College Tribune - Volume 35 - Issue 4 by The College Tribune

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Issue_04.35

Conor Paterson Co-Editor

Additional Reporting: Hugh Dooley News Editor

Independent Student Media

cellor at Murdoch University in his hometown of Perth, Western Australia. In April 2022, the current Deputy President and Registrar, Mark Rogers, will become Acting President and will hold that role until the Governing Authority appoints the next President. Deeks said in the bulletin that he has ‘greatly enjoyed my time at UCD, despite the various challenges Irish Universi-

ties have faced over these eight years. I have been constantly impressed by the dedication and commitment of our faculty and staff, by the talent and achievement of our students, by the generous support we have received from alumni and philanthropists, and by the productive partnerships we have formed with companies and organisations.’

Read the full story on page 6...

25.01.2022

UCDSU AND STAFF HOLD VIGIL AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE Mahnoor Choudhry Co-Editor

ureheads representing the University.

vigil against gender-based violence was held on Thursday, the 20th of January in front O’Reilly Hall on University College Dublin’s (UCD) campus.

These UCD figureheads included Deputy President, Professor Mark Rogers; Dean of the School of Engineeering and Chair of the Dignity and Respect Oversight Group, Professor Aoife Ahern; Professor Jason Last Dean of Students and Catherine Tormey ... Read the full story on Page 3...

Organised by the Students’ Union and UCD staff, the vigil was attended UCD chaplaincy, students as well key UCD fig-

Solidarity

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Volume 35 - Issue 04

25-01-2022

In Memory of the 244 Women Who Have Died from Gender-Based Violence 1996-2022 1996 1. Marilyn Rynn 2. Joyce Quinn 3. Mary Molumby 4. Sandra Tobin 5. Noeleen Cawley 6. Alison White 7. AnneMarie Duffin 8. Martina Halligan 9. Angela Collins 10. Patti Bainbridge 11. Patricia Murphy 12. Veronica Guerin 13. Margaret O Sullivan 14. Maura McKinney 15. Fiona Pender 16. Ms Shirley Clince 17. Janet Mooney 18. Sophie Toscan du Plantier 19. Belinda Pereira 20. Geraldine Diver 21. Miriam O'Donohue

1997 22. Ciara Breen 23. Mary Callinan 24. Sylvia Sheilds 25. Bernie Sherry 26. Kitty Gubbins 27. Mandy Wong 28. Elizabeth Troy 29. Catherine Doyle 30. Margaret Murphy 31. Sheila McDonagh 32. Gillian Thornton 33. Mary Cully 34. Mary Kelehan 35. Eileen Costello O'Shaughnessy 1998 36. Mandy Smyth 37. Fiona Sinnott 38. Joan McCarthy 39. Georgina O'Donnell 40. Sinead Kelly 41. Deirdre Jacob 42. Chantal Bergeron 43. Theresa Doherty 44. Christina Hackett 45. Marie Dillon 46. Siobhan Hynes 47. Sheila Lynch 1999 48. Catherine Hegarty 49. Layla Brennan 50. Marie Hennessy 51. Gertrude Dolan 52. Bente Carroll 53. Eileen Coyne 54. Bridget McFadden 55. Margaret Concannon 56. Raonaid Murray 57. Charlene McAulliffe 58. Catherine Mullins 2000 59. Rachel Sandeman 60. Nancy Nolan 61. Jennifer Donnan 62. Maeve Byrne 63. Rachel Keily 64. Dearbhla Keating 65. Jean Reilly 66. Jennifer Wilkinson 67. Sandra Collins

68. Susan Prakash

2001 69. Mary Whelan 70. Lui Quing 71. Teresa Joyce 72. Debbie Fox 73. Geraldine Kissane 74. Margaret Fahy 75. Linda Dunne 76. Bettina Poeschel 77. Lorraine O'Connor 78. Sr Philomena Lyons 79. Lisa Bell 2002 80. Grainne Dillon 81. Joan Power 82. Rosie Collinson 83. Nichola Sweeney 84. Niamh Murphy 85. Nora Kiely 86. Carmel Coyne 87. Mook Ah Mooi 88. Christine Quinn 89. Sasha Pimosieje 2003 90. Jean Scanlon 91. Marie Bridgeman 92. Cliona Magner 93. Natasha Gray 94. Lindita Kukaj 95. Georgina Eager 96. Xiang Yi Wang 97. Ann Flynn 98. Attracta Harron 2004 99. Dolores McCrea 100. Joan Casey 101. Janet Chaney 102. Lorraine Crowley 103. Ms Jamie Farrelly Maughan 104. Paiche Onyemaechi 105. Lynette McKeown 106. Mary Walsh 107. Elizabeth McCarthy 108. Rachel O'Reilly 109. Marguerite O'Dwyer 110. Colleen Mulder 2005 111. Celia Bailey 112. Irene White 113. Emer O'Loughlin 114. Mary Hannon 115. Catherine McEnery 116. Frances Ralph 117. Ann Walsh 118. Rosemary Dowling 119. Regina O'Connor 2006 120. Amy Farrell 121. Rebecca Kinsella 122. Siobhan Kearney 123. Donna Cleary 124. Karen Guinee 125. Sheola Keaney 126. Breda Ryan 127. Melissa Mahon 128. Meg Walsh 129. Baiba Saulite

2007 130. Rose Patterson 131. Ciara Dunne 132. Anne Marie O'Neill 133. Sara Neligan 134. Mary Sleator 135. Jean Gilbert 136. Sharon Coughlan 137. Amanda Jenkins 138. Manuela Riedo 139. Joanne Mangan 140. Marion O'Leary 141. Ciara Ní Chathmhaoil 142. Sylvia Roche Kelly

191. Susan Dunne 192. Sara Staunton

2014 193. Sonia Blount 194. Mary Dargan 195. Mairead Moran 196. Lynn Cassidy 197. Antra Ozolina 198. Carol McAuley 199. Marie O'Brien 200. Kathleen Cuddihy 201. Angelique Belling 202. Valerie Greaney

2008 143. Marioara Rostas 144. Lorraine Flood 145. Nicola Vonkova 146. Kezia Gomes Rosa 147. Carmel Breen 148. Noeleen Brennan 149. Yvonne O'Shea 150. Celine Cawley 151. Rebecca Hoban 152. Sharon Whelan

2015 203. Jane Braidwood 204. Anne Shortall 205. Marie Quigley 206. Natalie McGuiness 207. Brigid Maguire 208. Marian Horgan

2009 153. Anne Corcoran 154. Joan Vickers 155. Tracey O'Brien 156. Carmel Marrinan 157. Eugenia Bratis 158. Brenda Ahern 159. Lisa Doyle 160. Rebecca French 161. Joselita De Silva

2017 211. Nicola Collins 212. Samantha Walsh 213. Amy McCarthy 214. Saoirse Smith 215. Rita Apine 216. Patricia O'Connor 217. Linda Evans (Christian) 218. Antoinette Corbally 219. Anne Colomines 220. Rose Hanrahan

2010 162. Loradena Pricajan 163. Catherine Smart 164. Breda Cummins 165. Helen Donegan 166. Sarah Hines 167. Alicia Brough 2011 168. Breda Waters 169. Marie Greene 170. Katarzyna Barowiak 171. Noreen Kelly Eadon 172. Deirdre McCarthy 173. Diane Burroughs 174. Ann Henry 2012 175. Veronica Vollrath 176. Rudo Mawere 177. Melanie McCarthy McNamara 178. Sarah Regan 179. Mary Ryan 180. Siobhan Stapleton 181. Elizabeth Duff 182. Jacqueline McDonagh 183. Elaine O'Hara 184. Anna Finnegan 185. Aoife Phelan 2013 186. Olivia Dunlea O'Brien 187. Deirdre Keenan 188. Jolanta Lubiene 189. Aleksandra Sarzynska 190. Patricia Kierans

2016 209. Clodagh Hawe 210. Kitty Fitzgerald

2018 221. Joanne Ball (Lee) 222. Natalia Karaczyn 223. Anastasia Kriegel 224. Jastine Valdez 225. Giedre Raguckiate 226. Ingrida Maciokaite 227. Amanda Carroll 2019 228. Elzbieta Piotrowska 229. Jasmine McMonagle 230. Cathy Ward 231. Skaidrite Valdgeima 232. Valerie French Kilroy 233. Nadine Lott 2020 234. Jean Eagers 235. Neasa Murray 236. Seema Banu 2021 237. Urantsetseq “Urnaa” Tserendorj 238. Mary O'Keffee 239. Sharon Bennett 240. Jennifer Poole 241. Eileen O'Sullivan 242. Fabiole Camara De Campos 243. Zeinat Dashabsheh 2022 244. Ashling Murphy

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UCD Walk Safe Service

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News Volume 35 - Issue 04

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News

UCDSU AND STAFF HOLD VIGIL AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE here on campus and happy to listen to students. The chaplaincy is a safe space and we are always anxious to be available”.

Mahnoor Choudhry Co-Editor

vigil against gender-based violence was held on Thursday, the 20th of January in front O’Reilly Hall on University College Dublin’s (UCD) campus. Organised by the Students’ Union and UCD staff, the vigil was attended UCD chaplaincy, students as well key UCD figureheads representing the University. These UCD figureheads included Deputy President, Professor Mark Rogers; Dean of the School of Engineeering and Chair of the Dignity and Respect Oversight Group, Professor Aoife Ahern; Professor Jason Last Dean of Students and Catherine Tormey, Senior Dignity and Respect Support Advisor. Also in attendance were UCD’s Chaplaincy Team, Fr. Brendan Ludlow, Scott Evans and Fr, Eamonn Bourke. The vigil was supported by UCD TradSoc who played in memory of Ashling Memory who was a Trad music enthusiast. The majority of those in attendance respected social-distancing and face-mask guidelines that were posted by the Students’ Union on Twitter. Somber and mellow, the atmosphere of the vigil captured the Students’ Union hope that the vigil would be a “safe place for students to grieve”. Catherine Tormey and UCDSU President, Ruairí Power both spoke at the vigil against gender-based violence. Power thanked UCD figures who attended for their presence at the vigil and said “we all have a responsibility to tackle gender-based violence”. He went on to state that “not only do we need a culture of respect and dignity but we also need to create a hostile culture against misogyny” and commented that “all of us men should pick up on this behaviour because solidarity is not passive”. Catherine Tormey, Senior Dignity and Respect Support Advisor also spoke at

Students who were in attendance spoke to the College Tribune and commented that “we are really grateful that the vigil was organised for the women of the University. We are all around the same age and it could have been any of us”. Some students noted that Power’s words that “solidarity isn’t a passive act” were particularly impactful.

the vigil and told the College Tribune afterwards that she ‘was heartened to see so many of our community members at the vigil standing together against gender-based violence. The new UCD Dignity and Respect Support Service has been established to ensure that any student, employee or UCD community member who is impacted by issues of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct, including sexual violence, has access to confidential and proactive support provided by trained and experienced Advisers. She added ‘I would urge anyone who has been impacted by these issues to reach out to us by dropping into our office on the 5th floor of the James Joyce Library Building or emailing respect@ ucd.ie to make an appointment.’ Attendees were reminded that UCD of-

fers a bystander intervention module for anyone who would like to do more and intervene in escalating situations. Speaking to the College Tribune at the vigil, the UCD chaplaincy team said that “it was really important to hold a vigil to give students a reassurance that they should feel safe here on campus and that there is absolutely no justification for feeling in danger physically or because of the words of others”. Fr. Ludlow further commented that “reflecting on the last few days, I think one of the things we’ve learned is that so easily we can stand by when others even use words that are offensive without speaking up and calling people out.” The Chaplaincy team would like to remind students that “we’re always available

When asked if they feel safe walking on campus at night, the students commented that “the University could do more” and that it is “pitch black when leaving the library around exam season or coming home from somewhere so we could have more security on campus”. They also urged for the UCD Walk Safe Service to be advertised better around campus. This service is provided by campus security who can escort students from one campus location to another on request. The vigil was announced by the President’s Bulletin on the 18th of January where UCD President, Professor Andrew Deeks encouraged “any of you who are on campus to come along and stand in solidarity against bullying, harassment, sexual violence and gender-based violence”. He stated in the bulletin that “this appalling crime places a spotlight on these issues”. Deeks encouraged students to make use of UCD’s Dignity and Respect Support Service in the same bulletin. The service was launched on the 14th of January and the email through which students can get in touch is respect@ucd.ie Ashling Murphy, a 23-year-old primary school teacher was fatally assaulted in Tullamore, County Offaly while out for a run at 4 p.m. Her fatal assault has resulted in a nationwide call for a more refined strategy to counteract gender violence in Ireland.

Editorial

Nowhere to live, nowhere to learn, nowhere to drink It is becoming more apparent that the Government is giving little foresight to what will benefit individuals who become the building blocks of their future country, students. The College Tribune believes that the government’s public policies seem to only further capitalist ideals rather than offering structured regimes which can further student security as they navigate through university. The necessity of affordable and reliable housing seems to be a constant concern among students over the years, especially with little government intervention to quell rising rent rates. The government remain reluctant to take action which may provide sustainable options to students such as providing public land to universities for them to build affordable accommodation or provide a control on rent for those who seek accommodation outside university. This results in students finding unsustainable alternatives that are not conducive to fostering structured learning environments especially during COVID-19, such as couch surfing. UCD offers little support in finding off campus accommodation save for Facebook groups riddled with scams. New accommodation and infrastructure built on UCD campus to appear progressive on the outside but in reality old accommodation is in a regressive state as it undergoes little maintenance. This leaves students with a less than adequate standard of living. As governments cut funding for

Editor@collegetribune.ie +353 1 716 8501

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universities it causes universities to rely on a business model to sustain spending. Students bear the cost, especially international students, whose fees at UCD are nearly 6 times the amount of the average Irish student. Students are exploited for what little finances they have to offer to their universities through paying not only tuition but other college expenses as well, which can cost future salaries. At UCD the library operates at a critically low capacity, the James Joyce library seats 3000 students which would be generous if the college was not populated by 30000. UCD seems to be rebuilding everywhere but the place that would enable students to access essential resources to study and therefore directly impact their ability to further their education. Most student culture in university revolves around drinking, this is not a new revelation and with the government announcing Minimum Unit Pricing on the 4th of January, well, this pastime just got more expensive for our notoriously broke student population. In the coming months and years what we will see is a shift to cheaper alternatives to alcohol being used – drugs. Drugs have not been decriminalized and government policy has opted to completely ignore drug culture rather than acknowledge how to use them safely if we are indeed going to use them. This just causes more harm than good as students try, mix and purchase drugs without knowledge. What do students do when we have nowhere to live, nowhere to learn and nowhere to drink? Well, we protest, we adapt and we do better than those who came before us for those who come after us.

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Letters to the Editor should be sent via email and no longer than 300 words.

The Team Mahnoor Choudhry - Co-Editor Conor Paterson - Co-Editor Hugh Dooley - News Editor Emma Hanrahan - Deputy News Editor Rhoen Eate - Features Editor Angelina Pierce - Ents & Lifetyle Editor Callum Buchan - Sports Editor Jack McGee - Head of Investigations Rosie Roberts-Kuntz - Assistant News Editor Mark O’Rourke - Business Correspondent Louise Kennedy - Law Correspondent Danielle DerGarabedian - Political Correspondent Ruth Delaney - Arts & Lifestyle Correspondent Jack Donlon - Music Correspondent Sophie Melia - Film&TV Correspondent Manny & Conor - For Getting On With Each Other The Government - For Letting us Have Another Wild Trib Night Out Special thanks to Hugh Dooley for designing our front page and the Turbine logo.

News Tips Sometimes the best news story is right under your nose. For any news tips, on and off campus, please contact the editor via social media, telephone, email, or traditional mail.

Letters to the Editors Criticisms and comments on any articles published in our publication are always welcome.

Volume 35 - Issue 04

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News

Majority of UCD Student Renters Pay More Than €750 Rent 7 By Ella Waddington

Cocaine Surpasses Ecstasy as Second Most Used Illegal Drug Among College 8 Students By Conor Paterson

What's Happening in UCD This Week? By Malachy Rynne

Features School's Out On Gender Segregation

By Conor Paterson

The Student Urge to Travel in the Age of COVID

By Rhoen Eate

Student Views on the Future of Law Reform: What We Want and What We Need

By Louise Kennedy

Lifestyle What’s Happening in Music

By Jack Donlon

BEER YE, BEER YE: A Guide to Cheap Independent Irish Alcohol

By Jack McGee

No Alcohol? No Problem! By Conor Paterson

Sport UCD GAA Round-Up By Conor Paterson

Parsons Wins Successive Ireland Player of the Year Award By Callum Buchan

25-01-2022

Volume 35 - Issue 03

Fócus

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Fócus REVEALED:

UCD'S Links With The Defence Industry

tional Security Summit Ireland”, a defence industry event which took place in February of 2020. Their support was alongside that of the Irish Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána, as well as the British and American governments. A-techSYN was also a sponsor of the event, which took place just over a year before Project DTIF GUARD was announced.

Jack McGee Head of Investigations

niversity College Dublin has jointly received €5.1 million in Government funding to help develop security drones for the Irish Navy. Project DTIF GUARD is a collaboration between a number of contractors and institutions, with the stated goal of developing surveillance technology to track drug smuggling operations. These institutions include the University of Limerick, Tyndall National Institute, and a number of private companies. UCD’s responsibility in Project Guard is the development of AI algorithms that would allow the drones to automatically detect the name, type, and nationality of the ships under surveillance. The security capability provided, as well as the funding injected into the Irish drone industry, “will establish Ireland as a world leader in autonomous drone and drone-AI technologies”, according to the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment. It is predicted that the project will create approximately 500 new jobs. The unmanned and unarmed drones will help tighten the defence of Ireland’s coastline, which the project’s website calls “the softest target in the EU for smugglers”, where “only less than 10% are caught”. While the focus is on unarmed surveillance of drug operations, the project’s website also claims that the drone system’s

Photo credits: theguardproject.com

“technology is broadly applicable to many other applications”.

technology for civilian purposes, such as delivery services to remote parts of the country.

Drones are argued to be a safer and more cost-effective means of expanding Ireland’s security capabilities as opposed to more conventional technologies, such as warships or helicopters.

While the company does not advertise exactly who they provide technology to, it does appear that they have transitioned into producing for the defence industry. Test flights of their technology have been attended by representatives of the Turkish embassy, TDs, and Irish civil organisations. At a recent security conference in London, CEO Gokhan Celik advertised that the company’s “products are already being used by defence, law enforcement, intelligence and civil customers on a daily basis”. One of their most successful products, the CGT50 “Çağatay”, has a number of military applications. One report from an industry event in Turkey described the uses as including “day/night

The UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) will surveille Ireland’s coastline and identify smuggling vessels using artificial intelligence. It is unclear how many drones the Navy plans on using, and by when the project is expected to be completed. The construction of the drones themselves is the responsibility of A-techSYN, an Irish UAV manufacturer formerly based in Turkey. When first launched in Ireland, the company advertised an interest in using drone

intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, target detection and tracking, fire control/ forward surveillance and damage assessment…and airborne security of convoys”. They also are in the process of expanding their operations globally, with planned maintenance, repair, and operations presences in the US, UK, EU, Africa, and South America. The funding for Project Guard comes from the Irish Government’s “Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund”. In the same funding round UCD also received support for UCD’s involvement in the project is the continuation of what appears to be an increased interest in defence technologies. The University was a major sponsor of the inaugural “Na-

Project GUARD has not been UCD’s only push into the unmanned aerial vehicle market. Manna, a civilian-sector UAV company, is based in the University’s startup incubator NovaUCD. Their drones “perform high-speed deliveries of takeaway food, groceries, and pharmacy goods/supplies”, and have been undergoing consumer trials in Oranmore, Co. Galway. In February 2020, it was announced that a pilot programme of the drone delivery service would be available to UCD students in the near future, however, this has not yet developed.

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UCD’s involvement in the project is the continuation of what appears to be an increased interest in defence technologies

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News

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What sets you apart? The Summer Intern Programme is an important talent pipeline for our Trainee Programme. The programme allows us to identify future trainees. Who can apply? We welcome applications from: • All graduates • Students of any discipline from 2nd year onwards Arthur Cox is actively seeking applications from students of all disciplines, both law and non-law. If you can prove you are determined and eager to learn, we would love to hear from you. We assess applications on more than just academic achievement. We want to get to know the person behind the grades, to find out what sets you apart.

How to apply Visit our website www.arthurcox.com/careers and click on Apply Now. • Complete the short application form. • Attach a cover letter and CV. • Complete Watson Glaser test.

All CVs will be reviewed in person on their merit. Interviews will take place in March. APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN AND WILL CLOSE AT 23:59 ON 18 February 2022.

arthurcox.com @arthurcoxtraineeprogramme

Volume 35 - Issue 04

25-01-2022

Volume 35 - Issue 04

Judge Strikes Down Environmental Concerns Against Student Accommodation Domhnall Mac Codlatáin Reporter

recent High Court ruling allowed the developer of a proposed student accommodation project near UCD to commence clearance works pending the hearing of a challenge to its planning permission. The issue was originally brought before the courts in a judicial review case arising out of two local residents query against An Bord Pleanála’s granting of permission for the 698- bed eight-block development, citing their fears that the proposed project constitutes a “significant” over-development of the site. Among the main arguments advanced against the project were that it contravenes requirements for open spaces, building heights and provision of social housing. Furthermore, the residents claim that the project would be in breach of EU provisions on protection of habitats as the loss of trees on the site would result in irreparable environmental harm to the local area, including the destruction of bat and bird habitat. Mr Justice David Holland consequently imposed a stay, precluding the removal of trees from the former site of Our Lady’s Grove school in Goatstown, less than a kilometre

from UCD. Colbeam Ltd, the developer, argued that delay in completion of the build beyond the summer of 2024 could potentially cause the company a €10.5 million loss, as the accommodation would not be ready for the beginning of the next school year as they had planned and consequently asked the court to allow clearance works to continue while the local residents bring the planning permission challenge. Mr Justice Holland has nevertheless allowed elements of clearance works, including the removal of trees, that precede the handover of the site to the main construction contractor to commence. He stated that he was not convinced by the hyperbole of either party as to the adverse result of the works. Furthermore, he stated that Colbeam should not be put at appreciable risk of immense losses of some “early mature” oaks which would be replaced. He stressed that the protection of bats will be achieved if ] they are found on-site but expert evidence must be advanced if this is the case. Mr Justice Holland attempted to strike a balance between environmental protection interests and the housing crisis. The latter prevailed in this instance.

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

News

UCD President Andrew Deeks to Resign Conor Paterson Co-Editor

Additional Reporting: Hugh Dooley News Editor

n a special bulletin, UCD President Andrew Deeks announced his intention to resign from the role in April 2022. Deeks is currently the 9th President of UCD having taken up the role in 2014. In the special bulletin, Deeks stated he is resigning in order to take up the role of Vice-Chancellor at Murdoch University in his hometown of Perth, Western Australia. In April 2022, the current Deputy President and Registrar, Mark Rogers, will become Acting President and will hold that role until the Governing Authority appoints the next President. Deeks said in the bulletin that he has ‘greatly enjoyed my time at UCD, despite the various challenges Irish Universities have faced over these eight years. I have been constantly impressed by the dedication and commitment of our faculty and staff, by the talent and achievement of our students, by the generous support we have received from alumni and philanthropists, and by the productive partnerships we have formed with companies and organisations.’ He went on to explain his de-

cision to resign before the end of his 10-year term, saying ‘the opportunity to return to my hometown to lead a university which is well-positioned to thrive in this time of disruption and opportunity, a time where the need to build a sustainable global society is increasingly recognised was one I could not pass up.’ The role of Vice-Chancellor at Murdoch University has recently been vacated by the new President of Maynooth University, Eeva Leinonen. The Presidency of Andrew Deeks has been sometimes been a controversial one which

often saw clashes with faculty staff or the Students Union. Reacting on Twitter, Professor of Politics, David Farrel, who was recently head of the school said ‘I’ve mixed feelings about his departure. He introduced some very good reforms, but hopefully going forward the university reviews its approach to China.’ Deeks concluded the bulletin by thanking the UCD community and said ‘I will leave UCD and Ireland with great memories and will look back on my time here with warmth and affection. I hope to return at some point, and I look forward to meeting up again with as many of you as possible before my departure.’

Tributes Paid to UCD Graduate Aoife Beary

In 2015, Aoife was studying pharmacology in UCD. After her initial recovery, she returned in September of 2016 to complete her degree before going on to study at Oxford Brookes University in England in recent years.

Conor Paterson Co-Editor

n the 2nd of January 2022 former UCD student and Berkeley balcony collapse survivor, Aoife Beary passed away after suffering a stroke related to the injuries sustained on the tragic day in the summer of 2015. The collapse of a balcony on the 5th floor of an apartment building at 2020 Kittredge Street in Berkeley caused the death of 6 young people including UCD students Lorcán Miller and Nick Schuster. After having survived the accident, despite suffering multiple serious injuries and requiring open-heart surgery, Aoife Beary survived although

she sustained life-altering injuries. Earlier this month, Aoife passed away in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin at the age of 27 after having suffered a stroke a number of days before. 14 months after the incident,

Photo Credits: UCD.ie Aoife appeared in front of the Californian legislature. In front of lawmakers, she delivered heartfelt testimony which led to the passing of legislation ensuring greater oversight of the construction industry.

Following the news of her tragic death, UCD Professor of Pharmacology Orina Belton paid tribute to her former student while speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland programme and expressed her shock and sadness at her passing. She said ‘For me the tragedy is this beautiful young woman, with so much potential, so much to do, who had displayed so much courage and energy in overcoming her injuries from

Berkeley, and her life has ended far too soon.’ Speaking about her time in UCD, Professor Belton said Aoife was an ‘incredible student’ with a ‘beautiful, questioning and enquiring mind.’ She spoke about Aoife’s graduation saying ‘to see her in September 2016 in the O’Reilly Hall receiving her BSc degree, to me really symbolised such hope and you know, what determination and zest for life can do. It was a wonderful day for her and her family and indeed for all of us.’ UCD also extended its “deepest sympathies” to the former students family and friends. Aoife Beary is survived by her parents Mike and Angela, her younger brother Tim, her younger sister Anna and her wider family.

News

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Volume 35 - Issue 04

25-01-2022

Cocaine Surpasses Ecstasy as Second Most Used Illegal Drug Among College Students

The report was led by Dr Michael Byrne, the health director at University College Cork

Conor Paterson Co-Editor

new report has found that cocaine is now the second most commonly used illegal drug consumed by college students, overtaking ecstasy. The Drug Use in Higher Education Institutions (DUHEI) report is compiled by a survey of 11,500 students from 21 Irish higher education institutions. The report also found that over 50% of respondents said they have used illegal drugs while one third had done so within the last 12 months. Also, 50% of the students surveyed said that drug use was now a normal part of third-level student life while the same figure said that drug use had a somewhat or a very negative impact on their student life. The report also examined the effect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on drug use. It found that one in three students had decreased their drug usage during the pandemic for various reasons. While only a very

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small amount said their drug use increased. There was also a gender breakdown which found that current drug use was higher for men compared to women at 25% and 16% respectively. The breakdown of drugs consumed was cannabis (52%), cocaine (25%), ecstasy (23%), ketamine (16%), magic mushrooms (12%), amphetamines (9%) and new psychoactive substances (8%). Responding to the report, Minister for Further and Higher

Education, Simon Harris said the report helps us ‘understand the prevalence of drug use and the range of drugs being used by our students as well as detailing the impacts and effects, including harms caused by drug use in our student population.’ He said the data contained in the report will help to ‘map the extent of the issue and will help us to develop appropriate responses and monitor trends in drug use in higher education over the coming years.’

UCDSU is mandated to lobby for the decriminalisation of recreational drug use and the legalisation of cannabis for both medical and recreational use.’

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who said ‘If we are to work with our students and our institutions to address this issue, it is vital that we understand the reasons why our students choose to take drugs or indeed choose not to take drugs; and to base our actions on data and evidence.’ The report comes just days after UCD Students Union launched its harm-reduction campaign. In a statement announcing the campaign, UCDSU wrote on their website that ‘UCDSU neither condemns nor condones drug use, but we are acutely aware that while in college, many students will experiment and try drugs. We want you to be as safe as possible.’ The UCDSU also said that ‘UCDSU is mandated to lobby for the decriminalisation of recreational drug use and the legalisation of cannabis for both medical and recreational use.’

Majority of UCD Student Renters Pay More Than €750 Rent Ella Waddington Reporter

n a survey last month, approximately 1,000 University College Dublin (UCD) students responded to questions from UCD Students’ Union (UCDSU) regarding their experience renting student accommodation. 55% of the survey’s respondents reported paying more than €750 every month and this figure rises to 63% regarding student renters (those who do not own or live in a family home). 43% are unhappy with their current living arrangements. Students also emphasized the effects that these prices are having on their education and daily lives. 43% said that the process

of finding accommodation, or problems they are currently experiencing in their accommodation, have adversely affected their education. 57% have experienced a decline in their mental health, while 49% have felt a negative impact on their student experience, both as a result of the housing crisis. 95% of respondents had not had experience with either the Residential Tenancy Board (RTB), Dublin City Council or Threshold, however, students that had interacted with the RTB expressed mixed feelings about the quality of their experience. Some found the process helpful and their problems were resolved, although others were less positive, saying they felt that the procedure was

time-consuming and stressful. When asked what respondents would like to see from the UCDSU to tackle the problem, the most common answers included a fight for cheaper prices, more protests to raise awareness and a campaign to improve the quality of current housing instead of supplying luxury builds. Student renters would also like to see the government implement rent ceilings, develop better student tenant laws and build more affordable housing. Many students revealed that they would have liked to have moved out of their family home but cannot afford to do so, and others who are renting speak of overcrowding in their tenancies

hasn’t happened to date and Simon Harris has indicated that that might be a possibility, but we really need a time frame for when those kinds of trials can be brought into effect.”

due to multiple beds put in one bedroom. Speaking to The College Tribune, UCDSU President Ruairí Power criticized the lack of action being undertaken to help students. “One thing that would be very valuable would be the government expanding their cost-rental trial scheme onto the higher education institutes. That is something that

“We have had discussions with the UCD president and we are coming to ideological loggerheads. There is no room for compromise in terms of the nature of the accommodation being built. We do not agree with the UCD accommodation strategy. We need to try and galvanise students' agitation on this issue and try and get a constructive solution put in place by the government.”

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COLLEGE TRIBUNE

News

Obituary for UCD Student UCD and NUIG Rollout Free Antigen Testing Ciaran Ward Osamah Ahmed, Fionn Cooke, Daniel Bourke, Grace Maddock O'Driscoll and Conor Wheeler remember their friend, Ciaran Ward.

Lucy Mackarel Reporter

fter Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Science and Innovation, Simon Harris announced a €9 million fund towards free antigen testing for college students back in December, both UCD and NUI Galway have introduced free antigen testing for their students this semester. It’s a move that is hoped to help limit the spread of Omicron now colleges have reopened with in-person classes. UCD students are entitled to two free tests per week, while students at NUIG can collect five tests at a time from various locations around campus. At UCD students can pick up their weekly antigen tests from

a number of locations including the James Joyce Library, the UCDSU Student Desk, Blackrock Campus Services Desk and UCD Village. Students are required to bring their Student ID with them in order to avail of the tests, and in the event of a positive result, they are required to inform the university through a digital form or by calling the dedicated phone line. The UCDSU advises that anyone forced to isolate due to Covid-19 inform their module coordinators as ‘illness and absence due to Covid-19 will continue to be taken into account’ to try and limit the effect on people’s studies. When asked what uptake on the tests has been like UCDSU President, Ruairi Power said that ‘demand has been very strong for the free antigen tests avail-

able at various points across campus including the SU offices. It won’t act as a silver bullet, but regular testing is going to be incredibly important to reduce Covid transmission.’ A student who availed of the free tests when asked for their thoughts commented ‘I think it's a great idea to provide students with free antigen tests, and I would love to have seen this service implemented for our return to in-person learning at the start of the Autumn trimester.’ UCD and NUIG are not the only Irish colleges offering free antigen tests to their students, as both Trinity and DCU have implemented similar measures to try and stop the spread of Covid-19 throughout university spheres.

What's Happening in UCD This Week? Malachy Rynne Reporter

UCD Professor Appointed As Judge of EU General Court of Justice

Hugh Dooley News Editor

rofessor Suzanne Kingston of the UCD School of Law has been appointed as a Judge of the General Court of the EU Court of Justice. Kingston was sworn into the position last week and will hold the position for more than three years, until August 2025. Kingston will join the 54-person team of judges, who were selected by the Council of the European Union (EU). Each judge has been selected from a different member state of the EU. Kingston was chosen to fill the remainder of the usual sixyear term, joining Colm Mac Eochaidh as the second Irish judge on the court. The position was made available following the appointment of her predecessor, Anthony Collins as an Advocate General of the court.

The General Court of the EU Court of Justice is tasked with hearing actions brought by individuals and member states of the EU, it is one half of the Court of Justice of the European Union alongside the Court of Justice. Professor Kingston notably received a 1.5 million euro research grant from the European UnionResearch Council to lead a major 5-year project investigating how the way we design our laws influences levels of environmental compliance in the EU. The project, ‘Effective Nature Laws’ lead to Kingston being named as one of Ireland’s “Champions of EU Research” by Enterprise Ireland for her ERC grant achievements. As a Professor in UCD, since 2015, Kingston’s teaching output centred around EU, climate change and environmental law and policy.

ith the relaxing of covid regulation last week, UCD societies will have far greater freedom to put on the events for which they loved! The next month should be filled with loads of exciting society events! The Surgical Society is hosting its 10th annual Surgical Conference from the 25th to the 27th of January. Events take place on campus as well as in the Mater and St Vincent's hospitals. The days will have a mixture of talks, workshops and panel discussions On the 1st of February join the Chinese Soc to celebrate Chinese New Year, try out dumpling-making as well as create traditional arts and crafts. Chinese New Year is usually a time spent with families so this is a great opportunity for those studying away from home in Dublin to find other people to celebrate the event with. The International Students Society is once again holding its Pyjamarama event on the 10th of February. From 7 pm till dawn flaunt your PJ’s while enjoying pizza, drinks and games with your friends. The Pyjamarama is re-

turning after being postponed due to COVID, previous years have included film marathons, goodie bags and console gaming provided by GameSoc. Keep an eye on the ISS socials for further details. There is a Take Me Out themed night on the 11th of February, held in the Astra Hall (5 – 8 pm). A select group of students will try to impress with their

skills and talents in the hopes of being chosen for a date. Anyone who has seen the notorious game show on TV will know what to expect from this event! The French and German Soc’s are having a blind date event on Valentine’s Day, a chance to meet someone while playing party games like Truth or Shot. More details will be available soon.

Agr-Science Soc have their annual ball on the 26th of February at the Mount Wolseley Hotel, Carlow. The soc describe the ball as the “one night of the year we make the old folks proud in what we goout in, for a change!” Tickets cost €80 and COVID vaccine certificates are required. The Law Society is taking part in two debating competitions this month. The first is the

UCD Novice intervarsity competition held on the 28th of January. All participants will be in their first year of university and is aimed at those starting out in the debating field. The second event is the Trinity IV held on the 19th and 20th of February and is aimed at both novice and experienced debaters.

Turbine

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Volume 35 - Issue 04

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09-11-2021

Volume 35 - Issue 03

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

It's satire, please don't sue us

h mon dieu.. Mes cheries, the vibes have just been off haven’t they! Your social media isn’t working, you’re standing up dates by accident and just nothing seems to be going right. Some boring economics students might tell you “well, that’s just life!” But there’s a reason behind your misery Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. Mercury is in retrograde... And don’t worry, the reason you’re feeling more single than ever isn’t because you are, it’s because Venus is in retrograde too!

It’s probably why you’re getting unmatched on Tinder too! It’s not because you are insufferable and highly annoying, seriously - Venus is just in retrograde! You just sent your emotionally unavailable earth sign ex a big closure dump text? Don’t worry, we all do

“

Like Pitbull, we’ve all been there and done that

“

Manet Editress and Qualified Astrologist

that sometimes! Like Pitbull, we’ve all been there and done that. Because Mercury is in retrograde, ma cherie. So be the worst person you can possibly be for the next few weeks and blame it on Mercury and Menus being in retrograde - believe me, you deserve it. Well, everyone except for earth sign men - you all are the worst on a daily basis. Some advice for the rest of you: Fire sign and water sign babies, use this time to manifest a glow up in the way you talk sh*t. Air signs, when the moon reaches it's full breadth, you should try and unlearn all the gaslighting you practice.

Fight Preview:

UCD 269 Deeks Vs Rogers

The Notorious Deeks has engaged in personal attacks against his former teammate claiming that Rogers is “emotional” in an interview with the Bollege Bribune.

The Notorious Andrew Deeks has reigned as UCD Champion since 2014 after snatching the title from Bugh Hrady. Not to be outdone by the Australian garden gnome, Mark “the People’s Champ” Rogers comes into the fight as the pretender to the throne and Presidential moniker!

These comments sparked controversy in the Students’ Union who said: “We feel offended that Deeks is referring to people as ‘emotional’. We thought he only referred to female members of the Students’ Union and other people he hated as that…” Clearly playing 8D chess by hiding his sexist remarks at the same time as annoying his opponent, Deeks seemed to get under the skin of his sworn enemy…

In the lead-up to the fight,

After refuting comparisons

Dugh Hooley Girrafic Designer

t’s the fight we have all been waiting for, it could be the end of a generation and the start of another when Andrew Deeks attempts to defend his Presidency against the challenger Mark Rogers! But who will win?

Law Students Rejoice At Coke FINALLY becoming the SECOND-MOST Used Drug By Students Manet Editress and Spokeswoman for the Law

hrieks of joy were to be heard from the Slitherland School of Law when news broke this week that Coke has moved up ranks to become the second-most used illegal drug by the student community (our reports tell us that over 96 percent of the population surveyed for this statistic are from the Slitherland School of Law and Quinn-Daddy’s Money School of Commerce)! The College Turbine interviewed Mr. Hugo McKenzie-Dalton of Donnybrook Aristocrasy Avenue (he demanded we tell everyone that he lives on South Dublin’s most wealthy street) for his thoughts on this exciting news. Holding a MacBook in one hand and his daddy’s credit card in

“

I know it’ll just make us all work so much harder too with all the extra energy you know??”

“

Is Your Life Falling Apart? Don't Worry, Mercury and Venus are Just Retrograding!

about being in college for six years though, don’t get me wrong, it’s all worth it now after this news!” By this stage, Hugo had tears in his eyes which he was wiping away with a Hugo Boss handkerchief that apparently has real gold-threaded into it. “Hopefully one day, if we all just work hard enough

to the BFG, Mark “The People’s Champ” Rogers argued; “I don’t know how Deeks can call me emotional! I’ve screwed over my fair share of students during my time as number 1 contender in the UCD Division.” “ Deeks”, Rogers continued while speaking to reporters from the Confucious Centre. An interpreter subsequently translated this segment to say: “I will be a great champion and friend to China just like Andrew.” The fight is scheduled for five 3-minute rounds with the loser to take up a position in some random Australian university without a student newspaper.

the other, he commented “I’m just so happy that the day we’ve all been waiting for is finally here, I’ve been working really hard and spending a lot of my father’s hard-earned money every single weekend in Coppers to make this happen”. He told us that this is his sixth year of college but he is in the third year of his Business and Law degree. “I’m really not too worried

and are rich enough, we can make it the top most used drug! I know it’ll just make us all work so much harder too with all the extra energy you know??” The Turbine at this stage had to make an expeditious exit from the conversation because Mr McKenzie-Dalton kept asking us for some keys to try some new flavours he was distributing!

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Volume 35 - Issue 04

25-01-2022

CALLING ALL STUDENTS! When you are a full time third-level student in Ireland you can sign up for a

digital subscription for The Irish Times, worth €144 per year. This allows you access to The Irish Times across all your devices. Sign up for news you can trust at

irishtimes.com/studenthub

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Volume 35 - Issue 04

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Agony Aunt

Aunt in Agony

ew year, same us! This issue of agony aunt is brought to you by Venus in retrograde, which is truly working wonders on all of us. Wonders is not meant to indicate positivity, but if anyone is to gain comfort from this instalment of woes, it’s the leap card printer, who’s not the only thing struggling.

Caught feelings for the guy I’ve been casually sleeping with. Which cliff do you recommend I jump off? The co-editors have told me that legally I am not allowed recommend cliffs to jump off, but who are they to censor me? I would suggest Dun Aonghasa, Croaghan Sea Cliffs or The Cliffs at Loop Head.. If you survive any of those, call it quits with the guy unless you’re delusional like your fav agony aunty and can convince yourself he feels the same way. Remember there are always other people to hook up with, and no matter your choice, some anguish and turmoil will ensue, but it’ll be a nice respite from the anguish and turmoil of college.

Would texting my ex solve all my life’s problems? No. Why is everyone texting their ex? Stop it, it’s giving me grey hairs. Find someone new to text, who isn’t a different ex, or closely associated with any of your exes.

Any advice for an Erasmus student on campus this year? You’re currently on holiday pretending to study, act like it. As someone who lives in Ireland 24/7, I feel like I never try

enough to see the place. I still don’t know the unknown, but good, coffee spots and nightclubs in Dublin, so find and go to them in my honour! People will always be willing to join you if you’re going somewhere, so there’s no need to worry about having to go alone if you don’t enjoy exploring places by yourself. Make the most out of your time

“

Why is everyone texting their ex? Stop it, it’s giving me grey hairs

”

here, get the tattoo or nose ring you’ve always wanted. Just, please, do NOT fall in love and try and make something from it. I cannot spend future issues of agony aunt counselling you all through the heartache of long distance.

In final year and just broken up with my boyfriend from first year. I’ve no clue what to do without him. The time after calling things quit, when you’re stuck in your emotions, waiting for something to resonate the way they did is… rough. Text, call, send a carrier pigeon if you must, to your friends and talk/be with them. You don’t have to arrange a fear inducing, regret making, night out if that’s not your thing, just having people to be with, talk to, hang out with, can make a huge change. Try not to hang on to any of his stuff for too long. Arrange a way to get it back to him ASAP and

make your spaces your own again. As much as it’s salt in an open wound now, it will be easier in time when you’re not still looking at the objects of his and feeling like he still has some connection or unending physical presence in your life.

If there’s any activity you do, or places you go, to get a break from the world, that isn’t associated with him, go there. If there isn’t anything like that, either find somewhere/something new or go to the places you as-

“

There are so many other way more romantic moments in your life that are yet to come, that will outweigh any Valentine’s Day you spend single or in a relationship

”

sociate with him and bring a friend or two. It’ll be painful regardless, but the sooner you do it, and the more you take time reclaiming yourself for you, the better things will be in the long run. Take some deep breaths, drink some tea, cry when you need to, talk to people, and keep pushing through, and don’t ever stop being kind to yourself throughout the process. On a final note, your worth isn’t based off their presence or lack thereof in your life.

Final semester of my college degree and my existential crisis is hitting hard on what to do next They really need to develop a Buzzfeed Quiz for this issue.

‘Which life step should you make next based on the bread you made over lockdown?’ ‘Design your dream apartment and we’ll tell you which job will pay enough for you to afford it’. Until those quizzes are up and running, have you thought about just repeating the college experience from first year all over again come September. I’m sure UCD won’t charge you. That way you don’t have to worry about life and taxes and other things for another wee while.

I'm really worried that I'll be single for Valentines Day :( Despite my best efforts, I have been single on every Valentine’s Day since birth, which hurts when your birthday is nine months after February 14th. I feel like that should have naturally manifested me someone to spend the day with. To be fair though, Valentines Day is kinda icky. There’s too many people crammed into restaurants and

“

Make the most out of your time here, get the tattoo or nose ring you’ve always wanted

”

cinemas and everywhere else labelled romantic, and financially speaking, it seems like it can be a bit excessive, and that a lot of things done on the day by couples is just for show. Also, what is there to be worried about if your single on said day? I know we build up so much hype around it, and the idea of love in general, and yes it can be lonely, but you could spend the day with friends or doing things that you love and enjoy having that time for yourself. Also, there are so many other way more romantic moments in your life that are yet to come, that will outweigh any Val-

entine’s Day you spend single or in a relationship. If you really want a date or secret Valentine though, I of course volunteer, as any good agony aunt would.

I’m tempted to use more drugs cos the price of my slab of prazski has gone up so much Or you could try therapy. Some really good therapy.

I feel like my GPA is going to go down because nightclubs are opening again :( Switch all your modules to pass/ fail this semester so all you have to do is the bare minimum of college work, and then you can have the full enjoyment of being out again, knowing your GPA will be fine.

ell, that was exciting. Hopefully the retrograde ends soon, because I am not Gods strongest soldier and another two weeks of life going on like this may mark the beginning of my ruination. Until the next issue, I hope you all continue to figure things out, and none of you text your ex. Remember that without your woes I’d be forced to confront my own problems and much as my therapist tries to convince that would be a good thing, I’d rather bury all my emotions until I die.

Got a Problem or Issue You Want Advice On? Email it to agony@collegetribune.ie to have it answered for the next issue!

Features

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Volume 35 - Issue 04

25-01-2022

Features

School's Out on Gender-Segregation

Conor Paterson Co-Editor

what resilience is being built up within young people by educating them in a contrived environment.’

s I grew up I used to hate being told that my school years ‘would be the best of my life.’ It’s a depressing and even terrifying phrase for a child to hear. While I’m too young to factcheck it just yet, all I can say is how much I enjoyed my school years. Surrounded by friends, I spent most of my days doing the things I loved.

Writing in the Irish Examiner in the wake of the killing of Ashling Murphy, the principal of Cork Educate Together Secondary School and a member of the board of directors of Educate Together, Colm O’Connor wrote a piece on how schools can become a place where ‘children can learn to respect themselves and each other.’

Much of this I put down to the school I attended. Just a 5-minute cycle down the road (more time in bed each morning) and surrounded by friends I would meet again just as the school day ended to kick a ball with until our legs gave up. Both the primary and secondary schools I went to were single-sex schools, something I never considered strange at the time. The killing of Ashling Murphy earlier this month has us all asking how such a thing could happen and not just this unfortunate time, but over and over. While the ingraining of the tragic events of January the 12th into the public consciousness is important to allow us to take stock and reflect, so many more incidences go under the radar. Male violence against women is shamefully rampant and a national effort of soul searching has been underway. As part of this, men have been asked to reflect deeply, more than ever before. By reflecting, I don’t just mean condemning obvious examples of blatant misogyny, intimidation or violence against women. We are to take an honest look at our own behaviour. Our actions and our inaction when we see unacceptable behaviour from other men we consider ourselves close to. We are required to not look at

One of the proposals O’Connor made to make schools a place to build respect, understanding, and equality in Irish society was to end segregation in schools. He wrote; ‘I’ve worked in both single-sex and mixed systems for about a decade each, and there is no comparison. Others may disagree, but I believe that segregating students is dehumanising and prevents the development of empathy and shared understanding.’

any incident in isolation but underlying conditions which made us either act how we did or stand by when we should have stood up. And trust me when I say, all us men have incidences to reflect on and learn from. One thing that has stuck in my mind ever since is the precious time spent in the local all-boys school that I loved so much. During my time there I considered my experience to be normal. Dublin is full of allboys and all-girls schools under religious ownership, I thought that was just the way education goes. I also thought the behaviour that went on in my school was normal. Slurs were thrown around and the environment was a breeding ground for toxic

masculinity, even from a startlingly young age.

foster inter-gender understanding to the same extent.’

As I reflect now I realise the experience of attending gender-segregated schools is not normal, nor is the behaviour you become desensitised to when you immerse yourself in such an environment for your formative years.

In Ireland, 17% of primary school children and 1 in 3 secondary school children like me, attended a single-sex school, the average here in Dublin is far higher. These figures make Ireland a huge outlier by international comparisons. The toxic environment that I and so many men have experienced in single-sex schools could be doing untold damage to our society and hampering our efforts as a society and as men to do better.

For this piece, I spoke to the Labour TD and spokesperson for Education, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, who has called for the abolishment of single-sex schools for years. Deputy Ó Ríordáin told the College Tribune that ‘Our lives aren't separated by gender. Neither should our schools,’ and explained that ‘gender segregation cannot tackle gender stereotypes and

As Deputy Ó Ríordáin explained ‘artificial dynamics created along gender lines are not replicated in wider society so on that basis it’s hard to know

As Ireland continues its collective effort of soul-searching, often taking place in the stillness of a candlelight vigil we have attended in recent days, some of us may ask difficult questions of ourselves that are uncomfortable to answer. For me, one of these has been my experiences in the school I attended. A place I made amazing friends and memories that I will cherish for life. Is it possible for us to look back at such happy times and yet take stock of what damage may have been forged at such a young age? And can we as a society learn from these experiences and finally turn our grief into substantive progress?

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COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Features

In a Toxic Relationship with the Government for a Rip-Off Student Life Rhoen Eate Features Editor

o, it’s 2022 and we’ve all come a long way; mentally, physically, for some even spiritually. We’ve made do with the cards we’ve been dealt with, some of us have even managed to make the best of them. Until recently had been smacked with the early curfew of 8pm. With the government’s plan of forcing nights out to an end before they even begin, surely, we would see some sort of lowering in the rate of infection. But can we really say that this approach was as effective as it was showcased to be? In short: No. As this rule was mainly targeted at those who make the most of night-time hospitality – i.e., those on the youthful side of Ireland – you’d think a better

“ left We are

with two options: Get Taste or Get Sober

”

suited restriction would be implemented. Because, as we all know, even in the best of times, the night doesn’t end with the bars. It doesn’t even end with the nightclubs. For those of us that keep the spring in our steps even after the dancefloors and the baby Guinness, there is always the revered Afters. So really, what was the difference between starting the night that bit earlier? We all end up at the same place anyhow. This fact leads us to a different kind of question entirely. A

question that begs to know, do the powers that be really care about lowering the spread of the pandemic in the youth of today? Or are they just trying to seem as though they do? This, like everything, is up for debate, and, as we all know, would of course be completely and utterly out of character for our government. Our other little Christmas present was the Minimum Unit Pricing of Alcohol. This little snippet of the Public Health Alcohol Act of 2018 was enacted on the 4th of January with the main goal of stopping the sale of strong alcohol in supermarkets at very low prices. In other words – Huzzar, Revero and Prazsky aren’t worth the burn anymore. So, what we can basically expect is a basic doubling of our cheap and cheerful favourites with beer, wine, and vodka now costing a minimum of two, eight and eleven euros respectively. So, we are left with two options: Get Taste or Get Sober. According to drinkaware. ie, the expected effect of this price shift is to ‘contribute towards reducing consumption amongst the heaviest drinkers’ meaning the members of our population who ‘buy the cheapest, strongest alcohol.’ Now we’ve all heard the woeful stories of those effected by consumption abuse and addiction in general. We’ve heard of the number of livelihoods ruined by consumption. We’ve heard of the number of families and relationships devastated by consumption. But when you interview someone who has managed to get loose of addiction’s tight hold, or even someone who is unfortunately still within its grasp, they will not tell you that it was too expensive, so they quit. If that was the case, Ireland would not be in the position it’s in today where it feels the need to implement strict legislation surrounding alcohol. If anything, would we not see this as a quicker road signposted to rock bottom? It seems the

government’s thinking is that of little thought at all when they are basically saying that they’ll enforce rules that will make the repercussions of addiction more severe, so people are forced to reach a low that leaves them with no other option but to reach out for help, regardless of whether they choose to or not.

well as on campus accommodation. It is a travesty that the young people of Ireland, the deemed “future” of Ireland, are resorting to couch surfing and astronomical commute times in order to receive an education. What is even worse is the ‘shut-up and put-up’ mentality that the pressing situation is being met with.

Maybe I’m thinking of this in the wrong light, but would I be wrong in saying that perhaps we should make help more readily available and awareness more effective? This certainly seems like a less ‘cruel to be kind’ alternative, but once again, it is up for debate.

For a nation that showcases an ever-growing emigration rate, you’d think those in power would do their best to transform the country into an attractive home for people of all ages, not just retirees and corporations with twinkling pockets.

In another aspect where the government seems to be showing us tough love is the continuation of the abomination that is the rising cost of accommodation in this country. Students are still being faced with next to impossible rent prices from all angles; be it digs, flat shares, as

You’d think that it’s all well and good to have these beautiful, modern apartment blocks and estates; you’d think it’s a tremendous leap into the corporate world with the contracts being signed inside elite boardrooms; but you could also question what is the point? What is the point when eventually,

we are running out of the able workforce to fuel such leaps, and to occupy such homes? If you are not providing for the audience at hand, are you providing at all? Yet we mustn’t get bogged down by these ever so little, miniscule, fractional even, slights of the government. Because news just in! If you haven’t heard already, firstly, where have you been? Secondly, the majority of restrictions are being lifted as of 6am on the gorgeous day of January 22nd. And with this wonderful day we once again get a whiff of what once was, and what should have been a long time ago. We can go for a pint. We can stay out until 3am. We can take a break from the toxic relationship intertwining Students and The Government, overlook the let downs for just a little while, and enjoy the life we’ve been refused until now.

Features

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Volume 35 - Issue 04

25-01-2022

The Student Urge to Travel in the Age of COVID Rhoen Eate Features Editor

into the swing of holidays; with friends, their course, and everyone else in between. After all, all work and no play makes UCD a very dull college. Despite being forced to see the

ravelling is a major part of being young, let alone life as a student. Yet with restrictions and life as we know it today making that essential part of life increasingly difficult, what ways are we finding to jump through the loopholes that make travel possible? And how are we affected in that process?

“

all work and no play makes UCD a very dull college

For a start, let’s look at the likes of J1’s, Erasmus, and exchanges…

”

As gruelling and pedantic as visa forms and financial plans are, at least they have proved themselves to show as a precursor to what is can only be a staple year of your life. Yet, many students – both incoming and outgoing – question the worth of all that hassle. A lockdown

“

Many students, adaptable as we are, are choosing to take the bull by the horns and not allow the pandemic to get in the way of their lives anymore

But there is a way around such cynicism.

lowances, it can be seen as just another part of getting used to a foreign culture. Many students, adaptable as we are, are choosing to take the bull by the horns and not allow the pandemic to get in the way of their lives anymore. We are getting our boosters when we are fortunate enough to be scheduled in for them, and we’re doing our PCR Tests when we’re fortunate enough to be on the waiting list for a vaccine. Evidently, as the students of this country, we are taking it upon ourselves to reclaim lost time and be the pioneering “risk-takers” dipping the population’s toes back into leisurely travel.

Despite the ups and downs of changing restrictions and al-

And with this, we find students beginning to submit their

”

is a lockdown at the end of the day, no matter what country you’re in.

course’s ‘study abroad’ applications again. We can overhear the chatter of Summer plans in campus cafés. I myself had a major discussion with my flatmates trying to decide between Erasmus in Copenhagen or Paris. The excitement of travel is now being met with an element of ease that hasn’t been seen in a very long time. Even with looming pre-requirements and extra documents, it is refreshing to see that we are taking everything in our stride, proving how resilient we have been and will continue to be throughout this pandemic. But where do international stu-

dents weigh-in in all of this? Maddison Bruce, Second Year Law Student from South Africa, says that for her, studying abroad is well worth the travel. ‘I think it's dependent on what course you're doing,’ she adds, coming at it from all points of view. She concludes that ‘if it’s going to cost you more to go away, but you’ll just get the same experience, then, of course, that impacts the decision.’ And so, we revert back to the age-old saying that Life is indeed what You make of it; Student Life included. Apart from the academics, students are also getting back

joy in staycations - which were a lovely experience in their own right - sometimes all we want to do is to go somewhere with a bit more sun than clouds and a better drink to euro ratio. And so, with the somewhat easing of restrictions, we see more and more twenty-somethings in the airport finessing the Ryanair ‘one small bag only’ value fare. Instagram Stories are parading party destinations such as Prague, Lanzarote, Greece even, and what a beautiful sight that is to see. The world is returning to its prior stance of big and bold and vast, but no longer out of reach. And we, as students, are returning to our inquisitive and curious stance of no longer cautious but fearless. We’re returning to life as we once knew it, and some of us are being given the chance to experience such a life for the first time. So finally, with travel being the first step to this, we may be able to let go of this knock-off version of student life and ramp it up to what it always should have been.

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Volume 35 - Issue 04

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Gaeilge

Is Aoibinn Beatha an Scoláire? Ní Dóigh Liom Faoi Láthair Doireann O'Sullivan Eagarthóir Gaeilge

e ghnáth bíonn dhá mheoin ann i gcomhair tús mí Eanair agus is minic a bhíonn siad ag teacht sallach ar a chéile i measc an phobail. Deir dream amháin gur cheart smaoineamh ar an t-am seo bliana mar tús nua, lán le féideireachtaí agus eachtraí speisiúla fós le bhlaiseadh. Is féidir linn nósanna nach n-oibríonn ar ár son a thuilleadh a chaitheamh amach agus cinn nua a chur ina n-áit. Braitheann dream eile náireach faoin am agus airgead ar chuir siad amú agus faoi na deiseanna nó éachtanna nach bhfuil bainte amach acu gó fóill, (b’fhéidir toisc go raibh siad amach ar an dreamhleas nó áit éigin eile), agus bíonn rian a gcinntí leagtha amach go soiléir dóibh. Is cuma cén leath den tuairim ina luíonn tú go phearsanatúil i náiríre. Déarfainn go bhfuilimid go léir ag luascadh eatarthu ag aon am amháin. Ach nuair is mac léinn ollscoile thú is fiú smaoineamh ar na cúinsí eisciachtúla a bhíonn i gceist nuair a smaoinítear ar an gcoincheap sin. Is é an chéadsprioc atá againn ná céim a bhaint amach agus post a fháil i ndiadh sin, ach bíonn dualgas níos mó orainn freisin. Don chuid is mó dúinn, is iad na laethanna ollscoile na cinn ina fholaimaímid

an t-uafás rudaí nua, idir na hábahair a chuireamar síos ar an liosta CAO agus an ag am céanna conas an saol mór a lámhseáil mar daoine fásta don chéad uair riamh. Caithfidh gach mac léinn gnáthnós a chur ar bun chun cothromaíochas a aimsiú idir na heilimintí sin go laethúil. Is féidir liom a adhmháil go macánta gur éacht ar leith é sin uaireanta.

Mar sin, bíonn neart deacrachtaí le sarú chun fiú jobanna laethiúla a chur i gcrích. Conas ar féidir linn féinforbrú a dhéanamh san am saor atá fágtha againn? Fograítear go poiblí sa mheáin gur chóir dúinn i gcónaí a bheith ag iarraidh eagrán níos fearr dúinn féin a chruthú (Mar a dúirt Molly Mae Hague go feasach, ‘We all have the same 24 hours in a day!!). Is dócha go bhfuil maith-

eas ag baint leis an ráiteas sin go hidéalach, ach bíonn sé i gcónaí deacair an chéad chéím a thogáil chun na brionglóidí móra a bhíonn ag ceachtar againn a chruthú. Creidim gur ag an pointe sin a bhíonn cabhair agus treoir ag teastáil go géar ag iomaitheoirí. Leannan sé le ciall go mbeadh an coláiste mar institiúid fregarach na seirbhísí caoi a bhíonn á lorg ag mic léinn a sholáthar. An ea go bhfuil sé sin déanta ag UCD? Tá na foirginimh oscailte i gcomhréir leis na srianta cinnte, ach ar bhain tú trial as áit sa gym a chur in áireamh? Is cosúil le ticéidí óirge Willy Wonka na spásanna sin. Ansin má tá tú ag iarraidh cara a aimsiú agus gearrán a dhéanamh faoin bpróisis, bíonn gach ionad ina geaptar go mbeadh cupán caife le bheith ar fáil dúnta roimh a cheathair san iarnóin! Is sampla seafóideach é sin cinnte ach léiríonn sé tuarim na mac léinn ina bhfuil comhráití agam leo go rialta. Nuair nach bhfuil rochtain ag mac léinn ar na seirbhísí brei-

se sin, tagann laghdú ar a gcuid misneach agus ní dhéantar aon idirdhealú ó lá amháin go lá eile. Bímid mar phobail léinn ag brath ar UCD tacaíocht a thaispeáint dúinn trí iarracht níos fearr a ndícheall a dhéanamh in aineoinn na cúinsí aisteacha i mblianna. Nilim ag iarraidh a bheith diúltach leis an bpíosa sin. I gcodarsnacht leis na laochra cróga taobh amuigh de foirgeanamh RTE chuile sheachtain, ní credim gur bréige a bhíonn i gceist leis an bpandéim. Tuigim go bhfuil dualgas speisialta ag UCD agus ag gach ollscoil a gcuid mhic léinn a chosaint ó gach dochar. Ach, credim gur chóir doibh a gcuid polsaithe a chomhardú níos mó. Ní féídir linn na spriocanna is mó a bhíonn againn a bhaint amach nuair nach bhfuil na háiseanna dúinn tús a chur leo. Is é manna UCD ná ‘Ad astra’, ach ní leor tastáil antaigine saor in aisce ón SU chun cuairt a thabhairt orthu.

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Volume 35 - Issue 04

25-01-2022

Volume 35 - Issue 04

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Politics

Our Silence is Hurting Our Women How much longer will we see the terms ‘femicide’ and ‘gender violence’ in headlines before we forget again? Mahnoor Choudhry Co-Editor

n 1996, at the UN’s Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, it was said that “violence against women is an obstacle to the achievement of the objectives of equality, development and peace”. It has been 26 years and we are still facing this obstacle. In the same world that many believe is more progressive than ever, women still feel scared to walk alone at night; and even when they do, it’s never without a self-defence plan in the back of their minds. Ashling Murphy’s fatal assault is yet again another nail in the coffin, reminding us that 26 years on, women still are not safe to live their lives as they wish. While out for a run in the late afternoon, Murphy was attacked and died at the scene on the 12th of January. In the wake of this tragic death of a 23 year old woman, we see yet again an emergence of calls for an end to gender violence in the media. Nationwide and everywhere that news has travelled of the untimely death of a woman at the hands of a man, vigils have been held and moments of silence have been observed. While these empathetic acts of solidarity are commendable and in no doubt important to honour the death of Ashling Murphy, the question that begs to be asked is this: Why must a woman die and for her death to make national media headlines for us to remember that gender violence is still a prevalent issue in our society? On the 3rd of March 2021, the murder of Sarah Everard broke headlines. We wept, grieved and mourned the death of such a young woman who was kidnapped, strangled, raped and then killed by now convicted Metropolitan police officer, Wayne Couzens. Then silence. On the 17th of September 2021 in England, Sabina Nessa left

her home to walk a five-minute journey to her local pub, but she never made it to the pub. She was murdered and her body left in the local park. A 38-year-old man awaits trial on indictment for murder. Headlines once again embellished the murder of yet another woman. But not as much as this time, her death apparently only deserved the attention of page 25 in British newspapers. Sabina Nessa was a woman of colour, which may point to the lack of as much national outrage as was shown for Everard’s death. But again, silence. Two weeks ago, news broke of 23-year-old Ashling Murphy killed while running beside a canal in Tullamore, County Offaly. Vigils are being held in memory of a young woman subjected to such fatal violence yet again. Right now, headlines can’t stop talking and piggy-backing views off of the death of another woman. How much longer will we see the terms ‘femicide’ and ‘gender violence’ in headlines be-

fore we forget again? Another woman will die for it to make us grieve, mourn and despair at another life lost in this losing battle against misogynistic violence. How many more femicide headlines will it take for us to acknowledge the women who die in between these fluctuations of rage and silence? Taoiseach Michael Martin stated that Murphy’s murder has “united the country in solidarity and revulsion” and that “no stone will be left unturned in bringing this investigation to a completion and to bring the person responsible for this to justice”. But what of the women in between the media headlines whose deaths don’t appear on our screens and timelines? What of the women who suffer violence every single day at the hands of an inherently misogynistic and patriarchal system? Gender violence is and has been a continuous and insidious problem in our societies and for far too long and at the cost of far too many women’s

lives, we are still fighting a losing battle. Because we only fight when we can piggyback energy off of the raging media headlines. And even when we fight, we do so in the form of quiet, respectful vigils. This article isn’t against vigils. But they are simply not enough. We need riots and protests and no more empty “zero-tolerance strategy” promises from our politicians because all that these promises do is momentarily please us into silence. How do we even have the gall to declare women and men equal in society when it is only in 2022 that a “zero-tolerance approach” is being taken for violence against women? How can we be equal when a culture of patriarchal oppression stops 90% of women who have been raped from reporting it to the gardai? And why are we still only holding vigils (the product of liberalised respectability politics) when from 1996 to 2020, 236 women have died at the hands of men in this country. We need a whole government response to this issue, not a

momentary policy that will, as many promised policies, begin to gather dust in the near future, somewhere in the Houses of Oireachtas. Then another woman will die and make national media headlines and we’ll again ask “why does this keep happening?” It keeps happening because our fight to uproot this violence against women is not constant and it is not steady. It is rage and mourning that only operates on the popularity of national media headlines. We need to keep this momentum going, we need to be steady in our fight against gender violence. Vigils aren’t enough anymore, we need real change. We need to create a culture where degrading women, sexualising women and the normalisation of male violence to women are vehemently opposed. We don’t need peaceful liberal politics, we need riots to uproot this misogynistic violence that has been killing 1 woman every month for the past 26 years in this country.

Politics

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Volume 35 - Issue 04

25-01-2022

Minimum Unit Pricing, Minimum Government Effort Malachy Rynne Politics Writer

n the 4th of January, this year minimum alcohol pricing was brought into effect in Ireland. Commonly called Minimum Unit Pricing, this type of legislation sets a base price that alcohol must be sold for. The legislation targets low price, high alcohol content beverages with the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, saying in a press release on 4th of January, ‘This measure is designed to reduce serious illness and death from alcohol consumption and to reduce the pressure on our health services from alcohol-related conditions.’ While premium brands and regular pub prices are unlikely

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The government has not announced any increase in the funding for alcohol abuse treatment services, nor any specific actions to delay the age at which people start drinking

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to be affected by the new law, cheap supermarket offers and low cost, high alcohol content beverages are expected to see steep rises in cost. Since the rules came into force, a bottle of vodka cannot be sold for less than €20.71, a bottle of wine cannot cost less than €7.40 and cans of beer with an ABV of 4.3% must be priced at €1.70. According to a Department of Health press release, this addition to the Public Health (Alco-

hol) Act is ‘designed to reduce the harms caused by the misuse of alcohol and to delay the initiation of alcohol consumption by children and young people.’ There is currently a €1.2 billion a year cost to the Irish health system from alcohol-related treatment, under the new rules there will be an increase to tax income from VAT at 23% rather than a duty increase, thus all of the increased prices would have been returned to the state. In addition, the government has not announced any increase in the funding for alcohol abuse treatment services, nor any specific actions to delay the age at which people start drinking other than increasing the cost of drinks. The government seems to be utilising Minimum Unit Pricing as its solution to managing alcohol abuse rather than creating tangible support systems that can manage those that suffer from an illness from alcohol consumption. According to an Alcohol Action Ireland 2021 report, there are currently only 19 inpatient detoxification beds in the coun-

try, with a further 127 beds run by charitable organisations or religious groups. These beds are not specifically targeted towards alcohol addiction and are also used by patients requiring detox treatment for other forms of addiction. The same report estimates the number of people seeking treatment for alcohol dependency could be as high as 25,000. Treatment service providers in the Alcohol Action report highlighted the lack of mental health services for those seeking treatment for alcohol dependency which they found was hampering patient recovery. In its most up to date statistics, the HSE estimates 10,800 people in Ireland are currently waiting to see a psychologist, with over half of those waiting for more than a year. The government has recently allocated €34 million in increased funding for mental health services to address this issue, but the HSE has not released any further information on waiting lists since the funding was announced. Alcohol has been reported as a

contributing factor in 97% of public order offences recorded by Gardai in their PULSE system, public order offences cover a wide range of crimes including violent assaults,

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Treatment service providers in the Alcohol Action report highlighted the lack of mental health services

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threats of violence as well as disturbing the peace. While alcohol is a contributing factor to these crimes and is a noticeable side effect of Ireland’s drinking culture, a report on Scotland’s

minimum alcohol pricing found that setting a minimum price had ‘minimal impact on the levels of alcohol-related crime, disorder and public nuisance reported in Scotland.’ Professor Jon Bannister speaking about the findings of Manchester Metropolitan University 21 months after the introduction of MUP stated ‘if crime did reduce, it has done so at a scale that the evaluation could not identify.’ This was despite other research finding a 7.8% reduction in alcohol sales across Scotland. It will take some time for the outcome of Ireland’s new alcohol pricing to become apparent, it will also be difficult to measure. Unlike Scotland, which commissioned a comprehensive series of studies at the introduction of minimum unit pricing, the Irish government has not introduced any new reporting on the impact of the legislation. The new rules are set to be reviewed in 2025.

25-01-2022

Volume 35 - Issue 04

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Politics

No More Restrictions: Is the Government Finally Prepared to Truly ‘Live’ with Covid?

Rory Fleming Politics Writer

pring is coming and I don’t know if I have ever looked forward to one as much as "I am looking forward to this one”, Micheál Martin stated during his latest address from the podium on Kildare Street. The Irish people have grown weary when it comes to Martin’s infamous evening monologues, with so much of their content resulting in deeply consequential and unfavourable restrictions. However, January 21st will go down in Irish history as a date to remember and will no doubt make the cut for the 2022 edition of ‘Reeling in the Years’. On Thursday afternoon, somewhat out of the blue, the Chief Medical Officer, Tony Holohan, wrote a letter to the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly.

In the letter, it was stated that NPHET had reached a consensus with regards to the lifting of virtually all COVID-19 restrictions. The abolishment of the COVID Pass system, the 8pm hospitality curfew and the rule capping indoor events at half capacity were all included in the letter. From 6 AM on Saturday the 22nd of January, life was, with the exception of mask wearing and international travel, back to normality. But what brought about this seismic shift in policy from Holohan and NPHET? Over the course of the pandemic, they have been criticised by many for their conservative approach to a pandemic response, which saw Ireland endure one the world’s longest and strictest lockdowns. As recently as last month, a fresh set of far reaching restrictions were implemented in an attempt to stem

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the exponential Omicron case numbers. In fact, there was widespread outcry amongst the public and restauranteurs when it became public knowledge that NPHET had been angling for an even harsher set of restrictions in December which would have included a 5pm curfew. Over the festive period, COVID case number records were broken day after day, as cases climbed into the tens of thousands. With PCR testing capacity pushed to the limit and antigen supplies running low, it isn’t far fetched to believe the official figures were perhaps only capturing a snapshot of the true extent to which the virus had spread amongst communities. However, whilst the numbers climbed and climbed, one critical number remained steady – Covid patients in ICU beds.

With the stagnation in the number of people requiring care from Omicron in an ICU, despite the colossal case numbers, it quickly became clear that this latest variant of the Coronavirus is one which results in much milder and more manageable symptoms. Having had a number of weeks to review the data, coupled with the rapid reopening of our nearest neighbours across the Irish sea, the government and NPHET came under increased pressure to review the restrictions imposed at the outset of the festive period. The government and NPHET have faced large amounts of scrutiny and criticism but have been firm with their policy decisions. This coupled with their apparent conservative approach led many to believe the winding down of restric-

tions would be a phased and gradual process. This certainly hasn’t been the case this time around. The government and NPHET have acted swiftly when confronted with the reality that Omicron is for many, ‘relatively’ harmless. Throughout the pandemic, the Irish people have been more than willing to do what has been asked of them. This is borne out in the fact that we are the most heavily vaccinated country in Europe, with one of the most boosted populations to boot. Time and time again, the Irish populous has foregone many civil liberties and freedoms in the hopes of stemming the spread of the virus. Now though, these hopes of overcoming the pandemic have become a reality and it is time, in the words of the Taoiseach, ‘to see each other again, to see each other smile, to sing again’.

Alternatively Email Editor@Collegetribune.ie with your name, course, stage and area of interest

Law

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Volume 35 - Issue 04

25-01-2022

The College Tribune’s Law Section is Proudly Sponsored by the Maples Group

Recent Legal Policy: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Both Positives and Negatives for College Students in Recent Irish Legislation Amy Doolan Law Writer

number of recent changes in Irish law have had an impact on college students in Ireland, with new legislation bringing both positive and negative effects for young people. Some has brought in more radical changes, while other regulations created a more subtle albeit positive effect. On 4th January 2022, the government’s new rules on minimum alcohol pricing took effect in a radical move to reduce the harm caused by alcohol in Ireland. This new legislation, introduced under the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018, means that all alcohol, no matter whether it is sold in a bar, supermarket or restaurant, will have a minimum price per gram of alcohol it contains. Alcohol now cannot be sold anywhere for less than the prescribed price per unit. One standard alcoholic drink in Ireland contains 10 grams of alcohol and under the new regulations, €1.00 is the new minimum price for one standard drink. Most drinks in bars and restaurants are sold above this price so it will be of a lesser effect in these environments, however alcohol that was previously sold for cheaper prices in supermarkets and off-licenses now must be sold for a higher price to satisfy the new rules. For example, as a bottle of wine at 12.5% volume contains 7.4 standard drinks, it cannot now be sold for less than €7.40. before January 4th, it was entirely possible to purchase a bottle of wine in a supermarket for as little as €3.00, so consumers and indeed students will feel the ef-

fects of this price increase. The aim of this new legislation, according to the HSE, is to reduce the damage done by alcohol in Ireland and to reduce the illness, violence, self-harm and hospitalisations that is causes. According to the HSE, in 2019 the average alcohol consumption for a person over the age of 15 in Ireland was 10.8 litres of pure alcohol, or 40 bottles of vodka. This culture of drinking can be exacerbated for college students given the peer

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The core idea behind the legislation is to stop heavy drinkers being able to purchase vast quantities of cheap, strong alcohol

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pressure to consume alcohol and the amount of socialising around alcohol. The Sheffield Alcohol Research Group’s research predicts that the introduction of minimum unit pricing will reduce overall alcohol consumption by 9%. The core idea behind the legislation is to stop heavy drinkers being able to purchase vast quantities of cheap, strong alcohol and therefore reduce harm to themselves and others caused by drinking excessively. The HSE predicts that the new legislation will reduce alcohol-related deaths in Ireland by

200 per year, and reduce hospital admissions by 6,000. Similar laws in Scotland and Canada have demonstrated positive effects on alcohol consumption and harm caused by alcohol. In 2018, Scotland became the first country in the EU to introduce minimum unit pricing on alcohol and the year after, alcohol sales in the country fell to the lowest level since records began in the early 1990’s, dropping by 7.6%. The impact of this legislation will be felt by those who consume alcohol to a harmful level and not the moderate drinkers, hopefully bringing our alcohol consumption as a country to a safer level and encouraging students and young people to enjoy alcohol safely. Another recent positive change in regulations regarding close contacts means that a lot more students can take part in the return to on-campus learning and the college experience. As of 17th January 2022, close contacts of a confirmed Covid-19 case who have received a booster vaccine and are asymptomatic are no longer required to isolate for a 5-day period as was previously the case from late November 2021 due to the Omicron variant. These new rules will allow thousands more students to attend college even if they are a close contact, however the Chief Medical Officer has warned that high grade and well-fitted medical masks should be warn by close contacts, as well as regular antigen tests and reduction of social contacts for the 10 days after the close contact. The high level of the Omicron variant in the community and increased socialising in the

month of December meant that hundreds of thousands of fully vaccinated people were required to restrict their movements or isolate before and over Christmas, missing work, social events and college. The high levels of people required to isolate was causing staffing issues for businesses and schools, supply-chain issues and service interruptions, so the government and NPHET were forced to re-examine the issue alongside the positive landscape of a high level of booster vaccinations and steady ICU numbers.

2021, restoring employment for many students and allowing them to socialise fully for the first time since March 2020. After just 4 weeks, restrictions were re-introduced that forced nightclubs and bars to close their doors at 12.00pm. Unfortunately, owing to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant and pressure on the hospital system, further rules were re-introduced on 3rd December 2021 compelling the closure of nightclubs once again, resulting in many claiming the Covid social welfare payment again due to the sudden closure.

The relaxing of these close contact rules will have a positive effect on student attendance on

These rules also imposed an 8.00pm closing time for bars and restaurants, and are set to

campus for college and in the workplace as we hopefully take a step in the right direction towards normality.

last until at least January 30th 2022. There is growing optimism in the country regarding the winding down of Covid restrictions in the near future, hopefully allowing nightlife in Ireland to re-open to its fullest effect, restoring jobs for students and social experiences.

Unfortunately, legislation governing the closure of nightclubs and bars has not yet been lifted and continues to have a negative effect on student employment and socialising. Having been closed for the first 20 months of the pandemic, nightclubs and late bars were finally permitted to re-open in October

25-01-2022

Volume 35 - Issue 04

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Law

Student Views on the Future of Law Reform: What We Want and What We Need Louise Kennedy Law Correspondent

his issue has explored the latest issues of law reform and the effect this has had on the third level student population of Ireland, but now on a more forward looking note, it is worth exploring the areas of law reform that young people have consistently called for and why these have yet to come to fruition. While recent popular media may take the approach of ‘government bashing’, this article endeavours to present areas of reform and ask a very simple question of them; why has nothing been done?

ing Darragh O’Brien insists that institutional investors will not prove an obstacle to new measures such as rent caps brought to cabinet in November of last year, this insistence has not been met with much confidence by young renters who still find themselves subject to sky high rents. O’Brien himself was quick to admit that these measures are yet to impact ‘too high’ rents but this issue can only be remedied by

student social life. Instead of lamenting this grievance, this article instead would like to focus on some longer term calls for reform across this industry which would be of great benefit to the broader college experience. The most glaringly obvious issue with Ireland’s nightlife is its relatively early closing times when compared to most of mainland Europe. For ERAS-

continue to be left with little to no space for entertainment and socialisation after dark. Although with news of a reopening of this sector in the near future, we can only hope that suggestions for reform will be afforded greater weight after the severe economic hit this industry has taken. Increased Support and Education In Preventing Sexual Assault, Assault and Violence

In light of issues such as unavailability of housing and the manipulation of rental contracts by landlords a call has been raised by students with support of their student unions for the provision of affordable student housing and a greater penalty for landlords who fall short of their statutory obligations. While Minister for Hous-

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For ERASMUS students it must come as quite the shock when the lights of the club go up at 1am and they are suddenly found in a city with little to no public transport at this hour

Property Rights and Student Suffering With the ongoing Irish housing crisis, many students have found themselves hard pressed to find any accommodation, let alone housing which falls within their price range. Each year with the return to campus countless articles come to light detailing the experiences of students who have found themselves without a home, resorting to hotel living while balancing studies and student life. Current legislation surrounding renter’s rights is nothing short of dismal, particularly when it comes to desperate students who may find themselves rather easily duped by conniving landlords. The starting point for any issue in this area is the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2016, with Part 2 setting out the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. Yet a worrying trend has emerged in recent years showing a total lack of regard for these obligations on the part of landlords who are well aware of their tenant’s reliance on a roof over their head.

Since this announcement UCD have revealed that incoming first years will now have access to a mandatory module on bystander intervention which will be available online as part of their orientation package. As well as this step in tackling issues of sexual assault on campus, Dr. Jason Last, Dean of Students has also stated that several new policies concerning this issue will be launched in the near future.

‘delivering on supply’. Reforms suggested in this area by officials are largely out of touch with suggestions put forward by students themselves. Instead, calls from students include purpose built student accommodation, safe from large corporation investors, with an affordable and immutable rent per unit. Aside from the obvious call for an increase in housing, another proposal calls for increased supports for student renters facing problematic landlords. This would include auditing of landlords and rental properties as well as a consideration of the relevant legislation before the Law Reform Commission. Nightlife; Events and Culture It goes without saying that Ireland’s various nightlife industries have been hugely impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has put many students out of work as well as having a large impact on

MUS students it must come as quite the shock when the lights of the club go up at 1am and they are suddenly found in a city with little to no public transport at this hour. The simple fact is that Ireland is depriving itself of an increased economic benefit by closing clubs, bars and cultural spaces at such an early hour. Of course the driving factor behind this lies in the cost of the late liquor licenses as well as the issue of lack of late night transport. Calls for reform in this area have been persistent but simple; later hours and better transport to provide a space for students to unwind and socialise after a day in college or work or wherever it may be. The Give Us The Night campaign has clearly and effectively summed up the issues in this area and brought them before government officials for some spirited debate. Despite the force of this campaign, little has changed in this industry and students

With recent news of the murder of Ashling Murphy that has shaken the country, the issue once more arises of what can be done at third level to tackle this veritable epidemic of violence against women as well as the larger issues of sexual assault and violence reported across third level institutions. Speaking at a meeting with the National Advisory Committee on sexual harassment and violence in third-level education in 2020, Simon Harris described issues of consent and sexual violence as ‘a real epidemic in our country.’ Following this meeting, Harris announced his commitment to tackling this epidemic across third-level institutes with the commencement of immediate actions. The first of these actions require universities to publish an action plan on sexual harassment with compliance to be monitored by the Higher Education Authority.

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While this response from third level institutions is welcomed, there is a wider concern for Ireland’s legal policy governing these areas, with calls for stricter punishments and additional resources prevalent in discussion of this area. The introduction of legislation on the issue of coercive control is certainly a step in the right direction, yet many students feel the law in this area falls short in protecting victims of such offenses. While these areas are but a brief insight into the reforms sought by third level students, they serve to highlight a much broader issue; young people receive little benefit from recent Irish legislation and policy. Until students have an input when these issues come to debate, it may be expected that many students may become disillusioned with this country and seek employment elsewhere upon graduation.

Business

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Volume 35 - Issue 04

25-01-2022

Minimum Unit Pricing: Where does the money go? Mark O'Rourke Business Correspondent

he new year has brought with it a noticeable change to the shelves of our supermarkets and off-licences. On January 4th minimum unit pricing came into effect for alcohol products in Ireland, resulting in some noticeable increases in the price of alcohol for consumers. Minimum unit pricing stipulates that the lowest price that can be charged for a gram of alcohol is 10 cents. A standard drink has 10 grams of alcohol in it. Therefore, the lowest permissible price for a standard drink (one standard unit of alcohol) is one euro. However, in reality, minimum unit pricing means that a can of beer will

cost at least €1.70, an average bottle of wine will cost €7.40, and a bottle of vodka will cost a minimum of €20.70. While many types of beers, spirits, and wines were already being sold for above the new minimum prices, many lowcost alcoholic beverages have had to up their prices in line with the new legislation. Interestingly the minimum unit pricing comes in the form of a minimum price per gram of alcohol, as opposed to a tax on alcohol in order to raise the price. This means that the increase in price for consumers will be received by the alcohol industry and retailers, not the state itself. This contrasts with the approach the government has tak-

en with cigarettes and tobacco products. On a pack of 20 cigarettes costing €14, tax accounts for just under €11 of the price. This money goes to the exchequer where it can be used to help fund support for smokers and help offset the cost of dealing with smoking-related illnesses for the health service. This is not the case with minimum unit pricing. The extra money being paid by consumers for alcohol will not go to the exchequer to be used for alcohol-related programmes and supports, but to the alcohol industry and retailers in Ireland. The state will benefit from increased VAT from alcohol sales, but the bulk of the increase in prices will go to the alcohol industry. Ireland is the first member of

A study on

the European Union to introduce minimum unit pricing. Minimum unit pricing aims to put an end to retailers using alcohol as loss leaders, i.e., selling cheap alcohol in order to attract customers into their stores. However, these same retailers will benefit from the increase in price. In Scotland, where minimum unit pricing is already in place, MUP is estimated to represent a windfall of just under €150 million for the alcohol industry. It is worth noting that minimum unit pricing has resulted in a decrease in alcohol consumption in Scotland since its introduction. Minimum unit pricing is now in effect, and we must now pay more for many types of alcohol in our supermarkets and off-licences. While there is evidence to show that minimum unit

pricing reduces alcohol consumption, it is noteworthy that the additional cost being paid by consumers is going to the alcohol industry and retailers themselves. One must wonder if the government has missed an opportunity to use minimum unit pricing to help support programmes to tackle problem alcohol consumption and to fund greater support for individuals with alcohol problems. Perhaps the introduction of minimum unit pricing would be more palatable to the general public if the increased costs for consumers went directly to funding programmes and supports for the very people the legislation is intended to help.

THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON STUDENTS Did you expect a different university experience this past year? How have COVID 19 restrictions affected you? What could have been done better? What should be done for students now?

HAVE YOUR SAY AND COMPLETE OUR SURVEY

•FOR UCD STUDENTS ONLY •100% ANONYMOUS •CLOSES 15TH FEB 2022 Hold your camera over the QR code, or type in the website address

https://y-m-h-i.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-students

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Volume 35 - Issue 04

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Music

Entertainment & Lifestyle What’s Happening in Music Everything You Need to Know!

Jack Donlon Music Correspondent

The Grammys: Are They Even Relevant Anymore? Every year, a panel of music experts from a variety of different genres and disciplines sit down and collectively agree on their Grammy nominations. Be it ‘best song’, ‘best new artist’, or an obscure category like ‘best improvised jazz solo’ (yes, that is a real one), everything is decided by a select and exclusive group of people. Recent years have seen a steady decline in viewing figures and engagement with the awards, with 8.8 million viewers in 2021, which was a huge dropoff from the 17.8 million people who tuned in the previous year. In the age of social media, the Grammys have definitely failed to keep up with trends. Why still rely on a committee of experts when platforms like Twitter can be used to engage

with music fans to create an inclusive nomination and voting process? Public opinion is more relevant than ever, and if the Grammys continues to exclude it, it will gradually fade out of the public consciousness. Rapid modernisation of the Grammys is required if it is to stay relevant. YouTube is almost seventeen years old, and is home to thousands of independent artists, who attract millions of views, and yet the Grammys has failed to create a category for the platform. This institution, which was once at the front and center of popular culture, will not last much longer unless serious reform is introduced.

Ronnie Spector: A Cultural Icon

Ronettes cemented their place at the forefront of popular music with a string of hit songs.

The passing of Ronnie Spector on the 12th of January sent shockwaves through not just the music industry, but through all avenues of popular culture. In the sixties, her group, the

However, it was 1963’s ‘Be My Baby’ which shot them into the musical stratosphere. Many would argue that this song transcended the group itself. It has reached an unbelievably di-

verse audience, featuring in video games, advertisements and cult classic films such as ‘Dirty Dancing’. It is an ever-present piece of music. At the centre of all of this was Ronnie. The influence that she had on the music industry, and the very fabric of pop music itself, cannot be underestimated. Artists across the musical spectrum, young and old, have looked to her for inspiration, from Amy Winehouse to Billie Eilish. She may have passed, but her music has, and will continue to, stand the test of time. The music industry has not just honoured her legacy, they have collectively thanked her for her great contributions to their art form.

New Release: Dawn FM I always viewed the Weeknd as an undeniably good, yet slightly one dimensional artist. His songs are catchy, yet quite forgetful and cookie cutter. This latest album is a tricky one

to assess. He is clearly trying something different here, the Jim Carrey radio announcements were certainly a surprise. The end result however, is quite muddled and underwhelming. He seems to have forgotten what he is good at, that being huge synth heavy pop songs with catchy choruses. Glimpses of this can be seen in ‘Sacrifice’, ‘Less than Zero’ and ‘Out of Time’, which unusually enough, has that sort of faux retro sound that Bruno Mars graced our ears with. I didn’t expect great things from this album, but I don’t think I was supposed to. The Weeknd has an uncanny ability to create brilliant pop music. ‘Blinding Lights’, ‘Starboy’, and ‘Can’t Feel My Face’ are just a few examples of this, and his deviation from this formula baffles me. As the old saying goes, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’, and while I understand artists wanting to explore, this shift is quite jarring, and for me, it just doesn’t work.

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Volume 35 - Issue 04

25-01-2022

New Year’s Resolutions: Time to Change Tactics Ruth Delaney Arts & Lifestyle Correspondent

think we’re all guilty of throwing around the phrase ‘New Year, New Me.’ That is until January fades away, alongside our proposed lifestyle changes that we swear will be different this year. A diet, a new rigorous exercise routine or giving up the gargle, the list goes on. However, who said New Year's Resolutions had to be so extreme? Here, we have put together a few examples of how small changes can improve not only the start of a new college semester, but your day to day lifestyle too. Step Up Your Commute Getting your step count up is a simple yet super effective way to up your daily fitness and movement. So many students spend hours of our week on buses, trains and in cars coming to and from college and work, therefore we are often too

busy or simply too tired to get decent exercise. One way to incorporate more movement into your routine is to make your commute more step friendly. If you can - get off the bus or train one or two stops early and walk the rest of the journey. By taking 10-20 minutes to do this, you can get some extra steps in and a breath of fresh air. Careful on the Caffeine There are very few students who are not used to some level of caffeine intake daily, which intensifies as deadlines loom later on. Caffeine is fine in moderation, but large amounts can have all sorts of effects on your body and mind, especially when it comes to switching off and catching up on some well needed sleep. To reset the body clock and make the most of your zen time, you could consider decreasing your caffeine intake. A small change could include not drinking coffee or energy drinks after 4pm, or

sipping on a cup of herbal tea when you feel the withdrawals kick in. Not only will you sleep better, but your bank account will thank you for reconsidering that €5 frappuccino. Save the Pennies You never know when you might need to urgently dip into your savings, be it for fees, food or to spend time with friends on a rainy day. Budgeting is something that lots of people struggle with, but by setting aside a fiver or tenner every time you get paid will add up nicely in the long run. If you’re a Revolut user, switch on your loose change option, which will round up your transactions to the nearest euro and store it in a vault at your disposal. Two Birds with One Stone In university, we often neglect the important people in our lives when the workload becomes a little too intense.

Laughter is the best medicine and so to cure the January blues, consider setting aside an hour a week to spend time with a family member or friend who you might not be seeing enough of. The ones close to you likely have the same good intentions of sticking to their New Year’s resolutions, so why

not tackle one together? You could do this by committing to a walk once a week or make a bucket list of things you’d like to do over the next few months. Not only will you feel a sense of accomplishment, but you’ll be spending well needed quality time with someone you love.

BEER YE, BEER YE: A Guide to Cheap, Independent, Irish Alcohols Jack Mc Gee Head of Investigations

ith the introduction of minimum unit pricing, many student drink staples have become more expensive than they’re worth. However, a twisted upside is that high-quality, locally sourced options are now approximately as expensive as their cruddier counterparts. So, if we’re going to get squeezed for every cent, why not make sure that money doesn’t just go into the pockets of a soulless multinational like Diageo? I implore you to make the best of a bad situation, and ethically imbibe with these tasty Irish options, all vaguely within the budget of a college student.

ALDI Price-wise, Aldi packs the best punch, which makes it a convenient and cheap place to get a taste for craft beers. If you’re

reading this to try out something new, the best place to start is O’Shea’s Pale New Dawn, a super-approachable pale ale. It’s brewed in Ireland, and priced at just €1.89 for a 500ml bottle. All of Aldi’s O’Shea’s options are under €4 a litre, making them likely the most affordable and attainable craft option widely available. If you’re only reading this to learn how to get absolutely faded (good for you, king, you’ve earned it), try a Brown Bear Double IPA, brewed by Pearse Lyons in Dundalk. You may baulk at the higher price (500ml for €2.96), but remember, it’s about quality, not quantity. The higher APV will absolutely get you where you want to go in just a few bottles. This makes it a great pre-drinks option, as long as the flavour is up your alley.

LIDL Lidl has an excellent selection of brand-name craft beers, so it’s a great spot to try and scare

up bargains on options that would often go for a few euro more in other off-licences. My favourite option I found was Porterhouse’s Rambler Pale Ale, which you could get a healthily sized can of for €2.79. This sweet, approachable option is brewed by Porterhouse, a well-established Dublin craft brewery. For the same price, you can grab a can from BRÚ, a Meath-based independent brewery. They have a couple of fun, funky options, and their Session IPA is a good introduction to the variety.

Grizzly Hard Seltzer Outside of the beer market, it’s hard to scare up locally owned and operated brands, especially those within our price range. My favourite option I’ve found so far is Grizzly Hard Seltzer. While I haven’t seen it too often in stores, ordering online gets you 24 cans for €12, making it a great bulk budget option for parties. They’re super-respon-

sive on social media, so you can always try messaging them for other order sizes and discounts. NOTE:

The College Tribune is not sponsored by any of the above brands. Jack just likes beer.

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Arts&Lifestyle

No Alcohol? No Problem! Sober Things You Can Do in Dublin Instead

Conor Paterson Co-Editor

Trinity College gives you a mesmerising stillness slap bang in the middle of the bustling city. Much of the grounds of the spectacular Dublin Castle are also accessible late and well worth a visit, you can even visit the impressive Chester Beatty Library on the castle grounds on Wednesday nights when it remains open till the later time of 8 pm.

Cinema Bit of an obvious one but there is a reason why a trip to the cinema remains one of the most popular sober things to do. Dublin is full of fantastic cinemas which makes the experience so much more than just watching the film. The Irish Film Institute (IFI) in Temple Bar and the Light House Cinema in Smithfield are the ultimate places for movie lovers. The IFI features lots of domestic Irish releases and independent productions as well as hosting educational events. Boasting stunning cinema halls and a huge range of films, the Light House Cinema is also a must. The Savoy Cinema on O’Connell is perfect for visiting with a group of friends. Finally. the crown jewel of the Stella Cinema in both Rathmines or Ranelagh is something we should all experience at least once in our lives!

Escape Rooms

Escape rooms have rocketed in popularity in recent years and many places in Dublin have sprung up. This is a really fun

Theatre

activity for families or groups of friends. The idea is simple, even if the escape is not! The aim is to rack your brains together as a team and find a way out of the room using the strategically placed clues before the clock runs out. Incognito Escape Room on Ushers Quay and Adventure Rooms on Green Street near the Rotunda are our favourites and they both run evening sessions which are often in high demand so book early!

Tea Garden On Ormond Quay near the Ha’penny bridge is one of the coolest spots in Dublin for chill, non-alcoholic fun. You can kick back and chill and choose from 40 different varieties of tea, healthy snacks and shisha pipes. It is the perfect mix of relaxing vibes while also being a perfect spot to chat and socialise. If the pub scene isn't your thing, this is the place for you.

Virgin Mary Bar On the other hand, if the pub atmosphere is your thing minus the alcohol, there is also a perfect place for you. When the Virgin Mary Bar opened on Capel Street in May 2019 it hit headlines around the world as a completely alcohol free bar. The Virgin Mary is keen to stress that they don’t do ‘mocktails,’ however, and that alcohol-free doesn’t have to mean pleasure free! They specialise in a large range of delicious cocktails and also have a wide selection of alcohol-free craft beers and ciders, wines and spirits and also an impressive Guinness

0.0 on draught. An alcohol-free bar might confuse some people but a trip to the bustling Capel Street to visit the Virgin Mary will make it all make sense.

Walk the City Dublin is a city that comes alive at night. Some of the capital's best landmarks and attractions are best experienced in the evenings. A stroll through

Like our cinemas, Dublin is jam-packed with theatres both big and small. The big productions go to the Bord Gáis Theatre but there are plenty of smaller ones that host intimate and thoroughly enjoyable productions. The Gate Theatre is my personal favourite. The Gate has a rich history and is full of people passionate about the theatre from the actors and directors to the ticket staff and audience. You would be doing well to find a more authentic theatre experience than the Gate. Elsewhere, the Smock Alley, the Peacock and the famous Olympia Theatre are all noteworthy mentions and well worth a trip!

Film & TV

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Volume 35 - Issue 04

25-01-2022

UCD’s Film Society: Keeping Us Entertained! Angelina Pierce Entertainment & Lifestyle Editor Interviewer: Sophie Melia TV & Film Correspondent

ith the latest government restrictions in place leaving students with less options for activities on campus, UCD’s Filmsoc is one of the societies here on campus that are providing opportunities for students to feel a part of the community as well as keeping them entertained. In an interview with Film Society’s Deputy Auditor Ryan, he reveals what the society is all about, what exciting things they have planned and how the pandemic has affected them. Ryan, the second in command and “glorified secretary” of Filmsoc, joined the team last

semester in Week 5, proving it’s never too late to join in! He provided the Tribune with some teasers of their semester two plans, he tells our correspondent “We’re hoping to do a Gala after Easter,” ''We want to bring the overnight movie marathon back!” and he discussed that the society, in collaboration with the Dublin International Film Festival, are on the lookout for a celebrity guest to join them in a panel event that they will host (Stephen Merchant has shown interest!). We can expect this hopefully to happen in the next few weeks. In the meantime, the society is keeping up with their weekly themed screenings such as Week One: Adam Sandler and for Week Two aka Refreshers Week: Disney Channel Original Films. Their Cineclub and After Dark will also be back up and

running this semester!

tiago De Arribas, an avid film fanatic and photographer who had been spitballing an idea about recreating the atmosphere of a John Carpenter movie but set in Ireland. Several months- and a few dozen rewrites later, we had finally gotten together a script for the project that we felt confident could produce what we wanted. The Trip is a story about three friends who go camping deep into the woods but find something else waiting there among them, something beyond human. What started as a simple friendly retreat becomes a struggle for survival in the cold empty forest. Without delving more into the plot, the film will have blood, gore and the aesthetic of an 80’s horror film.

project to reach a significant level of budget. With a project shot at night, with practical effects, a well fed cast and crew and proper equipment, costs can balloon much higher than small student films that suffer under their inability to tackle anything beyond a young adult drama. Even something as simple as feeding everyone involved can add hundreds of euros to a project which means that student filmmakers are limited in their choice of actors, often employing just their friends to act.

Speaking of their weekly themes, Ryan explained the process behind them, “Our amazing screenings team do all the work for picking and choosing the themes and movies. Three incredible ladies pick these and are always planning a semester ahead so there is no stress about it. Usually they pick movies they want first and then pick a theme that the movies fits under. They also have a thing called Baby Week meaning they can show whatever film they want and the rest go along with the theme and movies for that week! This semester it’ll be Kermit Week and Muppet movies will be shown then.” Filmsoc are also known for their collaborations with other societies. This semester we can expect a collaboration with Lit-

soc based on book adaptations and possibly a week of foreign films. Outside of screenings, the society has a productions team and people can send scripts to the society by email or hand them in as they start working on them after Easter. Like many societies on campus, the pandemic has made Filmsoc adapt to the new normal. Due to the 8pm curfew, the regular time slots of Tuesdays, which were reserved for longer films, have now had to be changed and times taken into consideration. Ryan explains the issues this causes in terms of after film discussions, which are cut short due to the imposed curfew. Filmsoc are dedicated to trying their best to prevent the spread of Covid and to do this they have set a limit in the cinema of fifty people and

Ryan himself is keeping track of contact tracing. The society asks that all members wear their masks when not eating or drinking at these events. It is also necessary for members to present Covid certificates and matching ID before all events otherwise they will not be allowed to enter the event. Ryan leaves us with parting words on behalf of Filmsoc “Our slogan is ‘We love movies and we make movies’ and it's very true. We love everyone who loves movies no matter what their opinion is. All we want is students and their friends to have a good time with movies as there is something here to please everyone. If you’re not a member already, you should be!”

Film Making In Ireland

ilmmaking is not easy, but it’s especially not easy in a country where small independent films are a rarity and international studios receive all the attention. While there is talk of increasing funds for young filmmakers, the reality is that there is a struggle for any filmmakers who want to push past small student productions and into the realm of profitable feature projects. Having made two short films whilst in UCD, one with FilmSoc and another with UCDTV, working on a more professional project becomes both an important goal and a very difficult one to pursue. One which myself and many others are trying to accomplish. We are currently trying to crowdfund a short film for over 5,000 euro online. It started with discussions about filmmaking with San-

How to fund a short film in Ireland? Without the backing of a national short film scheme (which can have many requirements), the only real solution is either to save up for years, or try to market and crowdfund the

With that in mind, crowdfunding became the best avenue to pursue for a venture like this. For young filmmakers in Ireland, a subsidized filmmaking grant along with state owned equipment available to borrow could have a massive net benefit in generating interesting and higher budget content- which might in addition attract the attention of large streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon

Prime to put on their respective platforms. Free workshops, film events and more could help boost an economically

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the reality is that there is a struggle for any filmmakers who want to push past small student productions and into the realm of profitable feature projects

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Anton Rivas Pertile Film & TV Writer

profitable filmmaking model in Ireland, rather than leasing out to international talent. The Trip is made up of Santiago De Arribas (Director/Writer),

myself (First AD), Liam Prenter Morris (Producer/Composer) and many others. Santiago and Liam have filmed shorts together since secondary school and Liam currently is majoring in Sound Production at IADT. Philip Slalina, another student from IADT, will serve as the DOP on the project. He also runs his own production company, Captis Productions, securing small commissions that help him grow his network and cinematography skills. If there’s one thing that unites all of us, it’s a hunger to create interesting and new content that generates a shift in this small country towards an established independent filmmaking scene. While a daunting project, The Trip offers a step towards this goal, a goal that I’m sure many readers can relate to in their own way. Right now, The Trip is on FundIT and Instagram under @ thetripshort.

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Film & TV

Film Review: Spiderman-Far From Home

Is This The End?

Anton Rivas Pertile Film & TV Writer

t comes as no great surprise that Marvel are cranking up the multiverse to be their latest tool in their arsenal of keeping audiences entertained. Loki, Doctor Strange 2 and of course Spiderman Far From Home, have all made the multiverse a key element of their plot and it has been hinted that they mean to introduce teams like the X Men, The Fantastic Four and others into their universe. But will Marvel’s attempts to keep their continually expanding franchise prove fruitful or fall under its own colossal weight? Spiderman Far From Home proves that Disney is still ca-

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Spiderman Far From Home proves that Disney is still capable of producing a strong superhero film in which the stakes feel high without exploding to cosmic proportions

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pable of producing a strong superhero film in which the stakes feel high without exploding to cosmic proportions. The premise, which is familiar to most readers, follows Peter Parker’s attempts to make the world forget that he is Spiderman after the revelation of his

secret identity at the end of No Way Home. The consequences that his friends and family face makes Peter feel overwhelmed with guilt for exposing them to the danger he created as a known superhero. Therefore he goes to seek Doctor Strange’s help in making everyone, except them, forget who he is. Unfortunately, as Doctor Strange explains, magic is not so flexible as to allow this sort of deal and while interrupting the incantation Peter opens a rift to the multiverse that attracts a horde of villains (and friends) to their world. *For those who want to avoid spoilers please skip the next paragraph.* Seeing this film in theatres on opening week reminded me

how much the cinema experience can bring together a group of complete strangers to feel something special, such as the wonder of being there together and watching a great movie as a group. Having people in the audience hold their breath collectively as we realized that Sony was bringing back all the fan favourites and then subsequently cheering together as they appeared isn’t something you can do whilst at home. Furthermore the shock of seeing Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield and Tom Holland all don their masks and fight together was fantastic, providing a feeling of magical excitement that I thought Marvel would have been unable to reproduce. For most people this will have been exactly what they wanted, a strong superhero film

that captures the imagination and leaves them buzzing with warmth as they chat to their friends and exit the cinema doors into the cold night. But for Disney, Spiderman No Way Home poses an enormous problem, one that simply won’t go away. The question is this: do people care about the film because of the MCU or do they simply miss the old Spiderman films and the strength of the character himself? After all, it’s hard to imagine that outside of the long established reputation of this iconic webslinger, people will have much interest in the goings on of The Eternals, or Captain Marvel, or any of the TV series. Presumably Disney will expect a strong audience turnout for the next Thor and

Doctor Strange 2 (less so for the latter) but there is a looming shadow on the horizon for them. When do they pull out of the MCU and decide to change their business model to keep their grip on the Box Office? Disney might think they have an ace up their sleeve with the amount of possibilities that the multiverse will bring to their franchise, but as an aging audience’s tastes evolve, so will their interests, and everyone has a limit to how much they can watch the same cheesy quips be thrown and all the stakes reversed by retconned characters and rewritten stories. Maybe the time is coming for a new breed of blockbuster films, or maybe not. Only the future will tell!

Sport

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Volume 35 - Issue 04

The Pressures of Managing Manchester United

25-01-2022

UCD AFC’s League Opener to be Played Without Fans

Stephen Black Sports Writer

Conor Paterson Co-Editor

anchester United are the most successful club in the history of English football. Since their foundation in 1878, they have won 20 first division league titles, 12 FA Cups and a record 21 Community Shields. This unrivalled domestic dominance, coupled with the lavish coverage that English football gets from an array of different broadcasting companies, has enabled United to build a global fan base, establish a successful business model and attract some of the top talents in European football. With this reputation, however, comes great expectation. A failure to deliver perfection on the pitch leads to collective finger-pointing at one man: the manager. Ralf Rangnick is the latest coach to inherit the poison chalice at Manchester United. Unfortunately for Rangnick, while the position that he currently

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the level of success that has previously been linked to the club is long in the rearview mirror

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holds is subject to an immense amount of public scrutiny, the level of success that has previously been linked to the club is long in the rearview mirror. In fact, in the last five years, United have only won two competitive competitions -the league cup and the Europa Leaguestruggling to even qualify for the biggest prize in club football: The Champions League. United supporters are used to seeing their team competing against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich- famous

CD AFC’s opening SSE Airtricity League Premier Division game of the new season is due to be played behind closed doors. The students open their account back in the top flight of Irish football on the 18th of February in Tallaght Stadium. The FAI made the ruling due to an incident that took place during Shamrock Rovers’ away trip to Waterford FC towards the end of last season. During the game, fireworks exploded both over the pitch and in the away supporter's section during the clash at the RSC in Waterford on the 5th of November.

footballing giants. It must be strange for them to watch their team in the second tier of European football, potentially playing against the likes of Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers. But that is the reality. At the moment, United simply are not the club they used to be. While their history still lures in big-name signings, clinging to former glories is actually restricting the club’s progression and placing an increased amount of pressure on the man in charge. There is further self-inflicted psychological damage associated with the Man U job; the fact that one of their predecessors sits in the stands at every home game, worshipped by the crowd and loved by the board. When Man United last won the premier league, it was under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. Sir Alex is a man who, during his tenure at the club, won 38 trophies. He has been hailed as the greatest coach…in any sport…ever. When he retired, United erected a statue of him outside Old Trafford. It looms over his successors as a godlike figure. This is not ideal and contributes to the pressure to succeed. Rangnick’s position isn’t

helped by current football pundits either. If you’ve ever watched Super Sunday on Sky Sports, it’s likely you’ve come across Roy Keane and Gary Neville, two former Manchester United legends. They have 15 premier league titles between them. However, they use their platform to repeatedly blast the current squad, and previous managers, for not ‘playing the Man United way.’ Neville actually claimed that United would never appoint Antonio Conte, a proven winner in the premier league, because of the style of football that he plays (Surely winning is the determining factor? but anyway). This is a problem. If you don’t allow the manager to dictate the style of play then it doesn’t matter who gets the job. It’s like owning an F1 car, paying Max Verstappen to drive it on the M50 and then complaining that he’s not going fast enough. The pundits frequently criticise the current crop of players at the club as well. Keane is known for his outspoken, no-nonsense approach and has often singled out individual United players, including Paul Pogba. In 2021, Keane told sky sports that ‘he (Pogba) is a talented boy” but took aim at Pogba’s leadership abilities saying “I wouldn’t be-

lieve a word that Pogba says.’ In spite of the personal dig at Pogba, Keane makes a good observation here: United have a talented squad but lack depth in terms of leadership and experience. Of the current squad, only Cristiano Ronaldo, David De Gea, Phil Jones and Jesse Lingard have premier league medals. That’s four players out of a squad of 30. For the pundits to expect these players to play free-flowing football while also challenging for the title in the toughest league in the world is very optimistic. It suggests that their demands are a bit excessive. Managing in professional football can hardly be easy. It is a multi-million dollar industry, watched by billions of people. The pressure at any club will be enormous. But the aforementioned factors make the Man United job particularly unappealing (Although the paycheck might say otherwise). There are prevalent off the field factors that need a serious evaluation if United want to get back to the heights of the Fergie years. Maybe with a German called Ralf at the wheel, they can reinvent themselves and redefine the “Manchester United way”… whatever that means.

The incident resulted in one injury of a man who had to be taken to Waterford Regional Hospital for treatment. Following the events in Waterford, Shamrock Rovers ‘unequivocally condemned" the action of the "so-called supporters’ and said they would be issuing indefinite bans from Tallaght Stadium to the people involved. The ruling will come as a huge blow to both sides, particularly Shamrock Rovers. A fine was expected rather than a ban on fans attending their league opener. The result will mean the expected 6,000 fans cannot attend which will be a massive financial blow to the hoops. The news will also be devastating for UCD fans who had planned to make the short trip across town to support the students on their return to the topflight. At the time of writing, Shamrock Rovers have not publicly responded to the decision but the Irish Independent has reported that they are considering their options after an initial appeal was knocked back.

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Sport

UCD Bounce Back to Winning Ways in Sigerson Cup First-Half Flurry

Conor Paterson Co-Editor

A well-worked first-half goal from Cuala’s Peadar Ó Cofaigh-Byrne, a penalty from Ray Connellan and a flurry of points meant UCC had a mountain to climb in the second half. A thumping goal from Kerry’s Conor Geaney and three fur-

he UCD hurlers face a tough task to qualify for the knockout stages of the Fitzgibbon Cup after an opening round defeat against NUIG. Dave Billings Park played out a close encounter

Conor Paterson Co-Editor

tudying computer science in UCD, Israel Olatunde, at the age of just 19 has burst onto the Irish athletics scene. Last week, Olatunde topped his previous under-23 60m record, setting a time of 6.64 seconds.

ther points was all the Munster team could muster. UCC needed to come out swinging in the second half and they responded with two goals early after the break. Kerry intercounty player Diarmuid O’Connor scored a goal from the penalty spot and UCC racked up some scores to put themselves back into contention. UCD responded with two more

goals, however. Daire Cregg and Brian McLoughlin both scored goals before UCC earned a consolation goal through Brian Hartnett in the last few minutes.

1-5 (0-2f), Brian McLoughlin 1-2 (0-1f), Ray Connellan 1-1 (1-0 pen), Peadar Ó Cofaigh-Byrne 1-0, Ethan Devine 0-3, Ruairi McCormack 0-2, Darragh Ryan, Kieran Kennedy 0-1 each.

The win for John Divilly’s side sets UCD up with a clash against Letterkenny Institute of Technology this evening at 7 pm.

Scorers for UCC: Conor Geaney 1-3 (0-2f), Diarmuid O’Connor 1-1 (1-0 pen), Brian Hartnett 1-0, Mark Cronin, Shane Merritt (0-1 ’45), Ronan Dalton (0-1f), Riain Quigley, Dylan Geaney (01f) each.

Scorers for UCD: Daire Cregg

UCD Hurlers Stumble in Fitzgibbon Cup Opener Conor Paterson Co-Editor

UCD Ad Astra Scholar Adds New Irish under-23 60m record

dominant first-half display from UCD’s gaelic footballers was enough to see off UCC last Wednesday. Dave Billings Park in Belfield hosted a high scoring affair with UCD ultimately running out 4-15 to 3-9 winners over the strong Munster side. Both UCD and UCC lost their opening matches to MTU Kerry and MTU Cork respectively. The previous round of results made last weeks fixture a mustwin for both sides. UCD rose to the occasion and went into the half-time break with a commanding 2-12 to 1-3 lead.

last Wednesday evening with the Galway side edging out a 1-21 to 1-18 victory. The clash was well attended by fans from both sides in Belfield in the blustery wind. UCD’s hopes of victory were given an early blow when NUIG’s Fionn McDonagh scored a fantastic

goal in the 12th minute. UCD fought bravely in difficult first half conditions, with Galway native Donal O’Shea racking up seven of UCD’s eight points before the break. However, the presence of Cian Lynch in the centre of the park gave the students a constant headache and he helped NUIG to a

1-10 to 0-8 lead at the interval. UCD needed to respond after the break and they did just that. However, NUIG’s Galway inter-county star, Evan Niland’s excellent free-kick taking helped the westerners maintain their lead. Kilkenny hurler Eoin Guilfoyle managed to raise UCD hopes for a comeback with a late goal and point but Niland notched up more scores to see NUIG over the finish line with three points to spare. The defeat raises the stakes for this weeks tie against UCC who saw off Mary Immaculate College Limerick 1-21 to 0-19 in Limerick last week. The crucial tie against the Munster side takes place tomorrow at 7 pm in Mardyke Arena in Cork. Scorers for NUI Galway: E Niland (0-12, 8f), J Fleming (0-5), C Lynch (0-3), F McDonagh (10), B Concannon (0-1). Scorers for UCD: D O’Shea (011, 8f, 1 ’65’), E Guilfoyle (1-1), L Murphy, K Lahiff (0-2 each), T Hannan, C Foley 0-1 each.

The College Tribune spoke to Olatunde who said it is ‘really exciting to get my season off to such a great start and to see the work I put in over the winter pay off.’ Despite the achievement, however, Olatunde was not getting ahead of himself and he added ‘I’m going to take things one day at a time and focus on what I need to do to improve and get faster.’ Earlier this month Olatunde had set a new under-23 record with a time of 6.67 seconds. On Sunday, he extended his record even further with a personal best of 6.64 seconds in the second round of the national indoor league in Athlone. The time puts the UCD athlete closer to the senior 60m record set in 2007 by Paul Hession at 6.61 seconds which Olatunde said is ‘definitely in my sights.’ This is not Olatunde’s first time impressing on the Irish athletics scene. Last June he became the Irish senior 100m champion in Morton Stadium, Santry earning a personal best of 10.49 seconds. He ran for Tallaght Athletics Club before joining UCD. Olatudne spoke about his time in UCD so far. He said ‘being in an environment with Olympians and other world-class athletes is a blessing.’ He added that ‘knowing I represent UCD and the Ad Astra Academy encourages me to take my performance to the next level.’ The record-breaking run kicks off what is a very important season for Olatunde. Now he is targeting the world indoor championships in March and the European championships in August. The races and records are not distracting Olatunde, however. He said his target for 2022 is ‘to run fast and gain valuable experiences’ in what is his first season in the senior

SPORT Sport

COLLEGE TRIBUNE

Volume 35 - Issue 04

25-01-2022

Parsons Wins Successive Ireland Player of the Year Award Callum Buchan Sports Editor

New Zealand from a group of Scotland, Italy and Spain. A surprise loss to Spain would in normal circumstances be seen as the nadir for Irish women’s rugby, but after the qualification campaign, 62 players felt compelled to write to the government ministers responsible for sport, Catherine Murphy and Jack Chambers, to air their frustrations with the systemic problems in the game, highlighting the IRFU’s inaction to combat the slip in standards in women’s rugby.

Another Accolade For Parsons

niversity College Dublin student Béibhinn Parsons has been awarded the Guinness Irish Rugby Writers’ Women’s Player of the Year for the second year running. The Connacht player has impressed for both club and country since emerging onto the senior rugby scene as a teenager and is earning plaudits around the world as one of the hottest prospects in the game, with many believing the sky’s the limit for the Galway native. Parsons achievements are not exclusive to the sporting world as the 20-year-old is a UCD Ad Astra scholar, studying Biomedical, Health, and Life Sciences at Belfield. The promising winger is part of a golden era for Irish sportswomen who are making their mark on the world stage which includes the likes of Aintree Grand National winner Rachael Blackmore, world champion boxer Katie Taylor, and Solheim Cup hero Leona Maguire. The Guinness Irish Rugby Writers’ Men’s Player of the Year was won by UCD alumni as Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw took home the prize after a brilliant season for the national team, Leinster, and the British & Irish Lions as they toured South Africa, meaning both awards ended in the hands of past and present students from the west of Ireland.

From Ballinasloe to International Acclaim Parsons’ meteoric rise in the game dates back to November 2018, when she wrote herself into the history books becoming the youngest ever player to earn a senior international cap for Ireland at the age of 16 as the winger came off the bench against the USA to make her debut. The debutant, who hails from the remote town of Ballinasloe, made an instant impression against the Americans and has taken any challenge she has faced thereafter in her stride. Parsons’ signs of promise were rewarded by the IRFU when she was named in the 2019 Six Nations squad, scoring her first test try in the match against Wales.

The Connacht prodigy comes from a strong GAA background, which is to be expected in the part of the country in which she grew up, which appears to have benefitted her game in the same way in which former international Tommy Bowe credits his gaelic football playing days as contributing to his success on the rugby pitch. Speed, agility, and game intelligence are all some of Parsons’ best attributes which are all transferable between the two sports. The then 18-year-old carried her form into the 2020 Six Nations, scoring tries in wins over Scotland and Wales. Fast forward a year, and the Irish team’s backs were against the wall as they were scrambling to keep their World Cup 2022

qualifying hopes alive after a difficult start to the campaign. Up stepped the team’s star performer, as the blistering winger put in a heroic performance to see off an Italian side playing with home advantage.

The State of Women’s Rugby It is safe to say that women’s rugby is not in a good place in this country, with the emergence of Parsons being a rare positive in recent years. Since Ireland’s Grand Slam win in 2014, the team have been struggling to find consistent performances to really challenge at the top of rugby. However, this poor form reached a new low when the side failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in

An issue which was raised by the players was the instance when Connacht players had to change beside rubbish bins with rodents. This appears to be indicative of the organisation’s attitude towards the women’s game. This story is akin to the ‘Tracksuit-gate’ controversy in Irish football in 2017 which shone a light on the FAI’s mistreatment of the women’s team. The IRFU came under significant pressure in the wake of the players’ letter to the government, yet similar to Boris Johnson’s their first response was to effectively wash their hands with it and leave it up to a review. I don’t believe Sue Gray is in charge of this one though! Although the initial position of rugby’s governing body was to come out fighting, the new CEO Kevin Potts has made assurances that addressing the players’ concerns will be a priority of his time in charge of the IRFU. Let’s hope that there are brighter days around the corner for the women’s national team, led by our very own Béibhinn Parsons, of course!

College Tribune - Volume 35 - Issue 4

Articles inside

By Jack McGee

By Conor Paterson