SIN Vol. 23 Issue 10 by SIN Newspaper University of Galway

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

Winner: Best Newspaper at the National Student Media Awards 2019

Student Independent News Nuachtán saor in aisce · Vol. 23 Issue 10 · 15 Mar. 2022

From left to right – Joe Mee, Sai Gujulla and Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer are the new 22/23 NUI Galway SU Full-Time Officers

New Students’ Union Full-Time Officers elected By Valerie McHugh NUI Galway students have elected their three full-time Students’ Union officers for the term of 2022/2023. Sai Gujulla has been elected SU President, Imogen O’ Flaherty Falconer has taken on the role of Vice President/ Welfare & Equality Officer and Joe Mee will undertake the position of Vice President/ Education Officer. Speaking on his election, Sai Gujalla told SIN that “it was the best moment of my life and it is something that I can never forget. It still feels like a dream and I couldn’t have done it without the support of everyone.” Gujulla will take over from current SU President Róisín Nic Lochlainn on the 1 July and plans to implement new ideas and strategies from day one. He told SIN; “When it comes to Academics, I hope to start working on the implementation of a Reading Week as soon as I start on July 1st as I believe it is one of the first things that has to be done due to time constraints and the planning that is involved. “When it comes to Welfare I hope to collaborate with Imogen in implanting the Free Taxi Scheme and preparing the

necessary plans for the distribution of Free Drink Spike Test Kits and personal safety alarms in September.” Newly appointed VP for Welfare and Equality Imogen O’ Flaherty Falconer also told SIN of her plans for July 1, stating that; “increasing engagement through fun events for everyone on campus” will be first on the agenda alongside whatever welfare issues that arise over the summer. O’ Flaherty Falconer also spoke of her passion for student welfare and expressed her gratitude to the students who voted her into this position. Gathering 69% of the vote in her category, she told SIN; “I feel incredibly privileged to be in this position, to be able to advocate for student rights as my job really excites me, and I’m genuinely over the moon about it all.” Newly elected VP for Education Joe Mee also expressed his appreciation for all of his voters telling SIN that when he ran for the role of SU President in 2021, he “was not even in contention for the win.” “When the result was announced this year I was delighted. It did not sink in on the night and to be honest it still hasn’t. I felt so grateful for all the support I

received from my campaign team they put in a huge effort. It was wonderful to have them by my side to celebrate the win. Outlining his plans for his term, Mee told SIN that; “the first thing I will do once my term begins is preparing for the year ahead. I will be meeting many members of the outgoing and incoming executive ensuring continuity and making a strategic plan for the year ahead. I will also avail of training, complete a literature review and start research. “I hope with these steps I will be well informed and equipped for all the challenges I will face.” The team will work together, alongside a cohort of newly appointed part-time officers, throughout the next academic year to provide students with information and advice covering the whole spectrum of student life from academic issues to issues regarding welfare, finance, accommodation, equality, clubs, societies, the Irish language and much more.” To contact the Students’ Union about issues relating to the aforementioned topics, you can visit https://su.nuigalway.ie https://su.nuigalway.ie// about-su-nuigalway//executive-committee about-su-nuigalway executive-committee//.

News · Nuacht

Editorial By Valerie McHugh

Editor

Welcome to issue 10 of SIN everyone, I cannot believe we are hitting double digits. It has been a fantastic year, and stay tuned because we still have more issues to come. In this issue, we are leading with our newly elected NUI Galway Students’ Union Full-Time Officer team. A special thanks to the three elected officers for taking the time to talk to us. Moving over to ‘Features,’ Emma Ward has written a piece on the events of Irish Traveller Ethnicity Week at NUI Galway which is accompanied by a collage of brilliant pictures. Make sure to have a look! In ‘Opinion,’ Kevin Markey, who used to be a chef, discusses the practicalities of implementing more plant-based options into the restaurants at NUI Galway. ‘Arts and Fashion’ is packed full of fun, creative pieces, and leading this section we have a review on ‘Portia Coughlan’ which is running in the Abbey Theatre. It is a review that you will not want to miss. In ‘Health and Lifestyle,’ our writer Charlotte Lavin has written a piece about her time in Edinburgh, and has created a ‘must-visit’ list alongside a list of cafés, restaurants and pubs that you must add to your travel guide. In ‘Cainte,’ we are celebrating Seachtain na Gaeilge, and we have some great pieces; one by Tess Casasín Ní Shioradáin on her time in Iceland. ‘Sports’ is also jam packed with a leading piece by Darren Casserly on NUI Galway’s Sigerson Cup victory. It’s safe to say that there is plenty of riveting content to keep you reading for a while! But don’t forget, if you would like to contribute to SIN, you can email us, or message us on our social medias. Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone!

@NuigSin @sin_news Student I ndependent News, NUI Galway

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

SU Says... By Orlaith Nic Cába

Gender and LGBT+ Rights Officer To much excitement, and some confusion, the Medical and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK announced plans to make Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) available over the counter. This, initially, seemed to confirm what trans people have been saying for years: That there is no legitimate reason or science behind the torturous gatekeeping of HRT. This affirmation was quickly dashed when we got more details; this change was to treat menopause only, and specifically pertained to oestrogen taken vaginally. There are two sides of the rope being tugged here: the ideological aversion to trans people having the individual autonomy to live their lives and affirm their gender, and the want to reduce the harms this anti-trans ideology has on cis people. The rope can be pulled in either direction, but no matter which side is pulled the other side gets pulled along with it: you cannot denigrate trans people without also stepping on people struggling with menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, etc. Conversely, you cannot support these people medically without the absurd anti-trans nature of the provision of gender-affirming healthcare in this country becoming blatantly (and viciously) obvious. As it currently stands, according to the National Gender Service (NGS), the waiting list for an initial assessment is between two and a half to three years, and even before you get added to this shockingly long (and growing) waiting list you must convince your GP to send the NGS a referral form, which can be an insurmountable task in and of itself. And after all this upheaval and waiting, trans people are subjected to invasive psychological assessments to determine if they meet the health service’s definition of “Gender Dysphoria”. This decision by the MHRA attempts to pull the rope in both directions. Trans people are suffering for no tangible medical reason as life-saving gender-affirming services, such as HRT, are locked away down a several years-long timeline. Things don’t have to be this way. By making HRT available over the counter for all those who need it and not a select few, the NGS can focus its resources on mental health supports for trans people & surgical interventions for those who need it. Waiting times would be slashed as people gain access to one of the most in-demand services offered by the NGS (although this shouldn’t act as an excuse to cut or stagnate funding to the NGS, which will still suffer from the pains felt across the Irish healthcare system). This country should stand by its bold claims of being progressive on trans issues and do something ground-breaking by making HRT available over the counter.

An bhfuil rud éigin 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 #10 15 Mar. 2022

INSIDE this issue... News

President Higgins opens Traveller Ethnicity Day celebrations 4

New bursary in memory of late NUI Galway research student 5 New Government strategy aims to protect Galway’s heritage 6 Spider capture of bat documented by NUI Galway researchers 7 Minister for Health opens world-class medical facility at NUI Galway 8 NUI Galway researchers developing solutions for challenges facing Defence Forces 9 Irish language archive launched at NUI Galway 10

Spotlight: Irish Traveller Ethnicity Week 2022

Life in Limbo – Student Diary How Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is affecting our lives The role that media has in our lives Erasmus Diary

Features

12–13

14 15 16 17

Opinion Plant-based dining on campus: The future of food 18 Why you should participate in clean walks and beach cleans 19

Arts & Fashion What does it mean to help the Ukrainian people? 20

Translation of German Rap Lyrics: The Duke review—I am you, and you are me Galway Sustainability Project has been shortlisted in the AONTAS STAR Awards

24 26 27

Health & Lifestyle Edinburgh, Scotland: 9 things to see and do 28 Sustainability: Buying used furniture 29 Three ways to cope with current affairs 30 Vegan corner: interview with the ‘Fussy Vegan in Galway’ 31 Swipe right for disappointment:not EX-actly what I want 32

Review of Portia Coughlan 22

Edinburgh, Scotland: 9 things to see and do

Agallamh Quickfire – Blúirí spéisiúla ó Ghaeilgeoirí timpeall na Tíre

Cainte Taithí Oibre san Íoslainn

Sport Sports washing a major issue but response to Russia offers template NUI Galway fall at final hurdle in Fitzgibbon cup final Should we return to the Five Nations?

A huge thanks to our team!

Saoirse Higgins 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

NUI Galway win first Sigerson cup in 19 years 36

37 38 39

News · Nuacht

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

President Higgins opens Traveller Ethnicity Day celebrations By Darragh Nolan

News Co-editor

A week-long series of celebrations to mark Traveller Ethnicity Day at NUI Galway was opened by President of Ireland Michael D Higgins on February 28. President Higgins gave a keynote address focusing on rights and other issues for the Traveller community at a ceremony hosted in the Quadrangle. Traveller Ethnicity Day takes place each year on March 1 to mark the anniversary of the Government formally recognising Irish Travellers as a distinct ethnicity in 2016. It serves as a celebration of Irish Traveller culture including unique music, crafts, traditions and language. “I am delighted to be opening today’s Traveller Ethnicity Day Celebrations hosted again this year by the National University of Ireland, Galway,” said President Higgins. “Today is a day to celebrate the rich and ancient history of Ireland’s Traveller community who constitute Ireland’s only indigenous minority. Today is a day to take stock on how far we have come as a society that recognises and value the Traveller traditions and culture, but it is also a day to consider the road still ahead to full participation and equality.” President Higgins spoke about the importance of community, openness and the vital role education can play

in disadvantaged people getting out of at NUI Galway…at that time to me it was circumstances of “scarcity”. going to be a difficult task to bring the His address also looked to the future of Traveller community on campus but it’s progress for the Traveller community as something I wanted to do. he insisted the work towards a Republic “One thing that is true from my heart as in which there is equality for all is “some- a Traveller man, the good will and support thing that’s only half begun.” for the Traveller community is phenomPresident of NUI Galway Professor enal. I’ve never ever got a ‘no’ [from NUI Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh also spoke at the Galway].” event and said a diverse university comHe said the creation of his role has munity benefits all of us. allowed him to help create a vision for “Our university community has defined how the University works alongside the respect and openness as two of our core Traveller community. values, and through collective efforts The ceremony also saw the presentaacross many different initiatives, we are tion of a number of awards including the meeting the challenge of making our Michael McDonagh Award for Traveller community a more equal, inclusive and Ally Excellency, named for the Irish Travdiverse place in which to work and study. eller and rights campaigner. “We will continue our determined NUI Galway lecturers Dr Deirdre work to welcome, support and vindicate Hardiman and Dr Helen Casey both the Traveller community as a part of a received the award. valuable and value part of the life of our NUI Galway graduate Jason Sherlock university. was also honoured with lifetime mem“I am delighted that our Traveller eth- bership of the Mincéirs Whiden (Cant for nicity festival will celebrate this sense ‘Travellers talking’) Society. of openness and highlight many more Jason helped found the society in the opportunities for further positive impact 2018/19 academic year and it remains and inclusion,” Professor Ó hÓgartaigh the only Traveller society in a third-level added. institute. NUI Galway’s Irish Traveller Education Annual celebrations of Traveller EthnicOfficer Owen Patrick Ward was also in ity Day are organised by the University’s attendance and thanked the University Mincéirs Misl’d in Education (MMIE) and its Access Centre for its support for project. the Traveller community. MMIE aims to empower Irish Travel“Four years ago I had an idea about lers to transition to and gain a sense of celebrating Traveller Ethnicity Day here belonging in higher education. President of Ireland Michael D Higgins delivering his keynote address at the opening of the week-long celebrations at NUI Galway to mark Irish Traveller Ethnicity Day. Photo – Aengus McMahon.

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

News · Nuacht

New bursary in memory of late NUI Galway research student By Darragh Nolan A new bursary has been launched in memory of NUI Galway researcher Karzan Ahmed. The National Parks and Wildlife Service along with the Department of Housing and NUI Galway have together announced the Karzan Sabah D Ahmed Memorial Research Bursary Scheme. The bursary is set to offer a summer research programme in the School of Natural Sciences at NUI Galway which will focus on high nature value (HNV) farming and invertebrate biodiversity. HNV farming allows some natural vegetation to grow on farmland in order to support biodiversity and species of conservation concern. Karzan’s work as a PhD candidate in the area of Environmental Science, which focused on determining the function of insect ecosystems in farm habitats, will now be reflected in the new research programme. Karzan tragically died in a road accident along with his wife Shahen Qasm and daughter Lina in August 2021. NUI Galway President Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said the new bursary served as a great celebration of Karzan and his commitment to the University community. “We are extremely grateful to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for their support and partnership in remembering our colleague Karzan Ahmed and his wife Shahen Qasm and their baby daughter Lina. “Their deaths has a profound impact on our community and, in particular those who worked directly with Karzan,” he said. “This generous bursary will help to continue his work, celebrating and remembering his excellence and both his and NUI Galway’s commitment to this important areas.” Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan welcomed the new scheme and said it would help ensure Karzan’s research efforts continued on into the future. “Karzan Ahmed undertook important and impactful research in high nature value farmland during his time at NUI Galway. “He worked closely with staff of the National Parks and Wildlife service and was exceptionally generous and giving with his time and expertise,” Minister Noonan added. “The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are confident that this research bursary will continue to build upon Karzan’s research and afford students an opportunity to gain vital experience in the area of farmland biodiversity, in collaboration with NPWS,” he finished. The Karzan Sabah D Ahmed Memorial Research Bursary Scheme will be open to students across all third level institutions in Ireland. Photo of plaque in honour of Karzan Sabah D Ahmed at the NUI Galway memorial garden. Photo: Aengus McMahon

News · Nuacht

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

Census to take New Government strategy aims place on April 3 to protect Galway’s heritage By Darragh Nolan This year’s census is set to take place on Sunday April 3. NUI Galway students should be aware that census enumerators are in the process of calling to households across the country to drop off census forms which are to be filled out on census day. Enumerators will be returning to households to collect completed census forms from April 4 through to early May 2022. The census is a nationwide count of each individual in Ireland’s population on census day. Other demographic information including ethnic background, religion and occupation is recorded in each census. Everyone in the country on April 3 must be included on a census form by law. Census data provides important information to help plan for homes, schools and a range of other services in local communities and on a national level. Detailed information of populations across towns, cities, regions and counties is recorded and helps identify demand for services locally and nationally. The data recorded in the census is treated as strictly private and will be used only for statistical purposes. The census was originally scheduled to take place in 2021 but was delayed due to Covid-19 restrictions. A preliminary population count from Census 2022 is expected no later than

June 2022 alongside a timetable for release of detailed information. Detailed statistics from this latest edition of the census are expected to be released throughout 2023. Further information is available via www.census.ie and enumerators will be able to help with census related queries when they call to each household. The census is carried out every five years by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

By Caoimhe Killeen

News Co-editor

The Government has approved a new cross-department strategic policy for the protection and promotion of heritage sites. The Heritage Ireland 2030 programme is set to lay out a framework for protecting, conserving, promoting, and managing Ireland’s heritage for the next

cross-departmental government polices into government decision making across the board. Heritage Ireland 2030 aims to deliver this through numerous working groups developing over 150 different actions outlined in the policy. This will be built upon in the next six months in the official Implementation Plan which will elaborate on how these working groups and structures will operate. Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan stated at

“We were heartened over the past two years to see people access our national parks, monuments, nature reserves and historic properties during public health restrictions, and know that this has strengthened people’s Minister Malcolm Noonan. appreciation of our heritage. Photo: Green Party decade and beyond from government to community level. Both Galway City Council and Galway County Council are tasked with the care and management of heritage assets in the Galway region such as monuments, protected structures, county archives, museum collections, heritage gardens and parks. Through Heritage Ireland 2030, the role of Galway local authorities in caring for and promoting Ireland’s heritage will be strengthened and policies will be established to underpin their work as custodians of heritage resources. Communities, leadership, and partnerships are the main themes of the strategy and reflects the importance of collaboration between government, communities, stakeholders, citizens and local authorities in delivering upon the objectives of this strategy. The structure of the strategy was decided through extensive consultation with over 2,156 written submissions from the public and stakeholders from 2018 up until the official release of the plan this year. The proposed framework in place will allow for these groups to achieve a common goal while also enabling

the launch that the plan approved by Government “represents a major step forward for structured engagement around heritage.” “The actions in this strategy reflect the huge challenges facing Ireland’s heritage, particularly for nature and biodiversity loss,” continued Minister Noonan. “We have ambitious programmes underway in the area of peatland rehabilitation and nature recovery and the framework set out in this strategy, along with the structured delivery model, will bring cohesion to our efforts, including consultation with the Northern Ireland Executive on areas we might approach on an all-island basis. “We were heartened over the past two years to see people access our national parks, monuments, nature reserves and historic properties during public health restrictions, and know that this has strengthened people’s appreciation of our heritage. “It is more important than ever that our heritage is protected, conserved and restored to ensure that the people of Ireland continue to benefit from the value and well-being that it provides,” finished Minister Noonan.

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Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

News · Nuacht

Dr Michel Dugon, Head of the Venom Systems Lab at NUI Galway, with a False Widow Spider (Steatoda nobilis). Photo: NUI Galway

Spider capture of bat documented by NUI Galway researchers By Darragh Nolan The first record of a Noble False Widow spider feeding on a Pipistrelle bat has been published by scientists from NUI Galway’s Ryan Institute. A false widow was found to have caught a bat in its web in an attic in England. The study was published in the international journal Ecosphere and adds to a swath of information showing the impact the false widow can have on native animals. It is the first time this type of spider has been found preying on a bat anywhere in the world and the first time it has captured a vertebrate of any kind in Britain. “We have been working on the Noble False Widow for the past five years, and have learnt a great dal about this species – yet, we are still surprised by its ability to adapt to new environments and make the most of the resources available,” said Dr Michel Dugon, Head of the Venom Systems Lab in the Ryan Institute. “It is a truly remarkable species.”

Wildlife artist Ben Waddams discovered two different bats, one a young pup and the other a larger adult, caught in silk webs in his attic in Shropshire. The Pipistrelle bat is considered a protected species in Britain. The false widow spider has a history of preying on native species. It was found to be feeding on a protected species of native lizard here in Ireland three years ago. Lead author of the study Dr John Dunbar said we are only seeing the beginning of the false widow’s effect on Ireland’s wildlife. “In more exotic parts of the world, scientists have been documenting such predation events by spiders on small vertebrates for many years, but we are only beginning to realise just how common these events occur. “Now that this alien species has become well established in Ireland and Britain, we are witnessing such fascinating events on our very own doorstep.” Dr Dunbar said the false widow is known to feed on native species of larger

animals such as snakes and lizards and this latest incident is further evidence of the spider’s “invasive” nature. The spiders are able to prey upon animals much larger than themselves by using a fast-acting venom causing neuromuscular paralysis. “In the last three years alone, we have observed two occasions of the alien Noble False Widow capturing and feeding on protected species of vertebrate animals in Ireland and Britain,” said Aiste Vitkauskaite, a researcher at the Venom Systems Lab. “As the Noble False Widow continues to expand its range and increase populations across Ireland and Britain, we should expect to observe similar predation events on small vertebrate animals by this spider, including protected species.” A video about the Ryan Institute’s study is available via NUI Galway’s YouTube channel. The research team are also calling on members of the public to report sightings of the Noble False Widow spider to falsewidow@nuigalway.ie. falsewidow@nuigalway.ie

News · Nuacht

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

Minister for Health opens world-class medical facility at NUI Galway By Caoimhe Killeen Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly officially launched the Clinical Simulation and Interprofessional Education Facility at NUI Galway on March 4. The new state-of-the-art facility marks a partnership between the University and the Saolta University Health Care Group. Based at NUI Galway’s Clinical Science Institute on the grounds of University Hospital Galway, it is the largest and most modern facility of its kind on a clinical site in Ireland. The training facility is also unique in its location being on both a medical site and medical school. The new facility will provide education and training for more than 600 medical students in clinical years and accessible space for more than 4,000 multi-professional clinical staff in Galway University Hospitals. The state-of-the-art space spans more than 20 immersive learning rooms fitted out to hospital standard and simulating all aspects of a leading healthcare environment. All training rooms are fitted with high-powered cameras and audio-visual equipment with remote and observation spaces for assessing and reviewing learning. Patients are replaced by complex manikins with physiological characteristics that respond to medical treatments and procedures in safe and realistic environments.

GAISCE GRUAIGE Shave, Dye or Wax this March to raise funds for the SU Charities!

More information from / Tuilleadh eolais ar fail ó studentsunion@nuigalway.ie NUIGalwayStudentsUnion www.su.nuigalway.ie

@nuigsu

Minster for Health Stephen Donnelly T.D. with Dara Byrne, Professor of Simulation Education at NUI Galway, at the official opening of the Clinical Simulation and Interprofessional Education Facility at NUI Galway. Minster Donnelly said the new facility would provide a very high standard of training for medical students and healthcare providers. “Advances such as this have tangible benefits to the staff delivering quality care within our health service and this, of course, benefits patients. This type of innovation and forward thinking is what will help to elevate the delivery of our world class health service and it is the cornerstone of the future of healthcare in Ireland,” Minister Donnelly finished. Healthcare simulation is an approach to training and education that aims to improve the safety, efficiency and effectiveness of clinical care through high impact, evidence-based training. There is growing evidence that it contributes to increased quality of patient care and survival. The official opening took place alongside the launch of the National Strategic Guide for the Implementation of Simulation on Clinical Sites. The National Chief Academic Officers, working with Dr Colm Henry, Health Service Executive Chief Clinical Officer and the National Doctors Training and Planning have advocated for simulation and the development of the guide. The guide was written by Professor of Simulation Education Dara Byrne, School of Medicine, NUI Galway and Saolta University Health Care Group and the simulation team at NUI Galway to support the strategic development of similar facilities on clinical sites in Ireland. Professor Byrne said: “The old, apprentice-style of learning for healthcare students and clinicians is no longer considered acceptable because of the increasing concern for the quality of patient care and safety and change in health care systems. “As a result, there are fewer opportunities for the student to experience and build confidence dealing with a wide variety of diseases, traumas and treatment responses. Professor Byrne added that simulation training is of greater importance given the limitations Covid-19 restrictions placed on students’ direct contact with clinical settings. Professor Antony O’Regan, Director of Postgraduate Clinical Education, Saolta University Health Care Group and NUI Galway, said the launch marked a milestone for the West of Ireland. “Saolta and NUI Galway aspire to be leaders in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education both nationally and internationally,” said Professor O’Regan. “This is reflected in the ongoing work to establish resources for clinical simulation across our region in order to support inter-professional education and lifelong learning. “We are looking forward to the future and continued strategic development of our academic infrastructure and resources that are vital to patient care.”

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News · Nuacht

NUI Galway secures Government funding for ENLIGHT University Alliance By Caoimhe Killeen NUI Galway has welcomed the news that they’ve secured Government support for their participation in the ENLIGHT University Alliance, which will increase opportunities for students and staff to work and study abroad. The funding of almost €445,000 from the Higher Education Authority (HEA) will progress the new European teaching, learning and research initiative over the next two years. ENLIGHT aims to collaboratively transform higher education, addressing societal challenges and promoting equitable quality of life, sustainability and external engagement with the communities of the partner universities. NUI Galway joins other universities such as the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, Germany’s University of Gottingen, Spain’s University of the Basque County and the University of Bordeaux in France in the ENLIGHT network. This will allow for students and researchers within the alliance to come

together and address challenges around the topic. NUI Galway’s Vice President International Professor Becky Whay has said that the ENLIGHT alliance highlights “NUI Galway’s commitment to openness and diversity in our University, creating opportunities for students and staff, as well as for our renowned western region.” “Our partnership in a European University Network puts us at the forefront of designing models for cross European collaboration, education, research and growth. “This funding support from the HEA is critical to our ability to optimise the advantages that membership of this alliance opens up for us - for our students who wish to travel and learn throughout Europe and for our staff who wish to partner with fellow academics and professional services,” added Professor Whay. The Government funding will also strengthen NUI Galway’s participation in ENLIGHT and support student exchanges and staff collaboration and engagement. President of NUI Galway and chair of

the ENLIGHT Alliance, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh says he’s delighted with the Government’s support to strengthen NUI Galway’s participation. “Together, we are regional drivers of development, working closely to tackle societal challenges and see international ambition as a means of maximising regional impact. At NUI Galway, we serve our region best - and respect it - by being open to the highest standards of excellence and cooperation. “Securing Government support for ENLIGHT will afford us and our students and staff the opportunity to learn collectively, to excel and to address shared challenges consistent with our values as a university community,” Professor Ó hÓgartaigh concluded. NUI Galway has also announced a new partnership with Uppsala University in Sweden under the network for an event in May which has a theme of “Sustainable Urban Development.” The event aims to enable students, researchers and local stakeholders to address challenges in the area of urban development for the future.

NUI Galway researchers developing solutions for challenges facing Defence Forces By Tiffany Greenwaldt-Simon Researchers at NUI Galway have been selected to work on two projects to develop solutions for operation challenges facing the Defence Forces. The researchers will work with the Defence Forces to develop disruptive solutions for challengers facing the Army, Navy and Air Corps. The AltFuel4DF project will focus on converting waste to low carbon fuel and is led by Dr Rory Monaghan of NUI Galway’s School of Engineering and the Institute of Technology Carlow. AltFuel4DF aims to develop technologies to convert waste projects, such as residues from forestry and agriculture, into sustainable low carbon fuels. These fuels will allow the Defence Forces to rely less on imported fossil fuels as well as reduce emissions and improve energy security. Part of the project will also include analysis into fuel use to establish the greatest need for low carbon fuel with the potential for it to be used for ships, planes, and land vehicles. The second project, Safeguard-Bio, aims to create a device to detect multiple biological threats from one sample.

The project is led by Professor Lokesh Joshi and Dr Stephen Cunningham who are both members of the School of Natural Sciences at NUI Galway. Safeguard-Bio is part of a result of a decade long collaboration with the Defence Forces and Aquila Bioscience, a company founded by Professor Joshi at the University in 2012. The projects have wide reaching implications outside of the security field including use in public health and environmental monitoring for better awareness of infectious biological agents agents. The NUI Galway projects are among 10 selected as part of the SFI-Defence Organisation Innovation Challenge. The successful projects were announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris T.D. and Minister for Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney TD. “The successful projects in the SFI-Defence Organisation Challenge have huge potential and are a mark of the value our researchers place on responding to society’s needs,” Professor Jim Livesey, Vice President Research and Innovation at NUI Galway, said.

“Collaboration is a vital element of research and as a public university it is profoundly important for our excellence to be put to the test in developing solutions for those who serve on the frontline while also creating the potential for societal impact.” The two projects together look set to enable the Defence Forces to reduce carbon emissions and bolster security against threatening biological agents, respectively.

The two projects together look set to enable the Defence Forces to reduce carbon emissions and bolster security against

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threatening biological agents, respectively.

News · Nuacht

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

Irish language archive launched at NUI Galway By Darragh Nolan The archive of Ireland’s oldest Irish language organisation has been catalogued and launched by NUI Galway. Conradh na Gaeilge’s archive extends back over a century and documents a history of campaigning and promotion of the use of the Irish language in everyday life. The archive offers incredible insight into the history of Conradh and includes over 600 boxes of material and more than 600,000 different pages of material. President of NUI Galway Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh welcomed the archive’s announcement as a great new resource for the University community. “Our University is committed to the Irish language through our Stratéis don Ghaeilge. We are here for the public good and to sustain the communities which we serve. “Now that the archive has been catalogued, it will be widely available for use as a significant resource for teaching and research,” he concluded. The archive will be open for researchers through the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room in the NUI Galway Library.

One of several postcards used in a postcard campaign to protest the lack of Irish-language progamming on RTÉ Conradh’s extensive history from its founding in 1893 up until the archive was deposited at the University in 2018 is documented. A highlight of the newly opened archive features mes sages from Republican prisoners smuggled out

Logo designs for the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Ard-Chraobh branch of Conradh na Gaeilge, Dublin, 1944

of the Maze Prison in 1980 alongside correspondence between Conradh na Gaeilge and Her Majesty’s Prison Service discussing a ban at the time on visitation through Irish. The archive also includes cheques to and endorsed by Patrick Pearse and Terence MacSwiney as well as letters from renowned writers Brendan Behan and Seán O’Casey concerning the printing of their works in Irish. “This collection is a very valuable resource for researchers because it illustrates Conradh na Gaeilge’s pioneering work in various areas, for instance the campaigns for radio and television services, all-Irish schools, a democratic Gaeltacht authority, the status of Irish in the EU and language rights on both sides of the border,” said Associate Professor of Irish at NUI Galway Dr John Walsh. Dr Walsh played a significant role in the University becoming custodians of the archive. The collection was catalogued by archivist Niamh Ní Charra and offers a unique look at 125 years of the history of the Irish language through Conradh’s extensive work during the period. Conradh na Gaeilge’s President Dr Niall Comer said it was the right decision to entrust NUI Galway with the collection. “The professionalism and dedication of the staff show that we made the correct decision to locate our valuable archive in NUI Galway and I would also like to thank the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for their continued funding and support for this project.” Conradh Na Gaeilge’s collection joins a total of almost 400 unique archives managed by the University’s library.

Team-Up & Get Walking

1st-31st March 2022

Features · Gné-altanna

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

Photo: Aengus McMahon

Spotlight: Irish Traveller Ethnicity Week 2022 By Emma Ward

The raising of the Minceir Whiden Society Flag outside The Quadrangle in NUI Galway.Photo: Aengus McMahon.

UI Galway’s Irish Traveller Ethnicity beyond for making this happen. Week fell on the 28th of February this On Monday the 28th the celebrations year. The week-long event showed our started off with the President of Ireland culture in many ways and I couldn’t be more Michael D. Higgins officially opening the proud of how it went. A special thank you series of celebrations, and during this time, goes to Owen Ward, the Traveller Education the winners of the newest award called Officer, for organising the events, the talks and the ‘Michael McDonagh Award for Irish workshops that happened during the week. Traveller Ally Excellence’ were named. The first event in celebrating the occasion The winners of this brand new award were was the unveiling of the Historical Painting Dr Deirdre Hardiman and Dr Helen Casey. and Plaque in the foyer of Áras na Mac Leinn. After this, the winner of the Minceir Whiden This is a permanent painting within the uni- Society Honorary Life Member Award was versity, and alongside this, we also unveiled announced. Jason Sherlock was presented our historic chairpersons’ plaque in honour with the award by the Director of Student of being the first Irish Traveller University Services, John Hannon. Also during this cerSociety in Ireland. Thank you to everyone emony we had speeches from the President in Minceirs Whiden Society, NUI Galway and of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, President of NUI

Some members of the Minceir Whiden Society alongside President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina. Photo: Aengus McMahon.

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

‘Crown - Hair and Identity in Traveller Culture’, exhibition by photographer Orla Sloyan in NUI Galway. Photo: Emma Ward.

Features · Gné-altanna

Below, left: Performer Thomas McCarthy singing at the opening event; right: Owen Ward spoke of his gratitude for the legacy of advocate Michael McDonagh. Photos: Emma Ward

Jason Sherlock was the winner of the Minceir Whiden Society Honorary Life Member Award. Photo: Aengus McMahon

Emma alongside Saige Alloway, Anna Keane and President Michael D Higgins. Photo: Emma Ward. Galway Ciarán Ó hOgartaigh, the Head of the young Irish Traveller people with the old ways Access Programme Imelda Byrne, Traveller of our culture. They were dressed in the way Education Officer Owen Ward and the Vice old Irish Traveller Women dressed in the past. President of NUI Galway for Equality, Diversity Also as part of the celebrations we had beady and Inclusion Helen Maher. After the speeches pockets. These tell a story of the Irish Traveller ended, renowned performer Thomas McCar- Women who travelled the length and breadth thy sang a few old songs that older generation of Ireland, decorating their aprons in different of our people would have sung. coloured buttons; each of these buttons would When the ceremony ended everyone in typically tell a story of a loved one. We were the Minceir Whiden Society committee went kindly gifted a beady pocket by Gleandor outside the Quadrangle with the President Athenry which is a voluntary organisation. of Ireland and very important guests to raise The biggest thing I saw that day was the our flag. During this time our society was Minceirs Misl’d in Education; Irish Traveller very proud to welcome Irish Traveller Stilt Living Exhibition. Walkers in celebration of our people. We, as From 10am to 4pm there was a Living a society, feel that it is extremely important Exhibition outside Áras Na Mac Leinn. There that we incorporate the new ways of the was a fully restored Barrel Top Wagon, a

The winners of the ‘Michael McDonagh Award for Irish Traveller Ally Excellence’ were Dr Deirdre Hardiman and Dr Helen Casey. Photo: Aengus McMahon.

traditional tent, flat cart, a working tinsmith, a storytelling Traveller Woman and of course a campfire. We hoped that this Living History project would give groups an appreciation of Irish Traveller Culture and to help keep a vital part of our history alive. I thought everything was amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed the day. Thanks for reading!

Photo: Aengus McMahon

Features · Gné-altanna

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

Life in Limbo – Student Diary By Anastasia Burton

Features Editor

I wish I could say ‘good day, good morning or good night,’ but sadly since the Russian invasion into my country I have not had a single good day, good night, or good morning. On the morning of the invasion, I was woken up with a voice message and text messages from my older sister who lives in Ukraine. I will never forget the way my heart stopped and my throat closed when I heard her say “it’s started, they’re bombing us”. For most of you, the news of the Ukrainian invasion was shocking, upsetting but ultimately it did not affect your quality of life or that of your family. I am the only one from my family in Ireland, the rest are in Ukraine or America. I remember frantically calling my grandparents, my

father and my sister all day asking what happened, why it happened and what was going on. There were tensions before the invasion but I thought they could avoid it, I really truly hoped they could avoid it. My city is very central and is one of the closest to the Kyiv oblast, which has been heavily shelled and bombed in a futile attempt to capture our capital and assassinate our president. I always dreamed about being on RTÉ or the radio, I worked hard towards my journalism goals, but I didn’t expect that the reason my dreams would come true is that my people are suffering. I’ve seen more dead bodies in a week than I have in my entire life, I can no longer sleep, eat or function as a human being. Ukrainian channels are running 24-hour marathons of only confirmed news, and for the first five to six days I

had been glued. Every morning I text my family, not good morning but “Are you okay?”, “Are you safe?”, “Are you alive?” I’m touched that the world has responded loudly to the unjust and inhumane Russian invasion of my country, the support has been overwhelming and very touching. Unfortunately as of right now nothing is certain, no one is truly safe, but the Ukrainian army has shown the world that we can and will fight the aggressor, we will send them back to where they came from and we will protect our independent country. As of the latest news, my godmother and her young son are hiding in the metro with multiple families and daily there are bombs falling above them. This is not normal, and this is not what I expected in the 21st century in the first year we regained some normality since Covid-19. People keep asking if I need anything or if I’m

Since the Russian invasion into my country I have not had a single good day, good night, or good morning. On the morning of the invasion, I was woken up with a voice message and text messages from my older sister who lives in Ukraine. I will never forget the way my heart stopped and my throat closed when I heard her say “it’s started, they’re bombing us”. okay and I feel so guilty because I’m here, I’m safe, my family are the ones suffering. My young cousins are the ones hiding in basements and bathtubs. I know I’ll wake up tomorrow morning, but do they? I do my best to help inform people and help in any way that I can, I attended multiple protests in Dublin including the one on Saturday 5th. It is so touching to see how many Irish people stand in unity with my Ukrainian people, my brothers and sisters and my nation. I believe that the Ukraine will win, it’s not a question of “if” its a question of “when”, and I invite you all to have the biggest sesh of your life once this is all over, and Ukraine once again has its’ beautiful blue sky.

”

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

Features · Gné-altanna

How Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is affecting our lives By Charlotte Lavin The Russia-Ukraine war entered another phase after Vladimir Putin decided to step up the invasion and “demilitarize” the Donetsk and Luhansk (known collectively as Donbas), and “recognize” the independence of the “separatist republics”. Running theories are that Putin is against the idea of Ukraine becoming part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and is trying to prevent that from happening. Analysts also talk about a potential dream to recover the Soviet Empire. Exactly why he launched his invasion last week is unclear, but some analysts mention the impact that two years of lockdown might have had on the mental state of the Russian president. According to a Kremlin statement after a phone call between French President Emmanuel Macron and his Russian counterpart Putin reiterated its condition for a potential resolution of the conflict: the “recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea, completion of the demilitarization of the country”, “denazification of the Ukrainian state and guarantee of its neutral status”. Right now, his most immediate plan is to encircle Kyiv and force it to surrender, sending a signal to the international community. First and foremost, we are facing a human rights crisis and a humanitarian crisis. So far over one million people have fled Ukraine,

mainly travelling to Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and Poland, and according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), one and a half million civilians are internally displaced within Ukraine. But the conflict will also affect the global order and will have major consequences on the world’s economy, slowing the Covid-19 recovery. On Thursday, financial markets reacted quickly to the news of the invasion and are still volatile. The price of oil rose (as of Wednesday, 3 March) to above $110 a barrel. The pressures on oil prices could have severe restrictions on global exports. The sanctions imposed by NATO will also impact Russia’s economic growth, but the will to isolate the country will have major repercussions on Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States. The war in Ukraine could mean lower profits from people in the West, causing turmoil in the banking sector all over the world. Russia is a major producer of commodities mainly oil and natural gas. Since the decline of Europe’s domestic gas production (dropping 9% between the years 2014 and 2015, according to the European Commission), dependance on Russia has increased. According to Eurostat, in 2019, “almost two-thirds of the extra-EU’s crude oil imports came from Russia” (27%), and about 10% of the oil supply globally. Roberta Metsola, President of the

European Parliament, has said Europe had to learn to stop its oil dependance on Russia. The surge in global prices is likely to damage living standards in some European countries. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced the suspension of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, a move that will likely impact European citizens. The consequences will be felt on the prices of raw materials and the banking system. Russia’s economic isolation after the exclusion of several banks from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) will harm Russian banks ‘ability to operate globally and will complicate the economy’s management. The costs might hit your home, your travel (especially air travel), or car prices. Russia also produces large quantities of metals, while Ukraine is the first producer of corn in the world. As of Tuesday night, wheat prices rose nearly 5%. As both Russia and Ukraine are global suppliers, prices are likely to further increase. Some media outlets will not be found in Europe following a decision announced by Ursula Von Der Leyen a media regulation move that does not fall within the competence of the EU. Another pressing question is whether the war might spill to other parts of Europe.

Features · Gné-altanna

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

To those that inspire — A Diary by Emma Ward On International Woman’s Day 2022, I took a moment to reflect on someone who inspires me: the amazing Chairperson of Minceir Whiden Society Anne Marie Ward. Anne Marie is currently the NUI Galway’s Student Union’s Ethnic Minorities Officer for (2021-2022) and the Minceir Whiden Society’s Chairperson (2021/2022), Minceirs Whiden Society gives us as students a safe place to come together, discuss our assignments and speak about the events that the society would like to host throughout the year. The reason I have chosen to take a look at Anne Marie is due to all the incredible things she has done and I believe she deserves some recognition for them. Anne Marie is the first Irish Traveller elected in NUI Galway’s Student Union and the first Irish Traveller Woman to be elected the Chairperson in the Minceir Whiden Society. I believe Anne Marie is a great role model for our community; she strives to build bridges within the University and is making a solid foundation for present Irish Travellers students and the future students. Anne Marie has a first-person experience with

the struggles and barriers that Irish travellers need to overcome to attend NUI Galway. Anne Marie is an early school leaver and completed the Access programme in 2013/2014; she is currently in her 3rd year of the BA Youth and Families which she is doing part-time. Another organization Anne Marie is a part of Glionder in Athenry. This group is a creative space for adults and youths. Glionder preforms street performances in Athenry and Galway County. Anne Marie’s daughters are both stilters and Glionder were in attendance for the opening ceremony of Irish Traveller Ethnicity Day 2022. Anne Marie was born and raised in Galway City; she’s the third out of eight children so there’s never a boring moment in her family. She completed primary school however she did not complete her education because at that time, it was normal for Irish Traveller children to just finish primary school. Anne Marie feels that her parents instilled a good work ethic in their children and alongside that, they gave her the tools of communicating with people and being true to her identity of being an Irish Traveller woman. Anne Marie feels very lucky that she is able to

Anne Marie Ward. Photo: NUI Galway Students’ Union. read and write, she remembers watching her father express frustration because of his lack of reading skills, her mother however read for both him and her children nightly. Anne Marie feels very fortunate in being able to return to education as a mature student through the Access Programme in NUI Galway. When asked advice Anne Marie would give the future students she said: ‘Do not panic when obstacles and barriers are placed in your way. You are going to meet some amazing people on your travels and bring a wealth of knowledge to those you engage with. You can do whatever you put your mind to.’

The role that media has in our lives How does media affect your day-to-day life if you were to break it down? By Charlotte Lavin From the alerts on our smartphone (already here when we open our eyes in the morning) to our Facebook or Twitter feeds (often the last things we check before going to bed), we don’t even need to buy the newspaper or own a TV to follow the news. But where does our news come from, and how biased is it? The media is a fascinating topic. A little history: the first Irish newspaper was published in 1685 under the name The News-Letter. Printed in Dublin, it consisted, according to the Dublin City Public Libraries, of a ‘half-sheet folio printed on both sides and ‘devoted to foreign affairs and political intelligence’. Oh, how the landscape of the media has changed since that time… Working in the industry, my day-to-day interaction with the press, TV and radio might be a bit different than yours. But it didn’t use to be. For example, for a long time, I did not want to get notifications on my phone, wanting to protect myself from an overflow of information.

I was following the advice of not being addicted to the news because the news is anxiety-inducing. I used to turn on the news on the radio in the morning for as long as it was taking me to prepare and eat breakfast. The radio was more of background noise than something I was really listening to. I used to read the news every other day, and not always in detail. I was drawn to the topics that held a personal interest and tended to disregard the other ones, a common mistake. I was catching up with the news a bit on the weekends with the Sunday papers, a family tradition. But those papers are expensive and getting them delivered to your door is not a very ‘millennial’ thing to do. I was wondering if you also watch the news more when you are with your family? Does the familiarity of the end-ofthe-day news program ring a bell? A few years back I familiarized myself with Herman and Chomsky’s book Manufacturing Consent. If you are interested in the topic of the media, I consider this book must-read. Have you noticed the graffiti in Galway? That’s from the book. Now, I read more independent media,

and I am more aware of the issue of press freedom. Maybe you’re more inclined towards a small, independent media outlet than a big one? Do you prefer turning to Reuters, the AFP or other news agencies for information on world events? Or do you have time to watch, listen or read both? Now imagine for a minute that your main source of information stopped being available to you: what would you do, and to which other one would you turn to? We quickly grow accustomed to our favourite TV reporter, a sympathetic voice in our ear, or the style of our go-to newspaper. I have also, for a long time, been suspicious of the news appearing on your Facebook feed. Know your sources, if I can allow myself to give you some piece of advice… Without preamble, I will say that podcasts are a fantastic way to stay informed on what exactly is going on: not just the new news but the in-depth explanations of that news. I love them. But anyway, now that I work in the media, the news is coming to me constantly and you know what? Sometimes you really just need to disconnect.

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

Features · Gné-altanna

Erasmus Diary By Roise Nic Dhonnagain Two Erasmus diaries in and I’ve realised that I’ve been a bit ‘woe is me’ as of late. As much as I love to remind people that it’s okay not to be okay as we deal with homesickness and stress and all the other hard parts of Erasmus, this week I’m back to highlight all the positives. People always talk about Erasmus as one of the best experiences a student can have – and I’m here to confirm that the rumours are indeed true. This past week I’ve been on my half term break (I am forever grateful to the French college system for the frequent holidays). I spent my week off in Nice with my parents and my brother. To anyone who has ever considered visiting Nice this is your sign. Between the sun, the sea, and the general good vibes, I think Nice may be my favourite place in France so far. Nice has all the things most other French cities have to offer; rentable bikes for exploring, bustling markets, and great food – I am still dreaming about a particularly delicious Lebanese restaurant we visited. After much debate I think my highlight of the trip can be summed up by my €9 charity shop haul of a new dress, trousers, and a vintage crop top – courtesy of the

plethora of second-hand shops avaiblabe in Nice’s old town. Being barrelled down by the waves in an attempt to swim along la Baie des Anges was definitely a close second though. Nice has a different feel to other French cities I’ve been to. Maybe it’s the proximity to the ocean and the Italian border but the city has much more laid back, Mediterranean vibes. Nice has a feels more approachable and friendly than other French cities I’ve visited in the past such as Paris and Bordeaux. Getting to travel around Europe is definitely one of the biggest advantages of Erasmus, as well as honing your packing skills down to a fine art. Maybe it’s the fact that Ireland is an island but before coming to France, Europe never felt as accessible to me as it does now. Every weekend opens up an opportunity not just to explore Europe but to explore France itself. Before coming to Avignon, I had never been to the South of France, let alone had the chance to travel around all its cities. This past Christmas I got to spend a weekend in Bruges in Belgium, visiting the Christmas markets and all the famous ‘In Bruges’ landmarks. This coming weekend I’ll be setting off to Milan to celebrate my birthday. If you had told me a year ago that this was what my life would be like, my online college isolated self would have laughed in your face. My Erasmus was just the thing I needed after a year spent inside to shake off the cobwebs and get excited about life again – it really does live up to the hype.

Nice has a different feel to other French cities I’ve been to. Maybe it’s the proximity to the ocean and the Italian border but the city has much more laid back, Mediterranean vibes.

”

G N I N N U R S TIME’ K C A B E K A T O U T: ER M M U S R YOU

ur Spend yo summer t on a J1 or a C a m p U SA

Opinion · Tuairim

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

Plant-based dining on campus: The future of food By Kevin Markey

are today, Homo Sapiens. This is one the arguments used by the beef lobby today to keep meat at the center of the western Michelin star chef Dan Barber of Blue Hill at Stone Barns in diet. Even going as far as to label some diets, Caveman or Paleo. New York wrote in his book The Third Plate that “in the rush to The Paleolithic era just so we’re clear, began roughly 2.5 million industrialize farming, we’ve lost the understanding, implicit years ago and the life expectancy was around 35 years old. Yes, since the beginning of agriculture, that food is a process, a web there were many outside factors like no modern medicine and of relationships, not an individual ingredient or commodity.” tigers with foot long teeth. But still I’m not jumping onto a For us to determine the best course of eating for the future trending diet where 25 was middle aged. we must first define food. Is a ‘Big Mac’ food? Are chips? Yes, Plant-based diets are the new rage. Schools all over the world they taste good and leave you feeling full, for a time, but how are beginning to take notice and in fact, Trinity College Dublin many nutrients do they contain? If any. What makes a cow a just voted to make their on-campus dining facility provide 75% societally acceptable food but not a horse? We eat mushrooms, of the options as ‘plant-forward’. As a chef prior to starting my a fungus, a decomposer, but turn our noses up at the thought masters I can tell you this makes menu development chalof eating crickets which contain 28 times more protein per lenging. Most dining facilities in schools and office buildings gram than beef. Different cultures have different definitions operate on a rotating schedule of 8, 10, or 12 weeks. Eventually of what food is. It is imperative that society choose now, how you are going to see a dish you already have. Remove meat to define sustenance in the future. from the dishes and the list becomes significantly shorter. By 2050 the world population is expected to surpass 9 Is a dictated percentage of plant versus meat dishes how billion people and by 2100 the temperature of the planet we really want to move forward? Do we need to be told what is expected to rise 1.5 degrees Celsius, only making floods we can and can’t eat or cook? Maybe, we do. and droughts more extreme. Producing enough food to feed I believe that the solution lies somewhere in the middle, as everyone is going to become an incredibly difficult task. Yet, it so often does. For instance, have an equal amount of meat there are clear actions that we can take now that will not only choices to vegetarian and vegan, simply make the meat on aid in the mitigation of climate change, but that will enable the plate a smaller portion. Instead of the 200 grams of meat our communities to adapt to the changes that are inevitable. that has become the norm, give portions of meat closer to 80 Within the food and agriculture realm, the single greatest grams. Increase the good grains like quinoa and sorghum that step we can take is to eat less meat. Not stop eating meat. Not are protein rich and get creative with the vegetables. become a lettuce eating rabbit. Simply consume less meat It is possible for western culture to eat less meat. Which than we do now. will reduce greenhouse gas emission. If we start talking about Originally, humanoids were not omnivores. Before the dis- removing meat from everyone’s diet, the backlash will be covery of fire, our ancestors were mostly foragers. Eating nuts swift. Instead of following in Trinity’s footsteps, NUI Galway and berries and anything we could find to survive. It wasn’t can step away from the trend and develop a plan for our until fire that we were able to cook and eat meat. Which is dining services that allows for creativity of dishes, edible widely considered one of the leading causes for the growth of freedom, and makes a measurable difference in the fight our brains and the eventual evolution into the humanoid we against climate change.

SUSTAINABILITY

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

Opinion · Tuairim

Why you should participate in clean walks and beach cleans

Photo: Clean Coasts Facebook Page

By Toinon Fletcher

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One of the major environmental issues of our generation is waste, plastic pollution. These days, it is incredibly hard to find a beach empty of any kinds of plastic bottles, or fish lines and nets. Our impact is clearly visible, the ocean currents bring waste together in what we now call plastic continents, for how big these clusters are. The impacts of this are the accumulation of microplastics in the waters, and in our own foods; you might also have seen one of those viral videos of turtles entangled in fishnets or another plastic product. Biodiversity on Earth is severely affected. While all of this remains a challenging issue, one way to act on our individual level as students can be to take part in clean-ups. You might have seen people collecting litter on the beach or heard about it on social media. But what exactly are Clean walks and Beach Cleans ? If you are concerned about your carbon footprint and the overall influence of your consumption and of the one of others on the environment, going to clean-ups should be on your to-do list. The concept is to regroup and help take up the litter and direct it to the sorting litter system to be taken care of and properly discarded. You might be asking yourself if it is even worth it. This issue should be treated at the source, we shouldn’t have to clean up this trash in the first place. However, it is actually more than just getting your hands dirty and putting in the effort. These reunions are an amazing way to witness environmental issues first hand. Filling trash bag after trash bag is a reality check that will leave everyone questioning about issues of sustainability. Seeing the trash collected might convince people to try and reduce their waste, and actually helping clea- up is a great way to be involved locally, helping the environment and biodiversity here in Galway. What is really important about collecting litter, no matter the amount collected, is raising awareness on plastic pollution and learning about the ocean and life in the sea. For beach cleans like the ones organised by the Galway Aquarium Atlantaquaria, it is an amazing mean to educate people. Their method is to clean, and record traces of biodiversity by collecting shark egg pockets (or Mermaid’s purses) or respectfully inspecting the rock pools. You will be accompanied by an expert, and will surely learn much about all the amazing life there is right there on Irish coasts. This can lead you to help as a citizen scientist and recording your own sightings to the National Biodiversity Data centre. t le Cárta The Aquarium organises these with the help of Clean Coasts, scin C iri an organisation that protects beaches and marine life. They offer a free kit to perform a 2 min beach clean that can be OFFER SU CARD useful if you are not able to take part in the group ones. Other ir C i s c in NGOs, like Curi Ocean, organise a meetup every month int le Cárta collaboration with the marine society here in NUI Galway. The Student Society also organises monthly walks, and it’s always a great way to meet others in a shared effort. I encourage you nt le Cárta sci C to follow all of these on social media to be informed of r i the next clean-up. SU CARD On a personal level, this may help with eco-anxiety by taking a good action, and meeting with such a community is also a ri C sc int le Cárta reward in itself.

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Opinion · Tuairim

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

What does it mean to help the Ukrainian people? By Roisin Kerrigan Showing support to Ukraine in their hour of need is something that we all should hope to achieve, even if there is not much we can do for them at the moment other than donate to foundations helping Ukrainian refugees and those still left in the country fighting. Donating supplies such as clothes, hygiene products, blankets, high nutrition food, first aid equipment and whatever funds you can spare should be given to the appropriate organisations; there may even be some collecting sites in your town providing for refugees entering Ireland. One thing that I believe will not help Ukrainians in their time of crisis is pouring Russian Vodka down the drain, as may bars across the globe have chosen to do so. There is no point, either you have already bought the vodka and choose to pour it out, or you

have gone to the supermarket with the intention to buy this Russian vodka and let the kitchen sink go bottoms up. So, can someone tell me where there is any sense in that? Why buy a product that will profit Russian businesses, a company that will have to pay taxes to Putin’s invading crazed government? If you have bought your Russian vodka before the Ukrainian crisis, what is the idea behind pouring it out? It’s not going to benefit anyone, you may as well enjoy it, add some cranberry juice and you’ll be set for your drinks, just don’t re-buy. Let’s also talk about the banning of Russian Sports teams from competitions, I don’t believe that it’s fair to the hard-working athletes who have worked their entire lives to have it snatched away all because of a war that they couldn’t and didn’t agree to. They are not in control of their government: it is not the Russian people’s fault. Their citizens and the actions of Putin’s Government, in my eyes, should and must be separated; and of course, Russian athletes are to be included in that. The Russian athletes who have recently been

dropped from the Beijing Paralympics have been unfairly discriminated against solely off the actions of their nation, it is not under their control. However, sporting events to be held in Russia should be cancelled or postponed in search of a new location, these events will only bring in a cash revenue to Russia that they shouldn’t get, as it will only fuel the government fund. One last thing, the lighting up of buildings in Ukraine’s beautiful blue and yellow colours. In all honesty, this is unfortunately not going to help anyone, it doesn’t actually do anything other than show some Ukrainian people that those surrounding them sympathise and support them in this terrible time. A time in which the world has seen so many be slaughtered for no reason other than the utter cruelty and insanity that is Vladmir Putin. The glowing blue and yellow lights that are cast across buildings such as in our own NUI Galway, while intended to be a stunning support of Ukraine, is in no way helpful to those who truly need help escaping intruding troops or those fighting for their country.

Image: Just Click's With A Camera on Flickr

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

Opinion · Tuairim

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Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

Set on a dark lit sunken stage, Portia Coughlan is a play that lurks in the back of your mind for days after. Portia Coughlan follows the story of Offaly woman, Portia (Denise Gough), on her thirtieth birthday. Although she is married with two kids, she is haunted by the death of her twin brother Gabriel. Written by Marina Carr, this play first hit the stage in 1996 where it was directed by Garry Hynes. This magnificent revival, now directed by Caroline Byrne, still takes place in the nineties yet manages to keep itself relevant to an audience in 2022. The play sets the mood from the beginning with Portia clearly an alcoholic with a fatalistic view on life that persists throughout the play. Although, the play makes sure to break the tension at several points with comedy from characters like Maggie May (Anna Healy) and her partner Senchíl (Gary Murphy). The set for this play engages the audience straight away, with descending stairs and cold bog-like surfaces acting as the Coughlan kitchen. A trough of water acts as the river that haunts Portia’s family which further engrosses the audience in the world of the play. Denise Gough delivers a terrific performance. Although her take on the midlands accent comes off a bit rocky as first, once the play catches its stride she settles more naturally into the accent. Anna Healy and Derbhle Crotty (who played Portia in the 1996 screening) also deliver powerful performances as this play delves into themes of family, motherhood, and fate. If you are looking for a fun and easy night out this play may not be the right choice as it deals with dark issues like incest and suicide. That being said, the heart touching moments in this play also stand out a mile. Senchíl offered moments of sincerity in the play that was refreshing against the darkness of it all. The structure of this play also serves as a reminder of its themes with Portia’s fate being revealed to us at the end of the first act and showing us that the fate of this family was always inevitable. Be sure to catch this play in the Abbey Theatre in Dublin before it finishes on the 16 March as it is something you will not want to miss.

BRAIN WEEK 14/03/22 - 16/03/22 For more information contact su.disability@oegaillimh.ie NUIGalwayStudentsUnion www.su.nuigalway.ie

@nuigsu

Arts & Fashion · Cultúr 7 Faisean

German Translation Competition

Translation of German Rap Lyrics: Käptn Peng & DieTentakel von Delphi “MC HomoSapiensSapiens” Translation by Editha Rödel It’s not easy to understand me Learned to walk but I came from the sea I started hearing, seeing, and finally grasped How to draw and write and count what lasts Walked on the moon and built flying machines Swallowed whole forests and cloned a sheep ’Cause this brain I possess is able to process Vast amounts of data in the middle of this mess But still the ape I am wants to engrave its name In 6000 languages into the face of this land I was created as the boss Split atoms and beheaded god I am the top of the food chain, the genius is me I win every battle, mother earth is a whack MC I am the final mutant, thinking´s outdated While my semi-conductors are celebrated

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

NUI GALWAY DISCIPLINE OF GERMAN

Käptn Peng & Die Tentakel von Delphi Übersetzer:innen gesucht! "MC HomoSapiensSapiens"* We are looking for students who

Es ist nicht einfach, mich zu verstehen

want to try their hand at literary translation from German into

Ich kam aus dem Meer und lernte zu gehen

English.

Deadline: 1 March 2022

Ich begann zu greifen, zu hören und zu sehen

All submissions will be judged by a team of professional

Ich lernte das Zeichnen, das Schreiben, das Zählen

translators, poets and literary scholars.

Baute fliegende Maschinen und betrat den Mond Ich habe Wälder gefressen, ich hab' ein Schaf geklont

The winning translation will be published in the university

Denn ich habe ein Gehirn, um Milliarden von Daten

newspaper and awarded a cash prize!

In Nanosekunden in diesen Primaten zu laden,

Your Source Text:

Den ich bewohne, um nun in über 6000 Sprachen

The first two verses and chorus of

Seinen Namen mit Fanfaren in die Erde zu "MC graben HomoSapiensSapiens" by

What our judges are looking for:

Ich bin das Boss-Geschöpf

hip-hop artists Käptn Peng & Die Tentakel von Delphi.

"Texts that stay true to the content of the

I am a genius, but blind A million years old, but still a child I am the crown of creation But slowly working on my own deletion

Ich hab' Atome gespalten, ich habe Gott geköpft source without sacrificing readability, and that find creative solutions for lyrics that

Queries and Submissions to:

Ich bin die Endlösung der Nahrungskette, ich bin ein Genie

jakob.summerer@nuigalway.ie

can't be translated directly."

Ich gewinne jedes Battle, Mutter Erde ist ein whack MC "I'm excited to see how submissions will not

I invented quiz shows, the genocide of the Maya Created Teleshopping and the Greek Drama Cinnamon rolls, vaccines and euthanasia Napalm, Tamagotchi, my fantasy has no borders I discovered the bosom, the atom, the genome I created religion, electricity, the pogrom Evolution’s intelligence is manifested in me Even the greatest animal bends its knee I took a bite from the apple of knowledge And then shat skyscrapers into the desert Which I created from the blood of my own kind I love every religion that is based on sacrifice I am the first beast to wonder what it is Questioning my purpose, my future, my use I am the most curious ape of all time That’s the most humble description of my genius

Ich bin der letzte Mutant

Deutscher Akademischer

the rhythms and rhymes of the original song."

Austauschdienst (DAAD)

Und brauche nicht mehr denken, weil ich Halbleiter erfand

Käptn Peng & Die Tentakel von Delphi "MC HomoSapiensSapiens"* Ich bin hochbegabt, aber blind

Es ist nicht einfach, mich zu verstehen

Millionen Jahre alt, aber immer noch ein Kind

Ich kam aus dem Meer und lernte zu gehen Ich begann zu greifen, zu hören und zu sehen

Ich bin die Krone der Schöpfung

Ich lernte das Zeichnen, das Schreiben, das Zählen Baute fliegende Maschinen und betrat den Mond

Und arbeite langsam an meiner eigenen Löschung

Ich habe Wälder gefressen, ich hab' ein Schaf geklont Denn ich habe ein Gehirn, um Milliarden von Daten In Nanosekunden in diesen Primaten zu laden, ich bewohne, um nun in über 6000 Sprachen IchDen erfand die Quizshow und den Genozid der Indianer Seinen Namen mit Fanfaren in die Erde zu graben Ich bin das Boss-Geschöpf Teleshopping und das griechische Drama Ich hab' Atome gespalten, ich habe Gott geköpft

Zimtschnecken, Impfstoffe, Euthanasie,

Ich bin die Endlösung der Nahrungskette, ich bin ein Genie Ich gewinne jedes Battle, Mutter Erde ist ein whack MC Ich bin der letzte Mutant Napalm, Tamagotchi, ich hab soviel Fantasie

Our judges’ feedback:

Und brauche nicht mehr denken, weil ich Halbleiter erfand

Ich fand das Boson, das Atom, das Genom Ich bin hochbegabt, aber blind

IchMillionen erschuf die Religion, das immer Pogromnoch und ein denKind Strom Jahre alt, aber

‘We believe this entrant did very well to spot instances where a direct translation wouldn’t work. They managed to circumvent these challenges effectively without losing the original meaning, at times employing some especially creative solutions. They were not afraid to reorganise the text slightly in order to preserve the rhyme scheme, such as swapping the order of words. We were also pleased to see the frequent use of idiomatic language, which made the translation read very naturally.’

Sponsored by:

just translate word by word, but also emulate

Ich bin die Krone der Schöpfung

Die Intelligenz der Evolution hat sich in mir manifestiert Und arbeite langsam an meiner eigenen Löschung Noch das allergrößte Tier hat vor mir kapituliert

Ich erfand die Quizshow und den Genozid der Indianer Teleshopping und das griechische Drama

Habe in den Apfel der Erkenntnis gebissen Zimtschnecken, Impfstoffe, Euthanasie,

Napalm, Tamagotchi, ich hab soviel Fantasie

Und danach Wolkenkratzer in die Wüste geschissen, Ich fand das Boson, das Atom, das Genom

Ich erschuf die Religion, das Pogrom und den Strom

Die ich erschuf mit dem Blut meiner eigenen Brut

Die Intelligenz der Evolution hat sich in mir manifestiert Noch das allergrößte Tier hat vor mir kapituliert

Ich liebe jede Religion, die auf Opfer beruht

Habe in den Apfel der Erkenntnis gebissen

Ich bin das erste Tier, das sich fragt, was es ist,

Und danach Wolkenkratzer in die Wüste geschissen, Die ich erschuf mit dem Blut meiner eigenen Brut Ich liebe jede Religion, die auf Opfer beruht Was es soll, was es wird, wie es geht, was es nützt Ich bin das erste Tier, das sich fragt, was es ist,

Der neugierigste Affe aller Zeiten

Was es soll, was es wird, wie es geht, was es nützt Der neugierigste Affe aller Zeiten

Ist die bescheidenste Art, um mein Genie zu beschreiben

BRAIN WEEK SEACHTAIN INCHINNE

Book FR EE Tickets on Eventbrit e

Monday 14th March Dé Luain 14 Márta

1pm How the Disability Support Service can best Support Someone with a Neurological Condition (Online) 6pm Epilepsy Ireland Seizure Training (Online + In Person)

Tuesday 15th March Dé Máirt 15 Márta

6pm Bipolar Disorder Talk with Liam Gildea (Online)

Wednesday 16th March Dé Céadaoin 16 Márta

6pm Addiction Talk with Patrick Dooley (Online)

For more information contact su.disability@oegaillimh.ie NUIGalwayStudentsUnion www.su.nuigalway.ie

@nuigsu

14/03/22 - 16/03/22

Arts & Fashion · Cultúr 7 Faisean

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

The Duke review —I am you, and you are me By Tom Molloy

£140,000 of the taxpayer’s money on the eponymous Goya painting. The absolute Sometimes it feels like the common man brass neck of it. doesn’t get a fair crack of the whip. HowThere are some very good things about ever true that might be these days, it was this film that are worth pointing out. It has most definitely the case in the 1960s when to be lauded for managing to be very, well, Newcastle native Kempton Bunton con- British. The Brits love this kind of fare and, fessed to stealing Francisco Goya’s Portrait whether you like it or not, it takes preciof the Duke of Wellington from the National sion engineering to make that happen to Gallery in London. this extent. Michell captures that period Bunton’s story is one of the underdog of history in northern England perfectly. variety and is excellently brought to life The sixties before it started swinging. The by the late Roger Michell (Notting Hill). purgatory between the Germans invading The wonderful Jim Broadbent portrays Europe and British popstars invading Bunton, one of these perpetual victim America. types. Whether or not you agree him is a Bunton gets the audience he had question of politics, or class. always craved when he goes from soapBunton’s gripe this time is with the box to witness box. Even his upper-class Home Office. Why should OAPs pay for barrister is charmed by his everyman a television license? Especially if they’re persona and quick wit. At one point he Bunton explains his socialist philosophy, war veterans or widows, and especially if exclaims to a packed courtroom at the “people are all just single bricks, but put they’ve pulled out the piece of the telly Old Bailey, “I wasn’t named for [Kempton] them together and you make a house”. that allows it to receive the BBC. While Racecourse, although it’s quite possible I “I am you, and you are me”. Even if you Bunton is content to watch ITV and was conceived there”. view Bunton as a bone-idle loudmouthed constantly complain to his long-sufferThe story of The Duke is a brilliant one. nuisance, his philosophy still isn’t a bad ing wife (Helen Mirren), the bourgeoise It keeps the viewer engaged before end- one to live your life by. At the end of the down in London have decided to spend ing on a sentimental note as the idealist day, all anybody wants is a fair shot.

Styled by New Girl By Róisín Kerrigan If you have watched the hit show New Girl I am sure that you will have noticed the vibrant style choices made by the wardrobe department for its lead character, Jessica Day, played by Zoey Deschanel. However, the wardrobe department did not have their work cut out for them in the creative

Zoey Deschanel is a woman who marches to the beat of her own drum when it comes to her wardrobe and unapologetic personality. process. I have a sneaking suspicion that they simply robbed Zoey Deschanel’s closet. She is a woman who marches to the beat of her own drum when it comes to her wardrobe and unapologetic personality. If you have ever seen paparazzi photos of Ms. Deschanel on the red carpet, or even in her everyday life, you will notice that her attire has a striking resemblance to that of her character Jessica day. This sweet and innocent dress sense emphasizes her feminine looks allowing her to express her unabashed femininity. The wardrobe department on the show New Girl created a distinguishable style for their leading lady, giving her sweetheart necklines and A-Line mini dresses galore, which brings into focus the charming personality of the character. These adorable dresses show you the character’s personality before she ever speaks a single line. The old timey outfits display the quirkiness of Jessica Day. Both the actress and the character seem to derive confidence from their unique clothes as they allow them to find comfort in the world around them by being different and leaning

”

into the feminine beauty of the A-line style mini dresses and adorable kitten heels. Speaking of these heels, they are brilliant. They give Deschanel’s character a little lift in her daily life. Deschanel is a woman who is short in stature, so the heels bring her eye to eye with the majority of the other characters in the show. This lack of any major height difference eliminated any hint of an emotional power dynamic between the characters in this show, making the character of Jessica Day a dominant player in her own life and those of her three roommates. The overall cutesy and retro style explored by this character is one that goes against fast fashion. She speaks about where she buys her statement pieces for her closet, like the prized bags that she buys in flea markets for a nickel. This show encourages a retro and sustainable style that can be easily achieved. The wardrobe department did justice to both the actress and the character in creating the closet of Jessica Day, making it one in which the actress can be comfortable portraying the adorkable, and old-fashioned character of Jessica Day.

Arts & Fashion · Cultúr 7 Faisean

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

Galway Sustainability Project has been shortlisted in the AONTAS STAR Awards By Saoirse Higgins

Arts & Fashion Editor A sustainability project based in Athenry has been shortlisted for an AONTAS STAR Award in the ‘Sustainable Development through Education’ Category. The initiative, named A Giant Leap, is run by the Amicitia Social Enterprise in Athenry and they are creating an exhibition on future worlds through the material of plastic. Their exhibition pieces are designed in collaboration with participants, which involves community members in the creative process, raises questions about sustainability and encourages participants to think about a long-term future that is sustainable. AONTAS is the National Adult Learning Organisation in Ireland. The STAR Awards are an awards initiative produced by AONTAS in the aim to recognise and celebrate the work undertaken by adult learning initiatives throughout Ireland. CEO of AONTAS, Dr Niamh O’Reilly said, “The STAR Awards are an excellent

opportunity to celebrate the positive contribution that adult learning initiatives make to individual adult learners, local communities, and the Irish public. The focus this year is on the wider benefits of learning for development of a collective sense of belonging, equality, wellbeing, and growth. This is really reflected across the shortlist this year, and AONTAS is delighted to have such wonderful initiatives shortlisted for the STAR Awards.” Judging of the STAR Awards comprises two stages: In the first stage, nominated projects are shortlisted by an independent judging panel, whose membership is drawn from the education, business and technology sectors. The second stage gives staff and learners from the shortlisted projects the opportunity to meet with the judging panel online before they make their final decision. STAR Award winners will be announced during the week of the AONTAS Adult Learners’ Festival (7th-11th March 2022) and a celebratory event will also take place to acknowledge the incredible achievements of all of the groups involved.

MC of the STAR Awards Colm O’ Regan

Health & Lifestyle · Folláine 7 Nós Maireachtála

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

Edinburgh, Scotland: 9 things to see and do By Charlotte Lavin From its’ castles and tall buildings of stones to its hills and volcano, Edinburgh is a theatrical and dark city. It is home to institutions such as the Scottish Parliament and the Holyrood Palace. For a place so filled with history and culture, a weekend is not enough to grasp its energy fully. A few tips on what to visit will help you make the most of the time you have there. I read that while we usually loved cities for the attractions that they offered, some were attractions in themselves. That applies to the Scottish capital. With a near-endless list of restaurants and museums, the city still has the lead role in the story.

Places to eat

• Nobles Bar & Restaurant in Leith offers a large quantity of whisky and a vast choice of local beers. The food, served by a friendly and professional staff, is fresh and cooked with products from the nearby sea. It is a perfect place for a Sunday brunch in a maritime atmosphere. • L’Escargot Bleu is a cosy restaurant that serves French cuisine made from Scottish products. An additional benefit is that it is in Broughton Street. A haven of independent cafes, boutiques, and bookstores. Photos by Charlotte Lavin

Center of intellectual activity, as you quickly see from the Scott Monument on the main street and the two museums neighbouring it, Edinburgh has for a long time been a military stronghold (“Burgh” is an old English word meaning fort). Edinburgh was also a home to a community of Dominican and Augustinian Friars during the Medieval period. For good luck, you can rub the nose of Greyfriars Bobby, the statue of the Sky terrier near Haymarket, symbol of fidelity and national emblem. Edinburgh became known for its wool in the 14th century. You can visit the Tartan Weaving Mill and Exhibition on Castlestreet to learn more about the history of the emblematic pattern. You can also browse through the diverse collection of kilts, tartan cloth, jumpers, and other products from Scotland. Walking down from Castlestreet, you will soon find yourself on the Royal Mile in the Old Town, one of the busiest streets in town during the Fringe Festival. A street with a fascinating history, its 12 or 14 stories tall buildings were built in the 17th century to accommodate a rapidly growing population. While the Old Town is rich with history, the New Town that is found between Princes Street and the Botanical Gardens, built in stages from the 18th century onwards, is a sumptuous site of Georgian architecture. Both Old Town and New Town were named UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

Perfect pubs for a night out

• The Guildford Arms is great for its gorgeous interior, the proximity to Princes Street, its live music, some evenings, and typical food. • Brewdog is famous for its beers and board games, as well as for its location, in busy Cowgate.

Cafes to visit

• Artisan Roast is a chain of cafes that are a must visit. There are several in Edinburgh, all located in interesting streets. • The Milkman is the home of some of my loveliest memories. You will have to go there early because it is a small place that fills up quickly, but you will not regret it.

Three fun things to do

• Go for a walk on Arthur’s Seat. • Visit Wild West Cowboy Street in Morningside. • Go for a screening at the Cameo Picture house, an independent cinema.

This is only a small list of ideas, and one of the best things you can do in Edinburgh is to put your shoes on and get lost among its spires and cobbles.

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

Health & Lifestyle · Folláine 7 Nós Maireachtála

Sustainability: Buying used furniture By Anastasia Burton Sustainability has now spread from buying second-hand clothes and accessories to buying second-hand furniture and decor. Buying brand new pieces of furniture always has that bit of excitement because you are its first owner, but with second-hand furniture there is history. As a self-proclaimed environmentalist and second-hand queen let me give you some tips and tricks for buying second-hand furniture and what you can do to restore it or personalise it if needed.

Where are you purchasing your piece?

This step is especially important, for example when you buy from the Facebook marketplace you need to be able to organise to view the piece or request pictures and videos to assess the condition of it. If you are buying from a second-hand store, you can be a little surer that the pieces are in pristine condition. If you find furniture out on the street that caught your eye, be very mindful of its sanitary conditions and whether it is broken or rotten. The place where you buy your second-hand furniture really matters as it determines the life span of your piece and the amount of restoration work it will need to perform well.

What is your vision?

If you are not careful you can become addicted to picking up every stray piece of furniture you find which can become

a problem if you are in a rented property with a lack of open space. Before purchasing furniture or taking it home, assess its necessity for your interior and your home. Remember, sustainability is about only purchasing what you need and avoiding overbuying. Buying things second hand that is a lot cheaper than brand new pieces, can be addictive and can be the total opposite to sustainable unless you decide to start reselling the pieces you salvage.

Play Doctor before you take it home

Check the piece multiple times in store before you take it home make sure it is not damaged beyond repair as some pieces can seem stable but once you move them around a bit you notice that a foot is loose or chipped etc. Note all damages and see if you have the materials to fix the piece at home or if you can buy them easily in store for a low price. Usually, the biggest changes you need to make is to apply polish if it is a wooden piece, or paint to cover any colour chips or if you simply want to add a funky design to the piece you purchased.

Don’t bite off more than you can chew

Some pieces require some major redesigning and fixtures which may end up more expensive than the piece and, in the end, if not done correctly it can completely ruin the piece. If this is your first time buying

or taking home second-hand furniture, make sure it’s only the minor deformities you take on. Like chipped paint, loose screws and small shows of personality that you want to work around easily and get into the swing of upcycling. Also remember, you can always sell pieces to others who are looking to reduce

Note all damages and see if you have the materials to fix the piece at home or if you can buy them easily in store for a low price.Usually, the biggest changes you need to make is to apply polish if it is a wooden piece, or paint to cover any colour chips. their spending and hoping to be more sustainable. Most people get addicted to thrifting and saving pieces that come their way, so a good way to make it a hobby without falling out with sustainability is to sell the pieces that don’t suit your interior to others or gift them to friends as special gifts.

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Health & Lifestyle · Folláine 7 Nós Maireachtála

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

Three ways to cope with current affairs By Róise Nic Dhonnagáin

“

I’m sitting at a table with a group of friends. We’re all having a good time, laughing, and chatting. Someone brings up a current news story – war, climate change, political acrimony – whatever terrifying event that’s making headlines. And every time without fail, I freeze. I can feel the anxiety pulsing through me as I try to nod along. Eventually, after everyone has had their say and mutually decided how scary whatever is going in the world is, they move on. But I’ll stay there, still frozen at that moment. Still paralyzed with fear as my brain searches for a solution for a situation that’s, let’s be real here, I cannot possibly fix myself. The past few years the news has felt particularly daunting. In the age of

Every day, at every moment we are exposed to a new story, the latest update in a terrifying saga that never seems to end.

social media, it’s nearly impossible to be uninformed. Every day, at every moment we are exposed to a new story, the latest update in a terrifying saga that never seems to end. I, for one, am a definite catastrophe. Many of us feel the need to endlessly doom scroll, hoping that keeping ourselves informed will help to navigate through the uncertainty. If current affairs have left you feeling a similar way, consider this article a lifeline, a compilation of the top things I’ve found helpful in trying to cope with these trying times.

Reach out to likeminded people. Finding someone to share your anxieties with really can make all the difference. There’s something comforting about having someone admit that they too are scared, that they feel helpless, that they haven’t a clue what to do. The barrage of Instagram infographics can often be daunting, making it feel like everyone else has risen to the occasion and is out there doing their bit. Sometimes all you really need is someone else to reach out and hold your hand as you try to navigate the uncertainty together.

Find a cause to support I truly believe that everyone can make a difference with their actions - no matter how small they may seem. There are so many different ways you can help, whether that be attending protests, raising money, or donating supplies. As people in a privileged position, we often forget that even seemingly small actions can affect others in major ways.

Step away from the internet Often in times of crisis, my gut response is to ingest brain melting amount of information, as I feel that being informed gives me some semblance of control over the situation. During the 2020 presidential election, my Spotify wrapped up 2577 minutes (about 2 days) worth of the New York Times news podcast the Daily –42 hours in total. This kind of information binge usually just intensifies the anxiety, so I encourage you instead to put the phone down and focus on things that actually make you feel better – whether that be journaling, exercises or some external self-care.

Spotify: Added to Liked Songs By Rachel Garvey Imagine taking a walk around your local area, earphones in and letting the world function around you as how it normally would, but a movement from the corner of your eye catches your attention briefly. You turn and catch a glimpse of a person using a brush as a stand-up microphone and they’re mouthing the words to a song you can’t hear from the other side of the glass window. I am that person and I have no shame in it, but it’s safe to say that my cleaning doesn’t get done as quick as I’d like it to be done, but the songs I have on my Spotify are just too good to not dance or lip-sync to. Sharing is caring, my fellow sinners; skip along here to my playlist that I pay for every month because I’d rather have control over what I listen to as opposed to not being able to skip or pick a specific song.

Rock N Clean I do be head-banging away to this song when I’m cleaning my house; on a quick sidenote, people always find it so humorous how I say “I do be”, do you say it? Oh! My bad, the song! Please give a generous search to Avril Lavigne Rock n Roll. It is such an epic song

with lyrics that’ll make you feel like grabbing your sweeping brush or mop and using it as an electric guitar. However, Queen’s song Another One Bites The Dust is a true classic and has steadily climbed my list of “Top Favourite Songs to Listen to When I Clean!”. Cleaning down the countertops and shelves from dirt and dust; how fitting is that?

Jealousy in the mirror High heels on, a lovely outfit fitted on to my curves and my eye is wide open up against the mirror as I’m carefully applying eye-liner and all you can hear from my phone is Olivia Rodrigo’s hit Jealousy, Jealousy. It may not sound like the most fitting song to getting ready for a night out, but everyone has their vices and this is mine. Growing up through my teens and even now in my twenties, I’m not the most confident and I’ve acquired the title of “Master of Putting Herself Down”, but that’s a mindset I need to ween myself out of with time and patience. There’s also the tendency to shout the lyrics, just like Olivia does of “All I see, is what I should be…. Happier, Prettier, Jealousy, Jealousy”. It’s rather entertaining and it makes me smile at myself.

Own Those Streets If you’re like me with a love for dramatic songs and soundtracks, then you simply must add 2WEI’s Toxic to your playlist! Their version of Britney Spears’ top hit is a revelation. I seem to have a song for everything, but this particular song is one for when you’re walking to work or just out for a walk in general; it will make you feel powerful and so many other emotions that you didn’t think existed.

Can I have your number? I play this in work, at home, everywhere! One simply must have Blondie’s Call Me. After experiencing how fitting the soundtrack was in Bride of Chucky and The Conjuring 3: The Devil Made Me Do It, I fell in love with the song rather quickly. Love at first listen. Sigh! It’s quite comical when I play it at work when I’m working in the same department as my boyfriend in work; we always make those “call me” gestures with our hands up to our ears as we sing it to one another. As I tell him jokingly, I’d be insulted if he didn’t have my number after half a year!

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

Health & Lifestyle · Folláine 7 Nós Maireachtála

VEGAN CORNER: interview with the ‘Fussy Vegan in Galway’ By Ewelina Szybinska

Health & Lifestyle Editor I present to you your new home for inspiration. The Fussy Vegan in Galway Instagram account run by Claire O’Connor is a great mix of all things vegan. When you’re looking for a new food place to try, you hope the food will delight your taste buds

always saying how he can’t understand how a whole chicken can be around five euros, but then vegan chicken dippers can be way more expensive. But I mean, you’ve seeds, nuts, pulses, grains. They’ve never been cheap. Do any of your followers reach out to you for any advice? Yeah, I’ve had a few people, actually. In December, a lady reached out to me from America to say that her son was coming over to do a term in Galway and he was vegan. I put together a little scrapbook of easy recipes for him. So that was nice. We’re still in touch and I have quite a few people from around the country saying “We’re coming up the weekend, where should we go? Where should we eat? “it’s nice for people to reach out. And if you were to give one piece of advice to somebody who is new to veganism, what would it be? I think the main thing is not to be hard on yourself. People expect it to happen overnight, and they expect to become perfect vegans. It’s not like that. You have to take it at your own pace. I mean, if you’re used to having meat every day, it’s very hard to go from that to being vegan. You may suffer headaches and you might not feel the best. Take it at your own pace, and if you do have a slip-up, don’t be harder on yourself. Just take it at your own pace and I’m always around if you want to ask for any advice or any information or anything.

and remain nutritious at the same time. The page is definitely worth exploring. Tell me a little bit about yourself I became a vegetarian when I was 14. My grandad had a farm growing up, so I’ve always loved animals. About seven years ago I was introduced to the horrors of the dairy and the egg industry. So, from that minute on, I became vegan as well.

St. Patricks Day SPE C IALS

What is your Instagram account about? To be honest, at the minute it’s really just somewhere for me to photo dump. It’s mainly vegan takeaways, vegan recipes and vegan products I’m trying to review. So, I suppose it’s really been set up just to let people know how easy it is to become vegan. I mean, when I first tried eight years ago, it was very, very hard. There was nowhere at all that was vegan. It was all vegetarian and quite a few people got mixed up between veganism and gluten-free. There are quite a few products on the market now compared to others. What vegan places have you visited that are worth checking out? I have to say my favourite restaurant will have to be Greens & Co. on Henry Street. It’s absolutely fantastic. It’s just it’s 100% vegan. So, there’s no risk of cross-contamination or wondering or “is that real cheese?” The staff are fantastic, and they’re also accommodating.

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What would be your go-to meal? I have to say I love their vegan fry. They make a lovely scrambled egg made from Whole Foods. Delicious. They make their own handmade sausages from scratch too! The Gourmet Offensive on Mary Street is fantastic too! When you’re comparing prices, would you say that trying to go vegan is more expensive? It is, I think everything. If you go for the meat alternatives, a few of those are quite expensive. My partner is just a vegetarian. He’s

ST PATRICK’S 110cals VEGAN SMOOTHIE

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Health & Lifestyle · Folláine 7 Nós Maireachtála

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

Swipe right for disappointment: not EX-actly what I want By Rachel Garvey Swiping right. New match. The app urges to say “hello” and that “hey is for horses”. The decision to swipe right. The new match is waiting for a reply that never comes. The temptation to un-match and try again next time. Perhaps it’s the fizzled-out conversations that are put in their graves before they’re even dug or the endless number of matches that a reply hasn’t come from on either end. We often ask, “What is the point of this?”. We proceed to delete the app, install it after a few days of battling with our dating demons and then install it again; an endless loop we refuse to exit ourselves from. I’ve been there. I’ve done that and I will be forever grateful that I’m not stuck in that endless loop now. I’ve been burnt out before from the gym and work, but this a whole different burnout on so many levels; not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. You feel so negative about yourself; wondering if prince charming is out there in his fancy car or with a slice of land, but I hate to break it to you; you may need to stop putting tremendous amounts of effort into looking. The one will come to find you when it’s time, believe me, it actually can happen!

I used to spend so much time perfecting my bio, making sure I had all the things that would catch the right guy’s eye. I even threw in a joke at the end and a lot of people loved that, but it never got me anywhere. It didn’t matter how nice my pictures looked or how active I was at replying to people, but nothing ever seemed to be enough, especially when the majority of the time it was a one-sided conversation. Your back would often hurt from carrying that conversation, don’t put yourself through that, it’s not worth it! Fizzled out conversations is one thing, but how about those matches who are looking for the exact opposite of what you’re looking for. I remember my bio saying that I was looking for something serious and there were times that I got a new match followed by a very quick first message of them saying “Sorry,

swiped right by accident, not looking for anything serious, good luck!”. Your eye twitches in that moment and you try not to grind your teeth, but the face you’re making would be one that you’d laugh at later to make yourself feel better. I’ve often laughed psychotically, and I’ll say out loud “Hahaha, that’s fine, that is PERFECTLY fine”. I took it well, I really did. Then some of them don’t even un-match with you after telling you that and you have to do it for them, just rip that plaster off, fast! The worst part hasn’t even been told yet…. There are the matches that take you away from Tinder and on to Snapchat and you talk for days and those days lead into weeks, maybe even months in some instances. You start to feel like this could go somewhere. You both make each other smile at your phones. You go on a date. And then…. ghosted. After that you start to question everything, every conversation, every little thing is picked at and thrown under a magnifying glass to figure out where you went wrong. However, I concluded that I did not do anything wrong and that it was wrong of them to invest so much time into making me think that something was to come of this when the end result was as if we were strangers all along. Part of me still doesn’t understand why people do that? Why would you want to waste someone else’s time? Why would you want to lift them up and then dump them like a ton of bricks? Don’t be that person, you wouldn’t like it if someone did that to you. I’ll leave you with this, my fellow sinners, it gets better. Those days of feeling burnt out from the world of dating and swiping will be followed by days of fun and happiness and company that won’t take advantage of the time you have on earth. Matches will tell you that you’re not exactly what they’re looking for, but we secretly know that they aren’t the ones we are looking for either. Your person is waiting out there somewhere. Patience is a virtue.

Presents Legally Loco

8pm · Tuesday 15 March 2022 | Dé Máirt an 15 Márta Sult Tickets €25 Via Eventbrite. Proceeds go to NUI Galway SU Charities NUI Galway Students only Curtha i Láthair ag Comhaltas na Mac Léinn, OÉ Gaillimh agus ELSA Presented by NUI Galway Students’ Union and The European Law Students’ Association

NUIGalwayStudentsUnion www.su.nuigalway.ie

@nuigsu

Cainte

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

Taithí Oibre san Íoslainn Le Tess Casasín Ní Shioradáin Tá sé deacair a chreidiúint gur féidir leat a bheith ag cur allais agus tú ag obair i do t-léine i lár an gheimhridh agus teocht -9˚ lasmuigh. Cén chaoi? Bhuel, níor tháinig mé ar dhaoine riamh a úsáideann fuinneamh nádúrtha i mbealach níos éifeachtaí

na IRISH LANGUAGE WEEK

Dé Luain 14 Márta Monday 14th March 19:30 Pop-Up Gaeltacht

Dé Máirt 15 Márta Tuesday 15th March 10:00 Maidin Caifé Coffee Morning

Dé Céadaoin 16 Márta Wednesday 16th March 15:00 Ciorcal Comhrá

@nuigsu

NUIGalwayStudentsUnion www.su.nuigalway.ie

ná na hÍoslannaigh. Tá seachtain amháin caite agam ag obair go deonach i dteach gloine in áit darbh ainm, Hveragerði san Íoslainn agus tá go leor leor foghlamtha agam ó thaobh garradóireachta de. Níl an méid sin tithe gloine feicthe agam riamh agus tá teocht 25˚ istigh iontu. Ní chreidfí gur féidir bananaí a chur lastigh den Chiorcal Artach ach tá an seift sin aimsithe ag na hÍoslannaigh le tamall. Is é an rud is suimiúla futhú áfach ná go n-úsáideann na hÍoslannaigh fuinneamh geoiteirmeach a thagann ón talamh chun na tithe gloine sin a théamh. In éineacht leis sin, úsáidtear an teas nádúrtha sin chun na gnáththithe a théamh agus leictreachas a sholáthar do mhuintir na hÍoslainne. Feidhmíonn 90% de na tithe san Íoslainn ar an mbealach sin, a bhuíochas do na hacmhainní nádúrtha atá mórthimpeall orthu. Ní hé sin an méid áfach, úsáidtear an fuinneamh geoiteirmeach a thagann ó na bolcáin is na foinsí te chun an pobal a chosaint ón drochaimsir. Is bealach éifeachtach é chun an sneachta ar na bóithre a leá. Tá níos mó ná 200 bolcáin san Íoslainn agus 600 foinse te nádúrtha. Ní haon ionadh é go bhfuil linnte snámha te ar fud na tíre. Deirtear go gcaitheann na hÍoslannaigh tamall fada sa chith ós rud é go bhfuil an t-uisce te in-athnuaite. Sular tháinig mé anseo níor cheap mé riamh go mbeinn ag siúl timpeall an tí i mbrístí gearra i lár mhí Feabhra. Cheap mé gur tír bhocht, ársa a bhí inti, gur mhair na daoine ar sheanthraidisiúin ach i ndáiríre is í an Íoslainn an tír is forbartha ar domhan sa lá atá inniu ann ó thaobh fuinneamh in-athnuaite agus inbhuanaitheachta de. Úsáideann siad druilirí chun píopaí a chur faoin talamh agus an ghal te a chur chun tairbhe i mbealaí éagsúla. Tá 85% den fhuinneamh sa tír in-athnuaite agus is fuinneamh geoiteirmeach é 66% de. In ainneoin an dea-thionchair atá ag an bhfuinneamh nádúrtha sin ar an timpeallacht, sábhálann rialtas na hÍoslainne thart ar €100 milliún gach bliain ar bhreoslaí iontaise. Samhlaigh cith a ghlacadh agus gan mothú ciontach faoin méid ama atá caite agat ann. An féidir linn aon rud a fhoghlaim ón méid sin? Ar ndóigh, níl bolcáin againn in Éirinn agus ní thagann uisce te ón talamh ach nach féidir linn acmhainní nádúrtha eile a úsáid? Nach féidir linn leas a bhaint as an Aigean Atlantach chun fuinneamh in-athnuaite a chruthú is a sholáthar do mhuintir na hÉireann chun todhchaí níos glaise a chur i bhfeidhm?

Cainte

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

Seachtain na Gaeilge 2022 Bosca Foclóra Ambasadóirí do Sheachtain na Gaeilge — Seachtain na Gaeilge Ambassadors 120 bliain ón gcéad Seachtain na Gaeilge — 120 years since the first Seachtain na Gaeilge Ón 1 Márta go dtí an 17 Márta — From the 1 March to the 17 March Ceol, damhsa agus spraoi — Music, dance and fun Beatha teanga í a labhairt — The life of a language is to speak it Tír gan teanga tír gan anam — A country without a language is a country without a soul

Agallamh Quickfire – Blúirí spéisiúla ó Ghaeilgeoirí timpeall na Tíre Le hÁine Ní Dhonnaile Seo Darragh Ó Caoimh as Ceann Toirc, Dúiche Ealla i gContae Chorcaí! Tá sé ina mhac léinn le Dlí agus Gaeilge i gColáiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh, agus ina Oifigeach Gaeilge is Cultúir le hAontas na Mac Léinn ansin fosta. File iontach cumasach é chomh maith a bhfuil a shaothar foilsithe aige in “Comhar” agus “Aneas”, agus léamhanna déanta aige ag an fhéile litríochta CÚIRT i nGaillimh, ar BBC Raidió Uladh, agus ar RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta. Labhair Darragh liom faoin Chaor Aduaidh, Baile an Sceilg in Uíbh Ráthach agus na rudaí a chuireann eagla air.

Déan cur síos ort féin i 5 fhocal.

Cuileachtúil, gealgháireach, fiosrach, Gaelach, lán-de-cheol

Céad phost a bhí agat?

Thosnaíos ag obair i mBaile Theas, ionad eachtraíochta amuigh faoin aer, an samhradh tar éis an Teastais Shóisearaigh. Thugas sé shamhradh thaitneamhacha ansúd mar theagascóir don dreapadóireacht, don ziplíne, don chadhcáil, agus do raidhse spórt eile.

An bhfuil tallann cheilte agat?

Tá geall leis gach líne ón scannán Emperor’s New Groove de ghlanmheabhair agam, scannán nach bhfuair a cheart riamh!

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

“Forever Winter” Taylor Swift, “The Path” le Lorde, agus “An Droimeann Donn Dílis” le Seosaimhín Ní Bheaglaoich

An rud is mó a bhfuil tú bródúil as?

Nuair a dheineas mo chuid filíochta a aithris ag an bhféile litríochta CÚIRT anuraidh, b’iontach an tógaint croí a thug sé dom, agus bhíos mórálach as.

Cad é a chuireann eagla ort?

Díothú na bithéagsúlachta agus iarmhairtí an athraithe aeráide. Cuir i gcás an traonach a bhíodh le fáil ar fud na hÉireann tráth, ach atá díbeartha go himeall an chósta thiar in áiteanna ar nós Iorras i Maigh Eo agus Toraigh i dTír Chonaill. Tháinig titim 98% faoin gcéad ar na huimhreacha, agus is ar éigean a thug éinne fé ndeara é.

Sampla beag é sin d’fhaillí an chine dhaonna sa chomhshaol. Tá ár seasamh ar an dtimpeallacht agus tá dualgas orainne í a chaomhnú do shliocht ár sleachta.

Cad é a cheannófá dá mbuafá an crannchur náisiúnta?

Talamh chun coill dhúchasach a fhás ann .. agus ingearán b’fhéidir

Céad cheolchoirm ar fhreastal tú uirthi?

Florence and the Machine sa 3 Arena, siar sa bhliain 2015. Bhí mo dheirfiúr in ainm is teacht liom ach ní raibh ábalta air ar chúis éigin. Tháinig mo mháthair im theannta ina hionad agus bhí ardtime ar fad againn.

Rud ba mhaith leat a dhéanamh sula bhfaighidh tú bás?

An Chaor Aduaidh (Aurora Borealis) a fheiscint. Chuiridís na grianghrafanna fé gheasa tú, samhlaigh an t-iontas a fheiscint led shúile féin! Tá dán álainn ag Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill orthu, “An Chaor Aduaidh” (atá ar fáil ar líne) É sin agus an Camino a shiúl ó thús deireadh ar a laghad uair amháin!

An bhfuil ‘happy place’ agat?

Baile an Sceilg in Uíbh Ráthach i gCiarraí Theas. Is ann a chaitheamar laethanta saoire ár n-óige agus is aoibhinn liom dul siar ann fós. Níl aon teilifís ná faic againn, rud a spreagann sinn dul síos cois trá nó suas faoin sliabh, nó dul i muinín na gcluichí bord má bhíonn sé ina chac báistí!

Cad é a chiallaíonn ‘rath’ duit?

N’fheadar san fós! A bheith i mbun rud éigin go gcuirim spéis ann agus ag obair chun leasa an phobail ar chuma éigin is dócha, chomh maith le bheith ag caitheamh ama lem mhuintir is lem chairde. Tar éis an tsaoil, is beag rud sa tsaol is tábhachtaí ná an gaol is an gáire!

Agus… cén focal Gaeilge is fearr leat?

Is breá liomsa an focal “cathair”. Is mó san rud a chuimsítear leis an mbriathar breá seo, ó Chathair na Féinne thuas i measc na gCruacha Dubha go Cathair gheal Chorcaí, agus é luaite ins na céadta logainm farais sin.

Sport · Spóirt

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

NUI Galway players celebrate after their victory in the Electric Ireland HE GAA Sigerson Cup Final match between NUI Galway and University of Limerick at IT Carlow in Carlow. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

NUI Galway win first Sigerson cup in 19 years By Darren Casserly

Sports Editor

NUI Galway emerged victorious against the University of Limerick in a wet and windy Carlow to claim their first Sigerson cup since 2003 at a score of 0-12 to 1-06. It was built on the foundation of some superb defence that kept the UL’s David Clifford scoreless from play. The game started off slowly with the conditions really affecting both teams in a nervy opening few minutes. Both defences seemed on top as the teams finished the first half at 0-3 a piece in what looked to be one of the dourest halves of football in this year’s Sigerson cup. Clifford looked to brighten up the dull first half with an audacious long-range chip over Conor Carroll. Unfortunately, like the rest of the first half the weather ruined this moment too as the wind held the ball up and Carroll was able to recover. This all changed however with the introduction of Cathal Heneghan at half time as the Roscommon forward scored three points in close succession to put the Galway side firmly in the driving seat as the second half wore on.

UL struggled to get the ball in any dangerous parts of the pitch, and Heneghan’s three points at the start of the second half were built upon by NUI Galway who, by midway through the second half had expanded the lead to six. The game became more of a contest however, when David Clifford put away a penalty for UL and cut the lead down to two points. This however, unfazed NUI Galway as scores from Colin Murray and Tomo Culhane built up Galway’s lead to four points again which Limerick could not overcome. The final score of 0-12 to 1-06 was a fair reflection of the game and showed the defensive excellence of this Galway side, who were missing county player Sean Mulkerrins. There were a few surprises with this Galway team as players like Gavin Burke and Neil Mulcahy stepping up to the plate, with Mulchy doing a particularly impressive man marking job on David Clifford. Man of the match Cathal Heneghan after the match spoke of the team comradery within the camp which was clearly evident throughout. NUI GALWAY: Conor Carroll; Eoghan Kelly, Neil Mulcahy, Colin Murray; Rory Egan, Sean Kelly, Gavin Durcan; Paul

Kelly, Matthew Tierney; Fionn McDonagh, Nathan Mullen, Cathal Donoghue; Gavin Burke, Cathal Sweeney, Tomo Culhane.

There were a few surprises with this Galway team as players like Gavin Burke and Neil Mulcahy stepping up to the plate, with Mulchy doing a particularly impressive man marking job on David Clifford.

”

SUBS: Cathal Heneghan for Donoghue h/t, Tony Gill for Durcan 42, Ryan Monaghan for Mullen 64. NUI GALWAY SCORERS: Cathal Heneghan 0-3, Tomo Culhane 0-3 (0-2f), Fionn McDonagh 0-2, Gavin Burke 0-2, Paul Kelly 0-1, Matthew Tierney 0-1 (0-1f).

Sports washing a major issue but response to Russia offers template

By Darragh Nolan

“

Sport · Spóirt

Ties to the Russian state-backed energy company Gazprom have been severed by It’s a shame that tragic circumstances as UEFA, who for a decade have placed the severe as the Russian invasion of Ukraine company’s branding front-and-centre durwere required for sport to finally begin ing the Champions League and European clearing out some of the dirty money it Championships. so readily accepts. Russia may be seen as something of an Alleged corruption and the death of easy target in the sporting context both migrant workers at stadium sites couldn’t given the severity of its actions and recent take the upcoming World Cup from Qatar. history of sanctions against its athletes. An Human rights abuses couldn’t prevent a existing ban on Russian athletes competing under their flag was already in place up until the end of 2022. Formula 1 driver Nikita Mazepin is one such example. He drove for the Haas team last season as a member of the “Russian Automobile Federation”. Mazepin himself entered the top tier of motorsport largely due to his father Dmitry’s sponsoring of the team through his chemicals company Uralkali. Uralkali and several members of its board including Dmitry Mazepin have ties to President Putin, another example of the impact the Russian leader’s influence can have in the sporting world. The deal saw Haas compete under the name Uralkali Haas F1 Team for the 2021 season and featured on the car’s livery Uralkali branding and a red, white, and blue colour scheme strikingly similar to the Russian flag. In the wake of the invasion Haas unveiled a plain white livery which no longer features the Uralkali logo nor the Russia-inspired colour scheme. Mazepin has lost his seat and Uralkali will no longer sponsor the racing outfit. Global sport’s rejection of Russian representation and support of Ukraine is Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle United. deservedly resounding and comprehensive The dirty financial dealings of owners of but represents only the first step in what Paris St-Germain and Man City have pro- should be an ambitious plan for the future. pelled previously unsuccessful clubs to the This fallout may also provide a template top of European football with the governing for sporting bodies around the world to bodies doing little to get in their way. expel once-and-for-all the widespread We cannot mistake the role sports wash- sports washing efforts that remain. It is ing has played in helping Russia and Vladimir time to be proactive rather than reactive. Putin reach this point in their aggression. Qatar should have lost the World Cup as As pointed out in the Academy Award soon as it became apparent workers were winning documentary Icarus, Putin used dying. Over 6,500 migrants have lost their massive levels of approval garnered for lives since the event was awarded in 2010. him by the success of the 2014 Winter Before Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Olympic Games in Sochi as an excuse to Fund could have entered the Premier ramp up significantly his violent efforts League’s money-making machine the state’s against Ukraine. human rights violations must be rectified. March 2014 saw Russia successfully Indeed, we’re not yet four years complete the illegal annexation of Crimea, removed from the murder of journalist less than a month after the Sochi Games. Jamal Khashoggi. The country was still allowed to host the An agreement effective since 2017 FIFA World Cup in 2018. between the European Union and Ukraine Today the global sporting world’s outlined the criteria the latter must fulfil resounding response to Russia sends in order to gain membership to the former. perhaps for the first time, a clear message; It’s high time sport did the same for there are at least some things so atrocious those using our games to gloss over their sport will not stand idly by. terrible actions.

Putin used massive levels of approval garnered for him by the success of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi as an excuse to ramp up significantly his violent efforts against Ukraine. March 2014 saw Russia successfully complete the illegal annexation of Crimea, less than a month after the Sochi Games. The country was still allowed to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018.

OPINION

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

Young players are being overworked by the GAA schedule

By Darren Casserly If you ask nearly any GAA player what month they dislike playing at the most, the overwhelming majority will say January. Yet, the GAA gods in their divine wisdom chose to schedule the start of both the Fitzgibbon and Sigerson cups as well as both the football and hurling league all in January. I believe that this is a recipe for disaster which leads to disastrous results. I only have to look at NUI Galway’s Sigerson and Fitzgibbon cup teams for what can go wrong with this schedule. Four players between the two sides suffered season ending injuries before the season has begun, which I think is connected to the unattainable work schedule. This is a result of not just the poor scheduling by the GAA, but also poor communication between the counties and the colleges both of whom seemed to be content to use the plays as much as physically impossible. It is not just in Galway where players are overworked; it seems to happen in every county. Kerry’s Tony Brosnan and Jack Savage both came for Kerry in a pre-season match hours after lining out in the Sigerson cup. Every manager feels that their team comes first and there are no ‘ifs, buts or maybes’ that can convince them otherwise. For this reason, there needs to be a schedule change that can accommodate everyone, which I know is some far off dream and knowing the GAA, I believe they won’t address the problem until every player in the country is injured. Of course, it is a bit of a generalisation to say that this is the case for all players. There are plenty of counties and colleges that are trying not to overplay their players, but they are the exception not the rule. Not only is the overplaying of players causing, in my eyes, multiple injuries, but it’s also causing injuries at the worst point of their careers, just when they’re getting started. Tommy Conroy will miss the entire season for Mayo in what would have only been his second full season with the county. The GAA needs to protect its players and leaving it up to the management of the counties and colleges will solve nothing. Both sides will say that January is one of the most important times of the year for their squads and they need to be playing together if they want to stand a chance to win some silverware. The amount of change that the GAA calendar and format has gone through in the last decade only for this problem to remain unresolved is baffling. The All-Ireland finals are in July and the GAA is still forcing so many games into a short period of time during the worst part of the year, sometimes all you can do is laugh.

Sport · Spóirt

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

NUI Galway fall at final hurdle in Fitzgibbon cup final By Darren Casserly NUI Galway were unable to complete their first Sigerson and Fitzgibbon cup double as they lost to the University of Limerick at a score of 1-21 to 2-15. NUI Galway were unable to stop late surge by UL who scored 1-05 after the 67th minute mark to win their third Fitzgibbon cup in five years and extend NUI Galway’s decade without a Fitzgibbon cup. Like in the Sigerson cup final, it was a nervy opening few minutes from both sides as each missed easy chances early on, with the first score of the game coming after five minutes. After Evan Niland put up the first points of the game it became very much an end to end first half with the Galway side taking over after two fine goals from John Fleming and Mark Kennedy. The half time score of 2-07 to 0-09 was a far reflection of the first half as NUI Galway’s killer instinct put them on top. UL came out at the start of the second half and was able to easily erases the four-point

cushion the Tribesmen had built up. If it wasn’t for the free scoring heroics of Evan Niland UL could have easily run away with the game early in the second half. The lack of scoring options was really impacting NUI Galway as only three players managed to score for the Galway side in the entire game. They were lucky that Niland was able to punish the UL side who were able to keep NUI Galway virtually scoreless from play in the second half. The game completely changed late on however with NUI Galway’s Cian Lynch being sent off after a coming together with a UL player. UL used their one-man advantage to its fullest extent as they surged late on to tie the game going into added time, before breaking Galway hearts with a goal from Mikey Kiely to seal the win for the treaty men. It was a bitter pill to swallow for NUI Galway who looked to be holding on to complete the double before the late sending off of Cian Lynch. The sending off

Mikey Kiely of University of Limerick in action against Jack Fitzpatrick of NUI Galway during the Electric Ireland HE GAA Fitzgibbon Cup Final match between NUI Galway and University of Limerick at IT Carlow in Carlow. Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile

stings even more after the red card was rescinded following NUI Galway appealing the decision. They can still hold their heads up high with many players showing their class, particularly Evan Niland, who finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 0-79 and looks to be one off the best free takers in the country. NUI Galway: Liam Reilly; Eoin Lawless, Jack Fitzpatrick, Conor Caulfield; Caimin Killeen, Daniel Loftus, Mark Gill; Ian McGlynn, Philip Hickey; Fionn McDonagh, Evan Niland, Conor Walsh; Cian Lynch, John Fleming, Mark Kennedy. Subs: Diarmuid Kilcommins for McGlynn (21), Oisin Flannery for McDonagh (39), Adrian Prendergast for Hickey (39), Cian Salmon for Kennedy (55) Scorers for NUI Galway: Evan Niland 0-14 (12fs), John Fleming 1-1, Mark Kennedy 1-0.

OPINION

Vol. 23 #10 15 Mar. 2022

Sport · Spóirt

Should we return Concussion – healing to the Five Nations? injured brain tissue

By Darren Casserly Italy in the Six Nations have always been the odd one out. In their 22-year history in the Six Nations not only have they never won the competition they have never finished with a winning record. It would also make sense that the longer they have been in the competition the better they would get, but the opposite has happened. They are now suffering their worst drought in the Six Nations, seven years without a win, so when do we get to the point of questioning their involvement in the competition? The last few years in Italian Rugby have been bleak, their losing streak has coincided with an improving Scotland side. When they were last victorious in the Six Nations, it was against Scotland who their record against was fairly admirable in comparison to the rest of the competition. Italy had 7 wins to 9 losses against Scotland in 2015, now 7 wins remains, but they have built up 15 losses. They are clearly getting left behind by the rest of the Six Nations, so it has to be time to consider either going back to Five Nations or opening the door to other countries. Unfortunately, the quality of European teams falls off a cliff when looking for a viable replacement. Going back to the Five Nations would be the more sensible solution, even if it would mean less matches, it would also mean less pointless matches. This was exemplified by Ireland’s 57 – 6 thrashing of Italy this year. Did anyone even care about that match? Six Nation games against Italy are now feeling more like gloried friendly’s whose only benefit is giving some inexperienced players some game time. Even given how poor Italy have been these past few years, realistically they won’t be gone for a long time. The only hope is that they will improve to the point where they can start to give the rest of the Six Nations a competitive match on a consistent basis, and they won’t automatically be the worst team in the competition. There might be hope in this regard as it is a young Italian side that does have a few bright spots in it, with 15 of their squad being 23 or younger. Italy will now have to put their hope into young players like Paolo Garbisi and Federico Mori if they are to come out the other side of this drought. There is no doubt that the rest of the Six Nations is hoping for that too.

Peter O’Mahony of Ireland and Federico Ruzza of Italy during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Italy at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/ Sportsfile

Concussion and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can cause a number of debilitating conditions with few treatment options. Fortunately, hyperbaric oxygenation has helped many people with concussions and should be included in the concussion treatment guidelines. Rest is one of the most important treatments prescribed for a concussion because it helps the brain heal. Hyperbaric oxygenation can help during this period of rest and recuperation as it helps the body heal. We know that brain cells need oxygen to survive and function properly. Brain trauma disrupts the flow of oxygen to injured parts of the brain, often leading to cell damage and dysfunction. Dr Efrati in Tel Aviv has shown that hyperbaric oxygenation can help the brain cells recover by providing them with the oxygen they need. Hyperbaric oxygenation speeds up recovery, reduces inflammation, heals injured tissue and encourages blood vessel growth. The film Concussion focuses on Dr. Omalu’s work on exposing the link between NFL players’ repeated head injuries and the neurological and behavioural problems they developed in later life. Many NFL players, US army veterans and retired international rugby players are now using hyperbaric oxygenation to help treat and manage their post-concussion symptoms. Joe Namath has been doing fantastic work in the United States to raise awareness of the long-term impacts and of the benefits of hyperbaric oxygenation. OxyGeneration is a registered supplier with NUIG for research. OxyGeneration is a non-emergency private hyperbaric oxygenation chamber in Galway. Contact 091 394444 or oxygeneration.com oxygeneration.com. Seek medical attention if you experience a concussion or brain injury.

PRIVATE NON-EMERGENCY HYPERBARIC OXYGENATION IN GALWAY 091 394444

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Hyperbaric oxygenation increases the amount of dissolved oxygen in the blood and is a recommended adjunct therapy for the following conditions: Sports Injuries (1) Cancer Radiation Tissue Injury (2) Non-Healing Wounds (2) Diabetic Ulcers (helps prevent amputation) (2) Injuries associated with arterial insufficiency (2) Skin Flaps/ Grafts(2) Burns (2) Serious Infection (2) Concussion (Brain Tissue Injury) (1) Bone Infection (2) Ulcers and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Chronic Pain and Inflammation Post-Surgery Recovery Long COVID-19 (1) Covered by GAA & Schools Injury Insurance (2) Covered by some Healthcare Insurers

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