COLLEGE TRIBUNE /collegetribune
Volume 29, Issue 2
Tuesday September 29th 2015
Independent since 1989
collegetribune.ie
No End to Accommodation Crisis in Sight Cian Carton News Editor
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s rent prices continue to increase in Dublin, students in UCD are feeling the full effect of the housing crisis in the city. The sheer size of the problem has left both university officials and UCD Students’ Union (UCDSU) struggling to assist students in need. One of the latest measures UCDSU has undertaken to tackle the crisis was securing an agreement with UCD Estate Services to launch a new shuttle bus service between the campus and Windy Arbour Luas Station. UCD Estate Services agreed to facilitate a trial run of the route over a month long period and said that the shuttle bus trial was to “test the viability of such service during term”. The bus has been running twice a day as part of the trial. It leaves Windy Arbour at 8am and 9am each morning, and departing UCD at 4:10pm and 5:10pm each evening, Monday through Friday. While the announcement on UCDSU’s Facebook attracted nearly 200 likes and 50 shares, it is yet to be seen whether the shuttle bus will be a success. UCD Estate
News
Pg. 5 UCD Continues slide in Rankings
Services already operates a subsidised shuttle bus service to Sydney Parade Dart Station. It goes to and from O’Reilly Hall car park to the station at between 8am and 10am each morning, as well as 4pm to 6pm in the evening. The Luas stop at Windy Arbour is part of the Luas’ Green Line, which runs from Cherrywood to St. Stephen’s Green. The shuttle bus has been serving as a link between the Luas line and UCD, offering students another route to take to college. Windy Arbour is about a 25-30 minute walk from the Clonskeagh entrance. Students often walk the distance to college as part of their daily commute. UCD’s location in relation to the Luas line has been a contentious issue for over a decade, and the dispute goes back to when the blueprints for the Luas were originally made. In 2001, UCD submitted plans to the Dublin Transportation Office calling for the Luas to be extended out to UCD, based on the campus being regarded as “a major traffic node” in Dublin. The plan was rejected, and the
Features
Pg. 7 Tara Casey takes a look at Mind, Body +&/ Soul
Luas Green Line opened in June 2004, with Windy Arbour being the closest stop to the campus. The shuttle bus plan was one of the main campaign promises of Marcus O’Halloran, the current President of UCDSU. In an interview with the College Tribune shortly after he won the presidential election, O’Halloran spoke of his plans of implementing a shuttle bus service. He said that it having such a service “opens up a lot of options for students. It means that students don’t have to solely live in the Donnybrooke, Clonskeagh and Stillorgan areas, and that students can go back further into town to find accommodation.” Back in March, he talked about how students “need to extend how far away we can live, to give students other options, because realistically the union can do very little to tackle the housing crisis in Dublin.” However, he remains under pressure regarding the situation of on-campus accommodation, after questions were raised following the news that UCD Residences
Sport
emailed students on September 11th to tell them they had a number of rooms available for students on campus. This revelation has come against a backdrop of two years of price rises for on-campus accommodation. Prices rose by 13% for the 2013/2014 year, and it was followed up by another hike last year. As part of UCD’s Strategic Plan 2015-2020, there are plans to increase on-campus accommodation to around 5,000 spaces. The university has been claiming that the price hikes for existing accommodation are being used to fund the development of new units. The problem facing O’Halloran is not a new one. UCDSU has struggled to in the past to deal with the problem. Last year, Feargal Hynes, then UCDSU President, had lobbied with the union for the return of the Section 50 tax relief scheme, which used to provide considerable rent relief for investors and universities who rented their accommodation. The measure was not re-introduced in Budget 2015. Similar difficulties where en-
Pg. 22 Lots to work on as Ireland subdue Romanians
countered when UCDSU asked the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) to allow for properties under its control near UCD to be made available for rent. NAMA released a statement on the issue, rebuking the union, and declared that it merely owned the loans on which the properties were secured, rather than the individual units themselves. At present, the most likely source of political action to deal with the housing crisis appears to rest in the hands of Alan Kelly, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, who is set to put new proposals to his colleagues. In a letter requesting a meeting with him about the issue, O’Halloran cited rising rent levels in areas around UCD and the price of on-campus accommodation as creating an “unenviable” situation for current students. The union is awaiting these proposals from the Minister. Continued on Page 4.
Niamh Crosbie talks to Waterfors'ss up and coming Moe Dunford
THE TRIB
CT A Half-Dead Man Comments on Life
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Seán O’Reilly Editor
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ecently, I’ve had a string of very good days. Some of them were good because something spectacular was going on around me; Body&Soul, driving across Germany, graduating from UCD. These days are always fantastic because they’re new and exciting and stimulating. They’re the big ones that’ll no doubt stand out in my mind when I’m an old man looking back on it all. These are the kind of good days I’m used to. They’re easily quantifiable, that day at Body & soul was god because I danced for hours on end, Electric Picnic was good because I managed to see five of my new favourite acts in as many hours. Within the last week though, I had a day which stands out in a different way. It wasn’t particularly
loud, or particularly exciting. Infact quite the opposite, it was quiet and intimate. My day was spent lying in bed with someone about whom I care very much, listening to records and talking about this and that and a bit of the other. While the day itself was an occasion, there was something really striking about how routine it was. All in all it was really rather therapeutic. In-fact, thinking back on it, I don’t recall ever having experienced anything where I did so little but enjoyed myself so much. In a lot of ways this day was an about turn on the way I tend to live my life. I’m the kind of person who always has just a touch too much on his plate. If I’m not busy, I’m bored and if I’m bored, I’m wasting time. This can be good in many ways as it means there’s always some
thing to motivate me to keep going, to bounce from one thing to another. Realistically however, I’ve been at this for almost five years with very little pause. Between college, work, family and volunteering, it’s as though I actively avoided a simple day off. I’ve been reminded of a quote from Stephen Fry the feels very relevant. In his second autobiography, The Fry Chronicles, he ascribes the moments of greatest value in his own university experience as being outside the classroom. Hesays, that “Education is the sum of what students teach each other in between lectures and seminars. You sit in each other’s rooms and drink coffee - I suppose it would be vodka and Red Bull now - you share en
thusiasms, you talk a lot of wank about politics, religion, art and the cosmos and then you go to bed, alone or together according to taste. I mean, how else do you learn anything, how else do you take your mind for a walk?” And he’s very right. In my last editorial piece, I wrote about getting involved, taking on too much and relishing it. I still feel this is good advice, but in the fortnight between then and now, I’ve experienced a little bit of a game changer. I’ve always liked that quote for the ideal it represents but never really fully grasped its depth until now. So while you’re rushing from one thing to the next, with too much to do and no time to do it all in, keep an eye out for one of these days. Trust me, you’ll enjoy it
Volume 29, Issue 2
Inside the Tribune News
- UCD slips down in rankings yet again (5) -Driving a must for graduates says new survey (3) -UCDSU attends march for choice (4)
Features
- Classics Museum, a hidden Gem in Arts (7) - Keeping it Positive: Mind Body & Soul (6) - Scott on Sex: Make Porn (8)
Tech - iPhone 6s, Same Same, bt different (12)
Business - Innovation and the rod to economic recovery (13) - Change at Facebook: Like for Dislike (13)
Politics & Innovation - Ireland lags behind EU and Britain in housing (16) - TedxUCD (15) Young people are ready to be heard (16)
Gaeilge An Rothaíocht aar son na Córa (17)
Turbine - Photosynthsis: Fact or Fiction (18) - We reveal Ireland’s most available apartments (18) - ONe liner not so funny Turbine after third or fourth go (18)
Sport - Change in the GAA (21) - Basic Skills Rock Boks (22) - Ireland Hammer Sickled Romania (23)
Editor’s Pick
The COLLEGE TRIBUNE Team are Editors Una Power Seán O’Reilly
Arts Editor Emma Costello
Film & Entertainment Editor Niamh Crosbie
News Editor Cian Carton
Politics Editor Jack Power
Fashion Editor Emer Slattery
Sports Editor Neil Ryan
Business Editor Adam Hetherington
Tech Editor Graham Harkness
Features Editor Sinéad Slattery
Eagarthóir Gaeilge Gearóid Óg Ó Greacháin
Turbine Editor Hans Offerman
Contributors Adam Turner Andrew Grossan Charlotte McLaughlin Edwin Gilson Kate Weedy Eoghan Kennefick Ruth Slamon Donncha O’Murchú Sophie Osbourne Darragh McGrath Peter Branigan
Conor Lynott Ciara Landy Conor Nealon Daisy Kinahan Murphy Kate Devlin Keivn O’Reilly Luke Fitzpatrick Marianne Kehoe Monty O’Reilly Shane Whooley Shawna Scott Stan Whooley
- Raging within the Machine: UCD’s Young Political Parties (14)
Read CT on the bus:
News
Tuesday, September 29th 2015
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Book Fund Launched for Students in Financial Difficulty Cian Carton News Editor
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CD Students’ Union (UCDSU) has launched a Book Fund to help cover the costs of books for students in financial difficulty. The Fund is part of a partnership between UCDSU and the Campus Bookstore. The system allows for four levels of award to be made. Students can be awarded with book vouchers for the sum of either €10, €20, €30 or €40. The vouchers are only redeemable in the Campus Bookstore. Applications for the Books Fund can be made on UCDSU’s website (www.ucdsu.ie). The online application form asks for students tosubmit details about their course,
living arrangements, and eligibili ty for grants, along with querying them about why they are applying. The Fund only provides for core texts for modules. No end date for the scheme has yet been announced. This is not the first attempt by UCDSU at providing some form of assistance for students in severe financial difficulty. The Kylemore Food Scheme, which provided free lunches in food outlets run by the group on campus, returned in 2013 while Cian Dowling was serving as UCDSU Vice-President for Welfare & Equality.
Memorial Football Match Held for Berkley Victim
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taff and students from the School of History and Archives came together on Thursday 24th September to hold a football match in memory of Niccolai Schuster, one of three UCD students who died in the Berkley balcony collapse in June. Professor Tadgh Ó hAnnraichan, head of the School of History and Archives, addressed third year history students at the start of the semester about organising something to commemorate the memory of Schuster. This culminated in a staff and students match, which featured several lecturers
a from the School. The match comes shortly fter a memorial bench, dedicated to Schuster and the other two UCD victims of the tragedy, Eimear Walsh and Lorcán Miller, was unveiled in the Belfield Rose Garden.
Survey Claims that Driving is a “Must” for Graduate Jobs Cian Carton News Editor
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nterprise Rent-A-Car, a company which provides replacement vehicles and courtesy cars in Ireland, has released the results of survey on students’ perceptions of driving. 1,500 students in second and third-level education, along with recent graduates, took part in the survey. It claims that 86% of respondents believe driving to be an important skill which boosts employability. It is further claimed that 52% of those surveyed had already applied for a job which required a full driving licence, while 42% believed that their inability to drive had hindered their employment prospects in the past. Leslee O’Loughlin, Group Human Re-
sources Manager at Enterprise Rent-a-Cars, said that toan employer, a candidate’s “ability to drive can demonstrate their willingness to learn new skills and their motivation and dedication to succeed.”Enterprise Rent-ACar reports that students are now learning to drive at a younger age in comparisons to those who finished up in college before 2010. 53% of those currently in third-level education had learnt to drive at the age of 17, while 31% had taken their driving test at 18. The survey revealed that the cost driving was one the main reasons why students have not obtained their driving licence. Evidence of of the increasing cost of driving is
apparent in UCD. Students who drive to college this year now also have an additional expense in the form of paid parking, which was rolled out by university authorities for the start of the academic year. Those who wish to avail of parking facilities in UCD now need to register and pay €50 for a parking permit for the year. O’Loughlin commented that it is “important for students to understand the value driving has as a skill and how much emphasis is put on this skill in the career they wish to pursue. By not being able to drive many candidates are ruling themselves out of a number of positions before the application process has even begun.”
Further Slip for UCD in QS World University Rankings Conor Nealon News Writer
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CD has dropped 15 places, down to 139th, in the latest findings of the QS World University Rankings, which was published last week. The result reflects a downward trend for Irish third level institutions when placed on the international stage. The rankings shone a more positive light on UCD in the ranking of citation per faculty, an area which is indicative of the impact of research carried out in the University. In this regard UCD has risen to 201 in the world with Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
trailing closely at 203. The research capabilities of UCD will be of lesser concern to the student body than the student faculty ratio, which scored 2.3 points lower compared to last year. Commenting on the findings of the survey, Professor Andrew Deeks, President of UCD, stated that “the fall has been flagged for some time and demonstrates the urgent need for a new funding model.” Dr Michael Murphy, who presides over University College Cork (UCC), also made similarcomments, saying that is “remark-
able that all Irish universities are in the top 3-4% of universities globally – in the top 500 of the 16,000.” The lack of funding for Irish universities, which the survey highlights, is compounded by a steadily rising number of students entering third level education each year. TCD and UCC were amongst those who dropped places in the rankings, with Ulster’s third level institutions faring no better.
News
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Volume 29, Issue 2
No End to Accommodation Crisis in Sight Continued from Front Page
Opposition parties have also gotten involved over the issue. One of the more ambitious claims has come from Eamon Ryan, leader of the Green Party, who said that RTÉ could be re-located from its headquarters and moved back into the city centre, and that the site could be re-developed for student accommodation. RTÉ’s headquarters is based on a 30 acre site in Donnybrook, just minutes away from UCD. Ryan claimed that the land could take “up to 5,000 students”, and that it could “put UCD, Trinity, DIT, DCU students together, and that would go a long way towards tackling the housing crisis students face in terms of trying to find rental property.” Ryan’s claims come from a National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) report which has noted that 20% of the site was undeveloped, another 20 per cent was used for car parking, while one-fifth of office space available was not in use.
UCDSU attends March For Choice Cian Carton News Editor
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embers of UCD Students’ Union (UCDSU) attended the fourth annual March for Choice in Dublin city centre on Saturday, 26th September. Organised by the Abortion Rights Campaign, the Irish Times reported that thousands of people took to the streets for the march, which went from the Garden of Remembrance to Merrion Square. The Abortion Rights Campaign has been calling for a referendum to repeal the 8th Amendment of the Irish Constitution. This year, the group urged politicians to pledge to hold a referendum on repealing the 8th Amendment as part of their election pledges,
in advance of the 2016 General Election. UCDSU posted on its Facebook page that it would be taking part in the march “out of a sense of personal conviction but also on a democratic mandate from UCD students.” The “democratic mandate” referred to comes from a controversial four-option preferendum held by UCDSU in October 2013. 45% of a valid poll of 2,527 students voted for the Union to adopt a policy that it supports abortion in circumstances where a woman requests it. The aftermath of the preferendum saw student Samuel O’Con
nor, then leader of UCD Students Against Abortion, attempt to disaffiliate from UCDSU. However, the fallout from the preferendum has continued up to the present. O’Connor recently launched Irish Students for Free Association (IFSA), a group which campaigns for voluntary association with students’ unions, which was reported in the previous issue of the College Tribune.The 8th Amendment to the Irish Constitution which was passed in 1983, by a 67% to 33% vote in favour of the amendment from over 1,250,000 voters. As a result, Article 40.3.3 was entered into the Constitution, and states that “The
State acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate that right.”
Tuesday, September 29th 2015
News in Focus
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News in Focus: QS Rankings, University Funding and EY
Cian Carton examines how the debates over the QS World Rankings and third level-funding in Ireland and could be a minor sideshow to a different issue.
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he release of the latest update of the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World Rankings was greeted with a poker face from the management teams in Irish universities. Another decline for Irish universities was the slant of the day for the media, as evidenced by the fact that UCD fell from 139th place down to 154th, while Trinity dropped from 71st to 78th spot. University College Cork (UCC) also dropped down by three places. However, most of the other Irish institutions made slight gains. The problem for UCD and Andrew Deeks, its President, is that he had previously used the QS rankings to defend the university’s performance last year. It came when UCD dropped out of the top 200 places in the 2014 Times Higher Education World Un ive rs it y Rankings. Deeks pointed out that UCD had held its QS position in 139th place in the 2013 and 2014 QS rankings, and suggested that QS was a more reliable performance indicator. Now that UCD has dropped in that, he must certainly be feeling the pressure. UCD explained away its decline on its website as being due to “methodology changes” and to changes in “UCD’s data submission based on clarifications QS included in this year’s data request.” It scored a minor victory in being able to claim the number one spot in Ireland for citation per facility, which is based on a university’s
research output. This is, however, akin to winning a minor battle as a bloody war wages on all around. John J Boland, Dean and Vice President of Research at TCD, wrote a critical article in the Irish Times on the state of Irish universities, in response to the latest set of rankings. The crux of his argument is simple, that the “real competition is the rest of the world, and to have our top university ranked 78th in the world is simply not good enough for Ireland, our students or our ambition to become a leading- edge knowledge-driven economy.” Therefore, commenting on Trinity’s 78th place ranking in contrast to UCD or others is a moot point. It is not an internal competition between UCD and TCD, but an international one. The debate then becomes one of the Irish third-level system versus
“The problem for UCD and Andrew Deeks, its President, is that he had previously used the QS rankings to defend the university’s performance”
the world. Boland claims that Ireland is living off a “legacy of prudent investments” which were made in the late 1990s and early 2000s. For him, the one statistic that matters is a simple one; “the funding per university student in Ireland has now dropped below that at second level. Higher education has not been a priority at Government level.” Similarly, Deeks has been recently quoted as saying the rankings highlight the “need for a new funding model that can address the needs of the university and the sector.” Deeks wrote an opinion column
for the Irish Times published September 23rd. His opening paragraph could have come straight out of the mouth of Boland, or indeed anyone involved in running an Irish university. “Over the past 7 years exchequer funding to universities and colleges of education has fallen by 28 per cent while student numbers have increased by 18 per cent. Our student to staff ratio of 22 to 1 is now significantly behind the OECD average of 14 to 1.” Irish universities are performing well based on limited resources. But is that not a problem within itself? Why does Ireland have a
“Commenting on Trinity’s 78th place ranking in contrast to UCD or others is a moot point. It is not an internal competition between UCD and TCD, but an international one. The debate then becomes one of the Irish third-level system versus the world.” third-level funding problem in the first place? That will be the subject of a future article, but for the moment, surely one can say that Ireland can no longer hide
behind poverty-based arguments when it comes to university funding. Nevertheless, the purpose of Deek’s article was to address the idea that degree classifications being awarded to graduates (such as First Class Honours etc.) serve as a reliable indicator of university performance, on the basis that they are being used to rationalise education cutbacks. A First Class Honours degree is worthless if the individual who received it has obtained no tangible skills in the pursuit of said degree. He likened degree classifications with the nutritional value in food. An unusual metaphor, perhaps, but his observation still stands. All is well and good, but if the standard of education available starts to drop in universities, one may ask why anyone bothers going to college. The one firewall which has protected them is that the vast majority of the world’s largest companies recruit graduates straight from college as part of their recruitment programmes. The fact that they are called “graduate programmes” status signals this fact. Many advertise that they only accept applications from people with a degree. The “you need a college degree to get a good job” paradigm has been on lockdown for years. However, this may be about to change. Last month, Ernst and Young (EY), announced it would remove all degree requirements from its entry programmes from
2016 onwards in the UK. It will be interesting to note how many of the 200 “graduate” places it offers each year will be filled by those without a college degree. The news reports on this development featured some fascinating quotes from Maggie Stilwell, EY’s managing partner for talent, who said that there was “no evidence to conclude that previous suc- cess in higher education correlated with future success in subsequent professional qualifications undertaken.” She noted that EY’s “internal research of over 400 graduates found that screening students based on academic performance alone was too blunt an approach to recruitment.” In the future, EY will continue to take academic qualifications into account, which will remain “an important consideration when assessing candidates as a whole - but will no longer act as a barrier to getting a foot in the door.” In Ireland, the company said it would be considering implementing the same initiative. The message from EY is clear, it recognises that the best talent can be found beyond the gates of a university. The monopoly that universities had on the “you need a college degree to get a good job” paradigm is about to be challenged, and rightly so. The government and universities funding blame game could find itself undercut by these developments, and is something to be watched for the future.
“All is well and good, but if the standard of education available starts to drop in universities, one may ask why anyone bothers going to college.”
Features
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Volume 29, Issue 2
Keeping It Positive
Tara Casey takes a look at the recent Mind Body +&/ Soul festival
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ollowing last year’s inaugural event, the Mind Body and Soul festival returned last week for two days full of activities for all of the UCD community. The event saw students getting creative with tiedye, un-winding with massages from Physio Soc and cooing over llamas and puppies. The festival is one that promotes arts, culture and well-being. It’s all about looking after (you guessed it) your mind, body and soul. But how does an event like this actually help students’ mental health? With the disturbingly high rate of suicide among young people in Ireland, looking after our minds needs to become a top priority. However, the stigmatisation of discussing mental health issues means many do not know how to actively take care of their mental health or from where to seek help if they have problems. Festivals like Mind Body and Soul aim to highlight looking after your mental wellbeing through positive light-hearted activities. So how does it all work? Many people associate the word ‘mental health’ with the negatives: depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety; but it shouldn’t be forgotten that mental health can in fact be positive. This festival, rather than focusing too much on
the more serious aspects of mental illness, exhibits the different ways in which we can maintain positive mental health. Fun, non-alcoholic activities with your mates can make a big difference in your life, whether it’s throwing shapes at the lunchtime rave or having tea and a chat on a comfy bean bag. The HSE are currently running their #littlethings campaign to highlight that even small gestures can change a person’s outlook, even if only slightly. The little things that Mind Body and Soul offered may have been just the thing to take someone’s mind off some issues that have been weighing them down. So an event with a heavy emphasis on fun but with undertones of positive mental health promotion; the puppy cuddling perfectly exemplifies this. While we all love snuggling up to the soft, fuzzy creatures, studies at Georgia State University, Idaho State University and Savannah College of Art and Design have shown that animal-assisted therapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety and loneliness among college students. Res earchers found that by allowing a group of students play with a therapy dog for a couple of hours twice a month during an academic quarter, self-reported
“With the disturbingly high rate of suicide among young people in Ireland, looking after our minds needs to become a top priority.”
symptoms of anxiety and loneliness went down by 60% in the tested group. The college attended by the group of students was looking for creative and effective ways to meet the increasing need for counselling on campus. So, without even realising it, interacting with animals, such as therapy dogs, can be a great way of
“While we all love snuggling up to the soft, fuzzy creatures, studies ... have shown that animal-assisted therapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety and loneliness ... Researchers found that self-reported symptoms of anxiety and loneliness went down by 60%” calming down or de-stressing, all the while enjoying the company of a canine companion. One event that I’m sure must have caught others’ eyes and not just my own was laughter yoga, mainly for the reason that I had no idea what exactly it was. Laughter yoga involves groups of people getting together and engaging in prolonged laughing and deep
breathing techniques while making eye contact with one another. While you may think laughing for no reason would make you uncomfortable and tense, participants have said that continual
“One event that I’m sure must have caught others’ eyes and not just my own was laughter yoga, mainly for the reason that I had no idea what exactly it was.”
engagement with the Laughter Yoga groups has made them more happy, energetic and healthy. A relatively new concept that began in Mumbai, India in 1995, Laughter Yoga has grown in popularity every year with more than 6000 Laughter Yoga clubs in over 60 countries. It was founded on the fact that the body cannot tell the difference between fake and genuine laughter, so laughing for no reason will still give you all the same psychological benefits. Research in University of Graz, Austria, Bangalore, India and the United States have shown that laughter lowers the level of stress hormones such as epinephrine and cortisol in the blood, fostering a positive and hopeful attitude. It is used by students, senior citizens and prisoners as a way of dissipating negative feelings of anger and frustration. It has even been used as a form of therapy for pain and trauma of cancer patients in the Swedish Cancer Hospital, Chicago (alongside chemotherapy). While it may seem like a bizarre concept to many, the testimonials of
participants who have claimed it has changed their lives indicate that Laughter Yoga has the potential for making a significant difference in the mental wellbeing of people
everywhere, young and old. Prevention is an important part of tackling the mental health issues plaguing Irish young people. Promoting positive mental health through fun, laid back activities is a good way of looking after your mental wellbeing, while simultaneously making people aware of the supports that are available to them if they do encounter problems. Mind, Body and Soul is an event that will hopefully not only stick around for years to come, but grow and expand to further foster a spirit of community and positive mental health in UCD.
Tuesday, September 29th 2015
Features
Tablets in the Classics Museum bring ancient pottery to life
The Classical Museum Features Editor Sinéad Slattery goes back in time without leaving the Newman Building.
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ave half an hour free between classes? Get yourself to the Newman building, room K216. You’ll be glad you did. Somehow, I had never actually been to the K section of Newman before, much less to the Classical Museum – so when Admin Assistant Declan Clear invited us along to have a look at this treasure trove of ancient artefacts I was intrigued. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was the huge Roman sarcophagus by the door. It’s 2,000 years old and is carved out of pure marble. A massive amount of craft and care must have gone into its making. It’s sturdy enough that you can sit on it and the face carved into the side is still in perfect condition after two millennia. The museum was set up by the Rev. Henry Browne, who was a professor of Greek at UCD, in the early 20th Century in Earlsfort Terrace. It moved to its current location in Belfield in 1971. The collections include a wide variety of artefacts from many different time periods, some examples being Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome and Ancient Egypt. Unusually for a museum, there are a number of items on exhibition that you can get hold of and look at properly, without a glass partition being in your way – such as
the little figurines called ushabti. They almost look like small toys; Assistant Curator of the Museum, Aoife Walshe, explained that that in Ancient Egyptian culture ushabti were buried with someone that had passed away. The idea was that these little figures would become your servants in the next life. It’s kind of hard to believe that something buried in a tomb 3,000 years ago has ended up in a drawer in Belfield. There is a significant coin collection at the museum, including ancient slate-like rectangles with depictions of anchors and pigs on them. It is thought that the images are in relation to what you would use this money for. They also have a complete series of coins from the reigns of emperors Augustus to Marcus Aurelius. There are a number of Greek and Roman headstones on display in the museum, some of them belonging to small children. The youngest child died at the age of 4 years, 11 months and 12 days. Her grandfather organised the production of the headstone for (and this actually appears as the inscription) “his most unfortunate granddaughter”. The museum has approximately 400 Greek vases in its collection - the best are on display, including ones that are on loan from the National Museum of Ireland. The scenes on them are so well-preserved it’s as if they were made yesterday. People come from all over the world to see the museum – make sure you add your name to the visitor’s book before you leave - so there’s no excuse for you and some friends not to take a look. The current opening hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 10am-4.30pm. Other viewing times can be arranged by calling +353-1-716 8476. Search UCD School of Classics on Facebook.
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Ethics in The Clothing Industry Ciara Landy Features Writer “There is no beauty in the finest cloth if it makes hunger and unhappiness” - Mahatma Gandhi
F
ew of us pause to consider the origins or impact of our clothing choices. Many would be of the school of thought (myself included) that if something looks good and is a reasonable price, they will buy it. Online shopping and the mass consumption of “fast fashion” from high-street outlets such as Primark, H&M and Forever 21 have alienated and detached us from the processes involved within garment production industry. We live in a modern, technology-driven society which encourages instant-gratification and blatant consumerism. The most central question to any discussion of fashion and ethics is this - are we prepared to kill people and animals for the clothes we wear? Fabrics such as fur, cotton, leather, wool and exotic skins do not just appear at the manufacturer’s door. They are a by-product of slaughter, human exploitation and often inhumane farming practices. The item of clothing doesn’t have to come with a welfare guarantee. Was the worker who made this t-shirt this fairly paid? Was the animal who died for this bag well-treated? Is the processing plant responsible for these shoes emitting chemical pollutants? The issue of fashion ethics is not exclusive to largescale clothing production. Fashion houses such as Dior and Burberry have been linked to fur-farms with reports of alleged animal abuse. More recently, Stella McCartney, a pioneer of a “cruelty-free” clothing within the fashion industry, has severed ties with her Argentinean wool supplier, Ovis 21, after a graphic video emerged of workers sawing through animal’s necks and kneeling on conscious lambs. Such an incident proves that even when comprehensive measures are takento ensure that the welfare and safety of animals is paramount, mistreatment can still occur. The human cost of developed world’s apparent insatiable demand for cheap clothing is perhaps most distressing. The fashion industry is a notorious employer of child labour, with a 2014 SOMO (Centre for Research on Multi-National Corporations) report revealing that 60% of those
employed at Indian cotton mills were under eighteen when they began working there. Vulnerable children are promised good pay, an education and a chance to provide for their families. The reality is often punishing 19 hour days, constant exposure to hazardous chemicals and cramped, unsanitary living conditions. Without an education, child workers in countries such as Egypt, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and India remain trapped within the arduous poverty-cycle that is so prevalent in developing countries. The 2013 Bangladeshi Rana Plaza factory collapse, which claimed over 1000 lives is symptomatic of the real-life devastating effects of today’s profit-driven and unregulated fashion industry. How can you help? Not everyone can afford the luxury of purchasing from 100% ethical, high-end brands, such as Edun and Oliberté, however, with the recent movement towards vintage clothing, other options are available. Just by buying a few items at your local charity shop or vintage store or even swapping clothes with your friends and family, you can have a huge effect on the human and environmental effects of the fashion industry. Cultivate your own personal style that is immune to ever-changing trends and fashion fads and your wallet and the world will thank you.
Features
8
SFW Porn | Image, Funnyordie
Scott on Sex: Make Porn! (Or, you know, pay for it) Shawna Scott Columnist
I
don’t subscribe to “Lean-in” feminism. It doesn’t take into consideration the lived experiences of the millions of women below the poverty line, women who cannot afford to go to university, and women of colour. It does not acknowledge the systems in our culture that keep so many women who do not fit a specific profile - white, rich, English speaking - from reaching the top. That said there is one area of our modern society to which I think Sheryl Sandberg’s misguided ideology can be applied, and that’s porn. I find myself talking about porn a lot these days, mostly because of another brand of feminism that I don’t subscribe to - the kind that tells women what they can or cannot do with their own bodies or that specific types of consensual sex are the wrong types of sex. This is not to say that degrading porn doesn’t exist. I have seen some horrific stuff on free tube sites. But again, that is down to my perception of what degrading is. The people in the film have both/ all consented, and if they haven’t, as writer Roe McDermott puts it, “it’s not porn, it’s filmed abuse.” The problem isn’t with porn itself porn has been around since we’ve figured out we can draw pic-tures on the walls of caves - the problem is our squeamishness to stand up and be counted as con-sumers. For something so ubiquitous, so part of our everyday lives, we still have problems talking about it. Well actually that’s not true. The media love to sensationalise stories about women, espe-cially when they do something bold or out of turn like make a sex tape, get too drunk, or flash a bit of nipple; and they love
“But Shawna!” I hear you shout, “I think it’s very unreasonable and unfair of you to expect every-one to get naked in front of a camera and post it on the internet.” to fret and complain about how porn is damaging to young minds. I find it funny though that despite all the pearl clutching and hand ringing, they never have a solution. Well I do. Make better porn, and have critical discussions about what porn is, and isn’t. If you don’t like what is being said, add to a conversation instead of remaining silent. It has never been easier than before to contribute. As smartphones are fast becoming the first piece of elec-tronic technology that everyone on Earth will own, more and more of us each day have access to a porn studio in our pockets, if we are so inclined to use it that way. It’s actually one of the few in-dustries in which we can do it ourselves without a whole lot of money to start with. “But Shawna!” I hear you shout, “I think it’s very unreasonable and unfair of you to expect every-one to get naked in front of a camera and post it on the internet.” Now hold your horses. I didn’t say that was the only way to make better porn. That is just one of the many sexy options available. You can also PAY FOR YOUR PORN! Shock horror! I know that if you’re reading this, you’re probably a student with not a lot of extra cash on
hand. However you don’t have to be in Economics Society to know that not paying someone for their products deval-ues their work. As tube sites use other people’s work, and give it away for free, studios have been forced to churn out more and more content of decreasing quality, whilst paying performers and crew less and less for their work. So be a responsible consumer by putting your money where yourmouth is, or in this case genitals, and invest in the kind of porn you like to see. There are great feminist and queer porn studios out there who are doing great work both cinematically and by making sure that all different body types, aesthetics, and sexualities are represented; but they can’t continue doing that work unless their wages are paid. A great way to save money, especially if you’re living in student digs, is having a conversation with your housemates about what types of porn you’re into, drawing up a venn diagram, and setting up a collective house account for whatever type of porn ends up in the middle of that venn diagram. Another way to get the kind of porn you want doesn’t cost you anything, and you don’t have to get your clothes off to do it. Talk to porn performers and studios. In a very polite and professional manner, tell them what you’d like to see. They’re all quite social media savvy these days and are generally keen to listen to their customers. If you are not happy with the way porn is, it’s time to shake off some of that shame and do your small part to mould the industry into something better.
Volume 29, Issue 2
I felt a funeral in my nostrils: Taking Cocaine C
ocaine is one of the most prevalent and well-known drugs in the Western world. Derived from the Coca plant, cocaine was popularised by the infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar, who was at one time responsible for smuggling 80% of the States’ supply across South American borders. Coke is bitter to the taste, and its mouth-numbing properties are often used to test both its authenticity and purity. Though this traditional measure of quality can be thrown by the addition of benzocaine or lidocaine as cutting agents which produce a similar anaesthetic effect, something which laboratory tests would indicate is happening more and more frequently. Cocaine has been in the news recently due to a number of people going on binges and winding up with some grisly after effects. News outlets including unsurprisingly, The Daily Mail, have run with headlines about Coke “rotting flesh.” This is a pretty irresponsible exaggeration, though it stems from a long running problem with Coke, that being that it’s the most likely street drug to be cut with something you don’t want in your body. Most recently, this has tended to be Levamisole, a chemical which is intended for use as a deworming agent in humans and animals. Some testing has shown that Levamisole can compound the stimulant effects of Coke resulting in a greater high, though this also compounds the risks. It also acts as an immunosuppressant which makes users of adulterated Coke more susceptible to infection and illness. Despite being a commonly available drug, there is little information on dosages or the effects beyond the obvious high to guide novice users. What is known is that the effects of cocaine are in
credibly quick to take hold; though the effects of the drug vary from person to person, possible effects include increased concentration and sexual arousal, a feeling of euphoria, and a thumping heart. Its major downside manifests itself in its fleeting high: lasting only 20-40 minutes, there often exists a desire for continued usage, leading to a significant potential for future dependency. While there is no conclusive evidence that cocaine is physically addictive, psychological addiction and habit-forming behaviour are particularly common. As with all stimulants, staying hydrated is imperative to a safe experience, and assists in mitigating the drug’s less desirable effects, including nausea, dizziness, and paranoia. Street cocaine is notorious for being impure, so testing kits similar to those mentioned in our last article are highly recommended. These can’t tell you exactly what you’ve got, but they can give you a rough indication of purity. Given Ireland’s status as a backwater in Europe, it’s reasonable to assume that any coke you might find has been cut with something you may not want to put in your body. So be aware of this before you consider trying this drug. While unlikely, it is also worth pointing out that of any drug, chaances are you’re going to put cocaine up yur nose. Overdoing this can, over time, do bad damage to your septum resulting in damage to your sense of smell as well as running an increased risk of damage to your septum (the fleshy bit in between your nostrils. As was the case with MDMA, we don’t encourage you to take any substance, just to know the risks how your own body might react to any given substance. As always, know your source, know your limits and be safe.
Features
Tuesday, September 29th 2015
9
Running Against the Establishment: US Presidential Election Update Andrew Grossen Features Writer
A
lthough there are over four hundred days left until the actual event, the election for the president of the United States is already making headlines and dominating the Ameri-can media. This is perhaps due in part to the crowded Republican field, the high possibility of the first female presidential candidate and the colourful candidacy of Donald Trump, whose controversial comments gain mass attention from a society that is used to politi-cians behaving a certain way and saying certain things, sometimes seeming disingenuous. That mood of wanting someone who doesn’t fit the stereotype of a politician and speaks their mind has become a significant factor in this election season. On 21 September, Republican candidate, Scott Walker, who once was seen by many analysts as someone who was a formidable opponent to the established Jeb Bush, dropped out of the race. He is the second Republican to do so, leaving 14 left seeking the Republican Party’s nomination. The front runners according to the most recent polls are Trump in the lead with almost 29% followed by Ben Carson at around 18% - Carson is a neurosurgeon who like Trump, has never held elected office before. The same is also true for former Hewlett-Packard CEO, Carly Fiorina. Fiorina has recently
seen a rise in the polls due to her performance during the last televised debate. All three have been making their case that they are successful individuals in the private sector looking to utilise that success in the oval office, which is why they may have been attracting more media attention than a lot of the others. The failed campaign of Walker is evidence of the troubles that come with not hav-ing a high enough profile to keep up with the celebrity status of Trump, who criticized Walker and other candidates for having to “beg for money from the Koch Brothers”, ques-tioning if they were “puppets” to the conservative billionaire donors. The Kochs plan to spend $900 million to elect a conservative to the White House. Trump on the other hand, blatantly points out that he “is really rich” and is using his own wealth to run. The bragga-docios way he talks about his wealth is not the only thing that is polarizing Republicans; his comments about women, Mexicans (“they’re rapists, and some, I assume are good people”) and views on immigrants in general (if elected he
would get rid of the J1 program) receive harsh condemnation. Yet these controversial remarks resonate with the views with a large number of Republican voters enough so that they are making him their number one right now. His most recent diversion from the norms of Republican candidates was his attack and subsequent ‘boycotting’ of Fox News. The large group of American citizens who value a candidate who speaks his mind and has views that sometimes are at odds with the party establishment are not a uniquely conservative-Republican phenomenon. It has also been evident with the more left of the Democratic Party in the form of the growing support for Senator Bernie Sanders. He has positioned himself as a more progressive alternative to Hillary Clinton whose political ma-chine and name recognition gives her a sizable advantage. Sanders is a self-proclaimed democratic-socialist, arguing for increased minimum wage, free public university and holding Wall Street accountable. He has never been in the nation’s eye to the extent he has been recently, despite being in Congress for 16 years. His campaign faces
“The large group of American citizens who value a candidate who speaks his mind and has views that sometimes are at odds with the party establishment are not a uniquely conservative-Republican phenomenon.”
skepticism in rela-tion whether he can capture base Democrats and if the American public is ready elect a so-cialist to the presidency. He has overtaken Clinton in some polls in New Hampshire but overall the former First Lady/Senator/ Secretary of State leads him by 15 points. For now, those who are ‘Ready for Hillary’ are withstanding those who ‘Feel the Bern’. Although Clinton is maintaining her position as the frontrunner, she is facing backlash for using her personal server for official and personal emails. Her critics point to this as evi-dence that she is untrustworthy. Both Clinton and Sanders have sizable leads in the polls compared to the three other Democratic candidates (Martin O’Malley, Jim Webb and, Lincoln Chafee) though that is not considering the potential candidacy of current Vice President Joe Biden. Support for Biden is close to 20% and if he ran, would greatly affect the nature of the race, especially for Clinton. The sport and spectacle of American presidential-politics is one that can be ever-changing, Trump, Sanders, Carson and Fiorina could continue to give a voice to those who want a change in the system. However, it’s just as possible that the establishment and machines could produce a Bush vs. Clinton race when next November comes. In politics, nothing is certain.
“I take great satisfaction in being forced to join the SU and pay SU membership.” some UCD students, possibly
UCDSU forces you to be a member and to pay membership. No other type of union does this – only SUs You have a constitutional right to disassociate from every type of union If you want to disassociate from UCDSU or find out more go to:
www.leaveyoursu.com
“I wholeheartedly support forcing my fellow students to pay my wages.” every UCDSU officer, almost certainly
THE TRIB Inside: Music: Mumford & Sons, Diplo & Grime
Film: Moe Dunford & The Emmies Fashion: NY Fashion Week & Campus Trend Arts: Mind, Body +&/ Soul & Culture Night Events: 8x8, Grafitti & Diplo
THE TRIB Issue 2
2 // Music
MorethanGrime
Mumford and Sons:
Adam Turner // Music Writer
Grime
originated in East London in the early 2000s and since then it hasn’t migrated very far. There are alcoves of grime in Japan and there’s some heavily grime influenced hip hop in Ireland (check out God Knows + MynameisjOhn). Besides this, Grime hasn’t moved far from its pirate station roots in East London. This is quite surprising considering the early appeal of the genre. In 2003, Dizzee Rascal’s album Boy in the Corner won the Mercury Prize and the genre looked set to explode worldwide. However, one tends to forget the winners of the Mercury Prize in the late 90s/early 00s went nowhere. The prize itself does wondrous things for the winner in terms of exposure but only for a very short time. Does anyone really remember who won the Mercury Prize in 1997? Or 2009 for that matter? But more to the point, grime as a genre did not benefit from winning. In fact, the mid 2000s were a dreadful time for the grime scene.
The next time after this that grime reached a pinnacle was 2008, when “Wearing my Rolex” by Wiley was released and reached number 2 in the UK charts. One aspect that is noticeable in this track is that is doesn’t sound like a grime track. It’s an electronic dance track, the synth is clean and the bass is near invisible. Wiley is an incredibly interesting character in the grime scene. He’s credited as the “inventor” of grime in many circles, his track “Eskimo” from 2002 is one of the earliest grime tracks (along with Danny Weed’s Creeper from the same year). “Wot Do U Call It” by Wiley discusses the etymology of the genre, Urban, Garage and 2-step are the misrepresented phrases that were used to describe grime in the early days. Wiley himself called it “his sound, that Eski sound”. In order for Wiley to break through to the mainstream, he had to disregard his sound and create a sound that was more acceptable in the ears of the main music buying public. His number one song from 2012.
“Heatwave” has a female vocal hook, banging bass drums and sounds absolutely nothing like a grime track. These days, grime appears to making another attempt at the mainstream. “Rari Workout” by Lethal Bizzle and “German Whip” by Meridian Dan both were on the cusp of getting into the top 10 of the UK charts last year. Skepta, a long time grime MC, has released a number of tracks in the past year that have gotten radio play across the world. His track “Shutdown” was performed on Jools Holland earlier this year and Drake brought Skepta out on stage at his Wireless set to perform it with him. Will newer grime artists need to disregard their roots, as Dizzee Rascal and Wiley did before them, in order to fully capture the imagination of the mainstream? Or perhaps, we as a society are more accepting of dirty bass lines, they will succeed with mean hooks and filthy synths.
A Change of Heart Kevin O’Reilly // Music Writer
T
he West-London quartet Mumford and Sons seems to have transcended a hundred years of music history during their short 18-month hiatus, dropping their waistcoats and banjos and just as quickly acquiring electric guitars, drums and bass. They have the sound of a band that has been perfecting their style for years, like Kings of Leon for example, when in fact their whole appeal and image has been turned on its head. The familiar sound of Marcus Mumford’s natural gritty voice is still instantly recognisable but what’s going on in the background is alien to old-school Mumford fans. Is this the new direction for the band or is it just a phase? Reinventing yourself as an artist or band is never smooth, even trying to maintain consistency in output can lead to boredom in the most loyal fans, and radically altering your sound or style can leave previous admirers feeling left out in the cold. But Mumford had it so easy, they found, nay they invented a niche for popular folk-inspired music in the growing folk music scene in London.
Fans flocked to this new form of accessible but catchy traditional music and the band launched to fame reaching their peak with the release of Grammy Award-winning albums ‘Sigh No More’ and ‘Babel’ followed by worldwide tours. However being a band with such a knack for creativity and exploring new avenues, they were always looking for novel ways to express themselves, at one point even admitting that they wanted to try rap! They had a desire to leave behind the shackles of their two successful “Brother albums” and introduce a “Cousin” with a more distinctive character. The initial response to the release of their latest project ‘Wilder Mind’ earlier this year has been mainly positive with followers both old and new lapping up the fresh output. Many have praised the album as a sign of the band’s innovation and growth, and despite the louder brasher instrumental backdrop of the album, Marcus tends not to strain his voice and growl as much as he did in their previous albums. It suggests a more refined sense of song-writing without becoming quiet and pensive
for the sake of it. However what the album appears to lack is a belter of an anthem that fans can shout and scream along to. In a way it makes me wonder if Mumford’s style was only ever skindeep, that their image of being rooted in a long heritage and connection with the land and all things rustic was merely a marketing strategy. It leads me to believe that the new turn that they’ve taken could be just as superficial. I’m interested to see when they play live, if they have to doff their leather jackets and drop their electric guitars, and quickly change into flannel and pick up their accordions to play their previous classics like ‘Little Lion Man’ and ‘Roll Away Your Stone’. It is up to each person to decide whether they prefer the new contemporary Mumford or decide to cling on to the golden era of the hay-tossing, foot-stomping revolution. Mumford and Sons will play the 3Arena on the 2nd and 3rd of December, their album ‘Wilder Minds’ is available on iTunes and in stores.
Arts & Culture Magazine
Music // 3
29.09.2015
Who is Diplo? Albums to look forward to Luke FitzPatrick // Music Writer
Kevin O’Reilly // Music Writer
S
25th September Having sold out in just
two days, those of you lucky enough to have grabbed tickets at the SU Shops around campus before they sold probably already know who this musical mastermind is. But for those unfortunates who either didn’t get a ticket or whose ears have yet to be graced, don’t worry, I’m here to fill you in. Thomas Wesley Pentz aka Diplo is a Los Angeles based American DJ and producer. He’s been popping in and out of the charts over the course of the last five years with singles of his own and as a featured artist on numerous tracks with artists as varied as Madonna, Skrillex and M.I.A. While his own work stays mostly in the EDM genres of trap and Electro, his work as a producer covers a broad spectrum touching on a bit of anything and everything. Well known features include “Earthquake” with DJ Fresh and ”Boy Oh Boy” with GTA, though these now pale in comparison with Diplo’s own solo achievements over the past year. Major Lazer’s summer hit “Lean On” racked up over 560 million views on YouTube, a number which is still growing. Produced by Diplo, the track has received so much airplay on
Every Open Eye Chvrches commercial radio that it threatens to go the way of Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” and Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” in becoming such an earworm that people become genuinely sick of it. Despite this, there’s little awareness among the listening public of who Major Lazer are. Diplo created Major Lazer alongside English DJ and producer, Switch, back in 2008 with an album release the following year. Though by 2011 the pair parted ways, the name lives on in collaborations with Jillionaire and Walshy Fire. The hits don’t stop here however, a relatively lesser known collaboration with Skrillex under the name Jack Ü has wielded tracks including “Where are Ü Now” and “To Ü” with big names like Justin Bieber, Kiesza and AlunaGeorge. With 160 million views and counting on YouTube, Jack Ü is a name that’s no doubt going to be on everyone’s lips very soon . So, there you have it. Look and listen, and to those of you who will be bopping away, getting sweaty and sexy in The Academy on October 12th I shall see you there. Luke is Promotion & Coordination Officer with UCD Ents.
2nd October Grey Tickles, Black Pressure. John Grant
tanding on the shoulders of such electric synth-pop giants as Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys and even Kraftwerk are Glaswegian trio Chvrches. No strangers to Ireland they’ve hit both Longitude and Electric Picnic in recent years with their synthetic beats and hooking melodies. Their debut album ‘The Bones of What
You Believe’ featured many such catchy tracks including one that made an appearance on FIFA 14.
The
comforting tones and unnerving and discomforting lyrics and background melodies and often juxtaposing the two. His curious and unique talent for putting together seemingly random and strange lyrics and working them into the rhythm of the song is worth listening to and this is set to continue in his new album with the pre-release of ‘Disappointing’ giving us a glimpse of what is to come. This song hints at a very different twist for
Michigan man with a voice like honey dripping over thunder is releasing another solo album. Grant has previously produced two fantastic albums in ‘Queen of Denmark’ and ‘Pale Green Ghosts’. These albums however dealt with quite heavy subject matters such as his personal drug addiction and sexuality. Grant has a gift for switching between warm
The band are mostly underrated and unexplored by radio, occupying the space between mainstream pop and electronic indie so it will be interesting to see if the impact of their latest album can change this. Pre-releases suggest that we’re in for an even faster-paced whirlwind of synth beats
and clear melodies. Lauren Mayberry’s golden voice cuts through the weight of the pounding backdrops of each track. The mood of the album is more uplifting and celebratory than its predecessor which tended to focus on themes of revenge. I for one hope to hear more of these upcoming songs blared out in ads, soundtracks and music venues everywhere.
Grant, the synthetic backdrop is quite an unusual canvas for the normally organic singer-songwriter. Collaborations with other musicians and deeper exploration of John Grant’s own style means this album is set to be a very interesting one.
Space sessions: Songs from a Tin Can Chris Hadfield
Y
9th October
es the astronaut that shot to fame by documenting his experiences in space on social media and again for recording his version of David Bowie’s ‘Space Oddity’ is releasing his first album. Using a small guitar that he managed to get up to the ISS and over the course of his stint
in space, Hadfield managed to record an album-full of music that was influential to him. The audio is gritty and primitive given that most of it was recorded using an iPad. The special appeal of the album is that it will be the only album ever recorded in zero gravity. Hadfield is by far not the most talented singer to come out of Canada but his passion
is very real and clearly audible in every track. These are the songs that inspired a man to leave this planet and venture into the final frontier and the songs that helped him along the way. So if you want extraordinary inspiration in an album that forces you to think then don’t give this one a miss.
From the Crate Seán O’Reilly // Editor
Every fortnight, we’re going to take a brief look at some of the vinyl that’s come out of Ireland. First up: Ghost Estates’ self-titled 2012 release. Sadly the band appear to be no more, but if you’re lucky you can still find a few copies of this gem floating around Dublin’s shops. Heavy use of synths and loops alongside jangly guitar and chorused vocals make for a wave of sound that’ll get right inside your ear. Standout tracks include October, Forever Or Never, and Sea Shanty. Listen if: You’re sitting down to hammer out an essay.
THE TRIB Issue 2
4 // Film
Moe Dunford: Burning the candle at both ends, and loving it Film and Entertainment Editor, Niamh Crosbie, chats with EFP Shooting Stars Award winner Moe Dunford about work, success and the simple things in life.
Moe’s starring role as Pat-
makes a part. You can never rick Fitzgerald in Irish film Pat- take yourself too seriously on a rick’s Day has sent the Dun- job like that, because the subgarvan native on a whirlwind ject matter is so serious, but it of a year. The film opened in was definitely the most fun I’ve March, and he remembers the had on a shoot so far.” experience fondly. “The night The success of the film has of the premier in Ireland was meant that Moe has been travin Dungarvan, my home town, eling the globe and meeting and the whole town came a variety of interesting peoout to fill up the cinema, and ple. “Sometimes you feel like I saw old teachers there, old you’ve got the best job in the friends - family came over world,” he declares when I infrom abroad…. The movie was quire about his most memoraable to bring people together. ble experiences. He is particuJust the support from the town larly grateful for the friendships and all the effort that was put he has forged along the way. into the night was really, really “It’s always fun to work with touching. It was my favourite the same people again; you night of my life, and without just feel like you know them so being an actor and doing Pat- well…. I’m looking forward to rick’s Day, it never would have working with Terry (McMahon) happened, so I’m really, really down the line again, he’s a fantastic director. We need more grateful for that.” The movie, directed by Irish people like him in this country – filmmaker Terry McMahon, he’s very outspoken, and I think deals with a young man deal- that’s why he’s inspiring a lot of ing with a number of mental young directors.” Moe also rehealth issues, and the Vikings ports that he has been involved regular admits that this fact in “a lot more action scenes” in spurs a certain type of ques- his role as Aethelwulf in Vikings tion from the media. “The this year, and that he has also thing about Patrick’s Day,” been working on a music video Moe reveals, “was that af- with Irish artist Hozier, whom ter we had done it and were Moe describes warmly as “a traveling around gorgeous man to festivals, we and so, so giftIt really spoke were asked ed.” to me, and it’s defi- “Berlin was abthings like ‘How something solutely bizarre,” did you do it? nitely How did you that I’m very proud Moe claims. The prepare for it?’ of. I think every- day after the Irish and the majority body worked to put premiere of Patof the time I feel rick’s Day, Moe a lot of care into was flown over like saying to the press that I’m an that movie, not just to the Berlin Inactor, and that me but everyone ternational Film I’d have to be a bit more generous because it was a sen- Festival, on only three hours sitive role…. But I think every- of sleep, and suddenly found one, whether they’re an actor himself in an unfathomable sitor not - we all know someone uation. “I spent three years of who’s been touched by some my acting life trying to meet stage of mental illness at one casting director,” he exsome time in our lives, and it’s plains, “and all of a sudden I’m close to home; I really felt the sitting in a room and it’s like character, and I felt no longer a big meet-and-greet party, concerned with how to say the and the casting director from line - you just say the line. It re- Bond is coming over to you, ally spoke to me, and it’s defi- and five minutes later you’ve nitely something that I’m very met thirty casting directors, proud of. I think everybody you know? One big party! Inworked to put a lot of care sane!” During his days in Berinto that movie, not just me but lin, Moe found himself rubbing everyone. Terry (McMahon), elbows with celebrities such as the writers, the crew; that’s Maisie Williams, from Game of what kind of happens when Thrones. “She is just brilliant, everyone comes together and she is so sound…. It was a great
“
”
experience, a lovely atmosphere…. Patrick’s Day has done a lot of good things for me.” It is quite the success story, as it is the dream of many young Irish people to shoot for the stars as Moe has done. So what would Moe Dunford say to his adolescent self, if he could offer him one piece of advice? Moe muses over the question for quite a prolonged moment, before answering simply, “Take your time. Relax…. You are enough.” Moe enjoys returning to his home in Dungarvan every once
“
I spent three years of my acting life trying to meet one casting director, and all of a sudden I’m sitting in a room and it’s like a big meetand-greet party, and the casting director from Bond is coming over to you, and five minutes later you’ve met thirty casting directors, Insane!
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in a while in order to unwind and escape from the demands of his career. He reveals to The College Tribune that he loves to spend time with his dogs. “I’ve got a malamute and a golden retriever, Oskar and Simba. Oskar with a ‘k’, not with a ‘c’. Oskar Schindler,” he chuckles. “And Simba, from The Lion King…. I liked lifting him up as a kid and doing my best Darth Vader voice – ‘Simba, I am your father!’” he laughs. He only regrets that Simba has grown too big for Moe to lift him now! “I should have gotten more, I love dogs.” While speaking to The College Tribune, Moe is suffering with the flu, which is part of his reason for returning home to Waterford for a while. “I think I’m over it now; I’m back to work tomorrow so I’d better be.” He admits with a laugh that he feels “like I’ve turned into a baby again,” as he is sick at home with his Mam taking care of
him. “As soon as I came down I the profession can be. felt the effects of being home…. “They’re doing their best, but my god, they must have their It’s more a menown struggles tal thing, feelI’m double-jobbed going on. It’s ing relaxed and very hard to be at the moment. I’ve at ease.” For somebody who been doing Vikings a teacher.” The academic atwas so recentin the morning, and mosphere itself ly hobnobbing when I finish in the can be difficult with famous acevening I’ll go do to deal with on tors and castday-to-day the movie; or, I’ll a ing directors, basis, but Moe Moe has a deep do the movie in the believes that “if appreciation morning and then you can clear for the simple do Vikings. your mind and pleasures in allow yourself life, pleasures “as simple as taking off your to chill out,create your own shoes and walking around on space, be home with the the grass for a while, and just family”, then it shouldn’t be touching base.” too difficult “to get focused Moe believes that knowing how on what’s important.” to relax and unwind is an imOnce he is feeling better, portant issue, particularly as he Moe is heading back to workis aware that this interview will ing two jobs. At the moment be read by college students. he is filming for Vikings, as As part of his research for his well as John Butler’s upcomrole as a teacher in Handsome ing film Handsome Devil, in Devil, Moe recently found himwhich Moe and Andrew Scott self scrolling through Rateappear as a pair of teachers. MyTeacher.com, and was surMoe explains that they have prised at what he found there; recently been out to UCD’s sports facilities for “When you go through a training it, and you see comments through the years for teachers you remember. A lot of teachers who taught me have passed on, and a lot of he comments on there are going, ‘At the end of the day, such-and-such really cared for each of us, but the only problem was that he didn’t know how to chill the f*** out. “Just chill out,man!’” Moe’s mother is a teacher, so he knows first hand how stressful
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Arts & Culture Magazine
Film // 5
29.09.2015
day; “Brian O’Driscoll came out to give us training. I’m playing the rugby coach – I don’t have to play any rugby, thankfully! He came out, he gave us three hours of his time; he was really generous and giving.” The huge cast includes the young leads John O’Shea and Nick Galitzine, the pair of whom Moe describes as “great actors” who have “great chemistry together.” The incredible line-up also includes Ardal O’Hanlon, Amy Huberman, Hugh O’Connor and Michael McElhatton. Moe has been working on Handsome Devil over the past few weeks, and has a few still to go. “I’m double-jobbed at the moment. I’ve been doing Vikings in the morning, and when I finish in the evening I’ll go do the movie; or, I’ll do the movie in the morning and then do Vikings. It’s been kind of like burning the candle at both ends, but I’m loving it. It’s really, really great to be busy.” It is comforting, however, that his highflying career hasn’t given Moe a swollen head, and he reveals that he is very concerned about the current migration crisis. “There’s bizarre
stuff going on at the moment, with the Syrian crisis; I think it’s affecting everyone.” He recognises the helplessness felt by most of the world, especially those simply trying to raise awareness on social media websites. “Everyone is liking and sharing, but a picture of a young boy? I don’t think that’s going to change anything…. It’s very distressing.” On the 16th of October, Moe is taking part in a fundraising campaign in Cork, for Focus Ireland. To support Moe, visit FocusIreland.ie, and click to “Sponsor a Participant” for the 2015 Shine a Light campaign. We’re certain to see quite a lot of Moe, on both our small screens and our big screens, in the year to come, as he wraps up a hectic year and looks towards the future. “There has been a lot of highlights along the way. This year’s been incredible.”
Records Smashed at the 2015 Emmy Awards Niamh Crosbie // Film Editor
T
hey say that we are living in a new “golden age” of television, and the act of sitting and watching television shows for hours on end is no longer deemed unacceptable, lazy or pointless. In the 1940s, television was described as “chewing gum for the eyes” – something which kept us occupied without offering any real mental stimulation. Nowadays, binge-watching a series on Netflix is just a regular night in for a lot of us. This year’s Emmy winners are hard evidence that it’s only onwards and upwards for television. Game of Thrones, which has just wrapped up its fourth season, set a record at this year’s Emmys, taking home the most awards ever received in a single year. Out of 24 nominations, the series took home a whopping 12 awards, including best directing and best screenwriting. Upon being called to retrieve his Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama, Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage was in no way prepared. He even claimed afterwards that he had been chewing gum before his name was announced. He leaned in to whisper to his wife, and placed a kiss on her lips, before strolling towards the stage, and
it seems as though Erica had been prepared to take his gum into her hands, but her husband had other ideas. The internet has blown up with rumours that the actor spat the aforementioned gum into his wife’s mouth before proceeding to receive his award.
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In the 1940s, television was described as “chewing gum for the eyes” ... Nowadays, bingewatching a series on Netflix is just a regular night in for a lot of us.
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But the Game of Thrones cast aren’t the only ones turning heads; How To Get Away With Murder star Viola Davis has also set the bar to a new height, becoming the first ever African-American woman to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama. Her accep tance speech, which emphasised how difficult it is to get
anywhere as a black actress, earned her a standing ovation from the audience. This spectacular news comes just in time for the release of How to Get Away with Murder’s second season, which is happening this month. Orange is the New Black’s Uzo Aduba took home the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama for the second year in a row for her role as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warrennifer Lawrence. in the show. The Emmy for Outstanding Variety Sketch Series went to Inside Amy Schumer, and apparently the 34-year-old actress was congratulated in a peculiar way by new friend JenIt has been confirmed that Lawrence sneaked in and filled Schumer’s hotel room with oversized balloons, to which Schumer advised her Instagram followers – “Never tell Jennifer L your room number”.
THE TRIB Issue 2
6 // Fashion
Womenswear Spring Summer 2016 Report New York Fashion Week In the words of Anna Wintour, there were indeed “two schools of thought” this season at New York Fashion Week. The collections presented at the vast majority of womenswear shows for Spring/ Summer 2016 can easily be sorted into two categories: one showcasing romantic, textured, Spanish-inspired fashion; the other drawing heavily on the influences of hip-hop and performance art culture. Some of the biggest trends to hit the runway this season are, surprisingly, incredibly wearable. Katie Devlin gives us a rundown of 10 of the biggest and most accessible trends for 2016 (and one or two you might want to avoid!):
1. Ruffles
Think Spanish flamenco dancers and romantic shapes, as the runway this season was awash with collections of textured gowns and full skirts. Peter Copping for Oscar de la Renta paved the way for this trend with ruffled, layered dresses. Delpozo presented tiers of fairy-tale style chiffon ruffles, whilst Philip Lim experimented with high necked, Victorian-esque ruffles. Proenza Schouler took the trend to the next level and presented a collection full of feathered skirts.
2. Fringe
3. Stripes
The fringe trend seen this season is less cowboy or bohemian-inspired and more of a sleek, understated textural addition to pieces. Alexander Wang applied it to hem jackets and along the sides of long dresses while at Serena Williams for HSN fringe appeared along one side of a suede skirt. Rebecca Minkoff’s collections included the trend everywhere from bags to jackets. Marc Jacobs had floaty, fringed and tasselled skirts teamed with bulky jumpers and jackets while Michael Kors’ take of soft fringe on tough black was a striking contrast.
4. Off-the-shoulder
A progression of a trend that was seen on almost every runway and red carpet last year, the off-the-shoulder trend continues to prove highly popular with designers. Givenchy presented a black off-the-shoulder dress, whilst Proenza Schouler’s collection included a monochrome pantsuit. Prabal Gurung also experimented with combining this trend with flowing fabrics and pops of colour- most notably orange.
Stripes were everywhere this season - in fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a collection for Spring/Summer 2016 in which it didn’t feature. It became clear just how versatile this trend is as each show took its own spin on The traditional pattern. Marc Jacobs built on last season’s nautical vibes, whilst the majority of Ralph Lauren’s pieces eatured striped patterns, primarily in navy and white. Isa Arfen’s take on the trend featured bright colour blocked stripes.
6. Street 5. Pleats
Pleats are not going anywhere! Designers from Tibi to Carolina Herrera presented delicate and feminine pleated skirts in pastel colours- primarily in shades of pale pinks and off-whites- whilst Monique L’Huillier’s Spring/Summer 2016 collection featured full length pleated dresses in an array of colours, most striking in deep pink.
Alexander Wang’s show this season was heavily influenced by hip-hop and street culture. Oversized baseball jackets, hoodies and 90’s inspired crop-tops were on display in muted palettes consisting of blacks, whites, and military inspired greens. Marc Jacobs’ circus inspired show also drew heavily on old school Americana and featured a number of letterman-style jackets and varsity sweatshirts.
Arts & Culture Magazine 29.09.2015
7. 60s & 70s
It was both interesting and refreshing to see contrasting takes on the same decades from different designers. Diane von Furstenberg presented a collection of 70s inspired bohemian resses, whilst Jeremy Scott’s vision for Spring/Summer 2016 featured a parade of 60s miniskirts and splashes of neon pink, yellow and orange.
9. Florals
Florals? For spring? Ground breaking. Sorry Miranda Priestly but there’s a reason that thi trend makes an appearance almost every season. Florals are the ultimate fail safe spring trend and Kate Spade demonstated exactly why they just keep coming back. Floral patterns on full, floaty skirts were the order of the day – the models even posed among bunches of real roses. Delpozo presented an almost fairytale like collection that teemed with floral patterns paired with chiffon skirts and intricate beading.
8. Minimalism In contrast to the now familiar approach to minimalist fashion which has been seen on the runway in recent seasons. 2015’s take on the trend was much more flowing and feminine. Few can manage minimalism better than Calvin Klein: leading the pack with no-fuss shapes and a predominantly white colour scheme. and Caolina Herrera sent a number of understated looks down the runway.
It’s about time! This trend makes a lot of sense considering the amount of models who lost their balance this season alone walking the runway in towering heels. Designers across the board embraced the flat shoe – ballet pumps and mules were the most popular in collections from Zac Posen to Public School and Derek Lam. Even Victoria Beckhamwho herself is rarely seen without stilettos- included a variety of flat shoes in her show.
These 3 trends might be best left on the catwalk: We’ve all been tempted to try this at one time or another, but if your pyjamas cost thousands of dollars like the ones at Alexander Wang or Prabal Gurung, then you’d want to wear them all the time too.
Emer Slattery // Fashion Editor
Ripping jeans add intrigue to classic denim. They can be dressed up or down and so can equally be worn to a lecture with a jumper as to a nightclub with heels. If you’re willing to bear the cold and bare your knees, then you’re ready to try this look!
10. Flat shoes
Then there’s these… 1. Pyjamas
Fashion // 7 Trending on campus: Ripped Jeans
2. Face jewellery At first glance, the models in Givenchy’s Spring/Summer show may have looked like they were simply en route to a strange masquerade ball, but they were in fact wearing full ace jewellery: with pieces attached to their noses, mouths, eyes and cheeks.
Whip (up a treat for) Yo Hurr Marianne Kehoe shares her recipes for homemade hair masks
1. Strength
Don’t depend on expensive shopbought potions: your fridge has your back! Egg, yogurt and mayonnaise make an excellent hair growth mask. I recommend you leave this in for at least an hour, so try find a shower cap if you can! The protein i n the egg helps strengthen hair while the lactic acid in yogurt removes product buil up and mayo is a saint for softness. Rinse with cool water (you don’t want scrambled egg in your hair).
2. Softness
This one may sound more like a salad dressing than a hair mask: our ingredients are olive oil and lemon juice. Olive oil is a natural softener and lemon juice is well known for aiding itchy scalps. Mix at a ratio of 2:2 tablespoons with a little bit of water, leave in for half an hour and then shampoo as normal. Don’t be tempted to skip adding water though as lemon can be quite acidic on the scalp!
3. Shine
Got some leftover Captain Morgans from the weekend? Hangover passed with a few cups of tea? Mix the two and throw them on your gruaig. As mad as it sounds, rum and black tea are a lovely nourishing rinse. A tablespoon of each mixed well and left for an hour and your hair will be raring to go on the sesh again.
THE TRIB Issue 2
8 // Arts
The Change in Arts Soc Mind Body + & / Soul Emma Costello // Arts Editor
Emma Costello // Arts Editor
During every Freshers’ Week, we always hear of the societies a first year has to join, such as the perpetual favourites theL&H and C&E. One of the most well-known societies in UCD is Arts Soc. With a dwindling reputation as a society that doesn’t exactly know what it really is, it was interesting to hear how it has changed over the last three years. It certainly has a new attitude towards engaging students and focusing on arts related events, as current auditor, Aoife Hurney, told me about what Arts Soc has now become. First things first, how were numbers compared to last year? Our numbers are pretty much the same as last year, a lot of returning members excited to see more being done in terms of guest speakers and events on campus. We are excited to say we had a lot of interest from first years this time round; so many new faces all excited to get involved with the society. It would be nice to get their input and opening [the society] up to that market. What has Arts Soc got to offer this year compared to the other societies? Arts Soc as a society has such potential that I think people in past years may have overlooked. This society has such an amazing characteristic that not every society has; we are a society for everyone. Not only do we have a wide variety of members from all different courses but we also have such an open opportunity to work with every society and get events on campus that will include every type of student in UCD. This year we are aiming bigger with inter societal work and want every student to be involved at some stage with Arts Soc. For example, we have huge plans with the mature student society, which will bring together the community in UCD. We will offer what students want and will regularly ask them what they want, to maximise the efficiency of the society.
Aside from Arts Ball, what other big events do you have this year? We are aiming for some pretty big guests who I cannot reveal right now, but our main aim is to bring back more on-campus events during the day for commuters and people who have big gaps between their classes. Such events will include our pet farm day, Arts Day in semester one and two, mystery bus tour, quizzes in the Clubhouse Bar and a Halloween party on campus. We will also be working with societies such as Draw Soc, Harry Potter Soc and many more during Arts Day so that everyone on campus can be involved. This will engage all students who have often been overlooked.
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Arts Soc as a society has such potential that I think people in past years may have overlooked. This society has such an amazing characteristic that not every society has; we are a society for everyone.
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Do you think Arts Soc still has that “session society” reputation? I think last year’s auditor did a great job at moving Arts Soc away from being a ‘session society’ and I completely aim to keep that reputation away. I don’t believe Arts Soc has to completely move away from nights out and a mystery bus tour, but it certainly will not be just for those who like to go out. Arts Soc is such a widespread society that we can really do anything with it this year; there is so much potential in it as a society and I think if there was ever a committee who could bring Arts Soc back on campus, it is this year’s committee. In recent years, Arts Soc has looked into career focused events, which is a huge leap from the once ‘session society’ that existed. During your year as auditor, is there anything you hope to introduce or change in this next year? This year I hope to make Arts Soc bigger and more focused than ever, my committee are fantastic and have such amazing ideas for this year. I say focused because before we have been seen as a catch all society, now we aim to narrow in on Arts and Human Sciences similar to Science Soc and really engage with our members. As a committee we are all so invested in Arts Soc and have all done or are doing our degrees in the Newman Building so we know the struggle of not knowing where you belong in UCD. What is amazing is some of the committee joined Arts Soc to make new friends and that’s all I want Arts Soc to be this year; a society that can bring together new people and where people can build friendships. If anyone wants to get involved why not pop down to the office or even just drop us a mail at ucdartssociety@gmail.com. We are open to all suggestions. Enjoy your year and make the most of your time in UCD. It will be an unforgettable few years that you spend here!
Image, Maeve DeSay
Over the years, UCDSU hasn’t had the best
The union’s entertainments reputation among students. Known for creat- manager, Paul Kilgallon, exing egos and the infamous “hacks”, it’s quite plained the reasoning for easy to make fun of our Students’ Union. Of- the event being condensed ten seen as a clique, the only way in was to from a three day event to a sign a sheet of paper to run for some title two day one. He said that that’ll look decent on your CV. To this day, it this was so they could have is still a hack factory. You can see the pres- higher quality activities as ident’s oompa loompa’s file out of the small opposed to a high quantity corridor in their uniform; SU branded hood- of filler activities. This alies with pizza crumbs on their fronts. Yet, es- lowed it so that every hour pecially in the last two years, there seems there was always something to be a greater effort for the SU to break interesting happening. One down these walls. One of the most notable hour, the petting farm was ways they’ve done this is by the amount of a big hit, and the next hour on-campus events they are hosting, particu- there was a large queue of students for shisha. It’s a larly their Mind, Body + Soul event. great move for UCDSU, as it is Only in its Especially in the last a prime example second year, the free event two years, there seems of how they are trying to make has gained great popu- to be a greater effort for UCD a commularity among the SU to break down nity as opposed to just a college. all students. these walls. One of Even a few TriniFrom tie dying w o r k s h o p s the most notable ways ty students came to comedy they’ve done this is by by to pet a llama! gigs to pupThe wall py cuddling, the amount of on-campus there was events they are hosting, between students and the SU is slowsomething particularly Mind, Body + ly coming down. If for everyone they continue to to enjoy. The Soul produce as high last activities quality on campus of the day took place outside the student bar at 4pm, events such as Mind, Body the first day being a live reggae band and the + Soul, maybe in the future following a comedy gig. Both drew in crowds the clique will fade. They will with a friendly atmosphere. Of course, once no doubt still have those daft you get to the bar, you’re stuck there! Swing- hoodies though. ing pints and chatter about the event could be heard from every corner in the bar as well as outside. It was a common sight on both days to see not only the student union staff and volunteers in the tie dye t-shirts, but also other students rocking the gear.
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Arts & Culture Magazine
Arts // 9
29.09.2015
Culture Night: Too much to see?
Charlotte McLaughlin // Arts Writer
Culture
Night is a spectacular evening that showcases the very best of what Dublin has to offer. It is a chance to explore, all the artistic and musical talent, which is rarely seen or too expensive for the vast majority of us to view. It is a coming together of people from all walks of life; families, the unemployed, those living on the streets, rich bankers, creatives and budding student journalists. All of this is mixed together in a collection of free events. However, for most of the events and exhibitions are on at the same time. So you ended up dashing furtively throughout the city, getting there too late. The Irish school of Burlesque ran a workshop, only a half an hour before there was a tour at U2’s old recording studio. This gave you a choice between whether you wanted to learn ‘a sexy shimmy’ or nosy around the starting place of Ireland’s mega band. Le Galaxie also played NCAD for free at the same time. It left you unsatisfied, believing there was something cooler just around the corner. The dash around the city was definitely worth it in the end, to enjoy a pint of Guinness or a shot of whisky on the house. Masterclass brewers, Guinness and Teeling Whiskey Distillery, were giving free tours about their history and production. Dublin used to boast 37 distilleries in the centre, but now it is rare to have any Irish alcohol brands made here anymore. It was a pleasure to see the hand crafted Telling’s through the distilling process and learn how this 125 year old Dublin favourite was made. If you were around earlier in the day at UCD, you could also view a wonderful exhibition of the collaboration between scientist and artists. One of the artist of UCD Parity Studios; Maria McKinley fused together old and new ideas of fertility. As you can see in the above picture, she made a wearable harvest maiden out of semen straws, which are used to inseminate cows. Do not worry, veterinary scientists were consulted, no animal was harmed by wearing these fertility devices. Other exhibitors looked at how light passes and moves in a space by threading fish hooks around the science building. Culture Night definitely had everything this year; free live music, alcohol, artistic expression, scientific exploration and the people of Dublin to make it worthwhile. Waiting for next year will be an ordeal.
Review: A View From the Bridge Gate Theatre, Dublin 25/09/2015 Edwin Gilson // Arts Writer
In the midst of the current migrant crisis Arthur
Miller’s play A View from the Bridge, with its central theme of immigration morality, feels perhaps more relevant than ever. Not that Miller’s work needs any additional suspense – under the brooding backdrop of the Brooklyn bridge the tension steadily increases until it reaches a tragic but oddly relieving denouement. In former Abbey Theatre director Joe Dowling’s new version of the play, Italian-American actor Scott Aiello takes on the role of longshoreman Eddie Carbone, who welcomes two illegal Italian immigrants into the New York household that he shares with his wife Beatrice (Niamh McCann) and niece/adopted daughter Catherine (Lauren Coe). Marco (Peter Coonan), the older immigrant, puts in a solid shift every day at the docks and is thus respected by Eddie, who feels that the Italian ‘gets’ him. Bleach-blonde Rodolpho (Joey Phillips), however, who sings, dances, and is generally considered ‘not right’ by Eddie, pierces his new host’s accommodating façade by courting Catherine, whom her uncle is at best protective of, at worst desirous of. At one point in the play Alfieri, a lawyer most fond of a soliloquy, remarks that Eddie’s pupils have started to resemble ‘dark tunnels’ as he begins to implode, and Aiello portrays this transformation from generouswelcomer to coal-eyed madman with utter
conviction and credibility. The understated narQrative of Marco, who finds his quiet humility and gratitude replaced by bitter rage at Eddie’s behaviour, is also masterfully represented by Coonan. Of course Eddie’s moral anguish around the immigrants is heightened by his acceptance of his own background; as Alfieri tells at the very start of the action, Eddie and the other longshoremen are them/ selves products of Italian immigrant ncestors. By point/ ing out that every almost American migrated to the US at some point, Miller accentuates the sheer confusion of Eddie’s position
and the sad irony of his growing hostility towards his foreign guests. This is one of the many allegorical paradoxes that contribute to Miller’s cultural longevity. In honour of the playwright’s 100th birthday this year, the UCD Clinton Institute of American Studies in conjunction with the Gate Theatre are hosting a centenary on October 10th and 11th. A convenient time to celebrate one of the most prominent playwrights of the twentieth century, and, as this gripping version of A View from the Bridge proved, he is well worth celebrating.
5/5
THE TRIB Issue 2
10 // Events Una Power // Editor
8x8 Film Festival From the 28th of September to the 2nd of October, UCD will be playing host to the 8x8 festival. Pre-sented by SUAS Educational Development in partnership with the UCD Suas Group and UCDSU, this is a development-focussed arts festival. By way of photo exhibitions, documentaries and dis-cussions, the festival explores the successes and failures of our generation in achieving sustaina-ble development globally, with an aim to showcasing positive & effective measures. On Wednesday a discussion and Q&A on the refugee crisis is taking place in Fitzgerald debating chamber at 1pm. Suas UCD are running this in conjunction with LawSoc, and panelists include Jody Clarke from Media and Public Affairs
with the UNHCR and Ayman Belli, a representative from the Syrian community with firsthand experience of the issue. Don’t let the word discussion put you off, fearing that you may be put on the spot to express an opinion – this does not happen! Rather discussion and Q&A sessions allow you to learn in a relaxed fashion and listen to expert voices. And in contrast to de- bates, where posturing and one-upmanship is the name of the game, discussions allow for expansive, insightful exploration of issues. On Thursday at 5pm the festival continues with a documentary screening in UCD Cinema. How to Change the World details the early years of Greenpeace and its originalmembers. The film is not a mere homage to the organisation, but an investigation
of the mechanics of an activist group – how is idealism reconciled with pragmatism, principle with compromise? It promises to bring keen obser-vations to its audience, and a Skype Q&A will be held afterwards with its director, Jerry Rothwell. This festival is part of SUAS’ plan to engage student voices in the development discussion, as they believe that these voices are pivotal actors in creating change. If you are in any way interested in the world around you, events such as these offer a fantastic means of broadening your under-standing and opening your mind to possibilities. More info can be found on the SUAS Educational Development Facebook page.
Grafitti Night
Diplo
If you didn’t get tickets to Diplo, you can always break out that unspent €15 for the Annual Graffiti Party at the Palace on Wednesday the 30th.
There’s a more than decent chance you’ve already heard that this is happening. Or that you were one of the many poor souls stuck in queues around campus trying to get your mitts on the now sold-out tickets.
Once in the doors you are equipped with markers and a T-Shirt. What you do with them is your own business. Draw ever hilarious phallic symbols on your friend, write down your never-to-be texted number, depict your inner anguish at missing Diplo – the world is your oyster. The Facebook page for the event will give you the usual run down on the cheaplist and drinks deals. Go get artistic!
But in case you are able to come by tickets by means of a duel or back alley poker game or blood sacrifice, we’ll just go ahead and tell you what’s happening anyway. DIPLO is coming to town. That’s right. Top notch, world renowned DJ/Producer/Person Diplo has been nabbed by UCD Ents to play The Academy on the 12th of October. For more, check out Luke FitzPatrick’s profile on page three of The Trib, but suffice it to say, the brains behind Jack Ü and Major Lazor is likely to put on a serious show. This is the man who intro-duced Kygo to the UK after all. The night kicks off at 11pm, which gives you plenty of time to get appropriately revved up. Tickets were a fairly handy €15. But that doesn’t matter now.
Travel & Study Abroad
Tuesday, September 29th 2015
11
Tech
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Volume 29, Issue 2
Same Same But Different
The new iPhone 6s is due to come out this week. Will it break the traditional apple cycle of introducing small changes over its predecessor or will it revolutionise the smartphone market? Graham Harkness Tech Editor
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hose of you who may have been to Thailand over the summer are probably familiar with the expression “Same Same”. Having done the backpack around Asia thing three times already it is a term I am familiar with and one that comes to mind every time a new iPhone hits the shelves. ‘Same Same but Different’ is a marketing term which I am told was coined by the street traders of Bangkok. Essentially when something is almost the same, but not quite. The term is usually employed when I try to buy Beats headphones from a street-trader and enquire as to their authenticity and am told “Same Same”, or when I ask to be taken to the airport by a Tuk Tuk driver and arrive at a shifty looking tailor on the far side of Pat Pong, again to be told “Same Same”. When apple release a new iPhone I almost always think to myself …. Same Same. I have tried to be more objective and less cynical with the launch of this particular iPhone though. With that in mind I guess I should at least outline the cold hard specifications before I ultimately conclude why you should not buy one. You may find that the reviewers of the new device who praise it as God’s latest achievement and can find positives in the faults have all received test devices by Apple.
I have received no such grace. Apple have released their new phone to the slogan “The Only Thing that has Changed is Everything”. But does that really make sense? The phone is almost identical on the outside to its predecessor, though you can now pick it up in its new pink colour, “Rose-Gold”. The 6s is 14 grams heavier than the 6 but to be honest, I don’t really find this a
“The term is usually employed when I try to buy Beats headphones from a street-trader and enquire as to their authenticity” deciding factor when choosing a phone. The phone is said to have a much more robust feel than the 6, which should prevent a repeat of the “Bend Gate” debacle. Nevertheless, it should not be denied that the iPhone looks and feels like a well built and stylish device. (I refuse to use the word beautiful as an adjective for a phone. Sunsets are beautiful. A phone is stylish).
Apple have included the new Live Photo feature. This is admittedly a pretty cool piece of technology. The camera records the moments before and after you take a picture. When you press the image the picture comes alive like a mini video or GIF. The issue here is that you cannot upload these Live Images to the web to share, they can only be viewed on other Apple devices. The phone does have a pretty nifty 12 megapixel camera and a 5 megapixel front facing camera, perfect for those selfies in the toilets with your mates. The phone does have a faster processor, the A9 with a 64bit architecture. Nevertheless, a phone only needs to be as fast as the speed needed to load your emails, regardless of the make or model. Whether your phone loads the emails in .2 or .4 of a second really does not make that much of a different. By far the loudest selling point of the new phones is this 3D Touch feature which has been hailed by many reviewers as an Apple innovation to rival the phone itself. Now not to sound like an Android fanboy, but this feature seems a lot like the S-Touch of a Samsung. This feature essentially means that the harder you press your screen the more options are available to you. You can preview messages
instantly by just holding your finger on the screen rather than wasting countless seconds opening the message again. So the question remains… should you get one of these new iPhones? The phone isn’t a huge improve ment over the ridiculously priced Samsung S6. Its battery life is surpassed by the new Sony Z5. The phone would be great for an Apple user wishing to update their 4s or
“I refuse to use the word beautiful as an adjective for a phone. Sunsets are beautiful. A phone is stylish” 5 model to the latest version. People often ask me about buying the latest model iPhone and since the 3GS I have always given the same advice - skip an iPhone generation. If you have a 3GS get a 4S. If you have a 4s skip straight to the 6. Otherwise you are just getting “same same but different”. To offer some final words, Sam Grobart of Bloomberg Business
strikes me as one of those who believe the new iPhone can do no wrong. “The best thing about the 6S and 6S Plus isn’t all the new stuff to pay attention to, it’s all the stuff you never notice.” To be honest Sam, if I am about to sign a contract for €40 a month for 24 months and still drop the guts of €299 on a phone, you are damn well sure I would want to notice the stuff I have paid for. If that really is the best thing about the phone, I’ll stick with my Nokia 5210. It has snake.
Tuesday, September 29th 2015
Business
13
How hosting RWC Facebook: Trading 2023 could boost Like for Dislike Eoghan Kennefick the economy The Rugby World Cup 2015 be-
Is Ireland Innovating Into Economic Recovery? Kate Weedy Business Writer
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recent report by Cornell University, INSEAD, and the World Intellectual Property Organisation, has ranked Ireland eighth in a list of the world’s most innovative economies. Ireland’s success in achieving a spot in the top 10 would suggest that Ireland’s economy is continuing to recover positively. This was reinforced by Simon Harris, Minister of State for International Financial Services, who stated that the result ‘speaks to
this Government’s commitment to rebuild our reputation on the global stage’ and it is evidence of ‘our recovery into a sustainable economy.’ However, recent events cause one to question Minister Harris’ statement. Firstly, when one considers that Ireland’s most popular universities, UCD and Trinity, continue to drop in the world university rankings, it leads to thequestion of just how employable are the
“After 5 years the Web Summit has decided to move things to Lisbon, and their reasons for it? Founder and CEO Paddy Cosgrave stated ‘we know now what it takes to put on a global technology gathering and we know that if Web Summit is to grow further, we need to find it a new home. Our attendees expect the best.’ Ireland is no longer good enough.”
graduates of what is apparently a ~sustainable economy’? As the quality of Irish universities seems to decline so does the appeal of Irish graduates. Ironically, this negative impact on the economy is a reflection of the cuts which third-level institutions in Ireland have experienced in an attempt to restore the economy. This is emphasised even further by the fact that the Web Summit, one of Ireland’ largest annual events which attracted 22,000 people last year, 90 per cent of this made up by people from abroad, will no longer be hosted in Dublin. This is going to leave a massive gap to fill in the hospitality industry and also effect the Irish start-up ‘scene’. After 5 years the Web Summit has decided to move things to Lisbon, and their reasons for it? Founder and CEO Paddy Cosgrave stated ‘we know now what it takes to put on a global technology gathering and we know that if Web Summit is to grow further, we need to find it a new home. Our attendees expect the best.’ Ireland is no longer good enough. These events could represent significant blows to Ireland’s economy in terms of an employable graduate workforce and Ireland’s ability to act as an international host. They act as broader and more honest indicators of Ireland’s economic recovery, but with a can-do attitude like Minister Harris’ and the eighth spot in the world’s most innovative economies, surely we’ll be able to pull it out of the bag.
gan with a bang a fortnight ago, with one of the great shocks of the tournament already occurring as Japan secured an injury time win over South Africa. However, what many fans are unaware of is that Ireland is bidding to secure the rights to host the 2023 edition of the world cup. The bid already has the support of the governments in both the Republic and in Northern Ireland and could provide our economy with a substantial boost. The IRFU has confirmed that they are taking inspiration from the 2011 tournament hosted by New Zealand and a look at the impact it had on the country shows us how beneficial it could be for our economy. Major sporting events like the Rugby World Cup create jobs and boost tourism. The 2011 tournament was estimated to create 10,000 – 15,000 jobs directly & indirectly. While there was an initial loss of €19 million made from hosting the tournament it has since been estimated that the World Cup was worth €1.1 billion to the New Zealand. This shows that the world cup could be a success within Ireland; we have the stadia, we have the hotels, and we all know that supplying beer to rugby fans will not be an issue for any Irish publican. If we were to be selected as the host nation for the 2023 World Cup tourism numbers would spike during September and October, two months that are usually slow for the hospitality sector here. If it were to provide only a portion of the benefit that other countries have gained in the past, would it not be worth it to have a chance of seeing the Irish team lift the Webb Ellis cup in Croke Park or the Aviva Stadium?
Business Writer
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uring a recent Q&A session, Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg created frenzy among social media users by confessing the possibility of introducing a ‘Dislike’ button to the illustrious social network site. Is this in response to feedback from users or simply a strategy for advertisement purposes? Zuckerberg recognises that a ‘Like’ is sometimes not appropriate when all the person wants “is the ability to express empathy” on a certain post or comment. Facebook holds a double-edged sword in this: how does producing a negative symbol such as a ‘Dislike’ button, tie into the community aspect at the root of their mission statement? As seen on YouTube and Reddit, a ‘Dislike’ button or a countering icon to a ‘Like’ button can be very effective for users. Facebook could generate stronger feedback and real responses to online advertisements as opposed to users just scrolling by unappealing content. Although Facebook is the most commonly used social network site with over 1.3 billion monthly users, the company’s growth and flare has somewhat subsided recently. Advertisement on the site needs to be re-visited as a revenue outlet in order to acquire and retain new customers on the platform. Perhaps a ‘Dislike’ button is too contentious; an ‘Acknowledgment’ button may be more suited to the Facebook community. Is introducing a ‘Dislike’ button really that urgent? Especially when considering that before Facebook, gladiators were the only ones who cared about receiving thumbs up or thumbs down!
Illustration by Daisy Kinahan Murphy
Bill Horan Business Writer
14
Raging Within the Machine: UCD’s Young Political Parties
Politics
Volume 29, Issue 2
Jack Power Politics & Innovation Editor
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olitical socialisation for many youth parties is however in destudents happens for the first time cline, with Labour Youth the worst upon starting university, with afflicted after their party’s comhundreds signing up to the various promising run in government. Yet parties on offer during Fresher’s their passionate chairman Sam Week. The motivations behind this Blanckensee maintained that it’s initial surge to get involved with the quality over quantity of mempolitics range from family tradi- bers that counts. In identifying tion, ideology, to the social aspect, his own motivations for enlisting or a desire for with Labour his change. The youth alignment with the I was getting in- party on several branches that are officially recog- volved with a bit of important issues nised as societies was key. “I was getinclude Fianna Student Union poli- ting involved with Fail’s Ogra ‘Kevin tics and I was really a bit of Student Barry Cumman’, politics and passionate about LG- Union Young Fine Gael, I was really pasLabour Youth, Sinn BTQ+ rights and so sionate about LGFein, and the UCD when I started meet- BTQ+ rights and Socialist Worker so when I started Student Society. ing people from the meeting people Sinn Fein only be- Labour Party, it was from the Labour came a recognised it was just a just a party that I Party, society this year, party that I realafter their current really could identify ly could identify auditor Eoghan with.” with.” The disÓ Donnchú went parities between about setting the youth branch Labour’s record in coalition and up last year, gaining recognition their supposed socially democratlast November. The newest par- ic ideology have created a certain ty is more than happy to find its identity conflict among their youth feet on its own, and welcomes the party, including their chairman. “I degree of separation it’s allowed think the fact that we are the mifrom the main Sinn Fein party nority party in government means structure. Ó Donnchú spoke out that the parliamentary party is strongly against youth parties’ being very cautious and I think tendencies to mirror their parlia- that that is quite difficult for the mentary party. “Youth wings of youth wing to stomach at times.” political parties have to challenge The rationale behind getting intheir main party, and we hope to volved with either Ógra Fianna do that. If we weren’t there would Fáil or Young Fine Gael, despite be a problem. We’re meant to be their beliefs running conversethinking and challenging things, ly to most young students’ attiyou can’t just hold the party line; tudes, is a trope both the UCD it wouldn’t make much sense.” party branches are aware of. The The membership of the established criticisms of political careerism
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or the want to back a winning horse their main party, where the press are usually raised, but the general officer even reviews TDs tweets secretar of Ógra FF in UCD, Mark before they can be sent. Walter Holt, disagreed with these as mo- roots his decision to sign up in a tivations, and placed policy and belief and interest in Fine Gael’s family traditions at the heart of his ideology and values. “I always own decision to join initially. “I’ve had an interest in politics from a always been interested in politics young age and wanted a platform from the age of about 6 or 7, I can- to express that interest with othvassed in the 2002 general election er like-minded young people. My with my dad and once it came to family were always involved with making up my own mind up I our local Fine Gael branch in Sligo decided to stick with Fianna Fail. but this was never a major motiPeople say that they destroyed but vating factor for me in joining… country, but I really think they’ve I would say though that most built the country.” Mark addressed members would share Fine Gael’s his own frustration trying to work core values around equality of opwithin the static party structure portunity, rewarding hard work for progressive change. “The main and supporting enterprise and example I would agriculture.” The My family were algive is the Marrelationship beriage Equality ways involved with our tween the young referendum; student wing and Fianna Fail has local Fine Gael branch the main party 40,000 members, in Sligo but this was Walter believes is it was so hard to not tense or conget every one of never a major motivat- flictual, but funthose to com- ing factor for me in damentally symmit. So a bit of joining.” biotic. “Young our campaign Fine Gael have always favoured the existwas, I won’t say “wasted”, but a lot of time was spent convincing ing relationship that we share our own members to vote yes. On with Fine Gael which, [it] althings like the 8th Amendment lows us to be politically auwe go to Ard Fhies and speak up tonomous but still maintain and they can listen if they want.” close ties with the senior party.” Similarities cross the old civil war Traversing to the other end of the political cleavage to Young Fine political specturm we find stuGael, who as a branch have had dents mobilizing in politics with to deal with their party’s conserv- an aim to change the world. The ative brand when recruiting. Rep- UCD Socialist Worker Student resentatives from YFG in UCD Society is chaired by Alan Byrne. declined to speak in person, opt- “I’ve been involved in the Socialing to send on a press response ist Workers’ party for more than through their communications ten years, since I was in secondofficer Walter Burke. In that ary school. I was questioning the practice they share parallels with legitimacy of authority… and
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things like the Iraq War angered me greatly, and got me questioning as a whole the nature of the system of capitalism.” The ambitions of a socialist doctrine lie intrinsically in a move away from the current capitalist world system, an aim approaching idealism. Yet the chairman Byrne was adamant in both the magnanimity of the challenge, and his personal resolve in striving to help achieve it. “The capitalist system, I don’t think is going to be here forever. I don’t think socialism is an inevitability either, you have to fight for it, and the best way of doing that I think is joining an organisation … and try and reshape the world in a more fair way.”
“I’ve been involved in
the Socialist Workers’ party for more than ten years, since I was in secondary school. I was questioning the legitimacy of authority… and things like the Iraq War angered me, and got me questioning as a whole the nature of the system of capitalism.”
If you are interested in learning more about the plitical parties which have active societies, visit ucdsocieties.com/societies. Not every political party is represented within the UCD community, so if you find that your needs are not served, why not consider forming your own society?
Tuesday, September 29th 2015
Politics
15
Student Voices Want to Be Heard in the Coming General Election
Ireland Lags Behind Europe and Britain in Student Accommodation T
Ruth Slamon Politics Writer
Charlotte McLaughlin Politics Writer
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n the rest of Europe, questions of where you are going to live at University create feelings of excitement, not a panicked feeling of helplessness and refreshing of Daft.ie. Most of Europe provides on-campus accommodation at reasonable rates. If this is oversubscribed they have student-orientated private accommodation, usually large flat blocks not far from the university with adequate public transport connections. In some cases the local city council take on the responsibility of providing housing for students or private companies fill this space. Thao Lam, a Dutch student on Erasmus at UCD, said it was a big difference from home. In the Netherlands ‘I was offered a place to stay by school the minute I was admitted. So it was all taken care of ’. In Dublin, she has been looking for accommodation since she arrived. Ireland is becoming unattractive for foreign students as an Erasmus destination. A survey from the Higher Education
Authority (HEA) said 80% of foreign students felt it was not value for money and more expensive than their own country. In Norway, every major university town has a semistate company owned by the university, students and the local government. These companies provide not just housing but healthcare, dental, childcare, and counselling for students at a discounted rate. They make money through services such as catering, gym subscriptions, bookshops and rent. Profits are then re-invested. Rent starts at 280 euro and can go up to 600 for a single student in Bergen. How much you are willing to pay depends on if you want a shared kitchen or better amenities (such as a washing machine). Those who may not be able to afford the private rental market and those on exchange are prioritised for renting. In most European countries getting accommodation is not always easy but most countries do try to provide a housing market for students. The UK provides the most coverage for student housing in Europe, according to the Savills Group. They use a US model of providing incentives to companies to build student accommodation. According to Savills’ report, a higher concentration of students in one place is attractive for companies to invest in and seen as a safe investment after the economic downturn. Rent in London ranges from 180-200 euro a week. The Irish Revenue service have attemped to promote tax incentives for private companies, and a tax break for the rent-aroom digs schemes. But as accomodation is set to get scarcer year on year, Ireland and UCD in comparison to other European univeristies could do much more.
he start of the college term for students across Ireland coincides with what for many of Ireland’s politicians is the beginning of election season. While politicians are gearing up for campaigns and debates, students are struggling to find affordable accommodation and dealing with the fallout of an inefficient grant system and costly registration fees. Will the similar start time of both the academic and political year be the only thing that the students and politicians have in common, or will the students actually have a part to play in this election? Looking back at the 2011 election manifestos, and the promises of Fine Gael and Labour, you can’t help but be disillusioned with the political process. We all remember the infamous ‘‘every little hurts’’ campaign by Labour, warning of planned Fine Gael cuts and charges, which, embarrassingly for the junior coalition party, all still came into effect. After further divulges into the previous election manifestos, and those of the now opposition parties, we see a similar pattern. Students aren’t the priority, and they’re probably not even in the top 5 issues. This lack of interest towards young people wasn’t just a Labour or Fine Gael phenomenon, Fianna Fail were also guilty. There is a very logical reason for this; younger people are less likely to vote, and in many circumstances they are not even registered. Looking ahead to the upcoming General Election, the question is whether politicians will take the student demographic seriously? In the run up to the Marriage Referendum 20,000 students registered to vote at voter drives on campuses all around the country. Strong youth votes were reported at polling stations in all
constituencies, and students were seen as having a key role in the massive success of the Yes Campaign. Now that students know they can use their voice to bring about change will they demand to be heard in the run up to the next election? The next few months will be key in determining this. Students were both inspiring and inspired during the Marriage Referendum. They brushed off stereotypes that branded them as lazy and uninterested and got involved in bringing about real change that they believed in. They also saw that using their voices and more importantly their votes does actually have an impact. Student Unions must use their position and reach out to keep students interested and engaged in the political system during this time. In all previous general elections, low turnout is higher among the demographic of younger votes; this hopefully will not be the case for the General Election in early 2016. The question is, will politicians, the government and opposition alike, use this newly inspired demographic to their advantage, and direct policy and investment towards students in return for their number one on the day. Students want to be heard, will the political establishment listen?
Innovation The Making of a TED Talk 16
Politics & Innovation editor Jack Power sat down with the organiser of the TEDx UCD Talk, Caroline Gill to discuss the upcoming event.
U
CD, it has recently been announced, will again host a local TEDx talk on December 4th, for what will be the third year in a row. TEDx differs from the main established Ted Talk brand in that it’s a smaller local run license, orgorganised in this case by UCD. The grandstand event is one of the UCD Innovation centre’s highlights of the year, as few colleges are afforded the chance to host a self-run TEDx Talk. Caroline Gill as UCD’s Innovation Education Manager has been behind the show from the start.
Nov. 2-3, 2015 University College Dublin Dublin, Ireland #FungForum Register: http://fungforum.princeton.edu General: $100 Students: $25 Press Contact: fungforum@princeton.edu KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Jeremy Farrar
Director, Wellcome Trust
Raj Panjabi
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Last Mile Health
Peter Piot
Director, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Mary Robinson
Former President of Ireland President, The Mary Robinson Foundation - Climate Justice U.N. Special Envoy on Climate Change FEATURING PANELISTS FROM: Princeton University Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Concern Worldwide GOAL Ireland Harvard Medical School International Rescue Committee John Snow, Inc. The Lancet The New York Times NPR Médecins Sans Frontières Ireland Oxford University U.K. Department for International Development UNICEF Innovations USAID U.S. Navy University College Dublin University of Ghana The Washington Post Wellbody Alliance World Health Organization
What has the experience been for the university in hosting a TEDx Talk? “Well this is the third year that we’ve run TEDxUCD and it’s a great opportunity to showcase the diverse range of activity that is going on, on campus, [and] including graduates, and staff or former staff. TED are quite prescriptive in terms of running the event, you have to have a whole mix of different type of
talks, so you have diversity in the audience. The idea is that someone who is studying genetics is sitting beside someone who is studying politics, and they get to hear a whole range of different talks from different areas.” How do you go about the process of selecting speakers for the Talks? “We do a shout out for nominations and guest speakers and we get a great response. What we’re doing now is we’re going through the nominations, lots of people are experts in their area, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re a good communicator – and that’s absolutely fundamental. It’s not about Powerpoint, it’s not about ‘I’ve been doing this for 10 or 20 years’, it’s about your passion for the subject. I always meet the people, because when you meet someone you’ll immediately get a feeling for what their personality is like, whether if they stand up on stage they’ll deliver it, or if they’re going to be too nervous. We try to put a line-up together which is a good blend... I really enjoy running it, because every time it’s different, and it challenges us to think about how we showcase it.” Do you anticipate a good turnout and hype in the run-up to the event? “Oh yeah, the TEDx license is a university license,and university events are limited
to 100 seats, which is a bit of a pain really because we could fill Theatre L. The tickets are free so we announce it on our twitter page and then they’re available online, and they sell out in about five minutes. We run it in the Dramsoc theatre, which is a great venue. And we live stream it so you can watch it on the Internet, which is great because it extends the reach for us.” Has such a well-branded event been a challenge to organise? “It is time consuming, with running events there are so many details and all the little pieces, which nobody really thinks of. So it is quite intense, but we have a good team at Nova UCD and we usually have some volunteers on the day. We do have a formula now which works, the first one was the hardest. But we know that the line-up of speakers is really good.” In talking about ‘Innovation’ UCD is in the process of self-rebranding itself as a university at the forefront of entrepreneurial ideas and forward-looking advances in technology and research. But do you feel UCD’s move towards a more corporate business model that is based on research and innovation, in the desire of international recognition, is eroding the underlying educational ethos of the institution? “Well I personally see that innovation is much wider than
Volume 29, Issue 2
just business, or just technology. There’s innovation in all areas from policy innovation through the humanities, through science and technology. I think innovation is about finding better solutions to different problems. People can think innovation is just about taking technology and making an app and selling it, but innovation really occurs at the interface of the humanities. There are steps being taken in UCD to expose students to those ‘interface’ areas, and I suppose it’s hard to scale that up when you’ve got 20,000 students – but I do think they’re taking steps to do that. I think that employers are looking at this idea of ‘employability’, and that’s where it’s all heading. It’s not about being an ‘entrepreneur’ or ‘being innovative’ because they’re sort of weird words. When a student graduates they want to know they can go on and pursue their career in whatever that might be.” “I think it takes a long time for an organisation as large as UCD to move towards that. But I think they do see that that’s the future of it, that employability of graduates incorporates creative problem solving, and teamwork etc. I think TED is a good example of that interface, because it is technology exchange . We try to choreograph it in such a way that it does challenge people. One of the things we’ve learned over the three years of running it is that its not good enough to come up and just talk about ‘my work, my research, my company’, it has to be ideas worth spreading; about global human issues.” The TEDx UCD talk is set for the 4th of December and will be widely anticipated by many students from Newman to the Science Hub. Information in relation to coveted tickets will be announced on Twitter @TEDxUCD over the coming weeks.
Dé Máirt, 29 Meán Fómhair 2015
Gaeilge
17
Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin
Pléann Sophie Osbourne fadbhanna an lóistín do mhic léínn triú leibhéal
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s iad lucht na hOllscoile atá í dtrioblóíd go mór mór mar gheall ar na fadhbanna lóistín atá le feicéail anois timpeall na cathrach. D’fhreastal 32,387 mac léinn ar UCD don bhliain acadúl 2014/2015 agus tá an uimhir sin méadaithe i mbliana. Tagann roinnt mhaith mic léinn ó cheann ceann na tire agus thar lear ach ar an drochuair níl ann ach 2,814 áit ar fáil ar an gcampas. I rith an tsamhraidh d’athraigh UCD an polasaí conaithe a bhí curtha i bhfeidhm acu le cúpla bhliain anuas. Mar thoradh an polasaí seo, ní féidir ach mic léinn sa chéad bhliain, mic léinn idirnáisiúnta agus mic léinn scoláireachta lóistín a fháil ar champus. Bhí cuid mhaith mac léínn ag brath ar lóistín a fháil ar an gcampus agus mar gheall ar na hathruite seo bhí ar cuid mhaith mic léínn dul ag lorg árasáin nó tí ag tús an tsamhraidh. Dar ndóígh tá sé fíorchostasach ar mhic léinn teach nó árasán a aimsiú sa chathair. Is é €500 an meán praghas chun seomra a fháil ar cíos ar
An Rothaíocht ar son na Córa Cuireann Donncha Ó Murchú rath ‘Tour de Wexford’ in iúl
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hí beocht san aer, agus ceobhrán ag luí go trom ar champus UCD. Bhailigh na sluaite, geansaithe uaine na bliana 2015 ar a ndroim acu, iad bríomhar, sceitimíneach, suan na maidine curtha díobh acu agus iad réidh don aistear a bhí os a gcomhair. Bhí an t-aer i mo thimpeall ag crith leis an mbriosc-chaint, agus rothair úrnua ag glioscarnach le mo thaobh. Meascán iontach carachtar a bhí i láthair, iad siúd a bhí réidh le tabhairt faoi Alpe d’Huez an Tour de Wexford agus iad siúd a raibh solas an lae ag teastáil uathu siúd agus ón rothar acu ba léir! Ach iad ar fad anseo ar son na cúise céanna. I ndiaidh don bhfear é féin, an t-Athair Peter McVerry, cúpla focal inspioráideach a thabhairt, thugamar aghaidh ar an mbóthar le chéile, mar a bheadh fáinleoga ag bogadh chun siúil, gleo na gcoscán agus na ngiaranna dár dtimpeallú. Ar an 19 Meán Fómhair, 2015, ghlac breis is 300 duine páirt sa 26ú rothaíocht urraithe go Loch Garman eagraithe ag an gcarthanacht Peter McVerry Trust. Ón uair a bhain an t-Athair McVerry féin tuaisceart Bhaile Átha Cliath amach sa bhliain 1974, tá sé tar
éis aghaidh a thabhairt ar fhadhb na bochtaineachta agus an easpa dídine i measc ógánach na cathrach. Sa bhliain 1990, cuireadh tús le Rothaíocht Welcome Home a théann caol díreach ó champus Choláiste na hOllscoile go lár bhaile Loch Garman. Gach bliain, tugann na céadta daoine faoin rothaíocht 138km ar fhad, iad ar fad tar éis méid áirithe airgid a bhailiú ar son na carthanachta. Ní haon ionadh mar sin go bhfuil an rothaíocht ar an bhfoinse maoinithe is mó atá ag an eagraíocht. Ó bunaíodh í, tá an charthanacht ag dul ó neart go neart. In 2014, tugadh cúnamh do 4,460 duine. Ní hamháin sin, ach cuireadh 2,357 leaba ar fáil sa chathair. Tugadh 111,000 béile amach i gcistiní na carthanachta agus tugadh tacaíocht cheart do 54 ógánach faoi bhun ocht mbliana déag d’aois. Is léir ón méid seo amháin gur daoine ar leith iad an t-Athair McVerry agus a chomhleacaithe, a bhfuil a saol tugtha acu dóibh siúd atá i gcruachás. Leis an airgead a bhaileofar ón rothaíocht, cuirfear leapacha breise ar fáil i rith an Gheimhridh, chomh maith le béilí te. Anuraidh, mar shampla, leagadh 604 leaba éigeandála amach i lár na cathrach. Maidir leis an aistear é féin, tá an bóthar réasúnta cothrom, gan ach aon dreapadh mór amháin ina lár. Ní gá go mbeadh an t-uafás taithí rothaíochta agat le páirt a ghlacadh, ach rothar maith a bheith i do sheilbh agat. Dóibh siúd a bhfuil spéis acu san aclaíocht i nginearálta, is fiú go mór tabhairt faoina leithéid de dhúshlán. Cruthaítear atmaisféar spraoíúil ar an mbóthar, a ghiorraíonn an turas go pointe! Agus, ar deireadh thiar thall, chífidh tú abhainn na Sláine ag sní amach romhat, gan ach droichead gearr idir tú féin agus críoch an aistir. Ní fada uait anois an baile.
feadh míosa ar na suíomhanna gréasán cosúil le Daft.ie nó Rent. ie. Ar an bpraghas sin níl an lóistín fiú in aice na hOllscoile mar ardaíonn an cíos in áiteanna in aice na hOllscoile go dtí €600 ar feadh míosa. Gan amhras níl aon táille fiú amháín san áireamh. Chun an fhadhb scannalach seo a réiteach bhunaigh Aontais na Mic léinn UCD tacaíocht do mhic lénn trí ‘Accommodation Officer’ a cheapadh agus leathanach Facebook ‘UCD Accommodtion Support’ a chruthú. Is áiseanna úsáideacha iad seo chun cabhair a fháil.
The Turb ne
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Inside
Volume 29, Issue 2
Accused’s alibi flounders as ‘Joanna Goman’ found to have been an invented character. ‘Annie Oakes’ wished happy birthday by 1000s who just really love her. Scientists crack news algorithm, find Fact X Importance = NEWS
‘Mate’ retires from English Language, replaced by distant London cousin ‘Fam’
A lovely day had by all at the O’Brien Centre for Science in UCD Turbine Editor runs out of witty bilines, public moderately stunned. It’s all Lies!
Madouvveh student was at wrong Body&Soul Festival
Tiny, fluffy puppy made redundant following close of Mind Body +&/ Soul Festival
On the internet, nobody knows you’re a dog
Hans Offerman Turbine Editor
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tiny fluffy puppy was left heartbroken this week following a compulsory lay-off action by his employer. The axing comes in the wake of the Mind Body & Soul Festival held on the Belfield Campus from Tuesday to Thursday the 24th of September. The puppy, who had been a loyal employee for over five dog years was shocked to learn that his services were no longer required. Speaking exclusively to the College Tribune the puppy expressed his upset at the surprise announcement. “It’s really just ageist you know.” claims the puppy, whose fur is rapidly coarsening, adding “It’s just really disheartening. You spend your whole life working for the same company, you think you’re making a career for yourself and then this.” The Mind Body & Soul festival has taken place for the last two years. Organised by University College Dublin Students’ Union, the event is heralded as a celebra-
tion of all things mental health related and is said to offer students a chance to relax and take their minds off the various crises which may be ailing them. Second year arts student Brian O’Brien recalls meeting the tiny, fluffy puppy at the event: “He was a total professional from start to finish. I mean he’d cuddle up to you, nip at you a little bit, maybe have a go at your leg, the whole package. I’m very sorry to hear he’s been let go.” The former employer of tiny fluffy puppy agreed to speak on condition of anonymity. “It’s a cuteness thing, you know. They [the puppies] hit peak cuteness around the one year mark and then it’s all downhill from there. At the end of the day I’m running a business and that business is putting little balls of fur in front of people that might have a minor breakdown if someone misspelled their name on a pumpkin spice latté. If you want charity go find the f***ing DSPCA or something.”
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This area, which sits beneath the Arts Café in the Newman building just across the corridor from our sister publication The College Tribune’s offices would look great with a couple of pool tables in it. So yeah. Somebody get cracking on that.
Sport
Tuesday, September 29th 2015
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A Spurs Fan’s Attempt to Answer the Perennial Question; WHY?!?!?! Darragh McGrath Sports Writer
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Easy to Forget Final but Summer to Remember for Dublin Neil Ryan Sports Editor
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he summer of football is over and once again it has ended with Stephen Cluxton hoisting Sam above his head on the Hogan Stand. The finale was the match up that everyone wanted. Free flowing Dublin taking on dominant Kerry, a matchup of the two best teams in the country by far. In the build up nearly every pundit fell down on the side of Kerry. They had the best midfield and defence they said. Cooper and McMahon wouldn’t be able to dominate El Gouche the same way they dominated O’Shea. That would prove to not be the case. In fairness when asked to comment the pundits probably imagined that the day would not resemble an adventure through a rainforest. Rain poured down throughout the entirety of the match and the men from the South West simply couldn’t deal with it as well as their city brethren. Where both players slipped all over the pitch Dublin recovered admirably and gained a control on the game through the incredibly effective Brian Fenton and the outright fantastic Jack McCaffrey, of this parish of course. Dublin points were scored in the
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rain where Kerry failed to connect. Cluxton’s kickout’s were put under pressure and they failed to capitalise. It resulted in one of the strangest finals of recent years with quality down on all fronts. Last year’s champions played as if the occasion got to them. Cooper was allowed to drag his namesake around the pitch with ease and completely drained him of all of the energy that he had to impact on the match. In a day made for Donahy he was on the bench until late in the game. He created a wonderful chance that, typical of the day was wasted, the ball shooting out of Young’s hands like a ball of soap in looney toons. The one complaint that Dublin could have is that they didn’t win by more. Young Fenton hit the post from close in and some of Andrew’s points could have found the back of the net. Dublin failed to score a goal for the first time in the championship this year. Frankly I don’t think they’ll give a damn. rain where Kerry failed to connect. Cluxton’s kickout’s were put under pressure and they failed to capitalise.
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It resulted in one of the strangest finals of recent years with quality down on all fronts. Last year’s champions played as if the occasion got to them. Cooper was allowed to drag his namesake around the pitch with ease and completely drained him of all of the energy that he had to impact on the match. In a day made for Donahy he was on the bench until late in the game. He created a wonderful chance that, typical of the day was wasted, the ball shooting out of Young’s hands like a ball of soap in looney toons. The one complaint that Dublin could have is that they didn’t win by more. Young Fenton hit the post from close in and some of Andrew’s points could have found the back of the net. Dublin failed to score a goal for the first time in the championship this year. Frankly I don’t think they’ll give a damn.
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athieu Flamini. A name already hated more than most among Spurs fans, even for an Arsenal player. After he left Arsenal in 2008, he still came back to hurt Spurs, literally, breaking Vedran Corluka’s foot during their 2011 Champions League match against AC Milan. It was an awful challenge, wild and high, and went insufficiently punished with Flamini getting a yellow card for what was a blatant sending off offence. The Frenchman went even further by claiming it was a legitimate tackle and he had “no regrets” before the return leg. Nobody would have imagined Flamini still had the ability to hurt Spurs, and his brace in the League Cup derby game was all the more painful for it. He has been largely lamented by Arsenal fans, and Arsenal fans alone, since his return to the Premier League in 2013 but he has vindicated Arsene Wenger’s decision to reacquire him in a single match. In the 77th minute, Spurs were on top in the game and were looking the more likely to grab a winner before they decided to forget about marking the defensive midfielder. He may have scored a tap-in in the first half, but there was no way he could do it again, and certainly not from 25 yards. Or so you would have thought. It was Flamini’s first ever two goal haul for Arsenal, and probably his last. Leave it to Spurs to come up with more and more creative ways to lose important games. They have teased the ability to win these games over the last few years, with victories over Arsenal and Chelsea last year, but this was Spurs at their Spursy-est. Flamini has scored 1 goal in his previous 60 appearances. This can’t actually have happened. Spurs had won 3 on the trot, beating Crystal Palace and Sunderland in the league, and Qarabag in Europe. They have not conceded a league goal in a month, and were
starting to look like they might pull it all together this year. Arsenal was the worst possible draw for them. The first game in the League Cup can frequently be overcome with a weakened team, and even if drawn against another big team, it lacks the intensity of a league game. But not Arsenal. A North London derby is always taken seriously and this was no different, despite eight changes to the team which won 1-0 against Palace. Of the three players who stayed in the team, Harry Kane is the only striker at the club and Eric Dier, Spurs’ player of the season so far, has played nearly every minute in defensive midfield. Both are vital players but cannot be expected to play every game. Kane, in particular, looks tired and short on confidence. Spurs played more games than anyone else last term and will be up there again this year. Pochettino would have loved to rest him this week, with Spurs having 4 fixtures in 9 days, and another midweek game coming up against Monaco, who deliciously dumped Arsenal out of the Champions League last Spring. The last minute, Berahino-shaped tunnel vision in the transfer window is looking a more and more egregious mistake by the second. Some people will see going out of the cup this early as a blessing in disguise. They may have a point, Spurs’ form dropped off badly after their run to the final last year, and yet, it hurts to be out of the cup. Spurs will not win the league this year. It is highly likely that they won’t finish in the top four, even with Chelsea and Liverpool’s current form and even if they dropped out of all the cups as soon as they can. Personally, I would rather they threw everything they have at the Europa League, but they can ill afford to ignore any chance of silverware, and this result is a disappointment.
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Change in the GAA
Sport
Volume 29, Issue 2
Perter Branigan Sports Commentator
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ooking back at this year, it’s been a fairly poor Championship. Exciting games were hard to come by, and there were no surprises in the vein of Donegal’s victory against Dublin last year. Granted there were some notable exceptions. We saw Westmeath defeat Meath for the first time in the Championship, we saw Longford recover from an NFL Division 4 Final defeat to Offaly to knock the same team out of the Leinster Championship, and we saw a team that will be playing Division 4 football next year, Wexford, defeat a side who will playing in Division 1 in 2016, Down. But the overall predictability of the Championship has switched the talk to how the format of the Championship might be changed. Do remember however, that when the backdoor system was launched in football in 2001, it was seen as
potentially providing the so-called lesser counties with the chance to progress. What has happened, of course, is that the bigger teams have received second chances. This has led for some to call for the removal of the provincial championships,
“Imagine Meath not playing Dublin, or Galway not playing Mayo, for years on end. It would undoubtedly take some of the enjoyment out of competitions.” and for the introduction of a GAA Champions League. This would not be a good idea, for many reasons. Before I look at the negative, there is one positive element of these new plans. Taking the big teams, and perhaps particularly Dublin, down to small provin-
cial grounds is a good step. These are great occasions, and practically speaking, they are very important for small towns. A guarantee of 10,000 Dubs would be a great boost for any local economy. Tradition is rarely a good argument in defence of anything, but when it comes to the provincial championships, it is. The provincial championships breed into the whole local idea of the GAA. Anyone who has ever played Gaelic Football will appreciate the value of local rivalry. Imagine Meath not playing Dublin, or Galway not playing Mayo, for years on end. It would undoubtedly take some of the enjoyment out of competitions. Similarly the new groups would include teams from Division 1 and Division 4 of the National Football League playing against one another. We already have a system like that at the mo-
ment. Dead rubber games would also be part and parcel of any GAA Champions League. Change for the sake of change is a waste of time. These new ideas have often been proposed with a tandem secondary competition as part of any new arrangement. Let’s call this secondary competition, the Tommy Murphy Cup Part II (TMCPII). It has been proposed to play the games from the TMCPII in Croke Park, and that this will be enough to drum up interest in these counties for such matches.
While it is laudable to play them as curtain raisers to fixtures in the Sam Maguire competition, the first attempt to stage the competition showed us that weaker counties have little interest in being demoted to any secondary compet ition. Their supporters have even less interest. Pundits on The Sunday Game talk of how TMCPII would work, but there is little chance, in the next five years, of Derry, Dublin, Kerry, Mayo, ever having to play a match in the new secondary competition. It’s easy for pundits to
talk about something which won’t affect their counties. While there might be some arguments in favour of change, the ones currently proposed don’t seem to have a purpose. They are superficial, while more fundamental change is what is needed to level the playing field. Whether any change in the format of the senior football championship can change the cyclical nature of amateur sport is very much open to question.
S T N E STUD E E R F FEEL The gloves are off. The rules are out the window. The decisions are all yours. Yes, student life is different. Very different. If you decide that you need a 3rd level bank account*, open one with Bank of Ireland, where you will be able to avail of great offers throughout the year. To avail of your free power pack, open a 3rd level account by 7th October.
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31/08/2015 15:13
Tuesday, September 29th 2015
Sport
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Ireland show ruthless edge to outclass Canadians Outstanding Basic Skills Rocks the Boks Conor Lynott Sports Writer
Conor Lynott Sports Writer
Despite the level of op-
position, Ireland must be commended for the professionalism with which they went about their business this afternoon. Man of the Match Johnny Sexton gave a performance that showed the return of a clinical edge that has been a source of criticism during the World Cup warm ups. The first ten minutes began with early rustiness as a run through the hands ended up in touch. An Irish revival began with an excellent tactical kick from Sexton. The subsequent lineout resulted in Seán O’Brien being carried over the line. It could have been more had O’Connell not been stopped illegally by the Canadian lock, resulting in him being sinbinned. With Ian Henderson barging over at close range, Ireland upped the tempo with the numerical advantage and Johnny Sexton broke through the midfield and turned on the sprinter’s gas to score in the corner. He failed to convert from a difficult touchline position however. The Six Nations champions were looking relatively comfortable with good ball protection on the ground making life easier for Munster man Murray. Yet the Canadians did show fighting spirit towards half time with Van der Merwe knocking on under pressure from
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Luke Fitzgerald after they were held up short seconds before. A final flurry of attack down the blindside resulted in winger Dave Kearney reading a mismatch and careering over the whitewash. The second half started off disastrously from an Irish perspective as Captain Paul O’Connell was sinbinned on 41 minutes for a blatant offside. Canada were rejuvenated and poured new energy into the contact area. So successful were the Canadians at slowing down Ireland at the breakdown that Ireland failed to score until the 67th minute. Sean Cronin used his bulk to bulldoze his way over the line from point blank range. However, Ireland were made to pay for a lapse in concentration when a poorly judged grubber kick from New Zealand born Jared Payne was charged down by Van der Merve who sprinted for the line. Yet after this error, rather than wind down the clock by taking the ball through the phases, the men in green continued to play like a team that had a point to prove. After defending resolutely on their own line, a sublime kick from Jonathan Sexton to Earls started off the attack before a beautiful pass to Rob Kearney left him with the easy task of walking under the posts. A further score from Jared Payne
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was the icing on the cake. This was a far from flawless performance from Ireland but they did what needed to be done, five points secured. On to Romania.
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f this World Cup will be remembered for nothing else, it will most certainly be remembered for a majestic performance given by the Japanese, a victory that one might say surpasses an incredible effort offered by Argentina against a Springboks side that went on to win the 2007 tournament. Yet how did a Tier Two side that had, up to that point, not won a World Cup match in the tournament’s twenty-eight year history manage to do that? It is clear that the foundation for any victory is built on correct execution of basic rugby skills which, without a doubt, Japan executed to the extreme end of the spectrum. In a similar narrative to Ireland’s near miss against the All Blacks two years ago, Japan showed that beating a major Rugby Championship power is not rocket science by any means. Once a team refrains from becoming overawed by the opposition and adopt a robust, focused, back to basics approach anything is possible. The key to any victory begins at the breakdown. Often rucking skills and breakdown work can go unnoticed, but its importance cannot be stressed enough. These are the little things such as shifting bodies off the ball, never landing on your back when you are presenting the ball to the scrum
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half, who then must provide quality passing off the deck. Due to the fact that Japan do not possess the physical power that many Tier One nations can utilise to their advantage, a collective effort by the team labelled as underdogs was crucial. Although there were positives stamped across the entire Japanese performance against the Green and Gold, perhaps the period that most embodied the values of the attitude and game plan, as well as everything that is great about the sport of Rugby Union, was the match winning try. An attack that started from within their own 22 managed to find its way to the Springboks line using an outrageous array of offloads, direct running and crafty footwork, all supplemented by a sheer determination to find holes in the defence. The havoc at the breakdown was emphasised by an upsurge in penalties conceded by South Africa. A perfectly executed lineout ending in a maul where nearly every Japanese player was involved, giving a classic example of teamwork and everyone running themselves into the ground. Relentless ball retention and recycling through several phases was finally rewarded with a score in the corner. A word must be said for the Boks, however. Even with a relatively inexperienced
team, the number of missed tackles, passivity in the contact area and the deterioration of discipline, particularly in that final quarter, will be of major concern to them. They will be questioning themselves about their work levels at ruck time and how a lineout with a player of Victor Matfield’s stature could not challenge the Japanese throw. The only real comfort for South Africa is the two bonus points which just might see them through their pool. Whether or not this will affect the ultimate tournament outcome remains to be seen. One thing is certain – Rugby World Cup 2015 is alive and kicking.
Sport
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Volume 29, Issue 2
Welsh Dragon Roars over Lon- Workmanlike Irish subdue Rodon as English Roses Wither manians as Record Breaking under Twickenham Glare Crowd Cheers them on Neil Ryan Sports Editor
Conor Lynott Sports Writer
England 25 Wales 28
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amiliarity breeds confidence. That’s the idea at least. In competition with Australia, Wales and Fiji to survive the group of death the English would have considered this the easiest game before them. They had beaten the Welsh in three previous Six Nations tests, completely dominating them in Cardiff last year. Now they were depleted by rotten luck, injuries ravaging their team removing the likes of Halfpenny and Webb their tournament appeared over before a ball was even kicked (especially in my RWC preview). To compound matters the Welsh were down by ten points and down three men. Injuries to Liam Williams, Scott Williams and Hallam Amos should have left them devoid of leadership throughout the team. For the English, nothing could have gone better. The difficult decisions made by Stuart Lancaster appeared to be vindicated. Farrell was imperious at 10, not missing a single kick or tackle and Burgess was dominating at 12, belaying his relative
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inexperience in this code. The only downside for the English going into the last period of the game was that their penalties were keeping the Welsh in the game. The changes made at half timturned the game however. Where the Welsh were outmanned in the breakdown they were committing two or three more bodies to each moment. Where the English set piece was so dominant in the first half, now it was creaking under Welsh pressure. Their players who simply had to have a good game for them to have any chance played the game of their lives. Dan Biggar must still be smiling thinking about the furore over Halfpenny’s injury. He was immense, eight kicks taken and eight kicks scored, the best undoubtedly a Halfpenny special from within his own half. The heart of this Welsh team shown through in this match with substitute scrum half Lloyd Williams, playing on the after replacing Amos, kicked a majestic cross field ball to another replacement scrumhalf
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Gareth Davis to score the try of the tournament so far directly under the posts. The English now down by three found themselves in Welsh territory at the line as a penalty was awarded to them. Kick it and they would tie the game along with receiving possession with three minutes to go. Lose it and they would undoubtedly lose the game. Perhaps possessed with the spirit of the samurai they went for the corner. The lineout was predictably won by the Welsh who held on. The kick into touch to end the game was a moment of triumph for this much maligned team. For the English it was nothing short of disastrous. An inquest will no doubt be held into the decision making, a draw and the Welsh gain all the pressure after their earlier loss to Australia in their opening game. Now the English must win. A helping hand from the Wallabies and the Welsh should find themselves in the quarter finals once more. From there who knows.
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his was not a vintage Irish performance although, in truth, it did not need to be. The Men in Green showed their intent to play a high tempo, expansive game of rugby from the start, with the ball being passed along the back line from the opening minute. However, a lack of clinical finishing was evident in the first half, with Simon Zebo running out of space after a rapid break by the Irish team. Despite the fact that the Irish did manage to score through the boot of Ian Madigan to exert control over proceedings, they had to wait for 20 minutes for Tommy Bowe’s first score. A perfectly weighted box kick by Reddan and a well-timed pass by Zebo allowed Bowe to touch down by the corner flag. There is a concern that the overlap and angle for the attack will be less effective against better opposition. Ireland continued to the Romanian fitness levels with Zebo again providing an assist with a long pass to Earls who turned on the gas to crash over. It wasn’t
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Ireland 44 Romania 10
all rosy, though. Jared Payne looked unconvincing in Ireland’s thirteen shirt as only an advantage for a Romanian infringement spared him the consequence of a very poor tactical kick. A number of players stood out for Ireland throughout the game. Among them was Cian Healy who provided muscular ball carrying up front and played an important role in Keith Earls’ second try. Healy’s put pressure on the Romanian clearance which was charged down by Rob Kearney. Following a maul, an excellent grubber kick was gratefully accepted and touched down by Earls. The bonus point was a while coming, but it came from the set piece solidity once again. The ball was moved through the hands from the base of the scrum and transferred to Bowe and the Monaghan man made no mistake. Further gloss on the score line was added by Kearney and Henry as the opposition began to tire. Darren Cave also was priceless in Ireland’s centre midfield as pressure was applied to the established
pairing of Hemshaw and Payne, with footwork and creativity reminiscent of the days of UCD man Brian O’ Driscoll. A worrying stat for Schmidt will be the failure to keep a clean sheet of tries over the last fortnight, with a defensive error from Madigan allowing Romania’s Tonita to score under the posts. A professional dismissal of a side who gave France a fight last Wednesday and a relatively rude health bill means that the general message now is so far so good.