SIN Vol. 24 Issue 02

Student Independent News

Budget 2023’s impact on students

By Darragh Nolan Deputy Editor

Budget 2023 has been announced by the government and with that comes some significant changes for many students at the University of Galway.

The so-called ‘cost of living’ Budget is set to introduce a number of measures which will reduce fees, bolster student grants and provide targeted supports for the households most in need.

A total of €4.1 billion will be spent across a wide range of supports tackling the spiralling cost of living.

Here is a glance at this Budget’s impact on students.

Fee reductions

A once-off €1,000 reduction in the €3,000 student contribu tion fee will be in place for this academic year.

This applies to undergraduates who qualify for the Free Fees Initiative (i.e. first time undergrads and those who have no postgraduate qualifications). It will also not apply to postgrad fees.

Students who have already paid fees in full can apply for a refund through the University

There will also be a permanent reduction of €500 for households earning less than €100,000 and households earning less than €62,000 will pay no more than €1,500 in fees.

Additional supports

Support for postgrad fees under SUSI will permanently rise from €3,500 to €4,000 from September 2023.

Students in receipt of the student grant will benefit from a once-off double payment next year and PhD students will receive a cost of living payment before Christmas.

Housing

A €500 tax credit boost for renters will become available from 2023.

Student renters who aren’t earning enough to pay tax will not be eligible to receive the tax credit and it appears that parents will be unable to claim the tax credit on rent they are paying for their children’s accommodation.

Transport measures

Half-price public transport with Student and Young Adult Leap Cards has been extended through the end of 2023.

Eligibility for the Young Adult Card has been expanded to include 16, 17 and 18-year-olds in third level education.

Redevelopment plans for Ceannt Sta tion in the city centre and Oranmore Train Station have received the go-ahead.

The government has committed to a €360 million per year package for investment into cycleways and greenways nationwide.

Excise on petrol and diesel will remain unchanged, keeping prices stable.

Free contraception

Recently launched measures to provide free contracep tion have been expanded to include all people who men struate between the ages of 16 and 30.

The Minister of Health will however be seeking legal advice surrounding the lower end of that age bracket as 16 is below the age of sexual consent in Ireland.

Energy costs

All household will be granted a €600 electricity credit payment, paid in three equal instalments.

The first payment will arrive before Christ mas with the final two coming in the new year.

At a glance

Parents can expect a double payment of the child benefit before Christmas. The cost of childcare will fall by an average of 25% through various measures.

The price of cigarettes will once again rise by 50c effective immediately. Excise on alcohol will remain unchanged.

VAT on newspapers will removed from 2023.

Socs, Clubs, Graduates!

Check out all the best pics from the Socs Fest, Clubs Day and Graduate Fair in our photography section

Witches Call Society

Archery Club

Graduate Fair

Marine Soc

Editorial

By Valerie McHugh Editor

Welcome to Issue 2 everyone. A special thanks to the sub-editors and contributors for putting together an edition packed full of brilliant content. A particular word of thanks to SIN’s Deputy Editor Darragh Nolan who did trojan work throughout this issue. His piece on the front page gives a comprehensive overview of how Budget 2023 will impact students, and I would recommend giving it a read as soon as you can.

In News, Laura Hannot presents a piece about the housing crisis in Galway, and talks to some students who are living in tents as a result. In Features, some of SIN’s contributors have come together to write our very first pet piece, which is fantastically adorable and worth a glance! In Opinion, Anne-Marie has written an enlightening piece about how fake-tan culture in Ireland has taken over. To Arts and Fashion, there’s a great piece by Syakira that looks at some academia-inspired movies that you should watch as we kick back into college season. In Health and Lifestyle, SIN’s expert barmaid and mixologist Roisin lets us in on some of the best cocktail recipes that you will be dying to try. For our Photography Section, Lisa’s been to multiple events this week with her camera, and you might even spot yourself in one or two of her collection. Finally, in Sport, Ciarán and Joseph have been flat to the mat curating new sports ideas, and both of them have some great pieces in there this week that will be of interest in particular to sports fanatics.

If you would like to get involved with SIN, join the ‘SIN Team’ group on Facebook to get in on where the magic happens. Also, make sure to email deputy.sineditor@gmail.com for more information! You can find us over on Instagram and Twitter too, where you follow everything we get up to!

Happy October everyone and enjoy issue 2!

French students living in a tent as Galway housing crisis worsens

By Laura Hannot

As the housing crisis left them homeless, two French students had to live in a tent for weeks. Pierre-Rubén Jeandidier and Florence Rap pin arrived in Galway at the beginning of September to study Marine Biology at the Atlantic Technological Univer sity. Meanwhile, the Galway branch of the political party called Éirígí, decided to fight the housing crisis with posters in Woodquay.

Pierre-Rubén Jeandidier and Florence Rappin came for a semester through an exchange program with no idea about the difficulty to find accommodation. PierreRubén stayed two weeks in a tent and Florence joined him for five days. The two students stayed at Salthill caravan campsite: “It was €15 per person where you need to pay €1 for a four minutes shower with the first minute being cold water” said Pierre-Rubén.

After many scams, emails and phone calls with no replies, as a last resource, the decided to go door to door in Galway City looking for somewhere to stay. In their inability to give them a place to stay, some locals offered food or asked their neighbours to help the two students. Finally, after intensive searching, they found a place to live with flatmates where they pay €600 for a bedroom each outside of Galway City.

The housing crisis is a well-known problem in Galway. The Éirígí representative for Galway city, Ian Ó Dálaigh, stated on the matter: “Every time I check the prices, it seems higher and higher!”. Eirigi’s Posters “Use this home for Universal public housing” can be seen in Woodquay in Galway city on vacant buildings which could be made useable as housing. By putting these posters in Woodquay they hope to convince people of the importance of public housing.

This political party believes in Universal Public Housing where everybody would have a place to live with affordable rent. In this system, nobody is paying more than they can afford. Repurposing vacant buildings for public housing is one such way to start tackling the problem according to Ian Ó Dálaigh. He calls for long-term solutions from the Government to resolve the housing crisis.

INSIDE this issue...

Climate

The

Dylan Meets:

Just

The

The

Valerie McHugh Editor

Darragh Nolan Deputy Editor

Gemma Collins News Co-editor

Rachel Foster News Co-editor

Rachel Garvey Features Editor

Tara Trevaskis Hopkins Opinion Co-editor

Anne-Marie Ní Bhraonáin Opinion Co-editor

Syakira Nazri

Lisa Hamilton

Joseph Murray

Ciarán

Almost 5 Tonnes Of Waste Found On Galway Beaches

By Valerie McHugh

Nearly 5 tonnes of waste was removed from Galway beaches during the annual ‘Big Beach Clean’ last weekend.

Over 870 residents volunteered at the three-day-event, which took place across the county, as well as nationally, in conjunction with Clean Coasts.

Forty Seven litter-picking events resulted in the retrieval of multiple bin bags containing fishing litter, items of clothing and plastic bottles.

A team from Galway Atlantaquaria’s team in Salthill, took part in the event. Speaking to SIN, Organiser Garry Ken dellen said it was not surprising to see nearly 5 tonnes of rubbish retrieved from Galway beaches.

He said: “I believe there is lots more marine litter to be found. We have tried to clean beaches that are very hard to access, and they have never been cleaned. So, while the news is good, especially in high-traffic areas there is a huge problem of marine litter that is hidden from public view.”

The clean-up saw twelve volunteers walk Grattan Beach to pick up abandoned trash to dispose of it correctly. Mr Kendel len said that cigarettes and socks were the most common item found in this specific beach clean.

He said: “We tend to aggregate all lit ter as plastic. You tend to find a common litter theme in each beach and during different seasons. Every summer we find swimwear and towels.”

The trash found at Grattan Beach fea tures on Ireland’s top 10 items of debris found on Irish beaches in 2021.

The report, compiled by the interna tional Ocean Conservancy organisation, shows that cigarette butts and beverage bottles were some of the most frequently retrieved items across the nation during International Clean Up weekend last year.

Mr Kendellen praised volunteers for helping with the event, saying that they were “very engaged” throughout.

Concluding to SIN, he said there was particular enthusiasm shown when volun teers received their hi-viz vests, and that it was a “great day” throughout.

Climate strike walking down Galway city

By Laura Hannot

A climate strike took place in Galway on September 23th, as part of the inter national climate strike day of action. Organised by the Environmental and Sustainable Officer of the Student Union, Malena Thren, in partnership with Friday For Future, the protest walked down Gal way city. In hopes to be heard by Galway city council, they call for more actions to make the city environmentally friendly.

“Who’s future, our future! Who’s planet, our planet!”, “The Oceans are rising!” were slogans that have been heard in the streets of Galway city. The strike involved around sixty people of all ages who walked from Eye Square to the Spanish Arch and back.

Malena Thren, 21, is the Student Union’s Environment Officer since July 2022. She wants to show that the new generation care about the future of the world. “I’m not here to pick fights, but I have to” said Malena in protest of the inaction of the council to make the city more climate friendly. Organisers denounced a city made for cars where using the bike is too dangerous. They explained that “many bicycle lanes stop abruptly in the middle the roads”.

After trying to make contact with the city council, Malena did not receive any response. She seen a lack of answers and commitment from the city with political decisions being too slow. She calls for more green spaces in the city, sustainable

accommodations, a pedestrian city and stronger laws against lobbyism.

“We need to listen more to what people have to say, especially younger generations, because we are the ones who will live on this planet” said Malena. Extinction rebellion Galway was also present to show its support to the cause. They explained new plans for bus roads and bicycle lanes are in process but they state that this action is too slow to improve Galway City’s carbon footprint.

Malena Thren, 21, is the Students’ Union’s Environment Officer since July 2022. She wants to show that the new generation care about the future of the world. “I’m not here to pick fights, but I have to,” said Malena in protest of the inaction of the council to make the city more climate friendly.”

Galway Atlantaquaria team at their Big Beach Clean

Accommodation crisis knocks student mental health

-2023

By Eimear O’Dywer

As 19,000 students return to the University of Galway many are left stressed and hopeless due to the accommodation crisis.

Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer, the Students’ Union Vice Pres ident for Welfare and Equality says that she has felt “helpless” against the volume of students reaching out for help this year.

Falconer recounts how dire the situation is, with many students having nowhere to live and others working tirelessly to keep up with soaring rent prices, leaving them isolated and anxious.

Eoghan Mac Domhnaill, Service Manager with Jigsaw believes that the student impact of the situ ation in Galway has surpassed the crisis in Dublin.

He said that while the issue is not explicitly presenting itself in Jigsaw services presently he expects “it will be massive down the line”.

“Moving your entire life to a new country is a big deal and if you’re unsure you’ll have a bed to lay your head on it can be very nerve-wracking.”

A potential solution was proposed by Professor Padraic Kenna and Law student Áine Dillon in a report on student accommo dation in Ireland in comparison to other European countries.

Professor Kenna sets out a trajectory to make rent more

President / Uachtarán

The issue is particularly alarming for the 4,000 first year students starting their studies next week. One such student, Rowan Russell, has been actively seeking accommodation since February to no avail.

Russell recounts how stressful the situation has been for him and his twin brother who live in West Cork and are considering bringing up a caravan to park in the outskirts of Galway as a last resort.

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

affordable to students through government subsidies and the incorporation of a socially constructed student housing association.

Sai Gujulla Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer

In a similar vein, one of the 3,300 international students attending the University, Kennedy Tanner, recalls how worri some it has been to travel to Ireland from Canada with a tent in hand and no accommodation awaiting her arrival.

Trade Unions say planned increase to minimum wage inadequate

By Steven Fox

The government’s announced 80c increase to the minimum wage is not enough, say the three largest trade unions repre senting low-paid workers.

Mandate, Unite the Union, and SIPTU, have all criticised the planned increase, saying that as it does not match inflation, it amounts to a wage cut in real terms.

In their pre-budget submission, Mandate, which represents over 30,000 workers in the retail and hospitality industries, stated the minimum wage should be increased to a living one of €14 per hour.

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

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Mandate’s Assistant Gen eral Secretary John Hogan said “we want the minimum wage to be a living wage […] we believe that in this day and age there’s no space for a minimum wage given the cost-of-living”.

This idea can be seen in practice in countries like Germany where there are student focused rather than profit driven accom modation options.

Professor Kenna said that “there is a roadmap made” but wondered who would use it,s highlighting the need for urgent government action.

Convenor of the College of Science and Engineering / Tionólaí Choláiste na hEolaíochta agus na hInnealtóireachta

Rain Puiman Yan Jack Reidy

Unite, along with other members of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, supported the Congress’ call for the minimum wage to exceed €15 per hour by the end of the government’s lifetime.

However, SIPTU claim that at the current rate of increase, this goal in unattainable, with the wage not expected to reach the desired level for at least another 10 years.

The Low Pay Commission (LRC), which heard inputs from representatives of both employers and employees, as well as independent policy experts, made the non-binding recommen dation to the government in its report published in September.

However, employee representatives dissented from the deci sion, arguing that “ The Low Pay Commission’s recommendation […] fails to vindicate the living standards of low-paid workers and threatens the introduction of a living wage as per the recent Government’s proposals”.

Falconer says that she has felt “helpless” against the volume of students reaching out for help this year. Many students having nowhere to live or struggle to keep up with soaring rent prices, leaving them isolated and anxious.”

Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer

Deaf Awareness Week Celebrated in Galway City

By Roshni Dsouza

Galway City celebrated International Week of the Deaf from 19th to 25th September to highlight issues faced by the deaf community in Galway.

Among these issues is unemployability, which especially affects them because of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. This week is also celebrated as Irish Sign Language (ISL) awareness week in Ireland.

The cost of equipment for deaf people is of particular concern. For example, a normal smoke alarm would cost 10 euros for others would cost around 400 euros for deaf people because of the special equipment they would need. Adding to this is the education system in Ireland which does not train them for job opportunities.

The Galway Deaf Centre located in Middle Street Galway City works to raise funds for deaf people so they have better access.

Chime, a charity for the deaf, also works to make Galway a better place for those hard of hearing.

The authority in Chime said that the education system failed a lot of deaf people and that they are underrepresented at the university level. “In terms of the general population (of deaf people) there are lots of barriers. There are pragmatic barriers. Even when sometimes jobs are advertised in the newspaper they just give their phone number,” he said. “A small percentage of deaf people are doing very well and have high level high paying jobs but a lot of deaf people have been failed by the education system so they’re in low-paid jobs.”

The Irish government passed the Irish sign language in 2017, but people, deaf and otherwise, are not aware of their rights and responsibilities under this Act.

The Irish Deaf Society (IDS) undertook many events during this week. The City Hall in Galway City turned blue to honour the deaf community, and RTE also ran Irish Sign Language programmes throughout the week.

Students rate Ireland best in the world for Arts and Culture

By Darragh Nolan Deputy Editor

Ireland has been rated the best country in the world for Arts and Culture by students in a newly released ranking of the top countries for higher education worldwide in 2022.

The rankings were compiled and released by The Campus Advisor, a global student ratings and reviews website. It surveyed over 17,000 students about the countries they studied in to put the rankings together.

Users assign their institution a rating from 1 to 5 across each category which then creates an average score.

In what may come as no surprise against the backdrop of the cur rent crisis, Ireland scored lowest in the Cost of Living as a Student category at just 3.33 out of 5.

Ireland also placed fifth place overall in the rankings across all categories.

Photo by Darlene Alderson on Pexels

“ There are pragmatic barriers. Even when sometimes jobs are advertised in the newspaper they just give their phone number. A small percentage of deaf people are doing very well and have high level high paying jobs but a lot of deaf people have been failed by the education system so they’re in low-paid jobs.”

The pets of SIN Not a pet peeve, but a pet feature

Pipsqueak

By Rachel Garvey

Being a hamster mom is the best thing that has ever happened to me. On Jan uary 3 2022, I took home Pipsqueak in a little box from the pet store while it lashed rain. I held the box inside my jacket so he would be warm and shel tered from any harsh raindrops. He has grown so accustomed to my voice that

Peanut, Pipsqueak’s new little brother. While Pip is quite chill, Peanut is very very fast and full of energy. He’s also damn adorable. Often, I’ll hear him running on his wheel like a hamster possessed and I don’t think that’ll ever stop being end lessly entertaining. I’m proud to have him as part of the family and I’m proud to see him come out of his hamster shell a bit more each day.

Bosun

By Caelin Docalovich

I brought “The Bosun” home in April 2021. Like many families, following a year of stress and unknowns, a puppy was a welcome challenge. When I have a bad day, and I come home exhausted and angry, I can hear her claws clicking on the hardwood before I even see her. I open up that door to her face, with the lopsided ears and the wagging tail, and I can’t help but feel that stress melt away, even for a moment. Her tail is always wagging. Every little task, big or small, is an adventure with her. And watching her grow and learn about her world has been a delight. She’s

There are many more reasons than the three that I mentioned. Pets are the animals that teach you to love everything about yourself and others. They bring in the positivity in your life that you did not know you needed. I have a cat back at my home in India. His name is Nico di Angelo. He is the naughtiest but the sweetest cat I have ever met. I am glad I took him in the day I did cause even if he has almost torn off my arm, I still love him. I took him

whenever I greet him, he stands up on his hind teeny paws and looks this way and that way for my hand to come and pick him up to give him a cuddle. He’s my little ball of fur and there’s no better feeling when he cuddles in my lap for a tiny nap. His nickname is Pippins and he loves seeds. He’s not just a pet, he’s my baby, a family member and that’s how it’ll always be.

Peanut

By Dylan Moran Nunn

After a trip to the pet shop to buy hamster food, we ended up falling in love with

helped me to step out of my comfort zone and meet others in my community. She’s even become a local celebrity: everyone recognizes The Bosun and they take the time to say ‘hello’. I’ve always wanted a dog and now that I have my own, I can’t imagine my life without her.

Nico di Angelo

By Sanjukta Salgaonkar

There are multiple reasons why pets are important in someone’s life; those being they are the best companion, they can help you relax while you feel overwhelmed with stuff, pets can reduce anxiety.

in during 2019 and he has always been an important part of my life. Whenever I felt sad or sick, he would always sit by me and make sure I was always happy. As a memory of Nico, I have tattooed his face on my hand, so that if I feel sad, I know he is there with me.

It’s been almost one month since I hav en’t hugged him or picked him up since I have moved to Galway for my degree. I always wish to hold him one more time, but sadly I cannot. Nowadays, when I video call my family and I ask them to show him, he will grab the phone with his teeth and then keep it with him and won’t let anyone take it. I hope he knows how much I love him. I will always miss him.

When I have a bad day, and I come home exhausted and angry, I open up that door to her face, with the lopsided ears and the wagging tail, and I can’t help but feel that stress melt away, even for a moment.”

Dylan Meets Larry Donnelly — Attorney &

By Dylan McLoughlin SIN Columnist

Larry Donnelly was born in Boston, Mas sachusetts he is an Irish-American law attorney, writer and political contributor living in Ireland. A legal research lecturer at the University of Galway, he is a regular political commentator on RTÉ Radio 1 and the nightly television news bulletin, RTÉ News on Two, also contributing to his local radio station Galway Bay FM. He has a polit ical column in The Sunday Business Post.

Tell me about growing up what School and College did you go to?

I grew up in East Milton, Massachusetts, which abuts the city of Boston. I went to my local Catholic primary school, St. Agatha, and then to Boston College High School. I did my undergraduate degree at the College of the Holy Cross, where I majored in Classical Latin and Greek, and my Juris Doctor (Doctor of Law) degree at Suffolk University Law School. I qualified as an attorney in 1999 and practised law for two years at a Boston law firm prior to relocating to Ireland in 2001 to take up an academic post at what is now the School of Law at the University of Galway.

When did you discover your love for politics and writing?

I have been fascinated with politics for as long as I can remember. Coming from a political family, it was always the dominant topic of conversation and it was something that I developed a very strong bond with my late father – who taught me everything I know about what he called “the toughest business of them all” – and we discussed politics endlessly. I had to write an awful lot at every level of my studies and it is something I have always enjoyed. Now, I still do a lot of it – both aca demically and in my avocation as a political commentator – and I teach it. I am convinced that, of all the skills a lawyer needs, being a strong writer is the most important of all.

How to start writing a political column for The Sunday Business Post

I wrote occasional columns on politics – some solicited, others unsolicited – for The Busi ness Post, the Sunday Tribune and the Irish Independent. I also wrote regularly for the Irish-American website, Irish Central.com. In 2012, I began writing for The Journal and have been a regular columnist on the site for more than a decade now. The Journal is Ireland’s leading online news source and it’s a privilege to write a column for it every two weeks.

In 2008 you sat on the RTÉ panel on the night of the American presidential election. Tell me about that experience.

I began commenting in the Irish media about American politics in early 2008, when the heated Democratic presidential primary between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama was unfolding. And now, that has broadened out and I contribute regularly on politics, current affairs and law on both sides of the Atlantic to a wide array of outlets. I have been a part of RTÉ’s US presidential election night coverage every four years since 2008. It’s always a long night as we process the results coming in from the various states, but the adrenaline keeps you going! It has to because we ordinarily finish on TV in the wee hours and I am then back in for Morning Ireland before 6 the next morning.

One of your articles in The Journal is the Gaelic football final that you attended in 2001. What made you fall in love with the game?

Well, my cousin Paddy Murphy is the one to blame, really. He introduced me to Gaelic football and the rest is history. I have been a passionate Galway supporter ever since I have now passed that on to my son. Larry Óg, despite the fact that he is being raised

Knocking on Galway’s doors: Students’ Union latest response to the accommodation crisis

By Alessia Micalizzi

Modern problems require creative solutions. As for the unprecedented accommodation crisis affecting students in Galway, through the past few weeks the Student Union of the University of Galway decided to go knocking on Galwegians’ doors to ask them if they had spare rooms, second apartments, anything that could become a student’s home for the academic year.

“This idea came from us collaborating with all the Student Services in the University of Galway, such as the Counseling Service, the Mental Health support service, and some Socs and Clubs too,” explained Student Union Presi dent Sai Gujulla. “Altogether, we went knocking on all the doors of several estates. We wanted landlords to know about the seriousness of the crisis, make them aware that what may be just a spare room for them, could be a student’s home.”

People’s reaction to such a standpoint can be quite unpredictable. Mr. Gujulla described it as “kind of mixed”. Speaking to SIN, he said: “One day we met really welcoming landlords, the Accommodation Office got five calls in one hour from just that estate and we managed to secure five rooms. We also emphasized that

they need to have a proper tenancy agreement in place. The next day people were not that open to the idea.” The Student Union Presi dent thinks it might also depend on the area of the city: families with children in Newcastle would easily understand the urgence of the situation, whereas student housing commu nities in Knocknacarra may already be packed with people and could not be any more helpful.

With the collected data and results, the Student Union is now considering whether the door-to-door initiative is a positive step to take for the future as well, and is collaborating again with the Student Services for the Stu dent Swap Initiative. “If a student from Galway is going to UCD and a student from Dublin is moving to Galway, they may leave a spare room behind and could basically just exchange their accommodation,” explained Mr Gujulla. The SU also distributed flyers addressed to all the potential landlords, reading that whoever owns a room or an apartment could advertise it for free on the University Studentpad.

Regarding the increase of the dropping rate due to the accommodation crisis, the SU shares its thoughts: “Although more students addressed to our office for housing compared

to the previous years, the number of people speaking to us about dropping has remained stagnant” said the President, “When they have no choice, they generally prefer com muting. We expect, though, that this may lead to more people taking that step in the future.”

On September 12, the SU also publicly talked to local TDs from Sinn Féin, People Before Profit and the Socialist Party in a

public meeting at the Western Hotel. SU Vice President for Welfare and Equality, Imogen O’Flaherty spoke not only about accommo dation, but of the constant rise of the cost of living in Galway. “A lot of people attended, and we received some positive reactions, especially from Sinn Féin TD Mairéad Farrell”, commented Sai Gujulla.

One day we met really welcoming landlords. From just that estate we managed to secure five rooms.”

University of Galway Law Lecturer

in Wicklow, is a massive fan of Galway GAA and enthusiastically accompanies me to Croke Park to cheer them on. I love the ama teur ethos of the GAA and the community spirit that underpins it.

As a Lawyer, do you feel there is anything that needs to be changed in the way the Irish law is run?

I think access to justice is an ongoing difficulty. Those without financial means too often do not have access to legal recourse and find the law and the legal system daunting for a variety of reasons. I support any and all initiatives to improve access to justice.

Do you miss living in Boston and do you return often?

I will always love Boston. It will always be home and nothing can duplicate the familiar sights and sounds of there and the family and friends I have known for a lifetime. I go back twice a year. Now that my parents are both passed away, it is different, but it is still very special.

Do you now see Ireland as your home, or do you intend to return to Boston?

I am very lucky to have two homes! For all the aforementioned reasons, Boston will always occupy a central place in my heart. But Ireland is where I have made my life – both professionally and per sonally. This country has been very good to me; I often joke that my grandmother would be sending the men in white coats to bring me back if she knew I was living here. It may sound twee, but unlike the vast majority who have had the reverse experience, Ireland has been my land of opportunity. I would never say never, but I would have to have both an absolutely extraordinary (and very highly paid!) offer and the backing of my family in order to return to live in the US.

Your uncle Brian Donnelly issued over 10,000 Donnelly Visas under the ‘Donnelly Programme 1990.’ Irish people were allowed to work and live legally in America. Tell me more about this Visa?

It’s a long story! In short, there was a piece of legislation in the 1960s that effectively discriminated against would be Irish immi grants to the US. It had been relatively easy for Irish people to relocate there before then. In the 1980s, things were very hard over here and the outlook was bleak for young Irish. A huge number of them went to Boston, New York and other cities to find work and were living without legal status – in the shadows of America. My Uncle Brian’s congressional district, where I grew up, was then the “most Irish” area in the US and was flooded with undocumented Irish. My uncle was moved by their plight. And owing to the eth nic composition of his district, acting on their behalf was also a political winner. He put a huge amount of effort into helping them and the Donnelly Visa was the result. Knowing that there are still plenty of undocumented Irish in Boston and elsewhere and that immigration from the US to Ireland (long the lifeblood of the close relationship between the two countries) has slowed to a trickle, I only wish someone else would take up this cause today.

What are your favourite passtimes?

As well as spending way too much time following politics here and in the US, I try and play as much golf as is humanly possible. I was away from the game for more than 20 years and, thanks to the prodding of my son, I am now back into it. As my wife would attest, you can usually find the two Larrys at Wicklow Golf Club unless we have something else, we have to do. I also enjoy a few pints afterward – either to celebrate or to mourn how I have played!

be approached a publisher, Gill Books, just before the pandemic hit. They thought I had a good story to tell and it really was a Covid project. I was delighted with the very positive reviews The Bostonian received and the nice feedback to it, though it didn’t make the bestseller list!

Do you plan to write any more books in the future?

I’ll be focusing on academic writing and columnizing for the foreseeable future!

You are also Co-Director of the Kennedy Summer School. Can you tell me about this?

The Kennedy Summer School is an annual festival of Irish and American politics, history and culture that was founded by my late friend, the Irish Times columnist and well-known political commentator, Noel Whelan. I spoke at the summer school for several years and Noel asked me to get involved in the running of it in 2016. It has been a wonderful experience through which I have made many new friends in the great town of New Ross and gotten to know at a personal level a lot of household names in the worlds of politics, journalism, sport and more.

It really is a fantastic weekend every September and I encourage everyone who is interested to see www.kennedysummerschool.ie for more details.

PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR VOLUNTEERING

It was something I had thought about intermittently and discussed with friends and colleagues. I was very fortunate to

In October 2021 your book ‘Larry Donnelly, The Bostonian’ was published. Was it always your dream to write this book?

Just a lil’ bit of charity

By Róise Nic Dhonnagin

If you’ve ever met me, I was most likely wearing my cherry-red leather blazer. That jacket is my baby, my pride and joy, and when the time comes, I do plan on being buried in it. It is even more likely that if you’ve ever complimented that jacket, the first words out of my mouth were “Depop, twenty quid!” Anyone familiar with the art of sourcing second hand leather will understand that this is an increasingly rare find and will therefore forgive my boasting.

There’s no better feeling than sorting through the endless racks at the local charity shop just to find that one special piece that feels like it was made just for you. It’s even better knowing that your purchase won’t have the same implications on your carbon footprint or your bank account as buying it new. It’s the reason why so many people have started to turn towards second-hand retailers and away from the usual fast fash ion sites when shopping. Its hard to ignore the information that has come to light over the past few years - fast fashion has a direct impact not just on our planet but also on the people making our clothes. Even Love Island, a show widely known as a main supporter of all things Pretty Little Thing has sought to be

more sustainable this year by partnering up with eBay as the show’s first ever preloved fashion ambassador. However, as the interest in shopping second-hand has increased, so too have the prices.

The infamous ‘Depop girlies’ are no stranger to charging eyewatering amounts for their goods. Look no further than the ‘Depop Drama’ page on Instagram for the evidence. My failed attempts at selling my clothes have left me with a limited knowledge of the app, so I turned to my friend Julie for some insight. A Depop veteran best known for sourcing the afore mentioned red leather jacket – clearly, she knows her stuff. Julie explained that Depop take a 10% fee from whatever the seller is charging, including the postage. Meaning if you sell something for €10 on the app, they will be taking €1 off your earnings. It’s unsurprising that certain sellers feel the need to raise their prices, ensuring they can maximise their profits.

Charity shop prices have also been impacted by this newfound popularity of shopping second-hand. SIN spoke to Mar cella in Enable Ireland Galway, and she says that although the increased demand does mean that prices have gone up, they have remained so that people can still manage to

afford preloved items. Speaking to Marcella reminds me of something that I often forget – charity shops are about charity and every time you buy something from somewhere like Enable Ireland, your money is going directly to a good cause. SIN asked Marcella if she thinks that this is something that most people tend to forget and she agrees, it definitely is. She says however that it’s been really nice to see young people “embrace the charity shop”, becoming more mindful of the impact our purchases can have.

The increase in the price of preloved items is definitely discouraging. Its not uncommon these days to see a so-called ‘vin tage’ section being featured in certain charity shops with the only discernible difference in these items being the cost. Branded clothing seems to be automatically more expensive; a disappointing development as second-hand shopping seems to be becoming increasingly inaccessible. This unfortunately only leads to people returning to fast fashion corporations to seek out more affordable options. Despite this, Marcella reckons that when shopping second hand, there is always something available for everyone, both style and cost wise. According to her “the charity shop will never go out of fashion”, and with this, I can’t help but agree.

Photo by Burst on Pexels

The best access into the University of Galway

By Rachel Garvey Features Editor

The college year has officially begun for students, but they aren’t the only ones returning or starting a new college year; the Univer sity of Galway is welcoming back a new group of Access Course students to the campus. On the university’s website there is a

life. The core subjects were a big help as we were taught how to structure an essay and how to answer questions correctly. Overall, I really enjoyed the Access Course and would recom mend it to anyone who wants to go to college but isn’t quite ready for the whole experience”.

Austin Curran of Access Course 2016 said “I thoroughly enjoyed the course; it was a great way of easing myself into college life. Every skill and knowledge that I obtained from the course was relevant and useful for college life and was applied to

variety of information regarding what the Access Programme is because some individuals have never heard of it.

The Access Course in the University of Galway is essentially a taster of college and provides students with the opportunity to study a range of subjects; students who were under-represented when it came to third level education. The course runs for a duration of one year on the campus so students get to utilise the campus facilities which include the Hardiman Library, the I.T laboratories and the social spots. The Access Programme opens itself to students who have just finished a second level education and mature students who wish to return to education.

The course provides an opportunity that can’t be overlooked for its core teaching subjects range from Study Skills, Applied Writing, Information Technology and Educational Guidance while the academic options include a variety of subjects from four different colleges of study; College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies, College of Science, College of Engineering & Informatics and College of Business, Public Policy and Law. Students can either choose the arts route or the science route with subjects of Sociology, Maths, History, English for the arts and Maths, Physics, Biology and Chemistry in the science route. The course cost is borne by the University.

I was an Access student and benefited handsomely from the course. As a student who was bullied in school, my Leaving cert results failed and Access Course welcomed me in to give me a second chance to redeem myself. I suffered bad with anxiety and public speaking frightened me, meeting new people terrified me. I was taught by some of the University’s best lecturers and Head of Access, Mary Surlis took me under her wing. Her guidance and belief in me pushed me to become one of the best students and to gain my lost confidence back. The core subjects prepared me for my first year of college after I graduated Access course with four A’s and four B’s.

SIN conducted an interview with two past Access Programme students to see how their experience was during their time in the course.

Vick Mannion, who was alongside myself in Access Course 2017, said “When I first started, I was really nervous and didn’t have a lot of confidence. I found Arts in Action to be really helpful even though I didn’t think it was helping me at the time. The classes were well structured and learning material was really easy. I liked the way how it wasn’t like school, but not exactly college either, but I loved the responsibilities we had along with freedom; it was a nice transition into college

my undergraduate assignments, presentations and exams. It also allowed me to sample different subjects before fully committing to them. If it weren’t for Access, I would not have made it to university as I didn’t have the relevant Leaving Cert points for my course; I can thank Access for my Undergraduate Degree in Applied Physics along with my Masters Degree in Medical Physics. I encourage anyone to join Access if they don’t know what they want to do, Access Course is the answer”.

I liked the way how it wasn’t like school, but not exactly college either, but I loved the responsibilities we had along with freedom; it was a nice transition into college life.”

The Galweigan Demonologist

By Rachel Garvey Features Editor

What’s a demonologist? Demonology, what’s that? I’ve never heard of that before! Demonology, hmmm, isn’t that a waste of time? These are the phrases I’ve grown accustomed to when telling people about my field of study, but these are questions that I am only too glad to answer because I know that my answer is one they don’t expect. Demonology is a set of acquired skills and knowledge when it comes to the world of paranormal, specifically the demonic. It is not a gift you are born with or part of your hidden sixth sense. Studying Demonology helped define who I want to be in life and it touched a lot of hidden emotions that the majority of previous studies didn’t do and you simply can’t push away what is speaking to your inner thoughts.

It’s a topic not widely discussed or even acknowledged merely because of scepticism and the fact that it’s not a big thing. However, a sceptic isn’t being fair to themselves and plunges themselves into a world of negativity and will stick with what they know, but if you settle yourself into an open-minded state then learning about new things becomes so much easier, you gain some new insight to things that you’ve been building up walls to block out. How easy does that sound?

‘The Warrens’ became a personal idol quicker than content uploaded to Black board. Their work was displayed and performed to the best possible level in The Conjuring franchise which consists of The Conjuring, The Conjuring 2 and The Conjuring 3: The Devil Made Me Do It by actor Patrick Wilson who starred as Ed Warren and Vera Farmiga as Lorraine War ren. Ed was a famous demonologist, his wife Lorraine was a clairvoyant and they both loved in the beautiful, but haunted Connecticut. Watching them opened me up to a whole new world of knowledge and lessons that I will continue to seek answers to for the rest of my life. If you are truly passionate about something and it becomes a joy to keep learning about it then you’ll know you’ve chosen the right learning path.

A lesson I learned from The Warrens, something so simple yet so touching was “ When you get robbed or attacked on the street, you call the police to help you, but who do you call when something you can’t see is pushing you, taunting you, leaving marks on your body, something that you can’t see? You call us. The police and everyone else believe in the world of physical things, but when it comes to the supernatural, a lot aren’t believers. That’s where we come in, to believe you and to help you”. Learning about the world of the supernatural and the demonic teaches you to be open, to believe

the unexpected. If someone were to approach me in the future with the anxiety of telling me they might have a haunting problem happening in their own home, then sitting and talking with them about it and saying “It’s okay, I believe you”, that would be enough for me, it would be enough for them. Mak ing that small impact in someone’s life would be enough, just by telling them “I believe you”.

Exorcisms, house cleansing, classifi cation of possession, how to establish whether it’s a demonic or a poltergeist haunting, one’s vulnerability to welcom ing in spirits they didn’t think existed; knowledge that is simultaneously phe nomenal and terrifying. How to protect against spirits, how to provoke them, classification of communication meth ods for the supernatural; knowledge we overlooked because we thought there wasn’t any consequences to using a Ouija board. There are consequences for our actions especially when we dip our feet into the world of the unknown; as Ed Warren emphasised Never ever challenge the unknown.

Living up to the standards of The War rens is something I’ll never be able to do, but what I can do is learn from them and continue to broaden my studying field in the world of the supernatural. If there is to be a well-known Demonologist in Galway then I hope I fit into that category.

Milkshakes by the Yellow Thing

By Dylan Moran Nunn

Autumn is upon us. Soon the leaves will start changing colour and the weather will get that bit colder. Is this the time for Pumpkin spiced lattes and staying inside with the heat on? Yes. Does this mean you have to stop eating delicious ice cream, milkshakes and crepes? Absolutely not. Here are some places to do just that.

Shake Milkshake Bar

Do you like kinder buenos, refreshers or fudge? What if I told you that now you can have them in a milkshake? It would take a very long time to try every item on Shake’s menu which boasts

crepes with fresh fruit, Nutella and barista coffee! If you’re planning a day out to Salthill, a visit to the Creamery wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Scrumdiddly’s

The real trick to Scrumdiddlys isn’t in the ice cream itself (though it’s pretty good) it’s in the toppings. Scrumdiddlys have a wide range of deserts with delicious toppings. Scrumdiddlys boasts over 7,000 combinations with their ‘Scrummy tubs’ so go and make your own! One example of their deserts is whipped ice cream, crushed Oreo, marshmallows, melted Cadburys sauce, chocolate scoop ice cream and rocky road.

‘a wide range of delicious and unusual ingredients’ but every time you go you’ll have a world of choice. They even have biscuit shakes and fruit smoothies. As my personal favourite on this list, I can’t recommend it enough.

Gino’s Gelato

If you’re up the Eyre Square end of shop street, you’ll often smell the crepes being made in Gino’s. Their portions are generous and they have some truly high quality ice cream that’s packed with flavour. From Belgian chocolate to ‘Kinda Bueno’ and Nutella to Pomegranate or even a warm crepe with your ice cream, Ginos is the place to go. Next time you’re wandering around Galway’s shops, why not stop into Gino’s?

Murphy’s Ice cream

Not only is Murphy’s Ice cream delicious, it’s handmade in Dingle and has no colourings, flavourings or powdered milk. They even get their own sea salt from Dingle sea water. Murphy’s hits all the classic flavours you’d expect as well as exciting flavours like coffee bean, brown bread and Dingle gin and peppercorn. If those flavours don’t get you interested in Murphy’s, I don’t know what will.

The Creamery Cafe

Located on the Salthill prom, this cafe is the perfect place to grab a burger or some buffalo wings by the beach and if you still have room afterwards, the Creamery has ice cream,

Gino’s gelato

Scrumdiddly’s

The Creamery Cafe

Shake Milkshake Bar

The Orange Isle: Ireland’s obsession with fake tan

By Anne-Marie Brennan Co-Opinion Editor

Pale skin, freckles, and ginger hair. The stereotypes American tourists demand one must have in order to fit their idea of ‘Irish’. I’m not saying this is completely inaccurate, many of us are quite pale whether it’s due to genetics or year-round a lack of sunshine, yet we certainly don’t embrace it.

Nowadays, you can walk into any pharmacy and find shelves of tanning products: mousse, lotion, wipes, instant tan, gradual tan, tanning oils. There clearly is a large market of people looking to a acquire a sun kissed look. According to an article in the Irish Times, Ireland is the second highest market for fake tan in the world, thus proving ourselves as tan-addicts.

This love of tan is not some sort of psychological mystery. Why do we get our hair done before a big event? Why do we dress well for an interview? Why do we buy creams that promise us clear skin? We want to look our best to feel our best. I’m not saying there’s anything inherently damaging about this mindset, yet there is a fine line before it becomes so.

If we begin to alter our appearance, in this case tanning our skin, very frequently or to an extreme, we risk grow ing uncomfortable with our natural features. We lose the familiarity of who we are without alterations, adjustments, or enhancements.

Let me be clear, I don’t want to relay the same old tripe we’ve all heard before. I’m not promoting the idea that peo ple who wear tan, make-up or dye their hair are insecure. Making changes to our appearance doesn’t mean we’re just trying to appease the male gaze or fit in with our peers.

The idea that someone may want to wear makeup or tan for themselves is one that many people try to dispute. I, for one, can recall jokes from family members or teachers about wearing too much fake tan during my teenage era. Or trying to convince my mom that I spent hours practicing doing make-up simply because I enjoyed it.

I will reiterate; this is not a call to arms to ban fake tan or deprecate those who wear it. However, a conversation needs to be had regarding the effect it may have on peoples’, in particular young peoples’, self-esteem.

To nurture a relationship with your body in its rawest form is so important to be truly comfortable in your skin. If you are constantly looking at a version of your appearance you consider better than your natural self, it may cause issues in how you feel when confronted with the latter.

I’ll be realistic, fake tan is not some devil product corrupt ing our self-confidence, but the tanning culture we have in Ireland should be reconsidered. Perhaps we all need a tan-detox to embrace our paleness. Is it time for us to leave the tan on the shelf?

No Blankets for the Homeless

By Roshni Dsouza

The death of Queen Elizabeth has rocked the UK. The royal family arranged a 12-day period of mourning along with a funeral procession for people to pay respects to the Queen. It brought thousands out of their homes and in the streets outside Westminster Abbey, where she was laid to rest. Many of them chose to stay there. They refused to go home until they glanced the Queen’s coffin.

In response to this, the officials present got them blankets. Thousands of people, each with a free blanket to sleep a little with sorrow in their hearts as the queen sleeps forever. At the same time, there are many on the roads and in bus stops sleeping. Not because of the funeral procession, but because they got no where else to lay their heads.

Homelessness has increased by 38% in the UK since the last 12 years. The current estimate is 227,000 people. The esti mate is rough at best because pinning down homelessness is quite tough but it does give an idea. With the cur rent housing rate being over 500,000 pounds in London, homelessness is only likely to increase.

There is no official record as of now of the spending. Britain’s culture secretary Michel Donelan said it has not been assessed yet. But he and many others in Britain believe that the money was well-spent. The thousands who came out of their homes to mourn the queen are supposed proof that it was.

That may or may not be true, because among the people were also protestors who used the opportunity to speak out against monarchy. Two of them were arrested by the police during the procession. People were also mad that flights were cancelled for the mourning.

But when it comes to the queen, every authority in the UK will only allow reverence and mourning in the eyes of the people. At least during the time of the funeral. Only time will tell if people will be allowed to go on the streets to protest monarchy in the future.

A former royal security told New York Post he thinks the security alone might cost $7.5 million dollars. The cost might probably have been more than the security for the Olympics. This is still a modest estimate, since the William-Kate wedding security cost around $7 million and many more dignitaries attended the queen’s funeral than the wedding.

Apart from that, there also the fact of rising cost of living since the time of the wedding which affects the funeral costs directly. Almost 1.3 million people in the UK might end up in poverty by this winter because of the rising costs. At least the ones among these who chose to attend the funeral procession don’t have to worry about blankets. That’s one less of a bother. They will sleep hungry but at least they sleep in a blanket.

This would not be so infuriating if the funeral was not funded by the public tax and was funded by the millions the queen has inherited. Come winter, all the reverence and the feelings of sorrow will fade away. The feeling of hunger among the people will replace it. That might lead to some really unpleasant days for the monarchy. For now, that’s a discussion the monarchy has successfully avoided.

The officials present got them blankets. Thousands of people, each with a free blanket... at the same time, there are many on the roads and in bus stops: homelessness has increased by 38% in the UK since the last 12 years.”

Photo Credit: Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport via Wikimedia Commons

the Hygiene BanK | An Banc Sláinteachais • Monday 10th of October

University of Galway housing crisis: is college worth the hassle?

By Gemma Collins Co-News Editor

Every year the dreaded accommodation discussion is at the forefront of every student and parent’s minds.

The housing crisis has been existing in the minds of the stu dents who attend the University of Galway for a while now but are especially at the forefront for the new entrants of 2022 and the returning students.

With many still without accommodation at the start of the academic year this is a stressful and tense time for any return ing or new students to the University.

Students at the University of Galway who have secured accom modation are experiencing the harsh effects of the housing crisis this year with their rent increasing causing students not to be able to afford to live.

Some are choosing between food or being able to pay rent for the month. Affordability is as much of an issue in Galway as it is in Dublin for many.

Access to accommodation has become a barrier to higher education.

Talking to a recent school leaver who has accepted a place in the University of Galway, explains that it was impossible to find accommodation in Galway and is going to commute everyday by bus from his hometown.

Students are now missing out on the chance to grow and

experience the trials and triumphs of living away from home. They miss out on proper connections with people and may become isolated.

Going to college was once a thrilling and momentous occasion where families declared how proud they were of their child.

For many it has become more of a nuisance due to the lack of accommodation and the price of rent.

This notion has forced students to commute long distances which require early mornings and late nights or sleep on floors or couches.

Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer, Vice President for Welfare says: “This crisis is not unprecedented, we’ve known it’s been coming”.

Imogen highlights the government’s lack of action and interest in the housing crisis for students.

“[This is] a complete disaster and we’ve been walking headfirst into it, we are seeing students in crisis mode every day facing the decision of either staying in college and being homeless or dropping out.

“It’s very frustrating to watch people in power just outright refuse to take responsibility for something they are directly responsible for,” she said.

From Imogen’s insight as the Students’ Union’s Welfare Officer, accessing higher education is getting increasingly harder and adding stress and heartache for students.

Seeing so many students without accommodation weeks into a new academic year begs the question; is college worth all this stress? And for many people, it seemingly is not.

UG Students Union camp out in Eyre Square during Accomodation Protest

Nightlife after Covid: Is dancing in the hallway of a pub good enough?

By Alessia Micalizzi

Nightlife was one of the few things that could not be “reinvented” during the several pandemic lockdowns: a late club or a dancing venue simply cannot be brought online as a class or a business meeting can, and nightclubs did not have the opportunity to deliver their services and products to people’s houses, as many shops, restaurants and pubs could do. The definitive closure of nightlife businesses, as occurred to almost every nightclub in Galway, was a very natural consequence of over six hundred days without work.

What about the effects on youth cul ture? A change in nightlife preferences and trends would not be so odd consider ing that during Covid, things like spending the entire day at home, respecting a “cur few” and avoiding crowded places became the norm, along with virtual relationships and gatherings. But it could also work the opposite way: because they felt like they have missed almost two years of danc ing together with hundreds of people and staying up until the late a.m., young

people may want to experience that even more than before and to have again the option to live nightlife at its utmost.

When asked about places they like and would more often go to, students from the University of Galway expressed indeed their preference for music-related events. Open-mic nights, karaoke, live music ses sions, and dancing parties: initiatives that at the moment are being set up by pubs and late bars in Galway. When it comes to dancing, though, it is quite inconvenient to always do it in the narrow, overcrowded hallways of pubs and bars: kind of a par adox given the health and safety reasons why nightclubs had to shut down.

Former resident DJ at Electric nightclub Paul Belton has spoken to SIN about the situ ation: “Nightlife has changed drastically. We are lacking a venue to host big-scale events. The industry in the West of Ireland has taken a severe hit. We are all music heads here and it’s a real shame that we don’t have the space for it,” he said, explaining that now he mainly plays his own music in other counties’ festivals, far from Galway. However, he said some positive steps are being taken.

“There are a few collectives in Galway that are throwing house and techno nights in venues such as The Loft and The Cellar, as well as booking international artists to play.”

The University of Galway bar Sult is also playing an important part in that, arranging karaoke nights, Latin dance nights, and such events in a spacious venue, with the important aim of making the international students feel involved during their first weeks in Galway.

The issue of nightlife in Galway also became part of the public debate in March 2022, when it seemed likely that DNA, the only nightclub left in Galway, would close as well. Concerned by the rumours, that were then shut down from DNA owners speaking to Galway Beo, Social Democrat Councillor Owen Haley took a stand on his Facebook page: “It’s beyond time we take our night-time culture seriously. We attract students and young workers from all over Ireland and Europe, but they aren’t just looking for good colleges and good jobs. They want a full life. The Council must hire a staff member that can proactively lead and support the night-time sector.”

It’s beyond time we take our night-time culture seriously. We attract students and young workers from all over Ireland and Europe, but they aren’t just looking for good colleges and good jobs. They want a full life.”

Lana Del Slay

By Rachel Garvey Features Editor

Let’s get one thing straight; it’s hard being a female in today’s society and if we thought that was Difficult, then it is unim aginable to be a female in the spotlight of the celebrity world. Photographers, specifically, the paparazzi, a huge fanbase and there’s the constant upkeep of your own self; what’s on the out side because that’s what really matters when you’re famous. It’s how you look, what you wear, and how your body is portrayed, and if it’s not up to the standards of people then the negativity starts, the comments flow in, and the fanbase turns nasty while others fight to stand up for what is right.

Everyone has a standard, all of them are different, but it is impossible to meet everyone’s standards. You aren’t just talk ing about your friends or family members, but a million other strangers and a dozen new strangers added to that list nearly every day. One woman in particular, who became the centre of attention for such negativity is Lana Del Rey. Unfortunately, this isn’t the only time when Lana was dragged through the spotlight in a negative light, but back in 2020 too, and long before then. One fan on Twitter tweeted that “Ew, I had no idea Lana del Rey is fat. Thought she was prettier too; I am disappointed”, but Lana fans were quick to rush to the defence of the singer, tweeting “making fun of Lana del Rey for her weight gain is weirdo behaviour” with another fan posting “Lana Del Rey is a queen idc if she gained weight, she’s still perfect”. For every negative comment, there were fans rushing to show support to Lana using a Twitter hashtag of #WeLoveYouLana, it was no surprise that it trended quickly.

It’s 2022 and to think we have moved away from fatpho bic comments is an overstatement, I thought we were better than this as a society, but we’re not and that needs to change. Someone’s body weight is none of our business. Someone’s body physique is none of our business. Someone’s personal life and life, in general, is none of our business. It is not our business to comment degrading comments to someone we know or who we don’t know. Yes, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but it also works hand-in-hand with the phrase if you can’t say anything nice then don’t say anything at all. Celebrities’ fanbase’s can fluctuate depending on what the celebrity has done; some examples are Conor McGregor has lost a lot of respect from his fans due to his unacceptable behaviour lately and icon Justin Bieber even went through a rough patch with his fanbase after a video was posted online of him spitting down on to his fans from a high balcony. It is easy and understandable to see why certain celebrity fanbases can decrease and increase and that is merely because of their actions in society, but why should it fluctuate when it comes

to weight? Is the idea of your favourite singer gaining weight a huge disrespect to you? It shouldn’t.

As humans, our bodies have different metabolisms, we have different bone structures, and we have different bodies. No body is the same, but over the years, social media has fed us the false image of how we should look; how we should be skinny, have perfect hair, and have perfect teeth. Perfect everything. This is not the case. The real truth is; we’re allowed to have cellulite, greasy hair, and oily skin. Our bodies should be allowed to bloat or break out in acne or gain weight. We have been fed nasty little lies, thinking that because we have gained weight we are “fat” or “ugly” or “not beautiful”, but it’s time to stop feeding into those lies. We are all beautiful; all shapes, sizes, everything. Beautiful beings should not say such hateful things to one another. We are all the same. And Lana Del Rey is just like us; she is beautiful too inside and outside.

Lana fans were quick to rush to the defence of the singer, tweeting “Lana Del Rey is a queen idc if she gained weight, she’s still perfect”.”

Academia-aesthetic films to help you back into school

By Syakira Nazri Arts and Fashion Editor

Welcome back to school! If you’re anything like me, you adore a good learning environ ment but wish that school or college were more interesting in real life. As autumn rolls around, rainy days at the library are gradu ally replacing picnics at the park, bringing this year’s summer to a close. Luckily, art and film can help you romanticise and manifest the dream university experience. Here are some academia-aesthetic film rec ommendations to help inspire and gently kick you into study mode.

Dead Poets Society (1989)

No film screams aesthetic academia like Dead Poets Society does, and failing to men tion this cult classic here would almost be a crime against culture. Following a closeknit group of students at a prestigious all-boys boarding school, they learn about the fight for freedom of uniqueness and the self-determination of identity through their English teacher who makes his eso teric flair for the subject known.

The Theory of Everything (2014)

My personal favourite in this list, The Theory of Everything is the perfect mix of classic soundtracks and awe-inspiring humanity. A well-romanticised biopic on theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking made while he was still alive, it details his journey and struggles to becoming the now-renowned populariser of string theory.

The Imitation Game (2014)

Like The Theory of Everything, this is another biopic on scientific academia. Similar in tone with themes of romance and the period-era setting, it follows the life of Alan Turing from his induction into the British secret service in World War II. Scattered with flashbacks from his childhood, this film sheds light on the shunned, silent hero Turing later became. I found myself inspired by his ground-breaking research as a student in STEM myself, and recommend this watch for anyone similarly interested.

All The Bright Places (2020)

With a much brighter colour palette than the rest of the films on this list, you might assume that its plot is just as much lighter. While there is a lacking dark academia vibe to this novel adaptation, it portrays the humanity of wonder and exploration in ways that institutional academia aesthetics typically fail to provide. Trailing the echoes

of tragedy in the hearts of two very different people, they find in each other a reawaken ing of some novel joys of life. As pretty as a Ghibli film, I find it to also make for a good rewatch every once in a while.

Mary Shelley (2017)

Here comes some of that female representa tion! This is another period-era aesthetic academia film with carefully crafted aesthetic cinematography. The author of Frankenstein and daughter of Mary Woll stonecraft is seen to go through a life of uncertainties leading up to the struggles of recognition for her work. Having read about and appreciated the ironic humanity of Frankenstein’s monster myself, I find that the life of the woman who wrote him into existence is made even more profound here; it delves deep into the inspiration of her reallife experiences of personal tragedy and love.

Honourable mentions:

While sadly I cannot list off every academ ia-aesthetic film I have ever watched and enjoyed, here are some I consider too good not to recommend. Features some more female leads. Enjoy!

Jane Eyre (2011)

Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)

• Crimson Peak (2015)

• Radioactive (2020)

• Mona Lisa Smile (2003)

Midnights Mayhem with Me and You

By Gemma Collins Co-News Editor

Taylor Swift has announced her tenth studio album, Midnights . This highly anticipated album is released on the 21 of October the same day as the new Arctic Monkeys album The Car.

Swift has announced that her new album will have 13 tracks with track 13 being called Mastermind and track 8 being called Vigilante Shit. She has created a game show on Tiktok called Midnights Mayhem With Me where she lets fate pick a number that equals a titled track on her album.

This is just another example of Swift’s genius mind at work as it keeps fans like me interested and wanting more.

Swift is known for dropping easter eggs for her fans, but this announcement has thrown even the dedicated swifties into a spiral.

Taylor has been known to reference the term ‘midnight’ in many forms through out her songs and during the night is when many of her amazing ideas come to fruition.

The midnight train is not slowing anytime soon for TSwizzle as this album is always in talks. Jimmy Fallon on his

latest show has even commented on her brilliance and intelligence with how she is marketing her latest album.

The marketing and advertisement of her new album is being discussed widely branding Swift a ‘genius’. She sells her product like it’s a present for her fans which is inventive and clever. By using this tactic, she makes the experience feel personal and special.

Swift has designed four different vinyl’s entitled Jade Green Edition, Blood Moon Edition, Mahogany Edition and Moonstone Blue Edition. Cleverly, the four different covers make a clock which will encourage dedicated fans to buy all four to make the clock and ensure they aren’t late for the release of the album.

The hype around this album is not unfamiliar territory for fans of Swift. Taylor Swift does have one of the most dedicated and loyal fanbases. It is evident from social media that the buzz around this album will not be easily extinguished.

I personally cannot wait for this album and think she is a marketing genius. She keeps her fans and the rest of the world interested and talking. My Tiktok feed is devoted to theories about the album and who will be featured on it.

Ticket Sales Down in Galway Arts Venues Post-Pandemic

By Seán Lyons

Performing arts venues in Galway are struggling to reach pre-pandemic ticket sale figures eight months after the lifting of restrictions.

Ongoing trepidation around Covid-19 has prevented a significant rise in ticket sales according to Pearse Doherty who is a producer at An Taidhbhearc Thea tre. He observes that there remains a “general nervousness about going into crowded rooms; there’s a certain per centage of people who just don’t go out anymore”.

Caution around virus transmission has been especially challenging for ticket sales of theatres due to their audiences being predominantly made up of highrisk elderly people. Mr Doherty says that “theatre in Ireland in general is not attended by younger people which is a big challenge”.

The cost-of-living crisis is playing a role in the stifled resurgence of the live music industry according to Róisín Dubh co-owner Gugai McNamara. With soaring bills to contend with, he says that the gig-goer has become more “thrifty”. Mr McNamara states that gigs that typically attract a younger audience are becoming more difficult to market and he points out that “the cost of accommodation is insane in Galway so there’s that to factor in”.

Mr McNamara observes that Róisín Dubh patrons who are conscious of their spending are less inclined to go to a smaller gig as “if you’re only going to go to three gigs, you’ll probably go for something bigger”.

Consumer reticence around attending gigs has a disproportionate effect on less established acts according to Joe Kelly of up-and-coming Galway band Telebox. “A gig is a gamble for us but it’s also a gamble for the person paying” he says. Mr Kelly states that an act which has yet to garner a large following is unlikely to sell tickets “unless someone knows about you already”.

Despite worrying trends, some venues managers have a more positive outlook. Director of the Town Hall Theatre Fergal McGrath expects to “finish the year at 100% of pre-Covid business”. Mr McGrath believes that shrewd marketing will help the industry to surmount any obstacle and that “we have to be more sophisticated in how we engage with our audiences”.

Taylor Swift at the iHeartRadio Music Awards 2019. Photo: Glenn Francis of PacificProDigital.com

Book Nook

By Rachel Garvey Features Editor

There’s just something about autumn season that brings all the good books out on display in the bookstores, not just in Galway, but all over the world. Take a peek into Galway’s bookstores, preferably Dubray Books located on Shop Street and Charlie Byrne’s nestled in near the Latin Quarter and you’ll see the fabulous selection of books they have for autumn season; books that will get you in the mood for the upcoming month of October.

Where the Crawdad’s Sing

A brilliant and remarkable novel by Delia Owens about abandonment, love and betrayal. Although the book is set for the warm summer months in Barclay Cove, there is enough love, drama and nature to give you those autumn vibes when it comes to the marsh, murky ponds and beautiful feathers along with a beautiful poetry about nature and what creatures do to survive the environment. Summer vibes, yes, but it’s such a phenomenal read for autumn time.

A Series of Unfortunate Events

A book series that is still well-loved by people today, their memories gladly filled with reading the series in their younger teenage years. Lemony Snicket really brought the unfortunate events to life and stretched it over a number of thirteen books. The Baudelaire children face a new sanctuary in each book with Count Olaf and his theatre troupe on their heels as they run to escape his clutches. A perfect little drama and thriller-based series to read while you sip your pumpkin spiced coffee in a coffee shop.

The Invisible Life of Addie La Rue

A true gem by aspiring author V.E. Schwab who is growing popular in the world of writing. It doesn’t matter how many sea sons Addie lives through, but no-one will ever remember her until a handsome bookstore clerk does, but these two share something in common that threatens to tear them apart. There are consequences for our actions, for our wishes and dreams and the price will always be paid even if it’s not the result we want. An amazing read and at least we’ll remember Addie because she’s a true character that we grow to love straightaway.

The Girl on the Train

Paula Hawkins really knows how to write a thriller and dark romance novel and I don’t just love it due to the fact that the main character’s name is Rachel. Filled with uncer tainty and anxiety over the failed relationship and growing alcohol problem, Rachel catches the train everyday to a job she doesn’t have anymore. After watching this woman from the window who she thinks is having an affair on her husband, Rachel finds out this woman has been murdered. She finds her self in the middle of a murder investigation that she has no business being in. The truth hurts in the end after the least unsuspecting suspect is guilty after the murder.

The Demonologist

A terrifying yet brilliant book written by Gerald Brittle on the cases of The Warrens; famous demonologists based in Connect icut. Brittle spoke with and interviewed both Ed and Lorraine Warren; Ed being the demonologist and Lorraine being a clairvoyant and documented their most famous and horrifying cases which include The Annabelle Case, The Ghost at West Point, The Amityville Case and so much more. A truly great read for autumn if you really want to bring those chills back.

Netflix and Aut-chill

By Rachel Garvey Features Editor

Firstly, to clarify, the title contained the words “autumn” and “chill” combined. It may not be the best combination, but there’s always a new word to add to the dictionary with me. However, words and word combinations are not the discussion in this article, but rather the recommendations for those chilly Autumn evenings inside with Netflix on the television or laptop.

The Craft

This 1996 witchcraft classic is sure to set those autumn vibes just right. A new girl in a new school being welcomed into a new group of friends, what could possibly go wrong? Not a lot can go wrong, but when this new group of friends turn out to be a coven practicing witchcraft against the people who they don’t like then a lot could go wrong. Especially when Sarah, the new girl, has greater powers than the rest of the girls. Neve Campbell and Skeet Ulrich from Wes Craven’s Scream franchise also play part in the movie; characters we already love on the big screen. Witch vibes in autumn; added to ‘My List.’

Conversations with a Killer: The John Wayne Gacy Tapes

Autumn time is always dedicated to documentaries; specifically, the ones that arouse our curiosity about the true horror stories of some of America’s most infamous serial killers and their horrifying cases. The Gacy tapes have the audio of John Wayne Gacy giving a detailed account of his life and his career and how he was loved by all who met him, but it takes a horrifying turn

when we’re led into the discovery of thirty-three bodies buried under his house. A shocking yet gripping watch on Netflix.

Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes

Another brilliant documentary to add to the list, if learning about gruesome killings is your guilty pleasure; I know it’s mine. Lis tening to how these men tell their story and try to make it sound like what they did was perfectly normal is something I’ll never understand. Although anxiety levels are high when watching tapes such as these, I find it very enlightening how these men were put away or sentenced to death through the death penalty. Like Bundy, it is extremely wicked, shockingly evil and vile.

Life

A new addition to the Netflix family starring Ryan Reynolds, Rebecca Ferguson and Jack Gyllenhaal; all fan favourites in the movie world, star in this space-based movie. The crew of astronauts and doctors have been on journey to visit Mars to collect samples from the planet’s environment only to realise they found evidence of life on Mars through a sample, but their new friend “Calvin” makes it clear it’s not here to make friends. Perhaps what is found on Mars stays on Mars.

The Devil in Ohio

A brand new and limited Netflix series has graced our screens recently with a name that is sure to pull you in. Nothing gives Autumn vibes like a girl running through a corn-field trying to escape a cult with a carved in pentagram on her back. Only half way through it, but it’s worth a watch and it’ll keep you guessing about what will happen next. You can never know with a cult?

Clubs’ Day Graduate Fair

Photography

Bakertilly

LinkedInPresident of UG

Students peruse the list of exhibitors present at this year’s Graduate Fair

AIB

UG Archery Club - Eveline Nee

UG Rowing Club - Brian Colsh

UG Rugby Club – Tara Fenton, Kate O’Meara, Elizabeth O’Shea, Miriam Finnegan, Jack Hynes, Tom Burke and Eimhin Fenton

UG Equestrian Club — Jill and Méabh

UG Rugby Club -Tara Fenton

SU Welfare Officer Joe Mee

Fidelity

EY

Jameson team

Vodafone

UG Graduate Fair 2022

Tobin Consulting Engineers

Exhibitors field students’ questions

Socs’ Fest

Photography

Chemistry Society

Conor Kennedy and James Walsh

Shit Shirt Night Competition Contestants

Neurodivergent Society

Joe Mee finds his own shit shirt for the Socs Fest event

Witches Call Society

Dance Soc show off their moves during the Silent Disco in Áras na MacLéinn

SU Giveaway

Clare Haven Horizons Charity Shop

Dance Society

First Year Goodie Bag Giveaway

Marine Soc

Crowds aplenty at the charity pop-up shop in The Cube

Astronomy Society

The Cube

FanSci Society

Joe Mee: Shit Shirt Night Promotion

CéimCell Explorers

Dance Soc

Dance Off in Áras na Mac Léinn

Vol. 24 #02 04 Oct. 2022 29Photography · Grianghrafadóireacht Dance Off

Top 5 cocktails for dummies

By Roisin Kerrigan

Just a quick note here from your friendly neighbourhood barmaid and mixologist, because apparently just being a barmaid wasn’t a grand enough title if you could master the art of a cocktail. Anyways, I am here to gift you five cocktail recipes that will make you very popular at your next prinks. Note you will need a cocktail shaker for these recipes but in emergencies a water bottle will work just as well.

Flirtini

A subtle Sex-in-the-City reference in the form of a drink. Crush some raspberries in your shaker, add 30ml raspberry Vodka, 15ml lemon juice, and 12ml sugar-syrup. Add ice to your shaker and go to town, strain into glass, and top off with prosecco to give it a bubbly head. Enjoy while winking at the cute guy across the room to live up to its reputation.

Pornstar Martini

This is by far the most ordered cocktail on my menu, and I cannot understand why; other than the giggle of asking your server to bring you a pornstar. I am convinced that people just don’t know what goes into this little orange beverage. Well, I will have to let you in on the secret.

Start with one egg white, 30ml of vodka, 70ml of Passionfruit puree, and 20ml of Sugar syrup. Put this all in your shaker and wrap with a towel. The egg builds gas in the chamber, causing the top to blow, ensuring you wear your martini rather than drinking it. Shake this for a minimum of 5-min utes, to cook the egg. Once the five minutes are up, add ice to the shaker and shake again for 1-minute. Strain this into glass, add a shot glass of prosecco on the side.

Side Note: Please do not pour the pro secco into the martini, if it was meant to be the bartender would have poured it in. Rinse your mouth with the shot first before enjoying your Pornstar.

Rosie’s Special

This is my personal favourite off the cock tails menu that I only offer regulars who I know have a stomach of steel; I will warn you in advance that it is a strong drink so sip lightly. Add 30ml Baileys, 30ml Vodka, 30ml Crème-de-Mente, 30ml Milk, and 50ml of Monnin Chocolate into your shaker with Ice and shake for just under a minute, strain over a glass of Ice. For Decoration I would add a pinch of spring mint and cocoa powder, but it is just as delicious without.

Sexy Mary

I will not lie to you folks, it’s not tasty, but its stunning mixing of colours will have you reaching for the camera to capture that perfect Instagram picture. Fun Fact: it was named by my favourite regular, a little old lady, Mary, who always has the most scandalous stories.

Start with a tall glass, add a small amount of ice, pour in a bottle of blue WKD, add 20ml of lemon juice, slowly with the juice touching the side of the

glass. Add 40ml of raspberry vodka using the same method.

If done correctly your drink should turn blue, to pink to purple. Garnish with straw berries and a straw and have the camera ready.

Sex on the Beach

This classic is the easiest and most refresh ing cocktail on the list and always meets the ear with the same response; “sex on the beach?” “with you, anytime.”

Also, don’t say this to your bar tender, the laugh is always fake, I promise.

Pour 75ml Cranberry juice, 75ml orange juice, 35ml vodka, and 20ml peach schnapps into your shaker with ice and shake away. Shake for a minute before pouring, I would personally suggest ice but that is your call.

Then top off this classic cocktail with grenadine, an orange slice, and strawberries before going bottoms-up on this concoction.

Please do not pour the prosecco into the martini, if it was meant to be the bartender would have poured it in. Rinse your mouth with the shot first before enjoying your Pornstar.”

I think I have a caffeine addiction

By Rachel Garvey Features Editor

Coffee, yes. Tea, yes. Caffeine, yes. Today’s generation is leaking caffeine from their pores because, like nicotine, it’s addic tive. Of course, it’s in our coffee, our tea, the majority of cacao products, energy drinks; all the things we rely on during our wake-up times.

I may not depend on coffee, but I do on my precious beverages of Lucozade to give me that special glucose-filled kick during the day. It makes us feel good. It wakes us up, but when those caffeine cravings set in, you know you and the people around you are in for a rude awakening if you don’t get that fix.

That’s when you know it becomes a prob lem, when you crave it all the time, when you’re snappy and anti-social until you sip your morning coffee. However, are lovers of caffeine aware of exactly what caffeine is?

As simple as getting your morning coffee sounds, caffeine itself is a more complex compound; a stimulant for the central

nervous system which increases alertness, but if you overload then you’re welcomed into a world of a body crashing to extreme tiredness, a sick stomach and shaky limbs.

An article on Healthline by Alina Petre outlines the good and the bad of caffeine for your health. If we thought we were the only ones it influenced, then we were wrong. The first brewed tea was tracked as far back as 2737 B.C. with coffee being discovered years later by an Ethiopian shepherd who noticed the extra energy it gave to his goats.

Who knew that goats would love our beloved caffeine products too? Petre gives a brief outline of how caffeine works when ingested into the body; caffeine is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream from the gut. Then it travels to the liver, where it’s broken down into compounds that can affect the function of various organs.

The main one being the brain as it blocks the effects of the neurotransmit ter adenosine which makes you feel tired. Healthline gives a detailed description of the benefits and side effects of caffeine Consumption. A great online forum to

find out about the health benefits of food or beverages or anything really.

Benefits

The benefits to drinking caffeine may pro mote a healthy liver by as much as 84 percent. The effect it has on skin by consuming four cups per day may lower the risk of skin cancer by 20 percent. It also aids the digestive tract by reducing the risk of gout and the increase of beneficial gut bacteria. It may also prolong life and help prevent several diseases. The benefits are quite beneficial to a point, but with every advantage comes a disadvantage, a price to pay for that cup or cups of coffee.

Side Effects

The side effects linked to excess caffeine consumption are anxiety, restlessness, tremors, irregular heartbeat and trouble sleeping. Headaches, migraines and high blood pressure are also possible. Therefore, the recommended dosage is two hundred milligrams per dose with a fatal overdose being reportedly five hundred milligrams in a single dose.

City Talks: What is Gdańsk all about?

By Charlotte Lavin

Gdańsk is a city whose history will not cease to amaze you. Located on the northern coast of the Baltic Sea in the Pomerania region of Poland, is, at first sight, a small and beautiful city (it is rightly called “The Pearl Of The Baltic”). You might not know exactly how to make the most of all the wonders the city has to offer but you will quickly find your way.

First a medieval Slavic fishing village, Gdańsk was created in the 10th century. A growing port under the rule of the Teutonic Knights of the Cross (between 1308 and 1454), and the largest city of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (around the 14th and 15th centuries). It is now one of the largest port city of the Baltic Sea. It belonged in turns to Prussian and Germany, before the city acquired the status of “Free State of Danzig” in 1918 and “Free City of Danzig” in 1920 but was under German domination again a few years later until it was “liberated” by the Soviet in 1945. Its difficult past forged its rebelled spirit.

You might know Gdańsk for being the hometown of Günter Grass, the German author of The Tin Drum born in The Free City of Danzig, or for the Westerplatte, home of the Polish Military

Transit Depot between 1926 and 1939, or maybe more recently for the Solidarność movement founded in 1980 in the Lenin Shipyard, now known as Stocznia, a food market and hang-out place. The history books might not teach us that anymore, but the fall of the Berlin Wall would not have happened if it wasn’t for Gdańsk.

Gdańsk is linked with two other cities, also on the seafront side: Gdynia and Sopot. The three of them together are referred to as “TriCity” (“Trójmiasto”) and offer a vast range of activities for all weather. If you go to TriCity in the summer, you must visit the long stretches of the beach.

Wild (Orłowo) or less wild (Sopot) will welcome you day or night and the Old Town of Gdańsk will provide entertainment for young and old: walk along Długa Street, visit the Forum Shopping Centre, eat in one of the Milk Bars, have a look at the Neptune Fountain, stroll along the waterfront and the Motława River, and do not forget Mariacka Street, famously known as the “Amber” street, and the steps of the Mariacka tower.

In the winter, you will enjoy visiting the plethora of museums and restaurants all over towns. Don’t miss the Naval Museum in Gdynia, and the European Solidarity Centre and World War II Museum in Gdańsk. If you only stay for a few days, make sure to go to Sopot to see the pier, the famous crooked house (and yes, it is a Costa Café) and the Opera Leśna, the “Forest Opera”, that you’ll find in the middle of the forest. Even better if you catch a show!

Food-wise, note that most cafés admit dogs (and kids), that pierogis are always in season, and that the smallest places often offer the best food.

Finally, Gdańsk and Gdynia are well connected with Warsaw, Kraków and Wrocław. You can download the app Koleo to help you with your travels, and check the Polish’s railways website

Blackboard ally: more accessible learning for all

By Rachel Foster Co-News Editor

With semester one well underway the widespread need for more accessible learning is becoming increasingly clear.

Blackboard Ally is a tool that can help with this prevalent issue by providing all of the students of University of Galway with more flexible and accessible resources via blackboard.

By simply clicking the A logo beside any Blackboard file, you will be offered the options of accessing your chosen file through the formats of PDF, HTML, ePub, electronic braille, audio, BeeLine Reader, and Immersive Reader.

Not only will the newly formatted content be available to you, but it will also be available to download, making it even easier for you to adapt your study to your specific requirements.

All of these formats have been designed to make your course content available in the way that suits you best, so why not take advantage of this incredibly useful tool!

The history books might not teach us this anymore, but the fall of the Berlin Wall would not have happened if it wasn’t for Gdańsk.”

Love without judgement

By Leo Snygans

My name is Leo Snygans and I am a status refugee in Ireland. It has been a challenging few years, and still going through immense obstacles of finding to live and not survive anymore. I was recently nominated for the Alive Global Award and visited Mexico as part of the honour. What a blessed opportunity and self-reflection on my life. I wanted to share the experience and what it taught me with all of you.

Travelling to Mexico

I went with five friends from diverse backgrounds, and we left on 7 July. I travelled on a United Nations Travel Document and faced a huge group of immigration officers interrogating me on arrival. I remained calm as this has been part of my journey, constantly questioning where I come from. My answer is always I am a citizen of the world.

My time in Mexico City

We met lovely Valeria and spent a few days in Mexico City. A place filled with so much culture and proudly kept clean despite the organised chaos. I was put with John Jo, an authentic Irish man. As a member of the LGBTQ plus community, I sometimes walk with fear and a mask, as judgement is the order of the day. We bonded from the starting weekend in Ireland and shared intimate space for the following eight weeks. I was spending time in Oaxaca for two weeks in the language school and staying with a missionary family Magdalena and Pedro, for that time.

It freaked me out being amongst deeply religious people and being the person I am. I kept my head up high and reflected my respect and humanity as I always do. We cannot change people’s mindsets in life, but we can represent ourselves as individuals

from this small, insignificant planet, a tiny little dot in one uni verse. Goodbyes ended up in tears from all parties as we shared a moment, we usually will not be due to religious affiliations.

Next….to La Ventanille

We were on our way to La Ventanille in southern Mexico. Temper atures consistently exceed 30 degrees, and very rural. On arrival, I settled into the little bungalow next to the beach. A place still recover ing from a category two hurricane just three weeks before my arrival.

Flipflops and shorts, and t-shirts became the fashion of the day. Duties include looking after white tail deer on the endangered species list, feeding crocodiles and cleaning their areas, cleaning and looking after freshwater turtles and searching at night-time for Humpback turtle nests. All are part of an eco-tourism project sustaining the survival of all species affected by global warming. On the other side, I was teaching English and helping in the local kitchen where I had my lovely Mexican, traditional cuisine daily.

We have no more time to talk about nationalism. This land on Earth belongs to all. We are all just visitors to this time and place.”

Downtime

On off days going to local beaches reflects paradise as we know it. Unexpectedly I became a life safer one Sunday and took a gentleman from rough seas filled with strong currents.

Standing at the crossroad of knowing my life might end too, but no two thoughts of saving a fellow human through this process, meeting new friends for life. The universe is putting you in a situation where it needs you to be.

How I reflected on my life in Ireland

Sadly, my only income was cancelled in Ireland. My soul was agitated, know it that I might lose my accommodation and all for being an ambassador for a country that treats asylum seekers and refugees so unkindly. I mean this in the context of existing Direct Provision Centres and the lack of integration of overall treatment of all asylum seekers and refugees. As I am, I pulled myself together and concentrated on the mission. I adopted it quickly as I grew up in the mother continent Africa. Even though deeply affected by chaos, the rhythm of African drums beats in my soul.

Eight weeks is a long time spent in a different place and lim ited communication with the outside world. I realise how the western world, the judges of all societies, lack entirely behind. The organic living of people deeply affected by global warming is

driven by over-consumerism from western countries. A people are so happy with the minimum possessions of earthly good ies. Children played barefoot on the beach, and grown-ups sat around tables having honest conversations. Everybody knows each other’s name and neighbours share hands with each other all the time. Food so natural from the land defeats the monster of process catering to developed countries, causing so much illness.

Time is just a matter of existence here. I was listening to sounds long forgotten, tickling my brain to a place of calmness. A trip needed so desperately, as I thought about ending my life before I left. The pressures of a bureaucratic system keep me down and a hostage to people not knowing how lucky they are with their birth right in a place so much better than others. A privileged forgotten and taken for granted.

Coming home

On departure, I cried for three days as I am a sensitive being, and I became part of a people speaking a tongue that was new to me. Love without judgement and making me a part of something so special. Yes, A place lacking a lot of improvement, but not my place to change, but to respect as these people have been there for a long time. I realise how far western society has moved from nature and that bond needs to be mended yesterday as we face dire circumstances.

I thank everyone from the University of Galway, Alive Pro gram, Intercultural Learning/EIL, and all others involved for this opportunity of a lifetime. I grew so much and got reminded to be humble and thank full for the precious gift of life. I recommend this experience to any individual as there is no age restriction. My life is fuller, and I appreciate my existence on a planet still divided on silly grounds of religion, sex and race.

We have no more time to talk about nationalism. This land on Earth belongs to all. We are all just visitors to this time and place.

Cláraigh anseo

From The Stands to the Press Box

By Joseph Murray Co-Sports Editor

Marc Ó Goill is not your typical Galway United fan.

He, like many others, follows his beloved team up and down the country. But what sets him apart from most other fans is that, as a member of the club’s media team, he cheers the Tribesmen

but I think my real break came when a board member wanted me to get a pho toshoot with [Galway United manager] John Caulfield.

“I was very inexperienced, so I don’t think that shoot ever came out in the end! But I started getting involved through that [and] I was kind of one of those people who said yes to everything, so the opportunities came thick and fast … even though I had no idea what to do. I was shown the ropes by some really talented people within the club, so my skillset kind of came from there.”

As Galway United’s head of streaming, Marc’s main role this season is to man age the club’s live streams for the LOI TV platform. Yet, on any given matchday, he could also be taking photos, posting updates on the club’s social media, or even providing commentary from the gantry.

Marc is just one of many talented and skilled individuals on Galway United’s media team, but he feels that the door is open to fans of any ability, provided they are enthusiastic.

of seeing the Tribesmen face Ireland’s finest teams while in the Premier Divi sion, to the heartbreak of missing out on promotion by a whisker last season, Marc has already had enough experiences to write a novel.

But what particularly stands out for Marc are the interactions he has had with United’s players, as he explains by recalling a mid-summer match away at Cabinteely three seasons ago.

“Me and a friend could see that [for mer Galway United goalkeeper] Kevin Horgan didn’t have a hat on, and the sun was getting in his eyes. I had a hat on at the time, so I actually went over and tossed it to him, and he wore it for the game. It was this big white hat and I thought he was going to ruin it!

“Thankfully it was fine. We won the game, and there were a few more games where I threw him the hat again and we ended up having a running joke about it.”

Based on these types of experiences, Marc feels that, at the very least, fans should give the league a try and embrace its uniqueness.

on from the press box.

The 20-year-old from Inis Mór began following the club in 2017 but, as a keen photographer, he was given the opportu nity to help out last year.

“We had a previous media team, and I wasn’t necessarily asked to get involved, but I was shown a few bits and bobs …

“Really, it’s all about having an interest, having a drive, and wanting to help your local club succeed. It’s all about having a passion for the club, because if you have [that] you’ll do anything,” he says.

“We’re all good and bad at stuff, it’s just about figuring out what you are good at and seeing where you do fit.”

Marc’s face goes through a full cycle of emotions as he recounts some of his best and worst memories from his time following Galway United. From the thrill

“You have to go into it with an open mind and treat it as it is, because there are amazing places and people in this league.

“If you get involved in the club and you say yes to stuff … you’ll have some funny experiences because the League of Ire land is a really random league. It’s insane.”

With the business end of the season in full flow, and Galway United embroiled in a promotion race, perhaps there is no better time to give Irish football a chance.

“ Really, it’s all about having an interest, having a drive, and wanting to help your local club succeed. It’s all about having a passion for the club, because if you have that you’ll do anything.”

16 September 2022; Ruairi Keating of Cork City in action against James Finnerty of Galway United during the SSE Airtricity League First Division match between Galway United and Cork City at Eamonn Deacy Park in Galway. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Dylan meets: Kieran Fitzgerald

Kieran Fitzgerald played club football with Corofin from 1998 to 2020, winning 14 County titles, seven Connacht, and four All-Ireland’s. He also played with Galway from 2001 to 2011 winning three Connacht titles, one All-Ireland, and one All-Star. He won two Connacht titles and one All-Ireland at under 21 level.

By Dylan McLoughlin SIN Columnist

Tell me about your childhood?

I was born at midnight on 1st January 1981(the first baby that year), in a village called Ballintleva. It was a simple childhood where every free minute revolved around kicking a football or swinging a hurl. I went to Sylane,10 minutes from Tuam, and then secondary school in St Jarlath’s College.

When did you start playing football?

I started playing organised football at the age of 8 when I joined the Corofin GAA Club under 10’s. We met up every Saturday morning in Belclare, where we learned all the skills of the game under coach Frank Morris.

What players did you look up to as a teenager?

I admired Ja Fallon as he was a Tuam man who was nationally regarded as one of the best footballers of his era. He was very relat able to us as he was our local postman for a time. Also, Seamus Moynihan from Kerry because he was a defender with all the skills of the game and played in my position of full-back. I would study his gameplay and try to pick up some of his good habits and traits.

Away from sport, what did you want to be growing up?

I always liked the idea of being a Garda and loved the connection between the GAA and the Gardai. During my teenage years, there were many GAA sportsmen who were inter county footballers/hurlers that worked in An Garda Siochána.

What was it like being involved with such a hugely successful club like Corofin?

It was a very enjoyable time as a Corofin player. I was very fortunate to have played when there were so many talented young footballers com ing through in the club who were ambitious and had a huge desire to improve and develop their natural abilities. Also, within the club itself, the management and administration were forward-thinking and ambitious and gave us every opportunity to fulfill our poten tial. Together everyone achieves more.

2001 was your first year on the Galway Senior Football team: What was it like

to win the All-Ireland and pick up an All-Star?

It was a special moment in my sporting career. I am extremely grateful to John O’Ma honey to have given me the opportunity to join that hugely talented squad. We had an amazing journey that year and I suppose it’s only in recent years when you retire from playing GAA that you fully realise what a special time that was.

A year later you had further success with the under 21’s. Did playing senior with Galway the previous year help you in terms of confidence and experience?

Absolutely, there were about 5 or 6 players who were involved in the senior squad in 2001 who played in the 2002 U21 Final. It gave us all such belief and confidence to push the boundaries of our potential. We fully believed that we would win if we performed to our potential which thankfully, we did on that day in Portlaoise. It was another special moment with a special group of young men.

Can you tell me about 2006 and making your international rules debut?

After the intercounty season finished, I was invited to take part in trials along with sev eral other Galway players for selection in the International Rules Squad. So, every Friday evening/Saturday morning for 8/9 weeks, players from all over the country met in West manstown in Dublin for trials. Luckily, I was selected in the final squad for a 2-test series versus Australia. The first test was in Galway on a Saturday evening under lights in Pearse Stadium and a full house. It was an amazing atmosphere and to get the opportunity to play football against professional athletes and to see how you could compete was interest ing. It was a very proud moment for me and my family to represent my country.

What is the best advice you got over the years?

You can’t change the past, focus on the next ball.

If you could pick your favorite moment in your football career, what would it be?

Running onto the hallowed ground of Croke Park representing my club Corofin.

Do you miss it?

Yes, but I had my time and enjoyed it.

Galway Women’s Football Club Announces Withdrawals from Women’s National League due to Increasing Costs

By Roshni Dsouza

The Galway Women’s Football Club (GWFC) on Sunday last week announced that they will no longer be playing for the Women’s National League (WNL) amid rising costs in Ireland. They have cited both financial and operational reasons for this decision.

Stephen Moore, the founder of the GWFC, told Galway Talks Radio Station that it was struggling to pay players’ sal aries. According to him, costs keep going higher each year. COVID-19 especially affected them badly.

When they started, the budget would be around 20,000 euros. This year the budget requirement was no less than 160,000 euros. That included travel expenses, gear for the game as well as practice, among other things.

The GWFC had already informed the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) before giving a public statement. The girls have a long-standing association with the League as they have been playing for it for the past ten seasons. Galway United, which GWFC comes under, has said that they will strive to promote elite women’s football.

The club thanked all of their significant sponsors, including the McDonagh family, the University of Galway, the Galway City Council, Best Drive, and Seven Bar and Co. who supported them so far in their WNL participation. GWFC has won the WNL cup multiple times, their recent win being the U19s winning in 2021.

Simultaneously the club released a fundraiser for their other activities for the season. Prices of things like energy have increased by 28% this year. This is said to affect sports, especially during the winter months.

Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Aoife McDermott, swapping slam dunks for line-outs.

By Ciarán Ó Flaithearta Co-Sports Editor

Aoife McDermott began playing basketball at the age of 12 when she started secondary school, she was six foot tall and highly athletic having competed in community games and playing for her local soccer and GAA clubs. Before long McDermott began playing with a club and by the age of 14, she was playing both under 14s and 16s for the Sligo All-Stars in the Mayo league finals where she won the MVP with the under 14s “I’d say it’s one of my dad’s proudest moments, he still talks about it till this day”.

The same year McDermott decided to take her basketball career to the next step, Irish Trials. McDermott soon realized that it wasn’t as easy as it looked following an “awful,” first trial after which she received a letter that read “You’re just not what we’re looking for”. This was only a minor setback, the following year McDermott proved that hard work and dedication pay off, “after two years of my parents basically driving me around the country” McDermott was finally named on the Irish u16s basketball team.

Along with that under 14s MVP, her trophy cabinet in Sligo is filled with 16 All-Ireland winners medals, several MVP awards, an Irish young player of the year award, an Irish Under 23 player of the year, and a European Championships silver medal.

McDermott felt that she had achieved all there was to achieve in basketball. After finishing college McDermott moved to Dublin where she felt “the enjoyment just wasn’t the same as it was in Limerick and I was just ready for a change”. Having seen former teammate Louise Galvin make it at rugby 7s and Lindsey Peat make it in the 15s game McDermott found herself gravitating toward the sport, “I guess I was just attracted to the idea, rugby seemed very

“I was ready for a change, I felt like I had ticked off all there was to do in basketball, and I was ready to see if I could do it in rugby.”

24 January 2014; Aoife McDermott, UL Huskies, in action against Emilee Harmon, Team Montenotte Hotel Cork. Basketball Ireland National Women’s Senior League Cup Final, National Basketball Arena, Tallaght, Co. Dublin. Picture credit: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

professional in terms of its setup and exposure for women in sport, they were really trailblazing it and I decided to give it a go”.

Following the European champi onships in 2016, McDermott joined Railway Union where she regularly made the first team in the second row. The first few years became a whirlwind of an experience. In McDermott’s first season with Railway, they reached a

league semi-final where she knocked the Leinster captain Susan Fogarty onto the bench to start in the second row alongside Irish international Ciara Cooney. In her second year of playing McDermott made her debut for Leinster against Ulster where she was a major threat to the Ulster lineout. Within two months of her Leinster debut, McDer mott had received a call up to join Ireland in the Six Nations.

McDermott had been picked on the bench for the third game of the cham pionship against Wales. “I had been hoping for just 10 minutes, one of the girls had got only 30 seconds the previ ous week and if it came to it I would take that but 10 minutes would just be class”. McDermott ended up playing the full 80 minutes due to Nichola Fryday being admitted to the hospital with appen dicitis a chance moment that created

a special one for McDermott. Her first cap joined all her other achievements on the mantelpiece in Sligo.

Outside of sport McDermott works as a clinical research nurse with the Heartbeat Trust. McDermott juggles her work-life with rugby, her day consists of 6am starts in the gym followed by her nine-hour workday, which is closely followed by a pitch session until 8pm. Due to women’s rugby in Ireland not being a professional sport McDermott and many others have to work extremely hard to compete with the likes of England and France who are professional. As a result of the lack of wages, many players have travelled to play in England which has a knock-on effect resulting in a massive gap between the top four sides and the bottom six teams in the Women’s AIL. McDermott believes that the only way to fix this is to increase funding so that the young talent com ing through stays within the leagues and improves the national team. In the future, McDermott aims to reach a world cup with the Irish National team but before any of that to “get women’s rugby in Ire land back being competitive, and keep driving the standards and demanding more from the IRFU for the women’s and after that, hopefully, success will follow suit”. The tide has already begun to turn with the IRFU recently announcing 40 pro contracts for women’s rugby player in both rugby union and rugby 7s.

I guess I was just attracted to the idea, rugby seemed very professional in terms of its setup and exposure for women in sport, they were really trailblazing it and I decided to give it a go.”

11 March 2018; Aoife McDermott of Ireland wins possession from a lineout ahead of Deborah McCormack of Scotland during the Women's Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Scotland at Donnybrook Stadium in Dublin.

Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

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