant definitely needs to change – and soon.

I am not saying that students need everything handed to them.

Most students do work part-time while in college and working part-time has helped me and many more students afford to help pay for ourselves in college. But students shouldn’t have to put their own education at risk by working so many hours just to be able to survive. It’s just wrong. Students who cannot work full time should get some sort of support from the state, just like everyone else who can’t work full time. Times are changing and getting more expensive and students need help to combat this and that’s for sure.

Trump for 2020 or impeachment?

By Aaron Deering During the summer, the US 2020 Presidential Race began, and it’s been heating up nicely since then. There are currently 19 candidates seeking the Democratic nomination to face the incumbent US President Donald Trump. Realistically, there are only three main players for the democratic nomination and they’re former US vice president Joe Biden, US Senator Elizabeth Warren and US Senator Bernie Sanders.

In recent weeks, Bernie Sander’s continuation in the campaign looks doubtful after suffering a heart attack and having two stents put in. Even though Sanders has insisted on continuing in the campaign, his recent health scares, along with his age (78), will go against him.

According to RealClear Politics, as of the 11th of October, Joe Biden is on 27.8%, Elizabeth Warren is in second on 26%, while Bernie Sanders is in third place on 15.2%. There’s still a long way to go until it’s decided who’ll face Trump, but the thinning out of the Democrats field will play a crucial part in deciding who is picked for the nomination, as former candidates chose who they and their supporters will now support. Expect the likes of Kamala Harris and Pete Buttigieg to play key roles in deciding who gets the final nomination.

One big problem for the Democrats is that out of the 19 candidates seeking the Democrats nomination, none of them look capable of beating Donald Trump. Joe Biden is probably the Democrats’ best chance of winning but it’s slim. Trump

still has a very large support base and he has been actively holding rallies to maintain this. Even the voter in the middle will still vote for Trump, since the US economy is doing well and it’s a case of ‘if it’s not broken don’t fix it’. The Democrats won’t admit it, but they don’t like their chances of winning the 2020 election. That’s why they’ve turned to try to impeach Donald Trump.

We’re nearly four years on from the 2016 US Presidential election where Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton and the Democrats still can’t accept the result. Since the election, there have been inquiries, calls for impeachment and the Muller Report. The Democrats pinned all their hopes on the Muller Report finding something on Trump but, like everything else, it failed to find anything substantial. Now, the Democrats are pinning their final hopes on trying to impeach President Trump rather than facing him in the election and beating him the old-fashioned way. I don’t agree with President Trump calling for other countries to investigate his rival Joe Biden’s son, but will it lead to his impeachment? Probably not. My question to the Democrats is why put all your efforts into an impeachment process which more than likely will fail because not enough Republicans will abandon the President, when there’s the perfect opportunity to beat him in the upcoming election? The Democrats should be putting all their efforts into beating Trump in the upcoming US Presidential Election rather than wasting their time and resources into trying to impeach him.

If they don’t, then I’m afraid they’ll be facing another bitter pill to swallow and that is four more years of US President Donald Trump.

Photo by Jose Moreno on Unsplash

TUAIRIM

October 22 2019

15

Fancy dress strongly encouraged

by Rachel Garvey

Photo by Daniel Lincoln on Unsplash

Can you imagine walking into a pub or club, or even a simple house party, and everyone’s eyes just fall on you? Even your friends look away in embarrassment, trying to pretend they don’t know you. You look around, confused, thinking that everyone’s eyes are drawn to something near you, but no.

Everyone’s eyes are locked specifically on you. Somewhere in your horror-driven head, a skeletal hand wipes away the spiders and cobwebs that cloud your judgment and realisation dawns on you like a crowd of hungry zombies. Every female there is dressed in a tight girlie costume, every male there is dressed in dark colours, with a few even making the effort to decorate their face and body parts in fake blood and bits of fake skin. Then, there’s you, wearing a bright yellow raincoat, a paper boat clasped in your hand, dark blue jeans, green wellingtons, a scarred face and a fake bloody arm that hangs from the

Drug abuse in young adults

by Dua Varun Conformity, enjoyment, fun, experimentation, social enhancement, boredom, and relaxation.

These are some of the reported reasons for drug use in young adults in many studies over the years. The use and abuse of drugs is not new.

Our use of such substances has been attested to in the earliest records of human history, be it for religious, medicinal, or social purposes. Unfortunately, society’s approach towards fighting this problem hasn’t changed over the years, despite the remarkable progress made in learning about these illicit substances. There is no consensus on the questions like, is drug abuse a moral or medical issue? Or, is addiction caused by the substance or are some individuals vulnerable psychologically?

Genetics and impact of response to environmental factors, like conditions at home, peer pressure, chaotic life, underachievement, along with mental health disorders, are some factors which increase the risk of addiction and abuse.

Transition from adolescence to young adults is generally a chaotic phase. Variances and comparisons in achievements, expectations, and goals among peers are some reasons for increased levels of stress and anxiety. Use of drugs for conformity, experimentation or social enhancement are ways to deal with this disparity and feel more included. It is a way to obviate the difficulties of this transitional phase in life. A recent German series on Netflix called How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) is an interesting take on how the events in the life of young adults lead them into using (and selling) drugs.

Research over the years on marijuana (or cannabis to be scientific) has found that the two compounds in it, THC and CBD, have different effects on humans. THC is the psychoactive compound, while CBD has no such properties, and

has shown credible results in improving certain medical conditions like anxiety, spasticity, and insomnia. Psychedelic substances (most famous ones being LSD and magic mushrooms) in recent trial experiments show much better results (as compared to other methods) in dealing with disorders like OCD, depression, and anxiety. These compounds generally have a similar structure to that of Serotonin, which helps them bind themselves to it in the blood. Serotonin is responsible for happiness and well-being. Thus, drugs in a way, are a means to find well-being in a world of chaos for addicted young adults. These research and findings are relevant in two ways. It gives us an opportunity to look deeper into the relationship between drugs and the mental state of being. It will open avenues into understanding why young adults with a certain state of mind turn to drugs.

Further drawing from such research, we can make more informed and guided educational programmes against drug abuse for young adults - guiding them to deal with anxiety, stress, depression, and other mental health disorders, in medically controlled environments rather than waiting for them to break down and resort to drugs to find their peace. Such intervention programs will not only reduce the menace of drug abuse, but it would rather help individuals in dealing with problems that sometimes afflict people their whole lives. The success of such methodology, however, also depends on the political and social acceptance of the medical use of such substances. Research into psychedelics was derailed in the 1960s after such drugs became intertwined with rock-n-roll and the anti-Vietnam war movement in the US and were subject to media and cultural demonisation.

In recent years, though, the research is back on track and hopefully will lead to better insights in the future.

sleeve of your raincoat. Georgie from It is an iconic costume choice, it’s simple, but a great idea at the same time. However, not everyone thinks so. Everyone’s confused gaze gives you the impression that you may have gone just a tad overboard with your costume and the preparation you invested in it.

It’s like a scene out of Mean Girls when Cady enters the Halloween party dressed as a dead bride and everyone asks, “Why are you dressed so scary?”, to which she replies, “It’s Halloween”. We are all supposed to dress up scary, right? I also just want to point out that this experience has never happened to me, at least not yet. As an October baby, I take Halloween very seriously, so if a themed Halloween party has extended an invite to me, then I would gladly put in the effort to a costume that is scary or has some connection to the world of horror. I’ll be honest here, I’m not a fan of Halloween-themed parties because, knowing me, I’d be the one to turn up looking like Georgie and getting confused looks from left, right and centre. Cady was right, it’s Halloween, and that obviously gives people the chance to be the scariest thing you can be, but some like to take it in a completely different direction, a direction where the costume doesn’t give off a scary vibe, if you know what I mean?

When we were children, it was a lot easier. We begged our parents for a specific costume because it looked scary and we had this idea in our tiny minds that it would be the greatest costume ever.

We could be dead little red riding hoods, skeletons and zombies, or even just throw a sheet over our

Pr

aw r D ize

heads with holes cut out where we can see through.

As we grow older, our costume expectations change dramatically, we have different ideologies about what we want to be. It still confuses me to this day how it’s acceptable to dress inappropriately for Halloween. The spooky holiday is meant to be a celebration of the barrier-breaking between the living and the dead, the excitement to carve a pumpkin and go trick or treating, it’s not meant to pose as an excuse to show off pieces of our lingerie.

The whole reason behind children dressing up in scary costumes was that the spirits that roamed the streets would leave them alone, the spirits believed that the child in the costume was one of them. Spirits nowadays would be disappointed in our costume choices. If you experience this large gust of wind that lifts up your costume in certain parts, then think nothing of it, that’s just them flying past wreaking havoc and saying, “Shame on you, wear a scarier outfit next time”. I do feel like there is a lot of pressure on people when it comes to Halloween-themed parties, but I’ll leave you with one piece of advice; it’s Halloween, it doesn’t take a genius to know that the holiday involves all things scary. Be the Georgie from It, be the beautiful but mysterious Morticia Addams, be the one to dress up in a deformed Teletubby costume because I can guarantee you that you won’t feel any unexplained gusts of wind or shivers roll through your spine, you are simply fitting in amongst our invisible friends that have come to visit for one night and one night only.

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SIN Vol. 21 Issue 04

Bring on the education revolution

By Niamh Casey The way we educate in Ireland, and indeed most countries, is outdated and unnecessarily stressful. It not only unites current exam year students, but also anyone who has ever sat the state exams. People who haven’t been in secondary education for years can still empathize with students currently in the examination process. The emotions of doing these fateful exams still resonate with middle-aged people in full-time employment. As soon as the mock exams are over, students will be starting their oral exams, finishing up projects

and doing music practicals, and before they know it, the exams will have crept up on them and they will be starting their first paper. The whole exam year is stressful and anxiety inducing.

However, many changes are already being introduced to the education system.

These big changes primarily focus on the way the exams are marked and are especially concerned with the Leaving Cert, which makes sense, because these exam results are the determining factor for a young person’s future, at that point.

This adds to the stress of the exams and makes the wait for

results an anxious one. There have, however, been recent attempts to alleviate the stress of waiting for results by making the appeal process much more efficient so that students have their reviewed results sooner.

This followed the Rebecca Carter case last year, in which Ms Carter appealed for a re-evaluation of her exam results after her marks were incorrectly added up. The marking system was long overdue for a reassessment.

Further changes are to be made to the marking system in order to give students a better chance at obtaining their desired courses. The results for

the Leaving Cert will come out a day earlier this year than they did last year. Students will also receive their appealed results earlier. This change in the time frame for marking the paper comes after it was announced that the marking will move online, which will make the process faster. This will make it possible for students who appealed their results to accept their preferred CAO choice before it would be too late. These are the changes that were heavily influenced by the Carter case last year. It is very important to see students challenging the education system and making it more

efficient for future students.

Other changes are set to follow.

Better support is to be established for students who suffer a bereavement and the duration of exams is to be extended by two days to reduce stress and conflicts in students’ timetables.

It’s refreshing to see longneeded changes happening to Ireland’s education system.

Efforts are being made to help reduce stress and benefit students more. However, more changes still need to be made.

Many students have raised complaints about the overall course structure of different subjects.

There is much demand by stu-

dents to make certain subjects much more practical-based or for continuous assessment to replace final exams, or even just to be factored in as a part of assessment. With changes already being put into action, it will be interesting to see what other changes will be announced in the following years. We must ask ourselves what the future has in store and the purpose of education should be to prepare the next generation for that.

It is impossible to see into the future, but it is possible to make changes to the way we educate the children who are going to live in it.

Are you able to use a different language?

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It’s times like these when I start feeling unsafe in my surroundings. I have heard a lot of ableist languages (language that is discriminatory towards disabled people) around the college this year, much more than I’ve heard in previous years – and it’s only October.

I have heard ableist slurs that I won’t repeat here and extremely offensive ‘impersonations’ of people with intellectual disabilities. Be it in the Bialann or in a corridor, I just can’t seem to get away from it. To the people who use these devices, it might seem like some light humour, but it is gravely upsetting to disabled people and to the people who know and/or love them.

Ableism is rampant in our society. As racism and sexism

become more and more unacceptable, ableism is on the rise.

Be it saying, “that was crazy”, or using the ‘r’ slur, ableism and ableist language has become acceptable, even normalised, in our society, especially in teenagers and young adults.

Before you use ableist language, ask yourself this question: would you use this language towards a disabled person?

You’d probably think twice in this situation because you’d realize how derogatory these terms are to disabled people. Of course, there are people who would use them anyway, but I’m willing to bet that most people wouldn’t.

If you would use ableist terms in relation to a disabled person (or a healthy person for that matter), I hope this article will change your mind.

If you use these terms in

relation to someone without a disability, it is no different from using it for a disabled person.

It’s not okay, you are invalidating disabled people and making it seem like being disabled is a bad thing. Being disabled is not an inherently bad thing in a lot of cases, it’s a difference in how your brain and/or body works or doesn’t work. Many disabled people have learned to love themselves, just like abled people have. To them, their disability is who they are, and they embrace it.

As a disabled person, it makes me upset to hear such carry-on in this university. It makes disabled people like me feel left out and upset at best or, at worst, unsafe. University is supposed to be a place that’s accessible for everyone and a place where everyone

feels included and safe. Unfortunately, I don’t feel included in this University, and I won’t until something is done about this ableist language.

There should be more knowledge out there in relation to what language is and isn’t ableist. College students, especially, should try their best to learn how to be more inclusive and this includes being inclusive to those with disabilities.

Ableism is mentioned in a couple of college papers and handbooks, especially by disability support services, but not enough people read official papers to make a big difference in how we think and communicate So, before you call what happened in DNA last night “crazy”, think twice – the wrong person could overhear you.

Unplanned protests – Down with this sort of thing

by Déaghán Ó Céatfadha Galway City Omniplex had a sight straight out of Father Ted last week. Organised by Galway Pro-Choice, several protesters gathered in front of the cinema to protest the screening of the film Unplanned, which follows the story of Abby Johnson, the youngest clinic director in the history of Planned Parenthood, and the experiences that turn her into an anti-abortion activist. The Facebook description claimed that they were protesting “medical inaccuracies” within the film. But seeing as a criticism of medical inaccuracies of the film is limited to “A fetus unrealistically appears to struggle for its life”, this seems

to be a weak claim. The group also stated they were trying to shut down the movie because they felt it was “anti-choice propaganda” and would “stigmatize abortion”. A bit like “Down with this sort of thing” and “Careful now”.

For me, the issue at the heart of this isn’t abortion but it’s freedom of expression and highlights the internal threat art now faces. Art has a sacred role in its effect on culture. Art throughout the ages has tried to make a social and political statement. Whether we agree with that statement or not, one of the first steps taken by every anti-democratic movement is to control the artistic scene within the society, because

art can topple regimes, but if you control art, you control the public imagination. The Nazis did this, the communists did this and now, modern extremists are doing the same thing. Furthermore, it could be argued that films like the Beauty and the Beast remake, Magical Beasts and Zootopia are propaganda films, but that doesn’t detract from their artistic value or mean they should be censored. And, at minimum, shutting down movies? Isn’t that anti-choice?

The extreme left has become more dogmatic and rigid than the church once was, trying to censor anything that is slightly outside their narrow, sanctimonious and

s e l f- r i g h t e o u s i d e o l o g y.

These far-left extremists aren’t progressive. They’re intolerant of everything they disagree with. They’re intolerant of any diversity of art, free speech and freedom of expression. They’re antiintellectuals, not progressives, they’ve just sprinkled glitter on their jackboots and called it trendy. German-American poet Charles Bukowski once said “Beware those who are quick to censor, they are afraid of what they do not know”. To defend the richness of our culture, to defend art and to defend our democracy, we need to be wary of cowards in numbers, weary of powerful cowards.

Coiste Gnó

2019-2020

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Vice President / Education Officer Leas Uachtarán / Oifigeach Oideachais

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

President / Uachtarán

Cameron Keighron

Clare Austick

su.education@nuigalway.ie 086 385 3658

su.president@nuigalway.ie 086 385 5502

Brandon Walsh

su.welfare@nuigalway.ie 086 385 3659

Oifigeach na Gaeilge Irish Language Officer

Mature Students’ Officer Oifigeach Mic Léinn Lánfhásta

Postgraduate Research Officer Oifigeach na nIarchéimithe i mbun Taighde

Postgraduate Taught Officer Oifigeach na nIarchéimithe Teagasctha

su.gaeilge@nuigalway.ie 091 493 570

su.maturestudents@nuigalway.ie 089 966 4053

su.pgresearch@nuigalway.ie 089 442 6068

su.pgtaught@nuigalway.ie 083 380 2180

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 083 141 9712

su.clubs@nuigalway.ie 087 094 5959

su.council@nuigalway.ie 085 204 8786

su.arts@nuigalway.ie 091 493 570

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 085 208 6945

su.medicine@nuigalway.ie 091 493 570

su.business@nuigalway.ie 085 205 5717

su.engineering@nuigalway.ie 091 493 570

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

Avery Fenton

Morgan Queeney

Alex Coughlan

Victoria Chihumura

su.international@nuigalway.ie 091 493 570

su.lgbt@nuigalway.ie 087 670 8339

su.disability@nuigalway.ie 085 816 3837

su.ethnicminorities@nuigalway.ie 085 231 3107

Erin Mac An tSaoir

Chuka Paul Oguekwe

Pádraic Toomey

Oissíne Moore

Kenny Cooke

Teil/Tel: Ríomhphost/Email:

Scott Green

Aisling Fitzgerald

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

www.su.nuigalway.ie

Emily Tock

Clodagh McGivern

Dheeraj Gudluru

Martin Smyth

Sachi Sinha

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

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

Travel Junkie: Amsterdam

By Megan Frei We are all familiar with the reputation Amsterdam wields as a European party mecca, but it’s also an ideal city for a leisurely weekend away. Roughly an hour away by plane, Amsterdam is an accessible option for a three-day (or two-day) weekend. Behind every corner lurk cafes and markets; it’s hard to go wrong. However, if you need somewhere to start, here are a few weekend-worthy hotspots in Amsterdam.

A’DAM TOREN Recently renovated, the A’DAM building has both a basement night club, Shelter, and a 20th floor nightclub, MA’DAM, which offers free entry after 9:30 pm. You can sip your cocktail with a view from the confines of MA’DAM nightclub or enjoy Europe’s tallest swing on A’DAM’s observation deck, Over the Edge. At 100 metres high, you’ll have a unique, and terrifying, view of all the sights Amsterdam has to offer.

FOODHALLEN Foodhallen, formerly a tram station, is a must-visit destination in Oud-West. Only a short walk from Vondelpark, you can select from a variety of cuisines, such as sushi, falafels, tacos, and waffles, before you head out for an afternoon stroll (or nap) in the park. Foodhallen offers over thirty different food stalls which cater to specialty diets, making it an excellent choice if you’re traveling in a group. P.S., the food hall is dog friendly, so don’t be surprised to see patrons feasting with their pooches in tow.

VONDELPARK The Netherlands’ most famous park, also Amsterdam’s largest city park, is a must-do. Although you really can’t go wrong with any of the city’s idyllic parks, if, like me, you’re visiting Amsterdam for the first time, Vondelpark is worth a look. If Vondelpark is old news for you, then try Westerpark or Rembrandtpark.

KOFFIE AND KOECH At Koffie and Koech, an all-vegan café, you can order all the oat milk cappuccinos Amsterdam has to offer. With fresh vegan croissants and scones, this unassuming café, situated west of central Amsterdam, is a relaxing way to see some of the city’s quieter neighbourhoods. Roughly a twenty-minute walk from the city centre, you can confidently ditch the crowds knowing there’s a plethora of homemade pastries waiting for you on arrival.

VEGABOND Dutch cuisine is notorious for indulgent (and delicious) pancakes and waffles, but if you’re craving a different start to your morning, swing by Vegabond and fuel up for the day with an acai bowl to help you power through to dinnertime. If you balk at acai bowls, swing

by Vegabond and pick up some other wholesome options on a day when you’re in a rush. This restaurant has a casual deli complete with sausage rolls and sandwiches for all your grab-n-go lunchtime needs.

RENT A BIKE Join the locals and rent a bike. You probably will come close to crashing on more than one occasion, but biking is the easiest way to see the most of the city during a short weekend. It’s your trip, spend it seeing the sights that excite you! Rent a bike and visit the Albert Cuyp Market, Museumplein, Hortus Botanicus, the Jordaan, and anywhere else your legs will take you in the span of a weekend!

BEER AT ANY BAR ON THE CANAL BELT Equally beautiful in winter and summer, Amsterdam’s historic canals are a stress-free way to take in the city without having to battle hordes of tourists. If sitting and drinking beer, or coffee, is your preferred mode of getting acquainted with a city, then take a seat at one of the city’s many, many canal-side bars or bistros and enjoy the view.

Whether you prefer lounging or spinning, one can spend a weekend in Amsterdam strolling the city with no particular destination in mind. Amsterdam has so much to offer that one visit will likely have you hooked. If you’ve previously visited in the summer, the winter months offer a beautiful and cosy backdrop for the perfect weekend getaway!

SIN Vol. 21 Issue 04

THE GREAT TREND DEBATE: Is trend-driven fashion the future or the death of individuality?

By Sadhbh Hendrick ‘You can buy fashion but you must have style.’

These are the words of wisdom from my granny that ring through my ears every time I am swan through the doors of my favourite shops.

Massive sweeping side fringe, foundation lips, blue eye-shadow, Hollister yoga pants, Uggs, duck lips/peace and pout/LA sign, 734 filters with ‘My h8ers r mii Motiv8rzz’ in italics. The ensemble of dreams. An icon fashion statement. Red carpet worthy. Said no one, ever. Feeling attacked? Sorry, not sorry.

Being slaves to fashion is one of the main reasons the photographic evidence of many of our teenage discos are only fit for bonfires. If you are one of the more vintage of the NUI Galway cohort, like myself, these pictures were taken on a pink digital camera that swung around your Sally Hansen-ed wrist for the night.

Next up we have the peplum tops, skinny jeans and the heeled boot. Why did we feel the need to go out like we were playing dress up?

Dress up like office workers? The list of regrettable fashion trends is endless - the high-low skirts, the low waist jeans, the hippy headbands and floral leggings (guilty as charged). Of

course these outfits and items suit some people.

However, they do/did not suit the thousands of people that succumbed to the trend at the time.

Fashion is a fascinating topic. It can be considered an expression of individualism or personality. It can provide a platform for expressing political or religious views. It can make you feel empowered or self-conscious. Sometimes, it’s viewed as a purely practical necessity. While I am not saying we should all aspire to be Anna Wintour or Kanye West (icons), I am saying we need to stop following trends, just because.

Yes, it is easy to follow trends and, in the right shops, it can also be very affordable. However, just because it’s in, doesn’t mean it’s not a sin. I came up with that one myself.

I consider fashion to be an expression of myself to a certain extent. Not in a deeply poetic way, however. I know what I like and I think (or hope!) that I know what suits me. In saying that, I am not the hipster of trends. I don’t refuse to follow trends simply for the fact they are a trend: I love a good mom jean and hoop earring as much as the next girl. However, I do not religiously follow trends, influencers, celebs or blogs whose main job is to aggressively inform me of what I MUST HAVE FOR

WINTER/SUMMER/MARCH/AUGUST/FRIDAY EVENING. Why? Because trends and whatever is considered ‘in’ just does not always suit me.

And that means it won’t always suit you either.

Currently, the latest must-haves seem to be denim skirts, mom jeans, doc martins, patterned pants, 90’s style runners and fleeces.

While we are blessed that these don’t seem like outfits we will regret next year, this still should not equate to everyone buying them. Figure out what suits you before succumbing to trenddriven fashion. How can you style yourself to look your finest? Please, please, please invest in a full length mirror in the process of figuring out how to do so. (Tip numero dos from my granny). Maybe mom jeans are your thing, or maybe instead you can pull off boot cut – someone has to. Cheetah print skirts might be your game, but so too might dungarees. I’m not here to tell you what will suit you or what won’t. I am going to leave you with two thoughts, though: If you’re not comfortable in your clothing, it shows, and discomfort is worse than any Hollister yoga pant trend.

And finally: not being a slave to fashion is actually the hottest look this season, this year, and always.

How to stay healthy during the flu season

By Alice O’Donnell It seems we’ve only just managed to get over the ‘Fresher Flu’, and yet, there’s no reprieve, with the winter’s selection of bugs and colds coming our way. While sometimes there’s no avoiding the flu, here are some handy tricks to keep the likelihood of getting ill at an all-time low.

Diet

With nights getting longer, sometimes there’s nothing more tempting than to enjoy a nice takeaway. And while the odd Chinese is fine, a healthy diet is the main obstacle to illness. According to medical papers, each meal should comprise of at least half fruit and vegetables to live healthier.

However, it’s also important to keep in mind that a varied and balanced diet is hugely important. If you’re following a plant-based diet, ensure that you’re taking supplements, otherwise there are some key elements missing from your diet (B12 is an especially common deficiency among vegans and vegetarians). While shops such as Boots and Holland & Barrett stock vitamins, our very own pharmacy on campus sells a wide range of multivitamin tablets that will help fulfil the body’s nutritional needs.

Sleep

It’s an unfortunate coincidence that winter’s bugs arrive at the same time that mid-term essays are due. No matter how much it seems like a good idea to pull an all-nighter to get that assignment done, try to resist. Sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your body and provides you with some much-needed rest. Lack of sleep results in, not just your head feeling groggy, but every part of your body becoming more sluggish and tired, and makes you much more open to sickness and infections. Although the recommended 8 to 10-hours sleep per night may seem like an impossible dream, even getting a good night’s sleep a few times a week is better than none at all.

Exercise

When the whole campus seems to be dredged down with the sneezes and sniffs, exercise may be the last thing on your mind. However, numerous scientific papers have shown that regular exercise, (around two hours of aerobic exercise each week) can simulate your immune system and help to fight off those pesky bugs. There are plenty of ways to get active around campus, and nearly all of the clubs would be delighted to have new recruits. If solo exercising is more your style, the Kingfisher gym provides great facilities, or an early morning run by Salthill beach will help your mental health, as well as improving your fitness level.

Wash your hands

Perhaps the most obvious suggestion, but definitely one of the best. According to the NHS, some viruses can live as long as 7 days on surfaces – imagine how gross the library desks can get!

Research shows that people touch their faces nearly twenty times every hour, and your fingertips to your mouth is one of the most common ways that bacteria can enter your system. While running to the bathroom sink every hour isn’t the most reasonable of suggestions, a handy little dispenser of disinfectant is a miracle worker.

Go to the doctors

Finally, if you’re one of the unlucky ones whose been hit with a bug, try to power through.

However, especially at wintertime, some illnesses can be worse than others. If you think you’re struggling with something stronger than the common cold, such as pneumonia, strep throat or Mumps, make sure you go to a doctor immediately. The Student Health Unit (situated upstairs in Áras na Mac Léinn) is a great facility to keep in mind, as it offers free medical care to NUI Galway students. However, as the service is in high demand, make sure you get there early to ensure that you can get an appointment for that day.

October 22 2019

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A Weekend in her Style: Selena Gomez

By Ewelina Szybinska Style like Selena Gomez on a budget! Cold weather is fast approaching and what better way to welcome it than to take some style cues from Selena’s comfy closet? You’d be surprised with how many of these pieces you might already have in your wardrobe.

The cute-but-warm look might be hard to achieve, as layering clothes is not that easy, but we’ve picked out three Selena outfits that can be recreated effortlessly and on a budget. Yes, this singer’s clothing is most likely high-fashion, expensive and maybe even custom made just for her, but we’ve got you covered. Here are some similar fits and fabrics that won’t upset your bank account!

The ‘Flawless Friday’ Look It’s Friday! You want to keep it classy but comfortable, right? Use your black leg-

gings or black jeans for absolutely everything. This basic figurehugging piece of clothing is a safe starting point for any cosy, cute outfit. New Look would be a great place to shop. The online SALE is currently on and the prices range between €5-€15! Selena effortlessly turns basic into eye catching, with all of her streetwear looks. Pop into Penneys on your way home and grab a €4 white shirt to continue with the look.

Finally, add something that will give a statement to your outfit such as a fab winter coat. Long collar coats are currently in trend and similarly can be picked up from high-street heroes such as Penneys or New Look. The coat is usually the most expensive item on the list, but it will serve you for a long while.

Next time you’re braving the chill, pair your jacket with some white jeans and a grey top. It will be your Autumn/Winter

The Foodie Diaries: How to cook pasta that’s not boring on a student budget

by Isabel Dwyer Pasta gets a hard time. When it comes to student chefs, these little carb-overdoses don’t get much treatment other than the contents of a stale Dolmio jar. The general student body opinion seems to be that pasta doesn’t deserve much more. It gets eaten with some forks stolen from the Bialann, ‘enjoyed’ on one of those cardboard couches of a certain student accommodation that shall not be named. How has it come to this?

The thing is, great quality pasta dishes don’t take that much more time, effort or dosh than the dull way you might be making it as is. Below lies my favourite pasta recipe of all time, a gem stolen from a friend that is ideal for you, your housemates, or the new boyfriend/ girlfriend that you’re seeing and want to impress.

You’ll need chilli flakes, garlic, a tin of anchovies, a tin of tomatoes, lemon, basil and buffalo mozzarella. Oh, and your pasta of choice. I like to go for rigatoni because it makes me feel fancy, but you can do this with any type. Those little shells work well here too.

As for sourcing these ingredients on a student budget, shopping around is key. I find Tesco cheap for the mozzarella (under 80c for a ball), while Masterson’s grocers (right next to the Tesco on Headford Road) is great for buying fresh herbs. The basil from there seems to stay fresher for longer than that from other grocers AND it comes in recyclable packaging. Best of all, by buying there, you’re supporting small and local businesses.

Now for the cooking itself. Start with a bit of prep on the anchovies and garlic. Two cloves would probably be a socially acceptable amount to use in this recipe, but, honestly, throw in as many as you want.

I’ve never cooked a meal where I wished I used less garlic. I like to be lazy and just smash the cloves with the side of the knife instead of crushing or chopping.

Honestly, it’s tastier that way too. With your anchovies, mash them into a paste. I always leave two or three un-mashed to put on top of the pasta at the end.

Also, don’t throw away the oily goodness that’s left in the tin, we’ll need that later. Heat up some olive oil (or whatever you have, really) in a big pot. Add the mashed anchovies, garlic, and just a few chilli flakes.

A few flakes go a long way, so make sure not to add too many, unless you like a bit of heat. Add your tin of tomatoes. Most tins are about 39c in Tesco.

Meanwhile, get your pasta going on the side. The key here is to salt the water a lot more than you think you should. No need to add any oil to the water, that only stops the sauce from soaking in later. You don’t want to cook your pasta all the way through, either.

When it’s about half-cooked, drain and remove from heat. Save about a cup-full of the water from the pasta and add to your tomato mixture - this is crucial for a good sauce.

Bring to a boil. Add some lemon juice. I like to add a tiny bit of vinegar here too, whatever type you have is fine. Now throw all the pasta into the sauce, keep on a high heat, and let it finish cooking in there. That way, it soaks up all the flavour.

Now for the magic. Chop up your remaining basil finely and cut the mozzarella into little chunks. Plate up the pasta in a bowl and top it off with the basil and chunks. Drizzle the oil from the anchovy tin on top – because, why not?

Customize the dish to suit yourself - you can always skip the basil and mozzarella. Use tuna instead of anchovies if you prefer, or no fish at all, if you want; just amp up the lemon and salt in its place. Add a handful of spinach for a bit of effortless vitamin K. And finally, always serve pasta in a bowl. Never, ever, leave it in the saucepan. You’re better than that.

You deserve better than that.

favourite. Selena finished off the outfit with some white sneakers and a nude bag.

‘Simply Stylish Saturday’ Look Long days of lectures and work are finally over and you’re ready to go out! Selena chose an accessible outfit that is ideal for all of our student budgets! We can all trust a good old denim jacket.

The cropped, light-washed blue denim is complemented by the frays hanging from the bottom. If you’re tired of the same old denim and don’t necessary want to buy a new jacket, why don’t you DIY (do it yourself)? Take a pair of fabric scissors and cut along the bottom. Pull on the fabric to create edgy frays and there you go! Your very own customised cropped denim jacket. We can all agree that denim jackets can be put over almost everything. Let it be a shirt, a sweater or a hoodie. Style the denim like Selena, with a cute black turtleneck and bottomfrayed black pants. Complete the look with some black, shiny boots and walk the runway. This is a chic yet simple sophisticated look that you might find yourself wearing on the regular.

The ‘Chill Sunday’ Look This look screams Sunday! Keep it casual but layered. For this outfit, Selena opted for a white turtleneck and layered a cute sweater on top. Animal-print sweaters can be easily found online for reasonable, student preferred prices. Zaful is great for unique sweaters that you won’t come across elsewhere. So, if you’re searching for something rare and on the cheap side, it’s the place to start.

Try thrift shopping for some mom jeans! You’ll find some great eccentric, vintage clothes in Galway that will not disappoint. Not only you will save some cash, but you’ll also help the charity and contribute to saving the environment. So, take a break from tight-fitting fabric and feel comfortable while you conquer the day. If you’re feeling more creative, copy the nude heels to add a dressy feel. If heels are not your cup of tea, try a pair of short boots. Grab any white/nude bag that will fit every little thing you need and step out the door.

Selena Gomez can be a great fashion inspiration for students. Most of her casual daily outfits can be easily replicated. Her sense of fashion describes her fun personality. The star is casual and well puttogether, while keeping the term ‘comfort’ in mind.

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SIN Vol. 21 Issue 04

5 Bloggers to watch

By Maeve Lee The word “blogger” in 2019 appears to hold a very different meaning to what it did three or four years ago. Blogging has led to some amazing opportunities for many people, and so, it seems a lot more people are jumping on to the bandwagon, hoping to also bask in its benefits. Nowadays, many bloggers do not actually have a blog, opting for Instagram instead, and the range of categories they fall under is endless.

So, I have compiled a list of my all-time favourite home-grown bloggers – covering everything from travel and fashion to fitness and beauty.

Stephmylife Steph is a travel blogger from Cork who gave up on the rat race in London and took off on a trip around the world. Steph and her husband briefly settled in Bali but have recently taken off on another adventure around Europe.

Steph’s blog is jam-packed with information on almost every country you have ever dreamed of visiting. It is the bible for all things travel, with information on budget backpacking, travel routes and backpacking essentials, to name a few.

Steph also has a small business which involves travel planning for almost anywhere in the world –

she is basically a one-stop travel agent for any trip you could ever want. Steph video chats or emails clients (usually just Instagram fans like you and I) and provides an extremely detailed plan on your particular country/travel route – a pretty amazing service if you ask me.

If her amazing fashion sense wasn’t enough, Niamh is a great advocate for all things health and fitness. If you’re struggling to get to the gym on these increasingly dull mornings, then Niamh’s Instagram stories of her early PT sessions are sure to motivate you.

Niamh Cullen (niamhcullenx)

Emma Roche (emmazoeyroche)

Niamh Cullen’s newfound love for sustainability has made her even more lovable to her followers. Niamh covers all things lifestyle and fashion and her recent take on Copenhagen Fashion Week was simply iconic. Her background in retail means she really has an eye for fashion and her styling is always impeccable, creating a feed that looks like a Vogue shoot.

Take one look at Emma Roche’s Instagram feed and you will see why she is so deserving of a space on this list. Her style is impeccable and so satisfyingly coordinated that it makes me want to dump my entire wardrobe and start again.

From comfy casuals to the perfect night out outfit, Emma has it all and is my first Instagram search when I am

struggling for some outfit inspiration.

The PhD student combines popular brands like Boohoo, Misguided and Pretty Little Thing in ways you never would have thought of. Her use of these brands and the odd designer item makes Emma’s Instagram an amazing mood board for any fashion fanatics.

Jessica Hynes (jessicas. makeup) Jessica is new to the blogging world in comparison to the other ladies on this list. She is a Tipperary native and is definitely a blogger to keep your eye on - this makeup artist is destined for success.

The things this self-taught artist can do with a makeup brush will astound you. Jessica’s Instagram provides a

Left to right: StephMyLife, Niamh Cullen, Emma Roche

vast catalogue of looks, from a classic smoky eye to a complete pumpkin transformation. Her laidback tutorials make you feel as though you too can achieve the perfect rainbow glitter cut-crease. If you need Halloween makeup inspiration, or simply love a gawk at makeup looks and products, then I would highly recommend checking her out.

Suzanne “So Sue Me” Jackson (sosueme_ie) It would be rude to compile a list of Irish bloggers and not include the OG herself. So Sue Me is the epitome of the success Irish bloggers can achieve and has paved the way for hundreds who came after her.

Her success means Suzanne lives a fairly lavish lifestyle and she recently hired a private plane to Ibiza (not jealous at all). Her success is due to her award-winning range of beauty products, which includes tan, eyelashes, nails and makeup brushes. Her brand ‘So Sue by SJ’ has recently collaborated with Love Island stars Olivia Atwood and Dani Dyer.

If designer bags, interior decorating of a Malahide mansion and amazing trips to the Maldives and Portugal are your thing, then go ahead and live vicariously through the queen of blogging, Suzanne Jackson.

OC TOBER MONTHLY FAVOURITES

By Jade Tierney With some prematurely dusting the cobwebs off of their festive wreathes, wrapping tinsel round the fireplace and playing ‘Fairytale Of New York’ on repeat, it’s easy to forget about the autumnal season. For me, October is my favourite time of year. The leaves get satisfyingly crispy, your daily attire gets far more interesting and you can incorporate salted caramel into pretty much everything.

So, with that said, here are a few of my October monthly favourites!

American Horror Story: Apocalypse did not disappoint. With the show’s most ambitious crossover between seasons yet, season eight had fans hooked. Ryan Murphy presents his vision of the end

of the world. A world that has been poisoned by greedy, bratty millennials and futuristic technology. No spoilers, but one thing I will say is that this season leaves fans satisfied that there is in fact a roadmap to AHS and that most of the seasons are somehow linked. A lot of the past seasons fill in gaps and feature some key moments, creating crucial characters in the newest season. So, if you are looking for a binge worthy show this October, check out AHS on Netflix!

A beauty favourite I’ve been loving this month is Makeup Revolution’s Conceal and Define Concealer. I’ve heard a lot of mixed reviews about this concealer but, now that I’ve tried it, it’s a staple in my makeup routine! With 25 shades ranging from fair to light, there’s a shade for everyone. What I love about this concealer is, even though it’s extremely full coverage, it doesn’t feel super heavy on the skin. The matte finish means it lasts all day, hiding any redness, blemishes and dark circles. I personally use it to cover up redness around my nose, to brighten under my eyes and to sharpen up my contour! This concealer is a great dupe for Tarte’s Shape Tape, with the same strong

pigment and texture but for a fraction of the price at only €3.95 on Beauty Bay! The new Omniplex in Salthill! Now that the evenings are getting darker and the weather is, well, not so cheery, this new luxurious 10-screen cinema is the perfect place to get cosy and watch the newest films! I went to see Hustlers last week and all of my expectations

were met. Every screen is kitted out with fully electric reclining seats and you can expect the best quality screens and surround sound! Although it’s more expensive than your average cinema, once you sit in one of those chairs, you will never be able to go back! For students, your ticket is discounted to €9 instead of the standard €14! Make sure to book online as your seat is reserved on the site.

Lush’s Cup O’ Coffee Face and Body Mask: with the weather becoming colder, it’s important to keep your skin hydrated and this mask is a great step in that direction. I, myself, am a coffee lover, so the strong scent doesn’t bother me, but if coffee isn’t for you, I would still recommend powering through, as your skin will thank you for it! This gritty mask exfoliates your skin, leaving it feeling moisturised and smooth. “Wake up and invigorate the skin and mind with the rich, intoxicating aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sweet roasted cocoa

extract. Kaolin deeply cleanses impurities from the pores and ground coffee acts as a gentle scrub to buff away dryness and reveal the glowing skin beneath.”

I have extremely sensitive skin but the mask did not irritate it one bit. I use it in the mornings after I wash my face, leaving it on for 10-15 minutes and rinsing off with lukewarm water. It completely wakes me up and gives an overall glow to my complexion. An oldie but a goodie!

Tiny bags! Love it or hate it, this trend seems to be sticking around for a while.

Celebs from Kendall Jenner to Dua Lipa have been living for tiny bags and I get it. They force you to become a bit of a minimalist and, ultimately, you feel a lot freer, as there’s less to worry about! These mini bags have been all over the catwalks, including at Fendi and Chanel, and now more affordable brands like Pretty Little Thing, Boohoo and Missguided have jumped on the 90’s trend.

I’m a big fan of the tiny bag and will for sure be opting out of my oversized, cluttered suitcase!

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BEAUTY BRAND REVIEWS:

By Amy Blaney

The Chill setting spray and the De-Slick setting spray are also fantastic Urban Decay setting sprays.

Urban Decay, one of the most popular brands around, is known for creating high quality makeup products. For many, the brand has some ride-or-die products, and some that fall flat.

URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHTER FOUNDATION When I first heard that Urban Decay were launching a full coverage, matte foundation, I was excited to get my hands on it. The All Nighter liquid foundation promises long-lasting and full coverage for €34.

This foundation comes in 24 shades and is oil free. A point I will stress about this base is that it is very full coverage, and if that is not what you are after, then it may not be the foundation for you.

However, if full coverage is your game, then I think this foundation will please a lot

of people.

I would recommend shaking this product before use because it is quite heavy. I have oily skin, and I found it very easy to blend and apply. It covered every mark on my face, including spots, and even freckles.

I personally love a matte foundation, but you need to blend quick because it’s fast drying. Otherwise, it will set into fine lines around the eye area.

Due to the drying matte formula, I wouldn’t recommend it for those with dry skin.

However, my biggest problem with this foundation is the oxidation. Throughout the day, the colour became slightly orange, which isn’t a big deal for everyone, but, personally, I try to avoid foundations that oxidise in this way.

URBAN DECAY STAY NAKED FOUNDATION This foundation is slightly more expensive at €36, but is by far my favourite Urban Decay foundation.

For me, this foundation ticks every box for my oily skin, and was badly needed from Urban Decay.

Looking back at their other foundations, The All Nighter was a bit on the thick side, and Naked Skin could have given us more coverage. This is the perfect in-between foundation that is light-weight, long-wear and gives good buildable coverage.

One of the unique things about this foundation is the amazing shade range - 50 shades and 25 matching concealers! Picking a foundation shade can be tricky, but this range makes it simple. It’s broken

down into 9 different intensities, 3 master tones and 7 undertones, a perfect shade for everyone.

It’s certainly not as matte as the All Nighter foundation. Instead, I would describe it as a more natural real-skin matte effect which suits every skin type. It’s also cruelty free and vegan!

The latter setting spray is a great matte option for those with oily skin.

URBAN DECAY NAKED ILLUMINATING SHIMMERING POWDER I have never been a huge fan of Urban Decay’s highlighters, bronzers or blushes, simply because alternatives that offer the same, if not better, quality are available at a cheaper cost. I bought the Urban Decay Naked Illuminating

Shimmering Powder for €29 and, honestly, I wasn’t blown away. The product is intended for face and body, but the specks of shimmer are quite thick, and the pigment is disappointing. The highlighting effect it promises is minimal, but instead, I felt like I had put glitter on my face.

If you do not like chunky glitter as a highlight, which I personally don’t, then I wouldn’t recommend this product. I use it as a body highlighter instead, though a nice touch to this product is the mirror and brush contained in the packaging.

And there you have it: the best (and worst) that Urban Decay has to offer. Happy shopping!

NEW DRINKS

on the block

URBAN DECAY STAY NAKED CORRECTING CONCEALER The brand launched a matching Stay Naked Correcting Concealer along with the Stay Naked foundation. The concealer comes in 25 shades and is 25% more pigmented than the original Naked concealer.

It is an improvement from the original Naked concealer, with more pigment and a wider shade range. However, less expensive brands are producing better quality products at a lower price.

In this case, I think you’re paying for the Urban Decay brand name, rather than a unique and highquality product.

URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHTER LONG LASTING SETTING SPRAY This is by far one of Urban Decay’s best products.

I have tried many settling sprays, and this is definitely the best.

Basically, this spray sets and extends the wear of makeup, and features temperature control technology that works to lower the temperature of your skin to keep foundation, eyeshadow, blush, and concealer in place—even in hot and humid conditions.

The product is a good investment at €31.

I bought mine a year ago and its only half gone. If you’re on the fence about trying this product, it also comes in a €12 travel size, which I never travel without.

PINK GIN €6

SMIRNOFF INFUSION PINK WKD €5.50 €4.50



Please enjoy responsibly sultnuigalway

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

WHAT’S ON IN GALWAY Tuesday 22 October – Monday 4 November

By Rachel Garvey

Macnas Parade Sunday 27 October The Annual Macnas Halloween parade, which is Galway’s largest free event, is back, and is taking to the streets of Galway again this year on Sunday 27 October, commencing at 5:30pm at NUI Galway and journeying through the heart of Galway city. Macnas has confirmed the title of this year’s parade: Danse Macabre. The crowds of Galway will be introduced to a boy named Conor, as he embarks on a journey that is set to unleash curiosity, fear, grief, love, laughter and party on to the streets. The parade is due to attract crowds in their thousands, as Macnas promises to be strange, unpredictable and utterly mesmerising and will feature signature Macnas giant creations, sculptural images, costumes, live performances and music.

Vodafone Comedy Carnival Galway 2019 Tuesday 22 October – Monday 28 October, Ireland’s largest comedy festival is set to feature 100 acts, performing in 75 shows, across 18 different venues, which include the iconic Spiegeltent, located in Eyre Square’s Comedy Village. Visitors can expect to see Irish and international comics, improv, theatre, table quizzes, photography among other activities and events. Headline acts include Bill Bailey, John Bishop, Bingo Loco, Jo Caulfield, Amy Walsh and many more. Tickets are available online and can be purchased in OMG, Shop Street.

The Salthill Zombie Chase Saturday 26 October You have one mission; make it to the Safety Zone in Salthill Park as zombies wreak havoc and attempt to capture you.

The event is set to take place on Saturday October 26 at 2pm, in aid of National Support and Awareness Charity ACT for Meningitis.

Roisìn Dubh’s Dark Show Saturday 26 October From 10:45pm - 00:30am, the Róisín Dubh is hosting a late-night show where you say what you want, with no fear of anyone taking offense. They have put together a line-up of comedians with dark and depraved thoughts.

Comedians include, the crude but funny, Mike Wilmot, Sally-Anne Howard, Ryan Cullen and Mayo’s most charming ball of misery Bob Hennigan.

The Day of the Dead - Drink and Draw Saturday 26 October – Sunday 27 October Electric is hosting a Day of the Dead event over a two-day period, Saturday 26 October - Sunday 27 October. Fancy dress is strongly encouraged, so don’t forget to bring your Halloween costumes along. Guided instructors will be present on the two days to show you how to make your own masterpieces, help you paint your very own Mexican sugar skull, while there will, of course, be music. It is a strictly over 18s event and tickets are €25 with a €2.50 booking fee. Students who purchase tickets receive one canvas, one free drink, painting materials, prizes, Mexican décor with props and much more.

SIN Vol. 21 Issue 04

NO APOLOGIES

By Siobhan Brew

The purpose of musicians is entertainment, and, with their talents, they can have great power over an enormous amount of people.

Some people would argue that they should just do what they are paid for and enjoy the fame that that brings them. There are, however, many artists who do not stick to these rules and recognise the power they hold over people, but what they do with it is ultimately up to them.

In 1992, the Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor appeared on Saturday Night Live as the musical guest, in which she performed an a cappella version of Bob Marley’s ‘War’. She used her performance as a public address to the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church, replacing the lyrics ‘racism’ with ‘child abuse’ and finished by ripping up a picture of Pope John Paul II, which had been hanging on her mother’s bedroom wall, and finishing with the words “fight the real enemy”.

A direct attack towards the most powerful organised religion at the time, it was a piece of passion and rage that truly shocked the nation. The audience were completely silent; the film crew were in disbelief and SNL’s network NBC received over 4,000 phone-calls about the incident – seven of which were positive. The backlash just shows the insane influence the Roman Catholic Church had over people, and how blinded they were to the abuse of power that was often occurring right under their noses. Clerical abuse was a

topic that was known about but never spoken about, with the Church itself not acknowledging or respecting the victims, but rather using cover ups and moving the guilty away from the situation.

In today’s world, with the many documentaries such as The Keepers on Netflix, and movies like Song for a Raggy Boy, there is now a channel for the victims to be listened to. It was not until Pope John Paul II acknowledged and apologised for the abuse in 2001 that the voices were free. People began distancing themselves from their religion and listened to those who were suffering.

For O’Connor to use her lone voice, to go against a force so powerful and influential in society at the time, was courageous and should be highly praised. The sacrifice of her career and reputation for those unheard is unlike something ever seen before. In an interview with Dr. Phil in 2017, she tells him she was aware of the risk. “I could be a billionaire now if I wanted, if I believed in that, you know, but I don’t.” She also spoke about the consequences of her selfless actions, speaking about how people, including her own family, made fun of her and labelled her “an absolutely insane crazy person”.

After the incident, SNL used O’Connor

as the butt of the joke and made sketches about her. American actor Joe Pesci issued an apology on the show’s behalf in his opening monologue, before tearing up a picture of O’Connor and receiving huge applause. He also states that she was lucky he was not the host at the time of her performance, and that he would have “given her such a smack” and “grabbed her by her eyebrows”. Both comments were met with applause, cheering and laughter. With the rise of feminism and the #MeToo movement nowadays, those words would have quite the opposite reaction; in fact, they wouldn’t even be spoken.

This again highlights the toxic power the Roman Catholic Church had over people, and how they reacted to those who tried to disrupt such power, even for the right reasons. Despite how she has been treated in the public eye, even to this day, O’Connor does not regret her actions, and she shouldn’t have to. Yes, it could be argued that her role that evening was to entertain and, in failing to do so, she deserves some criticism. But to taunt, threaten and torture her for years, for a fearless act, on behalf of those in fear, is unjust. Just as the Pope apologised for his wrongdoings, perhaps it is well overdue that people apologise for their own.

The Spectacular Spider-Man Trilogy – Spider-Man 2

By Owen Kennedy

Spider-Man 2 (2004) Directed by Sam Raimi Starring Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Alfred Molina, James Franco, Rosemary Harris, Donna Murphy Spider-Man 2 is really, really good. All biases aside, this is easily one of the best superhero films, Marvel Cinematic Universe included.

I’d argue this is the best live-action SpiderMan film ever made (note I said live-action).

As much as I love Homecoming and Far From Home, Spider-Man 2 surpasses both, thanks to its narrative strength of not being tied to a pre-established universe and only having to continue the story that was set up in the first film. I’m convinced this can be called a perfect sequel in many ways, but I suppose we should delve deeper into why that is.

Spider-Man 2 presents Peter Parker, once again played by Tobey Maguire, faced with a dilemma that very few superhero films have tackled. Peter is essentially at rock bottom in this film, barely making ends meet, getting fired from his jobs, his grades are slipping and having to accept that he can’t be together with Mary Jane, played by Kirsten Dunst, as him being Spider-Man would put her life in danger. Peter’s life as Spider-Man is also

beginning to show negative effects on, not only Mary Jane, but also his Aunt May (Rosemary Harris) and best friend Harry Osborn (James Franco). Reaching a breaking point, Peter begins to question the choice between his responsibility to be Spider-Man and protect the people of New York and being selfish and living a normal life.

Peter Parker’s inner predicament isn’t the only thing this film deals with exceptionally well. The big baddie for this instalment in the series is Otto Octavius (Alfred Molina), the famous Doctor Octopus. Similarly to J.K. Simmons and Willem Defoe, Molina plays Doctor Octopus perfectly, a calculating character but kind to those he sees great potential in; those gifted with intelligence, calling it a “privilege” and, similarly to Peter’s powers, a great responsibility to be used for the good of mankind. His design and movements are amazing. As a lifelong Spider-Man fan, I’ve never liked Doc Ock’s classic design from the comics. The stumpy figure along with the green and yellow onesie always looked super goofy to me. I’m thankful mainstream audiences now see Spider-Man 2’s Doc Ock as the definitive version because he looks way better in this movie. The long trench coat that goes with his dark sunglasses and his sinister mechanical arms are a lot more threatening than the classic comic design.

The topic of Doc Ock’s arms brings me onto the next point: the improved special effects and just overall look of the film. First off, the special effects are unironically good in this film, a lot better than in the first. Doc Ock’s mechanical arms look amazing and that’s thanks to some amazing practical effects work. Puppeteers were used on each of the four arms and the work put behind them is astonishing. This special effects work really comes into play with the action. The action in this film is easily some of the best action in any superhero film. From Doc Ock’s revival in the hospital looking like something straight out of Evil Dead, to the iconic train fight, which remains spectacular even after all these years, I think it can be argued that none of these fast-paced and heart-racing set pieces would be anywhere near as astonishing if not for the unique movement Doc Ock and Spider-Man are capable of.

In conclusion, this movie is really good and, as a hardcore fan of the webhead, this film does everything for me. All biases aside, this film is still the best of the Raimi trilogy thanks to its compelling protagonist, threatening villain and amazing action. Similar to the prior film, Spider-Man, I highly recommend you see this one, but there’s a likelihood you already have.

8/10

C U LT ÚR

October 22 2019

7

SIAMSAÍOCHT

23

Joker Review

By Gary Elbert Not many actors would try to outdo Heath Ledger’s anarchic rendering of the Joker character. Joaquin Phoenix approaches the role from a new angle, inhabiting the sad clown through the prism of social realism. Think of a Ken Loach-directed feature, chronicling the life of a failed comedian and performance artist with a socially fatal Tourette’s style neurological deficiency.

The arc of these characters almost always ends in violence. Joker relies heavily on Scorsese’s misanthropic classic Taxi Driver and makes no attempt at disguising this influence, reprising as it does Travis Bickle’s “you talkin’ to me?” solo desperation. Despite its pre-internet, eighties location in a crime infested and super-rat riddled Gotham City, many commentators have hailed or criticised its relevance to modern times.

Human misery, however, is both universal and timeless. Isolated male inadequacy’s descent into violence may feel relevant in an age of “incels” and delusional mass shooters, but that’s only because the history books wiped out their presence since the written word developed, favouring instead the hagiographic tales of kings, queens and armies.

For Arthur Fleck, however, there is no escape from the randomised ill-fortune that life has dealt him. There are no social media platforms where he can develop an alternative identity and align himself with fellow misery junkies beneath the cape of ideology. Every day, he steps into a brutal, uncaring world that uses him only for a cheap laugh. Phoenix captures both mental illness and the hypocrisy of society in its treatment of victims.

It’s ok to not be ok. But is it really?

The sad clown tiptoes around vermin-filled Gotham, crawling with harsh and frantic faces, empty wallets and grey souls. Arthur is “L‘Étranger” without Camus’ saving sense of absurdity. He is the outsider, the weirdo and the freak, doggedly and tragically trying to overcome awful life circumstances through the prism of laughter. It may be ok to not be ok, but is it really, when the state’s austerity measures have cut the funding for your social worker, for the counselling and for the medication required to reconfigure a broken human being?

The movie is a must-watch but try to soak up its imagery through a neutral and analytical lens. It is telling how the progressive left-leaning commentariat seek to place the protagonist as a sexually inadequate alt-right style incel. It’s telling, because central to the criticism of the movie is that sexual inadequacy and

the consequences of a prolonged lack of love and intimacy are only problems on the “incel” side of the ideological divide.

I would argue that much of the delayed adolescent style of online activism, that is expanded and amplified through a digital prism, reflects many of the activist’s fundamental loneliness and isolation from the real and natural world. We don’t see Arthur Fleck walk in a forest, swim in the sea or laugh while holding hands with a lover under a sunset because Arthur Fleck is the protype of the modern left-wing activist or alt-right malcontent.

Fleck mirrors the alienation and estrangement from the natural world that plagues our modern societies.

Such people do not like what they see in the mirror but, rather than excavate and recalibrate faulty internal hardwiring, the modern Homo sapiens will seek to deflect and to externalise their inner torment, which is where microwaved, ready-made, ideological constructs enter the equation and foment and legitimise the internal torment Arthur Fleck and many others feel, but will not admit to.

Joaquin Phoenix is magnetic in the role of the emaciated testosterone-free Fleck. After 10 seconds, the viewer is reeled into the world of Arthur and his Norman Batesstyle maternal relationship.

Joker’s biggest feat, however, is its exposure of society’s hypocrisy towards mental illness. We preen and posture around concepts of inclusivity but, from a purely Darwinian standpoint, altruism towards mental illness is in short supply amongst the general population. In an egotistical and highly individualistic society, epidemics continue to rise involving isolation and mental health problems, yet our governors and lawmakers refuse to adequately fund the required supports necessary to reverse the trend, with swathes of the population retreating to the false warmth of the online world and alternative identity. And it is here where we are producing isolated young men and women, ranting and raving about fascists and racists, or conspiracies about immigration and replacement of indigenous population. Such thought mechanisms are the natural product of societies failure to protect its citizens from slipping slowly into the abyss.

Once the abyss begins to open, the descent can be long and tortuous, ending more often in self-inflicted violence.

My advice; avoid falling into the obvious and tiresome ideological traps. Watch the movie, admire the performances and marvel at how, in the age of constant superhero CGI commercial movies, Joker - a movie about a mentally ill loner - has somehow captured mainstream consciousness.

How To Get Your STUDENT LEAP CARD

Cén Chaoi do Chárta Leap Mic Léinn a Fháil

1.

Apply online at www.studentleapcard.ie

note of your order number 2. Take (NB this only lasts 7 days) to the SU Office with your order number, 3. Call your student ID card and €10.

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Upfront student membership only €199 or Monthly only €32 per month (no contract) Ladies Zone

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

SIN Vol. 21 Issue 04

Without Fear review – Dermot Kennedy’s debut album is boundless in its successful search for perfection

By Conor Brummell Dermot Kennedy’s debut album perfectly reflects his personal and organic growth over the past few years. Being a massive fan myself, I knew that I was going to love it before I pressed play. It’s brave, raw and completely honest. In homage to its title,

Kennedy is fearless in his approach to discussing themes such as love, loss, grief and self-discovery.

This album is, at times, cut-throat and Dermot succeeds in making you feel something through his polished and pointed lyrics. Every word and note seems to have a purpose, proving that the four year wait for the album was more than worth it.

It starts off by putting a new twist on an old reliable. ‘An Evening I Will Not Forget’ gets a shiny new revamp; Kennedy adds drums and synthetics to a song that was only ever played with minimal piano accompaniment, giving it a new life. The song has a new, sinister urgency to it, which is interesting and compelling and shows the hurt that comes with hurting someone else.

‘All My Friends’ is the same as fans know it. Nostalgia-filled and powerful, it reminds you of those times when you were younger and carefree, when you could meet your friends on summer nights and be reckless.

It’s a song about friendship, love and not having to worry about the future.

‘Power Over Me’, the song that catapulted Dermot Kennedy to stardom all over the world, is a pop anthem that is safe and chart friendly. Itself and ‘Outnumbered’ are the powerhouse duo that showcase Dermot’s ability to create instant hits.

Despite their popularity on the airwaves, fans can still have a good bop.

‘What Have I Done’ is the first new appearance on the album, and it is the perfect ballad. Taking him in a new direction, it’s a song that describes a person’s helplessness when it comes to falling in love. It’s sudden, spontaneous and can almost make someone feel as if they’re doing something wrong - the lyrics “What have I done?” convey an independent person’s reluctance to falling in love, and this whole song is about what happens when they actually do.

‘Moments Passed’ is another of Kennedy’s staples that deserved a place on the album. Urgent and painful, it is a song about when you lose someone you’ve loved within moments. It describes the feeling when, no matter how hard you try, your efforts might never be good enough for someone else.

Long-time fans will know ‘The Corner’. A go-to song for Dermot when he plays live, the studio version has finally been released. A song, once again, about waiting for that perfect someone to come about, it describes when someone knows you better than you know yourself. ‘Lost’ is another song that fans will know, and it details the hopelessness you feel when you don’t know what to do with your-

self. It deals with the purgatory that comes with self-doubt, and if only you could see yourself in somebody else’s eyes, you would know that you’re going to be okay.

‘Rome’ is a song about how a relationship can change and break in the blink of an eye. It is reminiscent of happier times, but it is clear from the song there is no hard feelings. ‘Dancing Under Red Skies’, like ‘The Corner’, is another go-to live concert song. It is honest and raw, describing how you can easily lose someone who means the world to you by doing something self-destructive.

‘Outgrown’ details the fear you have that people are going to forget about you, how, one day, you could have everything, and, by the next, you could lose it all.

Chasing that high that you’ll never catch again, and how dangerous and fickle that lifestyle is. ‘Redemption’ is an upbeat and reflective song about how, someday, we’ll all feel better and forgive ourselves for the doubt and fear we put ourselves through.

‘Without Fear’, the titular track, is a song about the desperation of love and how you need to just throw yourself into life sometimes. There’ll be time for questions later, thinks Kennedy; it’s the need to be with someone you can’t stop thinking about that prevails in this song. The need to be someone’s run-to, a regular theme in Dermot’s music, that details the effect someone else can have on your mental health. It’s poetic, earthly and closes the album on a pensive high that leaves you feeling and wanting more.

Spider-Man comes home Let Ellen be friends – The Sony and Disney deal explained with President Bush

By Owen Kennedy Spider-Man and Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) fans were left on tender-hooks back in August following the heart-breaking news over the split between Sony and Disney, wherein Sony Pictures pulled Spider-Man and his connected characters, including his famous rogue gallery. All we knew of the breakdown between the two was that Disney weren’t happy with the current deal between themselves and Sony and tried to re-work it. Fans were down in the dumps until September 27, when it was announced that a new deal had been reached between Sony and Marvel Studios, whose parent company is Disney. So, what exactly happened?

Back in February 2015, Disney, Marvel Studios and Sony announced a deal to share the Spider-Man film rights, leading to a new iteration of Spider-Man being introduced and integrated into the MCU. The deal allowed Sony to have final say over the released cut and distribution of Spider-Man films that Marvel Studios had full creative control over while in production, while Disney were to distribute the ones where Spider-Man was not the main protagonist. Tom Holland portrays this younger version of Spider-Man, appearing in Captain America: Civil War (2016), SpiderMan: Homecoming (2017), Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019), as well as the sequel to Homecoming, Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019). All of Spider-Man’s MCU appearances received positive critical and audience reviews.

In August 2019, Disney and Sony could not reach a new agreement regarding Spider-Man films. Marvel Studios and Kevin Feige, their current president, who oversees each film, were to have no further involvement in future films. Deadline Hollywood

noted that Disney had hoped future films would be a “50/50 co-financing arrangement between the studios”, with the possibility to extend the deal to other Spider-Man-related films, an offer Sony rejected and did not counter. Instead, Sony hoped to keep the terms of the previous agreement, where Marvel would receive 5% of the film’s initial theatrical gross, but Disney refused. It should be noted that Sony got no profits from Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War or Avengers: Endgame. The Hollywood Reporter added that the lack of a new agreement would see the end of Holland’s Spider-Man in the MCU. Variety cited unnamed sources who claimed negotiations had “hit an impasse” and that a new deal could still be reached. On August 24, 2019, Feige commented on the issue at Disney’s D23 Expo: “We got to make five films within the MCU with Spider-Man: two standalone films and three with the Avengers. It was a dream that I never thought would happen. It was never meant to last forever.

We knew there was a finite amount of time that we’d be able to do this, and we told the story we wanted to tell, and I’ll always be thankful for that.”

The following month, however, a new agreement was reached, with a third MCU Spider-Man film set for release in July 2021. Fans rejoiced over this news, including myself. Details are still very sketchy on how the new deal was reached but, according to many sources, Tom Holland himself had a huge role in persuading Sony to open up to new talks with Marvel Studios and Disney. Thankfully for all of us, Holland’s Spider-Man will remain in the MCU but will also, reportedly, be appearing in the sequel to Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse (2018), Space Jam/ Looney Tunes: Back in Action style.

By Darragh Nolan Ellen DeGeneres and George Bush were seen exchanging pleasantries at a football game in Texas. It was a sight to behold; a left-wing LGBT icon rubbing shoulders with a former Republican President who opposed gay ­marriage.

Ellen was met with plenty of criticism from fans and fellow celebrities alike, but, while the backlash was directed at Ellen, it seemed to focus on the transgressions of Bush while he was in office.

Mark Ruffalo tweeted that “kindness” isn’t an option for figures like Bush until they’re brought to justice. Jameela Jamil weighed in too, saying she’d taken some time to learn about the wrongdoings of the Bush administration.

It’s hard to discern exactly how Ellen DeGeneres fits into all of that. Sure, Bush was an atrocious President. Ellen is indeed a forwardthinking liberal, but those whose company we enjoy need not agree with us politically.

Yet, Hollywood is saying she shouldn’t be, or indeed isn’t allowed to be friends with George Bush. It’s cancel culture under a different guise.

Hollywood doesn’t just want to ostracise those that say or do something wrong. They want to separate their allies from their enemies. The progressive agenda being pushed requires a united front and seeing Bush with someone like Ellen DeGeneres in this context weakens said agenda.

George Bush is pro-life, was undoubtedly at fault for the events of the Iraq War and is certainly an opponent of the LGBT community.

The progressive campaigning of celebrities on those issues is welcome, important and inspiring. That’s not to say people on opposite sides can’t get along harmoniously.

In the private setting of two friends chatting at a sporting event, George Bush and Ellen are free to speak with whomever they want. In fact, it was quite refreshing to see two polar opposites being so friendly with one another.

Ellen, to her credit, stood her ground. She stressed the importance of being kind to everyone, regardless of their beliefs and whether they align with yours.

If we exclude people who have values we deem problematic, unacceptable or even offensive, we risk descending further down the path society has started on for the past number of years. It’s a time of divisiveness, a time of settling debates in angry, hate-filled Twitter threads, instead of with reason and intelligence.

So, if you find yourself having a disagreement with a friend, political or otherwise, sit down with them. Try to explain to them why they’re wrong. If you succeed, great. You’ve taught someone something of worth. If not, don’t isolate them.

Get a drink together and have a good time. We could learn a thing or two from George and Ellen.

General discourse has become littered with people just screaming at each other. Society would be a lot better off if we all came together to hash things out properly. We’re all just human beings at the end of the day.

C U LT ÚR

October 22 2019

7

SIAMSAÍO CHT

Ghosteen Review

By Luke Power

In 2015, Nick Cave’s son, Arthur, fell from a cliff somewhere near Brighton and died from his injuries. He was fifteen. This is the backdrop for Cave’s latest masterpiece - the stage upon which he explores his grief, reality itself, and his soul. He tells us, with a little help from the Bad Seeds and Warren Ellis, that there is not only life after death, but art after death.

Ghosteen completes the trilogy that began with 2013’s Push the Sky Away, which was followed by Skeleton Tree.

The band have always been known for their bizarre fusion of genres: punk, blues, rock, and piano-driven ballads often came together with a cohesiveness that not many artists could hope of pulling off. But in these latest projects, Warren Ellis dominates, laying down synthesised tracks like a surgeon. Meanwhile, the Bad Seeds (Nick’s longtime group) don’t get pushed to the side so much as they simply give in totally and completely to Cave’s stunning, tragic vision.

Ghosteen is, simply put, an artistic triumph. It is very much the natural progression of the trilogy, both sonically and thematically. He both addresses and discusses his son throughout, the titular spirit represented by Christ and horses with “manes full of fire”. Musically, it is subtle, with many of the melodic

ideas taking place in the background, with backing singers introducing lines that Cave will later murmur.

The 62-year-old’s voice has aged, but in a mature, full way. His forays into falsetto on the first and last tracks are fascinating. There are even shades of Bowie’s Low era here, especially in the opening to ‘Sun Forest’.

The imagery is filled end to end with religion: priests and prophets are the characters Cave chooses to tell his tales with, surrounded by chapels and crucifixions. The sun is a malevolent creature which devours children. Bells toll in ‘Night Raid’, the sole song set while Arthur still lives.

In the wonderful piano led ‘Waiting for You’, Nick relates to a “Jesus freak on the street”, telling us that “sometimes, a little bit of faith can go a long, long way”. The imagery is poignant, powerful, and the album, as a whole, feels like a dialogue with both God and his son (Cave’s as well as God’s).

He doesn’t claim a higher knowledge here, but that’s not really the point; according to ‘Bright Horses’, reality is all around us, plain to see, but “it don’t mean we can’t believe in something”.

The experience of listening to the album in its entirety can be an unsettling affair. The trademark character-driven narratives are absent here, replaced by poetic fragments relating to images and landscapes. In the gorgeous ‘Ghosteen Speaks’, the

listener is an intruder on a very personal prayer. The same goes for the opener in the second half, ‘Ghosteen’, where Cave croons over atmospheric strings that it’s okay to love and feel pain for those lost to us. “Mama bear holds the remote / Papa bear, he just floats / And baby bear, he has gone / To the moon in a boat, on a boat.”

The album is split in two parts: 8 songs on the first half, 3 on the second half. The latter half contains two ~ 15-minute songs, with a spoken word piece dividing them. But this space was essential in delivering full catharsis, with the harrowing and hoarse finale ‘Hollywood’ bringing us on a quietly fury-filled trip toward Malibu, a world of cougars and guns that culminates in the retelling of a Buddhist parable.

Bass throbs in the background, military drums travel with us, and piano skips across the surface of the sound.

Finally, Cave tells us of Kisa, a woman who is struck mad with grief when her baby passes away. She goes to Buddha, who tells her to collect a mustard seed from every house where no-one’s died.

But the task proves impossible; tragedy has touched every family, and Kisa both realises and accepts that her sorrow does not stand alone. “She said everybody is always losing somebody / Then walked into the forest and buried her child”.

This is not a quick fix. It’s the kind of album one listens to again and again, over weeks and months, unravelling it and taking it apart in one’s head. The more time the listener gives to it, the more it gives in return.

This is the heavy metal of grief. But the question hovers: has Cave found peace by the close? “I am here,” he says to his son, the Ghosteen, in Fireflies, “And you are where you are.”

BIG MOUTH: Netflix’s hilariously rude comedy has a soft side

By Conor Brummell Netflix’s sensationally crass cartoon comedy series Big Mouth has proved to be a major hit amongst fans over the last few years. Now on its third season (which admittedly, I still haven’t gotten around to finishing), the series has expanded its universe to include interesting new storylines and characters that has kept the show fresh and as funny as ever. Crude, and at times disgusting, the show follows a group of teenagers as they begin their journey throughout puberty, guided by their assigned hormone monsters, who are there to advise, guide and help them along the way. However, this isn’t always the way, as the hormone monsters are impulsive, irrational, and quite frankly, they are the personification of the early hormonal urges one gets whilst growing up.

Big Mouth showcases the challenges that come with puberty for young people whilst growing up and acts as easy watching for viewers.

Witty and extremely well thoughtout, anybody who has ever gone through puberty will find aspects of this show hilarious. The show is strife with awkward moments, and the characters, distinguishable by their big mouths (massive lips, too large for their faces, hence the show’s name), have to deal with the outcomes of these moments with little to no guidance from their parents and teachers, such as Coach Steve.

Despite the show’s appearance, it is one hundred per cent not an educational show, and I, for one, am glad it wasn’t around for me to get ideas from when growing up. That said, the show provides teachable moments and dots sensitive storylines amongst

the comedy every now and again to keep the show realistic and as heartfelt as possible.

Big Mouth deals with themes such as depression, shame, sexuality, divorce, body image and feminism.

For example, the introduction of the Shame Wizard in season two saw the entire cast deal with what it feels like to be embarrassed and guilty about things they’ve done, which is a feeling everyone can relate to whilst growing up. A major storyline also sees Jessie’s Mom having an affair with another woman, and, as a result, she leaves Jessie’s stoner dad. This sends Jessie into a depressive and self-destructive episode which sees her getting abducted from her Hormone Monstress by the Depression Kitty. Jessie’s friends and her Hormone Monstress, along with Maurice, the Hormone Monster, go on a rescue mission to get Jessie back.

They help Jessie get help and save her from the depressive episode she is going through, and this is one of the many heartfelt moments of the show.

The show also has a wide range of diverse characters, such as openly gay teens and adults, strong female characters, Jewish characters, and people of colour. As a result, it has every opportunity to educate from a societal point of view, as well as remaining hilarious and care-free from a viewing perspective. It is well-written, funny and has some amazing musical sequences. The theme song is also an absolute tune and is nearly a reason within itself to watch the show. If you haven’t watched it already and can put up with the gross-ness of season one (and weird looking mouths), then get on it as soon as possible. All together now: I’m goiiiiiiing through chaaaaaangeees….

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26 A RT S & E N T E RTAIN M EN T CREATIVE CORNER Listen

Abbey Road at the big 5-0

By Leo Snygans

By Emma O’Reilly

I walk through the jungle of the world ­facing robots and zombies sucked into electronic devices; no emotions, no real, only fake and egos; to satisfy the me..me..factor; no more I love you; no more I care; no more listen; just marching fast towards a play of chaos; no more passing it forward; just to be real and true to your name; still i I feel the hope and see the little light; still believe that we will listen to our inner voices of life ; that calling of making the most of it all.; realising that it all comes down to one secret;. love without judgement... and just to be quiet sometimes and listen....

“Christianity will go,” John Lennon had said. “It will vanish and shrink. I needn’t argue about that; I know I’m right and I will be proved right. We’re more popular than Jesus now. I don’t know which will go first – rock & roll or Christianity. Jesus was all right, but his disciples were thick and ordinary. It’s them twisting it that ruins it for me”.

It was these very words, printed in the American teen magazine, Datebook, that very nearly ended The Beatles. Radio stations banned their songs.

The Pope condemned Lennon’s words in the Vatican newspaper. The Klu Klux Klan staged a ‘Beatle Bonfire’, nailing their albums to a cross and burning them before a congregation. Abbey Road very nearly ceased to be.

This fiasco occurred three years prior to the conception of, what many people will argue to be, not only the best Beatles album, but a defining piece of popular culture. The album artwork itself is iconic, and the Abbey Road Studio, located in the district of St. John’s, London has continued to host legendary artists over the years, such as The Hollies, Amy Winehouse and Aretha Franklin, to name but a few.

These days, number one albums count for very little. Streaming has surpassed the Britpop, Top of the Pops, edge of the seat ‘Who will be number one?’ nostalgia that many of our parents and grandparents grew up with. We are the generation who swapped CDs for iTunes and iTunes for Spotify. We are also the generation who have made vinyl fashionable again. It’s a funny one, but that’s for another day.

The Beatles possess this everlasting gleam and Abbey Road surging back to the number one spot, fifty years after its initial release, is proof enough that their music is still relevant. It’s difficult to predict in the present moment who will stand the test of time. Back in 1969, could anyone have predicted

THE TIME MACHINE

By Julia Rose Twamley When I build a time machine I’ll take it to the past, And when I do I’ll look for you, Say all the things I never asked.

Then I’ll drive it to the future And meet you at our home, I’ll remind you if it weren’t for you I’d still be alone.

When I build a time machine I’ll swap my lips for ears, Do you think that if I’d listened more I could be standing with you here?

When I build a time machine I’ll be not family but a friend, I’ll try my best to make you believe Not all good things have to end.

When I build a time machine I won’t always have to win, I’ll tell you things about my life, I’ll try to let you in.

When I build a time machine I’ll stand up for you more, The others said you’d lost your mind But you just wanted to explore.

I’ll talk to the mind and heart That no one else could see, When others saw your senseless eyes, You made sense to me.

When I build a time machine I’ll try not to hide.

But when I do I’ll look at you And let you see me cry.

When I build a time machine You won’t be listening from above.

If I’d built a time machine You would’ve known that you were loved.

SIN Vol. 21 Issue 04

the longevity of The Beatles’ legacy? Music is finite beginning the slow and painful descent towards and forever repeating itself. The secret is to bring a hiatus. AM could possibly be their Abbey Road. something new to the table.

But these kinds of things are difficult to predict.

At this very moment in time, it is seventeen year You may roll your eyes whenever someone says, old Billie Eilish who is being backed by everyone, “they just don’t make music like that anymore”. from editors at NME, who are looking to write up Of course, music is not going to sound like it did something other than another article about a poten- 50 years ago, but the thing with Abbey Road is the tial Oasis reunion, to your own Dad who can’t seem fact it sounds like it could have been recorded to get that ‘bad guy’ song out of his head. It’s true, yesterday. It is one of few albums in this world whether you like it or not. that transcends the realm of time and continues With Eilish, she is more than the ‘sad pop songs to deliver after every listen. This is not a pick and with substance’ niche. Dave Grohl has previously mix kind of album. You begin with the perfect rock compared the LA native to his former band Nir- ensemble that is ‘Come Together’ and bid farewell vana and The Smiths’ frontman, Morrisey. Pretty to the ‘pretty nice girl’ on ‘Her Majesty’. impressive. Billie is certainly not grunge in the Now go forth and bless your ears. generic sense of the word, and calling her indie is a little bit of stretch, but the teen is marking a change in the tide.

She has cut open a vein and Eilish’s cool girl nonchalance cannot be tamed.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves until Eilish’s thirteenth studio album has been recorded, critically revered and hits the number one fifty years after its release.

Sheffield quartet, the Arctic Monkeys, too possess this unique potential and are one of the few bands to survive that tsunami of copycat indie bands of the mid noughties (The Ting Tings, The Fratellis, Hard-Fi, the list goes on).

If the Monkeys’ latest endeavour is anything to go by, they may have already Iconic cover of The Beatles’ Abbey Road. Image: thebeatles.com creatively peaked and are

Backlash against Martin Scorsese’s comments on Marvel films show how far cinema has fallen

By Martin Gallagher “I don’t see them. I tried, you know? But that’s not cinema”. These words from Martin Scorsese caused uproar recently when talking about Marvel films and he is correct. One could expand this to all superheroorientated films, but as films such as The Dark Knight show, they absolutely can be counted as art and “cinema” in the context of Scorsese. Marvel films are the equivalent to fast food, easy to make, easy to get and easy to digest. There is nothing fancy, nothing deep and nothing that will ever challenge an audience member on their beliefs or even be remembered beyond the initial watching. The plots are simplistic and formulaic, the characters two dimensional and the films rely heavily on CGI battles and overall on the visuals to bring in viewers. This leads to a very shallow and empty product, devoid of anything interesting for the audience to engage in unless they themselves are children, and when people start placing these movies along with amazing pieces of cinema just like Taxi Driver or Goodfellas, it shows a decline in, not just expectations, but the overall quality of cinema and its viewers into an age of fast food film, where visuals overtake any attempt at a well-developed storyline and characters, style over substance in essence.

There is nothing wrong with enjoying these movies, much like there is nothing wrong with enjoying

fast food. There is a problem, however, when any criticism leads to backlash and controversy on the level seen here. Josh Whedon (director and writer of The Avengers and The Avengers: Age of Ultron and co-creator of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D) responded on Twitter with “I revere Marty, & I do see his point, but...Well there’s a reason why I’m always angry”.

This is quite understandable coming from the creator of a lot of Marvel media. The fans, however, in a lot of circumstances, almost see his comments as an attack on them personally and even attack Scorsese’s understanding of film and opinions. Twitter user @ LoriHyrup responded with “Seems #MartinScorsese isn’t paying attention. Those movies, despite green screens and effects, tell stories that are just as human and emotionally-connected as any. These are our modern myths, and these are the times we’re in”.

For any self-respecting fan of cinema, to even try and compare the stories of a Marvel film to that of, say, Raging Bull should be blasphemy. All Marvel films (minus Infinity War at a stretch) end with the very clear-cut morally good characters winning and saving the day.

Even in Infinity War, there were no stakes, due to how predictable the movies already were, and there are no people in real life with that sort of moral make-up. Is one more likely to relate to Travis Bickle or Tony Stark?

Is one more likely to relate to the story of Jake LaMotta or Hawkeye? This is where I see decline in cinema.

Marvel fans are addicted to the films, they have grown up with them in most cases and have become attached to the mere presence of a Marvel film. There has been 23 Marvel films released as of now since 2008, an average of nearly two every year, with more planned. Just like a sugar addiction, Marvel fans need their fix to see what happens. The consumer-friendly, simple, fast food nature has diluted, not just the expectations of Marvel fans, but of all cinema goers. Who wants to take the time to watch something like Taxi Driver, which takes investment in characters, their morals, their agendas and development, when you can “turn your brain off” for two hours and watch yet another CGI fight scene on the big screen? Much like getting fast food over fine dining, you get fed either way, so why put the effort in to dress up and invest more into fine dining? Quality is the obvious answer but, when Disney has an audience of both frequent cinema goers and a more casual audience, what can one do? Is there any room for films like Mean Streets or Reservoir Dogs anymore? Or has it become too much of a risk to gamble, when CGI fights can carry a movie to the billions? The future for intelligent cinema looks dry but one can hope that the bubble on the fastfood movie market will one day burst and a new age of cinema can emerge.

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28 SPORT

SIN Vol. 21 Issue 04

Salazar ban raises suspicions about world’s athletic elite

By Darragh Nolan Alberto Salazar’s four-year ban from athletics for doping offences has led to his Nike Oregon Project team shutting its doors.

The team had amassed dozens of major wins since its inception in 2001, including Mo Farah’s four Olympic golds and eight World Championship medals. More recently, Donavan Brazier took home the 800-metre gold at the Worlds in Doha earlier this month.

The fact remains that none of Salazar’s athletes, most notably Mo Farah, ever tested positive. Unfortunately, even now, the absence of a positive test isn’t enough to absolve wrongdoing. Let’s deal not in speculation, but in fact.

Farah joined the Nike Oregon Project in February of 2011. He really broke on to the scene the following autumn with his first two medals at the Worlds, taking gold and silver in the 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres, respectively.

2012 saw him claim double gold medals in those two races on home turf at the London Olympics. Despite allegations against Salazar and his team coming out in 2015, he remained in Oregon and insisted he was clean. He repeated the double gold feat in Rio in 2016.

Farah finally left the team in October 2017 to return home to London. The move came as Farah retired from track racing to focus solely on marathon running.

He subsequently linked up with Paula Radcliffe’s former coach, Gary Lough.

Radcliffe has, herself, been the subject of allegations of performance enhancing.

One of her suspect tests came as a result of altitude training with a host of other athletes, including one Sir Mo Farah.

The harsh reality is that the system remains broken. The athletes that break the rules are seldom caught and those that are caught often remain eligible to compete.

It’s no secret that cycling is among the dirtiest of sports. Chris Froome, who does have a positive test for salbutamol on his record, hasn’t received so much as a warning. His meteoric rise from relative unknown to all-time great is littered with unanswered questions.

Froome’s Team Sky has its fair share of eyebrow raisers since they began having success. Froome himself put in a paltry 83rd place finish at his first Tour de France in 2008. Fast forward four years and a place on Team Sky later he comes in second, before winning four out of the next five yellow jerseys.

The 2017 failed drug test was explained away by his suffering from asthma. It’s not the only case of performance enhancers being put down to medical necessity

by Team Sky. A 2018 House of Commons committee found that Bradley Wiggins’ performance benefitted from a drug he took during his 2012 Tour win.

Perhaps most strikingly, though, is the unprecedented nature of Froome’s dominance. Aside from his first Tour win in 2013, he took part in two Grand Tour events from 2012 to 2018. Not only did he enter the races, but he was logging

top five finishes in them. His 2017 TourVuelta double win defies logic.

Lance Armstrong didn’t have success of that nature. He peaked for one race a year, never even competing in the Vuelta a España or the Giro d’Italia during his historic run of seven consecutive yellow jerseys.

Why is this of note? Well, human performance expert Dr Peter Attia described the Tour de France as “the most unhealthy thing on the face of the earth”. It’s a gruelling physical task,

undertaken by only the toughest of athletes, and, for many years, a host of cyclists that were doping.

Imagine putting your body through that not once, but twice a year. Not even Lance dared attempt it. It borders on a physiological impossibility. Now imagine that he was on a sophisticated performance enhancement programme. And finally, imagine that someone could pull it off clean.

If cycling, the most scrutinised, most suspicious sport has failed to get its anti-

doping act together, what faith could one have in sport as a whole? Alberto Salazar has received a ban, albeit temporary, but what about the lost medals that have been stolen from clean athletes? Just how far down is this rabbit hole?

Grigory Rodchenkov of Icarus fame has stated that he believes it’s impossible for a clean athlete to win an Olympic medal. That alone should give us reason to take the red pill and see how deep the rabbit hole goes.

Photo by Paolo Candelo on Unsplash

Could a two-tier Gaelic Football Championship ruin the game in smaller counties?

By Darren Casserly It looks inevitable that, despite much protest from smaller counties, there will be a second tier in the Gaelic Senior Football Championship. This could, however, be the much-needed change in the Championship. All you need to do is to look at the Hurling Championship and see how it can be beneficial to the game

in smaller counties.

The argument as to why there are multiple cup competitions in hurling is the difference in ability at the top compared to the rest of the counties, but more and more, it seems like the gap is widening in football. The most extreme version of this is the dead rubber that is the Leinster Championship, which Dublin have won for 9 years in a row, and,

with the score lines becoming more and more farcical, it seems there’s no end in sight. The tiered system in hurling has brought along with it championships that can’t be predicted before a draw has been made and there is no clear favourite.

Football has already been moving in this direction, with the creation of the Super 8s giving more playing time to

It’s absurd for counties like Leitrim or Carlow to think that they could challenge for the All-Ireland for the foreseeable future, but, with other championships, they have the chance to win something meaningful at Croke Park. It doesn’t mean that they will never compete with the best, it just means that there will be less David and Goliath matches and, therefore, less hammerings, which are becoming common place in today’s Championship.

the top counties, while smaller counties just watch, hoping that, someday, they’ll be there. It’s absurd for counties like Leitrim or Carlow to think that they could challenge for the All-Ireland for the foreseeable future, but, with other championships, they have the chance to win something meaningful at Croke Park. It doesn’t mean that they will never compete with the best, it just means that there will be less David and Goliath matches and, therefore, less hammerings, which are becoming common place in today’s Championship.

The way that some of the officials from these smaller counties talk about this system would lead you to believe that if they weren’t playing teams like Dublin or Kerry and getting hammered, there would be no interest in the game. I think that if their teams were competing with teams of a similar standard, there would be more interest, instead of supporters going to a match with virtually

no hope for a win. There will always be supporters going to games no matter who they are playing because, for a lot of people, it’s important to support your county. The attitude of these officials shows how little they think of their supporters and, while there are some counties with not the most loyal fan base (I’m looking at you Galway), by and large, the support is always good.

Still, maybe I’m wrong and, if the new system doesn’t work, there aren’t that many options out there for weaker counties. It seems that, with the increasingly uneven distribution of funding, there are less and less ‘top’ counties, the divides are getting greater and there are only 3 or 4 counties that seem that they have the ability to topple the Dublin empire. The days of David trumping Goliath seem, for the most part, to be over and it might not be such a bad thing if David started playing someone his own size.

SPÓIRT

October 22 2019

Aaron Connolly, hope or hype?

By Paddy Henry Saturday 5th October 2019; the day Aaron Connolly announced his arrival onto the English football scene, and boy did he do it with a bang. Making his full Premier League debut, the former Mervue man bagged a brace, leaving a hapless Spurs side shellshocked and reeling.

His performance earned him plaudits from the pundits. All-time leading Premier League goal scorer Alan Shearer described the 19-year-old’s performance as “absolutely magnificent”, and a “complete centre forward’s performance”. His twogoal haul against Tottenham two weeks ago made Connolly the first Irish teenager to score a Premier League brace since Robbie Keane against Derby County, all the way back in August 1999. Connolly wasn’t even born when Keane scored his double and ‘When you say nothing at all’ by Ronan Keating was at number 1 in the charts. Now, rather than sing butchered 90’s classics by washed up boyband sing-

ers, people are singing something else: the name of Aaron Connolly, but is Connolly the new hope, the dynamic centre forward Irish fans have longed for since Robbie Keane lost his yard of pace all those years ago? Is he the man to fire us to the Euros and to lead the line on our quest to get the sun burning of a lifetime in Qatar in 2022?

Or, is it just all hype? Another flash in the pan that gives us a brief moment of hope, followed by the crushing frustration and disappointment so painfully familiar to Irish soccer fans. 10 years ago, fans had hope that Leon Best would be Ireland’s new goal scoring sensation. Fast forward to today and Best is a distant memory, currently without a club since leaving Charlton Athletic almost two years ago. And, while the comparisons between Best and Connolly may stop at Irish striker with lots of potential, it serves as a poignant reminder for fans not to get ahead of ourselves.

Ireland’s underage setup is brimming with talent at the moment. Tom Mohan’s recent Under-19

Club Spotlight – NUI Galway Judo Club

By Shane Lynch The sport of Judo is one of the most rapidly growing martial arts in the world. Its origins are comprised in Asia but the sport itself is also rapidly growing throughout the continent of Europe. Judo has its origins in Japan, as it was a test of mental, physical and moral skills. Judo’s rich history began as a form of Japanese jiujutsu, which the ancient Samurai practiced meticulously and began to continually improve and then crafted the sport to suit their combatable needs.

The main goal of a judoka in a competition is to take an opponent down by using his energy against them. A judo practitioner ( Judoka) will obtain a superior position on the ground or subdue an opponent by employing a submission hold. The original Samurai used throws and joint locks as a means of defending themselves against enemies who had armour and artillery which was advanced for the time.

The NUI Galway Judo club was founded in 1965. It is the oldest and most successful martial arts club in the college, with over 20 Intervarsity team titles won, as well as multiple individual awards obtained. NUI Galway are the current reigning men’s team champions, winning back the title in style in Coleraine, County Derry.

Training is taken by coach Colm O’Riordan, a man who is renowned throughout the Irish Judo Association as one of the most dedicated coaches in the sport. Coach O’Riordan is arguably the main reason why the club continues to thrive and, not only compete at such a high level, but consistently win as both individuals and teams.

There is strength and conditioning training, which helps build up endurance and equip bodies for the physical onslaught of training. Training itself covers all aspects of the body in terms of a workout and allows you to get fit for competing, as well as for personal gain. Training concludes with a sauna and pool session to allow maximum recovery for all muscle groups.

NUI Galway are hosting the Intervarsities for this college year in February. The

Intervarsities are the highlight of the Judo calendar, where all of the club’s hard work throughout the year pays off. It brings universities together in the form of competition, with multiple categories of competition taking place throughout the day. The clubs also get to meet and socialise with each other, with an awards ceremony and a meal taking place in a local hotel.

Speaking to the current captain of the Judo club, Evie Murphy, she puts a major emphasis on how the club helps with the construction of self-confidence, whilst, at the same time, building up a mentality of socialising whilst learning. Evie also talks about how it’s a martial art which includes everybody of every background, including both genders, who are equally represented in competitions. The martial art itself is not only a great way to get to know people, but it is an excellent form of self-defence.

The club has a diverse collection of members, from beginners to experienced black belts, while multiple nationalities are represented throughout the club. The differing backgrounds and experience help with everyone’s overall knowledge of the sport.

As well as this, multiple past students help out with training and are a great source of knowledge for the current crop of Judokas.

The club also promotes the idea of togetherness and unity within the club.

The members look out for each other and are constantly helping each other in training and learning off of each other. The club itself, however, is not strictly built around the sport itself. The club organises multiple trips and recreational activities, such as surfing trips in Lahinch, hiking trips to Croagh Patrick, as well as social nights out and poker themed nights. The club is also active on both Facebook and Instagram.

The members of the club always insist that the togetherness of the group has helped with the major success of the club. To quote the founder of Judo, Dr. Jigoro Kano, “The harmonious development and eventual perfection of human character” is ultimately what the sport promotes on both a domestic and international level.

squad selection proves this, boasting prospects such as Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Conor Noss, and Harvey Neville, within their ranks, while future Ireland boss Stephen Kenny’s Under-21s are also flying the flag for Irish football. Following their Toulon Tournament heroics over the summer, they currently sit pretty at the top of their European Championship Qualifying group.

Our strong youth squads may prove that Connolly is not the be all and end all, with plenty coming in the underage ranks queuing up to take his crown as the cream of the new Irish crop. Tottenham wonderkid Troy Parrott is at the front of this line. Still only 17, the versatile attacker has caught the attention of even the most casual of soccer fans in this country. The thoughts of a Connolly-Parrott partnership in a few years time seems a far cry from our current cohort of David McGoldrick and Callum Robinson.

While Connolly and co may have supporters licking their lips in anticipation at the moment, so much remains uncertain with our exciting young prospects.

Caution must be aired to aid their development.

Overhype and hysteria won’t do us any favours and certainly won’t see us qualify for major tournaments.

So, while we may be right to be excited about a 19-year-old Galway lad putting Spurs to the sword, perhaps we shouldn’t get too ahead of ourselves just yet. The possibility of a 34 year-old Shane Long coming on in a 2022 World cup qualifier is still as potent as ever.

29

10 years ago, fans had hope that Leon Best would be Ireland’s new goal scoring sensation.

Fast forward to today and Best is a distant memory, currently without a club since leaving Charlton Athletic almost two years ago. And, while the comparisons between Best and Connolly may stop at Irish striker with lots of potential, it serves as a poignant reminder for fans not to get ahead of ourselves.

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30 SPORT

SIN Vol. 21 Issue 04

Are Ireland scared of Schmidt’s retirement?

By Owen Kennedy The Irish team’s World Cup campaign seems to be sailing smoothly. Despite the rocky performance we had against Japan, we’ve finished Pool A comfortably in second place. This has us going through to the quarter finals, facing off against New Zealand.

Just remember that last time we played them, we won. However, more perceptive watchers of Ireland’s effectiveness on the pitch would notice that it seems to be somewhat underwhelming.

The last two matches against Russia and Samoa were the two games we would’ve expected to have the least amount of trouble with. During the Russia game, Ireland were dominant in the first half, particularly the first 20

minutes. We scored two tries, as Kearney and O’ Mahony went over, and Conway impressed, ploughing up the field with his runs. Add to that the excellent clearance in the rucks and Ruddock’s try at the 35th minute, the game seemed set and match with the bonus point included.

Yet, things just began to fall apart at the second half.

Ringrose gave a great break from the beginning of the first half but seemed to be the only Irish player switched on, along with Conway. Bundee Aki made four knock-ons in the second half, Larmour didn’t seem comfortable replacing Kearney and our forwards were tired, and it showed with their speed and efficiency. It wasn’t until the 62nd minute that Conway secured the bonus point with a fantastic break and run. Ireland finished the game 35-0 with a 75th try from Ringrose.

Ireland’s performance against Samoa was smoother for sure, securing the bonus point before the end of the first half but it was still riddled with mistakes.

Aki was sent off, which wasn’t his fault, as it should’ve been a sin bin instead, but I digress. We didn’t take full advantage of two Samoan yellow cards, but we put in a good performance and managed to hold our own against Samoa, even whilst being down to 14 men for three quarters of the match. The performance of Larmour will also give Joe Schmidt some selection headaches for the fullback spot against the All Blacks, but what exactly is Ireland’s deal, and why are we still not reaching as high a peak as we did in 2018?

Whilst Schmidt’s upcoming retirement from the team is a possibility for Ireland’s shakiness,

I firmly believe that the root of the problem lies, not with Schmidt’s retirement, but with the retirement of Irish captain, Rory Best. Best announced his retirement will happen at the end of this World Cup campaign and has been captaining Ireland since January 2016. In that time, Ireland have beaten the All-Blacks twice and had a Six Nations Grand Slam, leaving Best as one of the most successful Irish captains of all time. There isn’t really any stand-out player, other than maybe Sexton, and, further down the road, James Ryan, who can fill in the crucial role of captain like Best has done these past three years.

The loss of Best to the Irish squad can be comparable to that of losing a limb, so Ireland’s shakiness on the pitch is completely justified.

John Delaney’s FAI departure is only the tip of the iceberg

By Daniel Brennan

he had already received €6 million in basic pay from, and that cost anywhere between €12,00 and €32,000 never mind his many other extra-curricular financial TAISCEADÁIN a pop. Delaney bragged about how there were 33,000 CHOMHALTAIS After a reign of terror lasting almost a decade and a activities that led to his dictatorship finally collapsing. ANmillionaires in Ireland, and that they only needed 3,000 TAISCEADÁIN AN CHOMHALTAIS half at the top of Irish football, John Delaney finally His extraordinary financial mismanagement all began of them to buy these tickets. This plan was, of course, fully stepped down from the FAI. However, as is usual in 2008. As the FAI entered an agreement with the Gov- unveiled just as the world entered a huge financial crash SUremoving LOCKERS when a tyrant from power, the cost of rid- ernment and the IRFU to re-develop Lansdowne Road in September 2008, and you can obviously guess that SUa LOCKERS ding Irish football of Delaney was high: €500,000 into, what is now, the Aviva Stadium, they also had to find those millionaires didn’t feel like coughing up their dough severance package, negotiated over five months as a way to put their money where their mouth was. The for exclusive seats in a stadium that was yet to be conSU fully paid “gardening leave”, before plan they went with was to sell “Vantage Club” tickets, structed, just as most of the world entered a financial Delaney took SU SEOMRA CÓTAÍ extracting a final pay packet from the organisation whichAN were exclusive tickets that would lastSEOMRA for 10 years, CÓTAÍ recession. Struggling to keep up with their Aviva Stadium CHOMHALTAIS SU CLOAKROOM AN CHOMHALTAIS payments was a big reason why the FAI entered its own

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financial crisis – a crisis that led to Delaney “loaning” his own employers €100,000 in 2017, which started the chain of events leading to Delaney’s departure.

While the removal of Delaney has been welcomed by all Irish soccer fans, for the FAI, it’s much Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn the captain of The Titanic an hour like changing after it hit the iceberg – there’s not much the organisation can do, except for clinging on to whatever Cláraigh anois do na cúrsaí seo a piece of floating furniture they can find, as they leanas ar phraghas laghdaithe in watch their ship sink to the bottom of the ocean.

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The next steps for the FAI are now crucial – at the time of writing, we are still awaiting the results of an audit of the FAI’s finances commissioned by Sport Ireland after pressure from the Oireachtas.

This audit has been delayed by Delaney’s departure money being paid out just a week before it was due to be published. Not exactly the best of looks.

So, how do you fix the mess the FAI is in? To me, there has to be one main common-sense rule put in place: they must be obligated to hire John Delaney’s permanent replacement from outside the FAI. In my opinion, any of the board members that sat back and allowed Delaney to drive the Association into the dire state it is currently in simply cannot be trusted with rebuilding both their finances and the public’s trust in them.

Perhaps, if they want their government-funded Sport Ireland money back, then they should allow them to both pick a new figurehead for the FAI, as well as manage their finances until they get to a place of safety again, although, knowing them, that might just make too much sense to ever happen.

Galway’s Hurling problem goes further than just managerial appointments

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By Tom Molloy At the time of writing, the Galway County Board have still failed to appoint a new senior hurling manager, following the departure of Micheál Donoghue in August.

For a lot of people in the area of County Galway east of Moycullen, south of Turloughmore, and south of the Galway-Dublin railway line as far as Ballinasloe; hurling (and “the parish”) is as important as the local Credit Union. Former Galway boss and proud Clare man, Ger Loughnane, told a story about giving a team talk to his county players before a challenge match against the then All-Ireland Club champions Portumna in 2007. “Let’s beat these Tipperary b*stards!” came the roar from one of his troops. Loughnane knew as early as then that perhaps he had ventured too far up the Congo (his “Congo” being the Ennis to Gort road).

Galway’s underage record in hurling is second to none. Thirteen minor titles since 1983 and ten U-21 titles in the forty years between 1972 and 2011.

Galway clubs, again, sit atop the roll of honour in AllIreland club titles with thirteen. Four for Portumna, three for Athenry, two for Sarsfields, and one each for St. Thomas’, Clarinbridge, Kiltormer, and Castlegar.

Their inability to translate underage and club success to success at senior level had long been an issue in the county. Some commentators attributed it to local bitterness and a “club before county” attitude.

It was thought that Donoghue had sounded the steam whistle and halted the arrows when he and his players

delivered the All-Ireland in 2017. Not taking anything away, of course, from the trojan work Anthony Cunningham had done before him. It seemed there was finally a sense of stability around Galway hurling.

The current Galway senior panel would walk on to most county teams. Galway have the best fullback in the country in Daithí Burke, David Burke is an understated gift to hurling, Conor Whelan will still only be 23 when the next Championship rolls around, and a fully fit Joe Canning is the best hurler in Ireland. That’s even before you begin to talk about the Mannion’s and an in-form Conor Cooney.

Being in charge of a county with that kind of pedigree and that panel must be a dream for any hurling aficionado from Liam Mellows to Cuala and from Slaughtneil to Blackrock. So, where’s the problem?

Davy Fitz said no one spoke to him and will stay in Wexford, Tony Ward withdrew his candidacy earlier this week, and Donoghue’s associates Noel Larkin and Franny Forde followed suit the next day. Maybe the job isn’t as attractive as it seems.

There’s a cloud hanging over the County Board at present in relation to sponsorship money. There is, most definitely, an issue with transparency. One wonders who, if anybody, they have in mind. Or, like a thrice-married curmudgeon, are they finally asking themselves, “are we the problem?” Probably not. The supporters deserve better and, more importantly, the players deserve better. It’s time someone fixed their steamboat and headed up the Congo once again or next July we’ll all be found whimpering “the horror, the horror”.

CO MÓ RTAS

October 22 2019

31

WIN €25 SU CARD CREDIT* Crossword Clues ACROSS 1 – Fictional city in which the recent Joker movie is set (6) 4 – This member of the Black Eyed Peas was also Manchester United’s most successful manager (6) 9 – The _____ room is home to more and more students as the semester goes on (7) 10 – Furry little creatures who appeared in the original Star Wars trilogy (5) 11 – _____ Murphy, current Galway United manager (4) 12 – This part of Galway is home to Gleann Dara, but more famously, King Ding (8) 14 – Two of these make up an opinion (5) 16 – Beatles’ drummer’s first name (5) 20 – Some people can’t tolerate these usually harmless substances (8) 21 – What a Russian emperor would call himself (4) 24 – Popular cola fizzy drink (5) 25 – Country with Bucharest as its capital (7) 26 – Most people have none of this left after a full day in the library (6) 27 – A few _____ between meals are essential to keep students going during a long day of lectures (6)

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