SIN Vol. 24 Issue 12

Controversey over low attendance at USI Comhdháil 2023

By Caoimhe Looney

There has been some controversy over attendance to the 2023 Union of Students in Ireland Comhdháil.

This year’s congress saw quorum being called at the beginning of almost every section, peaking at being called six times on Tuesday 4 April.

Delegates in attendance of the Comhdháil have the power to call quorum while motions are being debated, and quorum requires that there are a certain amount of delegates on the floor.

However, the controversy occurred due to the failure of many of the quorum counts, which meant that the debating of the motions were delayed.

These quorum failures sparked outrage on Twitter from students of the Higher Education Institutes in USI which were not at the Comhdháil, with questions being raised about the importance of USI Comhdháil if voting and debates were being delayed due to a large amount of delegates absence.

Although there were some quorum failures, all of the quorum counts passed on the second count, after students had been given more time to enter the floor.

The University of Galway were also recipients of three awards. The University

of Galway won best large delegation, LeasUachtarán don Ghaeilge Barry Ó Siochrú won best speaker, and Fionn Connolly Sexton won best speech.

There were a large number of motions proposed, and by close on Thursday all of the motions had been debated and either passed, failed, or were sent back to a working group to be improved on.

A breakdown of the motions

One of the biggest motions which was passed on the final day, during emergency motions, was a motion of ‘No Confidence in the Government’, which passed with no debate opposing the motion and an overwhelming majority voting in favour.

Other motions that passed was a motion called ‘Save the Night’ proposed by University of Galway VP for Welfare Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer, that called for better night life across Ireland with the time of closure for nightclubs to be extended until 6a.m.

Another successful motion was the ‘Legislation of Sex Work’, with a delegate speaking in favour of the motion stating that “there should be no shame in sex work, and there should be no shame in the conversation around it.”

There was great debate over a motion about Artificial Intelligence in education, with the opposition stating that it will “stunt

learning, stop progression and make all education workers completely unnecessary.”

A rebuttal to that was that “artificial intelligence is only as smart as the humans who make it and the humans who use it.” Ultimately the motion passed.

Other motions that passed were ‘the Living Wage for Students’, ‘Trans Equality Together Coalition’, ‘Reforms for Non-EU Postgraduate Researchers’, and ‘Úsáid do Chúpla Focal’.

A motion for a USI Constitutional Amendment to include the USI Constitute in Ulster Scots, in addition to the current English and Irish.

Many voices were heard on both sides of the debate, with delegates in favour stating that “bringing Ulster Scots into the conversation would be really eye opening”, and “even if it’s a small piece, translating the Constitution is an important first step.”

Opposers of the proposal argued that “our Constitution isn’t a way of promoting languages” and “this isn’t a motion to create equality and bring people together, it’s a legal document.” In the end the motion fell and was unsuccessful.

Voting also occurred during the Comhdháil week for next year’s USI Coiste Gnó. University of Galway Student Union President Sai Gujulla ran for USI President, but lost out by four votes to Chris Clifford.

Some members of the University of Galway Students’ Union attended this year’s USI Congress. Photo via @uniofgalwaysu on Twitter.

Editorial

By Valerie McHugh Editor

Dearest readers, welcome to the final edition of SIN for this academic year. I cannot believe how quickly the year has flown by, and today is a bitter-sweet moment as I finish my last issue as Editor.

I have been blessed to sit in the Editor chair for two terms, and SIN will always remain extremely close to my heart. I cannot wait to hand the baton over to my successor; I know they will learn loads about journalism and, quite simply, have a ball.

Before I delve into the fantastic articles and photographs that are coming up in the next pages for the final time, I want to take a moment to thank all of the SIN team for making the past two years as amazing as they have been.

Firstly, well done to the 2023 Sub-Editor team who work extremely hard every week for their sections. You guys are the glue that keep this paper together. A special thanks goes to our Deputy Editor Darragh Nolan, who has been a massive support to SIN throughout my time as Editor, but also, for five years. Secondly, thank you to the contributors who have submitted work this year and came along to our Monday pizza meetings. You are all truly fantastic.

A humongous thank you also goes to our graphic designer Shannon Reeves, who creates this vibrant newspaper that you see in front of you. Shannon has been with SIN since 2011, and he was the first person I met when I became Editor. His passion and expertise are admirable, and anyone who gets to work alongside him is extremely lucky. Finally, thank you to Chris Newell and all of the University of Galway Students’ Union for supporting SIN as much as they have this year.

Without further ado, let’s dive into this issue! Our front page is by Caoimhe Looney who headed along to the recent USI Congress. In Features, Rachel Garvey shares her views on her time as Sub-Editor this year. In Opinion, Steven reflects on 25 years since the Good Friday Agreement. In Arts and Fashion, Dylan chats to Davy Carton from The Saw Doctors. In Health and Lifestyle, Caoimhe has done some exploring on the best essential oils you can pick up. In our Photography section, Lisa has been out and about a lots of campus events! Take a look to see if you can spot yourself in any of the photos! Finally, in Sports, Ciarán has been speaking with rugby player Kacper Palamarczuk.

SIN will be on a break now for the summer, but we will be back in the next academic year. We have also released a bonus spring/summer printed edition of SIN which is available around campus at the moment, so make sure to pick that up!

Before you read this amazing issue, just a reminder that if you would like to get involved with SIN, make sure to email editor.sin@gmail.com for more information. We can add you straight to our WhatsApp group from there! You can find us over on Instagram and Twitter too, where you can follow everything we get up to too. We’d love to hear from you, so do get in touch!

Thanks for the best two years ever.

Dylan Meets: Noel Grealish

Noel Grealish is an Irish Independent politician who has been a Teachta Dála for the Galway West constituency since the 2002 general election. He is from Carnmore, near Galway. He was formerly a Progressive Democrats member.

By Dylan McLoughlin SIN Columnist

In the Dáil recently, you brought up the need for a ring road in Galway city and the prices of living. Are you confident that there will be change for the better?

Yes, in the Dáil recently, I brought up the issue regarding the ring road. The traffic congestion within Galway city is chronic every morning and evening; people sometimes spend up to an hour and a half or two hours trying to get to work. Hence, there is a need for a ring road to be built, but the project has been deferred back to An Bord Pleanála, so we will have to wait and see what decision will be made by An Bord Pleanála. The Taoiseach did assure me recently that if the project gets the go-ahead, then the project will be built, and the funding will be there. The cost of living has increased drastically due to inflation and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine are the biggest exporters of wheat and corn in the world, so it had a knock-on effect on the cost of living.

What is the role of a TD?

A TD is a national legislator. Our primary role is to bring legislation through the Dáil in various bills and finance. For example, the finance bill is going through the Dáil soon. The budget which we had just before Christmas, so the role of a TD is more or less a national legislator to implement and bring in new laws that affect practically everyone in the country. But, we also do a lot of work in the constituency as well with people coming with issues and concerns. We work with them on the likes of medical cards, social welfare payments and the fair deal scheme. The role of a TD is a seven-daya-week job. Still, it’s a great honour and privilege to be elected as a TD for Galway West on five or six occasions.

Do you feel the role of TD has changed much since you’ve been elected?

Not really, but I have noticed in the last while is that it’s harder and harder to get people to make a decision. It is difficult to contact people in a lot of government departments and a lot of the local authorities. I know a lot of that has to do with

Covid with people working from home, so I’m hoping that role will change and that we will be able to make contact and have meetings again.

Did you always have an interest in politics growing up?

Yes, I had always an interest in politics. My father was heavily involved in Fianna Fáil, and at sixteen years of age, I was delegate for Ógra Fianna Fáil. I used to attend the meetings in Richardson’s bar in Galway city.

Where did you go to school and college?

I went to Carnmore national school, and I then went to secondary school in St Mary’s College, Galway. I then did a week’s course in Harvard University called Approaches for Optimizing Opportunities, which was a great experience. But I really enjoyed my time in school and college.

1999 was the first time you contested an election. How did it make you feel when you were elected to Galway County Council to represent the local electoral area of Oranmore?

Going back to that time, I left Fianna Fáil in 1987. I joined the Progressive Democrats, and coming up to the 1999 local elections, Bobby Molly, the former Minister and TD for Galway West, contacted me and asked would I run. Hence, I got elected, and it was a great honour and privilege to see so many people give me their actual number one vote. A vote is a very precious thing. A lot of countries around the world don’t have one. Hence, it’s great that people put their trust in me in 1999 and every election since then.

You have achieved a lot so far. Is there anything that you are particularly proud of?

Well, there’s a few projects that I worked on. One of them there was the installation of traffic lights at Carnmore crossroads. I also got a sewage scheme set up for Claregalway and the new Garda station in Oranmore. I secured funding for Coláiste na Coiribe in Galway. I was in Carna recently and assisted them in acquiring a million euro of a grant, so there’s lots of things I’m proud of, but there’s a lot of

things I’m disappointed with that I didn’t get over the line, but I’m still working on them.

On the 24th of September 2010, you announced that you were withdrawing your support for the government due to health cuts. Do you feel it has got any better since 2010?

No, the waiting lists has got longer. Too much is cramped into University Hospital Galway, and it is such a small hospital. There are twelve minor injuries units around the country and none in Galway. It is one of my big campaigns to get a minor injuries unit built in Galway. It would take a lot of pressure off the U.H.G staff. We also need a new elective hospital in Merlin Park. We also require more home help as the population is increasing and people are living longer, but there is always going to be pressure on the health services.

You have been a good supporter of Galway GAA over the years. How do you think 2023 will go for our footballers and hurlers?

I was at the Galway versus Roscommon game, and I wasn’t too impressed with Galway at that game, but then they went on to beat Tyrone and Monaghan, so we have to be optimistic. Hopefully, they’ll do it. I think the hurlers are going to have a challenge. We have some great games coming to Pearse Stadium in the championship. I think the hurlers might struggle, but the footballers might do all right.

What law changes would you like to see in 2023?

Well, I’m doing a big campaign in the Dáil to get the bail laws changed for people charged with serious crime. When people are charged, they are let back out again, and that needs to stop. A serious criminal should not be allowed out again to re-offend when they are out on bail, so that’s one of the things I want to see change. Also, a person that keeps offending and getting free legal aid that also has to stop. Those are the two big laws I would like to see changed.

Photo via Oireachtas.ie

New report details extensive abuse in Irish Armed Forces

*Contains content about sexual assault*

By Rachel Foster

A recent report into bullying and harassment in the Irish Armed Forces, conducted by the Independent Review Group (IRG), has found structural failures in how the Irish Armed Forces treats women.

The Report found that 88 per cent of female respondents in the Armed Forces said that they had been the victims of one or more types of sexual harassment.

Also, 46 per cent reported experiencing unwanted physical contact/sexual assault.

The IRG said: “Different

Victims of Manchester Arena Bombing sue conspiracy theorist

sources available to the IRG-DF conclude that, at best, the Defence Forces barely tolerates women and, at its worst, verbally, physically, sexually and psychologically abuses women in its ranks.”

The Review Group, which was founded in 2022 after an RTE investigation found cases of abuse in the Forces in 2021, recommended that there be a full statutory inquiry into the issue and that an external complaints system should be made available for those in the Armed Forces.

It also recommends that new policies on gender, inclusion and diversity be formed.

LGBTQ+ activists express concern over Dublin library protest

By Finnian Cox

Protests outside a Dublin library calling for certain books for young people to be removed has caused concern amongst librarians and LGBTQ+ activists across the nation.

Protests were held outside a library in Swords on Thursday 6 April over books about LGBTQ+ people, claiming that some of the targeted books were ‘unsuitable’ and ‘sexually explicit’.

Speaking in a statement, the Irish Education Alliance, who took part in the protest, said: “We are increasingly concerned about the exposure of children to inappropriate sexualised material and the promotion of extreme transgender ideology, in schools and in society.

“This can cause confusion, psychological trauma and

lead to irreversible lifechanging decisions, potentially causing serious harm to vulnerable children and adolescents.”

Some of the books mentioned include the picture book Fred Gets Dressed by Peter Brown. Also mentioned is What’s the T? by Juno Dawson which is intended to outline the realities of coming out as trans as a young person.

When asked about the protests, University of Galway Students’ Union Gender and LGBTQ+ Rights Officer John Walsh said: “The people removing the books do not care for the welfare of children as they proclaim they do.

“Their worldview is a hateful one, and their views are incompatible with a free and caring society.”

By Rachel Foster

In the first case of its kind in the UK, survivors of the Manchester Arena bombings in 2017 are suing conspiracy theorist Richard D Hall for defamation and harassment.

Father and daughter Martin and Eve Hibbert were left severely injured by the attacks, in which 22 people lost their lives, as Martin is now paralysed from the waist down and Eve is severely disabled. Hall claims that the attack on Manchester Arena during an Ariana Grande concert was staged, and has reportedly admitted to spying on Eve Hibbert from a vehicle outside her home.

The Hibbert family is seeking an injunction, as well as suing him for the damages that he has caused them as a family.

Following investigations, Hall’s YouTube Channel with over 80,000 subscribers has been removed, but his website to sell books and DVDs claiming that many UK terror attacks were faked is still live.

The UK Government is currently working to introduce an Online Safety Bill in which social media sites will have to make commitments to the regulator Ofcom regarding their protection of users.

There is a lot of support for this Bill, given the nature of cases such as this and the trauma that such incidences cause to the survivors of tragedies, however, it is thought that it may also be challenged on the grounds of freedom of expression.

Church forbade its disciples from eating eggs during that week. The first Easter egg hunts that became popular among children were recorded in the 19th century in the United States. The tradition of exchanging chocolate eggs instead of real chicken eggs is believed to have begun in the 19th century as well, in Germany and France.

Where the Easter bunny comes into the equation is still a bit of a mystery. Some have suggested that the bunny symbolised new beginnings or new life in the pagan traditions of spring that Christians adopted, and this meaning made it a good representation for the rebirth of Jesus Christ. One further theory suggests that the bunny tradition began in Renaissance-age Germany and was popularised in the United States when Europeans immigrated there after the Civil War. Some countries do not have an Easter bunny either – instead, a fox or a cuckoo bird delivers eggs to the children. In the end, the point in which the bunny – or any other animal – hopped onto the Easter bandwagon remains unknown. Whether or not we know where he comes from, we will still be happy to see a delivery of chocolate eggs from him. If you celebrate it, I hope you had a happy Easter!

Painted eggs were first recorded in the 13th century; they were decorated to distinguish them as Holy Week eggs, as the Church forbade its disciples from eating eggs during that week.

Photos: Alexander Grey and Vanderlei Longo on Pexels

International Student Diary

By Beyza Koç

I remember being at the airport, almost having my third panic attack that month, anxious to move to a far-off country I knew nobody in. In my mind, I kept repeating “This is what you wanted, it is all going to be fine.”

Rationally, I knew it was true, but it didn’t feel like that at all. The anticipation was gone all of a sudden, and the reality hit me like a slap in the face. I was about to move in with strangers without having seen them once, without a lease or any security whatsoever. I arrived at home and my bubble was crashed.

I cried for a whole week, unhappy with my accommodation and the lack of social interaction. This was not the dream I worked for. I was too proud to admit it to anyone but it was too soon to give up. It’s strange how you can convince yourself to do things you swore you would never do. You think: My body can’t take it. And then you do it anyway.

You get creative in finding a way to make it happen. Looking back these were just small obstacles I learned to live with.

Then college started.

Everything felt exciting again. I signed up for twenty plus societies, unable to choose when I had so many options. I quickly made friends and everything that appeared to be

The Rachel Diaries

By Rachel Garvey

I refuse to believe this is the last diary entry I’ll write until the college year starts again for the paper; it’s sad and I’ll miss those long summer months scrambling together ideas for the paper’s contributors and writing my own pieces for the section.

However, it brings me immense joy that the next time I’ll be writing an article, I’ll be settled in my forever home and preparing for the Autumn period in which Halloween becomes the time where I do a lot more than writing; more decorating and posting Halloween content for all those lovers of all things spooky.

I do need to pull myself down from the clouds at times; I need to realise that Autumn time is still far away and that summer needs its recognition first.

Nowadays, it’s been spending near enough an hour everyday on Indeed, looking for jobs. It’s funny how people forget how stressful it is to find jobs despite there being so many going around. It’s a work in progress with a few interviews lined up; here’s to hoping they’ll go well. It’ll make the move into the city easier knowing we have a job secured before we settle back into city life.

horrible in the beginning seemed so tiny now. People say time flies but that happens when you look back. If you fill every second of your time with valuable memories, it feels more like years have passed by within a month.

I don’t even want to go back anymore, I don’t want to waste any second, just soak up as much as I can. Bad things keep happening, you learn from them and move on, no time to get upset about it. You find a solution or you cope with it. Discover what is strange to you; unknown realities might change your life for good. You will realize how absolutely microscopic your existence is in the whole picture. Leaving everything you know behind, starting from scratch and getting out of your comfort zone can be very scary but I promise you, it will all be worth it.

Now that I am back in Germany, I wish I could store the memories in a jar and revisit them whenever I miss the student life in Galway. Enjoy the ride because the opportunity might not come a second time.

The last few weeks have been super intense because not only does your girl suffer with anxiety and depression, but burnout has now joined the gang. I don’t know everything, but what I do know is that I loathe feeling like this; the fatigue, the extreme weakness, the shaking limbs. It’s too much. Why does something like this have to exist?

Although, we should be grateful it does because it’s the bodies way of telling us whoa, please slow down and take it easy. You could tell that to me ten times every and I wouldn’t take the information on board. It’s a curse to be stubborn at times.

In a way, I’ll miss the countryside because of the peaceful atmosphere out here and the yellow-flowered-clad fields blossoming with summer colours and the fact that my family lives here too, but it’s a chapter of our story that didn’t have the plot we anticipated and that’s okay too.

An opportunity came knocking, we answered and are now on a countdown to beginning the next chapter; we’re feeling very positive about this one. It’s only a matter of time before we start to gather big boxes and have to sort through everything to find things we don’t need and things that need to be packed. Oh, the joys of moving house. Am I right?

Last week, we spent the day in town browsing through all the public’s favourite home stores; it’s really wholesome and

inspiring to see all the possibilities of how your home could look and there’s tonnes of appliances and home décor that we have our eyes on; those products better believe that they’ll have a home with us soon.

Surprisingly, there is no other big news, but it has been a pleasure sharing my dairy entries here. Here’s to the summer ahead; I hope it treats you all well with sun tans and travels that your own diary entries will want to hear about. Signing off.

I’ll miss the countryside because of the peaceful atmosphere out here and the yellow-flowered-clad fields blossoming with summer colours and the fact that my family lives here too, but it’s a chapter of our story that didn’t have the plot we anticipated and that’s okay too.”

Photo by Beyza Koç

Society Spotlight: PhotoSoc

By Beyza Koç

When was PhotoSoc founded?

I’m not sure of the exact year but last semester, we found some documents in the library archive that mentions PhotoSoc which was dated as far back as the 1980s.

How many students are signed up?

We had around 80+ new signups this year and that leaves us with a total of 2512 members to date. But this accounts for lots of past students as well as current students, I would say we have about 50 active members.

Who is PhotoSoc for?

Literally anyone and everyone! Regardless of whether you are into film photography or digital photography or whether you’re a beginner or an expert, PhotoSoc is open to you. One question we always get asked is if you need a proper camera to join. You absolutely do not, we have many people who come along to events with phones and that’s perfectly fine!

What does a regular PhotoSoc meeting look like?

Our events range from Instagram competitions and exhibitions to photo walks and chill sessions. Photo walks are our signature event, one that usually has more attendance than others, to be honest. Of course, all our events have some

Everything You Need!

element of photography included. We have done at least one event a week in the last year, and we hope to keep that momentum going!

Our committee meetings are so hectic, in the best possible way. We try to have them in person once a week but sometimes we do it online. The current committee has a reputation for having 2-hour long online meetings at 9 pm but it’s all worth it in the end. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some amazing people and to create great memories because of this society.

Congratulations on your “Most Collaborative” award. Did you have a personal favourite collaboration this year?

We had some great collabs with various societies throughout the year for example the Style Soc/History Soc Fashion Show. With the effort of both committees involved, all collabs were a success. But my personal favourite would have to be the Film Soc’s Society Feud. PhotoSoc had a team take part and it was a night to remember. Even though we didn’t get past the first round, it was great craic!

We are one of three universities that have a dark room. When do you think it will be open to access?

The darkroom is such a major asset to the society and the university as a whole. It was, unfortunately, not in the best state when it was handed over to us last semester, but our committee have worked very hard to get it back to a somewhat useable condition (very big shoutout to them!). There are still a few things that need to be handled but I’m certain we’ll have it up and running again next year.

This year, we already had three film photography and darkroom events in there and I’m pleased to say it was in high demand. But we can only fit max. 10 people in the darkroom at a time due to its size, so we’ll definitely be having more darkroom events next year.

What do you hope for the soc’s future?

I’m hoping for bigger and better things to come next year. This year’s committee has set quite a high standard, one that the next committee will have to live up to (I’m sure they will, without a doubt!). It’s hard work but everything pays off when you run a great event with a good turnout. I hope next year’s committee dream big and achieves bigger!

Photo by Beyza Koç

The SIN Experience as Features Editor

By Rachel Garvey

SIN has been a part of my life since the year of 2017; I can personally thank my previous English lecturer, Dermot Burns, for introducing me to the college newspaper. A contributor I became, falling in love with the paper straightaway. A love at first writing type romance and what writer wouldn’t love to become a sinner.

After my drop out from college in early 2019, I was heartbroken because of the financial pressure and one of my subjects wasn’t working in my favour, the whole process led me to leaving. That feeling of pain reached to the fact I thought I would be unable to write for the paper; my understanding was you had to be a student to be a contributor.

My editor, at the time, Aine Kenny sent me a heartfelt message expressing her sympathy for my departure, but that she still wanted me to write for SIN. “At the end of the day, I have the final say of what goes in the paper, and I say that we need you” were her words at the conclusion of the message, her words brought tears and a new sense of confidence that I had only just lost while receiving an official letter to state I was no longer a student anymore.

I continued writing for them, year after year. Although I was a full-time worker, I dedicated the hours before and after work to getting articles done. Perhaps there were times I got too ahead of myself and took on too many articles, but looking back, I don’t regret it. Those times became a challenge, to push myself to become a better writer and for them I’m grateful.

It was only this year, did my editor, Valerie McHugh, gave me the opportunity to be a sub-editor because of my dedication to the newspaper. There was zero hesitation, the answer being a yes. It was a strange alteration for me to be coming up with future article ideas instead of being the one to take them; there was a small part of me that was anxious to pitch my first set of feature ideas for issue one at the start of the semester; terrified that the contributors and fellow sub-editors wouldn’t find my ideas interesting or worth-while.

My anxiety dissipated when contributors and sub-editors openly expressed their interest in the ideas; smiles were shared and discussions were had in regards to e-mails and word count of the articles and I knew then that I had nothing to be scared of.

It has been a pleasure and a great honour to be a part of such a hard-working, driven and talented team of writers and photographers. Meeting them created a bond and working with

them created phenomenal content that’ll last until SIN is in its futuristic years like it is today.

Being a features editor has been one of the best experiences I’ve encountered on my journey through the writing world and I hope to use this gained experience and knowledge for my career in writing that lays ahead of me like an open page. The best feature article deserves to be written about the SIN team itself because they are the people who make things worth reading.

Photo by Rachel Garvey

The Good Friday Agreement at 25: Sectarianism Entrenched

By Steven Fox

Twenty-five years ago, the parties to the Northern conflict, alongside outside mediators, put pen to paper in Belfast. The Good Friday Agreement sought not only to end the most recent phase of a conflict that had been ongoing since the beginning of the century, but also lay the foundations for the future of the region.

Unfortunately, a quarter of a century later these results have not borne fruit. The new institutions put in place by the agreement have done little to address the sectarianism at the root of the conflict, with many material manifestations affecting the people of the North day to day.

Look at the Stormont Assembly for example. Created to provide representation for both communities and end direct rule from Westminster, the aim was to avoid the colonial parliament that had collapsed in 1972. While the Assembly is not the unionist-dominated one of the past, it comes with its own host of issues that render it functionally inoperable.

The Stormont Assembly is, by its nature, a sectarian institution. Its use of a consociationalist declaration system — an MLA officially declares themselves as unionist, nationalist, or other — means that parties

that attempt to build cross-community initiatives are inherently disadvantaged, their votes literally counting for less.

While this group of ‘others’ may take the First Minister role, they may not take the Deputy position. Therefore, unless they are the largest group — unlikely in the current climate — and one of the community designations refuses to engage, the Assembly cannot function.

This is the scenario we find ourselves in today. The Assembly has not set in over a year, after the DUP withdrew due to their refusal to accept the Northern Ireland Protocol. Their recent refusal to accept the newer — and far more conciliatory — Windsor Framework also does not bode well.

The fact that the withdrawal of one group from the Assembly leaves the people of the north of Ireland without a government is evidence of a faulty system. And this is by no means an isolated phenomenon. Stormont has been suspended for 35 per cent of its life. Only three iterations of the Assembly have seen out their full terms. Unless this is addressed, the people of the north will continue to be held hostage by their representatives.

The other major institution established by the agreement, the police, presents a similar problem.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (incorporating the Royal Ulster Constabulary) was established as a police force to represent both communities. However, the failure to do away with the old RUC, but rather to incorporate them into the new force, meant nationalists refused to engage. Considering the vindication of the collusion that many families alleged between the RUC and loyalist paramilitaries, this is hardly surprising.

Currently, the PSNI is more than 65 per cent Protestant, is the third largest police force in the UK, and the most heavily armed and militarised. The force overwhelmingly targets Catholics — the PSNI’s own data shows twice as many Catholics are targeted by stop-and-searches — and has been implicated in a litany of sectarian scandals. For example, the treatment of the body of suicide victim Jim Lennon by officers in 2012.

If the Good Friday Agreement’s purpose was to address the root causes of the conflict — sectarianism and colonialism — then it has been an abject failure. If it is instead meant to paper over the cracks without addressing the core of the problem, then it has been a resounding success.

The Hands of History. Raymond Watson cast in bronze the hands of the political leaders who negotiated the Good Friday Agreement.

Photo: Pollyart123, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Western activism around Qatar was nothing more than performative

By Roshni D’Souza

These numbers were revealed by India, Bangladesh

Image via FIFA

Here’s how to fix the housing crisis

By Alice Twomey

If we want to understand and to fix the housing crisis the first step is to understand that the cause of homelessness is not having a house. There is no mental illness or addiction that someone can suffer from that makes someone homeless. They become homeless when they lose their home.

This is a tautology of course, but one that needs to be stated amid the white noise of talk about tax breaks for landlords, or minor reforms to planning laws which dance around the obvious solution to the housing crisis - give everyone a home.

A similar idea is currently being implemented in Helsinki, Finland, where they have virtually eliminated homelessness. It is a really simple idea as well. We know our housing shortfall, according to Taloiseach Leo Varadker it’s 250,000, with 40,000 new houses needing to be built every year.

political one as well. It is a problem borne from the political power of landlords, and the lack of organised tenant power.

On an individual level it is maybe easiest to grasp. Why was someone made homeless? Their landlord had the power to evict them, and they didn’t have the power to say no. Why did someone’s rent go up? Their landlord had the power to raise it, and they didn’t have the power to fight it.

The question of how much power the landlord has, and how much power the tenant has is what decides what will happen on the individual level, as well as on the national level. If a tenant can simply decide to move into cost rental housing provided by the Government a landlord no longer has all the power in the situation.

The Government does not need to tinker with regulations, it does not need to worry about how profitable renting is for landlords. To solve the housing crisis, it just needs to build these houses for people to live in at an affordable cost. Social housing on public land, built to a scale that meets the demand.

We used to do this as a country. Through the early 20th century when the state had far less money, we built far more social housing than we do today. This is not a complicated process. All it needs is the political will to implement. The reason that the will is not there is also simple. It is because this would hurt landlords and help tenants, and landlords as a class hold the political power in this country. Whether through their interest groups like the Irish Property Owners Association or through the landlords directly sitting in the Dáil they are well organised and conscious of their class interests.

In contrast, as tenants we are unorganised and unable to fight for our class interests in any way remotely similar. The economic solution is relatively simple; if we want to get rid of homelessness and cut rents all we need to do is have the state provide a home to everyone that needs one. The fight for housing should not be seen as just an economic problem, but a

This ultimate goal, of the Government providing housing to anyone who needs it, requires a better organised tenant class, while on an individual level the best way to protect any one tenant is also a better organised tenant class.

For example, the organisation I’m involved with, the Community Action Tenants Union, is resisting evictions, rent increases, and landlord abuses while building something that can fight for tenants on a political level as well.

Whether CATU itself is the ultimate solution or not, building proper and durable tenant power and organisations is going to be the only thing that can actually fix the housing crisis.

Photo by George Becker on Pexels

Why we should learn to stop worrying and love the bud

By Fionn Sexton

Any student can tell you that recreational drug use is not just prevalent in society, it has permeated every facet of Irish life from hospitality to hospitals, and from politicians to postmen. Almost every house party has someone who can get a bag of cocaine, MDMA, or ketamine. This is not the reality for every person and every party, but it is more than just common, it is normalised.

I am not here to argue in favour or against drug use, it is none of my concern what other people do with their free time, as long as they can do it safely. What I argue for, as with anything else, is the safety and wellbeing of people put first.

Ireland has an oppressive regime of anti-drug laws that are designed to make it harder for cartels to make money. At least on paper, that is what they are for. In reality, the drug laws of Ireland punish the sick instead of treating them. An epidemic of drug use has washed over our country in the last 20 years, with approximately 1-in-5 using cocaine or cannabis in Ireland today.

Cannabis cultivation and sale is the backbone of the illicit drugs trade: it is a cheap to produce and it is never out of demand. Cannabis literally lines the pockets of drug cartels the world over, financing their operations to smuggle harder drugs.

Decriminalising and regulating cannabis would be the first step in tackling the unlimited reach of drug cartels across Europe, as it would end the relationship between the customer and the drug cartels. It is a myth that cannabis use leads to hard drug use, it is less habit forming than any other widely available drug. The cause of major drug use is, however, is seen in the mechanism used to deliver cannabis.

“ We would take drug users away from unregulated genetically modified cannabis that has been shown to cause long term psychological damage.

People have local dealers, these dealers get drugs from someone slightly higher up the food chain, and so on and so forth. If we decriminalise and regulate how cannabis is grown and sold in Ireland we would not become some drug infested hellhole, we would take drug users away from unregulated genetically modified cannabis that has been shown to cause long term psychological damage.

In my own home, I see the consequences of an adversarial relationship between drug use and the state: I buried my brother Tadhg on the week of his 23rd birthday, and another brother of mine is serving a sentence that will keep him away from his kids for years.

For Tadhg, he became addicted to drugs to escape a painful mental illness, he was failed by our laws and our health system to point where he chose not to live anymore.

My other brother, Andrew, fell afoul of drugs law trying to repay a debt to some dangerous men, and now he watches his child grow up through iron bars.

There is no difference between someone sitting in a pub and drinking a pint of beer, and someone sitting in a café and smoking a joint. Both are doing it in a designated safe area, and both are using mind-altering drugs to pass the time. There is no moral argument that can be used against weed being sold legally, considering we allow alcohol to be sold despite the direct link between violence and alcohol.

The choice ahead is clear, do we continue to spit on drug users from our seats in the pub, or do we wise up and learn to love the bud?

Exam Tips

Exam Tips

Leideanna Scrúduithe

Leideanna Scrúduithe

Before The Exam

• We all learn differently, try different study methods and find out what works for you.

• Focus and systematically work through each topic, question by question.

• Do past exam papers and practice questions.

• If you need help with a topic - reach out to your classmates or your lecturer.

Exam Tips

Leideanna Scrúduithe

During The Exam

• Take time to settle yourself and BREATHE

•Read all questions carefully.

•Leave time to review your paper at the end.

• Know when your exams are - check out your personalised timetable on the University of Galway exams website.Know what type of exam you will be sitting - open book, MCQ, 2 hour written paper etc. if you are unsure – ASK. UniversityOfGalwayStudentsUnion @UniOfGalwaySU www.su.nuigalway.ie

Exam Tips

Leideanna Scrúduithe

the time elapses.

Minding Yourself

•Take regular breaks during study.

• Avoid burn out, sleep well, keep active and allow yourself to take time off.

•Eat healthy

•Set personal goals.

Exam Tips

Leideanna Scrúduithe

•Take each day as it comes - don’t be disheartened if you have a bad exam or study isn’t going well.

If Something Goes Wrong

•If you lose your Student ID card you can buy a new one for €20 at the Student Registry Help Desk in Áras Uí Chathail

•If something goes wrong that is outside of your control that means you cannot attend your exam you can defer your exam to August and your result will not be capped.

•If you fail an exam, you will have an opportunity to appeal the result.

UniversityOfGalwayStudentsUnion @UniOfGalwaySU www.su.nuigalway.ie

•If you fail an exam there will be an opportunity for you to resist the exam in August (first-year excluded) the grade for the repeat will be capped at 40%

Dylan meets: Davy Carton

Davy Carton is a singer, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist from Tuam, Co. Galway. He is the co-founder of the hugely successful band ‘The Saw Doctors.’

By Dylan McLoughlin

You played in Blaze X in your early years – did you find your passion for music there?

Yeah, I found a like-minded genius that was Paul Cunniffe, along with his friend Paul Ralph and a friend of mine Ja Keating. We had the same ambition to write our own songs, and that’s where it all started for me.

What was it like to tour as support with The Waterboys in 1988 / 1989?

It was a huge change in my life because up until the age of 31, I had been doing shift work in factories. Suddenly we were playing our own songs to a massive Waterboys audience! It was an eye-opening experience and a baptism of fire into the world of touring music. The Waterboys couldn’t have looked after us better, and they encouraged us no end.

The Saw Doctors topped the Irish charts with ‘I Useta Lover’ for nine consecutive weeks. Did you think from an early stage that the band could go a long way? Looking back to that time, it was all very surreal. We weren’t really thinking too much about the future, just trying to enjoy the moment. We did what we’ve always done. Make it up as we go along!

Do you get nervous before going on stage?

I used to in the early days, but mostly these days, it’s more excitement. It’s always good, though, to have a bit of nerves. It gives me an adrenaline rush and stops me from taking it for granted. It’s why we always try to put on the best show every night. Contrary to what some people might think, we never drink before a gig, but we might have a few celebratory beers after!

In February 2008, The Saw Doctors received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Meteor Ireland Music Awards. What did that mean to you and the band?

Having our music recognised and rewarded in that fashion was such a privilege. I felt very humbled and still do.

How did The Saw Doctors manage during the pandemic?

We had been off the road for a bit of a break anyway prior to the pandemic. Once it was safe enough to meet in small groups of people, myself and Leo would sit down together a couple of days a week and write some new material. It was great to not have the pressures of touring to get some new ideas down.

Looking back at your career so far, what are you most

There are so many things I’m proud of in our career, too many to list, but the one that sticks out the most was playing in the Royal Albert Hall in London and seeing my Mam and Dad sitting in the Royal Box! They had spent 25 years living in the UK, where I was born. We came back to Ireland when I was a small child. This was the first time they’d been back to London, and it was to see The Saw Doctors. I was so choked up; the first few songs were hard to sing! It still gets me now.

What’s your favourite non-Saw Doctors song?

There are too many to list, but if I had to choose, it’d be Teenage Kicks by The Undertones.

What is the best concert venue you have played at?

The Barrowlands in Glasgow is hard to beat, but wherever we play, it’s the crowd that makes it special.

Have you ever considered writing a book about your career?

It wouldn’t be something I’d think about while we’re still rockin ’n’ rollin! It might be something for the future. It’d probably make a good story.

What do you like to do away from music? Hobbies?

I love football and my family. Simple but priceless.

University of Galway Students’ Union Seomra Cótaí Saor in Aisce Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn

Photo via The Saw Doctors on Twitter

Dylan Meets: Derek Murray

Derek Murray is a guitarist with Irish band ‘The Stunning’. He had a music shop in Galway where he sold secondhand instruments and records while putting himself through college. He is a native of Donegal.

By Dylan McLoughlin

When did you join the band, and how did that come about?

Sometime after I moved to Galway, I opened a small shop selling musical equipment and second-hand vinyl records in town. I used to pass the time in the shop playing guitar along to records. Steve, who bought his first electric guitar from me, heard me playing in the shop so, when he was forming a band, he asked me if I wanted to join. This was around 1987.

Describe the band in 3 words? Fun, Melodic, Eclectic

Was music always your passion growing up?

My father opened a music shop when I was a child in Donegal. He played music professionally, so our house was always full of music. In my early teens, I bought a stereo and started collecting music. I spent almost all my spare time either playing or listening to music through my teens and twenties, so it was my main passion.

Where did you learn to play the guitar?

When I was 13, my father gave me a guitar. I got a few lessons from a guitar player who lived nearby. After those first few lessons, I continued to work on the guitar myself. I used to listen to music that I liked and try to work out the guitar parts by ear on my own. During school holidays, my father asked me to play with his band at gigs, so I had to learn fast.

You’ve enjoyed great success with the band – what is that down to?

The songs we recorded seemed to strike a chord with people. From the time we released our first single, we managed to get our music played on the radio, so when it came to playing live, we had a ready-made audience for the music. We’re all close friends in the band, and we enjoy playing together, so I think that enjoyment comes across when we play live.

If you had to pick your favourite gig/performance, what and where would that be?

It’s always great to play to a home audience, so our gigs in the Big Top during the Galway Arts Festival were special.

Do you ever get nervous going on stage?

In the early days, I used to get quite nervous, especially at the big open-air festival gigs where you might be playing to 40,000 people. Nowadays, it feels more like excitement than nervousness when I do a gig.

What’s your favourite ‘Stunning’ song?

In the live gigs, I really enjoy playing “Rusty Old River” and “Tightrope Walker”. It’s still good fun playing “Brewing Up a Storm” at the end of gigs to feel the energy of the crowd.

Who was your greatest influence?

The first record I ever bought was by Jimi Hendrix. As a teenager learning guitar, I was drawn to guitar players like Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, Rory Gallagher, and Paul Kosoff of Free. By the time The Stunning formed, I was listening to a lot of American Soul Music - people like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Johnny Guitar Watson.

How did you and the band cope during the pandemic?

As soon as the first lockdown happened, all our work came to a dead stop. We had a sold-out gig lined up in the Olympia Theatre in Dublin that first weekend, and it was cancelled with a day’s notice. For the duration of Covid, we had to rely on the PUP payments from the government. It was a good lesson on impatience.

What’s it like to be back on stage again, performing in front of big crowds and packed venues? We’re all enjoying the gigs more these days than at any time in our lives. I’m always pleasantly surprised and humbled that, after all this time, people still want to come out and see the band.

What do you like to do away from music?

These days, with more time on my hands, I like to travel. I was in Spain the week before last, and I’m going on another trip in January. I meditate every day and go on a couple of Buddhist meditation retreats yearly.

What are your future plans with the band?

We have a busy schedule coming up with a couple of live gigs every week in December. As long as there are people out there who want to hear the band, we’re going to keep gigging and recording. I don’t see music as a job. I see it as a pleasure and a privilege.

Photo via Dylan McLoughlin

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Elton John in concert: Ireland bids farewell to a music legend

By Tom O’Connor

“There aren’t many people that great,” Elton John remarked, dedicating ‘Border Song’ to Aretha Franklin during a gig in Dublin as part of his ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour. Many in the crowd visibly agreed, appreciating that they were in the presence of one of the few “great” musician legends.

The atmosphere was electric from the moment the Rocket Man appeared at the side of the stage, receiving a standing ovation before even getting to the piano. Ali McMahon was excited to see Elton in concert one last time. His songs “have been the soundtrack to my life,” she said, “they just have that ability to speak to you.”

“He certainly delivered,” according to Jacinta Goff, who has attended six of the Pinball Wizard’s 28 concerts in Ireland. She considered the “epic” show at the 3Arena in March to be the best of them all.

The huge grand piano occasionally glided across the elaborate stage, which swept down into the crowd. The centrepiece was a massive screen showing expertly produced videos for Elton’s songs when it was not displaying live footage of the man himself or the band.

“It was a spectacle from beginning to end” in Ali’s opinion.

The 76-year-old music superstar gave it his all for two and a half hours, only taking two brief breaks for costume changes. The concert reached a scintillating climax when Elton preformed bops such as ‘The Bitch Is Back’ and ‘I’m Still Standing’.

Dancing was irresistible as confetti rained down during an energetic rendition of ‘Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting’.

“There wasn’t anybody still in a seat,” Ali said, “everyone was compelled to get up and dance and sing along.”

Jacinta was surprised but delighted to see young people dancing along with those who are young at heart. She “was nearly in tears” as the concert drew to a close with classic ballads, including ‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me’ and ‘Your Song’.

Before closing with ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’, the record-breaking musician told the sold-out 3Arena that “coming to Ireland has always been a pleasure.”

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“I will miss you and your kindness,” he continued, “you never hear about kindness in The Daily Mail.” From his first gig in the National Stadium in 1979 to performances across the country, Elton John has amazed Ireland for over four decades. His final concerts in the 3Arena in March were equally impressive, creating fond memories to cherish for a long time to come.

From his first gig in the National Stadium in 1979 to performances across the country, Elton John has amazed Ireland for over four decades. His final concerts in the 3Arena in March were equally impressive, creating fond memories to cherish for a long time to come.”

Photo by Tom O’Connor

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Cup Final 2023 - University of Galway WRFC vs Galwegians

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Individual Study Spaces

Arts Science Building

• SC002 Larmor Theatre

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Photos of the Year

Uí Mhaolagáin Cup Competition – University of Galway Camogie

University of Galway RFC – Connacht Junior Cup – January 2023

Tick, Tick, Boom! – November 2022

Socs Day – September 2022

Hallows Event – October 2022

GUMS Intervarsities Entry: Descendants – March 2023

Graduate Fair – October 2022

DanSoc X University of Galway Cheerleading Showcase – March 2022

Damian Browne Arrival – October 2022

Connacht Cup Final – April 2023

Clubs Day – October 2022

Addams Family – March 2022

WiSTEM Halloween Part – October 2022

University of Galway WRFC host Kay Bowen Tournament – February 2023

University of Galway Rugby Ball – March 2023

SU Accommodation Protest – October 2022

St. Patrick’s Day Parade – March 2023

Socs Fest – October 2022

Sláinte Soc Teddy Bear Hospital

Science Ball – January 2023

Galway Christmas Market – December 2022

Five Lesbians Eating a Quiche – Feb. 2023

Dirt Circus performs at Hallows – October 2022

Con Mór – October 2022

All Shook Up – GUMS Main Show – January 2023

Essential oils to include in your life

By Caoimhe Looney

Most of us have heard of essential oils in some way or another, but some people might not know that they have some benefits other than just their pleasant smells.

Here is a list of some essential oils to add to your shopping list to improve your moods - as well as leaving your room smelling fresh and fragrant.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is known for being beneficial for colds, flus, bronchitis and sore throats. It is also a natural insect repellent, which is great to know before summer hits. Some of the ways you should use eucalyptus oil is to add it to hot water and inhale, or diffuse. One warning though is that is can be toxic to cats and dogs, so if you have some furry friends in your house I’d advise you to avoid it.

Frankincense

Frankincense is another essential oil which is beneficial for physical ailments. Frankincense can be good for treating scars and cuts, and it’s also good for oral health. It should be used by diffusing or adding it to mouthwash or serum.

Lavender

Lavender is typically a favourite for people. The smell alone encourages buyers. What some people don’t know however, is that it has great practical uses to improve your health. So not only is it good for improving sleep, but it also reduces stress and anxiety. Another lesser known quality of lavender is that it helps with minor burns and insect bites. Lavender oil should

SOCKS

be diffused, or a few drops should be added to your bath for the best results. A warning with this one is that it can be toxic for cats, so please be careful while using.

Lemon

Lemon usually isn’t an essential oil that people think of, but it’s definitely an important one in the group. Lemon aids digestion and it also boosts mood and energy levels. Lemon oil should also be diffused, but it can also be added to cleaning products as it is antimicrobial.

Peppermint

Peppermint is another essential oil that can get overlooked sometimes. Peppermint is known for aiding digestion, relieving muscular pain and aches, and relieving migraines and nausea. You should also be using this one if you have some studying to do, since it also improves concentration. This should be diffused or added to hot water and inhaled.

Hopefully this list has encouraged you to invest in essential oils - your body will thank you for it!

Photo by Mareefa on Pexels

How to be more self-aware

By Caoimhe Looney

Improving yourself is a big goal in most people’s lives. We all want to be the best version of ourselves, but we can often find that we have certain parts of us that need more improvement than others. The only way you can keep improving on yourself is being aware of where you need to put in the work. This is why it’s so important to be self-aware.

What exactly does it mean to be self-aware? Self-awareness can look like a lot of different things, but some define it as the experience of one’s own personality or individuality. Being selfaware means to understand who you are as a person and how you present yourself to others.

Some people can be very self-aware, while others can struggle to see themselves in an objective way. This isn’t always nec essarily a bad thing, but it is important to have some level of self-awareness.

These are some ways you can try to be more self-aware:

Keeping a journal.

Keeping a journal or a diary and writing regular reflections can help you to keep track of yourself and your behaviour. If you are regularly reflecting on yourself, then it is easier to discover your habits and ways of acting. If you read back on old journal entries it can also allow you to see the differences between your past and present self.

Perform daily reflections.

This point is very similar to the previous one, but some people will struggle to keep a journal, but may be able to take five min utes out of every day to just reflect in their thoughts about how their day went and what they hope for tomorrow.

Ask trusted friends to describe you.

If you find that you are really struggling to get a sense of self, then one of the best ways is to open up to a friend and ask for them to explain how they see you. It is also important to let your friend know that they are doing this to help you, not to hurt you.

Question your decisions.

The best way to make sure that the decisions you are making are the right ones, is to question the important decisions that you make. One of the best ways of doing this is to come up with three reasons why you’re making that choice. This will give

you a better understanding of your motives, and it should also hopefully make you more confident that you have made the best decision for you.

Hopefully these tips will work to help you improve your self-awareness. Just remember that you can be your own worst critic most of the time, and there is such a thing as being too self-

Photo by Alina Vilchenko on Pexels

Westport to Warsaw

By Ciarán Ó Flaithearta

This past year has seen the beginning of an incredible journey for young Westport RFC club man Kacper Palamarczuk, who packed his bags and moved to Poland to represent his country of birth. Since March of last year he has represented Poland as a senior international and last Sunday, he made his professional rugby debut for his new club Budowlani łódź.

Last August Palamarczuk made the decision to follow his dreams of becoming an international rugby player. To do this he would have to pack up his things and move 2,200km away, leaving behind his friends, family, and teammates.

He says: “There have been a few obvious obstacles, not being able to see my family or my girlfriend being the main ones, but everyone around me understands that this an opportunity not many people get, and if I don’t take advantage of it now it might never come around again.”

Although he left many friends behind in Ireland, he has found a family in the Polish National team.

“There have been so many great people that I have met, and relationships that I

have made over the last few months especially my coaches, Chris Hiit the Polish National team head coach, Morgan Stoddart former Welsh player, and our backs coach and all the players.”

Palamarczuk isn’t the only national team player to have packed up their things and moved to Poland to represent their country. He says that having others around that are in the same position as he is, has made the transition a lot more seamless: “Some of them are now my best friends and it really means a lot. It makes it a lot easier to be away from home for so long”.

Since March 2021 the 20-year-old has represented the Polish national team a total of five times with his debut helping the side qualify for the European Rugby Championships for the first time. He received his first cap against Lithuania and more recently went up against the rugby World Cup-qualified Portugal, who he says has been his toughest opposition yet: “Portugal put a serious amount of pace on the ball, they gave us no chance to rest at all, they were difficult to contain. But for our first year in the championship, we’ve learned a lot and next year we’ll bring a lot more to the table.”

“ “It’s always been a great honour to represent Poland”, says Palarmarczuk, who takes huge pride in singing the national anthem for he knows the importance of it to his family, especially his great-grandmother who survived the World War, “when she sees me on tv singing the national anthem, it means so much to her, and to the rest of the family watching me represent our country”.

Photo via Ciarán Ó Flaithearta

Palamarczuk was born in Poland and moved to Ireland with his family at the age of five. One of the main difficulties he faced as a young Polish kid was attending school in Achill. Having grown up with no English before coming to Ireland Palamarczuk recalls some troubles he had in school:“I remember coming home crying because I didn’t have any English to ask if I could go to the bathroom.”

Having grown up outside Westport the Polish native took to the Irish way of life – sports of all kinds, from Gaelic to soccer and then rugby. He began playing rugby following in his dad’s footsteps, and quickly began to excel. By the age of 13, he had been introduced to the Connacht Rugby youth academy setup and from then on worked his way up through the ranks.

Palamarczuk played his first Inter Pro season with the age group above his own, winning the tournament that year. The following year he went on to captain the Connacht Inter Pro team for his own age group.

Although now a Polish International the young Westport man has represented Ireland at an underage level. He earned his first cap in the green jersey for the Irish U18 school’s team, when they played Italy in Venice. The following year he was selected for the Irish U19s Six Nations squad but due to Covid 19, the tournament never went ahead.

He never let his dreams of playing international rugby fade, so when Poland came calling after being cut from the Connacht sub academy Palamarczuk decided that this was the best option for him to continue his rugby career.

“It’s always been a great honour to represent Poland”, says Palarmarczuk stating the importance of representing his country of birth. He takes huge pride in singing the national anthem for he knows the importance of it to his family, especially his great-grandmother who survived the World War, “when she sees me on tv singing the national anthem, it means so much to her, and to the rest of the family watching me represent our country”.

Since representing the country on the international stage, the youngster has attracted a lot of attention from the top clubs in the Polish national leagues. With big offers coming from many first-division teams the 20-year-old went against the odds in deciding to sign with Division 2 side, KS Budowlani, because of what the club stands for, “It’s a club that I like a lot, an up-and-coming club. I really like what they stand for. They’re a very young team and the management put a real emphasis on young player development and that’s something I’m interested in.” The club is one of the most historically successful clubs in Poland winning the national title five times. They also have one of the largest youth systems in the league.

On Sunday Palamarczuk made his debut for Budowlani łódź, “it was very different to what I had initially expected. It was a very high level of rugby”. Palamarczuk managed to cross the whitewash twice to help his new club to a 36-13 win. They face league leaders Sparta Jarocin and a bonus point win would see them top the table and in a prime position for promotion.

Photo via Ciarán Ó Flaithearta

Photo via Ciarán Ó Flaithearta

Match Report: Wexford FC 0-4 Galway United

By Rory Forde

Galway United made history as they defeated Wexford 4-0 to make it eight wins in a row to start their 2023 Airtricity League First Division campaign.

The Tribesmen scored on the stroke of half time through a David Hurley penalty before goals from wingers Francely Lomboto and Darren Clarke put the visitors out of sight, with Vincent Borden grabbing his fifth of the season to seal the victory in the final ten minutes.

The game kicked off with United immediately looking to create chances and within the opening three minutes some lovely link-up play between Ed McCarthy and Francely Lomboto led to McCarthy receiving the ball on the edge of the box, but his right footed effort curled just over the bar.

Moments later David Hurley looked to be in on goal after a great ball through, but as he looked to turn and take on the shot he was closed down and smothered well by Wexford goalkeeper Charlie Heffernan.

Just before the half hour mark, a cross from the left looked destined to find Stephen Walsh, the forward went down after what looked to be a push in the back, the ball was recycled out to the right and a cross from McCarthy found David Hurley in the area, but his header went just over the bar.

United continued to dominate proceedings, probing the Wexford defense with some neat attacking play while Wexford struggled to gain any sort of a foothold throughout the opening 45 minutes.

The Tribesmen were rewarded for their dominance just before half time as the referee awarded a penalty after a dangerous corner kick. David Hurley stepped up to the spot and struck his penalty hard and

low into the bottom corner to give United a well-deserved half time lead.

Despite having minimal opportunities in the first half, Wexford came out much improved for the second half, having made a substitution at half time which saw James Crawford replaced by Aaron Doran.

The hosts saw much more of the ball in the opening exchanges of the second half and they created a great chance after 52 minutes as Aaron Dobbs was found in the box, he turned and shot on the half-volley, but his effort was well blocked and went wide of the post for a corner. The subsequent corner was met by substitute Doran at the near post, but his glancing header went just over the crossbar.

However, just as Wexford had their best spell of the game and their biggest chance, United broke and doubled their lead. The counterattack led to Francely Lomboto being played in down the left, his initial shot was saved but rebounded straight back to the winger who looped his shot over the helpless Heffernan to give United a 2-0 lead.

United showed their quality once again as they soaked up Wexford pressure over a five-minute period, counter-attacked, and added a third goal to truly kill the game and put it out of sight of the hosts. The Tribesmen cleared a Wexford corner and the ball fell to the feet of substitute Darren Clarke on the half-way line, he started a surging run down the left wing and drove a left footed shot low across goal and into the far bottom corner with 15 minutes left on the clock.

United gained complete control of the game after the third goal and it took just five minutes to add the fourth and final goal of the game. With 80 minutes gone, a dangerous corner bounced before

Vincent Borden who met the ball well to drive a half-volley into the roof of the net to secure the three points for the visitors.

The final stages of the game saw United look to add a fifth, and a chance came to do so after a handball in the box from a corner to give Galway a second penalty of the game. Hurley stepped up once again, but his strike was well saved by Heffernan in goal.

The win puts United nine points clear at the top of the league and gives Caulfield’s men a piece of club history, making it their record eighth win in a row.

Manager John Caulfield spoke after the full-time whistle: “They are always a dangerous team, so we have to be happy getting the three points.

“It’s our fifth away match, we’ve had great numbers travelling and it means a lot to the players, but more importantly it’s great for the supporters to come and see a performance, see goals, and see us win the match’.”

Teams:

Wexford FC: C, Heffernan, B. Lynch, H. Douglas, E. Boyle, J. Tallon, J Crawford (A. Doran 46’), C. Piper, D. Levingston (K. Corbally 77’), M. Hanratty, D. Furlong (J. Adeyemo 71’), A. Dobbs (S. Fitzpatrick 77’).

Galway United: B. Clarke, C. O’Keeffe, R. Slevin (E. O’Connor 88’), K. Brouder, C. Horgan, E. McCarthy (M. Rowe 80’), C. McCormack (M. Nugent 80’), V. Borden, F. Lomboto (D. Clarke 61’), D. Hurley, S. Walsh (R. Manley 80’).

Next up, Galway United face Bray Wanderers at Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday, April 14th at 7:45pm.

Opinion: Donegal are in a mess of their own making

By Nathan Molloy

2023 has not been a good year for Donegal GAA so far.

It started off well, with Paddy Carr getting his first win as manager via a last minute point by Paddy McBrearty over Kerry in the first round of league. However, that turned out to be his only win as Donegal manager as his team’s performance level fell off a Slieve League sized cliff.

They suffered back to back defeats against their Ulster rivals Tyrone and Monaghan before halting the losing streak with a draw against Galway. Armagh then beat them by three points, 0-13 to 0-10, in a game in which they were unlucky not to

score more.

The performance in Armagh did not carry into the final two games. Mayo cut through the once renowned Donegal defence with ease, putting 1-17 up on the scoreboard in Ballybofey. After that, Paddy Carr resigned as manager of the county’s senior team, following a discussion with some of the senior footballers.

Donegal ended their dismal league campaign with an 11 point hammering by Roscommon, with Paddy Bradley and Aidan O’Rourke left to manage the team. The latter was named as interim head coach for the championship.

Unfortunately, off the field matters has been equally bad if not worse for the two

time All Ireland champions. Last year, many people were left perplexed by the length of the search for the new manager of the county team. Declan Bonner resigned in July, following Donegal’s championship exit and it wasn’t until October when his successor was named.

The months leading up to Carr’s appointment were quiet, as the county board wanted to keep the candidates a secret. However, one candidate did not keep quiet his discontent with the county board’s selection process. Jim McGuinness, who managed Donegal for four years and led them to All Ireland glory in 2012, was part of a potential management team consisting of Rory Kavanagh and Karl Lacey.

Dylan meets: Padraic Mannion

Padraic Mannion plays hurling for Galway and his club

Ahascragh/Fohenagh. He made his senior debut for the county in 2015. He also plays club football for Caltra.

By Dylan McLoughlin SIN Columnist

Where did you go to school and college?

National School was Kilglass NS. Then to St Cuans College and NUIG for college.

Where did your love for hurling come from?

My love for hurling came from playing at home in the garden. I would have played a lot of football growing up and loved both. I have always been competitive, and that’s probably why it appeals to me so much.

Did you always know growing up that you wanted to hurl for Galway?

I never imagined or dreamed of playing for Galway at senior level. I never saw myself as someone who would play at that level. I was on the minor panel in 2011 and probably only started to think about it at that stage.

In 2009, you won a Connacht Junior C championship medal with St Cuan’s. Did that make you hungrier for more success at club and intercounty level?

It was always nice to win with your school friends. Success with them makes you hungrier for a bit more.

How special was it for you to captain Ahascragh/Fohenagh to an

Kavanagh later pulled out of contesting for the vacant manager role, with McGuinness telling the county board he would be willing to assist whoever took over.

However, in an interview with the Irish Examiner, the former manager revealed that the board never rang him back. Even worse, the Glenties man revealed that when Paddy Carr was appointed, they namechecked him and other candidates when that wasn’t the case at all.

The county’s production line of young talent came to a halt this Spring. Karl Lacey resigned as head coach of Donegal GAA’s academy, citing a lack of support from the county board. In a show of support, his coaching staff stepped away from their roles as well.

So how does Donegal GAA turn this dire situation around? Off the field, they must give the support that Karl Lacey needs to bring him back to the academy, or give better support to his successors. Their actions this year have

Intermediate County title and an All-Ireland final appearance?

It was great to win a county final with Ahascragh Fohenagh and get senior status. Getting to the All-Ireland final brought a great buzz to the area, which was nice to be a part of.

Did you feel that the 2017 AllIreland win meant even more to you because you were playing alongside your brother Cathal?

At the time, it wasn’t something I thought about. Looking back, it probably does add a bit extra to it.

What did it mean to you to win All-Star Awards in 2017 and 2018?

All-Stars are always nice to win. But while you’re playing, you don’t dwell on it too much. You just focus on the following season.

Who is the toughest opponent you have come up against?

Marking Conor Whelan at training is always a tough one. Beano Concannon will always test you as well.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Getting asked into the senior panel at the end of 2014 and the start of 2015.

meant that 350 young players’ season in county colours has been disrupted massively.

The county board also have to appoint a full time manager for the senior football team for the second successive season. They must get it right this time, appointing the best person for the job rather than merging three separate candidates into one managerial team, like they did last year.

Interim head coach Aidan O’Rourke would like his name to be in the hat for a full time role. He can improve his chances if he manages to turn Donegal’s fortunes around for the championship.

This summer, the introduction of a new championship structure may favour him and Donegal. Instead of the qualifiers and provincial championships deciding who will be in the All Ireland quarter finals, teams will instead be put into four groups of four with the top two progressing. As they

What do you like most about hurling, and is there anything you would like to see change in the game?

I love the speed, skill, and unpredictability of the game. The game is in a good place, so I wouldn’t change too much about it.

What other sports do you like?

I played a lot of football, so I have always been a fan of that. I like watching a lot of sports like golf, rugby and soccer.

What are your ambitions for 2023? It would be great to get some silverware at club and county level.

participated in Division One, the county are automatically qualified for this new look format. O’Rourke will manage his first Ulster championship game against Down in Newry on April 23rd. Beat Down and they’ll likely face Armagh in the semi-final.

However, with the restructuring of the All Ireland championship, getting knocked out of Ulster might have an advantage for O’Rourke’s team. The new format does not begin until 20 May. He could use those weeks to implement his style of play and to properly drill the county in attack, as they have given the ball away on too many occasions in the league. Paddy McBrearty should be back in time which will be a boost to Donegal.

Nevertheless, with the stark situation off the field and a rookie manager taking charge of the senior football team, the men from the hills have giving themselves a mountain to climb to get back to Gaelic football’s top table.

Unused lab coats and goggles taking up space in your house?

Donate them today!

Cótaí saotharlainne agus gloiní cosanta ag glacadh spáis i do theach? Athchúrsáil inniu iad! Recycle lab coats and goggles by donating them at the SU Office or SU Síbín before Thursday 4th May