SIN Vol. 23 Issue 07 by SIN Newspaper University of Galway

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

Winner: Best Newspaper at the National Student Media Awards 2019

Student Independent News Nuachtán saor in aisce · Vol. 23 Issue 07 · 25 Jan. 2022

Candles, flowers and placards were left beside photos of Ashling at the Eyre Square Vigil

NUI Galway Students’ Union works to ease safety concerns amongst students following the tragic death of Ashling Murphy By Valerie McHugh

Editor

The recent tragic death of Ashling Murphy has triggered widespread concern amongst students on the topic of women’s safety. Ms Murphy, a 23-year-old recent university graduate and primary school teacher, was murdered while out jogging on the 12 of January. An outpouring of grief and solidarity from students around the country has arisen since Ms Murphy’s murder, with crowds in their thousands attending numerous vigils that have been arranged in her memory. Students’ Union President Róisín Nic Lochlainn was one of the speakers at the Eyre Square Vigil which took place on the 13 of January, and spoke on her views surrounding the topic of gender-based violence and harassment. She stated to all in attendance that “until we have gotten rid of rape culture, and until we have created a culture of consent in Ireland, this is going to continue to

happen. If you have ever engaged in ‘lad talk’ or ‘locker room’ talk, then you are a part of this and it needs to end.” As a result of the concerns felt by many students at this time, NUI Galway Students’ Union are promoting a range of new safety initiatives for students. Pocket-seized safety alarms and portable door alarms are available for purchase in the on-campus Student Union shop for anyone who wishes to buy one. The safety alarms can be fastened to any keychain, and the door alarms can be attached to the outside of your door handle. Both omit a loud ringing sound when triggered. The keychain alarms can be sounded by the owner in the event of an attack, and the door alarm can be programmed to sound if someone tries to enter the room from the outside. Speaking to SIN, NUI Galway Students’ Union President Róisín Nic Lochlainn said “We have safety alarms on sale in the SU Shop for anyone would like to buy them. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

News · Nuacht

Editorial By Valerie McHugh

Editor

Welcome to 2022 everyone, thanks for logging into our first edition of the new year! A special thanks to all of you wonderful people who have contributed to this fantastic edition of SIN. As you can see from our front page, our leading piece for issue 7 surrounds the tragic death of Ashling Murphy this month and the work that the NUI Galway SU have been doing in the wake of this tragedy. There has been a lot of discussion around gender-based violence and harassment in the last few weeks, and we would like to take this moment to remind all of our readers that if you have been impacted by any of the issues raised in this edition, there are support services are available at the end of the article on page 2 that you can avail of. As well as this, there are lots of articles for you to feast your eyes upon on this issue. Starting with the News section, you will spy some news about the 18-kilometre N6 Galway City Ring Road in there from Caoimhe. In ‘Features’, The Lane Café is in the hotseat this week and Róisín has given it a raving review that I think you should definitely check out. In ‘Opinion’, David discusses the common trend of rebooting and remastering works of art and its’ benefits. In ‘Arts and Fashion’, Enya talks all about the positive impacts that second hand buying in Ireland is having on our environment, and in ‘Health and Lifestyle’, Ewelina brings us on a trip to Budapest. In ‘Cainte’, there is a wonderful article about women in rock climbing by Tess Casasín Ní Shioradáin that I think that you should have a look at, and finally, in ‘Sport’, Darren has a game review from the Sigerson Cup where NUI Galway won over Ulster University that is worth taking a look at if you are into sport. As always, if you would like to get involved in SIN, we would be honoured to have you on board. You can find us on our social media handles (below) and you can chat with me directly by emailing editor.sin@gmail.com. We are actually recruiting people for some regular slots at the moment, which you can read about on our social media. For now, mind yourselves and enjoy this issue of SIN.

@NuigSin @sin_news Student I ndependent News, NUI Galway

Safety concerns

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

We know that this unfortunately does not solve the problem at the root of this issue, but anything that we can do to make students feel safer is worthwhile at the moment.” “As well as this, we have also ordered a sample of drink toppers that people can use to cover their drinks while on nights out. Again, we realise that this also does not solve the core issue of drink spiking at play here, but we want to do as much as we can to make students feel safer when they are socialising in bars and nightclubs. We hope to stock these in the bathrooms at SULT so that anyone can take them.” She concluded by saying that the Students’ Union is also aiming to implement free self-defence classes and bystander intervention training for students in the coming weeks. NUI Galway Students’ Union have also been highlighting the Women’s Aid ‘Too Into You’ campaign on campus, which aims to raise awareness about intimate relationship abuse against young women. NUI Galway President Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh also communicated a statement surrounding ‘respect’ with the Students’ Union to all students. Speaking in an email to registered students, Mr Ó hÓgartaigh and Ms Nic Lochlainn reminded students that “as a thriving university we value all experiences, traditions, gender identities and ethnicities and we know that a civil and considerate environment is integral to the health and wellbeing of our students and staff.” The email concluded by asking “members of our university to recommit to treating each other well, with kindness, consideration and respect, both on and off campus.” If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please visit https://su.nuigalway.ie/mental-health-supports/

Door alarm and key chain safety alarms for sale in the SU Shop

An bhfuil rud é igin le rá agat? Cur litir chuig an Eagarthóir.

Editor: Valerie McHugh editor.sin@gmail.com

Find us online: www.sin.ie

News · Nuacht

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

INSIDE this issue... News

NUI Galway introduces JAM Card Scheme on campus 4

Approved Galway Ring Road route could cause disruption to NUI Galway clubs

NUI Galway study finds increased risks for young people suffering from high blood pressure

Minimum unit pricing hitting student wallets

NUI Galway strong on innovation and impact in 2021

37% of Business leaders don’t see return to workplace before second half of 2022

Features New year, same me: defying the highlight reel

Café Review: Lane Cafe

The year that was

Student Diaries

New Year, New Me?

Opinion

Paws up to say NO to Puppy farms! 18

To reboot, or not reboot, that is the question

Should Politicians take leadership training before taking office?

Arts & Fashion Second hand buying in Ireland

Health & Lifestyle 5 ways to beat the January Blues

Spotlight: The National Theatre of Costa Rica 20

2022 health resolutions

Beauty Launches 2022

Existential or controversial: A Perfect Relationship?

Cainte Agallamh quickfire – Eoin P. Ó Murchú

Sport NUI Galway Sigerson cup victory overshadowed by major injury

League winners NUI Galway look set for Fitzgibbon glory 32

Budapest Blog: Museum of Sweets & Selfies 22 Girls don’t climb! — Ardú ar líon na sléibhteoirí ban ach nílimid ar bharr an chnoic go fóill. 28 Should sportspeople like Djokovic be allowed participate in sporting events? 32

Is the Fitzgibbon cup still relevant?

A huge thanks to our team!

Enya Tierney Arts & Fashion Editor

Valerie McHugh Editor

Ewelina Szybinska Health & Lifestyle Editor

Darragh Nolan Deputy Editor, News Co-editor

Caitlin Murphy Cainte Editor (Irish)

Caoimhe Killeen News Co-editor

Darren Casserly Sports Editor

Anastasia Burton Features Editor

Katie Barragry Online Editor

David Cendon Garcia Opinion Editor

Aine Fogarty Online Editor

News · Nuacht

Approved Galway Ring Road route could cause disruption to NUI Galway clubs By Caoimhe Killeen

Co-News Editor

An Bord Pleanála has finally approved a plan for a controversial ring road route around Galway City, which could cause disruption to NUI Galway campus life. The proposed 18-kilometre N6 Galway City Ring Road route will cost a proposed 600 million euros and is aimed at improving traffic blockages around Galway City, but has caused controversy for many years, dating as far back as the 1990’s. The route would also cut through Dangean Sportsground, where clubs at NUI Galway hold their sports activities as well as demolish local homes in the area. It is unclear at the time of printing when the construction of the ring road project will start to take place. The advisory group of NUI Galway’s student clubs has told SIN that they “are not in a position to comment on it yet.” NUI Galway’s Student Union’s Clubs Captain Kirsty Moran added that “we do not feel we have enough confirmed information to make a valid decision on our stance on the Ring Road and its effect on clubs.” She also added that the upcoming discussions made on the ring road project would be monitored closely by the advisory group. The ring road route has also received mixed reactions from local authorities and politicians. Tánaiste Leo Varadkar tweeted his full support for the project, stating it would make Galway City “more liveable for residents and visitors and safer for cyclists.” Both Galway City and County Council also tweeted their support for the decision, stating that avoiding demolishing houses was not possible when planning the route. However, An Bord Pleanála acknowledged in their decision that the demolition of homes would have a “significant to permanent impact on homeowners” living along the proposed route currently. There are also concerns that the proposed Ring Road Route will not be eco-friendly and fall in line with the Government’s current Climate Action Plan 2021, despite having regarded the 2019 version of the plan. The current climate action plan has set goals of net-zero emissions by the year 2050, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030. Senator and Green Party chairperson Pauline O’Reilly has also spoken to barristers to discuss the possibility of a judicial review of the decision. If successful, this could mean the construction of the route could be blocked in court.

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

NUI Galway introduces JAM Card Scheme on campus By Ellen O’Donoghue

Galway East TD and Minister of State for Disability Anne Rabbitte also backs NUI Galway announced the introduction the initiative. of the JAM (Just a Minute) Card© initiative “I am delighted to see NUI Galway take for people with additional needs on cam- such a proactive step to support people pus on Friday 3 December 2021. with disabilities and additional needs and The University has adopted the support encourage those who work and use the system and will provide staff training to assist campus to adopt the JAM Card©”, she said. those who may find it difficult to communi“Ensuring that disability services are cate or get overwhelmed in busy public areas. first and fore-most person-centred is a This was done to mark International priority for Government and NUI Galway’s Day of Persons with Disabilities and is JAM Card© is another innovative way to being led by NUI Galway’s Access Centre. improving and meet people’s needs.” Speaking at the launch of the JAM Head of the Access Centre Imelda Card© on campus, President of NUI Byrne encourages “as many staff across Galway Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said that campus as possible to engage with the “respect and openness are core values at training and learn the hugely beneficial NUI Galway and the adoption of the JAM tools and confidence it provides to supCard© is symbolic of the increasing focus port those who may need “Just a Minute”. we place on the need to be more inclusive “We hope that by adopting the JAM and go the extra mile for others.” Card© initiative on campus we can help NUI Galway’s Student Union Disability people and at the same time increase Rights Officer Niamh McGrath has stated disability awareness, representation, and having the JAM Card© initiative on cam- visibility across campus.” pus is “a fantastic idea.” The JAM Card © initiative was originally “This is going to bring confidence to the developed for those with learning disabilstudents who aren’t that confident with ities and difficulties but can be used by their disability, particularly those with anyone with a communication barrier, and communication difficulties” she added. are already used across Ireland in libraries, “It will give students that extra tool to shops, and banks and on public transport. have in their toolbox, when going around Anytime a person needs some extra campus for when they need Just A Minute. assistance or time, they can present their As a JAM card user, myself, I am excited to JAM Card ©, and they will be met by a staff see this brought to campus. The JAM Card, member who knows to give that person although such a small tool, is so important some extra time. as it reduces anxiety going into busy comJAM Card© was created by NOW Group, mercial spaces and knowing I have that a social enterprise that supports people tool in my toolbox to fall back on when I who, for example, have autism, acquired get overwhelmed is so helpful.” brain injury, a learning difficulty, or any McGrath also added that it was great hidden disability, which may mean that to get it launched on International Day they need “Just a Minute” to allow them of Persons with Disabilities in December, to complete their business. and “to have the President there to show his For more information on the JAM support for the JAM card and students with Card© please visit https://tinyurl.com/ disabilities on campus here in NUI Galway.” Jamcardinfo

Niamh McGrath, NUI Galway Students’ Union Disability Rights Officer and Jam Card user, as the University announced the introduction of the JAM Card© initiative on campus for people with additional needs.

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

News · Nuacht

NUI Galway study finds increased risks for young people suffering from high blood pressure By Tiffany Greenwaldt-Simon A global study led by NUI Galway found that patients under 50 with a form of high blood pressure are at a higher risk of heart attack or death. Isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH) is defined by the American Heart Association as a diastolic blood pressure number – the force exerted by the heart on the arteries in between beats – greater than 80 millimetres of mercury, or mmHg, and a systolic blood pressure number – the force exerted each time the heart beats – of less than 130mmHg. The diastolic and systolic blood pressure are represented on the bottom and top numbers of a blood pressure reading respectively. According to the Irish Heart Foundation, a normal blood pressure is usually around 120/80 mmHg. The research was led by Professor William McEvoy, Professor of Preventive Cardiology at NUI Galway, consultant cardiologist at Galway University Hospitals and Medical Director of the National Institute for Prevention and Cardiovascular Health (NIPC). The findings were published in Hypertension, a journal of the American Heart Association, and examined data from 11,135 patients worldwide. Participants underwent a 24-hour blood pressure assessment, considered more accurate than office-based blood pressure monitoring. IDH is a less common form of hypertension and is found in 6-11% of the adult population but is more common among younger adults. The study found that over-50s with high diastolic blood pressure and normal systolic blood pressure do not have increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Professor McEvoy said that previous research left unanswered questions and recommended that patients under 50 with the condition tackle unhealthy lifestyle and diet while monitoring their systolic blood pressure. “Prevention of cardiovascular events is possible,” Professor McEvoy said. “Our recommendations for patients under 50 who have been diagnosed with IDH is to make healthy changes to their lifestyle and to defer drug treatment, while ensuring they have annual blood pressure checks with their doctor, unless elevated systolic blood pressure develops. “For over 50s with IDH, there does not seem to be an indication to provide drug treatment as long as the diastolic blood pressure is between 80 to 90 mmHg,” he concluded. Professor Tim O’Brien, Executive Dean of the College of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Science at NUI Galway, and consultant at Saolta University Hospitals Group welcomed the research. “It helps to settle an open question, raised by previous research and using less rigorous recording of blood pressure. “Prevention is critical when it comes to the management of patients with cardiovascular disease and this research will help clinical teams make better informed decisions about the management of patient health when treating IDH.”

Professor Bill McEvoy, Professor of Preventive Cardiology, NUI Galway, Medical and Research Director of NIPC and Consultant Cardiologist at Galway University Hospitals, with Cardiovascular Nurse Specialist, Irene Gibson and Carmel McGuire having her blood pressure taken at Croí Heart and Stroke Centre. Credit: Aengus McMahon.

AN FÉIDIR LEATSA BHEITH

AG CEANN AN tSLUA?

CAN YOU LEAD THE WAY?

Comhairle Comhaltas na Mac Léinn

18:00 Monday 31st January | Dé Luain 31 Eanáir O’Flaherty Theatre Arts/Science Concourse Le tuilleadh eolas a fháil, dean teagmháil le su.education@oegaillimh.ie @nuigsu

NUIGalwayStudentsUnion www.su.nuigalway.ie

News · Nuacht

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

Minimum unit pricing hitting student wallets By Darragh Nolan

“

The impact of the introduction of minimum unit pricing (MUP) on alcohol is being felt by third-level students in Ireland. The new measures introduced by the Government on January 4 have seen the price of alcohol in shops and supermarkets rise significantly in an effort to reduce consumption. MUP has seen the price of alcohol sold in shops brought to a minimum of 10c per gram of alcohol or €1 per standard drink. The minimum price of a can of beer or cider has risen to €1.70 and €2.17 respectively while a 12.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) bottle of wine now costs at least €7.40 and a 40% ABV bottle of spirits €22.09. The new legislation brought in under the Public Health Alcohol Act 2018 has brought the minimum price of a slab of 24 cans of beer, which sold for as little as €25 and often went on sale for less in supermarkets, to over €40. NUI Galway Students’ Union President Róisín Nic Lochlainn was critical of the regressive nature of the measures as a flat tax, saying it will disproportionately impact the less well-off. “Students across the island already experience financial instability with emergency hardship funds seeing thousands of applications every year, and this has only been exacerbated by the pandemic. “It’s also extremely unfair on the family who may like to occasionally drink on a Friday after a long week of work because they simply will not be able to afford it anymore.” Ms Nic Lochlainn said the new price floors would see some go without essential items “such as an antigen test” in favour of purchasing alcohol and those struggling with alcohol addiction “will still choose to spend their money on it.” She suggested that MUP measures would be more understandable if the additional money generated were to be spent on “campaigns to cut binge drinking habits, rehabilitation services or other non-alcoholic related activities.” The introduction of MUP has however been welcomed by Alcohol Action Ireland with the independent organisation hailing the move as “a historical development in public health alcohol policy.” Speaking on the day the new legislation was introduced the chair of Alcohol Action Ireland Professor Frank Murray said MUP would help reduce the harm potentially caused by alcohol consumption. “Today’s introduction is a really positive move by government to address persistent alcohol related harms. “With almost two-thirds of all alcohol use emanating from off-trade retail sales, the availability of such volumes of cheap drink in every community in Ireland has to tackled, if we hope to address the chronic level of alcohol related harm that demands so much of our health services. “I have no doubt that in addressing the exceptional affordability of this alcohol, MUP will have proved to have saved many lives,” he concluded. Numbers cited by drinkaware.ie from a study on the impact of MUP in Scotland show a reduction in alcohol consumption of 9.5 grams per adult per household. The study also found that lower income households showed the biggest reduction in alcohol spending while weekly spending on alcohol increased by just 0.61p per household from the period 2015-2018.

NUI Galway Students’ Union President

Róisín Nic Lochlainn suggested that MUP

measures would be more understandable

if the additional money generated were to be spent on “campaigns to cut binge

drinking habits, rehabilitation services or

other non-alcoholic related activities.”

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OPE

Táimid ar oscailt!

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News · Nuacht

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

NUI Galway strong on innovation and impact in 2021 By Darragh Nolan

Deputy Editor

NUI Galway performed well in the areas of knowledge transfer, innovation and impact during 2021. The past 12 months saw the university engage in 50 industry collaborations, register four spinouts in medical technology and provide supports for 35 early-stage businesses. NUI Galway’s Vice-President for Research and Innovation Professor Jim Livesey commended the university for its efforts in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Despite all challenges thrown at us, 2021 was a year in which the University expanded its portfolio of spin-outs and widened engagement. “We are immensely proud of the work our colleagues in the Innovation Office have done to support our entrepreneurial principal investigators and to offer new breakthroughs to the community.” A spinout company is established in order to bring products and services

developed through research at universities to market. The four med-tech spinouts – Tympany Medical, FeelTect Medical, Endowave and Symphysis Medical – are developing medical devices meeting unmet needs which were also identified at NUI Galway as part of the BioInnovate Ireland programme. David Murphy, Director of Knowledge Transfer and Innovation highlighted the vital role spinout companies play in bringing technological advances from NUI Galway to wider society. “Spinouts are a critical route to successfully transfer technology out of the University. The creation of companies whose purpose is to turn research into societal impact is one of the core activities of the Innovation Office at NUI Galway.” “Many of our start-ups have come through the Enterprise Ireland funded BioInnovate Ireland Programme, developed by NUI Galway, and we look forward to building on our expertise and commitment to generating new ventures in 2022,” he finished.

The addition of four new spinouts brings NUI Galway’s total to 24 companies employing over 185 people working to introduce innovative goods and services. A number of other spinouts companies enjoyed success throughout the year which saw tens of millions allocated in funding for research projects and a Knowledge Transfer Ireland Impact Award nomination for NUI Galway. The Business and Innovation Centre at the university’s Innovation Office also offered mentoring and support to 35 early-stage businesses and facilitated the use of laboratories, wet-labs and office space. Sustainability was high on the agenda with the Innovation Office also assisting in research that addressed the 17 Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the United Nations which spanned a number of departments including Geography, Philosophy, English and Psychology. 2021 also saw the launch of a toolkit for researchers developed at NUI Galway which offers tools for planning and monitoring the impact of research.

News · Nuacht

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

37% of Business leaders don’t see return to workplace before second half of 2022 By Caoimhe Killeen

Co-News Editor

According to a new Institute of Directors in Ireland (IoD) survey, 37% of business leaders don’t think that most of their staff will be back in working in person in the office until the second quarter of 2022. The reasons cited as the biggest risk to businesses was a “return of tight public health restrictions caused by COVID-19 and its variants.” These are the main findings from the IoD’s latest Director Sentiment Monitor research report for the last quarter of 2021, which was published this month. However, some business leaders are staying positive. 30% believe that a full return to the workplace will happen in the first quarter of the year. 31% of business leader also believe that this quarter will be better economically than the previous one, but 28% hold the view this quarter will be worse economically, with 41% believing that there will be now change from the past three months. Maura Quinn, Chief Executive of the Institute of Directors in Ireland has stated the Omicron variant of Covid-19 has seen a significant return of working remotely “with many staff returning to the workplace for at least some of the time during autumn 2021. “While the rollout of the booster vaccine programme has been swift and widespread, it looks like the public health restrictions already in place will remain so for the foreseeable future” she continued. Our research finds that 37% of business leaders see the second quarter of the year

“

Maura Quinn, Chief Executive of the Institute of Directors in Ireland stated, “It should be of note that business leaders now see the biggest business risk as ‘a return of tight public health restrictions caused by COVID-19 and its variants.”

as the period when a majority of staff will likely be in the office/workplace. Furthermore, it should be of note that business leaders now see the biggest business risk as ‘a return of tight public health restrictions caused by COVID-19 and its variants.” Other risks were listed as the single biggest risk facing their organisation. These included sourcing quality labour and the capability to retain it(18%), global supply chain issues and rising costs of raw materials both at 7%. 6% cited EU-UK trade, the political relations between the two countries, and

geopolitical/economic instability as their biggest concern. The survey was completed by 281 members of IoD Ireland, who are directors and business leaders. The majority of the survey respondents were directors at 74%. The majority also held senior executive roles, while 37% held CEO positions. The purpose of the Director Senitment Monitor is to track IoD’s member’s views on key issues such as the economy, business confidence and working life, as well as topical business issues of relevance to its members every business quarter.

Biggest risk

Return to Office/Workplace

When asked, ‘At present, what do you believe is the single biggest risk facing your organisation?’ the respondents chose as follows (top four findings):

When asked, ‘In respect of your primary organisation, and in view of the deteriorating public health situation and possible further restrictions, when do you foresee the majority of staff being in the office/workplace by?’ the business leaders selected as follows:

EU-UK trade and political relations issues: 6% Geopolitical/economic instability: 6% Global supply chain issues: 7% Rising costs of raw materials: 7% Labour sourcing/quality/capability/ retention: 18% A return of tight public health restrictions caused by COVID-19 and its variants: 24%

Not applicable: all or most staff will work remotely in future: 7% Don’t know: 12% October – December (Q4): 3% July – September (Q3): 10% April – June (Q2): 37% January – March (Q1): 30%

12%

3% 10%

18%

37%

24%

30%

C T E ION L E

#NUIGSU2022

Full Time Officers ➥ President ➥ Vice President / Education Officer ➥ Vice President / Welfare and Equality Officer Nominations Open: 10:00 Wednesday 16th February 2022 Nominations Close: 17:00 Wednesday 23rd February 2022 Election Day: Thursday 3rd March 2022 @nuigsu

NUIGalwayStudentsUnion www.su.nuigalway.ie

www.nuigsuelections.com

Features · Gné-altanna

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

Café Review: Lane Cafe By Roisin Kerrigan A hidden gem in the Galway café scene is the wonderful Lane Café, which you can find on Druid Lane, just off shop street. This lovely little café shop is stocked with all the caffeine, sweet treats and savoury dishes you could dream of during those long lectures. This little haven is one that all students must visit, it is a perfect place for catching up with friends or even starting that book you’ve been meaning to read now that you are back in Galway; and lucky you, I have tested and approved this café so that you can go with high expectations. The Lane Café has both inside and outside dining, but if I were you, I would bring a coat and sit in the charming little walled garden found behind the cafés building. This walled garden is covered so one hasn’t to worry about the frequent rain that plagues Galway, but one would be naïve to not expect a bit of a chill. This rustic themed outside dining area homes a beautiful oasis of greenery, decorated with ferns and potted plants, while ivy scales the stone walls beside the seating area, so you may take in and enjoy the potted natural scenery with a coffee in hand to top off the experience of sitting in this charming little café. As for the menu, this café prioritises quality over quantity. Their selection is small compared to other popular coffee shops in Galway, but their selection satisfies both the eyes and belly. In the drinks department, I would suggest the Mocha coffee, Cappuccino, and although I personally haven’t tried it (yet), I have it on good authority that their hot chocolate is to die for. The coffee art is top tier, a great Instagram photo opportunity if you are searching for your next story. Food-wise, you can never go wrong with soup and a customised sandwich, especially if the soup of the day is vegetable. This café is perfect if you are

searching for that healthy, filling, and bank account friendly lunch, but in saying that, their sweet treat section is second to none, the lane café is a sweet tooth’s paradise. Their chocolate cake is beyond delicious, and much like the coffees is a great way of making your followers jealous and possibly quite hungry. This enchanting café is one that enriches the Galway café scene, a perfect place to study and catch up with friends. It is one nobody can afford to miss if they study at NUIG. There are no excuses, it is January, you have survived your exams and made it back to Galway after the holiday season, there is no excuse to not treat yourself to this delicious and yet affordable dining experience. So why not visit the Lane Café?

HOT MEALS

Prepared freshly by Chef Bernard juﬆ for you

LễHội

INDIAN Menu

Asian Street Food

CHINESE

ITALIAN

MEXICAN

AMERICAN

GREAT VALUE EVERYDAY NUIGSU COMMERCIAL SERVICES LTD.

Lane Café’s renowned hot chocolate. Photo courtesy of The Lane Café Facebook

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

Features · Gné-altanna

The year that was By Rachel Garvey

“most proud things in 2021”. Love is a days, I urge you to reach out to the people strange, scary and beautiful thing; my around you for help. Also, there are many Firstly, a Happy New Year to all SIN read- advice is that when you’ve secured it, mental health helplines and professioners and writers; another year has come protect it and never let it go. als you can engage with that might be to an end and a new one begins in its really beneficial to you. For example, the place, the New Year of 2022. This year Mental Health Embrace Samaritans 24 hour freephone helpline we still grasp on to that thread of hope All through 2021, I learned and kept number is 116 123. that we will overcome the current state learning the importance of embracing of society being trapped in the grip of a my mental health. I learned that self- Being a SINNER pandemic and that we emerge victorious care days are essential to one’s self and I don’t want to draw too much attenwith a new sense of freedom that we will there shouldn’t be a limit to how many tion to this because, in reality, I’m quite never take for granted again. 2022 holds self-care days you have in a week. Your modest about my work, but I’m very a year full of surprises that we’re either own being is so precious and we need to proud to be part of the SIN team. Getanticipating or not expecting, but the learn to look after and love ourselves no ting to write and send in articles each best surprises happen unexpectedly. The matter how hard that may be. There were week gave me a purpose. I felt like I had excitement for what’s to come is emit- days I couldn’t move from bed because a voice and there’s an addictive sense of ting positive vibes, but it’s difficult to the thought of facing the world or facing pride when you see your published artinot think about last year’s achievements my workplace was unbearable and my cle online for everyone to see. Someone and how it’s made us more experienced, anxiety aided me into a world of panic once told me that being a writer is like ready for any obstacles to come and for attacks and breaking down into tears. showing your butt to the world, you how it’s shaped us into who we are today. However, I didn’t scold myself for those never know what people are going to I take pride in the little things in my life; days, I simply told myself “it’s okay not to think of it, some might look away, some no one thing is ever too small to not be be okay”, made myself a cup of tea and might keep looking, but either way, you proud of. went back to bed. Mental Health isn’t are showing your workings to the world there to be pushed to one side, it’s there and it’s scary. There’s criticism around Autumn Promotion to be seen; it’s our body and mind’s way of every corner, there’s the feeling of not After a stressful 2 years of retail with telling us “Please, just take it easy, today is attracting your target audience’s attenone of them plunging us into a world just not your day to push yourself ”. Listen tion, but I learned that if I’m satisfied of masks and hand sanitiser, I stepped to what your mind and body are telling with my work then I don’t need someup with newfound confidence and it you. If you ever feel like I did on these bad one else’s verification. wasn’t long until the managers in my workplace noticed this. One thing led “Love is a strange, scary and beautiful thing; my advice is that when you’ve secured it, to another and promotion was placed protect it and never let it go.” – Rachel and her boyfriend in October 2021. securely into my hands. When I first started working in the job, I was a shy and quiet girl who hated drawing attention to herself in every way. I remember confiding in my work colleague that “I’ll never last here, I don’t think I’m fit for this position”. That constant stream of doubt was due to the fact that I didn’t see myself as being fast and efficient as my other team members who had been there longer than me, but time is a teller; the tale being that I became arguably the fastest team member and completed my jobs efficiently and way below the time limit.

Autumn Romance

Autumn was my lucky season for 2021; promotion was the first followed by the love of my life walking easily and unexpectedly into my hectic life. After a rocky year of going on coffee dates and fizzled out Tinder conversations, Mr Right gracefully entered my life and my upside-down world turned right back around again. People used to tell me (all the time) to stop searching for the perfect guy, he has to be the one to come to you. The moment you stop searching is the moment where it all falls into place, where all your jagged puzzle pieces finally click together. This is the top thing that I am most proud of in my category of

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Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

Features · Gné-altanna

New year, same me: defying the highlight reel By Róise Nic Dhonnagáin As December 31st rolled around, I found myself as I often do, scrolling through social media. It seemed like everyone and their mother was posting their 2021 round-ups, a highlight reel to sum up all the exciting and glamorous moments of the year that passed. I was no different. Yet, I couldn’t help but compare my own end of year summary to all the other ones I had seen. The more I scrolled the more deflated I felt. I started to look back on my year with a sense of disappointment, as though there was some sort of standard that I wasn’t living up to. This is the danger of the ever-elusive highlight reel. No one wants to look back on the low moments of the year passed, myself included. I was happy to share the exciting moments of my Erasmus, the day trips and the nights out. My ten-day isolation

in France, however, is the defining low point of my year? That sure didn’t make the cut. Not only does new year trigger the comparison game on social media as we all rush to promote our “best year ever!”, but it also sets off another type of pressure, to completely reinvent ourselves for the year ahead. “New year, new me”. This is a phrase that’s thrown around at the dawning of every new year and one that, for many, inspires motivation. What could be more exciting than the opportunity to reinvent yourself? Personally, I find this time of year incredibly challenging. The marketing surrounding new year’s resolutions encourages us to make positive changes. I am quick to fall into the trap of alleged self-improvement. Each year I vow to myself that this will be the year I start running a 5k or going to the gym. It’s only a matter of time until these innocuous resolutions snowball into full-on diets and restrictions. Because

deep down, I know my resolution isn’t to run a 5k. Somewhere along the way, I’m hoping this will be the year I magically transform into Victoria’s Secret model. Because that will definitely solve everything, right? We’re two weeks into 2022 and for anyone out there who may be feeling a twinge of panic that their January isn’t unfolding quite as fabulously as they imagined, here’s a reminder that you don’t need to overhaul your whole life, no matter what time of year it is. This year I’m ditching my past ideals of perfection and aiming instead to make small improvements. Prioritizing my happiness and wellbeing instead of my appearance is top of the list as I focus on habits such as journaling and mindful walks. Therapy was a huge part of my 2021 and something that I highly recommend to anyone else who can avail of it. So, here’s to a new year and the same me, hoping to make the most of 2022, highlight reel or not.

Features · Gné-altanna

First Year Diary By Caoimhe McCauley Welcome back to my first year diary. I hope everyone enjoyed their break off for Christmas! It was a weird period of time due to that one subject beginning with ‘c’ that we don’t mention around here. It has been good getting back to college and having a routine that doesn’t consist solely of afternoon naps, Baileys hot chocolates and turkey. Personally, I have eaten my bodyweight in stuffing and Quality Streets. Even though we didn’t get that much snow and it didn’t feel like Christmas with the weather, it was a well-deserved rest for students after such a crazy first semester. Even though I was upset to see the decorations being taken down and the halt of Christmas songs on the radio, the looming spring and summer brings a lot of positives. It’s crazy to think how fast this academic year has flown by already. There are so many things to look forward to in this semester including the longer evenings, warmer weather, and the taste of summer in the air. I look forward to evenings down at Salthill, sunburn lines, farmer tans and reappearing freckles. Once April hits, I will be walking around Galway with a 99 cone in my hand most of the time, for me that’s just a given! As I have heard, Galway is at its best in the summer. Let’s be honest, anything is better than the winter weather with torrential rain and wind that would break umbrellas. As this is my first year as a college student there is a thought in the back of my mind that I will have a four-month summer holiday. I’m getting ahead of myself here, there many modules to be completed and trips to the library to be done before summer hits! Personally, I found it quite weird to go home and catch up with friends over Christmas that have went to

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Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

various colleges. Even though we were only separated for four months in the first semester, I can see different aspects of peoples’ personalities changing. I know its defined as ‘maturing,’ and it was great to see my friends blooming into the people they are supposed to become. We all now have the space in college to find our own personal interests and gain knowledge in a new environment. I couldn’t believe how different all of our college experiences have been so far. Christmas was a great time to stop and reflect on the whirlwind of a time this semester has been. There are so many new and exciting aspects of my life I didn’t have this time last year and that’s all because of college! The one piece of advice I was given going to college was “say yes to everything because the time will fly and slip from you.” It is so true. I don’t find Thursday evenings coming around and suddenly I’m hoping on a bus to go back home again. Last semester I was so consumed with getting used to everything, and my goal now is to just enjoy every minute as it comes. In my course the past week has really been an introduction into the second semester, so I have had the time to settle back into my surroundings. I will tell you one thing, I didn’t miss having to buy my own food shop! Anyways I hope you enjoyed having a little glimpse into my thought process for this semester. There are so many things for all students to look forward to in the coming weeks. It will be great to get back to reality and to create a routine. I hope everyone enjoys the first few weeks of this semester and makes the most of the opportunities that come their way. Thank you for reading.

Final Year Diary By Niamh Connor Hello folks! Welcome back to college. I hope you a had a lovely Christmas and are all ready to tackle 2022 head on. If by some miracle you managed to get through the holiday season without contracting covid or having to self-isolate as a close contact I salute you. 2021 was a tragic parody of 2020 but I am holding out hope for 2022. I don’t know why I’m so optimistic, given the track record of the last few years, but we move on. I’m not going to bore you with my new year’s resolutions. I’m sure you’re bored to tears of hearing how everyone is going to become a better version of themselves this year. I for one cannot go on Instagram without being assaulted by all of the “new year, new me” workouts. One resolution that I will talk about is my resolution to get my driving license this year. I have all 12 of the essential lessons done, along with a few more. It’s a very difficult and stressful process. There are so many little things that could go wrong on the day. Not only have I to worry about myself but I have to anticipate the movements of everyone around me too. Nobody told me how difficult driving really is! To prepare me for the dreaded test, I have been driving my parents around constantly. This has led to considerable amounts of startled gasps and grabs for the ‘mammy handle’ from my mother every time I so much as touch the accelerator. However, I don’t think this is because of my personal driving skills, I think it’s a universal Irish mammy thing, but it really adds to the stress of it all. My dad isn’t much better. I always thought he would be easier to drive with because he’s less “uptight” than my mum. Apparently not though, it turns out that he’s just a little bit of a control freak so he is almost jumpier than my mum. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has had the experience of conking the car in a less than ideal place, ultimately leading to your parent screaming things at you while you scramble to try and get moving again, all whilst fighting back tears. Am I right? Anyway my test is on Monday 24th of January at 1:48pm (very precise) and I would love if you could all get your mammies and grannies to say a prayer or light a candle for me! I need all the help I can get. Hopefully, the next time I see you I’ll be a fully licensed driver. And, if not, I guess I can always try again. See you next week!

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

Features · Gné-altanna

New Year, New Me? Hi SIN SAYS, I am having trouble coming up with long-term New Year’s resolutions and want to incorporate new habits into my daily routine that I will stick to. I find January and the beginning of a new year difficult as there is a lot of pressure to take on new hobbies and implement lifestyle changes. I want to hit long term goals regarding health, fitness and lifestyle rather than a quick fix. Do you have any advice or suggestions regarding resolutions? Kind regards, Seeking Inspiration Hi Seeking Inspiration, Thank you for getting in touch. The beginning of a new year can be overwhelming for many and while you may try to avoid them, resolutions are an integral part of a new year. Most people feel that they need to ‘detox’ after the weeks of eating and drinking that accompany Christmas and get into a

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Fitness and diet culture takes centre stage in January. If you find this content triggering, I highly recommend reducing your intake of social media or changing the people that you follow online. better routine. People who have never set foot in a gym decide that January is the perfect time to begin their ‘fitness journey.’ The first week of January is when people decide to eat healthier, drink more water and take up new habits. I don’t think that New Year’s resolutions are necessarily a bad thing as people making the effort to enhance their daily lives is very positive. However, despite one’s best intentions, many resolutions often come to a standstill a few weeks into the new year. In my opinion, consistency, patience and baby steps are key. You should consider that implementing daily habits and small lifestyle changes is like a marathon and not a sprint.

You will find that fitness and diet culture takes centre stage in January. If you find this content triggering, I highly recommend reducing your intake of social media or changing the people that you follow online. It is much easier said than done but try not to compare yourself to those online and try to focus on yourself and your own progress. Rather than creating a long-winded list of resolutions, I would suggest picking three small resolutions that you can easily implement into your life and more importantly, stick to as the months go by. • Try to get your steps in every single day. • Read ten pages of a book before you go to sleep. • Establish solid morning and evening routines. • Limit your screen time. • Take up a new hobby – baking, skipping, sport, volunteering, meditation… • Establish a good skincare routine. • Drink more water. • Journal in the morning or the evening. • Stay on top of your college work. • Listen to more podcasts. • Choose who you spend your time with carefully. • Create a basic budget. • Prioritise sleep and rest. • Make your bed every single morning. • If you have never been to the gym, begin slowly and try to go twice a week. • Try to consume a nutritious diet but listen to your body and eat when you are hungry. With an ongoing pandemic, it goes without saying that the last two years have taken its toll on everyone in different ways. Life has been challenging for many people so please take it easy and don’t take on more than you can handle. Whether you are going to start walking more, try Veganuary or aim to read 10 books this year, take it one day at a time and be kind to yourself. While January can be a fresh start to improve your life, prioritise yourself and what works for you. Wishing you all the best for 2022. Kind regards, SIN SAYS

Life in Limbo By Anastasia Burton

Features Editor

And so, the new year has come and so far so good, from my end anyway. Before the new year, I was offered a new job at Slack, which I was very excited about since it opened a whole new world of opportunities into my life. I met the new 2022 while I was visiting family in Florida, and it was strange to see Christmas decorations on palm trees and outside sunny yards. I can’t help but worry sometimes if I am doing too much all at once and whether I am being impatient. I am turning 21 this year and so far I have my degree in waiting and a full-time job, on top of that I work for SIN and Flirt FM. It’s all so exciting but I started to notice recently that I do not feel happy. I no longer find joy in relaxing, reading, watching anime or working on personal projects. I feel like perhaps my anxiety stems from my ADHD and the fact that I try to do so much that I end up doing nothing. At the end of December of 2021, I had made the decision that I will be retiring from journalism once this semester is finished. It was a hard decision to make but one that needed to happen. As much as it pains me to say, it made me feel so much better when I came to terms with this change. Journalism has been my life for six years, I’m tired. I don’t have to put pressure on myself to do three times as much work as everyone else because I’m afraid of failure. I’m happy. I’ve travelled so much already in the new year by going to the states and experiencing the magic of Disneyworld and multiple other Orlando based attractions. I’m feeling excited for the year to come and I look forward to the challenges that will come in my way, and I encourage you to do the same. Face your challenges and take a leap into the unknown every now and then you never know when an unexpected offer or decision will change your whole life.

Opinion · Tuairim

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

To reboot, or not reboot, that is the question By David Cendon Garcia “The guys in charge of this stuff lack creativity, and are completely out of ideas, so all they do now is recycle sh*t from the past and expect us all not to notice” – Deputy Chief Hardy Against my better judgement, I am going to begin and end this opinion piece on reboots and remasters with quotes from the 2012 buddy-cop movie 21 Jump Street. That’s right, and I’m not talking about the 1987 drama series that tackled underage substance abuse and starred a baby-faced Johnny Depp. Oh no. I’m talking about the Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum action-comedy that featured such memorable scenes as two grown men fingering each other’s mouths and Ice Cube talking to a Korean Jesus.

I don’t mean to discredit myself so early on, but it is a surprisingly applicable film when considering the current media trend to reboot or remaster previously published products. In the film, Deputy Chief Hardy displays a meta-awareness about the fact that they are starring in a film that is rebooting a series from the 80’s, joking that it’s a product of a lack of creativity on behalf of the writers. Which is a meta joke in itself, considering the writers themselves wrote it. Try not to overthink that. This brings an interesting question to the foreground; are reboots and remasters a result of a lack of innovation or a reintroduction of past masterpieces? If you look towards Hollywood, reboots of established fictional universes are quite common. Just by looking at the current box-office, we can already find

an example of a reboot that was not just rebooted once, but twice, and quickly becoming one of the highest grossing movies of all time. I imagine that by now you’ve guessed that the movie in question is Spider-Man: No Way Home, whose titular protagonist has, since the beginning of this decade, gone through three iterations and 8 separate films. Although, considering the events of the film, it is now perhaps considered all one shared fictional universe instead of a reboot; but that’s a topic for another time. So despite it being a recycling of a character and storylines (I think we’re all good and tired of hearing that old chestnut of “with great power comes great responsibility”), audiences are still flocking to the theaters, in the middle of a pandemic no less, to spend their hard earn cash to watch the same superhero climb the same walls and save the same damsel in distress. So while creativity might be considered by some to be in short supply, willing audiences are not. The entertainment market has proved that consumers value familiarity over innovation. What sells tickets is knowing what will happen and how; audiences know that Spider-Man was bitten by a radioactive spider, that he was raised by his aunt and uncle, and that he will eventually triumph over the villain. All before they even watch the film. There is safety in that knowledge. Some might even argue that it opens the door to focus on other details apart from narrative. Whatever the product turns out to be, modern audiences have proved that they will choose a familiar and comforting story over an unknown and potentially uncomfortable one. Not only that, but they’ll pay for it too. This doesn’t apply to just film either, the video game sector is packed with remasters of old titles that have sold as good, if not better, than the original product. Series such as the famed Resident Evil and Spyro the Dragon, have both released a complete remaster, from the ground up, of video games more than twenty years old that follow the exact same narrative and have the same features as the originally published titles. Purely because it has already proven to sell and sell well. Then again, who wouldn’t want their favorite film or video game narrative updated and revamped? Made popular and immortal once again? So depending on your perspective, one might agree or disagree with (that’s right you guessed it) Deputy Chief Hardy’s comment that “it’s always worse the second time around”.

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

Opinion · Tuairim

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Opinion · Tuairim

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

Paws up to say NO to Puppy farms! By Rachel Garvey

Over the Christmas break, puppy farms ISPCA recommends “asking local vets if have seen an increase in buyers for pup- they know any reputable breeders or to A puppy should not be considered a pies. The Journal.ie stated that “Ireland is contact the Irish Kennel Club for advice”. Christmas gift or a birthday gift; they the puppy farm capital of Europe” with Looking for the right puppy or dog to welshould be considered as a family member a story of a couple to back up such sus- come into your life requires research and who you are willing to commit to for a picions of the illegal farms. A couple had asking questions and looking around in all lifelong period. They aren’t a temporary bought their dog wit the best of intentions the right places, the Irish Pet Advertising source of entertainment or a purchase and it occurred to them afterwards how Advisory Group (IPAAG) encourages you that keeps being sold on for further profit. the owners did not live in the house where to read their advice on what to look for They are a living being, a life that depends they collected their new family member. and how to register pedigree puppies etc. on your love, attention and care to survive. Friends of theirs were looking to buy a difThe image of puppies in cages or Why is it that we buy puppies for our chil- ferent breed of dog from the same address trapped somewhere where they aren’t dren only for them to grow tired or to not that was being used, suspicions were raised. safe or content is an image that makes want the dog? Why is it that we make the The ISPCA stated “These animals often me anxious. Puppies deserve to be cuddecision to send them back? Why is it that end up being unwanted, abandoned and dled up on your lap or running around they made that ridiculous decision when, destroyed each year due to behavioural the park on the grass and getting to meet in reality, these people have no real knowl- issues or simply because they are just not other puppies and dogs. Do not support edge of the responsibility they’re taking the right type of puppy or dog for the family”. or buy puppies from puppy farms, do on? It is sickening. Sickening. It needs to As previously mentioned, puppies or dogs not go into this lifelong commitment stop, but how do we stop such things. To should not be treated as a part-time “hobby” with second thoughts and do not treat those who are thinking about buying their or “chore” or something to take the boredom your puppy like a temporary distraction. first puppy/dog, stop and think about it? away on a slow day, they need to be treated Animal well-being is just as important as Are you ready to take on that responsi- as a full-pledged family member who’s given human-wellbeing; we are all the same, bility? Do you have the time to care for the world of attention and care and love. beating heart with a soul that yearns for this new family member? There is a whole The real question is how can we, as a life full of love and happiness. There world of research and preparation and a society, can crack down on these wouldn’t just be people who would raise thinking to be done before welcoming a organisations? What can we do to slowly their hand in a vote to get rid of puppy puppy or dog into your life and this should shutdown these operations and free those farms, but if we look down, we’d see some extend to all pets, not just dogs. little paws from such a terrible life? The cute little puppy paws raised too!

Opinion · Tuairim

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

Should Politicians take leadership training before taking office? By David Cendon Garcia

Opinion Editor

According to a recent study by LIFT Ireland, 91% of the Irish population believe that politicians should have some form of training before taking public office, ranking them as demonstrating the least leadership in Irish society. The 2022 LIFT Leadership Index polled 1000 members of the public on topics concerning leadership, and their findings indicated that a strong section of Irish society believes that more needs to be done to ensure leaders are prepared for the responsibilities society thrusts upon them. To be specific, only a slight majority (64%) believed that “Irish people, generally, have good leadership skills.” And when rating Ireland on a national scale, it landed well below the top countries, achieving a net score of only 2%. This was compared with New Zealand’s 43%, which was, according to the Irish participants, the country that demonstrated the highest level of leadership.

According to LIFT Ireland’s CEO, society but developing leadership skills Joanne Hession, they “have worked is a task that takes years of discipline with over 20,000 people to develop and experience, and I do not think that their leadership skills. In 2022, our aim “a certified facilitator [guiding] a roundtais to increase this number to more than ble of 4-6 individuals through a specific 30,000.” leadership value” is enough. Yet many, including myself, are left This is (as per the section this article wondering what this process entails and finds itself in) my opinion. But how how exactly they plan to improve Ireland’s exactly do you train good leadership? And leadership skills. isn’t the idea of a good leader dependent As per their website, LIFT’s learning on perspective? process is based on eight key leaderThere is an argument to be made that ship values (listening, positive attitude, careers and studies such as business, competence, honesty and integrity, administration and law already teach dedication and determination, respect, leadership skills to their pupils; many empathy and understanding, and of which eventually gravitate towards accountability) imparted throughout politics. the course of 8 weeks. These courses To find out more, I spoke with a local last approximately 30 mins if the groups resident here in Galway about this topic. are kept to the recommended 6-person Asking to remain anonymous, he said that maximum. “a lot of them [politicians] would already That means that LIFT expects to be able have training in some regard, they’re to positively address Ireland’s leadership generally professionals.” When asked if problem in four hours. he thought leadership training should be This journalist doubts that. Don’t get a requirement for politicians in Ireland, he me wrong, I support any organization said “probably should. But will it happen? that campaigns for the betterment of Probably not.”

New year, New me, No thank you. By Roisin Kerrigan 2021 was one hell of a year (hell being the keyword in that sentence), a year that I, like many others, are beyond delighted to see the back of. 2021 was arguably horrendous, beginning to end, as the year started off with the Washington riots, moving into the devastating wildfires, Covid spikes, lockdowns and restrictions, the Israel and Palestine conflict, and ending with the heart breaking death of icon, Betty White. Not to mention the trials and tribulations that each individual person faced on top of these global worries. 2021 was a year of struggles, small victories, and growth for most people, myself included. And so, as I step into the new year of 2022, I am wondering what this year has in store and if I should consider taking on any resolutions; and I have decided, no way. No, I will not be making any resolutions for this upcoming year. I will not be joining a gym, I will not be putting myself on a strict diet, I will not be giving anything up, or devoting my few spare hours to volunteering. I do not see the point in making false promises to myself that I will have broken by February. I do not have the funds nor the patience to

devote myself to a strict regime of working out and eating nothing but protein and vegetables. I am a 20-year-old woman, in my 2nd year at law school. I have bills, stress, responsibilities, and very little spare time. I stay healthy and help the people around me and my community as much as I possibly can. I deserve to enjoy and sleep in on my one day off a month, so I will not be by forcing myself into a new routine of unhappiness. Don’t get me wrong, I am not against new year’s resolutions, they can give people a second chance, a clean slate; but at have missed my debs, my graduation, this point in my life, I am happy in myself my first year of college, the chance at a and enjoy my life. I indulge myself in my RAG week, and so much more. We only favourite foods, exercise when I choose, have one chance at our young life, and surround myself with good people, and the beginning of that new independent occasionally treat myself to a small pur- life has been stolen by a pandemic and a chase. These things make me happy, so multitude of tragedies. We have missed so why would I want to change this? A person much already that we can never get back. should do what makes them happy, so, You and I both are only getting older, there when possible, go out and enjoy yourself is no stopping it, and I think that we must this year, have that drink, watch that show, experience life without the expectations treat yourself to those shoes you fell in and restrictions of resolutions; we have love with. For me, life is too short to be enough restrictions as is. I only have one practical and anything less than happy. thing to say in response to the phrase, I, like most people my age, have already ‘New year New me,’ a simple no thank-you, lost out on the normal milestones that I am good enough already and will only come with the late teens, early 20s; I get better through 2022.

Arts & Fashion · Cultúr 7 Faisean

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

Spotlight: The National Theatre of Costa Rica By Enya Tierney

Arts and Fashion Editor The National Theatre of Costa Rica is a public institution created by the coffee exporting companies in the country, and it contains many different styles. This valuable infrastructure is currently considered a National Monument. It tells the history of the country like no other, from its beauty to the racial injustice by their European colonisers. The construction of the building started on May 28 of 1890. Every year, a great variety of shows and dramatized tours are offered by professionals who embody historical and fictional characters, which provides the visitor with a more playful experience. The interior of the grand building can only be described as eclectic. There is a mix of Spanish, French and Italian art of different influences. The Theatre is entered through wrought iron gates and between gardens. Three statues crown the façade, which represent dance on the right, fame in the centre and music on the left by the Italian sculptor Pietro Bulgarelli. This is one of the many artists that the coffee exporters, all European descendants, hired from many western countries. The origin of the art in a monument intended to celebrate Costa Rica says a lot about the colonial mentality involved in the development of central America. Although the art came from abroad, the Renaissance style facade is built by the work of Costa Ricans. In addition to the statues of Pietro, the facade is adorned with neoclassical statues, of the Spanish playwright Pedro Calderón de la Barca on the left, and on the right that of the German

composer Ludwing van Beethoven. The statues are works of the Italian artist Adriatico Froli. The sculpture of the flutist by Jorge Jiménez Deredia stands out for its modernist type. In the Pompeian style Lobby, a piece surrounded by the idealistic sculptures of white colonisers the sculpture “Heroes of Misery”, made by the Costa Rican Juán Ramón Bonilla stands out. The sculpture celebrates the sacrifice of the Costa Rican working class to build the theatre by paying the high taxes necessary to afford the Imported luxurious interior. Once in the hall, the statues that represent the Comedy and the Tragedy of the Genoese sculptor Pietro Capurro are in there. Inside the second hall, the marble staircases stand out, leading to the upper floor and the Foyer. The decoration and gold plating of the lamps adorned with cupid sculptures and chandeliers stand out, both in bronze and the stands are made of marble. On the walls of its sides are the medallions of flowers and tropical fruits by Pablo Sierra. The central ceiling piece on is the image that was also depicted in the old bill of 5 colones until 1971. Presents the effigy of President Rafael Yglesias Castro and the mural “Allegory of coffee and bananas” made by the Italian Aleardo Villa. Although it’s supposed to portray the beauty of the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, with women picking coffee beans and bananas. However, this is a quite idealised and white-washed image of the country. The coffee pickers do so in a way that looks nothing like it’s supposed to, and the women in the painting all have olive skin and clothes that belong in a landscape of an Italian city. The bananas in the picture grow from the

wrong side, as in reality, they grow upsidedown. This comes as no surprise when we learn that the artist had never been in Costa Rica at all. “Costa Rican nationals, or “Ticos”, notice these details straight away, as this looks nothing like the country they grew up in” says Johnny Vargas Hernandez, Ticket Office Manager and theatre guide. At the entrance of the second floor there are three medallions that symbolise Commerce, Art and Industry made by the Spaniard Tomás Povedano. The Foyer is for many the most beautiful place in the Theatre. Among the highlights is its precious wood floor coming from the Costa Rican rainforests, one of the few left due to the ban of wood production in protected areas. Today, at the entrance to the Foyer you can see the original statue of Fame that until 1991 crowned the facade of the theatre but, like the other two, had to be replaced because it was being affected by environmental pollution. The auditorium of the National Theatre owes its style to the 19th century opera house. The ceiling displays a masterpiece by the Italian painter Roberto Fontana, made in 1897. A huge chandelier hangs from the centre. Finally, the floor has a mechanism that allows it to be raised to stage level to be used for receptions or conferences. The eclectic mix of Latin- American elements and European crafts along with the multitude of styles used, reflect the Costa Rican culture perfectly. Both the good and the bad. The fact that the government preserved this building and educate people in the origins of it leaves visitors not only admiring the architecture and the art, but also reflecting on the effects of colonisation in Central America.

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

Arts & Fashion · Cultúr 7 Faisean

Second hand buying in Ireland prevents use of considerable amounts of greenhouse gas emissions and water By Enya Tierney

began to sit up and take notice about climate change and Almost 200,000 tonnes of their shopping habits.” he also greenhouse gas emissions and added; We are hoping to keep more than 50 million litres of growing in 2022 and encourwater have been saved by con- aging people to opt for second sumers buying second hand hand when they can.” in Ireland Thrifty is an online shop During 2021, 167.84 tonnes of with a model similar to ASOS or CO2 emissions and 59,906,398 Amazon that sells second-hand litres of water have been saved charity shop goods exclusively. simply by consumers opting to 98% of Ireland’s charities are buy second hand items, accord- present and selling on the ing to the Thrifty.ie 2021 impact site with new items added report showing shopping hab- daily. The packaging used for its of consumers. deliveries is biodegradable. On Thriftify CEO and climate their website, Thriftify states activist Rónán Ó’Dálaigh says; that they are “creating a move“2021 was the year that people ment of positive purchasing by

connecting charity shops with consumers who care.” Out of all the clothing donated in 2021, the “dresses” category accounted for the most popular items on the site with. 5705 in total sold; followed by the “Jumpers and Cardigans” section. A total of 23,026 orders from shoppers have been processed by the c o m p any, th e most expensive item sold on the site being €414.37, which was a vintage Gucci dress. Users can also choose to donate

to their chosen charity at the checkout. In 2021, Thrifty users donate d €5803.69 whilst checking out of the site that will go straight to their chosen charity in its entirety. The company launched their winter sale January 14th, with discounts from a multitude of charity shops.

Call Open for fully funded Hardiman PhD Scholarships at NUI Galway Who are these scholarships for? Excellent students starting their PhD in September 2022. The Hardiman PhD Scholarships provide a stipend of €18,500 per annum, plus tuition fees paid for four years. We seek high-achieving dynamic individuals, who have an appetite for the research world and creativity, who thrive on intellectual excitement, and who will positively shape the future for all in our society. Using your creative energy, your PhD journey at NUI Galway will be alive with possibilities and opportunities. To help you find Potential Supervisors and identify the key research interests of our academic staff and researchers, start with our ‘Find a Supervisor/PhD Project’ link. Explore some the research themes, institutes and centres that make our University unique and bring your ideas to life. Further details at www.nuigalway.ie/ our-research/listings/ Successful applicants will be expected to have a first or upper second class honours primary degree or equivalent. Closing Date: Friday 11th February 2022 (17:00 Irish Standard Time) Full details and forms available at http://www.nuigalway.ie http://www.nuigalway.ie// hardiman-scholarships/

Health & Lifestyle · Folláine 7 Nós Maireachtála

Budapest Blog: Museum of Sweets & Selfies

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

Our Health and Lifestyle Editor Ewelina was fortunate enough to take a trip to Budapest over the Christmas break and after arriving in this beautiful place, she was kind enough to blog her journey. For the next two issues, she will be giving us a flavour of life in Budapest.

The sprinkle pool

By Ewelina Szybinska

Health and Lifestyle Editor

Location One:

I am going to take you on a truly magical journey through the Museum of Sweets & Selfies in the heart of Budapest. There are two locations one can visit with the purchase of a single ticket. It is a 10-minute walk between buildings. If you’re looking to take aesthetic photos, you’ve hit the jackpot. There is a time limit for both buildings, however you don’t need to watch the clock! You will have plenty of time to have your photoshoots. If I was to make any recommendation, I would highly suggest bringing a selfie stick or a small tripod with a Bluetooth remote. With each new turn you make, you discover something exciting and unexpected. Personally, I didn’t expect to swing on a strawberry. (See photo) I almost felt like Miley Cyrus

on her wrecking ball. Anyway, it was an experience I didn’t think I needed. Have you ever seen those YouTube videos where creators swim in things you would usually not swim in? For example, orbeez? Dive into a pool of sprinkles! I can confidently say that my friend group spent the most time here. The sprinkles are everywhere. We found them in our clothes later back in the hotel. Having completely forgotten about them, we got quite the laugh when the floor got covered in colourful pieces of plastic. I am going to leave a few things out. The element of surprise must remain! You will walk through dreamy corridors, where cherries hang from ceilings and glowing lollipops grow from the ground in dark spaces. Walls are covered in flamingos and bananas, while the Lego room reminds you of every time you’ve hurt your foot.

Location Two:

I am now taking you to the second location. It is another playground for all ages. The bubblegum coloured walls welcome you as you get ready to slide your way down into a pool of balls. Prepare yourself for an attack coming from your companions. Once you’re ready to leave the bubble pool, take a bath in money and visit the hairdresser’s lounge! There are quite a few statutes and unique items you can sit in or sit on. I can assure you that no one will leave that place without a laugh.

Europe’s first Sweets and Selfies museum in Budapest is a place not to be missed! In the next issue, I will explore the taste of Budapest! Get ready for insights into different bars and restaurants around the beautiful capital city of Hungary. Ewelina on the swinging strawberry in the Museum of Sweets and Selfies

HÁIN C C H G

L M

ELECTION

PART T i m e O f f i c e r s ➥ Irish Language Officer ➥ Mature Students ➥ Clubs Captain ➥ Societies Chairperson ➥ International Students Officer ➥ Gender and LGBT+ Rights Officer ➥ Disability Rights Officer ➥ Postgraduate Taught Officer ➥ Postgraduate Research Officer ➥ Ethnic Minorities Officer ➥ Environmental and Sustainability Officer ➥ Convenor of the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies ➥ Convenor of the College of Science and Engineering ➥ Convenor of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences ➥ Convenor of the College of Business, Public Policy and Law Nominations Open: 10:00 Wednesday 23rd February 2022 Nominations Close: 17:00 Wednesday 2nd March 2022 Election Day: Thursday 10th March 2022 @nuigsu

NUIGalwayStudentsUnion www.su.nuigalway.ie

www.nuigsuelections.com

Health & Lifestyle · Folláine 7 Nós Maireachtála

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

5 ways to beat the January Blues By Caoimhe Killeen It’s that time of year again-Blue Monday has come and gone, the prosecco bought for New Years has been cleared and the resolutions have been made. And yet you may still be feeling a bit under the weather in terms of your overall mood. Don’t worry about it though, as we’ve listed a few ideas to kickstart your 2022 and get rid of the January Blues. Why not give some a go?

Exercise and meditation Some of you may be internally groaning at this one, especially as it’s one of the most popular New Years resolutions out there. But scientific evidence is there to suggest that it’s proven to boost endorphins and boost our mood. It doesn’t even have to be an intense ab shredding workout every day for two weeks, it can be as simple as going for a walk-in nature. If a more mind and body orientated workout is what you’re looking for, I have enjoyed ‘Yoga with Adriene’s’ free practices on Youtube. Similarly, if you want to try out meditation without committing to a subscription, the Medito app is free to download on the iOS and Google Play stores. It has everything from a 30-day meditation challenge to SOS meditations for stress, anxiety or lifting your mood.

Reading a book It’s cliché but true- reading really can lift your spirits. In fact, if you’re an avid reader and you want to challenge yourself, it’s never too late to set yourself a goal and start a ‘Reading Challenge’ on Goodreads. If you want an Amazon alternative, you can do the same thing on the StoryGraph app, or even try listening to fifteen-minute book summaries on the Blinkist app using their seven-day free trial. There are multiple other options too, all that can be found at the touch of a button.

Gratitude journal Believe me, I was also skeptical of this one until I was kindly gifted one for Christmas. There are plenty of cheap ones that you can find online and even more free digital templates that you can choose from. If you can afford it, ‘The Head Plan’ have a beautiful Gratitude Journal for €25-with plenty of pages so you can slowly build up a habit of writing daily affirmations each morning. It also allows you to make short lists of things you’re grateful for, and to reflect on the day. If digital is more your style, ‘The Planner Manor’ on Etsy has a PDF template and printables available to download from just €3

Healthy eating Again, another dreaded phrase we all hate. It simply means to be more mindful of the food you’re eating and making an extra effort to squeeze in those five a day. You can still absolutely treat yourself to that slice of pizza or that chocolate bar if you feel you need it, but also increasing your intake of fruit and vegetables (especially green leafy ones) might help you feel less sluggish and increase energy levels.

Positive news stories We are all guilty of consuming too much media nowadays. Using the ‘Screen Time’ option on an iPhone could be an idea to lock your apps after a certain time if you need to get focused or get a good night’s sleep. However, if you’re finding Covid-related news on your feeds to be a bit too much, you can always check out some accounts that focus on feel-good news stories. On Instagram, you can follow @goodnews_movement and @ Upworthy for non-political stories that focus solely on good things happening in the world right now. It’s always good to be informed, but also good to see something to put a smile on your face.

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

Health & Lifestyle · Folláine 7 Nós Maireachtála

2022 health resolutions By Chloe Richardson In the traditional ushering in of the new year, January has a particular sense of build-up and anticipation. There is an underlying feeling of seemingly unresolved motivations that surmount on the first of the new year. Resolutions, and pining for selfimprovement seems to be at the precipice of everyone’s mind. Personally, the first few weeks are filled with this superficial self-discipline and determination to truly change. As if this new calendar year will instantaneously cut off bad habits and, in its place, grow two new healthy habits. But the reality of the matter is that getting through this month takes time, and it takes genuine effort. One of the best ways to steer into good habits is to stick to a plan. For example, joining a gym is a great kickstart in becoming a better version of yourself but, it can be daunting at first. This is a great first step, as regular exercise is linked with a reduction in anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

“

Sticking to the new habit is where

things can become difficult. Statistics from the Fitness Industry Association share that there’s a 12% increase of gym memberships in January, but by March most people have stopped going. But sticking to this new habit is where things can become difficult. Statistics from the Fitness Industry Association share that there’s a 12% increase of gym memberships in January, but by March most people have stopped going. This lull in motivation can be an Obstacle. However, there are great ways to help form new habits for the new year. A study on how to form good habits conducted by Anouk van der Weiden suggests that good habits are formed over time. And that holds true. From a personal experience I know that the hardest part is getting started. To combat this, I’ve found that finding a partner or friend who is willing to join you will add assurance, and motivation to this process. Starting up a new year resolution does not have to be scary. If you’re like me, and you’ve been interested in tackling personal health this year, exercise is a great first step. My routine usually consists of waking up whenever I can and going for a quick 2 mile run, and in doing that I already feel more prepared to take on the day. To help sustain a healthy lifestyle these components are integral to feeling motivated, and confident about yourself. An important thing to remember on this journey is that new year resolutions don’t have to be linear! Getting up with the intention to do your best can go a long way, and if along the path you find yourself slipping up, don’t worry. In my opinion the best way to tackle that is just taking a day to reset, and know you can always start over.

With 4 months to work and travel in the USA ore

ut m ind o

Health & Lifestyle · Folláine 7 Nós Maireachtála

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

Beauty Launches 2022 By Isabel Filby I personally don’t really care much about the whole ‘new year, new me’ thing, I believe what we should aim for is improvement, not re-invention. But what I do enjoy is ‘new year, new products.’ Many brands bring out new product launches with the new year and here is just a collection of the ones I am most excited for now.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Liner

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation The newest product by the currently super popular Charlotte Tilbury, is a gorgeous, medium coverage foundation, infused with radiant rose complex and hyaluronic acid. It gives a beautiful glow to your skin but in a better kind of way. There are 30 shades, with different undertones from neutral, to yellow, pink, peach, and olive and more.

purples. Some are shimmery and glittery, others only plain cream polishes. My favourites are the shimmery pink ‘Pixel Dust’, the shimmery blue ‘You Had me at Halo’ and the berry purple ‘NOOberry’.

Diptyque Eau Rose Eau de Parfum The newest addition to the Eau Rose line. This perfume smells super delicious. It is OPI x XBOX Nail polishes

The well-known brow brand has finally, after being a cult brand for many years, come out with a line of lip liners. The pencil is square, to allow for proper sharpening and what I love means it will not roll everywhere as soon as you put it down. The formula is creamy, but matte and lasts really well. There are 18 shades, mainly pinks, reds and browns, so there should be something for every skin tone.

Supergoop! Daily Dose HydraCeramide Boost SPF 40 It is a moisturising face oil, that helps boost hydration and prevents skin damage by protecting against UV rays and helping reduce visible signs of pollution, OPI x XBOX blue light, and infrared radiation. I love using face oil in the mornings, and usu- Yes, you read that right, nail polish and ally must pair it with an extra antioxidant Xbox. The collection includes 12 shades, serum and sunblock, but with this, it elim- all named after gaming terms. The shades inates the need for several products, that are all along the rainbow spectrum, with all take ages to dry. pinks and reds, blues and greens and

a rather a strong floral scent, but it also has notes of chamomile, artichoke and lichi. While they sound rather odd, when put together, they work really nicely. I find the honey-like chamomile and the green plant-y artichoke complement the rose well, and keep it from smelling old and stuffy, but more like an actual fancy rose.

Budgeting after Christmas and the new year By Aoife Burke Shopping! It’s so many people’s favorite pastime and luckily enough, the sales happen after Christmas when many are rich in gift vouchers. I love shopping for shoes, clothes and makeup but how can you make your money go further? It’s often a promising idea to wait a few days after the sales start as further reductions are often applied. If you are lucky enough to be either a size 3 or 8 in shoes according to sources that work in retail, those are the most difficult sizes to sell. You could bag a bargain in the sales. Similarly, if you are a size 6-8 in clothing. Some people buy next year’s Christmas presents in the January sales and why not? The same with next year’s Christmas decorations! It is also a suitable time to stock up on stuff for your home. For

example, buying duvet covers and adorable little trinkets you can catch for an affordable price. The January sales are fun but can be quite stressful. Thus, take your time and ensure to stay within your budget. Have a list of things you need, but allowing yourself to be flexible with this might also help. It is fun to shop with another person who can help carry the bags. Also, to get a second opinion. You can quickly prevent an impulse but this way. The person might double check with you and ask “do you really need that?” Don’t forget to keep your receipts after shopping to be able to make a return if necessary. Be aware that some final sales can’t be returned. It’s a clever idea to ask a staff member in regards to this. Don’t cut tags or remove labels without trying stuff on at home. Above all else, have fun!!

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

Health & Lifestyle · Folláine 7 Nós Maireachtála

Photo by Everton Vila on Unsplash

Existential or controversial: A Perfect Relationship? This is what I think: the perfect relationship does exist, but only in your eyes. By Rachel Garvey We grew up watching fairy tales; the beautiful princess being rescued by prince charming. We believed that such a thing existed, we dreamed of being saved by a handsome stranger who we married and lived happily ever after with. We dreamed a lot, but reality always pulled us back to the present and how such things were only fabricated stories. There was no prince charming to save us from a bad hangover day, there was no true love’s kiss to wake us up from a deep slumber and there was no magic fairy godmother to bippity- boppity-boop our problems away. Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella portrayed a picture-perfect man with a picture-perfect ending, but such relationships in real life are not picture perfect. What about you? Do you believe such a thing, a perfect relationship? I’ll admit, I was skeptical about them, but I like to read between the lines, to take a step back and look

at the bigger picture. There are many different couples and relationships in the present day; open relationships, romantic relationships, non-romantic relationships and so on. Each one unique and holding their own rituals and routines and rules. I am not a relationship professional nor do I ever intend to be, but I must have given good advice to my friends in secondary school while they were all in relationships, while I (the biggest nerd) was single. Always single. Either way, taking on this article wasn’t daunting because I do believe that when it comes to talking about relationships, I do know a thing or two that puts people at ease. This is what I think; the perfect relationship does exist, but only in your eyes. It’s easy for people to look at a couple, in person or online, and think “wow, they look so good together, they are simply perfect!” when in reality, the relationship might be crumbling for all we know. It’s easy for people to see a couple out walking and observe how they aren’t holding hands or conversing with one

another and think “maybe a break-up is on the cards” when in reality they’re quite happy with one another and prefer not to partake in PDA. A perfect relationship isn’t determined by what outsiders see; it’s determined how the partners see it. Perhaps the perfect relationship doesn’t exist, but maybe it exists in you and your partner’s little private bubble. Every couple fights, every couple has doubts, every couple has their own way of showing their relationship to the world and it’s not the same as everyone else’s presentation. You don’t need to copy another couple just because it looks appealing to the public eye, what truly matters is how the two of you feel in your happy little bubble together. Personally, I walk hand-in-hand with my partner everywhere and we smile at each other every so often and I think to myself, this is perfect to me. Everyone else is just background noise. This is my version of a perfect relationship.

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Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

Agallamh quickfire Girls don’t climb! — Ardú ar líon – Eoin P. Ó Murchú na sléibhteoirí ban ach nílimid Le hÁine Ní Dhonnaile Seo scríbhneoir agus aistritheoir, Eoin P. Ó Murchú! Is as Baile Átha Cliath d’Eoin agus bhí sé ar dhuine de bhunaitheoirí Na Gaeil Óga. Chomh maith leis sin, is é a eagraíonn na hoícheanta GaelGÁIRÍ agus Amhránaithe an Chlub. Labhair Eoin liom faoin obair ar Quasar, ceolchoirm Na Red Hot Chili Peppers sa bhliain 2004, agus an focal ‘ramallae’.

Déan cur síos ort féin i 5 fhocal.

Gaelach, gníomhach, mífhoighneach.

Céad phost a bhí agat?

Bhí mé i gceannas ar Quasar i Leisureplex Stigh Lorgan. Comórtas le gunnaí léasair. Bhí orm é a mhíniú don ghrúpa agus ansin a chinntiú nach maróidis a chéile istigh sa dorchadas. Ní post é a bhí oiriúnach don phóit.

Ceol ar bith atá ‘on repeat’ agat faoi láthair?

Ye Vagabonds, Taylor Swift, IMLÉ agus Róisín Seoighe, Sean-nós Mháire Ní Chéileachair.

An bhfuil tallann cheilte agat?

Faraor d’aon duine ar an idirlíon ní cheilim aon ‘tallann’ atá agam. Fiú iad sin nach bhfuil agam.

Cuimhne is sásta atá agat ó d’óige?

12 nó 13 bliana d’aois agus muid ag déanamh tithe adhmaid le mo chomharsana sna crainn. Bhíodh dhá nó trí stór iontu uaireanta. Thógfainn mo chasúr liom agus póca lán tairní agus chaithimis na laethanta fada samhraidh á dtógáil.

An bhfuil tú ag amharc ar shraith ar bith faoi láthair?

Thosaigh mé féin is mo chailín ar na Sopranos agus tá sé ar fheabhas (cé go bhfuilimid ábhairín mall ag breathnú air).

Céad cheolchoirm ar fhreastail tú uirthi?

Na Red Hot Chilis Peppers i bPáirc an Fhionnuisce sa bhliain 2004! Bhíomar óg, sa moshpit, gan léinte agus bhí gach uile fhocal ar eolas againn!

Cé hiad an triúr cáiliúla a dtabharfá cuireadh daofa dul chuig cóisir dhinnéir?

Pádraig Mac Piarais, Máirtín Ó Cadhain, Peig Sayers.

Cad é a chuireann eagla ort?

An t-athrú aeráide, lucht an ollrachmais, rollchóstóirí ag aonaigh bheaga áitiúla.

Rud ba mhaith leat a dhéanamh sula bhfaighidh tú bás?

Leabhar a scríobh. Cónaí sa Fhrainc nó san Iodáil.

Cad é a chiallaíonn ‘rath’ duit?

Cairdeas, comhluadar, bia maith, craic, compord.

Agus… cén focal Gaeilge is fearr leat?

Ramallae, ciallaíonn sé ‘sláthach’, ‘glae’, glóthach’ (‘slime’ sa Bhéarla). Braithim an focal ar mo theanga mar a bhraithfeá ramallae féin ar do mhéar!

ar bharr an chnoic go fóill.

Le Tess Casasín Ní Shioradáin Agus í lándáiríre, dúirt Clare liom “glactar leis sa lá atá inniu ann go gcuireann mná allas”, ach ní mar sin a bhí cúrsaí i gcónaí. Tá dul chun cinn suntasach le feiceáil ó thaobh líon na mban atá ag tabhairt faoin sléibhteoireacht agus faoin dreapadóireacht, le blianta beaga anuas. Céim bheag i dtreo chomhionannas inscne atá ann agus is rud fíor thábhach tach sa lá atá inniu ann go bhfuil laochra ban ag cailíní óga. Cé go bhfuil mná na laethanta seo ag briseadh talamh nua sna spóirt eachtraíochta agus ag sroicheadh beanna na sléibhte is airde, bhí uair ann nuair ba áit an sliabh d’fhir amháin. “Girls don’t climb”, a dúradh le m’aintín, Clare Sheridan (ceannródaí i saol na dreapadóireachta), nuair a thosaigh sí amach ag dreapadh sna seachtóidí leis an gclub in UCD. Ní raibh dreapadóirí ban ann agus í ag triail an spóirt den chéad uair. Fiú nuair a tugadh cead di páirt a Mé féin agus mo mham ag sléibhteoireacht i gConamara

ghlacadh, chuirtí ag ceangal rópaí do na buachaillí í mar níor chreid siad go bhféadfadh sí dreapadh. Faraor, is bean thiomanta í agus choinnigh sí uirthi ag dreapadh nuair nár léiríodh meas madra do mhná ag na ballaí. D’inis Clare dom go macánta nach raibh laochra ban aici ag an am, a bhí ag cur an spóirt chun cinn. Stad sí ar feadh soicind agus rinne sí iarracht cuimh neamh ar dhreapadóir ban aonair, fiú ar an aimsir seo ach ní raibh sí in ann. Ní raibh éine in ann lagmhisneach a chur uirthi áfach agus tá éacht i ndiaidh éachta bainte amach aici mar dhreapadóir. Faraor, is bean í Clare a sheachnaíonn an phoiblíocht, cé go bhfuil go leor óráidí tugtha aici, bealaí nua dreapadóireachta cumtha aici agus cé go bhfuil sí i mbun leabhair a scríobh faoina saol, fiú níor luaigh sí na nithe sin dom agus muid ag caint. De réir na figiúirí a thug sí dom, tá i bhfad níos mó suim ag mná dreap

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

Cainte

adóireacht a thriail ar bhallaí taobh istigh ná amuigh sna sléibhte. Is mná iad 40% de dhaoine a dhreapann ar na ballaí bréagacha, áiteanna réasúnta sábháilte. Chuala mé an trua ina glór nuair a d’inis sí dom nach bhfuil ach 5% de dhaoine a ghlacann páirt i ndreapadóireacht traidisiúnta (mar cheannairí) ina mná. An chúis leis sin? “Contúirt”, an t-aon fhocal a tháinig as a béal. Bhain meon ar leith le spóirt eachtraíochta roimh agus le linn na seachtóidí go háirithe na cinn sna sléibhte. Áiteanna dainséaracha ab ea iad, ró-chontúirteach d’aon bhean. Léiríonn na staitisticí thuas gurb amhlaidh atá cúrsaí faoi láthair. Ní hamháin go raibh baol i gceist, ach ceapadh ag an am nach mbeadh spéis ag aon bhean i gcúrsaí dreapadóireachta. Is maith is cuimhin le Clare an dearcadh a bhí ag a scoil chónaithe ar mhná sa spórt, “Horses sweat, men perspire and ladies only glow”. Bhí rian beag gáire le cloisteáil ina glór agus í ag cuimhneamh ar an dearcadh dochreidte sin. Conas a d’fhéadfadh aon bhean tabhairt faoi spórt ar bith nuair nach raibh siad ceapaithe allas a chur fiú? Ba bhac iad na meáin freisin do chailíní a bhí ag iarraidh an spórt a thriail. Gach aon óráid a thugann Clare, tagraíonn sí do na céad irisí sléibhteoireachta. Bhíodh na mná curtha trasna mar bhruinnealla mhealltacha sínte lomnocht ar threalamh dreapadóireachta. Sin an teachtaireacht a bhí á tabhairt amach ag na meáin, bhí áit ann do mhná i saol na sléibhteoireachta cinnte, ach ní sna sléibhte a bhí sé. De réir mar a éiríonn an tsochaí níos comhaimseartha, tá méadú ar líon na mban atá sásta dul sa seans agus iad féin a chur i mbaol agus iad sa tóir ar steall aidréanailíne. Daoine ar nós Clare Sheridan, a sháraíonn an eagla sin mar go bhfuil a grá don spórt chomh mór sin nach féidir léi fanacht sa bhaile leis na páistí.

Sin an fáth gur thóg Clare agus a fear céile, Calvin a gclann óg leo agus iad ag sléibhteoireacht agus ag drepadh timpeall na hEorpa, na blianta ó shin. Thugadh ceann acu aire do na páistí san ionad campála ag bun an tsléibhe fad is a bhí an duine eile ag drepadh. Ansin bhabhtáladh siad. Taispeánann mná mar sin nach gá roghnú idir máithreachas agus spórt, is féidir an dá cheann a láimhseáil. Cad faoin dochtúir Clare O’Leary, an chéad bhean Éireannach a shroich binn Everest in 2004, laoch eile dar liomsa. Níl gar a shéanadh ach go bhfuil ardú tagtha ar líon na mban a ghlacann páirt i sléibhteoireacht agus i ndreapadóireacht, feicim é gach lá sa chlub ollscoile. Bíonn meascán cothrom i gcónaí d’fhir agus de mhná ag an mballa, ba dheacair a leithéid a shamhlú na blianta ó shin. Ba bhean eisceachtúil í Clare daichead bliain ó shin ach tá cúrsaí athraithe anois. . Tá mná an domhain tar éis na bacainní inscne a shárú agus dul chomh fada leis na fir. Bhí uair ann nuair nach raibh ach fir le feiceáil ag na ballaí dreapadóireachta, uair ann nuair nár shroich bean ar bith barr Everest ach anois tá mná le feiceáil ar chlúdaigh na n-irisí sléibhteoireachta mar dhreapadóirí agus ní mar áilleagáin. Nílimid ag barr an chnoic go fóill ó thaobh cothromaíochta de áfach. Tá dreapadóireacht ag éirí níos coitianta mar spórt d’fhir agus do mhná araon. Tá líon na mban sna sléibhte ag ardú lá i ndiaidh lae agus ní féidir iad a stopadh. Is dream c umhachtach iad atá tar éis bacainní éagsúla ar nós m áithreachas, difríochtaí fisiceacha, steiréitíopaí agus gnéasachas a shárú, ach tá an deighilt inscne fós ann. Má thaispeánann an stair aon rud dúinn, is ea go bhfuil mná tiomanta agus sin an fáth nach féidir linn stopadh go dtí go bhfuil comhionannas inscne le feiceáil sna sléibhte, ó thaobh uimhreacha agus ó thaobh measa de.

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Sport · Spóirt

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

NUI Galway Sigerson cup victory overshadowed by major injury SIGERSON CUP GAME REVIEW By Darren Casserly

Sports Editor

NUI Galway emerged 1-10 to 2-05 winners over Ulster University on a chilly evening in Whitehall. This victory, however, was overshadowed by the early conclusion of the game due to an injury sustained by NUI Galway full back Sean Mulkerrins. The game was delayed for half an hour waiting for an ambulance after Mulkerrins went down in the 58th minute before being eventually ending early. The game prior to this stoppage was a trilling contest that saw a five-point half time deficit being overcome by the tribesman to advance to the next round of the competition against Queens University. The opening ten minutes were a tight affair, but Ulster were able to pull away as the half went on thanks to goals from Seamus Loughran and Andrew Gilmore. NUI Galway were unable to deal with Ulster’s quick counter attacks which could have produced more than their half time score of 2-04. Points from Tomo Culhane and Tommy Conroy were able to keep the Galway side in it at the half, but it was the introduction of newly appointed Galway captain Sean Kelly which truly turned the tide of the game after the break. In the second half a different Galway side emerged who were able to cut the deficit thanks to good free scoring from Tomo Culhane and Matthew Tierney. NUI Galway were also able to match Ulster’s intensity in the tackle which keep Ulster scoreless from play in the entire second half. The tie was truly won in the 50th minute after Conroy was able to turn the ball over at the halfway line and play it to Sean Kelly who beat several men before firing the ball home. Poor shooting from Ulster keep the Galway side ahead by two points before substitute Sean Mulkerrins went down with what turned out to be a serious knee injury and led to the game concluding early. NUI Galway will now face Queens University in the next round of the competition while Ulster will have to go through the backdoor if they hope to secure come silverware. It was an entertaining match with many twists and turns that finished in disappointing circumstances. Player welfare does have to be thought of after this game as Mulkerrins was left lying on the pitch in near freezing conditions waiting 30 minutes for an ambulance in Dublin city of all places. I was surprised to hear very little in the way of concern over the welfare of Mulkerrins. It is farcical to think that it could happen in this day and age when player welfare seems to be an important issue. It is just lucky it was not a more life-threatening injury, but questions still need to be raised. NUI GALWAY: C Carroll (Oranmore/Maree); C Murray (Mountbellew/Moylough), N Mulcahy (Moycullen), G Burke (Corofin); R Egan (Edenderry), E Kelly (Moycullen), C Monaghan (Oughterard); M Tierney (Oughterard), C Marren (Tourlestrane); P Kelly (Moycullen), T Conroy (Neale), N Mullen (Mullinabreena); C Heneghan (Glavey’s), T Culhane (Salthill/ Knocknacarra), T Gill (Corofin). SCORERS FOR NUI GALWAY: T Culhane (0-4, 4f); M Tierney (0-3, 3f); S Kelly (1-0); T Conroy, C Heneghan, C Sweeney (0-1 each).

Pictured in 2019, Sean Mulkerrin of NUI Galway during the Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup Quarter Final match between National University of Ireland, Galway, and Ulster University at the GAA Centre of Excellence in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/ Sportsfile.

Sport · Spóirt

OPINION

Should sportspeople like Djokovic be allowed participate in sporting events?

7 August 2016; Novak Djokovic of Serbia in action during the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

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Djokovic claims he had a medical exemption as he contracted the virus in December. He has now admitted he took part in an interview and photoshoot while he had Covid-19.” OPINION

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

By Michael Bolton

for rules that so many have stuck by in order to keep safe in this pandemic is a Throughout the pandemic, I have often heard kick in the teeth for millions of people. the phrase “we are all in this together”. HowThere is no doubt that Djokovic will go ever, the last 18 months have shown me that down as a legend of the sport. With twenty the elite in society have never been with us Grand Slams to his name, he is one of the best at any stage. From ‘Golf-gate’ in Ireland to the to ever do it. However, he should be punished various gatherings organised by Boris John- for his behaviour though this saga, putting son and the Conservative Party, those with the health and lives of so many people at risk. power in society have often broken Covid Millions of people who follow the sport have restrictions while ordinary people suffered. lost so much to Covid, from meeting friends The most high-profile sporting example and family members, to jobs, to health comis the current saga involving world number plications and sadly losing loved ones. one tennis player Novak Djokovic. Ahead of For me, the reaction to Djokovic’s stance the Australian Open, the Serbian tennis player on vaccination has been telling to say the has surrounded himself in controversy due to least. He has not received support from his conflict with Australia’s vaccinations laws. those within the game, with Rafael Nadal The bizarre timeline of events has believing Djokovic has brought this on shown me the extreme disregard that himself. “If he wanted, he would be playDjokovic has for Australia’s laws. This is ing without a problem. He has taken his because in April 2020, Djokovic made it own position. But there are consequences.” clear he was against vaccines, months While Djokovic is not receiving support before vaccines were even produced. from many within the support, far right Fast forward to October 2021, he refused figures such as Nigel Farage have rallied in to make his vaccination status public, support of Djokovic and his family. despite needing to be vaccinated in order Australia’s strict lockdown measures to participate in the Australian Open. and stance on vaccinations is why the When he arrived in Australia, he was Australian Open can happen. Those detained by border control as he has arrived who have worked hard must be shown in the country unvaccinated. Djokovic the respect they deserve and as a result, claims he had a medical exemption as he I do not believe that Djokovic should be contracted the virus in December. However, allowed to participate in the tournament. he has now admitted he took part in an He was aware of the risk when he chose interview and photoshoot with well-known not to be vaccinated, despite one of the French newspaper, while he had Covid-19. biggest tournaments of the year requiring Despite his visa cancellation being participants to be vaccinated. overruled, I believe that it would be irreIf normal people must follow rules and sponsible to allow Djokovic to take part in restrictions, why should professional aththe Australian Open. His blatant disregard letes be any different?

League winners NUI Galway look set for Fitzgibbon glory By Darren Casserly

There are not many colleges who can claim to have the best hurler in the country at their prime, but from my point of view, that is exactly what NUI Galway can claim with Cian Lynch named on their Fitzgibbon cup squad. Lynch, who is currently studying Professional Master of Education has won just about everything you can including two Fitzgibbon cups from his time at Mary Immaculate College as well as two hurlers of the year, three All-Irelands and more awards than can be counted. It is not just Lynch who can be called a standout figure in this NUI Galway side the likes of Evan Niland, Brian Concannon and Conor Caufield have all featured for Galway at senior level. Galway minor manager Jeff Lynskey also serving as manager shows

that this team has plenty of experience of big occasions which always serves teams well in competitions like the Fitzgibbon. Niland, who scored 11 points in the league winning victory over DCU could be key for NUI Galway in the Fitzgibbon with his free scoring ability which made him heir to Joe Canning at county level being something that few other players in the game possess. The Fitzgibbon cup winners over the last decade have nearly all come out of Limerick or Cork and while it has been 12 years since NUI Galway have won the competition, the ‘X-Factor’ of the likes of Niland and Lynch could bring the cup to Galway for the first time in a long time. They have already showed they can do it in the league, but the Fitzgibbon is a different story and there are no guarantees in

hurling, but if I were a betting man I would have to believe in NUI Galway’s chances. Another factor that has be accounted for and that is fatigue. With all of NUI Galway’s best players featuring heavily for their respective county teams as well as their club side there is huge demand put on these players. It is a problem that has grown in recent years with former NUI Galway Sigerson cup player Kieran Molloy playing two games on the same day, and it is not too far off what some of these Fitzgibbon players are doing. This is a problem in my eyes, and it needs to be solved sooner rather than later with injuries like the one sustained by Sean Mulkerrins for NUI Galway in the Sigerson cup bound to happen, but until it is all we can do is hope for the best and cheer our team on to glory.

OPINION

Vol. 23 #07 25 Jan. 2022

Is the Fitzgibbon cup still relevant?

By Tom Molloy Former Cork captain Kieran Murphy once claimed that captaining Limerick IT to Fitzgibbon success in 2007 was up there with his finest hurling achievements. I think this is a big statement from a man who won two Liam McCarthys with the Rebels and four county titles with Sarsfields.

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Sport · Spóirt

Trinity College in 1963 followed by Coleraine (now part of Ulster University) and Maynooth in the 1970s. By the late 1980s, non-university teams were admitted to the competition and the National Institute for Higher Education, Limerick (now UL) became the first non-university champions in 1989. Institutes of Technology quickly became strong

After a 706-day hiatus due to the Covid pandemic, the Fitzgibbon Cup gets back underway this month. 14 teams, including NUIG, will compete for the premier inter-varsity hurling competition

That 2007 Limerick IT team contained a competitors in the Fitzgibbon. In fact, LIT’s plethora of inter-county stars. In addition 2007 victory was the fifth of six consecutive to Murphy’s fellow Cork man Eoin Cado- victories by either themselves or Waterford IT. gan in the engine room, Kilkenny’s Jackie Although the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Tyrell was at full-back along with Tipp’s cups are very important parts of the GAA Conor O’Mahony and Shane McGrath in calendar, it is up for debate the true perthe half-back line. A decent Galway con- centage of Ireland’s quarter of a million tingent consisted of Cappataggle’s James third-level students that are even aware Skehill between the posts, Ardrahan’s Iarla of them let alone follow them. This, howTannian at wing-forward, Mellows’s Aong- ever, as Kieran Murphy’s testament proves, hus Callanan top of the left, and the one doesn’t detract from the importance of and only Joe Canning of Portumna at 14. these tournaments to students competing However, the man to whom many in them, regardless of their personal repattribute LIT’s success of the 2000s utation off campus. Their involvement in is Davy Fitzgerald. As LIT’s director of their college’s Sigerson or Fitzgibbon team hurling, Fitzgerald oversaw a period of puts them in a social circle that many of great success Shannonside. Fitzgerald them will have for life. went on to win it all as an intercounty As the GAA continues to worry about manager. Murphy said of Fitzgerald’s player burnout and increasingly demandfamous sessions, “Some of the hardest ing schedules for inter-county players, it training we ever did was at six o’clock in is not surprising that the Fitzgibbon has the morning, but you’d feel great coming come under scrutiny. Take our own NUIG away from it and it helped to build team Fitzgibbon team for 2022 and the Galway spirit. We had a lot of hurling sessions senior hurling team for example. Some at that hour. We might not have trained members of the NUIG panel (Concannon, for very long, but it was short and sharp Niland etc.) are established inter-county – high quality stuff.” players while others (Fitzpatrick, Fleming After a 706-day hiatus due to the Covid etc.) will be looking to get some solid league pandemic, the Fitzgibbon Cup gets back and championship game time this summer. underway this month. 14 teams, includBut the most damning evidence of all ing NUIG, will compete for the premier that the Fitzgibbon is a competition to be inter-varsity hurling competition with taken seriously is the inclusion of Limerthe semi-finals and final to be played in ick’s Cian Lynch in NUIG’s panel this year. Carlow IT on February 19 and 20. Arguably the best hurler in Ireland will don The Fitzgibbon Cup, and its football the maroon and white in the Fitzgibbon counterpart the Sigerson, have been this year. If the Fitzgibbon is not to be taken integral parts of the GAA calendar for seriously, I wonder why would the hurler of decades. The inaugural Fitzgibbon tour- the year even bother? Especially considernament was in 1912 and for its first 34 ing he already has two Fitzgibbon medals years the tournament was contested from Mary I’s consecutive victories in 2016 only by UCC. UCD, and UCG (now NUIG). and ’17. As for the retired armchair athletes Queens University Belfast first took part such as this writer, we can only applaud and in 1946 and were subsequently joined by watch on with nothing but appreciation.

Highlights of the 2022 sporting calendar By Darren Casserly 2021 was a year with a few sporting highlights and greatly overshadowed a very bleak 2020 from a sports point of view. Nonetheless, the early months of 2021 were a barren, sport-less wasteland and things look a lot better for this year. The African Cup of Nations is already well underway and has given us some very memorable moments so far. For all the controversy surrounding Novak Djokovic you would almost forget that the Australian Open is happening at all and with Djokovic deported we’ll have a different men’s champion for the first time since 2018. January is a packed month of sport with all of these events including the postponed winter Olympics in Russia which looks to be one of the most exciting Olympics yet. February will give us plenty of hard-hitting sports with the Super Bowl and the Six Nations where Andy Farrell will hope to build on another good victory against New Zealand which capped off 2021. Heading into the summer we have the PGA Masters to look forward to, as well as the Champions league final which will take place in Russia. There is plenty of sports to look forward to in the summer with the NBA Finals, Tour De France and Wimbledon kicking us off. The summer closes with the commonwealth games and the US Open towards the end of August. From an Irish perspective it will be an odd year for the All-Ireland, with both the hurling and football All-Ireland finals taking place in early July. This cutting down of intercounty sports has not been so warmly received and it will be very unusual given how late it has been concluded in recent years, but all we can hope is that 2023 will get the competition back to its normal schedule. The year will come to a close with the Women’s Rugby World cup, Ryder cup and The FIFA World Cup all taking place after October. Overall, there is plenty to look forward to this year and looks to be a year not as effected by Covid as the previous two and hopefully it won’t be long until we get back to a completely normal sporting calendar that is not forced to jam in postponed competitions.

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