The College Tribune: Volume 36 Issue 3

UCD SCRAPS PLANS FOR 1,200 STUDENT BEDS DUE TO COST

EMMA HANRAHAN CO-LEAD OF INVESTIGATIONS

HUGH DOOLEY CO-LEAD OF INVESTIGATIONS

University Col lege Dublin has shelved plans to build more than 1,200 student apartments on its campus, as the develop ment was no longer “viable” due to inflation in construc tion costs, according to cor respondence.

The university wrote to Min ister for Higher Education, Simon Harris, earlier this year, stating the planned

project could not go ahead, due to “increased construc tion costs and constraints on further rent increases.”

Mark Rogers, acting UCD President, said the univer sity had sought a contractor to build the extra campus ac commodation, but the prices received by bidders were all too high.

In letter sent on 12th May, Rogers said the significant student accommodation

project was “not viable” at present, and the university was “not in a position to go ahead with the development at this time.”

In the correspondence, which was released to the College Tribune under the Freedom of Information Act, Rogers said that “in order to provide future student housing that is affordable to our students, it must be viable for us to construct.”

He added that with further Government support, the university could “play a sig nificant role in alleviating the [accommodation] problem” for students.

The university currently pro vides some of the most ex pensive student accommoda tion in the country, charging up to €10,745 for a ninemonth lease.

A spokeswoman for UCD...

Have the Summer of a Lifetime with USIT

EDITORIAL:

It’s week 10! God how the weeks have flown by but confusingly dragged on so painfully slow. If you’ve made it this far in the semes ter then your schedule is probably as messy and as unorganised as this article is going to be. Night outs have become scarce and library visits have become religion, it is the circle of life for us Belfield ants. Things aren’t all doom and gloom though, with the clock striking 12 on Halloween night, and the annual inflation of Mariah Carey’s bank balance, Christmas is back baby.

UCD Christmas Day is set for the 1st of De cember, so it’s almost time to dig out that Christmas jumper you’ve been wearing since your Leaving Cert twelve pubs, you know the one with the light-up Rudolph nose, yup that one. With the exception of the excuse to participate in day-drinking, this special day brings with it many festive and fun activities to get involved with across campus. This year, the UCDSU has announced a Christmas mar ket to take place including brands suggest ed by students via the UCDSU’s Instagram comments. So, if you’d like to see a College Tribune vintage clothing pop-up shop, make your voice heard! (Please don’t because it doesn’t exist.)

With the existential dread of exams slowly becoming a disgusting reality, we could all do with a little bit of extra support. Luckily for us underprepared, lacking-in confidence stu dents, there are several exam-related supports available to everyone. If things just aren’t add ing up for you these days the maths support centre can help subtract those exam blues or if you are struggling to hit that damned word

count, just like the College Tribune editors are with our lack-lustre 24 page edition, a trip to the writing centre would probably be worth your while.

Outside of study supports, the college offers mental health services for students who are feeling under stress during this busy old time. So, if you apply for an appointment today with the UCD student counselling service, you can access your (outsourced) necessary treatment just in time for your Summer exams! If that service isn’t quite efficient enough for you, comfort can always be taken in the fact that we’re all despising our own life decisions with you simultaneously at the moment, so at the very least, we can suffer in unison.

Everyone deserves a break from college, and what better way is there to escape floor 3 of James Joyce than to tick off some UCD bucket list ideas. Take the opportunity to do some thing fun, something original, or even some thing completely unoriginal. Why not write a confession about yourself to boost your social appearance, discover the hidden lake just to realise it is little more than a puddle decorated with condom wrappers, or maybe even order Deliveroo into your lecture hall if you’re feel ing a bit peckish.

Albeit there is a lot to worry about these days as a UCD student, but there is just as much to smile about and look forward to over the next couple of months. So get out, have fun and enjoy the Winter period as a broke UCD student!

Dara, the sports guy

EDITOR’S PICKS

UCD Students Participate in Movember

LUCY MACKAREL

LAW 12

Danielle

DerGarabedian Editor

Rhoen Eate Deputy Editor

Lucy Mackarel Assistant News Editor

Ella Waddington Assistant News Editor

Emma Hanrahan Co-Lead of Investigations

Hugh Dooley Co-Lead of Investigations

Sara Allen Campus Correspondent

Jill Niels Campus Correspondennt

Rory Fleming Politics Correspondent

TURBINE 16

Leech 2022: New Epidemic Sweeps Belfield LITTLE MISS O’HANRAHA-HANRAHAN

Mark O’Rourke Businenss Correspondent

Lee Martin Law Correspondent

Priyanka Saini Science Correspondent

Jack Donlon Turbine Editor

Sophie Melia Entertainment and Lifestyle Editor

Holly Hunt Music Correspondent

Saoirse Wilson Arts & Lifestyle Correspondent

Eliza Potter Film and TV Correspondent

October Melching Cartoonist

Dara Smith-Naughton Sports Editor

Oisín Gaffey Football Correspondent

Sophie O’Leary Social Media Manager

CONTRIBUTORS

Criticisms and comments on any articles published in our pub lication are always welocome. Letters to the editor should be sent via email and no longer than 300 words.

Don’t forget to smile through the agony!

Northern Ireland Court Rules No Discrimination in Denying IVF Treatment for Same Sex Couples

New Parking Fees to be Introduced for Cars

Depending on their Environmental Impact

MADELEINE KELLY

NEWS WRITER

By next year, Dublin res idents could face various parking fees based on their vehicles’ environmental impact.

In an attempt to help reduce the ef fects of CO2 emissions, the Dublin City Council have proposed a mea sure that would increase the price of parking for “gas guzzling” cars.

As parking fees continue to rise almost annually, the new measure would provide lower fees for fuel efficient or electric cars.

Cars deemed to be larger in size or have higher CO2 emissions could be subject to higher prices than ef ficient hybrid or electric cars.

Drivers paying for parking would find these tieredprices through the city’s parking app. However, street meters would remain a constant and consistent in price.

This measure will be brought to the Council’s Special Policy Unit by 2023, with the intention of incen tivising the purchase and use of en vironmentally friendly cars.

The additional aspect of differential pricing and parking cost increases would have a direct impact on Dub lin residents.

While Dublin residents may believe this measure could be beneficial,

some cite thepotential downsides to the measure.

Resident and car owner, Georgina Noble states “I am all for lowering C02 emissions,” however, “[for] anybody in a position like me, it would be a long time before they would be able to afford one.”

This measure would be just another step in Ireland’s larger objective to help reduce the country’s negative impact on the climate.

Two years after the government an nounced its goal to have 1,000,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2030 has yet to be achieved.

A report by the Irish Examiner, found the goal of a million electric cars by 2030 is far from reaching its target.

As of January of this year, just 47,000 electric vehicles are on Irish roads - 953,000 cars away from its goal.

Differential pricing is just another step the Dublin City Council is pro posing to combat climate change. However Noble doesn’t believe this price increase will impact residents beyond adding to the cost of living.

“Would it encourage anybody to buy an electric car? I doubt it,” said No ble

Cost-of-Living Crisis Aggravates Teacher Shortage

ZUZANNA KRAKOWSKA AND JOSEPH DONAHUE

NEWS WRITERS

ADDITIONAL REPORTING: DANIELLE DERGARABEDIAN EDITOR

The cost-of-living crisis is intensifying the shortage of educators in addition to poor compensation in comparison to other teachers across Europe.

For Dublin in particular, teaching is an underpaid profession in com parison to other countries and sec tors. Students who decide to attain a higher education degree in teaching suffer from high fees (varying be tween €6,000 and €12,000) and subsequent loans.

While this discourages university students from a teaching profes sion in Ireland’s post-COVID so cio-economic crisis other countries are seeking teachers which encour ages emigration. In these countries,

teachers from Irish backgrounds are highly sought after and are of ten offered higher wages, free ac commodation, transport and other benefits.

The teachers being interviewed for the available positions in Dublin currently are unable to take the jobs due to the ongoing cost-of-livingcrisis. The potential candidates are physically unable to find accommo dation and therefore require long and tedious commutes in order to get to and from the school in which they are employed.

With around 65% of vacant posi tions left open the potential result of this education crisis are classes and special education teachers may be deployed from their work to as

sume the duties of the mainstream classroom.

Other sectors offer greater salaries with those obtaining engineering, science or mathematics degrees having the ability to choose from various lucrative forms of em ployment. Teachers maintain a set wage set by the Government mak ing it difficult to earn a significant amount to live in Ireland during the on-going crisis.

While some COVID-era teach er-supply measures are being con tinued or reintroduced there re mains inadequate provision to deal with current challenges within the education system.

Speaking to the Irish Times, Na tional Association of Principals and

Deputy Principals (NAPD) direc tor, Paul Crone, notes that “While most schools are managing to fulfil their timetables, principals are be ing forced to drain resources from other areas to plug the gaps.” Crone further notes that school leaders around the country are unable to even use their full allocation of teachers approved by the Depart ment of Education.

“Principals and deputy principals are doing their utmost to keep a running timetable, but it will always come at the cost of other resources. Rising pupil numbers and decreas ing teaching graduates means the problem is only going to get worse,” he said.

Evictions Posing Increased Risk to Renters this Winter

LUCY MACKAREL

JACK DUNDON NEWS WRITER

According to housing char ity, Threshold, the biggest concern facing renters right now continues to be evictions. A recent report by the charity showed that an average of 472 queries a month are coming in from people who’ve been told they have to leave their rented properties.

Over half of the queries received by the charity this year surround ed security of tenure and tenancy termination. The report also found that forty-six percent of the evic tion notices issued to renters were actually invalid.

Speaking on the reports findings, Threshold CEO, John-Mark Mc Cafferty mentioned that in com parison to previous years, the level of evictions being brought to the charity’s attention far surpassed the numbers of previous years. He stated “this level of enquiries the number received on the same issue for the entirety of 2021 and was over double the number received in 2020.”

One of the driving factors behind the eviction crisis that he men tioned in his comments was the ‘large exodus of landlords from the private rental sector, resulting in fewer properties available to rent and fewer housing alternatives for households who are facing eviction. Threshold described the situation as ‘dire’ and said in the first nine months of this year they were, on average, responding to a call every 20 minutes from renters facing eviction.

The government responded to the crisis by banning evictions from the 30th October through to the end of March but without additional sup port it will do little to solve a major contributing factor to the increasethe cost-of-living crisis.

Evictions are still permitted for failing to pay rent or otherwise not abide by tenancy laws. As energy prices soar over the winter, many renters will have to choose be tween heating their home or going cold. This, coupled with wages not responding to inflation, will mean that tenants will have to cut back on spending and those currently strug gling to cover rent will fall behind and may be subject to eviction any way, despite the ban.

McCafferty called on the govern ment to go beyond the temporary ban on evictions taking place from now into 2023; as further action is required to alleviate the pressure being put on both private land lords and tenants. Some of these measures include a reduction to the Capital Gains Tax and a reduction on the rate of tax on rental incomes from properties that are subject to a secure long term lease agreement.

Minister for Public Expenditure, Michael McGrath has said he doesn’t believe the government is going to meet its social housing target of 9000 this year. Instead, speaking during a radio interview he said that Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien’s estimate puts them closer to 8,000 homes for 2022.

UCD Students Participate in Movember

LUCY MACKAREL

November 1st marks the beginning of Movember, a month dedicated to raising awareness about men’s health issues, such as male suicide, testicular cancer and pros tate cancer.

The Australian based charity start ed nearly twenty years ago as a joke between friends and is now a glob ally recognised event. The College Tribune even took part in Novem ber 2020 with the Editors of the 34th edition growing moustaches and donating money to various or ganisations involved in promoting men’s health.

This year UCD’s own clubhouse is taking part as its male employees attempt to grow their facial hair for a good cause. The rules are simple: start with a clean shaven face on the 1st of November, focus on growing a moustache not a beard and docu ment your progress throughout the month.

Osamah Ahmed is no stranger to Movember, the moustache growing veteran took part in November for the past three years and his reasons have remained the same every time. Ahmed explains that “my primary reason is because I wanted to do something for mental health. Es pecially because when I started in 2020 everyone was pushed into isolation. A lot of people not only felt isolated emotionally but were also locked away, so raising money at a time like that to help fund call centres for those who need it meant a lot. If it meant shaving my beard, which still is one of my key features, to help others I’d shave it off every time.”

Ahmed then notes the campaign he raises money for during the month, “The Movember Campaign raises money towards cancer re search. It’s part of the reason why I like raising funds for them, they’re an international organisation so they’re getting a large number of

“ “

donations from across the world to work towards cancer research.” Ahmed mentions that through last year’s donations and participation, there was a breakthrough in the fight against prostate cancer.

When asked how he went about Movember usually, Ahmed clear ly had some big ideas. “Last year I had a handlebar moustache which surprisingly came out so well, like I did not think I could do that. And the year before I just did the regular thing and went from clean shaven to slowly growing a moustache like a pubescent teen. This year I’m starting off the same way as the first, but I plan on taking it further than just November. I’ll probably keep going till new years with it and I’ll keep asking people to donate as I’m going for a really bushy, pornstar moustache.”

Another participant, Oisín Ó Cléi righ is typically known around the

IN BRIEF

ZOE VOLLMER NEWS WRITER

Dublin Football Referees Strike

Over 500 football matches orig inally scheduled from November 18th to December 4th have been cancelled following a unanimous vote taken by the Dublin branch of the Irish Soccer Referees. They insist on “withdrawing their ser vices” after abuse, bad behavior and several assaults on behalf of players occurred on the fields.

Clubhouse for his luscious facial hair, but in the spirit of Movember he’s starting fresh for his first time participating.

Explaining how he came to take part Ó Cléirigh spoke about his friends back home. “A week before Movember, one of my friends set up a group to honour a friend who passed away and raise awareness for men’s mental health.”

His usually clean shaven coworker Daniel Maher is also participating for mental health awareness.

“I think societally men’s mental health is so stigmatised. Growing up phrases like ‘man up’ or ‘grow a pair’ were thrown around so much when boys face any issues and it’s

Irish Workers Laid off by Twitter

...to help fund call centres for those who need it meant a lot. If it meant shaving my beard, which still is one of my key features, to help others I’d shave it off every time.

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Image Credit: Steve Rhodes

led to a real stigma surrounding talking about your emotions.”

Both Maher and Ó Cléirigh believe that Movember is a good example of male solidarity. Ó Cléirigh spe cifically mentions how reporting on the moustache progress has put him and his friends back in regular contact with each other.

Maher agreed, mentioning how “Movember is definitely a great act of solidarity and a way to make a visible show of supporting these topics in a society that doesn’t talk about them enough.”

New Licensing Laws Allow Nightclubs to Open Until 6 AM

ELLA WADDINGTON

On Tuesday 25th October, the government agreed to a new outline of leg islation that offers night clubs the option to remain open until 6 AM with the sale of alcohol ending at 5 AM. Further, pubs will be permitted to open from 10:30 AM to 12:30 AM, 7 days a week. These amendments are expected to come into effect next year.

“ “

The new bill, proposed by Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee,aims to bring Ireland’s nightlife in line with other European countries. The cur rent system is based on a patchwork of 100 laws, two-thirds of which were created before the foundation of the State 100 years ago.

The goal of the new legislation is to support the industry and develop the night-time culture and econo my. According to some estimates, Ireland had 500 nightclubs 20 years ago, 300 in 2009 and only around 80 today.

Minister McEntee highlighted the need to protect pubs, particularly in rural areas, where the business has been passed through generations of the same family.

with the new hours. Furthermore, Cunningham said that the Gardaí are not confident that they have the resource capa bility to deal with the 6 AM clos ing time for nightclubs. She cites poor recruitment, as well as dealing with a rise in societal issues, such as homelessness, addiction and men tal illness as factors that will pre vent proper regulation.

A member of the UCD DJ Collec tive, Jason Zlotila, welcomed the new measures saying that this will “revolutionise” Irish nightlife, giv ing young people more freedom as well as placing Irish nightclubs as a serious contender to those in other European countries.

He highlighted the disappointment of having to leave at 2 AM. “No body wants to leave at that time, everyone wants to stay. Bouncers are trying their best to force people out, most people wait in front of the

closing nightclub making conversa tion and looking for an afterparty. That disappointment will be over next year.”

UCD students also gave their opin ion on the potential for Ireland’s new nightlife, however, some ex pressed their doubts about the real ity of the new legislation.

“I think it’s a great idea, but I can’t see it as a reality for Ireland. I think that nightclubs will be reluctant to stay open and have staff for those hours. Small towns around Ireland will not keep their clubs open until 6 AM, it’s unrealistic and I don’t think it will be profitable”, said Joyce Wylde.

“In theory it’s great but in reality it’s impractical. I can’t afford to spend that long in a nightclub as the price of drinks aren’t going to change and it will amount to about €70 a night”, agreed Alice Kennelly.

I think societally men’s mental health is so stigmatised. Growing up phrases like ‘man up’ or ‘grow a pair’ were thrown around so much...

As it was an initiative that began in Australia, it only made sense to ask the Clubhouse’s resident Australian, Mitchel Russo, why he was taking part in Movember. His answer was that it seemed like a fun way to do a bit of good for charity. It’s his first time taking part officially, although he had let his facial hair grow out for the past month.

“ “When asked about his confidence in his moustache-growing abilities his answer, although funny, was not fit for print. Compared to the other Clubhouse boys he doesn’t believe the month does much for male sol idarity; although he did mention that on November 30th the Club house plans on having a fundraiser night and bringing in a barber for everyone who took part to show case and then shed their efforts if

“The local pub is an institution where we so often come togetherto chat over a drink or food, to host community events, to celebrate and to mourn,” says Minister McEntee. However, she emphasises that the country’s restrictive licensing sys tem will remain in place. The sale of alcohol will remain closely regu lated and cannot be treated like the sale of other goods. Licences will only be granted by the courts, with objections allowed from fire au thorities, An Garda Síochána, the HSE and local communities.

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) expressed their concerns about the new pro posal, particularly surrounding the opening hours for nightclubs. AGSI’s President, Antoinette Cun ningham, said that the Gardaí are worried about the rise in public or der incidents that could come about

In the wake of Elon Musk’s deci sion to cut Twitter’s global work force, more than 50 percent of Irish-based workers are at risk of becoming unemployed. The social media’s Dublin headquarters have been accused of carrying out “ran dom and discriminate” lay-offs.

700 Dolphins Found Dead

Since the beginning of the Rus sian-Ukrainian war, over 700 dol phins have been found dead in the Black Sea. Scientists believe that the ongoing combat has been the source of this fatal tragedy; preventing dolphins from meeting their needs such as navigating, hunting for food, and communicating with each other.

Harris Announces New Funding for Technological Universities

Simon Harris announced on the 10th of November that €23.47 mil lion in funding will be awarded to 5 Technological Universities for the purpose of growing digital infra structure, building capacity in re search, and improving governance and systems integration. The funds are allocated to the Atlantic, Mun ster, South East, Dublin, and Shan non Technological Universities.

Movember is definitely a great act of solidarity and a way to make a vis ible show of supporting these topics in a society that doesn’t talk about them enough.”

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Image Credit: Gareth Chancey Collins

Image Credit: Julia DerGarabedian

Image of Osamah Ahmed moustache growth prog ress during Movember in 2021.

INVESTIGATIONS

UCD Shelves Plans for 1,200 Student Beds Over Construction Cost Increases

EMMA HANRAHAN CO-LEAD OF INVESTIGATIONS HUGH DOOLEY CO-LEAD OF INVESTIGATIONS

University College Dub lin has shelved plans to build more than 1,200 student apartments on its campus, as the development was no longer “viable” due to inflation in construction costs, according to correspondence.

The university wrote to Minister for Higher Education, Simon Harris, earlier this year, stating the planned project could not go ahead, due to “increased construction costs and constraints on further rent increas es.”

Mark Rogers, acting UCD Presi dent, said the university had sought a contractor to build the extra cam pus accommodation, but the pric es received by bidders were all too high.

In letter sent on 12th May, Rogers said the significant student accom modation project was “not viable” at present, and the university was “not in a position to go ahead with the development at this time.”

Phase 2: In Numbers 7

The number of new accommodation blocks UCD is planning to build to house 3,000 students. 1,254

A spokeswoman for UCD said that the expected cost of construction for the accommodation had “dou bled,” and as such “the university could not afford to go ahead with the project.”

The estimated costs received by contractors bidding for the project in a tender process were impacted by “war in Ukraine, supply difficul ties and rising inflation,” she said.

The Department of Further and Higher Education said officials had met with UCD and the Irish Uni versities Association to “discuss the project for UCD’s student accom modation.”

A department spokesman said, “this engagement is ongoing at pres ent and options are being consid ered to activate this project.”

“This will include for the first time the State assisting with the cost of building student accommodation beds and unlocking projects which has [sic] been postponed in return for affordable rents for target stu dents,” he said.

Harris has previously said his de partment was progressing plans to provide funding to help universities build student housing, where devel opments had planning permission

but had stalled.

Students faced a major scramble to find accommodation at the start of the college year this autumn, due to a shortage of housing and unafford able rental prices across the private market.

UCD submitted a planning appli cation to An Bord Pleanála in 2018 to construct 3,006 student beds, across seven residential blocks. The extension would cover 98,275 sqm of the Belfield campus and would also result in additional spaces for bicycle and car parking.

In letter sent on 12th May, Rogers said the significant student accommodation project was ‘not viable’ at pres ent, and the university was ‘not in a position to go ahead with the devel opment at this time.’

“ “

The number of indefinitely postponed bed spaces due to be built as part of phase 2. 4,103

UCD’s current on-campus student accommodation capacity. 98,275 SQM

The total area of campus which the full Student Residences Masterplan is due to cover.

In the correspondence, which was released to the College Tribune under the Freedom of Information Act, Rogers said that “in order to pro vide future student housing that is affordable to our students, it must be viable for us to construct.” He added that with further Govern ment support, the university could “play a significant role in alleviating the [accommodation] problem” for students.

The university currently provides some of the most expensive student accommodation in the country, charging up to €10,745 for a ninemonth lease.

The amount that the 924-bed phase 1 cost to build.

Residence design concept from UCD’s “UCD Student Residence Masterplan” with new residences in orange.

INVESTIGATIONS

The plans were to double the amount of student accommodation on campus through three phases of buildings that were to take place over a ten-year period.

The first phase of construction was completed last year at a cost of €145 million and provided 924 new student residences, along with a student facilities building. This development has brought the total number of student residences on the Belfield Campus to more than 4,100, the largest number in any Irish College.

The second phase, which has now been paused due to escalating con struction costs, was due to add a further 1,254 beds, with 828 on-campus beds envisioned in the third phase of construction.

Speaking to the College Tribune, Molly Greenough, UCDSU Pres ident, said the university was al ready “sorely lacking in on-campus accommodation,” which would now be compounded by the second phase of the student housing devel opment being shelved.

Greenough added, “Considering the university’s commitment to a market-based and developer-led model of delivery, the provision of student housing has not been a priority over the last decade. While UCD boasts the highest number of on-campus beds in the country, it is also the most expensive.”

“That being said, perhaps this delay will give the university time to re flect on their approach and strategy on delivering on-campus accom modation to date and shift their focus from luxury-style accommo dation to genuinely affordable ac commodation,” she said.

Greenough said the Government had to “step up to the plate” and get involved in providing student accommodation.

This image and the image on the front page of phase 1 of UCD’s accommodation construction credited to Stephan Kisbey-Green.

AUNT AGONY AUNT Agony

Week 10 … let’s be real here for a second - the vibes are completely off. Daylight Savings recently gave us an extra hour of sunlight in the morn ing only to leave us Vitamin D and serotonin starved by half four in the afternoon. If we thought weeks 6-9 were bad, we were sorely mistaken, mes chéries. However, it’s game time now as the rat race to finish the semester begins.

This is probably the time of year that our worst selves come out, possibly triggered by the fact that everywhere we go, we are forced to listen to Christmas FM and the fact that we have to sit through countless assign ments and exams before the festivities can begin. So, we should probably be a little kinder and check in with our mates a bit more, especially those chain smoking outside of JJ lib.

Q. A

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Agony Aunt lives to give emotional and slightly demeaning advice. I believe this is something the SU should be able to help you with (but no one really knows what they do to be honest). However, while you have me here - I recommend emailing your lecturers and asking them for extensions. It’s important to remember that it is to the advantage of your professors too that you do well in your classes. They will always be happy to help out where they can so you should avail of this. Honesty goes a long way!

You can, with the help of some illegal substances. So illegally, you might be able to. Will it be good? Probably not as good as it could be. Will it be admirable? Ab solutely.

Okay in all fairness though, if you have the research done, then why shouldn’t you be able to do it? No one says it has to be 4,000 words of pure academic weaponry, it can be 4,000 words of your internal monologue. But hey, as long as you reach the word count and submit it on time, all should be well. Hopefully…

Q. A

You could just grow up and do both. It’s time to learn the art of compartmentalisa tion. Listen, especially if you’re not in final year, why are you skipping on a UCD rite of passage? Go to the Clubhouse and go have a last hoorah with your friends before you really have to knuckle down during study week.

Remember, by the end of your degree, you won’t remember that A you got on your French final with fondness, you’ll remember dancing to cheesy Christmas songs with your friends in Dublin’s worst bar (the Clubhouse).

Q. A

What should I do over Christmas break to stay productive after exams?

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Literally, nothing. I mean that. Listen to this old hag who has been burnt out more times than one can count. But as luck would have it, I have learned in time to impart my wisdom on to you all. Sometimes doing nothing and resting is the most productive you can be for your brain. If you keep putting pressure on your self (what even for?) then you won’t feel like you got a break when you go back to college for semester two and have to do all of this again.

So please, just rest your pretty head and let those brain cells reproduce as you watch mindless TV and munch on snacks.

Should I buy a Christmas present for the tutor I have a crush on?

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Q. A

Oh my goodness, no you shouldn’t. That is LAME. I have to just be honest here, my sincerest apologies if it seems harsh but why are you as a fully grown adult telling me you want to buy a Christmas present for your tutor! This isn’t primary school where you bring a present for your teacher.

Please for the love of God, save yourself from a potential restraining order and go crush on some nerd outside of UCD.

Q. A

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Q. A .

Please use all of the support network you have built up in Dublin here! Remember, people are always happy to welcome others into their homes this time of year. Try to do something with your friends a few days before Christmas day so that you get to be with everyone you love. For Christmas day, it might be good to visit a friend’s home. However, remember that no public transport runs on Christmas day and it can be dodgy at the best of times nevermind, Christmas eve! If you’re planning to travel to a friend’s house for Christmas, remember to plan ahead.

Yes. Start studying now and start studying effectively. Give each subject the time it deserves according to how much of the overall grade the final exam is worth and how hard you find it. Don’t sit and stare at your screen, passively reading your lecture notes. Start making your own notes and testing yourself by doing exam subjects.

It’s a painfully boring task to study, but you will be much happier in December not having to cram.

I will also say though, don’t go hard right now with about three weeks of classes to still go through - make sure you find time with your friends. Sometimes study groups can be a great idea so you can plan your breaks with your friends.

I don’t think I can make all my deadlines, what supports are there to help me through exam season?

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Should I go to the Clubhouse on Christmas Day or study for my French final?

I’m an international student and I won’t be able to go home for the holidays. How can I spend my Christmas in Dublin without feeling lonely?

I have 6 exams and I am really stressed out about studying for all of them. Do you have any tips?

Ranked: Top 5 Places to Study on Campus

SARA ALLEN CAMPUS CORRRESPONDENT

Final exams are just around the corner. Schedules have been released and stu dents are already studying, so the Col lege Tribune has ranked the best study spots on campus. Studying is a no-brainer at this time of the year but have you thought about what the best study spot is? Finding a good study location can dramatically alter your mood or motivation to pick up those notes and start revising, so here are our top 5.

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Newman

If you happen to be in Newman and only have an hour block between classes, take advan tage of that awkward time and take a seat on the Newman couches. While it may not be the most glamorous, Newman’s location is convenient if you study humanities since it is the centre of many classes. There are couches scattered throughout the building, along with two coffee shops. It may not be the most ideal space for a long-term study session, but it is a great place to take advantage of that extra time between classes.

The Village

The 1st of December is an important day for many. The Christmas dec orations go up, the mince pies are whipped out, and the tins of celebra tion are starting to pile up alongside the roses. This year however, December 1st takes on a whole other role. UCD’s very own Christ mas Day. Where the festivity flushes out all notions of stress and panic for an entire day of Bailey’s Hot chocolates and cracker hats. But what exactly does a day as amazing as this entail?

UCD Christmas Market

Our lovely Student’s union has organised our very own Christmas market, full of indepen dent brands and food stalls. The perfect place to stock up on stocking fillers or Kris Kindle presents, the market promises to be so good, that it could draw the Grinch out of his cave. The specific time and location for the market is yet to be announced, so be sure to keep an eye on the SU’s Instagram to know which lec tures you’ll have to skip on the day.

Christmas Day Dinner

What is Christmas Day without a good feed? So, before all of us head home to our families for the jolly season, get a little potluck going. This is the season of giving after all, so why not give all of your favourite people on campus a taste of your (hopefully decent) cooking? If all else fails, I’m sure you could give granny a ring for her secret roast spud recipe.

But no matter what way you decide you fill up, be it a small picnic beside the lake or a cosy one in your friends’ accommodation, be sure to give the Christmas Dinner a go. It really isn’t as difficult as it sounds, and as long as no one forgets the gravy, you can’t go too far wrong.

The new construction of The Village has brought more anticipation for what new study spots will look like on campus. This space isn’t ideal for studying on your own; however, if you have a group project or need to run through a study guide with a partner, the UCD Vil lage is your best spot. There is an abundance of tables surrounded by restaurants. If that’s too overstimulating for you, there are a few conference rooms on the first floor. Plus, after you’re done, nothing is better than rewarding yourself with a sweet treat from Centra after a long day of studying.

when looking for an innovative study spot. There are electrical outlets everywhere and comfortable seats. Additionally, if you are liv ing on campus, it is near most residences. It is quite a popular study spot, so it can be difficult to find a seat and can be a bit noisy. That being said, if you manage to find a place or go when it’s empty, Quinn is perfect for plugging in your laptop and getting notes done.

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James Joyce Library

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Richview Library

Richview is gorgeous if you are willing to walk a long way to get there. They are open almost everyday but close a bit earlier than the James Joyce Library. The long walk there gives you an opportunity to get some fresh air before hitting the books. It is in a lovely location and can be an escape if you live on the other side of campus.

Quinn

Quinn’s brand-new building is attractive

The James Joyce Library is a classic option, as it is open late, has an abundance of space, and is filled with great resources. If you’re there during the day and need help, there’s a maths and writing centre. If you need social pressure to get off your phone and study, this is the quietest spot you’ll find with the most people. Additionally, the weekday hours reinforce a good boundary between work and home. Shutting down your computer at 11pm on a weekday to get an adequate amount of rest is the best way to maintain peak productivity during exam season.

Kris Kindle

CAMPUS features.

As I’ve already mentioned, it is the season of giving. And so, we arrive at yet another wholesome tradition: Kris Kindle. The beau ty of this little holiday season snippet is it can remind us that a good gift does not depend on the price tag. Yes, we’re all students in the midst of an economic crisis, but that does in no way mean that we can’t give a phenomenal gift. After all, it is the thought that counts.

Society Shenanigans

As always, the many societies on campus are pulling trough with event after event. Aside from the regular coffee mornings etc etc, we are beginning to see a theme form through

out the collective. Christmas movies are be ing screened in the UCD Cinema, Christmas nights out are being organised, and we at the Tribune are gearing up to do our annual Christmas Breakfast. Everyone is seemingly winding up before the final wind-down of the holidays. So once again, be sure to keep an eye out on social media to stay up to date with all the festive happenings, they truly are worth the hype.

And so, as another term draws to a close, we’re all revving into overdrive to prepare for the looming exams. Yes, these times of stress are arduous and necessary, but we must remem ber that letting loose every now and again keeps the straws from breaking the camel’s back. So with Christmas Day being the last blowout before exams, be sure to make it a good one.

An age old tradition, UCD Christmas Day is a rite of passage for all UCD students. Deputy Editor Rhoen Eate details the best ways to spend UCD Christmas day.

Image Credit: Julia DerGarabedian

Court Updates: Courts Hear Cases of Murder, Harrasment and Reckless Driving

Suspended sentence for fatal road traffic accident involving woman with 4 previous convictions

Awoman with four previous road traffic convictions has been given a suspend ed sentence and disquali fied from driving for four years after she drove into the hard shoulder of a motorway, colliding with a mo torcyclist and causing his death.

Sandra Kavanagh, a native of Coun ty Meath, was driving to work in heavy traffic on the M50 in Dublin in November 2019 when she indi cated and moved her car partially into the hard shoulder, colliding with Serbian national, Nebojsa Sarcevic, who was travelling in the same direction on his motorbike. Sarcevic was thrown from his bike and crashed into the motorway bar rier. He died as a result of his in juries.

There were no aggravating factors, such as speeding or the use of alco hol or a mobile phone while driv ing. However Kavanagh, who pled guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to “careless driving causing death,” has previous convictions

for road traffic offences for speed ing and failing to wear a seat belt.

In sentencing Judge Martin Nolan said “it was inattentive driving, a human error … all drivers are ca pable of it, and a lot of us are guilty of it, unfortunately her inattentive driving caused the death of this young man.”

idence that he decided to kill Tser endorj because he was frustrated at not having succeeded in getting any money from her. “His intention was to carry out an act of stealing and, if necessary, to use violence or the threat of violence,” he said.

Mr. O’Higgins made his remarks in response to the closing statement of counsel for the prosecution, Seán Guerin SC who said the focus of the case was solely on the accused’s in tention. He said that intention does not have to be premeditated. The trial remains ongoing.

on Valentine’s Day 2020 he sent a card to the family home.

Detective Garda, Sarah Barry, told the court that over the next eight months Hannan continuously sent gifts and letters to the victims home and workplace, sent texts and ap peared at her workplace in person.

Hannan later confirmed he had never met Hassett and had a mis taken impression of who she was as he had got her confused with some one else.

In her victim impact statement, Hassett said that she had hoped that by ignoring the unsolicited and unwanted contact it would stop. She was aware that he had signifi cant mental health issues and 44 previous convictions including as sault, criminal damage and making threats to kill.

Mr. Justice Brian O Moore yes terday criticised “scurrilous alle gations” used to describe a High Court hearing including comparing the Irish courts to those in the Sovi et Union and suggesting Irish judg es had been involved in a ‘stitch up’ in his case.

A 16-year-old boy intended to cause an injury and repeatedly lashed out at Mongolian national, Urantsetseg Tserendorj, with a knife in a “cal lous, unprovoked and vicious act of thuggery” said a barrister for the State to a murder trial jury.

However, defence counsel gave a description of an intoxicated youth “pushing and shoving and flailing” with the victim rather than in tending to cause her serious harm.

During his closing statements in the trial of the teenager, Mr. Michael O’Higgins SC said there was no ev

Eoin Hannan of Corbally, Limer ick was convicted at Dublin Cir cuit Criminal Court last April for the harassment of Ciara Hassett at various locations, on dates between February 14th and August 25th, 2020. Hannan denied the charge and represented himself at trial.

The court heard that Hannan re peatedly contacted Hassett de spite the fact that in 2017 Gardaí had warned him that she did not welcome his behaviour. He was warned again in February 2019 but

She said she found the legal process difficult and exhausting, particular ly being cross-examined by Han nan himself.

Judge Orla Crowe said she accepted that Hannan had mental health is sues and imposed a four-year pris on term and directed that he under go any psychiatric service while in custody and not communicate by any means with Hassett again.

Burke, a schoolteacher, has been in jail since September 5th for breaching temporary court orders restraining him from attempting to teach students at a boarding school in Multyfarnham, Co. Westmeath. The orders were secured when Burke persisted in turning up for work despite being suspended fol lowing a clash with management over a request to address a trans gender child by a new name and to use the pronoun “they” instead of “he”.

Mr. Burke is an evangelical Chris tian and claims that he could not comply with the request due to his religious beliefs.

Burke is not appealing the order committing him to prison and has refused on a number of occasions to purge his contempt.

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‘Vicious act of Thuggery’ Closing statements in case of teen charged with the murder of Urantsetseg Tser endorg

Man jailed for four years for harassing woman he confused with someone else

Enoch Burke criticism of high

court ‘scurrilous and utterly without merit’

Law Correspondent Lee Martin provides a brief summary of the proceedings and cases currently being heard in various types of courts in the system.

Image Credit: August Schwerdfeger

Northern Ireland High Court Rules No Discrimination in Denying IVF Treatment for Same Sex Couple

LEE MARTIN LAW CORRESPONDENT

Northern Ireland’s High Court has refused an application for judicial review where it was al leged that a same-sex couple suf fered discrimination after being denied access to a publicly funded IVF scheme.

Judge Adrian Colton QC ruled that the criteria for obtaining access to the scheme was rational and pro portionate and that the applicant had conflated issues around fertili ty treatment with issues regarding surrogacy.

The applicant, a man in a same-sex relationship, sought leave for judi cial review on behalf of himself and his civil partner. A donor egg was being proposed meaning the sur rogate would have “no biological connection to the child,” known as “gestational surrogacy.” The current eligibility criteria for pub licly funded IVF treatment does not make provision for this scenario in Northern Ireland.

The eligibility criteria was the sub ject of the challenge, as the ap plicant argued that this approach was unlawfully discriminatory and failed to make proper provision for the funding of treatment for a same-sex male couple as only same–sex female couples could avail of the treatment.

The court noted that IVF is a med

ical treatment that “by definition can only be provided to a woman in order to assist in achieving preg nancy.” The purpose of the policy and criteria, therefore, was to pro vide publicly funded treatment for medical infertility, irrespective of gender or sexual orientation.

The court considered that both of the applicant’s arguments were “misconceived.” Anyone seeking access to publicly funded fertility treatment must demonstrate a fer tility issue before access is available.

nor eggs and the use of donor sperm is not the same thing, and the anal ogy is inappropriate, as a donor egg cannot be used in artificial insem ination as a means by which a fer tility problem can be demonstrated, according to the criteria.

European Union Proposes More Transparency on Short-Term Lets

ÁINE BRADY LAW WRITER

The EU has proposed for there to be more transpar ency on short-term lets by requiring platforms such as Airbnb to collect and share in formation. The proposal is meant to ensure a more sustainable tourism ecosystem and for there to be great er support in its digital transition.

and follow the rules. By taking a harmonised approach to regulating the industry, governments could work better together to improve ac cess to data, boost transparency and address disproportionate local rules.

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The court considered that both of the appli cant’s arguments were “misconceived.” Any one seeking access to publicly funded fertility treatment must demon strate a fertility issue before access is avail able.

Ultimately, there was no entitle ment to direct access to treatment until a medical fertility problem was indicated. The court noted that the “intention behind the IVF criteria is not to provide a publicly funded surrogacy service for any one, whatever their sex or sexual orientation.” Further, the court found that “there is no doubt that the criteria provide for equality of treatment.” The judge argued that the applicant had conflated fertility treatment and surrogacy.

The court rejected any argument that there was a positive obligation under Article 8 ECHR for the State to provide publicly funded IVF treatment. The applicant argued that there was no consideration of the requirement for equal treat ment for same sex couples. This was “clearly not the case as the purpose of the criteria was to open a gateway for same sex couples to receive IVF treatment.”

The proposal aims to offer greater transparency on the identification and activity of short-term accom modation hosts, the rules that have to be complied with and facilitates the registration of hosts. The pro posal also seeks to tackle the cur rent fragmentation in how online platforms share data and ultimately help prevent illegal listings.

The court found that the use of do

For these reasons, the substantive application for judicial review was refused.

The sector-specific rules will com plement the general rules of the existing Digital Services Act, which establishes a set of obligations and accountability requirements for platforms operating in the EU. In practice, under the proposed rules Airbnb and fellow competitors would have to share data about the number of guests and the number of rented nights with public au thorities, once a month, in an au tomated way. Non-compliance may result in penalties.

Concerns from tourist destinations that short-term rental businesses, such as Airbnb, are aggravating the housing shortage and pushing out low-income residents have contrib uted to this proposal transpiring. Conversely smaller towns and rural areas seek to attract more tourists using online rental platforms which contribute to a quarter of all tourist accommodations across the Euro pean Union. The expected result of the proposal is to inform effective and proportionate local policies to address the challenges and oppor tunities related to the short-term rental sector.

Airbnb’s head of EU public poli cy has stated that these proposals provide a framework for Airbnb to scale collaborations with govern ments and make it easier for every day Europeans to share their homes

“Concerns from tourist destinations that shortterm rental businesses, such as Airbnb, are aggravating the housing shortage and pushing out low-income resi dents have contributed to this proposal

Whether these proposed rules will come into effect is dependent on whether EU countries and lawmak ers agree to the proposal becoming law. The benefits of enforcing these rules would be to ensure registra tion numbers are displayed and checked, to streamline data sharing between online platforms and pub lic authorities and to allow the reuse of data in aggregate form.

An agreement on data-sharing be tween Airbnb and the EU Statics Office, Eurostat, two years prior permitted public authorities to ac cess quarterly published data on the number of people using its platform and the number of nights booked and demonstrates the high poten tial for this proposal to be approved.

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trans piring.

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Astronomers Find the Closest Known Black Hole to Earth

PRIYANKA SAINI SCIENCE CORRESPONDENT

Astronomers discovered a black hole closer to Earth than any other previous ly found black hole. The black hole, dubbed Gaia BH1, is about 10 times the mass of the sun and orbits a sunlike star. It is lo cated just 1,600 light-years away— rather nearby on a cosmic scale.

While scientists have only spotted about 20 black holes in the Milky Way to date, they estimate that some 100 million more are lurking in our galaxy, each between 5 and 100 times more massive than our sun.

“We think there are probably a lot that are closer,” said Kareem El-Badry, an Astrophysicist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

Most black holes are born from the deaths of large stars, according to NASA. When stars roughly 10 times the mass of the sun or bigger reach the ends of their lives, they collapse in powerful supernova ex plosions. They leave behind the mass of at least several suns, tightly packed into a relatively small space: the black hole. These dense objects have incredibly strong gravitational

pulls from which nothing, includ ing light itself, can escape.

Since no light leaves a black hole, scientists cannot observe one di rectly. But, as active black holes gobble up nearby material, they emit X-rays that point scientists to their existence.

Dormant black holes, like the new ly discovered one, are not feeding and therefore don’t emit X-rays. Though dormant black holes are more common, they can be hard er to spot. The scientists noticed a star in the constellation Ophiuchus moving in unexpected ways, and they realized that the gravity of an unknown, massive object was to blame.

“It poses many questions about how this binary system was formed, as

Magic Mushrooms: Much Room for Treating Depression?

HANNAH CARPENTER SCIENCE WRITER

If you hear the words “magic mushrooms,” what comes to mind? Hearing colours and seeing sounds? Travelling through time and space? But what if I told you that psilocybin, the compound responsible for magic mushroom’s psychedelic effects, is currently being explored as a po tential treatment for depression?

An exciting new study published at the start of November by the New England Journal of Medicine has shown that volunteers given a 25mg single dose of synthetic psilocybin experienced a decrease in depres sion symptoms. The group was tri alled against two others: one getting a 10mg single dose and one getting a 1mg single dose. The group that got the 25mg dose saw more signif icant decreases than the two other groups. The trial was completed alongside psychological support.

All participants had a history of de pressive episodes and have previ ously been treated with antidepres sants unsuccessfully. The trial was completed in 10 countries in Eu rope including Ireland. The average age for people in the 25mg group was 40 with 44 of the individuals being female. In total, 233 partici pants were involved in the trial.

First isolated as psilocybin by chem ist Albert Hofmann in 1958, magic mushrooms were all the rage of the 60s and 70s with their mind-bend ing qualities and spiritual awaken ings; they created an atmosphere of freedom, clarity, and openness. Even 60 years ago, researchers thought that the answer to solving complex illnesses such as schizo phrenia and depression lay in un

covering the secrets of psychedelics.

“Even 60 years ago, re searchers thought that the answer to solving complex illnesses such as schizophrenia and depression lay in un covering the secrets of psychedelics.

However, all of this was stripped away when the drug started to be come perceived as dangerous by the public and demonised by the government. And as quickly as they were popularised, the molecules with so much hidden potential were forgotten about.

This attitude around psychedelics has stayed the same for the past sev eral decades with many seeing them as recreational drugs and nothing more. But times are changing and researchers in multiple leading in stitutions including John Hopkins and Harvard are starting to wake up to their capability.

The use of psychedelics in research has been challenging. Psilocybin is currently classified as Schedule 1 under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Under Schedule 1, it is described as having a high potential for abuse and as of right now, there is no accepted medical use. Psilo

cybin is also working against social stigmas that have accumulated over the years. But due to the persistence and perseverance of researchers, enlightening evidence is coming to life about psilocybin’s ability to treat depression as well as its cous ins: anxiety and PTSD.

“While the results of the New En gland study are promising, adverse side effects such as nausea and headaches were recorded in all three groups.

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Suicidal thoughts or behaviour ap peared in all groups. This brings about important questions to be asked about the safety of psilocy bin and its long-term effects; a lot of which is still undiscovered. The mainstream use of psilocybin has a significant mountain to climb; so cially, legally, and scientifically. As new discoveries continue to emerge, it’s not unreasonable to expect that in the future, a drug known for its role in altering the mind, may be the next big thing in solving the mental health crisis of this gener ation.

A New Treatment for Debilitating Nightmares Offers Sweeter Dreams

ANASTASIA NIKISHKINA SCIENCE WRITER

Many of us have expe rienced nightmares at least once in our life time but a few of us are haunted by bad dreams every night, wishing to have an untroubled sleep.

Nightmare disorder can disturb sleep and affect everyday func tioning which now can be treated with image rehearsal therapy or IRT, where patients reimagine their nightmares with a positive spin mentally rehearsing a new positive storyline. This method has succeed ed for most but failed in nearly a third of the people who participated in the research.

Therefore, the researchers have de cided to use a technique called tar geted memory reactivation (TMR)

combined with IRT, in which a per son focuses on learning something while a sound plays and that is re peated during the night.

During sleep, they wore a head band to record their brain activity, and a piano chord provided a dream soundtrack when they were in rap id eye movement (REM) – a sleep state associated with dreams.

The combination of both techniques has demonstrated great results in participants, dramatically reducing the frequency of the nightmares.

On a final note, a larger study is required to have a broader view of treatment, however, the results are indeed encouraging which is delightful news for nightmares suf ferers.

While the results of the New England study are promising, adverse side effects such as nausea and headaches were recorded in all three groups.

well as how many of these dormant black holes there are out there,” El-Badry said in the statement.

Image of a black hole in the middle of the solar system.

How Football Influenced the Brazilian Election

RORY FLEMING

POLITICS CORRESPONDENT

Sport has long been undeni ably intertwined with politics, but rarely has the conflation between the two been to such a striking extent as in this month’s Brazilian Presidential election.

As is the case universally within contemporary politics, the Bra zilian election was one of intense partisanship between two opposing sides - with the divisive incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro facing for mer leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his Workers’ Party.

Coming off the back of the COVID-19 crisis, Bolsonaro faced widespread criticism for his han dling of the government’s pandemic response. The Liberal Party leader fought local governors over lock down restrictions for the entirety of the pandemic, with the former military officer even quoted as tell ing the Brazilian populace to “stop whining” over the nation’s alarm ing infection rate.

It was this laissez-faire approach to battling COVID-19 which saw Brazil, a nation containing 3% of the world’s population, amass a staggering 11% of the total number of global Covid-19 deaths. Fur thermore, it was this issue which became the focus of his opponents’ political jibes.

Despite the barrage of pressure placed on Bolsonaro, he found ref uge in the unexpected form of some not only the country’s, but the world’s biggest football stars. Play ers such as Brazilian national team captain and Chelsea defender, Thia go Silva, former Barcelona and PSG player, Dani Alves, and Tottenham Hotspur’s, Lucas Moura, all shared quotes from Bolsonaro across social media.

Although, the most notable backing for the 67-year-old politician came from PSG star and Brazil’s second highest goal-scorer of all-time, Neymar Jr, who shared a video on TikTok in which the 2015 Champi ons League winner danced along to

a campaign jingle being used to pro mote Bolsonaro’s re-election bid.

But the question remains, what ties so many professional footballers to an ultra-conservative politician ac cused of crimes against humanity?

The answer to that question mainly falls under the jurisdiction of reli gion.

lers due to their often-impover ished upbringing, an environment in which the Evangelicals enjoy a wealth of support.

This origin story also lends itself to cultivating a shared conser vative attitude by the majority of the Brazilian national team. With most reaching stardom thanks to their own talent and dedication, the concept of meritocracy is em bedded within many, resulting in a resonance with much of Bolson aro’s key talking points, such as governmental spending limits and increased privatisation.

Brazil’s famed yellow kit even took on greater political significance over the course of the election, as it was hijacked by Bolsonaro supporters in a manner akin to the adopting of the star-spangled banner by Trumpists in the US.

However, even the backing of foot ball’s biggest stars couldn’t stave off Bolsonaro’s defeat at the hands of Lula da Silva, who reclaimed the Brazilian Presidency following a narrow winning margin of 1.8%.

POLITICS

The Musk Effect: Will Twitter Sink or Swim?

RORY FLEMING POLITICS CORRESPONDENT

Elon Musk, a man of many hats - from Tesla CEO to SpaceX founder - the out spoken billionaire is un doubtedly already a prominent fig ure within contemporary discourse. Though as is often the case with public figures, the tech mogul is a polarising one. Some say he merely embodies the quintessential essence of an arrogant billionaire, but oth ers see him as an engineering genius who possesses not just vast wealth monetarily, but philosophically too.

The South-African born CEO, with a net-worth estimated to be around $251 billion by Forbes, has stumbled from controversy to controversy in recent times. From plummeting Tesla stock by smoking marijuana on Joe Rogan’s podcast, to divisive tweets regarding pronouns, Musk has highlighted time and again his proclivity for garnering attention.

In the latest twist to the tale of the 51-year-old though, the world’s richest man finally concluded his acquisition of social media platform Twitter, after a near-six-month ordeal which saw everything from court cases to high-profile resigna tions.

The decision to acquire the platform which boasts nearly 500 million monthly users was, as to be expect ed, met with a great deal of angst by those on the left of the political spectrum, especially in the wake of Musk describing himself as a “free speech absolutist.” Already viewed in left-leaning circles as a problem atic individual after his criticising of pandemic response measures, his ardent exaltation of the First Amendment did little to relieve their pre-existing fears.

troversial charge of $8 a month for the some 420,000 verified users on Twitter. The much-sought-af ter blue tick is a totem of legitimacy on the platform, indicating that the user is in fact who they claim to be. However, many detractors of the plan have pointed out the hypocrisy in charging a subset of users to par ticipate in what is supposedly the “global town square”.

Bolsonaro is the face of the ev er-expanding Evangelical Christian movement in the country, a move ment which is supported by the vast majority of elite Brazilian footbal

POLITICS IN BRIEF

RORY FLEMING POLITICS CORRESONDENT

Football must be careful though, particularly in Brazil, where the beautiful game which unites so many, risks becoming the ugly tool of the political elite.

Despite only being in the position of Twitter CEO for a number of weeks, the reign of Elon Musk has already brought about sweeping changes on the platform once dubbed a “global town square” by former CEO Dick Costolo. Perhaps the most jolting of these being the firing of the compa ny’s 7,500 strong workforce, with thousands already laid off and the final numbers of firings expected to total roughly 50% of employees.

In terms of the user experience, Musk has also introduced the con

Content guidelines are also set to be radically overhauled, although the extent of the lay-offs at Twitter HQ have put that topic temporarily on the backburner. Moreover, there is also expected to be a wide-ranging reinstatement of previously banned accounts, with the likes of former US President Donald Trump in line for a return to the platform he once dominated.

Other muted changes include the introduction of different tiers of Twitter, in which there are sepa rate outlets for differing types of content, along with the possibility of charging users for the privilege of being able to view videos on the platform - although these changes appear to be little more than specu lation at present.

So, will Musk’s abrasive personal ity and cultish following drive peo ple to alternative social media plat forms, or is the addiction to Twitter too deep-seated to be broken for the majority of its users? Time will ulti mately be the juror, but in all likeli hood, the allure of a 280-character monologue is too hard to resist.

NASA’s Climate Change Analysis

NASA released a “Climate Time Machine,” detailing worrying trends regarding the earth’s rising temperatures. Global temperatures are on track to more than double the agreed 1.5°C limit from the 2015 Paris Agreement, with NASA now predicting a 3.2°C rise over the next 80 years.

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“ ...what ties so many professional footballers to an ultra-conservative politician accused of crimes against human ity? The answer to that question mainly falls under the jurisdiction of religion.

“

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...what ties so many professional footballers to an ultra-conservative politician accused of crimes against human ity? The answer to that question mainly falls under the jurisdiction of religion.

Image Credit: NASA

Image Credit: DCU/HEA

Image Credit: Marcello Casal JR/ABr, Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Brazil

POLITICS

Just Stop Oil: Are Climate Activists Negatively Impacting the Fight against Climate Change?

As we emerge from the COP-27 climate confer ence, held in Sharm El Sheikh at the beginning of November, climate change once again dominates headlines as a key issue concerning citizens around the globe.

One group of activists, Just Stop Oil, have come to the forefront of public consciousness. Originally centred in the United Kingdom but now operating across Europe, the group uses unique methods of civil disobedience which are mainly fo cused on disrupting daily life, in a similar manner to Extinction Re bellion. Where they differ is that they also target cultural institutions such as Art galleries and other cul turally significant sites. Their goal is simple– raising awareness of and ultimately halting the British Gov ernment’s plan to continue the pro duction of fossil fuels.

They have tied themselves to goal posts at Premier League football games and blocked petrol stations in Central London. They have also committed acts of vandalism of

private property by graffitiing on Harrod’s, and on an Aston Martin showroom nearby. Some of their actions can be seen as causing pub lic nuisance or disruption and noth ing more, but vandalism is poten tially counterproductive.

One can sympathise with those who dislike Just Stop Oil’s actions when they block traffic on the day you have a job interview or those who think defacing private proper ty is beyond a minor nuisance. One can sympathise with those who think that causing a nuisance for everyday people, just trying to live their lives and mind their own busi ness, is unfair. It is, but I think the morality of the actions of the Just Stop Oil protesters lies in what their ultimate goal is, and in this way it is justified from a Consequentialist point of view. The actions them selves may be bad, but the potential consequences for us all if climate change is not addressed soon is cat astrophic.

The average person who may not have a particular interest in envi ronmentalism might be completely

put off by being inconvenienced for something that they simply are not to blame for. There is, after all, a cost-of-living crisis being experi enced all around Europe, and Just Stop Oil makes matters worse for people by blocking busy streets and motorways in the UK and around Europe as workers try to commute.

Breaking the law and causing dam age to private property is quite inexcusable and the Just Stop Oil protesters acknowledge this but believe that, although not ideal, it is the only option they are left with. It is a disappointing reality, not that people were late for work or that a piece of glass protecting the Mona Lisa was doused in soup for a couple of hours, but that the governments will not pay attention until protestors commit themselves to law-breaking and public nui sance-inducing actions. Louise, a 24-year-old activist, who recently posted a video to the groups Twitter page in tears explained that while she understands the hatred, “civil resistance is all we have left.”

Other forms of protest may be a

The

President Zelensky is set to address DCU students on November 16th. The event will be held via videolink and streamed to other Irish col leges, allowing thousands of third level students the opportunity to partake in a Q and A session with the Ukrainian leader.

A survey conducted by the Irish Council for International Stu dents has found that as many as 66% of international students in Ireland have had their mental health negatively impacted by the housing crisis, with 10% also reporting a wait of three months or more for permanent accom modation.

better solution if we want to create unity around the idea of tackling climate change and not making it an “us” versus “them” situation, whereby the people who take ex treme actions on climate discourage other people so much that environ mentalists and environmentalism as a whole, become the enemy.

Just Stop Oil members ought to try methods that only focus on gaining the attention of governments and big corporations through disrup tion so that they do not discourage everyday citizens from participating in climate justice.

“

It is possible that Just Stop Oil could be effective in the long run. As the old adage goes, “all public ity is good publicity” and although a few people may be turned off climate activism as a result of Just Stop Oil and their antics, the media coverage nowadays spread through social media means the events and their goals spread to millions of people rather than just the poor unfortunate citizens physically present. This sentiment is echoed after the group’s attempt to deface Van Gogh’s Sunflowers gained so much publicity that director of the Climate Emergency fund, Margaret Klein Salamon, told the Guardian it was “most successful climate action in 8 years.”

US Mid-Term Election Results

The predicted Red Wave failed to materialise in the US Mid-term elections, defying many poll ster’s projections. However, the Republican Party did reclaim the House of Representatives by a slim margin. Furthermore, due to the requirement for a run-off election in Georgia, the final re sult of the Senate race won’t be known until next month.

“

...if we want to create unity around the idea of tackling climate change and not make it an “us” versus “them” situa tion, whereby the peo ple who take extreme actions on climate discourage other people so much that environ mentalists and environ mentalism as a whole, become the enemy.

Politics Writer Eoin Gilligan analyses the radical activists putting a spotlight on cli mate change and whether their noteriety is positive or negative.

Housing Crisis and International Students’ Mental Health

Image Credit: William Joshua Templeton / Shutterstock.com

turbine.

Late Late Toy Show Set for an Adult Themed Rebrand

JACK NOLNOD ATTENDING THE LIVE SHOW

Viewers of the yearly institution that is the Late Late Toy Show have been left in disbelief as RTÉ have an nounced on their social media that the popular programme is set for an adult themed shakeup this year. That’s right, in stead of Lego and Barbie Dolls, viewers are in for Lube and an assortment of various dildos, all with a Christmas themed backdrop.

For obvious legal reasons, it has been decided that children will not be allowed on set during filming, with the exception of Ryan Tubridy himself, and the toys will instead be reviewed and demonstrated by couples and lonely men (mainly lonely men).

Ray Darcy is said to be over the moon with the new direction of the show, as he himself looks exactly like a polished butt plug, so he’s hop ing to get some screen time after his disastrous

late night Saturday show a couple of years ago. Audience members are also in for a different experience, as the hampers filled with Irish sweets and teddy bears they receive will not quite be the same.

A spokesperson for RTÉ explained that this new experience is exactly what their bold new direction hopes to achieve: “We want to move away from the old, grey RTÉ and create a new 21st Century image for the channel, eventu ally we hope to have Daithí Ó Sé presenting ‘Today’ dressed only in a G-string. It’s what the public wants.”

Whether or not you agree with the move, it will certainly draw attention to this year’s show, RTÉ have also stressed that unlike in previous years, the toys from the show will not be donated to Temple Street, thank God.

Our Guide to Help Explain Why You’re Dropping Out to Your Parents

JACK NOLNOD MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER

So, the highest grade you got in your midterms was 37% (and that was in Food Diet and Health), you don’t even know where the library is, and you’ve had a hangover since the 24th of September.

You also don’t know how to explain to your parents that you want to drop out. Well we’ve created a guide to help you do just that or well we planned to but then we went to the pub, but we’ll get round to it, sure the deadline for articles isn’t for another few days, we’ll make a schedule and start afresh Monday, well Monday is a bit soon, maybe midweek at some point.

Ok fine we’ll do it now then...

1 2 3 4

If you don’t say that you’re ‘drop ping out’ it won’t seem as bad. Start with “I think I’m looking to move in a different direction to the one my course is taking me.”

Say that other people are doing it too. If everyone is struggling that means it must be impossible, right?

Academia isn’t for me. “College doesn’t define a person.” Plenty of jobs on building sites lads.

Emigrate. Pretty solid excuse. May be even defer for a year and pretend that you want to finish the course.

That’s all that we can think of, or are arsed to. Time for the pub.

Leech-22: New Epidemic Sweeps Belfield

LITTLE MISS O’HANRAHA-HANRAHAN STUDYING WHILE IN QUARANTINE

Researchers at UCD Medical School fear that this seasonal disease has been lying undetected for years and could have detrimental effects on students across the university.

“Leeching” mainly affects the desperate, sloth-like students but can also negatively affect students who are spineless and tend to people-please. Often, the ‘leech’ student will prey on the vulnerable to obtain lecture notes, reading summaries or sometimes entire as signment submissions!

Although no definitive cause has been found for this disease, it is speculated that a high number of unopened Brightspace readings, overdue assignments, and low lecture atten dance are contributing factors.

Like the flu, this illness is seasonal and highly contagious. It is commonly found during the last three weeks of the semester but can be identified as early as Week 4.

The Turbine spoke to the UCD Plagiarism Board who are particularly concerned about the rising case numbers.

“What upsets us most is that anyone can fall victim to this disease and can catch it more than once. A student can fall victim to a leech one week and is a leech themselves the next. It is escalating at an alarming rate.”

Miraculously students recover during the Christmas and summer holidays, howev er, “long-leeching” can result in students not being trusted or helped by their pears in the future.

Stay safe.

Image Credit: Andres Poveda

Ryan Tubridy reportedly looking to play with adult toys now.

Graphic by Dugh Hooley

REVISION

Original comics written and drawn by Tribune Cartoonist, October Melching.

entertainment & lifestyle.

ARTS AND LIFESTYLE

Have the Summer of a Lifetime with USIT

During exam season, when you’re up to your neck in college assign ments and exam prep, it’s easy to daydream about all the better plac es you could be rather than in a frigid library. Maybe you think about your cosy bed, the pub or maybe even your next travel destination.

Getting away from all the college stress cer tainly sounds nice, but no one wants the additional stress of planning your next trip. With over 63 years of experience, USIT is a leading expert in student travel and they are looking to help you plan your next adventure. USIT offers a wide range of travel destinations for students and their expertise is second to none so you can book with confidence. Their team comprises of people who have done the working holidays you are interested in which means they know first-hand why you want to work and travel and the best ways to do so.

The J1 is a rite of passage for most Irish col lege students and USIT’s J1 programme lets you choose locations in the USA from coast to coast.

ment option means that you will have to find your own job, but USIT assists in the appli cation process, legal work papers (DS-2019), job vetting and approval support, travel insur ance for 5 months, pre-departure orientation, a J1 handbook, the SEVIS fee, postage fees for the DS-2019 paperwork, team support and full oversight on your application’s progress along with a personal J1 account.

The Job Guaranteed option offers you every thing above as well as securing a guaranteed job at one of their USA locations, access to their USA J1 employer database, invitations to job fairs and a dedicated J1 job placement manager. USIT also helps you with accom modation by educating you on best practices, how and when to start searching and useful resources to use.

USIT is no stranger to the impact of COVID-19. After navigating travel restrictions and border closures around the world, they are back in full-force for the summer of 2023. Their pro gramme has opened earlier this year and their application system has been streamlined - and by applying early, you can have a job secured as early as January and your interview at the US Embassy completed by March.

USIT expanded their Internship USA pro gramme for 2023, which offers students the opportunity to complete their placement in exciting cities such as New York and San Francisco. USIT makes organising your in ternship and the visa application process a breeze so you can focus on other details like securing accommodation, your flight and sav ing money. Since the pandemic, USIT also increased their range of business sectors to allow students considering placement as part of their course or after graduation to view, ap ply and interview with an employer of their choice.

makes the whole thing easy and doable in-be tween college. It can be difficult to get all the paperwork before you go, but USIT takes all the hassle out and keeps things smooth. It’ll be the best summer of your life for sure!”

If you’re interested in USIT’s opportuni ties you can follow them on social media @ usittravel where you can see what life on a working holiday is like from past participants. If you already know you want to go on your J1, but you just haven’t been able to find time to book your trip or source a job, now is the time to email USIT (j1@usit.ie) or submit your application directly to their website.

If you’d like to ask questions directly or hear about first-hand experiences from last year’s participants, USIT is hosting a virtual infor mation session on November 30th. You can find the link to register on their website and through their social media accounts. Get a jump start on your summer plans and avail of this opportunity before it’s too lateit’s a once in a lifetime opportunity!

Here’s some top tips from USIT for get ting yourself ready to travel in 2023:

Start thinking about putting mon ey aside for the summer. Although you will be working, having money saved means you will be able to say “yes” to every exciting opportunity that comes your way.

Make sure your passport is up to date. Your passport needs to be in date for the entirety of your time in the USA. If your passport is going to expire apply for a new one now and be aware of the delays in re newal times since the pandemic.

USIT offers two affordable options you can choose from: the Self-Placement option and the Guaranteed Job option. The Self-Place

With such a range of options it can be difficult to nail down which option is right for you and it can be even more challenging in-between classes, that’s why USIT is happy to help you plan the summer of your dreams. One past participant, Áine, expresses that “USIT

If you want to spend your J1 sum mer in San Diego and/or want to travel to the USA in May 2023, think about applying straight away. Their jobs in San Diego are always the first to get snatched up.

“ “

The J1 is a rite of pas sage for most Irish college students and USIT’s J1 programme lets you choose loca tions in the USA from coast to coast.

In this sponsored article, Editor, Danielle DerGarabedian, details the what USIT is offering students and the benefits of booking your J1 with USIT

Image Credit: Cameron Casey

ARTS AND LIFESTYLE

UCD Exam Season Survival Guide

SAOIRSE WILSON

ADDITIONAL REPORTING: DANIELLE DERGARABEDIAN EDITOR

For us students exams are our Olympic sport. The exam hall is a racetrack, and the pen and paper are our run ners. We endure years of tough training, falls, set-backs, and in juries all in the hope of getting our hands on that gold medal, or at least a passing mark.

Once inside that exam hall, pens on their starting blocks at the top of the desk, hearts hammering against our chests, you can feel that ath letes’ adrenaline coursing through your veins. Some assessments feel like a race from the second you put pen to paper. A race against the clock and a race for the best grade. Other aspects feel more like a show. We know the routine inside and out, displaying our best tricks and skills. But, what can we do to make train ing for this race a little less hectic on ourselves? People have sat ex ams for years and yet no one has a black and white answer, but here are a few simple ideas.

Make Yourself a Plan

It doesn’t necessarily have to be a study plan of how many hours to spend slaving away on each mod ule. While that may work for some, one size does not fit all. I think we can all agree that there are very few feelings worse for students than the realisation that you have a dead line sooner than you expected. So, remember that you are in control. Write out everything you have com ing up, every deadline, every as sessment, you name it, to help limit any surprises.

Start as Early as Possible

While it is never easy, try your best where you can get ahead early. Any assessment you can start, start it. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Break ing the workload down into smaller more manageable chunks can be a great way to make things seem slightly less scary. Even just a small start, is still a start. So that if every student’s enemy, procrastination, rears its head or when you feel like you’re drowning in a sea of dead lines, you can take a breath know ing you have some foundations in place.

Balance is Key

The clocks have gone back, the days are greyer and colder and while we want to enjoy the Christmas season build up, that exam season cloud looms gloomier than the rest. So now more than ever it is vital to take a break and make time for what makes you happy. Reach out to your friends or family. Do some thing simple that is an escape from the academic pressure. It is so easy to get sucked into the college vor tex. Exam time is a very lonely and isolating time for many of us. But balance is key. Spend time outside, exercising, and eating properly too. No exam is ever as important as you. Desperately cramming in late night study sessions in the library or spending every spare moment chained to your desk is not worth what it could cost you. Don’t be too hard on yourself. This is a tough time for so many of us, so be kind to yourself.

Dress for Success

It’s been a while since many of us have stepped foot in RDS for ex ams - especially during the winter. RDS tends to be really cold during Christmas exams and shivering through a 2 hour exam is not ideal. Wear layers and bring a good coat. Better to get all these exams out of the way now rather than re-sitting them because you caught a nasty cold.

Ask for Help

Exam season is tough and some times people may run into unex pected issues. If you feel like you are unable to complete an assignment, are not prepared for an exam or just can’t get your part of the group

project done there are always sup ports available to you. Your student advisor is available to discuss op tions for extenuating circumstances or extensions as are your lecturers. You can talk to your academic ad visor if you are unsure how to com plete an assignment. You can even speak with your representatives in the Students’ Union who can help you or find who will be able to help you. Remember you are not alone and everyone at UCD wants you to succeed so don’t be afraid to ask!

But of course before the big day, don’t forget to nail down the prac ticalities.

Ask yourself these questions:

What?

What exam do I have? What do I need to bring? i.e. pens, calcula tor, and your UCARD. Don’t forget your UCARD.

When?

When are my exams?

Where?

Where is my exam? Is it in the RDS or in an exam centre on campus? Where is my seat for the exam?

How?

How will I get to my exam? Will I drive? Will I get the shuttle from the UCD?

Don’t leave yourself with all these questions on exam day. All exam related things can be found on SisWeb under the “Registration, Fees & Assessment Tab”, so be sure to check it out. Here is also where some students can find their exam accommodations.

Student-Friendly Christmas Recipes

Emma-Jane Cooke Arts and Lifestyle Writer

It’s that time of year when you can eat as many baked goods as possi ble and blame it on the Holidays. As college students we have limited time to keep up with meal planning let alone festive baking, so I have made sure that these recipes are student proof to keep you snack ing in-between study breaks. The recipes I have included range from cookbooks to BuzzFeed articles which have been tested by myself (the brownies have been made multiple times a week).

Deep Fried Ice Cream

Ingredients

1 block of vanilla ice cream, equal to 1 litre when melted (I recom mend Hazelbrook Farm Ice Cream)

2 eggs, stirred and beaten 275g of digestive biscuits, crushed Oil (preferably vegetable) for the deep frying sectio

Method

1. Cut the ice cream into 5cm (2 in.) squares. Beat your 2 eggs in a bowl.

2. Coat the ice cream pieces with the beaten egg and then cover with biscuit crumbs.

3. Place on a baking sheet and freeze the goods for around 2 hours until they feel firm. Then repeat the previous step and freeze them for 5 hours or overnight until they are solid. This is to add a second coat for the oil process.

4. Heat the oil to 190 °C (375° F). Once removed from the freezer, deep fry in batches for around 30 seconds.

5. Serve immediately with the sauce of your choice. (Hazelnuts for Christmas taste).

Salty and Smooth Brownies

Ingredients

200g of chocolate

12 tablespoons of butter, melted 250g of caster sugar

2 medium eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

95g Flour (I recommend self-raising flour)

30g Cocoa Powder (I recommend Bourneville Cooking Cocoa Pow der)

1 teaspoon of salt (and some to sprinkle on top for decoration) Chocolate Chips (optional)

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180° C (350° F).

2. Line any baking tray (cake tray from personal experience for in finite corner pieces) with baking paper. 3. Melt your butter and add in your chocolate chunks until complete ly mixed. 4. Once mixed, add your sugar and combine. 5. Wait for the mixture to cool (about 2 minutes), be aware eggs may cook if the temperature is too hot. Then add in the eggs and vanilla essence and mix until it looks fluffy and lighter in colour.

6. Sift in your flour, cocoa powder, salt and chocolate chips. Use the folding technique to allow air to circulate through your mixture but do not overmix to avoid a cake-like texture.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, it is then up to the baker to decide the desired texture. For fudgier brownies, cook for less time. Make sure to let them cool for a while before digging in.

8. Sprinkle with icing sugar for a professional look.

ARTS AND LIFESTYLE CORRESPONDENT

Film in Review: The Banshee of Inisherin

SOPHIE MELIA ENTERTAINMENT AND LIFESTYLE EDITOR

The hype for this movie has been im mense for the past few months and after seeing it, I completely under stand why. It debuted at the 79th Annual Venice Film Festival on September 5th this year and received a 15 minute stand ing ovation from the audience which set off the current popularity this movie has.

The movie opens with beautiful overhead shots of Inisherin, a fictional island off the west coast of Ireland where Colm (Brendan Gleeson) and Pádraig (Colin Farrell) live. We first meet the pair when Pádraig realises Colm hasn’t gone to the pub for their daily pint and goes looking for him. He finds Colm at home but he ignores Pádraig’s invitation to the pub. When he returns to the pub later on, sulking over Colms actions earlier, he is surprised to see him having a pint without him. Pádraig questions this but all Colm can say is, “I just don’t like ya no more.” This makes Pádraig worry over what could’ve been done to stop it. After this moment, Pádraig sets out to learn why Colm doesn’t like him and what he can do to possibly save their friendship.

McDonagh explores the impact the abrupt end of a friendship can have on someone. He depicts despair through Pádraig’s lamenting to his sister, Siobhán (Kerry Condon), in stead of visiting the pub.

McDonagh illustrates Pádraig’s loneliness as he tends to his animals and ignores Colm walk ing around their town. He details Pádraig’s jealousy when he sees Colm moving on by tak ing a greater interest in teaching music students from the mainland than talking to Pádraig about his music. McDonagh also brilliantly depicts the anger Pádraig feels both in subtle move ments and grand dis plays of frustration. I enjoyed Pádraig’s char acterisation of a forgiv ing man as regardless of the things Colm says or does, he manages to find a way to excuse Colm’s callous nature.

Although at the climax of the movie, Colm’s actions hurt Pádraig’s beloved donkey which crosses a moral line Pádraig didn’t know he even had and officially

ends their friendship.

The movie also explores how the Irish Civ il War has an effect on people in the village and how this further isolates Pádraig from everyone he knows. The theme of change is very present in the film as many characters are looking to leave Inisherin for something better. Colm is looking for a better way to spend his time than chatting to Pádraig while Siobhán is looking for a better quality of life that may possibly mean leaving the island. While others contemplate leaving the island for more, Pádraig can’t contemplate a life off Inisherin. Despite losing his friend and possi bly his sister, he still wants to live in the fam ily home, tend to their animals and live a very standard routine life, because that is what matters most to him.

This is by far, one of the best films I’ve seen all year. It is heartfelt, and yet a dark come dy that takes a nuanced approach to growth, adult friendships and change. I highly recom mend it if you haven’t seen it.

TV in Review: House of the Dragon

ÁINE

CUNNINGHAM

FILM AND TV WRITER

After the global phenomenon, Game of Thrones, ended, there was a missing slot in many people’s weekly cal endar for another show filled with anticipation, betrayal and, of course, the epic battles that it was synonymous with. After the dismal disappointment that was the Game of Thrones season finale, the production of House of the Dragon was met with scepti cism. This series is based on the best-selling book The Dance of the Dragons by George R. R. Martin and is set 172 years before the events of Game of Thrones. It brings us back to Wes teros as it follows the Targaryen House grap pling with family conflict and power struggles when Princess Rhaenyra is named heir to the throne.

If you were under the assumption that people may have lost their love for this fantasy fran chise, then you would be mistaken. The series premier was viewed by ten million people, making it HBO’s highest viewed premier of an original series yet. HBO enjoyed continued success in ratings as the series progressed. It is not difficult to see why this series is achieving such immense success. The show immediately draws you into its world with stunning visuals and intriguing, multi-faceted characters that are capable of being lovable or monstrous on any given day, leaving you questioning who you should be rooting for. The true heart of this show is the deep relationships between these characters, which only makes it more captivating when these relationships begin to decay. These strong characters are brought to

life through the com pelling acting perfor mances of the cast, particularly those of Viserys played by Paddy Considine, Rhaenyra portrayed by Emma D’arcy, both of whom are expected to achieve many accolades for their work.

This series continues to push the bound aries in terms of the brutal violence which its predecessor was known for. This se ries may even be more savage in cer tain aspects, never allowing the viewer to look away from the unflinching brutality of the period which it is set in. This se ries so far has focused particularly on the hardships of the fe male characters and the horrific agony and danger which is associated with po tential motherhood. If you watch this se ries expecting thrill ing battle scenes, you may be disappointed. Yes, it is not completely devoid of battles, but they do not contain the high stakes that viewers may have gotten used to over the last few seasons of Game of Thrones. It is apparent that this season is focused more on the show’s political intrigue and setting the scene for gripping fights which are sure ly yet to come. However, do not be dissuaded from watching this series based on this. It still contains enough conflict to keep anyone en tertained and moments that will shock even the most avid fans of the show and readers of the books.

This show is undoubtedly a triumph for HBO and a delight to previous Game of Thrones au diences. However, it is not without its faults. Many people were irritated by its fast pace and constant time jumps, which meant saying goodbye to characters seemingly the moment they got on-screen. There is also the mystery of certain characters barely ageing at all de spite almost two decades having passed. This quick pacing and determination to move on to the Civil War aspect of the plot caused im portant relationship development to be sacri ficed, and many other aspects that the book readers deemed important, to be cut from the show. This does not negate the fact that the show is an excellent feat for HBO and a de light for even those who did not watch Game of Thrones. Certainly, a step in the right direc tion for the ‘Game of thrones’ franchise to gain back its reputation and popularity.

An Ode to Irish Artists: Upcoming Concerts and Songs for Your Playlist

HOLLY HUNT MUSIC CORRESPONDENT

Irish artists are currently mak ing waves internationally with their music and artistry. As such, there are a multitude of concerts happening throughout Dublin which celebrates the excit ing and unique music that is cur rently being crafted on the isle. We have compiled a list of concerts to watch out for in the coming weeks. Each recommendation on this list will provide you with an unforget table night of good fun, great ener gy and most importantly, expertly crafted music. So, support your local musicians by attending some of these concerts, or even by add ing a song or two of theirs to your playlist!

Aoife Nessa Frances

24th November at Whelan’s

Aoife Nessa Frances is one of the most exciting indie artists to emerge from the contemporary music scene. Her music is poignant, emo tional and is the perfect remedy for

the winter blues. Her music is laced with highly thought-provoking and personal lyrics which are paired with emotionally stirring melodies. She will be gracing the stage of Whelan’s on the 24th of November. Below are some of her tracks which will make a perfect addition to any playlist.

Songs You Should Listen To: Ways to Say Goodbye This

Still Life Chariot

modernlove.

25th November, Button Factory

Indie-pop band modernlove. have created a plethora of catchy and memorable songs which ruminate in your head long after you have fin ished listening. This band are defi nitely one to watch as their music encapsulates what it means to be in your twenties. For this very reason, modernlove. are definitely a gig worth attending. They will perform a set in Dublin’s Button Factory on

Music in Review: Midnights

LEAH BYRNE MUSIC WRITER

Taylor Swift’s highly antic ipated album Midnights has taken the world by storm, smashing a myriad of records and becoming Spotify’s most streamed album in a single day. The phenomenal record-breaking success of this album, despite it be ing a little different from some of the other work that Swift has pro duced in recent times, has been re markable. The listening experience of Midnights for me as a die-hard Swiftie has been an interesting one. The last time that Swift released an album was about a year ago and was a re-record of her previous album, Red and therefore this is the first time in a long time that Swift is re leasing a full album of new songs. That being said, even though there are 15 brand new songs to be heard on Midnights, it has been described as an album which focuses not on the idea of reinvention but rather on reflection.

Midnights is a concept album, in which Swift reflects on the things that keep us awake at night. There are elements of her 2017 album, Reputation, found between the bars and beats of Midnights, particularly in songs like “Vigilante Shit” and “Karma”. “Snow on the Beach”

has an incredibly Evermore (2020) feeling to it, remnants of “Lover”, “1989”,“Red” and even “Fearless” can be heard throughout the album also.

What was the most striking about Midnights was that despite ele ments in these songs which reflect previous eras in Swift’s life and career the tone she uses to express these ideas are different. There are similar stylistic qualities to the songs on this album and the previ ous albums that I have mentioned, but there is a uniquely profound sense of maturity that is to be felt in the ways Swift reflects on these moments in her life.

The song that exemplifies this most, and perhaps my favourite song on the album is “Maroon.” Not only is “Maroon” a beautiful song in its own right, with its eerie, urban sound, and haunting harmonies, but is also a prime example of Swift’s unique ability to meticulously select lyrics which allow for connections to be drawn between her songs. From the album, to the signature shade of lipstick to the song itself, the co lour red has had a huge significance to her image and career. This song however, presents us with a slightly

the 25th of November. Undoubt edly, this will be an extremely fun night-out in the heart of Dublin City!

Songs You Should Listen To: Us

until my heart stops beating Bop

Fontaines D.C.

30th of November, 1st and 2nd of December, Vicar Street

Irish favourites, Fontaines D.C. will return to their home city of Dublin at the beginning of December. Per forming three nights at Vicar Street, Fontaine’s D.C. will undoubtedly provide fans with an unforgettable gig. Following their mountainous success across the pond in both America and the United Kingdom, these concerts will be a hugely unique experience due to the inti mate nature of the venue. If you are a fan of alternative rock, the song suggestions below are great addi tions to your playlist.

Songs You Should Listen To: Jackie Down The Line How Cold Love Is A Lucid Dream You Said

Kynsy

December 2nd, Workmans Cellar

Kynsy is undoubtedly an artist worth seeing this December! Her music is highly idiosyncratic and unique, offering a variety of tunes to add to your playlist. Kynsy will be performing an intimate set in The Workman’s Cellar in early De cember. Fans of her music will not want to miss this opportunity to experience her music live in one of Dublin’s best venues! Even if you have yet to listen to some of Kynsy’s tracks, her concert is definitely one to attend!

Songs You Should Listen To: Happiness Isn’t a Fixed State New Year Elephant in the Room

Studying for Exams? This Playlist is For You!

Whether you’re cramming for a final exam or typing away as your essay deadline nears, nothing moti vates you like music.

Our resideent music expert and Music Correspondent, Holly Hunt, offers 10 great songs to add to your playlists this exam season.

Once again, assignment deadlines are looming and upcoming exams are edging closer and closer. As such, it can be an increasing ly stressful and anxiety-induced time of year, but one thing that can make the exam study and conclu sion of this semester that bit easier is music. Whether you are studying for an upcoming exam or trying to finish your final essay, below is a compilation of tunes that is sure to ease those pre-exam worries and anxieties. This playlist is sure to be a source of comfort and consolation for when you feel overwhelmed. Happy listening!

more mature, more healed version of the colour and all that it rep resents in the form of “scarlet” and “maroon.” The song exemplifies the process of reflection that is at play throughout the album, and the way in which Swift uses Midnights as a means to reflect on how the inten sity of the feelings that were once “burning red,” have faded with the passing of time. It is in this way that Swift takes the process of reflecting on her past experiences and using them to explore new perspectives on universal experiences, which is

to me a real legacy.

Overall, I am a massive fan of the new album. From her easter eggs about previous albums and eras, to her heartfelt lyrics with equal ly intellectual meaning, there is something for every Taylor fan, or just anyone who comes across her album. With a global stadium tour on the way and possibly another re-recorded album releasing soon, this album should be a nice way to get all Taylor lovers ready for what is yet to come.

sport.

Irish Women’s Rugby Goes

Professional: 29 Internationals Accept

IRFU Pro Contracts

DARA SMITH-NAUGHTON SPORTS EDITOR

Ireland has produced some of the world’s greatest rugby players over the last few decades, from your Brian O’Drsicolls to your Ronan O’Garas, the Paul O’Con nells of the world down to the likes of Rob Ke arney, Johnny Sexton, Keith Wood amongst so many others. However, it is not as easy to make a similar list for the women’s game. Many have attributed this disparity to the lack of funding and investment devoted to wom en’s rugby in Ireland.

There has been an ongoing conversation in Irish rugby regarding the professionalisa tion of women’s rugby. Despite committing themselves to training several times a week and playing against international competition, Irish female rugby players have gone unpaid for their dedication. At least that was the case, until earlier this month when the IRFU an nounced the first professional contracts for women’s rugby in Ireland.

Our international representatives have final ly received the opportunity to play the sport they love for monetary return, a long overdue and just reward. Up to 29 of the Irish inter nationals are reported to have accepted the contract on offer, making them the first pro fessional female rugby players on the island of Ireland. UCD’s own Beibhinn Parsons being one of the historic 29.

However, due to the underwhelming salaries offered to many of the players, several inter nationals have turned down the deal and will continue to play as amateurs and work a sep

Qatar as the Controversial Host of the 2022 World Cup

OISÍN GAFFEY FOOTBALL CORRESPONDENT

The Men’s Football World Cup is tak ing place in Qatar this Winter. Qa tar is a country with a horrendous human rights record, one that has seen the death of over 6,500 migrant workers since it was awarded the World Cup in 2010, according to The Guardian. Similarly, Qatar is a country where homosexuality is against the law and can be punishable by death.

So how on earth has Qatar been designated as the host of this year’s World Cup? Corrup tion.

Former head of FIFA, Sepp Blatter, has told Swiss Newspaper, Tages-Anzeiger, that the decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qa tar was largely due to secret political pressure at the time applied to former French footballer and UEFA President, Michel Platini, by then French President, Nicolas Sarkozy. Blatter claims that Platini had been invited to lunch with the French President and the Crown

arate occupation. Some of the contracts post ed a salary of an almost insulting €15,000 a year according to the Irish Post, a figure that is simply not possible to live off of in today’s cost-of-living crisis.

Although the contracts may not be equal to the value of the men’s team’s agreements, or even their English and French counterparts, it is a much needed and long-awaited step in

Prince of Qatar, and was pressured by the President to find a way to award Qatar with a World Cup.

Speculation around an arms deal between France and Qatar has been reported by The Daily Beast as they have detailed that six months after the lunch, Qatar bought ‘$14.6 billion worth of French fighter jets.

The World Cup kicks off on the 20th Novem ber, with host nation Qatar taking on Ecuador in the Al Bayt Stadium, one of seven new sta diums built for the tournament.

At the time of Qatar’s successful bid, the country only had 3 stadiums that could hold 20,000 fans or more. Considering the aver age attendance per game in the last four World Cups has been 51,000 people, Qatar have had to build seven new stadiums to meet these de mands.

The death toll of migrant workers since Qa tar’s successful bid in 2010 is shocking. In the summer months, temperatures can rise to 45°C, with workers still expected to work long hours for little pay.

Qatar’s laws on homosexuality are notoriously horrendous, leaving many fans feeling unwel come and unsafe. To add to this, an ambassa dor for the World Cup in an interview with German broadcaster ZDF has described ho

the right direction. The current generation of rugby internationals have become the first to hit the important milestone of professional ism, but the impact of this news reaches far beyond themselves. There is now a glimmer of hope for young girls all across Ireland that a future in rugby may now be a possibility, and that fact alone is more important than any thing else.

mosexuality as “a damage in the mind.”

Qatar as a host nation is questionable and con troversial as it has a poor human rights record and lacks the facilities for attending fans. It is up to FIFA and UEFA to prevent controversial locations from dictating the upcoming event.

Image Credit: Dara Smith-Naughton

UCD vs Waterford in Relegation Playoff Final:

Students See Off Waterford for the 2nd Year in a Row

UCD AFC defied the odds late last month. UCD AFC booked their place in the relegation playoff final versus Waterford FC after de feating Finn Harps 3-1 on the 28th October in Ballybofey, a victory that saw Harps make the dreaded automatic drop back down to the first division. In what was a repeat of last year’s relegation playoff final, a chilly Friday night in Inchicore would see the season culminate in a “do or die” showdown against a revengeful Waterford side. In front of nearly 3,000 spectators at Rich mond Park, the Munster represen tatives sought to rectify their 2021 loss and subsequent relegation dealt at the hands (and feet) of the stu dents.

With not many pundits giving UCD the chance of surviving the drop at the outset of the season, the play off final in itself could have been looked at as a great achievement. However, after an incredible per formance under the floodlights of Richmond on the 11th of November,

the college defeated Waterford once again in the ‘winner takes all’ game, securing their right to remain in the premier division.

The match began with some frantic attacking play from the Southern side, displaying their eagerness to strike first blood, just as they did a year prior. Phoenix Patterson in particular caused Michael Gallagh er problems early on down the left hand side of the pitch. The early storm was weathered by the team in blue, allowing UCD the opportu nity to create chances of their own. It did not take long before one of these chances were capitalised on, as Tommy Lonergan headed home an Alex Nolan set piece just before the 15 minute mark.

Lonergan’s score silenced the predominantly Waterford-native crowd, introducing a certain anx iousness amongst the travelling supporters. Despite the decrease of hope of their fans, the first division side came close to equalising on the 23 minute as a seemingly goal-

Upcoming Winter Sporting Events You Should Attend

DARA SMITH-NAUGHTON SPORTS EDITOR

The colder months re-in troduce students to the exam season, a period in which very little fun is had to put it lightly. It can be a stress ful time, your schedule becomes clouded with RDS trips and library lock-ins, but who’s to say you can’t have a break from it all every now

and then. Allow me to suggest some upcoming sports events to take your mind off that below-par GPA. It is going to be a busy couple of months for rugby fans in particular, with the Autumn Nations Series well underway at Lansdowne Road, Ireland’s final fixture versus a dan gerous Australian side on the 19th

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Lonergan’s score silenced the predominantly Waterford-native crowd, introducing a certain anxiousness amongst the travelling supporters.

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bound shot was brilliantly blocked by UCD captain, Jack Keaney, with Evan Osam clearing the leftovers. An uneventful final twenty minutes of the first half saw the score re main at UCD 1-0 Waterford as the teams went into the break.

The second half saw a motivated and determined Waterford emerge from the dressing rooms as they pressed on for a leveller. The trailing side created chance after chance but largely thanks to Sam Todd’s and Keaney’s defensive heroics, Water

of November is set to be a cracking time. If you were lucky enough to secure tickets to the game, you are surely in for a historic evening. The four provinces will also be repre senting Ireland in the URC and European Champions Cup games leading up to Christmas, with many of the games taking place just across Stillorgan Road in our beloved RDS.

If rugby is not quite your cup of tea, then there are many alterna tive options to relieve you of those exam worries. Why not throw on a suit or dress and go to one of the

ford struggled to test Kian Moore in the UCD goal.

Spending long periods of the game within their own half of the field, the college relied on the craftiness of Dara Keane and Tommy Loner gan to win much-needed free kicks to alleviate the pressure Waterford were applying to UCD’s defence.

After several good chances for Wa terford in the last twenty minutes of the game, it began to look like UCD would hold onto their lead with their defence appearing virtu ally impregnable. These suspicions were all but confirmed as Water ford’s Killian Cantwell was shown a second yellow card in the 92nd minute, making the task of equalis ing near impossible.

However, there was to be one more twist in this tale as just one minute later the referee awarded Waterford a controversial penalty for a handball against Jack Keaney. Keaney protested the decision pro fusely, understandably so, as the

many racing days over the course of the next 40 days in Punchestown, Fairyhouse and Leopardstown. Or dig out your wellies from the garage and make the trip across the Liffey to the UCI Cyclo-Cross World Cup on the 11th of December in Snug borough. There is no shortage of sport-related craic to be had over the coming weeks and months, so get yourself up and away from that desk and forget about that MCQ for a few hours this Winter season. After all, who really needs that ca reer-defining degree anyway!

penalty provided a lifeline to the losing squad. As the crowd held their breath in anticipation, Junior Quitirna stepped forward to face Kian Moore from twelve yards out. A player who had barely placed a foot wrong all game, he was sure ly the man suitable for such a task. Striking the ball with his right foot, Quitirna sent the sphere blazing over the crossbar, breaking Water ford hearts across Richmond Park.

The costly miss would prove to be the last kick of the football, secur ing both UCD’s and Waterford’s fates as the match finished UCD 1-0 Waterford. The students will remain in the premier division, as Waterford will have to wait another season to earn the right to play the likes of Shamrock Rovers again.

An exceptional achievement for the boys in blue as they have earned the right to continue to compete at the highest level of Irish club foot ball, a feat very few predicted at the beginning of the year, not bad for a bunch of college kids is it?

Sports Editor Dara Smith-Naughton rounds up one of the most important games of the season for football.

Image Credit: Dara Smith-Naughton

Image Credit: Dara Smith-Naughton