The College Tribune: Volume 36 Issue 4

HOUSING CRISIS RAGES ON: STUDENT SLEEPS IN JUNK PRESS

Ashortage of accommodation near colleges this year has left students facing commutes of several hours, others paying significant sums in rent, and in one case a student was sleeping in a cupboard under

a stairs for a period.

Students’ Unions had criticised the Government and universities for failing to do more to help students who were struggling to find housing ahead of this current college year, warning people

would have to defer their education as a result.

Seán Hogan, a student in University of Limerick (UL), spent the first number of weeks of this college year sleeping in a friend’s house, in a cupboard under the

stairs just big enough to fit a mattress.

“Instead of being a junk press, a single mattress was put in … I was living there and everyone was kinda joking about it,” Mr. Hogan said. “I was like, compared to the...

EMMA HANRAHAN CO-LEAD OF INVESTIGATIONS

HUGH DOOLEY CO-LEAD OF INVESTIGATIONS

Reflecting on the Year Post

Ashling Murphy’s Murder

As we start a new year, it is impossible to not reflect on the good and bad events that occured the previous year. A major event at the beginning of 2022 was the tragic death of Ashling Murphy, a young primary school teacher who was attacked in broad daylight while she was exercising. As we come to the one year anniversary of her untimely death, the thoughts of other women who have been killed or attacked violently come to mind and whether society has changed since Aisling Murphy’s death or instead stayed the same.

During our winter break there were three major deaths resulting from violence against women. On December 18th 2022, Natalie McNally, a 32-year old woman, and her unborn baby were stabbed and fatally injured in county Armagh. As of writing this piece the police are still searching for the person responsible for her death.

Another woman, Bruna Fonseca (28) was beaten and murdered by her previous partner on New Year’s Day. Both moved from Brazil to Ireland within the last year after graduating university. Most recently, a woman in her 40’s from Ashtown, Dublin was found violently murdered in her apartment. It is reported she was stabbed numerous times and was killed by someone known to her. These deaths are just the tip of the iceberg.

The role of social media surrounding the death of Ashling Murphy is very important in terms of how we view the deaths of other women due to violence online. The image of Ashling Murphy is one many women can relate to, she was a young, college graduate and out minding her own business before she was murdered.

Due to the clear picture of painted by the media, it was easy for the story of her death to burst people’s social media bubbles and raise interest and sympathy for her story. Her story remained a popular national news story and sometimes even gained international coverage.

Due to how quick the news and social media cycles go, her story was sidelined which often happens with more women violently attacked around the country. While the news evokes a sense of sadness and frustration within us, it can be difficult to stay relevant and make the noise Ashling’s did due to the saturation and continuity of seeing women being harassed, hurt and murdered in Ireland.

Women’s Aid reports that since 1996, 249 women have died in the Republic of Ireland due to gender based violence. This study also found that 9 out of 10 of these women knew their killer and that 20 children (people under 18) have died where women around them have died because of gender-based violence. These are startling statistics for women across Ireland, but what are local and national entities doing to make society a safer place for women?

When Michál Martin spoke at Ashling Murphy’s funeral last year he reported that he wanted a “zero-tolerance approach to violence against women” and in June 2022, the

EDITOR’S PICKS

government published their official “Zero Tolerance” strategy to tackle all forms of violence women face in society. The Journal reports that it is “the government’s duty to keep their eye on their commitment made last June” and that the change Ireland needs to see “is not going as fast as some of us would like”.

From reading through his statements and the Zero Tolerance strategy, they believe education is the first and most important step to changing how men view women and how safe women feel around men. From their research; students are not being taught consent thoroughly in school, unless it is a program decided by the school’s board, children need to learn the true meaning of consent before it comes up in a sexual situation. Knowing to ask someone for a hug, a chat and even to shake hands are all instances children come across daily that could help them better understand asking a sexual partner for consent in the future and the importance of their answer.

They also suggest educating parents better on how to control the children’s smartphone usage so they don’t have the opportunity to come across pornography and the effects viewing it can have on the children and how they form opinions on sex and relationships. If Irish parents had a healthier relationship with discussing sex and pornography with their children, we could see more children learn through informed discussion about the realities of sex and relationships instead of educating themselves through pornography.

As a UCD student and newspaper, it is interesting to see and learn what the response is towards gender-based violence in Dublin and the country. Before the death of Ashling Murphy, UCD ran a consent course for all incoming first years so they are aware of what consent means and how important it is to ask for consent. The UCDSU run SHAG week every year to raise awareness about healthy sex and relationships in a more informal way than the consent courses. This occurs annually which is important and more effective than the once off consent course in first year.

Since 2021, the UCD Dignity and Respect services work to help students through bullying, harassment and even violence against students and staff members. Since the death of Ashling Murphy the UCD board and Government parties have been pushing their Zero Tolerance policy on schools and workplaces around the country to make Ireland a safer place for women.

UCD Dignity and Respect services also work to help make staff and students feel safe on campus by having advisers on site to chat to students if it is needed, they provide students with specialist support and information about their safety and wellbeing. They also have an informal and formal way of dealing with specific situations on campus as they can keep information between the victim and UCD or if needed, pass their information to the Guards, Women’s and Men’s Aid and many more entities willing to help people feel safe within society.

Six Personal Data Breaches Reported by UCD

BUSINESS 14-15

An Interview with Sir Michael Smurfit, KBE NIEL STOKES

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 Features Editor

Mark O’Rourke Businenss Correspondent

Lee Martin Law Correspondent

Priyanka Saini STEM Correspondent

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

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Running His Own Race:

An Interview with Darragh McElhinney

DARA SMITH-NAUGHTON

Adam Behan

Yvonne Quinn

Joshua McCormack

Neil Stokes

Anastasia Nikishkina

Michael Sweeney

Orla Mahon

Hannah Carpenter

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

Eva Megannety

A special thank you to Madeleine Kelly for providing the front page image of Ukranian soldiers.

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NEWS TIPS CONNECT WITH US

Sometimes the best news story is right under your nose. For any news tips please contact the editor via social media, telephone, email or traditional mail. Alternatively, you’re welcome to stop by our Newman Building Office.

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.

Law Reform Commission Releases Consultation Paper on Liability of Clubs and Societies

LUCY MACKAREL

The Law Reform Commission published a consultation paper regarding the liability of clubs, societies and other unincorporated associations and are calling for volunteers to respond. According to the commission “an unincorporated association, such as a club, does not have legal personality. It is simply the group of members. That makes it difficult to prosecute the club. It is possible that all the members of the club could be found guilty of an offence.”

This new consultation paper is a part of the commission’s fifth programme of legal reform that examines issues to do with civil and criminal liability, matters of compliance and enforcement of regulations surrounding non-profit unincorporated associations, such as the clubs and societies on campus.

Clubs and societies are not completely without options if they want to give themselves more protection. As it stands right now, one way to do so is to register as a CLG. The issue is that the existing options are not appropriate for everyone, especially a university society or club. The Law Reform Commission has said that “the company limited by guarantee (CLG), provided for by the Companies Act 2014, is an existing mechanism that can be used

to protect members of unincorporated associations and third parties that deal with them, but acknowledges that there are associated costs and regulatory burdens.”

The College Tribune spoke with the UCD Literary Society about this and they admitted they were unaware of and disappointed by the laws surrounding liability and the society.

“We did not know that individuals rather than the society are liable to lawsuits, and we think it’s appalling. Society-work is essentially free community service offered by students who are passionate and want a better social sphere for their peers and themselves. It’s essential to campus life and is often time consuming and requires sacrifices. It’s an affront to leave, what is ultimately, volunteers in such a vulnerable position.” UCD Literary Society mention they would be willing to fill out the survey that the Law Reform Commission put out and welcome any changes to how the law stands as of now.

The Law Reform Commission proposed three possible models of reform to address this. The first is changing the law to create “non-profit registered associations.” If an association registered it would become a separate entity to its

members in the eyes of the law. The second model would require an unincorporated association to fit certain criteria to become a separate legal entity from its members. The final model involves changing the laws themselves, instead of making the club a legal entity.

If your club or society is concerned

or would like to give your insight about the potential reform, responses can be sent by email to unincorporatedassociations@lawreform.ie or by post to Law Reform Commission, Styne House, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2, D02 DY27.

Six Personal Data Breaches Reported by UCD

ELLA WADDINGTON

University College Dublin reported 6 personal data breaches to the Data Protection Commission. Two cases involved the misplacement of an unencrypted USB stick holding personal information, and another concerned a fraudulent third-party holding temporary remote access to a UCD computer during a scam call.

UCD GDPR defines a personal data breach as the accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration or unauthorised access to personal data. Data breaches can take place unintentionally, such as sending an email to the wrong person, but can also be premeditated, such as purposely attempting to gain access to customer data.

The Data Protection Commission, a government body responsible for ensuring individual’s data protection rights, closed the six cases, but

provided a list of recommendations for UCD to consider.

“UCD has considered the recommendations of the Data Protection Commissioner and opportunities for improving controls have been identified. Two have been approved for action, with further work to be done on a third before it is considered again. The implementation of the approved action is ongoing,” the Commission told the Irish Examiner.

This is not the first time the University has violated data protection guidelines. UCD was fined €70,000 by the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) for failure to implement appropriate security measures. The DPC stated that UCD failed to process personal data in a manner ensuring appropriate security, storing personal data in email accounts which allowed the

identification of data subjects for an unnecessarily long period, and failure to notify the DPC of the data breaches without delay.

UCD also came under criticism in 2019 when highly sensitive documents were found by The College Tribune to be openly accessible to students as they were left in a storage room under construction on campus. Payroll reports, employee bank account details and PPS num-

bers were among the information found in these files.

UCD itself has raised concerns about the effects of data breaches in the past, such as loss of control and damage to reputation. Such incidents raise questions around the procedures in the handling of personal data and the extent to how seriously the university follows the guidelines set out by the DPC.

ASSISTANT

ASSISTANT

Image of Belfield Papers from 2019

Image Credit: Danielle DerGarabedian

UCD Formally Apologise To Ní Shúilleabháin for Harrassment

LUCY

MACKAREL

n 21st December UCD extended a formal apology to Dr. Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin for the harassment she experienced from another member of staff while lecturing here at the college.

An assistant professor in the school of Mathematics and Statistics at UCD, Dr. Ní Shúilleabháin went public with what happened to her in September 2020. She revealed the workplace stalking and harassment another colleague subjected her to in the years between May 2015 and July 2017.

The colleague in question was Professor Hans-Benjamin Braun. Throughout those 2 years his harassment included repeatedly asking Dr. Ní Shúilleabháin on dates, sending her unsolicited emails and phone calls, and arriving unannounced to meetings she held.

At one point during those 2 years, he was removed by gardaí from a hotel in Cork after turning up there – having seen Dr. Ní Shuilleabháin was on the premises via social media. Despite reporting incidents to the University from the beginning, the harassment was allowed to continue.

In late 2019, under section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, Braun was charged with harassment and issued with an order barring him from contacting Dr. Ní Shúilleabháin for 5 years.

In December 2022, Dr. Ní Shúilleabháin received a formal apology from the university which she shared on social media. The apology from acting UCD president, Mark Rogers, was dated December 21st and acknowledged the fact that “university policies at the time were inadequate to address the situation” and that “it was clear [Ní Shúilleabáin] was not supported appropri-

Hospital NegativelyOvercrowding Impacts Student Nurses

ELLA WADDINGTON

ately” when she reported the harassment at the time.

In the first weeks of 2023, a reemergence of hospital overcrowding struck Irish hospitals with a record of 931 patients waiting for beds in corridors at its peak. Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, described the situation as a “perfect storm” of illnesses such as flu, COVID, RSV and the usual pressures facing the health system. These factors leave medical professionals and student nurses with intense, exhausting work conditions.

Those seeking medical assistance are asked by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to consider all options before attending emergency departments to ease the pressure faced by hospitals. However, Phil Ní Sheaghdha, General Secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), acknowledges that “the call is falling in the wrong area”.

The situation’s improvement is being accredited to the increased number of staff coming to work in hospitals over the peak of the crisis and attendance was up by 30% compared to normal levels in some hospitals. Stephen Mulvany has appealed to healthcare workers to work extra hours over the coming weekends to try and ease continuous pressure on the emergency department.

Student nurses currently on placement are included in the staff required to work overtime. Meadhbh

Gibney, a student nurse in training at University Hospital Limerick, which experienced some of the worst overcrowding, says that the crisis has simply highlighted already existing problems in the healthcare system.

“No amount of preparation from lecturers or clinical placement could have mentally prepared me for what I was about to see and do. The overcrowding and understaffing isn’t a new issue, it was just exacerbated over the last few weeks. The problem was apparent to me when I

Rogers thanked her for speaking out about her experience, telling her that UCD policies were “transformed” since she went public and he looked forward to how Ní Shúilleabháin would “thrive and contribute to a safer UCD” moving forward.

Commenting on the letter’s contents in her post, Dr. Ní Shúilleabháin thanked Rogers for the apology, as well as her colleagues in higher education who had been supporting her since 2015.

She expressed gratitude to her friends and family for being there for her throughout the experience and for “never letting [her] let this go”. She ended her post by thanking the Irish Federation of University Teachers for their support and encouraged everyone to join a union.

Private hospitals are offering their beds to those waiting on trolleys; and although some were able to provide assistance, the arrangements were deemed “both ad hoc and uncoordinated” by the Private Hospitals Association.

Nursing homes also wished to support the health system by offering their beds, but hundreds of patients could not be relocated out of hospitals due to delayed transfers. These delayed transfers are often caused by delays in organising Fair Deal nursing home places or transitional care in other facilities.

While the number of people waiting in corridors has decreased, the HSE cannot confirm that figures will not rise again as the country is still in the middle of the wave of winter respiratory viruses. The chief executive of the HSE, Stephen Mulvany, has stated that total admissions into hospitals exceeded the health services “most pessimistic model” coming into the winter surge by 10%.

China Reopens Borders to End Zero Covid

After 3 years of strict zero-COVID measures, mainland China reopened its air, land, and sea borders, as well as removing quarantine restrictions on inbound travellers. This development is met with much excitement, with many families and friends finally reuniting following 3 years of separation.

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The apology from acting UCD president, Mark Rogers, was dated December 21st and acknowledged the fact that ‘university policies at the time were inadequate to address the situation...’

started in first year three years ago.”

“We have been given jobs far beyond our scope of practice which is not our role as students. We are there to learn, to watch qualified and experienced people execute the job in a professional manner. The whole experience has been isolating and frustrating and I really wish there was more of a support there for us”, she said.

1st year UCD nursing student, Chris O’Dwyer, agreed that student nurses need greater support.

“COVID-19, RSV and influenza are causing significant problems in our hospitals and healthcare workers are working extremely hard. However, the greater issue is definitely the treatment of hospital staff across all departments. There is a major problem with staff retention, more and more nurses are leaving the country in search of a better work life balance or leaving the profession altogether. Major improvements are needed to retain

nurses and midwives - better pay opportunities, better work conditions and better support for student nurses and midwives,” he stated.

Jane Doyle, a 4th year nursing student at DCU, spoke of her anxieties surrounding the overcrowding once hearing of the situation into which she was about to enter.

“It was very daunting watching the news knowing that we would have to go into the hospital. I was concerned that our education would be in jeopardy as staff nurses would not have the time to teach us, as that was a problem before the overcrowding got this bad”.

A spokesperson for the HSE has stated that the issue of hospital overcrowding is likely to continue for a number of years. While protests are taking place across the country calling for greater capacity in emergency departments, anger and fear about the situation remain among hospital staff and nursing students.

Values in Action Recognise UCD Library for Period Poverty Intiative YVONNE

QUINN

In December 2022, the UCD Values in Action Awards (VIA) acknowledged the UCD Library for their efforts on tackling period poverty by providing free sanitary products.

In the James Joyce Library, the Period Poverty Team made free pads and tampons available to any student. These period products can be found in the dispensers in the women’s, men’s and unisex/ wheelchair accessible toilets.

The UCD VIA Awards recognise individuals or teams and committees who act as ambassadors for UCD Values through their daily efforts; and those who establish initiatives that bring the UCD Values to life, or volunteer within the UCD community.

A report conducted by the Period Poverty Sub-Committee on behalf of the Government, found that between 53,000 to 83,000

women are at risk of period poverty in Ireland; and that individuals that face homelessness or have a substance-use disorder are particularly vulnerable.

a minimum of €121.

The Period Poverty Initiative started in October 2021. It is a group effort between the UCD Library, Professor Jason Last, UCD Dean of Students and the UCD Students’ Union. The initiative’s aim is to make period products accessible to students.

Associate Librarian Lorna Dodd stated that, “The Library plays a pivotal role in everyday student life and we are committed to student well-being.”

Most people that experience periods will have 12 – 13 periods per year with some using up to 22 tampons and/or pads per cycle. The average annual costs of period products for individuals, including pain relief can be estimated at

The pilot stage of the period poverty initiative within UCD Library is an ongoing success. The Students’ Union said, “We are extremely grateful for the library’s partnership in helping us get this worthwhile initiative over the line and students should expect to see an increase in the number of locations with free period products over the coming weeks.”

Enoch Burke has been formally dismissed from his teaching post after repeatedly returning to the grounds of Wilson’s Hospital School in Co. Westmeath during his suspension. This follows from his release from Mountjoy Prison, where he spent several months due to disobeyed court orders restraining him from attending or teaching at the school.

Ozone Layer on Track to Fully Recover

The UN recently announced that if current measures are maintained, the ozone layer can be expected to fully recover in the coming decades. By 2040, the UN panel of experts anticipates that the ozone layer will return to its 1980 levels. The UN attributes this to the banning of 99% of ozone-depleting substances.

New Drug Injection Centre Opens in Dublin

Ireland’s first drug injection centre received the green light to open in Merchant’s Quay, Dublin. Following a trial period of 18 months, the impact the centre will have on the local area will be assessed. School hours will be taken into account in terms of operating the centre, with the goal of preventing exposure to school children.

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...between 53,000 to 83,000 women are at risk of period poverty in Ireland...

Image Credit: NASA’s Earth Observatory

Image Credit: Rick Rycroft

Student Accommodation Crisis: ‘Instead of being a junk press, a single mattress was put in… I was living there.’

EMMA HANRAHAN CO-LEAD OF INVESTIGATIONS HUGH DOOLEY

CO-LEAD OF INVESTIGATIONS

Ashortage of accommodation near colleges this year has left students facing commutes of several hours, others paying significant sums in rent, and in one case a student was sleeping in a cupboard under a stairs for a period.

Students’ Unions had criticised the Government and universities for failing to do more to help students who were struggling to find housing ahead of this current college year, warning people would have to defer their education as a result.

Seán Hogan, a student in University of Limerick (UL), spent the first number of weeks of this college year sleeping in a friend’s house, in a cupboard under the stairs just big enough to fit a mattress.

“Instead of being a junk press, a single mattress was put in … I was living there and everyone was kinda joking about it,” Mr Hogan said. “I was like, compared to the reality of spending two hours in a car every day, paying for fuel, and all the associated costs with that, it would be considerably easier,” he said.

After taking last year out, Ms. Choudhry says that “coming back to college after a year out of education has certainly been a bit daunting and stressful.” The student said she was also unable to get any work or study done during the commute as public transport was “so crowded”.

“There’s a constant sense of anxiety about making the next bus and making the next train”, she said. “I generally tend to skip lectures as well, because of the commute. I think it’s more bang for my buck if I am staying at home and studying uninterrupted,” she said. Rental accommodation near the Belfield campus was simply too expensive, she said.

Ms. Choudhry said group projects are “really hard” to facilitate, as many students were living outside of Dublin and had to commute

home after lectures. “One of my group projects had to be done entirely online because one of the girls in my group was unable to find accommodation in Dublin and was living at home in Donegal,” she said.

“My student experience can be defined by just waiting for trains and buses, being in a rush to get college work done. I’m spreading myself so thin between the commuting, the working, and trying to have somewhat of a social life as well as working,” she said.

One student, who did not wish to be named, said they had to defer their final year studying commerce in UCD as the cost of rent was too high. The student said deferring the year had lifted a weight off their shoulders, between the stress of working longer hours and completing college work. “I know I should return

[next year] but it’s hard to say at the moment,” they said.

Mr. Hogan, who is studying physics and chemistry with teaching, said the situation was “not ideal”. Living in Co. Clare before the college year started, the student said the traffic driving to UL in the morning would have left him with a two hour commute some days. He looked for accommodation but was unable to find any in his budget before classes began last September. After sleeping in the cupboard under the stairs for several weeks, he was able to find accommodation with his partner.

Mahnoor Choudhry, a final year law student in University College Dublin, has a commute of up to two hours to the South Dublin university from Balbriggan, in North Co. Dublin. “It’s crazy because I still live in Dublin, but the commute takes me as long as it would take somebody outside of Dublin commuting to UCD,” she said.

Falaena Rothwell, is an American from California in her final year studying Politics at UCD, renting an apartment in Donnybrook with her younger sister, who sleeps on a bed in the living room.

The rent is €1680 a month, but bills and utilities are not included, which is an issue during the colder winter months. The pair have been served an eviction notice by their landlord to leave the property by next May, and already have been stressed trying to source alternative accommodation.

Ms. Rothwell said her sister had been “freaking out” about being evicted and trying to find a new rental home during college exams in May. The sisters have already begun searching for new accommodation but found most options are “too far away, too expensive or only available five days out of the week,” she said.

Colm, a Video Game Design student in Ballyfermot College of Further Education, said he had moved back to his family home in Co. Wicklow, due to a lack of decent housing in Dublin. Colm said he had been renting a small room for €605 a month. “You could fit a bed and a desk and that was it,” he said.

Now he leaves his house at 6.30am to travel to college and gets home after his part-time job at 9pm. “I probably run on an average of about like three and a half to five hours of sleep, depending on the day,” he said.

The long commute has left him “running on fumes” between his studies and part-time work, he said. The student said he was looking to rent somewhere near his campus, that was affordable and a “liveable space”, but felt at this point such accommodation “just doesn’t exist.”

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...compared to the reality of spending two hours in a car every day, paying for fuel, and all the associated costs with that, it would be considerably easier [to rent]...

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My student experience can be defined by just waiting for trains and buses...

Image of the junk press that Seán Hogan slept in for the first few weeks of college.

AUNT Agony

The start of a new semester means only one thing for college students: more agony! However, this semester’s agony should hopefully be counteracted by an increase in vitamin D that is just around the corner. That’s right … the birds will soon to start singing and chirping again, and the sun shall shine once more on Belfield’s gloomy concrete jungle.

Mes Cheries, keep in mind: this semester is the sneakiest of the year. Between the return of iced coffees from Bluebird and ice creams from Centra by the lake, do not forget to stack those hours in the library and stay on top of your lectures. I know we have a few more weeks of this doom and gloom, but at least we have a mildly warmer RDS to look forward to for the summer exams.

So hold on, sunnier days are coming.

Q. A

I’m a first year Biomed student and I keep seeing societies post about their upcoming “balls” on Instagram. Which one is the most worth my money and should I attend more than one?

Balls are generally a way to have fun with your coursemates and to get to know them better. My suggestion is this; if you are involved with a society outside of your course, you should go to its ball as well as your own course’s ball.

They are generally very fun but have gotten exponentially more expensive as the years have gone by. I would always prioritise the ball where you have most friends who are attending. They are one of the best parts about being in college as it can be so difficult to socialise with your coursemates, in particular, outside of lectures.

Q. A

I got a grade back for a module but thought I could have done better. Should I resit the exam or just accept the grade and try harder this semester?

First of all, it’s important to not be hard on yourself and know that the grade isn’t a measure of your intelligence or ability. There is always so much at play for exams, especially now that they are in-person again.

The decision to resit or accept is completely your prerogative. It might be very hard to juggle studying for another exam along with all of your new modules this semester. I would suggest checking with the module co-ordinator of the exam grade you aren’t happy with what the best way to go forward would be. Remember, lecturers generally want you to succeed.

Q. A

I struggled mentally a lot throughout exam season, are there any supports in UCD I can use for semester 2 exams?

Ahhh, exam season is the worst ma chérie. Being in college is so hard and it can be even harder to be mentally tuned into our own health. There are definitely supports available in UCD. Your best point of call is your student advisor and then the Education Officer or Welfare Officer in the Students’ Union. Don’t forget about your lecturers too. If you need extensions for assignments, please don’t hesitate to ask for them. Do anything you can to make your life easier.

Got a problem or issue you want advice on?

Email it to agony@collegetribune.ie to have it answered for the next issue!

Q. A

In the new year I wanted to try veganism but I’m a little worried about eating on campus. What vegan food options are there on UCD campus?

Oh wow, another fad. Not to be too blunt bestie, but have you tried packing your own lunch and snacks? We’re in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis for goodness sakes and UCD does not cater for those suffering under it!

In all seriousness, there probably are loads of options, you’ll have to check out the different restaurants.

Q. A

I want to use the gym at UCD but I’m a little shy and not familiar with the equipment. Do you have any advice for getting over this anxiety?

Absolutely. Know that you’re a bad b**** and literally everything in the gym begins with trial and error. Try to go to the gym at times that it isn’t crowded as this will help you to learn how to use the equipment in a more laid back environment. Think of what parts of your body you would like to train and google exercises to help you train those parts. If machines are mentioned, then watch YouTube tutorials on how to use them. Even more, most of the equipment in the UCD gyms have basic instructions on them. If you are really stuck, fitness instructors are always on standby and you can ask them for assistance.

You’ll be grand. Just remember, you’re own your own fitness journey.

Q. A

My New Year’s resolution is to budget better. Do you have any student-friendly budgeting advice?

Pack your own lunch, pack your own lunch and lastly pack your own lunch. Eating out is the most expensive daily expenditure that can easily be avoided by meal prepping and packing lunches on Sundays. It’s a timely affair, but at least you save about €10 a day. Another student hack is to bring instant coffee with you to campus and get hot water from the SU shop or the different cafes. Coffee or hot drinks in general are a way to catch up with friends on campus and are an inevitable expense.

You won’t be able to afford a mortgage by the end of the week by saving money on food and coffee as trickle down economics would like you to believe, but you’ll certainly have more money for pints.

Q. A

I love my friends but I feel like they sometimes exclude me. How should I talk to them about this?

You should bring it up directly!

Part of being friends with people means that you can speak to them up front about these things. It’s never a nice feeling to feel excluded and I’m sure no real friend would want to exclude you. Sometimes people get so wrapped up in their own lives that they don’t realise the effect it’s having on others.

Speak to them gently and remember, always lead with how you feel rather than attack your friends. They may have stuff going on too!

features.

Features Editor, Rory Fleming, comments on Leo Varadkar’s sentiment towards Irish youth emigration.

Fleming analyses what is driving Irish youth to emigrate, its potential socio-economic impact and reflects on how the cost-of-living crisis is driving those close to him to new opportunities in new countries.

The Grass IS Greener for Irish Youth

Ireland’s youth, a mere afterthought yet again. That was the sentiment gleaned from Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s comments before the festive period. The Fine Gael leader quipped that the “grass looks greener” when it comes to the recent surge in emigration amongst this nation’s youth.

The comments, which also included the astonishingly misinformed line that when heading abroad “you’re not going to find rents that are lower… [apart from] rural areas or third and fourth-tier cities”, is yet another indicator that the Government is burying its proverbial head in the sand when it comes to the challenges facing Ireland’s youth.

The recently appointed Taoiseach was quite literally proved wrong in the same news cycle, with a Daft.ie rental report detailing how rents in Ireland have increased by a record 14.1% since this time last year, along with the concerning statistic that there are 75% fewer properties available for rent than in 2019.

It is trends in the housing market such as these which make the figures in September’s Red C poll more understandable. In the poll over 70% of respondents aged 18-24 said they were contemplating moving abroad because “they think they would enjoy a better quality of life elsewhere”.

Our local representatives are supposed to work towards solving the gravest issues faced by their constituents and are paid handsomely – particularly in these fiscally compromised times – to do so. However, in terms of both action and rhetoric, those that enjoy the elegant working environment of Leinster House appear to be more concerned with creating populist soundbites in the Dáil chamber as they become embroiled in daily political point-scoring exercises.

Ireland is a small place and anecdotal evidence cannot be discounted. In my own life, my group of friends has been decimated by the requirement to emigrate in search of an affordable and fulfilling standard of living. In fact, just last month, I said goodbye to my childhood best friend as he travelled “down-under” in the hopes of escaping the incessant struggle that is being a young person in today’s Ireland.

From Vancouver, to Abu Dhabi and virtually everywhere in between, Ireland’s youth are leaving in their droves. We have not just left one pandemic behind, but rather swapped it

for another iteration – one of emigration. The COVID zoom calls have been replaced by emigration Facetimes and the outdoor meals replaced by a hopefully annual reunion dinner.

Yes, as a nation we have always been a people with a strong will to explore and find our way in the world, but akin to the days of the famine or the economic hardships of the 1980’s, the mass exodus of our youth is no longer a choice – it is a necessity.

I myself am a Masters student at University College Dublin, and I can see no other way that my degree culminates other than with a one-way ticket to a foreign land. When faced with the Sophie’s choice of beginning to rent at rates which will see you unable to save up for a house deposit, or live at home with your parents until your mid 30’s to spend €500k+ on a cramped 3-bed terrace house; you are left frantically googling Qantas or Etihad’s air fares.

Taking a more macrocosmic overview of the situation is all the more worrying, when you consider the potential brain-drain that Ireland is facing. With over 60% of Irish 25-34 year-olds possessing tertiary level education, well above the EU average, we as a nation boast one of the most qualified and knowledgeable workforces in the Western world.

Our high-level of education is a key explanatory factor as to why Ireland has become the self-professed “tech capital of Europe”, in addition of course to our “lenient” relation-

ship with the taxation of foreign corporations. However, should this highly educated youth continue to abandon these shores, the companies we built our post-2008 economy on may themselves look to alternative hosts.

This past year, for the first time since the Famine, the Republic’s population limped over the 5 million mark in official census figures, but at the current trajectory of departures, the number of inhabitants may decrease for the first time since 1991- a worrying but unsurprising possibility.

The reasoning behind why Ireland’s youth are yet again being overlooked by the political powers-that-be is simple. Older people vote, they put these politicians into power and it is their interests they serve. Pension reform and energy subsidies are of course credible issues to discuss and implement policy change on. However, they should not be done at the expense of, but rather in addition to creating a coherent housing and cost-of-living strategy for Ireland’s young people.

Perhaps though, I am asking too much of our burdened government. To borrow a line from Mr. Chomsky, “it is important to bear in mind that political campaigns are designed by the same people who sell toothpaste and cars.”

It is patently evident to Ireland’s youth that we are at a breaking point and the government must act now, or risk seeing the land of a thousand welcomes become that of a thousand goodbyes.

Image Credit: Danielle DerGarabedian

Small Soc Highlight: DrawSoc

JILL NIELS CAMPUS CORRESONDENT

Are you someone who has a creative itch that you just can’t scratch? Could you be the next Picasso? If you answered yes to either of these questions then joining DrawSoc may be for you!

UCD has a lot of societies that offer a huge range of activities and hobbies to explore. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out which society to join though, so the College Tribune would like to help you get to know more about DrawSoc.

So, what is drawsoc? The College Tribune spoke to them this week and this is how they would best describe themselves: “Draw Society [or DrawSoc] is at the centre of artistic expression and culture at UCD. We recognise genuine enthusiasm and encourage both newcomers and those experienced to participate in their beloved artistic pursuits.”

Their aim as a society is to create an ideal environment for artistically inclined students (or the not so artistically inclined who want to try it

out) to socialise and discover different art mediums. Plus, they provide you with all the art supplies required, so you won’t have to panic buy paint brushes before you join!

As mentioned, DrawSoc welcomes students, regardless of their artistic abilities. You’ll build artistic confidence and find friendships along the way.

DrawSoc encourages newcomers, saying “What’s more beautiful than seeing someone fall in love with a new [art] style that they’ve never tried before or were unsure whether to try it out? The sight truly warms our artsy hearts.”

Overall, Drawsoc likes to have a good time while also sharing the experience and benefits of artistic expression with their members. DrawSoc strives “to share the beauty of visual arts to a wider audience to help them gain a better understanding and appreciation [of art].”

They believe that while you develop and hone your artistic skills you

can build friendships along the way. DrawSoc even promotes art as a way to practise mindfulness, selfcare and a method to engage with the world “in a safe, friendly and encouraging environment”.

DrawSoc hosts a variety of events all centred around art. From recurring favourites, such as Boss Ross Thursdays, to monthly challenges, such as Ghostober, DrawSoc boasts diverse events without sacrificing their overarching theme. They also host various competition events where the winner is elected by event attendees and receives a prize.

With Refreshers’ week coming up in February, it is the perfect opportunity to explore new societies and hobbies! If you’re interested in making friends, creating interesting pieces and enjoy the soothing voice of Bob Ross, sign up and join DrawSoc for all their semester 2 events.

Any questions can be directed to their email draw.society@ucd.ie or via their Instagram, @ucddrawsoc.

Image of DrawSoc’s Bob Ross Thursdays event from 2019.

An Unhoused Union: Europe’s Student Housing Crisis

JOSHUA

MCCORMACK

As the accommodation crisis continues to spiral further and further out of control, students are forced to resort to increasingly desperate methods to access their education: soul crushing commutes, squalid apartments, taking out loans to pay for eye-watering rents. It is worth taking a look at our friends and neighbours in the European Union, to compare our dire situation with theirs. Are we the sore thumb of the EU? Or, are circumstances uniformly dire across the board?

The figures are stark; Dublin and Ireland at large, driven by our crippling lack of affordable housing, consistently ranks as one of the most expensive cities to rent in Europe. According to figures published by Eurostat, Ireland rose from being 17% above the EU average in terms of housing costs to 94% within the short span of a decade (2011-2021).

Prices are rising particularly thanks to the post-COVID inflationary boom and the economic fallout from the war in Ukraine. Many of the cheaper single bedroom apartments in Dublin consistently price well over €2000 per month.

Broadly speaking every government in the EU is experiencing challenges providing accommodation.

Portugal is well known as an easier destination for students going on Erasmus to secure affordable accommodation. It has a far lower cost-of-living when compared with the EU’s more Northern States, but even they are feeling the pressure – rents across Portugal went up by 10% last year. The Portuguese government, presumably recognising the danger, announced its highest budget for student accommodation recently, €561 million.

POLITICS

Out with the Old and in with the… Old?

ADAM BEHAN POLITICS WRITER

Anew year dawns on Ireland. Leo Varadkar has re-entered the Taoiseach’s office and must again tackle issues which have plagued the state for the past 15 years: housing, inadequate healthcare provision, education reform and so on. With only minor cabinet members reshuffling keeping ministers of the previous government in power, there are some doubts whether or not the Taoiseach’s government can adequately address and remedy these issues before the next general election.

Housing is, from a student perspective at least, the most important crisis the state currently faces. In September of 2021, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage published a strategic outline for tackling the worsening crisis.

In the Netherlands, another nation infamous for its high cost-of-living, the accommodation crisis was so disastrous that the Dutch government was forced to set up emergency housing for those students who had not yet secured a place to live at the start of term. Recently the government announced that they were planning to provide an extra 60,000 dedicated student housing units between 2022-2030. While obviously welcome, the measures are unlikely to reap dividends for quite some time.

Sweden is a similar story. In September of 2022, the Swedish National Union of Students announced that student accommodation prices had returned to pre-COVID peak levels. In Germany more than 35,000 students across towns and cities like Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne and Munich were still waiting for a place in on-campus accommodation in mid-September.

It’s clear that spending is the avenue most EU governments are taking to dig themselves out of the crisis. Most know, however, that they will not reach adequate housing capacity levels for some time, not without unattainable increases in spending

POLITICS IN BRIEF

RORY FLEMING FEATURES EDITOR

and almost certainly not within their governments’ lifespan. Thus, many countries are quietly turning towards international students as a means of alleviating the pressure.

EU freedom of movement law means that no member state can put an official cap on the number of international students coming to their country to study. These rules are unlikely to change. So instead, certain governments are using the colleges as a proxy, throwing up as many administrative barriers to international and Erasmus students as possible through them.

This is done with the aim of reducing the amount of courses taught through English and putting limits on the number of non-EU students is another measure being taken .

Given the vast sums of money being thrown at the problem, it is possible that eventually an apex will be reached, and more affordable student accommodation begins to filter through to the student housing market. Unfortunately though, it looks like this generation of students will be long graduated before the words “Accomodation Crisis” recede from the headlines.

Coined the “Housing for All” plan, this document outlines the strategy to meet the housing demand with an estimated 33,000 new homes needed each year from 2021 to 2030. This figure has come under revision as Varadkar stated recently after a summit on housing that targets should be increased to 40,000 new units annually. “It makes sense we will need to revise upwards”, Varadkar says.

Homelessness figures have also surpassed 11,000, which further highlights the urgent need for new affordable housing. Mr. Varadkar stated that tackling homelessness was the government’s top priority.

Some opposition TDs in the Dáil have shared their perspectives on government action regarding housing. “We are in the middle of an unprecedented housing crisis and the government is failing miserably to meet its own targets”, said TD Cian O’Callaghan, Housing Spokesperson for the Social Democrats.

Mr. Varadkar expressed his wish to treat the housing crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, with the implication that more interventionist action by the Taoiseach’s government is possible. The Fine Gael leader also expects the housing budget to rise in future, citing a growing economy and strong public finances to fuel this increase.

Another pressing issue faced by the “newly” formed government is

health. According to Ageaction, in 2022, approximately 1.04 million Irish residents were aged 65 and older, constituting of the current population. With this number set to increase in the coming decades, the HSE faces mounting challenges linked to an ageing population. Current issues include staff shortages, hospital trolley availability and overcrowding which led to an exponential growth in hospital wait times, much to the ire of the tax-paying public.

Many observers view wholesale reform of the health service as the only appropriate way to deal with these issues. However, in Varadkar’s statement made before Christmas about his 5 priorities of government, no mention was made about any such healthcare reform. Regarding the government’s implementation of Sláintecare, Mr.Varadkar has recently criticised Ireland’s two-tiered healthcare system which provides both private and public care, regarding it as “not right and not normal”.

With the Irish health system’s transformation under Sláintecare, Mr. Varadkar’s government hopes to make healthcare affordable and accessible to all Irish citizens.

Opposition parties like Sinn Féin have provided alternative health budgets for 2023 which promote both greater levels of funding already provided by Varadkar’s government and a promise to end overcrowding and trolley shortages in hospitals.

Having previously served as Taoiseach from 2017 to 2020, Varadkar resumes the role of head of a legislature that continues to struggle with the same problems that plagued his previous government. It leaves one to speculate on this government’s ability to deliver on its aims and promises with Varadkar at the helm. If the necessary solutions to the housing and healthcare crisis are not adequately addressed by Varadkar’s government, it is very likely that seismic shifts in the political landscape of the Irish state will occur, with the public’s patience wearing thin.

Change is required, but can these familiar faces deliver it?

TD Safety a Concern Global Elites Gather in Alps

Minister for Justice, Simon Harris, has sought reassurances from An Garda Síochána regarding the safety of politicians. The request comes following a number of incidents involving Dáil members, such as property damage and even the hurling of excrement. Minister Harris described the events as “an attack on democracy”.

POLITICS WRITER

POLITICS

From Belfield to Bakhmut: The UCD Student reporting from the Ukrainian Frontlines

“You either hear the sound of war, or the deathly silence.” That is how UCD student, Daria Tarasova-Markina, described the atmosphere in the Ukrainian town of Bakhmut. The town itself is located deep in the East of the country, and has become an apocalyptic wilderness in which Ukrainian and Russian forces engage in brutal trench warfare, as they seek to gain control of the strategically located town.

Designated as the “fixer” for CNN’s senior international correspondent, Ben Wedeman, Daria described her role within the reporting team as “acting as a local Ukrainian producer, where I am both a journalist and interpreter. I’m working with the CNN team, going everywhere with them and helping them to understand what’s happening on the ground, to communicate with local people and to find those who are willing to be interviewed”.

After spending a week reporting from the capital city of Kyiv, Daria and the CNN team headed to the East of the country, where the fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces is at its most intense. Based in Kramatorsk, the team was tasked with highlighting the true destruction caused to urban centres within the Donetsk region and to also convey the impact of the incessant fighting upon the few remaining residents.

Just an hour drive away from Kramatorsk, is the town of Bakhmut. It is here that Daria witnessed the true destruction which Russia’s intervention within Ukraine has caused.

for months” she said, and as generators cannot be used 24/7, they are often left “with little communication, no electricity, no water, no internet, no heating, nothing at all – just people living in the basement.” But, that was not what she found most difficult about their living conditions.

Instead, it was the lack of opportunities to go outside and experience fresh air and sunlight. “The strongest image for me was when we came back at 11 in morning to this basement, it was total darkness due to the lack of power. Can you imagine people just sitting in the dark at 11 in the morning? They can’t go outside often because it’s too dangerous due to constant shelling and it’s also minus 16°, so you’ve nothing to do, just sitting under the ground. I think that emotionally, it’s crazy.”

tain any sense of normalcy possible. One such example is Daria’s struggle to complete end-of-semester assignments, which she reflected on. “A challenge for me whilst in Kyiv was that we often have no electricity. We have blackouts almost every day and the internet for maybe a few hours if we are lucky, so it was a little bit challenging sitting in total darkness but I had candles so managed to finish, just about!”.

With the spring semester fast approaching, Daria will be making the long journey back to Ireland next week, a journey which takes almost 24 hours now – owing to the necessity of travelling to Poland for a direct flight. This transition from air raid sirens and no running water to the affluence of South Dublin can be stark, and was one which the journalism student found difficult to navigate initially last September.

different and has alternative views, it’s very cool.”

Although she is looking forward to catching up with classmates and beginning her thesis research, Daria does still hold some reservations about leaving her homeland for such a prolonged period. “Of course when there is a war at home, you want to be in your country, it’s more comfortable for you. It might sound weird because it’s dangerous, but still, when you are Ukrainian and your country is at war, you want to feel your country and you want to feel its people. So that’s why it is not easy to leave.”

Daria, who is studying Journalism and International Affairs at UCD’s Clinton Institute, returned home to Ukraine in early December. After spending a week or so reuniting with friends and family in Kyiv, she had the opportunity to cover the war and work for one of the world’s most recognised news brands: CNN International.

Many of the world’s most influential politicians and CEO’s gathered this week in the Swiss town of Davos for the annual World Economic Forum. Returning for the first time since the outbreak of COVID-19, this year’s forum will centre around the theme of “Cooperation in a fragmented world”.

“Honestly, it’s even worse than [what you] see on TV,” remarked the UCD student. The team’s trip to Bakhmut coincided with the Orthodox Christmas period, creating a more poignant reality of how the town’s 10,000 remaining locals are enduring the depths of winter, coupled with the onslaught of Russian shelling.

Whilst there, the CNN team decided to spend the night and Daria arranged accommodation with a local doctor and his family in an underground bunker. “They’ve been living in the basement

Westminster Blocks Scottish Gender Law

When asked what she found to be the biggest challenge when reporting from the frontlines of war, Daria said that it was trying to be conscious of the emotions of locals and stressed that whilst it is an important job to highlight the human impacts of military conflict, it can sometimes be challenging trying to talk to these people who have been through so much.

“You want to show these people to the world and are trying to do a good job, but these people are just so tired because of everything that has happened. They’re scared, and many are not ready to talk to you, and personally for me, when you see people who are so hungry and tired and you have to go to them asking them to be interviewed, it’s not very easy.”

Despite the dire situation, the Ukrainian populous marches on, trying to main-

The UK government has vetoed a bill passed by the Scottish parliament, which aimed to make it easier for people to change their gender. The bill, which proposed removing the requirement of medically diagnosed gender dysphoria, is now set to become a legal dispute between Edinburgh and London.

However, Daria has now immersed herself in the college experience and is looking forward to returning to the UCD campus, saying that “It will be easier than it was in September when I first went to Dublin and knew nobody, not knowing what to expect. But now, it’s much easier from the emotional side because I have friends who I miss and want to see and talk to.”

Another aspect to life at UCD which Daria has enjoyed has been the diversity on campus, “There are people from all around the world and I find it very interesting how we can discuss a topic like the war in Ukraine, where I think there is only one way to look at the situation. However, when we start to discuss it in class together with people from Italy, Pakistan, Ireland or Colombia, I am able to understand that everyone is so

Ireland’s Wealth Disparity

Daria is just one of over 70,000 Ukrainian citizens who have found a second home here in Ireland since the outbreak of the conflict last February. Despite recent criticisms of Ireland’s response to the influx of refugees – most notably the Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland – the UCD student was keen to highlight her gratitude when saying “It was so surprising because we are living very far away from each other. We have pretty different cultures, pretty different histories, pretty different traditions, but you guys [Ireland] were still the first to open your borders for us and now you have over 70,000 Ukrainian refugees, it’s an amazing amount.”

Concluding the interview, Daria describes the “addictive” nature of war reporting, adding that upon completing her Masters degree, she aims to return to Ukraine, “to put into practice” what she has learned at UCD with the hope of continuing to highlight the plight of those subjected to Russia’s aggression within Ukraine.

A mere 1% of Irish society now controls 25% of its overall wealth, a new report from Oxfam shows. Moreover, Ireland’s two richest individuals now amass over €15 billion worth of wealth, a greater sum than the bottom 50% of the population’s earners combined. The report has stoked fresh calls for the increased taxation of Ireland’s highest earners.

You either hear the sound of war, or the deathly silence.

Features Editor Rory Fleming interviews native Ukranian, Daria Tarasova-Markina on her experience returning home and reporting from the frontlines. A stark, personal story that details the reality of reporting on war.

Image courtesy of Daria Tarasova-Markina

Uncertainty in the Job Market as the Tech Sector feels the Crunch

MARK O’ROURKE BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT

For the last three years, a present feature of life thanks to COVID-19 is uncertainty. While the worst of the pandemic may be behind us, uncertainty remains and, unfortunately for students, spread to the job market. For the last decade, the tech sector stood as the cornerstone of the Irish job market. According to Davy stockbrokers, the Big Tech multinationals headquartered in Dublin employ 12% of the capital’s workers. In recent years, the tech sector has become incredibly attractive and an important employer for UCD graduates.

However, the past months brought a string of announcements about job cuts from Tech Giants such as Stripe, Microsoft, Salesforce, Meta, and Twitter which all have their European headquarters in Dublin. Hiring freezes have also been announced as tech companies scale back on the optimism of the past years.

While the full extent of Irish job losses in these companies and the various others remain to be seen, the announcements are an indicator of the changing fortunes of the sector.

The tech industry was one of the major beneficiaries of the pandemic, experiencing unprecedented growth as life moved online. However, post pandemic the relentless growth experienced by the sector is starting to slow down and, amid rising interest rates, companies start-

ed reducing employee numbers in a bid to cut costs and protect their positions.

Job loss announcements from Stripe and Meta included an admittance that the companies had over-hired and failed to anticipate the slowdown in growth levels post pandemic. However, external factors are also at play as companies across all sectors grapple with higher costs, war in Ukraine and difficult economic conditions.

The announcement of job cuts will come as unwelcome news not only for the employees affected and their families, but also for students, particularly in the later years of their degrees, who are beginning to look at the job market and life after college. For many years the tech sector has been a huge graduate employer, providing lucrative employment in a growing market.

The announcements have come as a wake up call. The Irish job market and economy are heavily reliant on Big Tech companies and multinationals in general. Figures from the Department of Finance indicate that Big Tech companies, along with pharmaceutical companies, make up more than half of corporate tax revenues which this year reached record levels. Additionally, tech workers account for 6.5% of all jobs in Ireland and contribute 10% of income tax revenues. Additionally, countless workers in professional services firms and other industries benefit from the strong

tech sector presence in Ireland, and the declining fortunes of the may have broader ramifications across the economy.

Uncertainty for Students

The recent tech sector job losses have added to the uncertainty for students emerging into the job market. The Irish economy shows signs of resilience in the wake of the difficulties posed by rising energy costs, interest rates, and cost-of-living. However, as mentioned much of the prosperity of the Irish economy is tied to the tech sector and any inkling of trouble in this area is naturally a cause of worry.

Initial assessment of the job cuts indicates that it represents a pause on growth in the tech sector rather than a complete reversal. The full extent of the impact these job losses can have and whether or not there are more to follow is unclear. While the long-term effects are unclear, in the short-term graduates will find themselves emerging into a much less welcoming job market than the graduates in prior years. Other sectors will pay heed to the experiences of the tech sector, and 2023 will perhaps see a much more cautious approach than prior years, leaving uncertainty in the labour market one further thing graduates must contend with.

An Interview with Sir Michael Smurfit, KBE

The warm autumnal sun glistens softly on the still shores of Monte Carlo harbour. The escarpment of the Maritime Alps looms dramatically overhead. A kingfisher struts elegantly along the marina in search of its prey. It is perfect. How fitting a place to interview a man of such magnitude: Sir Michael Smurfit, KBE.

Born in St Helens, Lancashire in August 1936, Michael Smurfit joined his father’s business, Jefferson Smurfit & Sons Ltd. in Dublin, straight from school. Two years after the company floated on the Irish Stock Exchange, Michael and his

brother Jeff became Joint Managing Directors, as Jefferson Senior took on the role of Chairman and Chief Executive. Then followed by 30 years of acquisitions, the Jefferson Smurfit Group became Ireland’s first multinational company and the largest packaging company in the world.

In 2002, Dr. Smurfit took the Smurfit Group private, retiring as CEO but remaining Chairman. In this role, he steered a merger with Kappa Packaging BV, which successfully refloated in 2007 as Smurfit Kappa Group. Dr. Smurfit now resides in Monaco and our interview begins with questions about

impossible - because having a yacht like this is something to retire to, so it’s not all bad. But in terms of actually visiting the factories, motivating people, and making regular speeches: I miss all that,” he says.

Dr. Smurfit admits however that he doesn’t miss it as much in the last 5 years or so since he entered his 80s; but that, “between my 70s and my 80s, I had a good 10 years left in me – productive years,” he adds.

NS: Was retirement a shock?

“The first shock I had about retirement was when I left Telecom Éireann. I remember walking down the stairs at Telecom Éireann and one minute you were in total power - then you leave the boardroom, take your sign off the board, walk out to the front door and you were gone. And that was the first time I retired from anything. I remember my final moment walking down the stairs at Clonskeagh – now I knew I’d be going back to Clonskeagh to see my son or to see old friends -but, when you walk down the stairs and get into your car – you’re gone. You’ve gone from all powerful to just another shareholder,” says Dr. Smurfit.

Entrepreneurship

“I’m a major investor in many things. I invest a lot of money in start-ups. I helped some of the next generation of people behind me. Denis O’Brien, for example, was one person I was able to help with both advice and with capital and some other people like him over the years. And I would hope that that generation is now looking after your generation because we need risk-takers and entrepreneurs.”

“Entrepreneurs are what drive any economy. [For example,] just growing a pharmaceutical company is not the way to go. We need more Kingspans and Smurfit Kappas –indigenous Irish companies that are growing on a world basis.”

Ireland as an investment location

NS: What do you think of Ireland as an investment location and a place for doing business?

“I think Ireland has many stresses on its system, particularly in the housing market. I know there’s a huge shortage of accommodation for students. So Ireland is uniquely placed in Europe because we are part of the EU; Britain is not anymore. But how much industrialisation do we want? Ireland’s a small country with a growing population and I’m not sure if it was wise for us to take on so many refugees filling up our hotels when we have homeless people in our society: it seems to me to be a mismatch. But, I say that from afar because I haven’t been back in Ireland for a few years. Ever since I sold the K Club I haven’t really come back,” says Dr Smurfit.

his retirement and current life.

Current Life and Retirement

“I hated retirement,” Dr. Smurfit says. “I was totally unsuited to it. I retired probably 10 years too soon – and I’ve told my son Tony [CEO of Smurfit Kappa] the same thing: work as long as you can. The old 65 retirement age is all gone. Modern medicines, particularly statins, give people with heart problems [a] much longer active life.”

“I found retirement difficult - not

“For every nine failures, you get one success and that one success can often make you more than the nine failures. I invested in something yesterday for example. And next week I’m investing in something else - people from Ireland are coming down to see me. I’ll probably end up investing a million or two. And [with investing] you can make 20 times your money, or you can lose it all,” he adds.

Character Traits

One of the key themes of Smurfit’s book, A Life Worth Living, is the importance of reputation, integrity and doing the right thing. These

“We need more... indigenous Irish companies that are growing on a world basis.”

NEIL STOKES BUSINESS WRITER

values permeate throughout the book and I believe is eloquently summarised by one line in the book which reads: it all goes back to my father’s simple code of honesty and the all-important reputation.

NS: What traits do you look for when investing in people?

“The first thing I look for is integrity. When I’m interviewing someone for an investment: are they honest, straightforward, call a spade a spade and not corrupt. There’s certain parts of the world I won’t invest in because of demi-corruption –even though you wouldn’t be part of it yourself, you could be associated with it. And we had to be very careful with our investments in Russia, Venezuela and Colombia,” he says. Dr. Smurfit adds he “couldn’t wait to get out of Nigeria,” in reference to the failure of the Nigerian government to pay money it promised the company for it taking over 60% of its interests by decree.

He continues: “You can afford to lose money, but not your reputation. And therefore, that’s the first thing I look for. I can afford to lose the money I’m giving you, but I can’t afford to have my reputation besmirched by being part of something that’s corrupt or not ethical.”

The Underdog

When Smurfit first began acquiring companies, he was oftentimes met with stern opposition from Protestant-run firms who were not enthused at the prospect of a Catholic like Smurfit seizing power. Time and again Smurfit prevailed. This doggedness and determination is evident throughout the book and I feel is encapsulated perfectly in his mantra-like motto: “I must. I can. And I will.”

Personal Growth

The personal transformation Smurfit underwent is also apparent in the book. In his own words he had gone from being “a shy and retiring boy” into a confident and prolific dealmaker in his 30s.

NS: How did this happen?

gets.”

Smurfit notes that the influence of his father was “massive”. He continues: “I only got to love my father in my 30s when I started having children of my own. I began to realise just what he’d done for me. That all those tough times and all those tough meetings with him and tough moments; they were all part of his scheme to mould me into what I became. So I’m a product of that upbringing,” he says.

“I instil the same ethics in my kids, but I didn’t bring them up the same way because they were different times. My father wasn’t a huggy-huggy type of guy, we shook hands now and again but that would be about it. Whereas, I am a very huggy-huggy type [of guy]. I remember walking into his office on one of the proudest days of my life, if not the proudest day and saying we’re now the biggest company in Ireland,” he says.

Smurfit’s father was from England and “had a very tough time when he first came to Ireland,” says Dr Smurfit. “He was considered Jewish, or possibly Jewish,” Smurfit says. This is in reference to a number of golf clubs who turned down Smurfit’s father’s application for membership.

“The name Smurfit was an unusual name, still is unusual. And if we were a Smith or an O’Brien and our name was in the headlines anywhere, we would be anybody. But if it’s a Smurfit, it’s a standout name. I never encountered any other Smurfits in the world,” he adds.

NS: Did this give you an extra source of motivation and determination?

“Absolutely,” Smurfit affirms. “We took on the establishment and then we became the establishment.”

“One of the things I learnt early on from the acquisitions that we made (the first takeover in Irish history) was that I could run any business. Didn’t matter what it was. The problems were the same: you had sales, you had costs of production, you had gross margins and so on and so forth. And I found that I could run any business, so that began to give me a growing confidence in myself. Now we still had a base business which was growing very strongly, but we had all these peripheral businesses particularly after we acquired [the] Hely Group. We were in television sets, we were selling golf clubs, we were in printing, we were in carton making with Irish carton printers for cigarette packages, etc, etc. – we were involved in all sorts of things,” he says.

“All sorts of different opportunities came up with different problems and I found I could handle them to my surprise. I surprised myself I suppose. I was always very numerative and I had a head for figures. So I could read a balance sheet in 5 minutes and tell you how good a company was and what to do about how to fix it,” he adds.

Dr. Smurfit was diagnosed with tuberculosis at age 20 and confined to a sanatorium for 9 months. I put to him whether his business acumen was honed during this time spent reading financial journals.

“It was very important,” Dr Smurfit says. “It’s where I learnt about takeovers from reading the Investors’ Chronicle. Remember people don’t sell you good businesses. When things are going well, it’s very hard to buy a business. It’s when it goes badly – it’s easy to buy a business. And we bought the Hely Group because it was going badly – confidence had collapsed in the board. They tried to find a white knight, but they couldn’t – I had 25% of the company. It was a gamble: I gambled the company, I gambled Smurfits,” he says.

NS: Is gambling important to success?

“You need risk,” Smurfit affirms. “I was spending over 100% of our equity. I was buying a company that was twice our size.”

Investing

In terms of buying the right company, Smurfit mentions in his book how “the worse it is, the better it

“When you are attacking a market -- and Smurfit [Kappa] has now reached such a height that they can’t do it anymore. Smurfit couldn’t take over number 2, 3, 4, or 5 in the market because they’re already number one in Europe by far, so they wouldn’t be allowed by the competition authorities. So Tony no longer has that opportunity that I had. I was such a small peanut guy, that I was picking up all these guys who were making mistakes and turning them around and making them better - and I had plenty more to go at. So I’d just wait for the next downturn, move in, clean up the mess, get a lot of cash in the bank and then get ready for the next one,” he says.

NS: Is the current investment climate such an opportune time?

“Yes it would be a very good time,” Dr Smurfit says. “But unfortunately as I said Smurfit [Kappa] can’t do that.”

As for current industries which Smurfit would be looking to invest in, he cites an energy company he is currently looking at investing in. The business involves “buying electricity at night-time, storing it and then the electricity releases during the day when it is used. It seems to be a no-brainer if you can get into that kind of industry because the energy crisis is not going to go away – it’s going to be here for a long time to come,” Dr. Smurfit says.

“Germany taking 45/50% of their energy needs from Russia was leaving themselves wide open for exactly what’s happened. And they were warned about this 10 years ago. I remember when I was on the board of the European Round Table that [came] up and [we] discussed that Europe was becoming too dependent on Russian gas. What they say about Russia is: the Russian bear is either at your feet or at your throat; he was at your feet, now he’s at your throat. That’s a good quote by the way,” Dr. Smurfit adds laughing.

Advice for Young People

Smurfit highlights in his book that aspiring young business people should invest time in honing their IT skills, finding a niche and filling it and to never give up.

I put these to Smurfit who adds: “The first thing is never be afraid of failure. It’s going to visit you in your lifetime a number of times. If it happens just get off your feet and start again. Don’t be afraid of setbacks – they’re going to happen in life: could be a medical setback, business setback, personal setback. Just don’t let it bother you. If you can’t fix it, don’t worry about it. There’s no point worrying about something

you can’t fix. I think we sometimes go around like headless chickens worrying about things we can’t fix.” In summary? “Never give up, don’t worry about it if you can’t fix it, be prepared to have a go.”

He continues: “Everybody should have a go at something in life and not become a me-too guy working in an institution. That’s 99% of people – you just join the herd. I was lucky to have a job to go to. My father had a clear[ly] defined path that was to the future, but when I started at 16 I had no idea I was going to be where I ended up in my life. I pinch myself sometimes to look back at my own career and think ‘by God, how lucky was I’.”

Good habits

“Knowledge is power. And you don’t get knowledge from nowhere,” Dr. Smurfit says. “You get it from somewhere else: either in written form or in spoken form. So I would be saying try to study CNBC and get to know about markets and watch the trends. Spend an hour or two a day reading things like the Financial Times and Fortune or news magazines and stay up-to-date with trends particularly on corruption and things like that.”

“Stay well informed, it’s very important to be well informed. You can ask me about any subject and I’ll give you an opinion on it. Do I think Liz Truss is doing a good job in the UK? I think she’s had a disastrous start [Kwasi Kwarteng was duly dismissed as Chancellor the following morning] and I think Boris Johnson for all of his faults was a far better prime minister,” Dr. Smurfit says.

NS: What if Johnson were to return?

“I hope so,” responds Smurfit.

Legacy

Smurfit believes over his lifetime he has created “€10 to €15 billion of net worth for Irish shareholders and pensioners.”

He continues: “All the original employees, 220 of them in Clonskeagh and in Walkinstown, nearly every one of them were millionaires when they retired if they held onto their shares. Some of the guys sold shares straight away – my father gave most of the workers shares straight away. And a lot of them put their kids through college [due to their shareholding].”

Smurfit recalls the shop steward coming to him and saying “thank God for you Smurfit, all my kids have graduated through college now and they were able to do that from the dividends on the Smurfit shares.”

Image Credit: Steve Humphreys

The Legal Breakdown: the Asylum System

LEE MARTIN LAW CORRESPONDENT

Under the Common European Asylum System, EU countries have a shared responsibility to welcome asylum seekers in a dignified manner and ensure that they are treated fairly and efficiently with similar outcomes no matter where an applicant applies.

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Caroline Conroy, recently stated that recent anti-migrant protests in Dublin and Cork are being orchestrated by the same far-right activists who stoked similar protests in the East Wall area of Dublin in December. Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, has stated, “People have a right to protest in the appropriate place, but they don’t have the right to intimidate people.”

Decades of under investment by successive governments in social services, including housing, allowed the growth of anti-migrant sentiment. This sentiment is now harnessed by organised groups to stoke fear and resentment towards “others” in society and advance a growing ultra nationalist agenda.

Asylum is a fundamental right and an international obligation for countries, as recognised in the 1951 Geneva Convention on the Protection of Refugees. Misinformation is easy to communicate, particularly on social media, and this piece aims to clarify the legal definitions of some current phrasing around the International Protection System.

Key Legislation

There are 5 legal instruments governing standards and cooperation amongst EU countries under the European Union Agency for Asylum:

• The Asylum Procedures Directive - Sets out the conditions for decisions.

• The Reception Conditions Directive - Ensures common standards throughout the EU.

• The Qualification Directive -

Clarifies grounds for granting protection.

• The Dublin Regulation - Clarifies the rules governing the relations between states.

• The EURODAC regulationAuthorises the use of fingerprints of protection seekers.

Asylum Seeker (also known as International Protection Applicants)

People seeking protection as refugees, who are waiting for a decision on their applications, are legally entitled to remain in the state until their application for protection is decided.

Asylum seekers do not access social housing or the Irish social welfare system; they enter direct provision where they are provided with food and shelter, a weekly payment and a medical card until their application is processed. If an asylum seeker is waiting more than 5 months for a decision, they can obtain permission to work for 6 months.

Refugee

Once granted protection an Asylum Seeker/International Protection Applicant legally becomes a refugee. A refugee is anyone who cannot return to their country for fear of persecution for one of the following five reasons: race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group and political opinion.

A refugee will not be forcibly returned to their country of origin under the International Protection Act 2015 and social welfare entitlements generally fall under the same as those of an Irish citizen. For example a refugee may work, access education, benefit from social welfare and housing supports, live in Ireland for 3 years, access a travel document and apply for family reunification. A refugee may apply for Irish citizenship after 3 years.

Temporary Protection

The 2001 Temporary Protection Directive is an exceptional measure which provides immediate and temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons from non-EU countries who are unable to return to their country of origin. Once triggered by the European Council, Temporary Protection extends asylum-like access to supports for non-EU citizens. These supports include a residence permit, employment, accommodation, social welfare, medical care, education for children, free movement within EU countries, etc. Temporary protection can last up to 3 years.

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is legally defined as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of people through force, fraud or deception, with the aim of exploiting them for profit. Men, women and children of all ages and from all backgrounds can become victims of this crime, which occurs in every region of the world. Traffickers often use violence or fraudulent employment agencies and fake promises of education and job opportunities to trick and coerce their victims.

A perfect storm of conditions occurred in the last 3 years with Brexit, COVID and the war in Ukraine which changed the face and nature of the responsibility on Ireland to those in need under its legal obligations. The unprecedented influx of Temporary Protection applicants and International Protection applicants comes from Ukrainians fleeing war and those who held off on movement during lockdowns; and who may otherwise have applied in Britain which has now become a “third country” after removing all of its EU obligations.

This effectively caused a re-direc-

tion for many to Ireland, the only English-speaking country left in Europe. All of these factors make for a huge cohort of very vulnerable people arriving in Ireland with little notice. Unfortunately, these conditions are breeding grounds for hate.

Ireland does not have effective hate

crime legislation, unlike our neighbours in England and Wales. In November 2016 the Garda PULSE system was updated with 11 new categories to capture different types of hate crimes in Ireland, which was a welcome development and potentially needs to be updated to protect the current influx of migrants.

Greek Court Rejects Charges Against Irish Aid Worker Who Helped Migrants in Lesbos

LEE MARTIN LAW CORRESPONDENT

Acourt in Greece rejected charges against a group of aid workers and volunteers, including one Irish man, who participated in migrant rescue operations in a ruling on procedural grounds.

The case, in which 24 people were charged over their work with migrants newly arriving on Lesbos, drew widespread criticism from human rights organisations. The defendants argue they were assisting people whose lives were at risk.

“Trials like this are deeply concerning because they criminalise life-saving work and set a dangerous precedent. There has already been a chilling effect, with human rights defenders and humanitarian organisations forced to halt their human rights work in Greece and other EU countries,” said the UN Human Rights Office prior to the court decision.

Those on trial included prominent Syrian human rights worker, Sarah Mardini, a refugee and a competitive swimmer whose sister, Yusra Mardini, was part of the refugee swimming team at the Olympic Games in 2016 and 2021. The sisters’ story was made into a Netflix movie.

Irishman and fellow volunteer, Sean Binder, who was in Lesbos to attend the trial, spent more than 3

months in a jail in Lesbos after his 2018 arrest on charges including espionage, forgery and unlawful use of radio frequencies.

The court accepted objections by defendants that the prosecution had failed to adhere to proper procedure in filing the charges, that prosecution documents were not translated for the foreign defendants and that the espionage charges were vague.

The court dismissed the charges over radio frequencies as the law they were filed under has since been abolished. The decision means the case has collapsed as the five-year statute of limitations on the espionage and forgery charges expires in early February and the prosecution is unlikely to have enough time to refile the case.

Greece, which saw around a million people cross to its shores from neighbouring Turkey at the height of a refugee crisis in 2015, has clamped down on migration. Greece erected a fence along much of its land border with Turkey and increased sea patrols near its islands. Greek officials say they have a strict but fair migration policy. They also deny, despite increasing evidence to the contrary, conducting illegal summary deportations of people arriving on Greek territory without allowing them to apply for asylum. This is a controversial procedure known as “pushbacks”.

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Know Your Rights: Renting

The rental scene in Ireland reached a crisis-level due to chronic housing shortage. The cost of rent has increased by over 12.6% compared to last year. Years of housing undersupply, coupled with an exodus of small landlords from the market, has led to a dire situation for renters. This piece aims to clarify legal entitlements for students who are a particularly vulnerable cohort of renters.

General Overview

Your main rights and responsibilities as a tenant come from The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 and the lease or tenancy agreement you have with your landlord.

Leases or other tenancy agreements cannot take away from your rights under the legislation. However, you and your landlord can agree on matters not covered by legislation in a lease or tenancy agreement; for example, who pays for the utility bills.

If you are renting a room in your landlord’s home you are not covered by landlord and tenant legislation, although you are covered if you rent a self-contained flat in your landlord’s home.

An eviction ban is in place from 30 October 2022 to 31 March 2023. This means that if you are renting private rented accommodation, you cannot be evicted during these months, even if you have been issued with a valid notice of termination. However, the eviction ban does not apply if you do not keep your tenant obligations.

Your Rights as a

Private Tenant

• You are entitled to the quiet and exclusive enjoyment of your home. You are entitled to certain minimum standards of accommodation. You are entitled to a rent book.

• You have the right to contact the landlord or their agent at any reasonable time. You are also entitled to have the correct contact information for them (telephone number, etc.).

• Your landlord is only allowed to enter your home with your permission. If your landlord needs to repair or inspect the property, it should be arranged in advance, unless it is an emergency.

• You are entitled to be reimbursed for any repairs that you carry out that are the landlord’s responsibility.

• You are entitled to have visitors stay overnight or for short periods, unless specifically forbidden in your tenancy agreement. You must tell your landlord if you have an extra person moving in.

• You are entitled to a certain amount of notice if your tenancy is being terminated. This depends on how long you have resided on the premises.

• You are entitled to at least 90 days’ notice if your landlord wants to review the rent, and there are rules about how often they can do this.

• You are entitled to refer any disputes to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) without being penalised.

Your Rights as a Tenant in Student-Specific Accommodation

Tenants in student-specific accommodation are protected in residential tenancies legislation. For the most part, you maintain the same rights as private tenants. For example, you can access the RTB’s dispute resolution process and your tenancy must be registered with the RTB. However, there are some differences, for example, tenants in student-specific accommodation do not have security of tenure. This rule came in under the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019.

If you are a tenant in student-specific accommodation you only need to give your landlord 28 days’ notice when ending a tenancy. You can give your landlord more notice if you want. This policy came in under the Residential Tenancies (No. 2) Act 2021.

Security of Tenure

Security of tenure is a tenant’s right to stay in rented accommodation for a set amount of time. Generally, security of tenure applies automatically when you have been renting for 6 months and haven’t received a valid notice of termination from your landlord in that time. When you have security of tenure, your landlord can only terminate your tenancy for a limited number of reasons.

The amount of time you are entitled to stay in rented accommodation after the first 6 months depends on when your tenancy began.

If your tenancy was created after 10 June 2022, you have a tenancy of unlimited duration. This means if you have rented somewhere for 6 months, you have the right to stay in that accommodation indefinitely (no end date), unless the landlord wants to terminate your tenancy for one of the allowed reasons.

If your tenancy was created before 10 June 2022, you have the right to stay in your rented accommodation for up to 6 years after you have rented for 6 months. At the end of these 6 years, your landlord can end your tenancy without giving a reason, as allowed under the old rules. But, if the landlord does not end your tenancy at this stage, it automatically becomes a tenancy of unlimited duration and has no end date.

Paying and Reclaiming your Deposit

You will probably have to pay a security deposit when you agree to rent a property. The landlord holds this deposit as security to cover any rent arrears, bills owing or damage beyond normal wear and tear at the end of the tenancy.

You cannot be forced to make upfront payments of more than 2 month’s rent. This includes a deposit of one month’s rent and one month’s rent in advance. This restriction applies to all tenancies created from 9 August 2021 and is set out in the Residential Tenancies (No. 2) Act 2021. Students in student-specific tenancies can opt-out of this restriction and pay a larger upfront payment if they want. Threshold provides useful tips on what to consider before you pay

a deposit, including information on how to spot a scam. Your landlord must give you an inventory of the contents of the property. You should keep a record of the condition of everything that is listed, take photos if possible, and agree this in writing with your landlord.

When you leave a property at the end of the agreed rental period or after giving the agreed notice, the landlord must return your security deposit, promptly and in full.

However, if you leave before the end of the agreed period, the landlord may keep your deposit, even if you have given notice. (You may also be liable for the amount of rent due until the end of the lease, depending on what is stated in the lease agreement.)

The landlord may keep part or all of the deposit in the following situations:

• Rent arrears

• Unpaid bills

• Damage above normal wear and tear

If you have not given enough notice The landlord cannot hold your possessions against money you owe, but they can apply to the RTB if they feel that your deposit does not cover rent arrears or the cost of damage to the property.

If you feel your rights as a tenant have been broken, you have a number of ways to correct this. Threshold provides a free advice and information service to tenants.

Finally, if your landlord is not maintaining the property to the proper standards you can contact your local authority, which is responsible for enforcing standards in rented housing.

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

Law Correspondent Lee Martin breaks down and explains your basic rights as a student tenant.

Image Credit: Danielle DerGarabedian

Study reveals communicating through a Wormhole is ‘not impossible’.

If falling through a wormhole in space was on your 2023 bucket list, beware – it’s a oneway ticket. On the bright side though, you may have just enough time to send a message to the rest of us from the other end before it snaps shut.

No one has seen a wormhole, yet; but, theoretically, they could act

as space tunnels to distant parts of the universe, or other universes entirely if these places exist. Physicists have long known that one of the most frequently studied types of wormholes would be extremely unstable and begin to collapse if any matter that enters it. It wasn’t clear, though, just how fast that might happen. Now, a new computer program shows how one type of

wormhole would respond if something travels through it.

“You build a probe and you send it in the wormhole simulation,” says Ben Kain, a physicist at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass. “You’re not necessarily trying to get it to come back, because you know the wormhole is going to collapse — but could a light signal

get back in time before a collapse? And we found that it is possible.”

Prior studies of wormholes have concluded that the cosmic passageways could potentially remain open for repeated travel, even in the opposite direction, provided they’re supported by a form of matter that’s so exotic it’s called “ghost matter.”

Theoretically, ghost matter responds to gravity in exactly the opposite way to normal matter. That is, a ghost matter apple would fall up from a tree branch instead of down. While allowed by Einstein’s theory of general relativity, ghost matter almost certainly doesn’t exist in reality.

Nevertheless, Kain modelled ghost matter travelling through a worm-

hole and found that it caused the hole to expand as expected, rather than collapse.

It was a different story with anything made of normal matter. Normal matter would trigger a collapse that pinches the hole closed and leaves something resembling a black hole behind, which Kain’s simulation confirmed. But this will happen quite slowly so that the probe has time to transmit signals back to Earth just before the wormhole closes completely. For example, it is quite possible to have time to transmit a video message from the other side of the wormhole.

Virtual Reality: The Next Step To ADHD Diagnosis

ADHD is a condition that affects around 6% of the population’s children; and yet, research and treatment of the disorder is still in its early stages of development, or even seemingly at a stand-still.

However, this trajectory is catapulted into progression with the research of the MAGICS Infrastructure, a joint partnership between three major Finnish Universities who developed a way to aid in the diagnosis of ADHD in children through Virtual Reality.

In a paper published in Scientific Reports, the team conducted an experiment on a variety of children to uncover whether VR has a place alongside the doctor’s chair in helping uncover the condition.

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a condition becoming more and more prevalent in today’s society. Marked by a consistent pattern of inattention and/or impulsive hyperactivity, the disorder interferes with everyday functioning or development due to the improper functioning of the brain’s neurotransmitters, noradrenaline and dopamine. Symptoms include constant fidgeting, inability to concentrate, excessive talking, impatience, and impulsive behaviour.

Although there are a number of methods to diagnose and treat ADHD, ever-advancing technology is paving the way for an easier, more efficient way of dealing with the disorder. One of these ways is via Virtual Reality Technology.

Funded by the Aalto University, the research involved 37 children diagnosed with ADHD, and a control group of 36 children, who played two VR games designed to effi-

ciently and effectively aid in the diagnoses of ADHD. The two games, EPELI and “Shoot the Target”, use machine learning and the tracking of eye movement.

EPELI is a VR game that simulates everyday situations in order to assess the response of the child being examined. For example, a given goal in the game may be to brush your teeth while a distracting stimulus is occurring in the simulated environment around you. This game aids the diagnostic process as it provides an interactive and conclusive approach to ADHD detection. Instead of a child taking a test delineating hypothetical events, they are simply being observed while going about what is almost their everyday life. The results, in this case, would show themselves.

In “Shoot the Target”, the objective is to look around your virtual environment and “shoot” the object highlighted by looking at it for a certain amount of time. In this case, the data is collective by observing the children’s eye movements. It is seen that those with an ADHD diagnosis have more “darting” eye movements.

“This isn’t just a new technology to objectively assess ADHD symptoms. Children also find the game more interesting than standard neuropsychological tests.” Project lead Juha Salmitaival, an Academy Research Fellow at Aalto, explains that a major benefit to the game is its motivational aspect.

The current methods of diagnosis is based on questionnaires, interviews and subjective observation; and are proving to produce ambiguous results, with the standard behavioural tests not providing an accurate representation of how children with

ADHD deal with everyday tasks and situations. In comparison, VR is proving to be a more hands-on approach to treating the condition.

“We want to develop a gamification-based digital therapy that can help children with ADHD get excited about doing things they wouldn’t otherwise do. There’s already an approved game for ADHD rehabilitation in the US,” says Salmitaival.

The team is already exploring the prospect of rehabilitation projects with researchers at the University of Oulu, in Finland.

Beyond assessing symptoms, gaming could also be used as an aid to ADHD rehabilitation. It can help in the practice of holding atten-

tion, and it proves to be a safe, open space for trying new tasks. A “reward feature” is also being postulated to moderate impulsive behaviour and aid in emotional control.

Researchers have already identified other potential applications for EPELI in assessing a wide range of difficulties with everyday challenges. For example, it could be used to measure problems in the planning and flexibility of activities in people with autism. With modifications, this approach could also be used to assess language problems, brain trauma, adult ADHD, symptoms related to cerebral palsy and even the deterioration of memory with age.

“Our partners in Geneva are studying aging-related diseases. Key opportunities on the horizon include early detection of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases,” says Salmitaival.

And so, we not only see an active step towards progress in the area of ADHD research and developments, but we also find that this enigmatic approach to healthcare may be transposed to an infinite number of areas within the medical industry. This could see the cultivation of an entire new branch of medical technology, the creation of a hundred thousand new jobs, and above all, a more open and accessible future.

RHOEN EATE DEPUTY EDITOR

Image Credit: Jessica Lewis Creative

PRIYANKA SAINI STEM CORRESPONDENT

Newly Discovered Anatomy Shields and Monitors Brain

HANNAH CARPENTER STEM WRITER

Traditionally it was thought that the brain is surrounded by three membranes known as the dura mater, arachnoid and the pia mater. However new research, published in Science, has revealed the presence of a fourth layer. This previously undiscovered piece of brain anatomy is now known as the Subarachnoid Lymphatic-like Membrane, or SLYM for short. SLYM functions as a protective barrier in the brain and hosts immune cells that monitor the brain for infection. It has also been linked to roles in the brain’s

system of waste removal, known as the glymphatic system.

The SLYM is a very thin yet tight barrier. Only very small molecules are allowed through, and it appears that it has a role in separating “clean” and “dirty” cerebrospinal fluid, an important aspect in the glymphatic system.

The study was pioneered by Maiken Nedergaard, co-director of the Centre for Translational Neuromedicine at the University of Rochester and the University of

Copenhagen; and Kjeld Møllgård, a professor of neuroanatomy at the University of Copenhagen.

Commenting on their work in a statement to EurekaAlert!, Nedergaard remarks, “The discovery of a new anatomic structure that segregates and helps control the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in and around the brain now provides us much greater appreciation of the sophisticated role that CSF plays not only in transporting and removing waste from the brain, but also in supporting its immune defences.”

The SLYM is a type of membrane known as a mesothelium. Mesothelium membranes have been shown to line other organs such as the heart. These membranes function

DARPA CRANE X-Plane: The Aircraft with No Moving Parts going to High Places

RHOEN EATE DEPUTY EDITOR

Airplanes. Love them, hate them, berate them, regardless of your stance on the somewhat controversial mode of transport, we can all agree that they are a revolutionary way of getting from A to B.

Keeping in line with technological advances and the race to a more sustainable future, The US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) developed a new “X-Plane” concept. The “X-Plane” concept removes all of the tedious moving external control surfaces such as drop elevators, flaps, and rudders. This results in a significant reduction in atmospheric drag, a dramatic increase in fuel efficiency, and a complete up-turn of a century’s worth of aviation design practice.

DARPA commissioned Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, to achieve the feat of creating the experimental aircraft without any moving parts. Although the minute details are kept relatively hush, it is known that the aircraft will operate using Active Flow Control (AFC).

AFC employs a mix of methods to ensure a safe and efficient flight, such as manipulating jets of air or electric discharges to shape the flow of air around the aircraft, and in turn, dictating its flight trajectory. The plans for the aircraft’s main engine is yet to be publicly confirmed, but from concept design observations, it is estimated that the vehicle will be powered with a single jet

engine.

Another posing question is how the propulsion system will operate.

As far as aesthetics are concerned, the modern aircraft keeps in line with its futuristic concept with a contemporary design. The X-Plane dons a coplanar joined wing - a design resembling two triangles on either side of the aircraft – which uses two forward wings and two aft wings, in contrast to the V-shaped wing seen on traditional commercial and military aircraft.

“Using a 25% scale model, Aurora conducted tests over four weeks at a wind tunnel facility in San Diego, California,” states an Aurora press release

In the young stages of Phase 1, Aurora had already accomplished significant wind tunnel testing of mini, prototype models with mock AFC components.

“Over 14,000 data points were collected, including 8,860 AFC control power points, forming the foundation for a flight-quality aerodynamic database to enable rapid execution in future program phases.”

With hopes hanging high, DARPA may to proceed to Phase 3 which would entail the production of a 3,175 kg prototype, with a 9 metre wingspan. Optimistically, flight testing might commence in 2025.

Apart from progress for the sake of progress, why would we even want a new-and-improved airplane de-

to protect organs and usually contain immune cells. The suggestion of a similar membrane in the brain was brought up by Møllgård, who focuses on brain barrier systems in his research.

This new breakthrough provides

opportunities to approach neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimers, from a new angle. It is hoped that by studying the SLYM and its functions, vital advancements can be made in our understanding of the brain.

Scientists Get Fungi to Spill their Secrets

ANASTASIA NIKISHKINA

STEM WRITER

sign? Due to the aforementioned fuel efficiency and overall better flight performance, this new aviation concept can prove to make waves in terms of commercial and even military flight as we know it. Flights could be made cheaper on a grand scale (sorry, Ryanair) and even shorter!

This method of flight would also greatly lower the environmental impact that flying has on our planet. The latest statistic for the aviation industry’s environmental impact is circling around 2% of global CO2 emissions. Due to new and innovative aircraft designs as seen with the X-plane, this figure has high potential of being lowered to less than 1%.

Alongside these major benefits, the military would be grateful to have machines similar to the X-Plane on their fleet. Due to a lack of fuel emissions and sound pollution as a result of the craft’s reliance on air manoeuvres to move, the X-Plane and its kin would prove to be quite the stealthy asset.

But these benefits are all merely hypotheses facing reality with DARPA’s project which just received the green light for Phase 2. Phase 2 “will focus on detailed design and development of flight software and controls.”With no financial details nor production timelines being published as of yet, the project has left us on a cliff, hanging on to hear the next advancement.

Fungi and other living organisms take a significant part in drug discovery and drug design. These types of organisms produce bioactive molecules, such as penicillin, to protect themselves from diseases. These bioactive molecules and compounds can be vastly used in anti-cancer therapies and infections, which makes them exceptionally crucial for the research.

The process of obtaining fungi-derived compounds includes targeting specific genes of fungi that have a code for the production of bioactive molecules. It is a complex, delicate, and time-consuming process as the majority of genes don’t reveal their full potential and a previously used single gene modification had to be carried out one at a time.

However, the new multiplex base-editing (MBE) technique has been introduced by the Rice University Chemical Engineering team as a prosperous tool that may dramatically decrease the time for extraction of fungi-derived compounds. It incorporates base editing via the use of CRISPR-based tools to modify a base pair of DNA on multiple genomic sites.

Furthermore, MBE can be used to delete several genes that restrict the production of bioactive molecules, thus producing more fungi-derived known and unknown compounds. The research on the MBE is still ongoing but it has been experimentally proven to have a successful future.

Newly discovered membrane in the brain called SLYM is a thin but tight barrier that appears to separate “clean” and “dirty” CSF and harbours immune cells.

2023 Budget Travel Bucket List : Cheap Alternatives to Popular Destinations

We all love to travel, but we also don’t have any money to our name. Well, that is where the Turbine comes in. We have scoured the internet for 10 minutes and come up with some budget alternatives to popular travel destinations so you can make the most of 2023.

New York = Mullingar

Mullingar has it all really, New York has Broadway, but Mullingar has the Arts Centre. Times Square has nothing on The Joe Dolan Statue and Mount Street. It’s only a bus away, and with the Student Leap Card fees, you can see the sights and look after your money.

African Safari = Longford

They’ve got Center Parks, the remote location, and the local council has started doing guided tours of the local towns where you can feed villagers raw carrots.

Chicago = Dublin City Centre

Not really too similar but there’s roughly the same possibility of being stabbed or shot in both. Truly a cultural experience, just avoid buying a pint if you want to stay on a budget.

New Year, New me? Meet the Student Who is Pretending to Improve his Lifestyle in 2023

We all make New Year’s resolutions, and we all inevitably break them. But students across UCD are pioneering a new method of self-improvement, by not actually improving at all.

“It all started with an idea really”, says Paudie Flynn, who is credited with inventing the system. “I was like, I want to show people I’m improving myself, but I still fancy a few pints during the week”.

His first plan was to formulate a timetable for the clubhouse, identifying the points during the week when it was the least busy, minimising the chance of his mates seeing him neck-

ing 5 pints of Fosters on a Wednesday. Then came pretending to study and exercise. “That was easy”, said Paudie. “I just went missing for a few hours either to sleep or to a pub off-campus, came back and told everyone I was studying or in the gym”.

In fact, his pretend productiveness has proved so convincing that he was offered a Government Position. They even increased their salary offer when they found out he just spent all his time in the pub.

“I was flattered really,” Paudie explained. “But I had to decline. The Dáil bar doesn’t have Fosters on tap.”

Paris = Belfield

What more can you say really, it’s got a near perfect Eifel Tower substitute in the background, pretentious locals, overpriced cafes, and bakeries. And what’s more is that you don’t have to go anywhere, it’s a win win.

Confused First Year Students on How They Didn’t Expect to do Another Semester of Work

JACK NOLNOD

DROP OUT, CLASS OF ‘22

Awave of panic has rippled through a significant portion of first year students this week as they have discovered that they have a spring trimester to complete. College Authorities have been forced to send reminder emails about registration for the upcoming term, as only 20% of first years have completed all the necessary steps.

“It’s just so hard”, said Hugo McInerny, who is a first-year business student. He claims a second semester puts too much stress on first year students, who, according to him, need to be “eased into the college lifestyle.”

We at the Turbine believe that the current two semester system is in need of a serious overhaul, and more and more students seem to agree.

Molly Pinkhair, who is studying social justice and being perpetually offended, claims that the timing of the second semester is culturally insensitive. “I don’t believe in the Gregorian Calendar, it is a symbol of white male oppression,” she said. In fact, she will be completing her assignments based on a time system she invented, as she identifies as a clock.

UCD have declined to comment on the matter, however they have ensured us that UCD will remain a safe space for people to express themselves, no matter how much of a chancer they are.

Both images created by Dugh Hooley.

JACK NOLNOD LIVES IN PARIS

JACK NOLNOD DRUNK SINCE 24TH DECEMBER... AND STILL GOING STRONG

& lifestyle.

ARTS AND LIFESTYLE

Self-Improvement Books: Put your Best Foot Forward in 2023

Arts and Lifestyle Correspondent Saoirse Wilson lists her top 4 recommendations for self-improvement books to the absolute most of 2023.

The new year is a fresh start, flooded with new opportunities. Who wouldn’t want to grow or motivate themselves towards achieving their goals this time of year. So why not help yourself by picking up one of these books filled with tips and tricks on the best ways to do so. It could make all the difference in how you navigate the world around you in 2023.

How to be Confident James Smith

Confidence is a complicated issue. The suggestion of “fake it till you make it” has long existed as the solution to a lack of confidence. However, this interesting read from Smith takes on the issues of self-doubt and negativity that feed on one’s lack of confidence. This book is broken down into two unique parts. Part 1 is about understanding exactly what confidence is. Part 2 focuses on what we can do to improve our confidence and how we can create habits that sustain this in our daily lives. While dealing with a highly important topic, Smith’s light-hearted approach makes this highly engaging and accessible to everyone. Enlightening and empowering, everyone could benefit from this book.

Journal

Sarah Knight

Sarah Knight has written a series of incredibly positive and constructive reads from You Do You to The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**K. However, this particular interactive journal takes the cake. It is the perfect alternative for people who prefer a more activity-based approach and are not such a fan of lengthy texts. This interactive journal contains a variety of prompts, activities, and advice. There is space to expand on complex thoughts and emotions as well as enjoyable self-assessment tasks with different pieces of advice based on the individual’s results on these tasks. This journal encourages self-discovery and fosters an expansion of self-awareness. The employment of these self-assessments allows this book to adapt to fit the reader’s needs, creating a more personal and pertinent book.

101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think

Brianna Wiest

field of self-help literature. It is easy to dip in and out of, finding the exact intensity you may be looking for at a given time. It is the ideal mixture of light reads along with heavier more thought-provoking ideas. Containing 101 essays, each one covers themes and topics that allow the reader to see things in a new way and ask questions. It is a thought provoking, inspiring, encouraging, honest and pointed read. It prompts the reader to reflect both inward on our own behaviour and outlook on life, as well as outward at the wider world.

Atomic Habits James Clear

Just as stated on the cover of the book, “‘Tiny changes, Remarkable results’.” Creating habits is the most beneficial way to keep New Year’s resolutions. This book delivers a clear cut and useful guide to forming and most importantly maintaining healthy habits. It also grapples with the idea of how to break toxic habits. Clear’s book is broken down into six distinct sections of The Fundamentals, Make It Obvious, Make It Attractive, Make It Easy, Make It Satisfying, and Advanced Techniques. This allows the processes to be incredibly simple to follow. The writing and the ideas in this text are concise, direct, relatable, and engaging. Atomic Habits is the perfect book to help anyone start 2023 on the right foot.

25 ARTS AND LIFESTYLE

Put Backpacking through Europe on your Bucket List

Co-Lead of Investigations, Emma Hanrahan, offers a delightful piece detailing her interrailing experience last summer.

Hanrahan describes her trip last summer which included stops in Italy, Germany and France. She discusses her facourite parts of the various places she visited, reflects on what she wants to do differently next time and sells you on the interrailing experience.

Ah January, the most boring month of the year in my opinion. It is dull and grey and filled with reluctant exercise. I told myself that this time next year I will be able to run a 5k… let us all laugh. However, I also told myself that I will continue to travel and try to leave Ireland as many times as possible. Don’t get me wrong, I love our little island, but nothing helps ease the pain of a rain-soaked commute to college like planning a summer holiday.

Last year, I bought my first Interrail ticket. I had always wanted to travel but following 2 years of lockdowns and online school I yearned to go somewhere new. Growing up I had heard so many stories about others running after trains, contorting languages beyond comprehension, falling in love with new places and befriending new people. If you are a European citizen, the Interrail experience is a rite of passage, and last June it was my turn to carry the massive backpack.

I began my Interrail journey in Rome, as a former student of art history and a current lover of pasta; I was delighted to begin my adventure in Italy. I still remember the giddiness I felt knowing that I wasn’t going home after 4 whole days of exploring the capital!

I took my first train from Rome to Milan, where I stayed for only a few hours, leaving the aforementioned backpack in a locker at the train station. I was there just long enough to walk through the Galleria and take a photo in front of the famous Duomo before I had to leave.

My next destination was Salzburg. I was sad to leave Italy but happy to leave the heat as although I managed to escape sunburn, I didn’t escape the mosquito bites! My train from Milan to Salzburg was an overnight train, which would be perfectly fine if I had the foresight to book a cabin – I didn’t. All I will say is that people who choose to ride public transport in bare feet are not good people.

Salzburg was a last minute addition to my route but I was delighted that I stopped there, one day was enough to see most of the main tourist attractions and enough time to sing the

entire Sound of Music soundtrack out of tune, in my case anyway.

The next destination was Germany. I spent the day in Munich before travelling to Berlin. I was pleasantly surprised by the Bavarian food, but I solidified my aversion to beer. Berlin was overwhelming, there is so much to see and do. I definitely need to go back.

The next stop was Amsterdam. I’ll tell you what I told my mom; I didn’t eat any brownies. But I did rent a boat to drive along the canals. I highly recommend such a unique way to see the city and you don’t need a license!

I went from Amsterdam to Brussels where I ate my weight in chips and chocolate and they definitely lived up to the hype. The trip then culminated in Paris. It was amazing to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle in real life, but honestly I expected more of the Mona Lisa…

Before I started organising my trip I thought that the Interrail package consisted of predetermined routes through Europe that travellers could choose from, but the reality was far more flexible! I bought the “Interrail Global Pass” that allowed 7 travel days. This was perfect for me as I only spent a fortnight abroad. However, there are many different passes available online.

One of the main things that I learned during my trip is that not everything will go to plan, regardless of how thoroughly you organise in advance, but that’s ok! Some of my best memories resulted from unexpected situations. In fairness, I would have never anticipated that the French rail drivers would go on strike! But as long as you download the Rail Planner app, Google Maps, Google Translate, and Revolut all obstacles will quickly be overcome. (The joys of technology!)

This summer, I plan to pack the massive backpack again and travel another route. That’s the joy of Interrailing, there are so many different places to visit! I really want to see Vienna and Lake Bled in Slovenia, perhaps even Croatia? I still haven’t decided, but as I said, that’s something to think about on the 46A on the way to my first lecture.

Image Courtesy of Hugh Dooley

ARTS AND LIFESTYLE

Already thinking about what to wear for the Spring/ Summer season? Here are four fashion predictions for 2023 to keep an eye out for.

EVA MEGANNETY FASHION WRITER

Are you looking for some fashion inspiration after spending the Christmas holidays in pyjamas? Do you want to prepare yourself and your wardrobe for the introduction of Spring? If so, here are some key fashion trends on the rise in 2023 to help you do just that.

The Return of 90s Chic: Minimalism

We’re turning over a new leaf, setting goals and leaving bad habits in 2022. After that comes the long awaited ditching of dopamine dressing and reliance on fast fashion. Neutrals are back. It’s time to build a capsule wardrobe - clothes that will survive fast paced trends that swallow up this generation. Looks including 90’s streetwear, off duty supermodel looks, Rachel

Green in Friends or David Beckham off the field, are making a clear cut comeback.

Biker Core

There’s a reason vintage Harley Davidson jackets are selling for hundreds on Depop and why you see rip off faux biker jackets in Zara. Leather is back by popular demand – and this time it’s biker core.

1 2 3 4

Expect to see much more oversized leather coats, leather trousers and styling leather on leather in 2023. Donatella Versace knows best. Leather is timeless; it goes with everything and will always add to your outfit. Everyone needs a staple oversized leather biker in your wardrobe this season.

The 3D Flower Trend (Sarah Jessica Parker did it first!)

If you’re still reading this, you probably know who Matilda Djerf is. And when she confirms a trend, you know it’s here to stay. Accessories are going to be big this year. One that’s creeped up to the top are 3D flowers, especially chokersand it’s not even spring yet! A must have this season. This daring, yet simple piece is sure to elevate any outfit.

Out-of-office Office Wear

In 2023, unisex clothing will be everywhere. Starting with blazer’s,

waistcoats and suit trousers. There is nothing more stylish and elegant than a three piece suit, for any gender. Don’t be afraid to steal your Dad, Grandad or boyfriend’s blazer, throw it over a pair of jeans and your favourite top and you’re good to go.

Who would’ve thought wearing loafers outside of the office or school would be cool? Well get used to it. A trend you need to get on board with is a good, comfortable pair of loafers. Minimalist. Leather. Loafers. Let’s get back to the basics this year.

As one season closes it can be tempting to by a whole new wardrobe, but with so many second-hand options you can easily find these trends anywhere. Let’s remember to choose sustainable and pre-loved pieces for our Spring/Summer closet.

Dominating Your New Year’s Resolution: An Amatuer Fitness Guide

Disclaimer: No one in the College Tribune is a licensed professional in medicine, nutrition, diet or fitness. Therefore, any suggestions made are generalised. Be sure to consult your doctor or health care provider to see if certain lifestyle changes are for you.

Trigger warning: Discussion of weight loss/gain and calorie counting.

It’s about that time of year when you make the same New Year’s resolution once again. This year is the year you are going to embark on your fitness journey and get beach body ready for your J1 trip to San Francisco this summer. All that is stopping you is, well, just about everything. Unfamiliarity with gym equipment, the fear of the “macho man” nature of public gyms, the idea of making a fool out of yourself by dropping a weight on your foot, or someone else’s foot. Do not panic! No need to look any further for advice on making that resolution a reality than a student journalist with zero personal coaching experience! (I lift weights sometimes I promise.)

This article will address upper-and-lower body exercises and

routines, personal aspirations, along with the importance of nutrition and recovery. Admittedly, this may not be the most riveting read the College Tribune has ever produced… but undoubtedly beneficial to those who wish to make a start in the gym.

Time Efficiency & Progress Maximisation

A common misconception that people have when they first enter a gym is that they should focus on 1 section of their body per session, such as arm day, chest day, etc. While this is fine and will provide some results, in order to maximise progress and efficiency, you should combine muscles which coincide with other muscles’ movement.

For example, it would be a good idea to work the triceps, shoulders and chest on the same day since they are push-oriented muscles. Push-oriented muscles are those that contract when the body is pushing an object. This can also be done with

DARA SMITH-NAUGHTON SPORTS EDITOR

the biceps and back since they are both pull-oriented muscles – contracting when pulling an object.

Differing Approaches for Differing Aspirations

There are a variety of exercises that you can do via one of UCD’s many gyms. I will not dive into explaining optimal exercises for each muscle group which is better explained by professionals and naturally take time to learn through repetition. However, something which is worth mentioning is how your approach to the gym should be adjusted to your aspirations. Whether you would like to burn some Christmas calories, bulk up for university sports, or simply want to be happier with how you look; your daily routine should fit alongside this desire. For those hoping to lose weight, you should primarily focus on your calorie intake and in turn how many calories you are burning. Try to ensure your calorie intake does not exceed the amount you are drop-

ping each day. This can be tracked using helpful apps like MyFitnessPal which allow you to take note of what you are eating and how much exercise you are doing every day. I would advise against fasting, there are healthier ways to go about a calorie deficit plan, such as eating lighter food alternatives and increasing your daily exercise such as walks.

If you are looking to gain weight, your focus should be the opposite. Your priority should be to make an effort to intake more calories, healthy calories that is. Again, MyFitnessPal is a great tool for tracking your calories. Compound exercises are a great way to build strength as these exercises target multiple muscle groups at once. Some of these exercises include deadlifts and the bench press. It is important to note when starting off, focus on your form more so than the weight on the bar, ego lifting is a pandemic!

Should your desire be to look like a prime Chris Bumstead, try to concentrate on consuming plenty of protein and practising isolated exercise, i.e. exercises that target a single muscle group as this develops a well-defined muscle quicker than

compound exercises. When making any changes to your diet always consult your doctor or medical provider.

The Vital Tool of Recovery

Lastly, and possibly the most important advice I can offer a gym new-comer, allow your body time to recover. In order to avail of the maximum amount of progress, your body needs time to repair and heal your muscles after a hard workout. So get sufficient rest and take a couple days off a week, at this stage you’ve earned it.

All jokes aside, the toughest day of your journey will be your first day in the gym. Once you have overcome the initial nerves, every session gets easier. So get that first day out of your way as soon as possible because you won’t see progress until you start!

Oh, and don’t forget your towel, the UCD gyms are stricter than you would think.

Image courtesy of Mango Press Room

2023 Streaming Suggestions

ELIZA POTTER FILM AND TV CORRESPONDENT

Three Pines Amazon Prime

This detective show starring Alfred Molina, of Doc Ock fame, was released at the beginning of December but unfortunately seems to have flown a little under the radar. Based on a series of best-selling novels by Louise Penny, it’s a snowy mystery series set in the eponymous Quebec town of Three Pines. The show splits up each book into two episodes with an additional mystery about the murder of an Indigenous woman named Blue Two-Rivers running throughout the entire series, allowing for a good mix of serialised and more standalone storylines. Molina is as fantastic as usual, but the supporting cast are also excellent, with Clare Coulter’s elderly, duck-owning character being a particular highlight. Overall it’s a nice, cosy watch.

The Menu Disney+

Released in cinemas in November, this foodie thriller starring Ralph Fiennes and Anya Taylor-Joy recently premiered on Disney+ via their Star brand. Set in the world of fine dining, the plot concerns a group of prestigious guests invited to an island restaurant by a celebrity chef named Julian Slowik (Fiennes), with events quickly beginning to take surprising and horrifying turns. Both Fiennes and Taylor-Joy were nominated for Golden Globes for their performances in the film. It’s difficult to say much more without giving some of the twists and turns away, but it’s likely to be enjoyed by fans of films such as Parasite and Get Out.

The Last of Us Now TV

At the time of writing this article, the show has not yet been released, but given that it’s almost definitely going to be the most talked about programme this month I figured it was worth including. The multiaward winning PlayStation video game, which concerns a journey across a United States devastated by a fungus which turns people into zombie-like creatures, finally comes to the small screen, and whilst it’s unlikely that it’ll be an easy watch, early reviews suggest it is absolutely worth checking out. Pedro Pascal, perhaps best known as The Mandalorian, stars a lead character Joel, who is depicted as somewhat more physically vulnerable in the show in order to create additional tension. Perhaps this will finally break the curse of popular and well-liked games being turned into reviled TV shows and movies. No rating since it isn’t available yet.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery Netflix

I’m sure many of us watched this over Christmas with our families, but in case you didn’t, I can’t recommend this film enough. Daniel Craig is back as detective Benoit Blanc, and this time he’s investigating a mystery on a Greek island during the Covid-19 pandemic. If you liked the original Knives Out, you’ll know this leads to a comedic and clever mystery, all performed by a brilliant cast of actors including Edward Norton, Kathryn Hahn, Kate Hudson, Dave Bautista, and Jessica Henwick, but of course it’s all about Craig and his entirely ridiculous Southern American accent.

The Big 4: Oscar’s Predictions 2023

DANIELLE DERGARABEDIAN EDITOR

By the time this is published – actually to the day – the nominations for the 95th Academy Awards will be released. The College Tribune is hoping not only to predict the nominees, but the winners – which will be announced in March. With over 20 categories, it would be hard to go through each in depth so we chose the 4 of the major categories – Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress and Best Actor.

predictions for the upcoming 2023 Academy Awards ceremony.

Best Picture

Predicted Nominees:

The Banshees of Inisherin

Everything Everywhere All At Once

Tár

The Fabelmans

Avatar: The Way of the Water

Top Gun: Maverick Triangle of Sadness

Elvis Women Talking

All Quiet on the Western Front

Honourable Mentions:

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Story

Aftersun

The Inspection

Nope

Predicted Winner:

Although we wish the answer was not so obvious, sometimes the Academy is just handed a winner. The Fabelmans is a semi-autobiographical film loosely based on Spieldberg’s childhood and first years in Hollywood. At its core, The Fablemans just has something these other nominees don’t – it is a love letter to filmmaking. (Oh, and it’s already won a Golden Globe for Best Picture in the Drama category.) The Academy loves many things, but mostly it loves itself. Frequently a “movie about the movies” is nominated, but it does not always have the best track record for winning. Previous Best Picture winners that follow this pattern and won include, Birdman (2015 winner) and The Artist (2011 winner).

What really sets the film over the edge, is the personal connection to one of Hollywood’s favourite directors – Steven Spielberg. Many of the other films on this list hold more technical brilliance – which is not to discredit The Fabelman’s stellar cinematography and directing; but, it is hard to ignore that The Fabelmans is a film that reminds you what it feels like to discover the power and joy of filmmaking. A feeling that is easily sympathised with and understood among Academy members.

sounds so specific but transcends its focal characters to offer a deeper meaning to its audiences.

It is hard to compare near perfect movies that are so different, but in comparison to The Fabelmans, Everything Everywhere All At Once goes beyond modern ideas about storytelling to create a film that is completely original.

Best Director

Predicted Nominees:

The Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert) - Everything Everywhere All At Once

James Cameron - Avatar: The Way of Water

Stephen Spielberg - The Fabelmans

Martin McDonagh - The Banshees of Inisherin

Tod Field - Tár

Honourable Mentions:

Baz Luhrmann - Elvis

Edward Berger - All Quiet on the Western Front

Jordan Peele - Nope

Predicted Winner:

Many of the names on this list are Hollywood powerhouses which already signals it will be a tough fight for the winner. Each director deserves an award simply for the feats achieved in filmmaking this year, mostly by those named on the list, but sadly only one can win. Although possibly two in the case of directing duo, the Daniels. The Daniels created a film that had the potential to be an incoherent mess and somehow visually streamlined the story, humour and emotion to create a modern classic. Not one inch of the frame is wasted in this film and each scene, Easter Egg and moment serve a purpose to the wider story. The existential humour and commentary on modern society’s relationship with the internet make it one of the most intelligent films in the last decade. Without the Daniels’ direction, the film simply falls apart.

Best Actress

Predicted Nominees:

Cate Blanchett - Tár as Lydia Tár

winners include Frances McDormand (2021 winner), Renée Zellweger (2020 winner) and Julianne Moore (2015 winner). While there are a few character driven films on this list, Blanchett’s performance as Lydia Tár is particularly notable. She provides an erratic and yet subtle performance as the renowned fictional composer. Blanchett’s performance is the perfect example of show don’t tell.

While a portrayal like Armas’ in Blonde relies on big displays of emotion to tell the story and sell the drama, Blanchett’s performance draws you in with the confidence and elegance of the character while she depicts the muted nods to her character’s flaws and ultimate decline. A cautionary tale that comments on cancel culture and abuse of power – it is almost impossible for the film to be so airtight without Blanchett’s lead performance and that is something you cannot ignore in this category.

Best Actor

Predicted Nominees :

Colin Farrell - The Banshees of Inisherin as Pádraic Súilleabháin

Paul Mescal - Aftersun as Calum Paterson

Brendan Fraiser - The Whale as Charlie

Austin Butler - Elvis as Elvis Presley

Jeremy Pope - The Inspection as Ellis French

Honourable Mentions:

Gabriel LaBelle - The Fabelmans as Sam Fabelman

Daniel Kaluuya - Nope as Otis “OJ” Haywood Jr.

Predicted Winner:

As mentioned, the Best Actor winner is often the actor in a character-driven story. This signals the potential winner may be Fraiser or Butler, but it is hard to deny the buzz around Farrell’s lead performance in the Banshees of Inisherin

A masterful performance which the Tribune considers his best to date –Farrell portrays the distraught and emotionally immature Pádraic who finds himself in a feud with his best friend seemingly overnight.

Generally, the Oscar’s can be quite predictable with clear genre favouritism and seniority prominent features in many of the ceremonies.

However, the Academy is slowly becoming more diverse and modern. This development subverts patterns and tradition in favour of the winners being actually based on the quality of the films and performances themselves. An entire article could be written solely on that premise, but for now we turn to our

With that being said, the Academy often pits the traditional winner and the transcendent modern classic against each other. The other potential winner, and the College Tribune’s pick for Best Picture, is Everything Everywhere All At Once. The film already achieved a win for Best Picture at the Critics Choice Awards against almost all of our predicted nominees.

A truly unique story which depicts the story of the Asian-American immigrant experience, a tense mother-daughter relationship and, of course, the wacky hijinks that comes with exploring the idea of the multiverse. You laugh, cry and ponder the meaning of existence (sometimes all at the same time) while connecting with a story that

Michelle Yeoh - Everything Everywhere All at Once as Eveyln Quan

Wang

Ana De Armas - Blonde as Marilyn

Monore

Michelle Williams - The Fabelmans as Mitzi Schildkraut-Fabelman

Danielle Deadwyler - Till as Maime

Till-Mobely

Honourable Mentions:

Viola Davis - The Woman King as General Nanisca

Keke Palmer - Nope as Emerald

“Em” Haywood

Predicted Winner:

Winners in either Best Actor category are very often actors who portrayed a person in a very character-driven film. Examples of these

What is truly brilliant about this performance is the range of emotion Farrell portrays in less than 2 hours – sometimes without speaking a word. While he maintains his Irish accent, Farrell melts into the character seamlessly. He is not afraid to go big with startling displays of anger, but can still sell you on the heartbreak his character feels through a glossy eye and the quiver of a lip. It is difficult to walk the line between comedy and drama, but Farrell sells you each time with his delivery. With two Irishman potentially gaining nominations for Best Actor this year, it is very possible Ireland will bring home a win in this category.

Entertainment and Lifestyle Editor, Sophie Melia, reviews cultural phenomenon, Wednesday

Melia discusses a nearly century old franchise and how it’s modern adaptation is resonating with teenagers and young adults across the world.

FILM AND TV

The new Netflix series Wednesday, a spin off series of the Addams Family franchise, follows the iconic character, Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega), after she is expelled from a mainstream high school for getting revenge on her brother Pugsley’s (Isaac Ordonez) bullies. Her parents Gomez (Luis Guzman) and Morticia Addams (Catherine Zeta Jones) send her to Nevermore Academy in Jericho, a private school for outcast children which they are alumni of. They believe she will find her group and fit into the school because of her cold, emotionless personality and the supernatural powers she inherited from her mother.

Jenna Ortega gives a stunning performance from start to finish. The main reason this show is successful is due to her powerful portrayal as the moody teenage daughter trying to be her authentic self within a society that wants nothing to do with it. Ortega creates the perfect balance of hostility and humanity to make Wednesday likeable to its audience. She meets her match with roommate Enid (Emma Myers) and pupils Xavier (Percy Hynes White), Bianca (Joy Sunday), Ajax (Georgie Farmer) and Eugene (Moosa Mostafa), as they test her cold personality and help her come out of her

shell to embrace the Nevermore community.

Mystery and chaos ensues quickly as she is attacked by Rowan, a Nevermore student, during Jericho’s Carnival Night but an unknown monster stops him and kills the student instead. This sets off a complicated investigation which Wednesday feels responsible for. With the help of her roomate Enid and local barista Tyler (Hunter Doohan) they begin to investigate previous murders by the monster and learn more people within Nevermore and Jericho are involved than initially thought.

As the investigation proceeds, it starts to span decades and different generations of the Addams family and members of the Nevermore and Jericho community leaving us to follow many twists and turns. While the story of this series ebbs and flows well they have a few key issues which would normally go under the radar. Firstly, Wednesday actress, Jenna Ortega, has minimal chemistry with her parents and her two love interests Tyler and Xaviar leaving me to believe Jenna herself might not have felt exploring these relationships were necessary to Wednesday’s story. Another aspect that disappointed me was how the CGI turned out. While many mon-

TV in Review: Wednesday

sters and settings looked fantastic, others like the “Hyde”, was very disappointing since it’s meant to be the main monster of the series but the CGI would tell us otherwise.

The Addams family was initially introduced to pop culture in 1964 after ABC decided to create a TV series based on the New Yorker cartoon by Charles Addams. The original series attempted to make them “less evil” and give them a “zany” and “spooky” aesthetic. They come from an influential and macabre family who have old money and a lot of it as demonstrated through their intimidating, haunted mansion which overlooks the family cemetery so that the immediate and external family can all live together.

The original series lasted 2 seasons

and was revamped for the films: The Addams Family (1991) and Addams Family Values (1993). These films starred many notable actors and became Christina Ricci’s breakout role for her portrayal of Wednesday. The family was later reprised by Warner Bros and Saban Entertainment for the 1998 sequel, The Addams Family Reunion. It starred Tim Curry, Daryl Hannah and Nicole Fugere, but sadly, was unsuccessful due to limited filming time set by production and comparison with the original Paramount films.

While the Addams family is presented as weird and unique compared to normal society around them this movie just went too far and couldn’t get the audience to connect with the characters and story.

However, I think Wednesday does a perfect job connecting the classic family and story to a modern day audience. Firstly, the humour and language of the students and sometimes older characters mirror what is all over social media, especially the Gen-Z orientated TikTok. They incorporate it in a way that feels natural to the audience watching. Secondly, they portray modern fashion trends, such as chunky shoes and boots, Y2K patterns and colours and even big brands like Prada and Carhartt worn by the actors. This makes Nevermore and Jericho feel like a reality rather than a distant community. Overall, this is a fun series that anyone can enjoy even if you don’t know who the Addams family is and hopefully season 2 delivers just as well as the first did.

Image Credit: Netflix

MUSIC

Artists to Watch in 2023

MICHAEL SWEENEY MUSIC WRITER

While we all make resolutions to exercise more and start a new diet in an effort to improve ourselves - what are you doing to feed the creative side of yourself this year?

NewDad

From touring with Paolo Noutini to headlining Whelan’s, the Galway-born band is fresh off one of their most successful years yet. Although they are only getting started there are promises of a debut album to be released later this year. NewDads’ most recent release ILY2 is a departure from their staple shoegaze sound. In this album, the band experiments with loud guitar riffs and heavy drums. NewDad is making the statement that they aren’t afraid of new genres and concepts. The song is a glimpse into what the future might hold for the up-and-coming band who vow that 2023 is to be filled with more music and gigs.

The Murder Capital

26th February Vicar Street

Following the release of their latest album, Gigi’s Recovery, Irish favourites The Murder Capital will grace the stage at the heart of Dublin’s city centre. Their eclectic range of music is definitely one worth listening to, especially in such a intimate venue like Vicar Street.

Songs to Listen to Before You Attend: For Everything

On Twisted Ground Crying

Only Good Things

Biig Piig

28th March The Academy

Cork favourite Biig Piig will undoubtedly perform a memorable set in Dublin’s Academy this March. This will be a perfect excuse to hear her new album, Bubblegum, which was recently released. Undoubtedly, this concert will be a great night out for anyone who wants to support Irish music!

Songs To Listen To Before You Attend: Feels Right

405-Metronomy X Biig Piig

Sunny Shame

8th February and 1st March

Kynsy

An artist that previously appeared in a College Tribune “Ones to Watch” article, she is clearly a Tribune favourite. The former Dublin-based musician is one of the country’s more radical yet insanely talented songwriters. Kynsy, who has spent the past two years releasing songs about heartbreak, abuse, and the irony of New Year’s resolutions (“New Year”), proves herself to be a breath of fresh air in the music scene. With a recent move to London to further progress her music, it feels as though more weird yet wonderful music is to come from Kynsy in the following months.

Efé

The 22-year-old singer is a perfect injection of sunny bedroom pop. Efé has slowly been making waves in the music scene, racking up appearances at major festivals such as Electric Picnic, Glastonbury, and Forbidden Fruit.

Her music is dreamy as she combines infectious beats with whimsical vocals, and her animated personality as seen on her summery EP Vitamin-C. This all results in vibrant live performances where she captures her sound with stunning visuals and a dancing bear. Efé is not only someone who you should listen to but someone who you should catch live this year.

Fizzy Orange

This Irish 6-piece isn’t afraid to serenade you with some of the most soulful beats you’ll hear on this side of the East Coast! 2022 was a huge year for the band with the releases of “Café Confidential” and “Rise and Shine” showing how they weren’t afraid to play around with sounds as each track utilises a different instrument. “Rise and Shine” feels like classic reggae as the banging of drums are infused with the roaring sounds of saxophones. Whereas, “Café Confidential” features more mellow rock with the band intertwining the stunning vocals of lead singer, Kevin Keely, with a deep

bass and an exhilarating keyboard. Fizzy Orange is constantly performing, mixing new sounds, and releasing new music, making them a band you must keep your eye on this year.

Just Mustard

After just landing back from a string of gigs in the United States, this Dundalk-born band feels like they are finally about to make it big. The band relishes in a dark shoegaze aesthetic with songs such as “Mirrors” featuring eerie guitar solos and the atmospheric vocals of Katie Ball. Since the release of their sophomore album Heat Under, the band has gone from playing in small pubs to touring with Fontaines D.C and opening for Wolf Alice. Just Mustard are mesmerising to listen to and it feels like they are finally capturing the audience they have always deserved, 2023 is the perfect year to capitalise on this newfound appreciation.

Upcoming Concerts and Gigs

Music Correspondent Holly Hunt breaks down upcoming concerts and gigs for February and March.

The Button Factory

In anticipation of their latest album, shame will perform two gigs in the heart of Dublin’s Temple Bar. For fans of indie-rock and alternative rock, shame are the perfect addition to any playlist. Even if you have yet to hear a song by this band, you will not be disappointed by their concert.

Songs To Listen To Before You Attend:

Water in the Well Human, for a Minute One Rizla

Alex G, March 16th, Vicar Street

Idiosyncratic artist Alex G will return to Vicar Street to perform an unforgettable set this March. Following his hugely successful al-

bum, God Save the Animals, Alex G will be sure to provide prospective audiences with a highly memorable and enjoyable evening.

Songs To Listen To Before You Attend: Gnaw Brite Boy Runner Mis

Music Correspondent, Holly Hunt, interviews popular Irish band, modernlove.

Hunt sat down to have a chat with the band members to discuss a range of topics - from their favourite songs to what they love most about making an EP.

Ahead of their biggest headline show to date, I sat down with Ireland’s latest indie-pop band, modernlove. Modernlove. bandmates, Barry Lally, Cian McClusky, Daniel “Danny” Rooney and Graham Fagen. sat down with the College Tribune to discuss topics from their favourite modernlove. songs to their thoughts on Ireland as a musical landscape. The budding rockstars offer the College Tribune great insight into what it is like to be a contemporary musician on the Emerald Isle.

HH: So, you guys are called modernlove., what is your favourite modern love song or the song that you think best represents modern love?

BL: “This Modern Love” by Bloc Party, it’s the reason that we’re called modernlove.

CM: “Crush” by Ethel Caine.

DR: “I’ll Come Too” by James Blake.

HH: Who are your biggest influences, which singers or musicians do you look towards for inspiration?

BL: I’d say we all listen to a lot of different things that we individually take influence from and that kind of comes into the band in weird ways. We all kind of come together on a lot of indie-rock and indie-pop, like Bloc Party, Bombay and a lot of UK new-age stuff like New Order and The Cure; The Smiths. That kind of stuff.

HH: What is your favourite aspect of being in a band and the overall EP-making process, from recording, writing or touring?

CM: I think the best part is the writing and recording, because we write and record together, like it’s one kind of process a lot of the time. I think when we are all sitting in Danny’s room and just kind of coming up with stuff, that’s my fa-

vourite.

BL: Particularly when the day is over and we all go home and listen to what we have done.

CM: And it’s not shit!

DR: When something clicks and it’s like “oh, that’s really good,” that’s my favourite.

BL: We always hound Danny afterwards like, “Danny do you have a bounce for that yet?” Danny’s trying to mix it like yeah.

CM: And we have left his house about five minutes before.

GF: My favourite aspect I think is playing gigs. You don’t get any better feeling than when you’re performing in front of so many people.

DR: It’s a more immediate reaction, I guess, when you play gigs.

BL: I think playing a gig in front of people and then hearing your music and get[ting] excited by it, is kind of… It’s like the first time you write the song, and you start to be like, “aw man this is a banger, this is class,” and then yeah, when you get to play it in front of people and they have that same reaction like you get to relive the writing of it.

HH: A lot of your music encapsulates what it means to be in your 20s and the experiences entwined with it. Do you guys find a sense of catharsis when you write these lyrics?

BL: Yeah, like, we are only writing songs as these things sort of happen to us, like altogether. And because we are so close, anything that one of us experiences, we are all sort of there by proxy to experience it as well. So, yeah it is very cathartic and especially just having people hear it and sort of understand it and get it and then you have those feelings reciprocated with a crowd and stuff, it makes you feel, you know, it’s alright.

CM: It’s also really nice when, like, if Barry writes a song, or one of us writes a set of lyrics, we’re listening back to it like, “Oh I remember that!” You can hear the experience in the song which is kind of cool.

HH: Do you guys have a favourite lyric that you have written?

CN: The lyrics for “Take Me Far Away” are very personal to me, obviously. I couldn’t really pick a favourite one, but that song is very personal to me.

BL: I have too many favourites. I’m too good at writing lyrics. (laughing)

CM: Good answer!

BL: (laughing) All of them!

HH: At the moment, there are a lot of Irish artists making waves internationally, what are your thoughts on this?

BL: We want to be one of them.

DR: That’s what we’re striving for.

HH: Do you have any favourite emerging Irish artists at the moment?

CM: I love artists like Ev Carm and Passersby, and who else? Henry Earnest is amazing. And then there’s that Girlfriend band that I love. There’s loads of great Irish artists…

BL: NewDad as well!

CM: It’s really hard to make a proper name for yourself, you kind of have to go away and come back.

BL: Yeah, I think it’s getting harder. A few years ago, with like U2 and The Cranberries, there’s always been one Irish band that is big in the world.

CM: Yeah, and now there is so many good Irish artists, so many that deserve to be doing so much better, it’s kind of annoying to see them not get the support they should get.

Undoubtedly, modernlove. have solidified their place as one of the most exciting bands to emerge from Ireland, with their latest release “Ruin Your Night” already receiving great support from many of their fans. The College Tribune looks forward to their progression as artists.

Talented UCD On a Quest for Redemption: The Return of the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cups

DARA SMITH-NAUGHTON SPORTS EDITOR

Championship football and hurling have returned at long last to the Belfield campus and is it just me or has anyone else got a case of GAA fever these days? Well, besides from having an actual Winter flu that is.

Speaking of high temperatures, the competition in both the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cups look red hot this year. Perhaps the two most anticipated and covered university tournaments in Ireland, they consistently showcase the best of young Irish talent in both hurling and Gaelic football.

Our Sigerson Cup representatives will have something to prove after some disappointing results over the last year. Following their failure to reach the quarter finals in the same cup last year, the squad will strive to improve this disappointing outcome this time around. Not to mention the heartbreaking one-point loss to Maynooth University in the First Division Senior final on the 30th of November of last year. There is no shortage of motivation at the team’s disposal if they want to make a push for the cup.

There is no question that UCD holds the talent to achieve such a feat, with several inter-county players lining out in the light blue this year. Those names include Tailteann Cup winner with Westmeath’s Jonathan Lynam and Kerry’s Ronan Buckley. An Irish Independent article reports that due to an untimely injury suffered at training, this will likely keep under-20 All-Ireland Champion Cormac Egan out of the squad for the entire Sigerson Cup. The mulleted maestro was tipped to be a key player for the college in this year’s campaign thanks to his exploits in the under-20 inter-county scene. He may have to watch from the sidelines unfortu-

nately unless he manages a speedy recovery.

Despite the absence of Egan, UCD managed a 4-point win at an away game against MTU Cork to tip off their quest for the cup, with Daire Cregg and David Garland particularly impressing in attack, combining for 2-8.

Being 34-time winners of the Sigerson Cup and not managing to win the tournament since the 2017/18 season, UCD will look to return to the glory days and get their hands on the trophy once again.

Often slightly in the shadow of the Sigerson Cup in recent years as far as media coverage goes, but the skill and intensity of the Fitzgibbon Cup makes it a much watch. Beginning on the 26th of January with an away fixture to Maynooth University, the UCD hurlers will also hope to improve on the year prior.

Like the Gaelic footballers, they failed to make the quarter final in last year’s campaign. Their

final Fitzgibbon cup game last February finished with a ludicrous scoreline of 6-15 to 6-15 against Mary Immaculate College. This result denied them entry into the next round of the competition, a tournament which the UCD boys have not managed to win since 2001.

This year’s team fields names such as Dublin youngsters Cian O’Sullivan, Dara Purcell and Liam Murphy; and of course Donal O’Shea –the son of Tipperary hurling legend, Eamonn O’Shea. Donal is currently a member of Galway’s senior roster after impressing at lower level for the hurlers in maroon. Perhaps these lads can inspire the Belfield boys to end the 22year drought, which has prevented the Fitzgibbon Cup taking a trip down to South Dublin.

There is clearly an abundance of talent between both Senior teams, and who knows, maybe the two cups will sit side by side in a cabinet by the end of the academic year in a sports centre near you.

The Retirement of Lee Keegan: an Innovator

DARA SMITH-NAUGHTON SPORTS EDITOR

Mayo GAA produces some of the finest footballers to cross the 45-metre line, from Andy Moran to Aidan O’Shea and Colm Boyle to Liam McHale; the Mayo talent machine rarely disappoints. Regardless of the long list of greats too rare from the maritime county, one sits high above the rest, Mr. Lee Keegan. The half-back to shame all other half-backs announced his inter-county retirement earlier this month, bringing to an end perhaps one of the most interesting careers in GAA history.

The Westport man called it a day after an over 11 year stint in the green and red, where he won seven Connacht Championships and five All-star selections. He also added a Mayo Senior Football Championship to his resume with his hometown club Westport GAA last October – the first in the club’s history.

Keegan’s playing days will be characterised by his legendary battles with Diarmuid Connolly, and the entirety of Dublin’s panel to be quite frank; along with his revolutionary position as half-back; and of course THAT goal against Dublin in the 2016 All-Ireland Final. Changing the mindset of young number 4, 5, 6, and 7’s all over the country, Keegan introduced himself as an extra midfielder through his attacking prowess, consistent defence and unmatched cardio.

Perhaps most people’s first reaction to Keegan’s announcement was that he’ll now never attain that

elusive All-Ireland Championship medal. This is something that seemingly avoided him for so long –like Lionel Messi and the World Cup. However, the former footballer of the year never got his fairy-tale ending. Having reached the All-Ireland final 7 times, and losing every single one, Keegan perhaps has experienced the most unlucky inter-county career of all time.

This fact begs the question, which has been much debated over the last few weeks across GAA social media, is Lee Keegan the greatest player to never win an All-Ireland Senior championship? He is often ac-

companied by his fellow county-men due to Mayo’s cruel finals luck over the years with Andy Moran and Ciaran McDonald occupying that position as well. Monaghan’s Conor McManus and Roscommon’s Dermot Earley have also been mentioned. It is a no-brainer for true GAA fans, Keegan has just about achieved everything there is to achieve in the game, except of course for… well it goes without saying.

Regardless of the verdict of that pointless debate, Lee Keegan will remain an innovative legend of Westport, Mayo and GAA nationwide for many years to come, and for that he is a champion by all means.

Image Credit: Dara Smith-Naughton

Image Credit: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Running His Own Race: An Interview with Darragh McElhinney

There seems to be something in the water down in Cork, or at least the water their sporting stars have access to. Darragh

McElhinney is yet another name to add to the long list of talented athletes to hail from the rebel county, which includes the likes of Sonia O’Sullivan, Derval O’Rourke, and Rob Heffernan. The Glengarriff man has been described as “The Record Breaker” by the Southern Star thanks to his healthy addiction of smashing previously set national benchmarks across 5000m, 3000m, and 1500m distances.

McElhinney is a prominent part of this modern golden era of UCD athletes who are gathering national and European attention as of late, accompanied by the likes of Israel Olatunde and Sarah Healy. It is hard to recall a period in which so much talent has passed through Belfield’s ranks; and McElhinney sits at the forefront of it all.

McElhinney describes locality and family as the avenues that provided him with an entry into athletics as a child as he took inspiration from his older brother and joined his local club Bantry Athletics. Most young sporting prospects tend to name the biggest figures in their sport when answering the inevitable question of “Who was your hero growing up?”. McElhinney’s answer doesn’t quite fit that generic narrative however, he

named former UCD and Irish Olympic modern pentathlete, Arthur Lanigan O’Keefe, as his athletic role model. He experienced training with O’Keefe in Brazil prior to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, along with completing his Transition Year work experience with the Dublin native as they shared a coach during Darragh’s mid-teens.

Many Cork athletes make the convenient choice of staying close to home when picking a university, choosing to attend University College Cork and continue their sporting endeavours there. Once again, McElhinney strayed from generality, making the tough decision to leave home and accept a scholarship here in UCD. Studying History and Politics, McElhinney explained that the course had little to do with his enrollment at UCD, “I don’t take my academics massively seriously, I’d be focusing on my athletics more… I found a course in History and Politics that I thought wasn’t going to be too strenuous, but I’d also find it interesting.”

Like most of us UCD students, McElhinney didn’t pay too much mind to which course he chose when filling out his CAO. However, sadly not all of us are elite athletes like himself.

Almost 11 years after the famous Belfield track closed – a period that must have seemed like an eternity to our athletes

New Year, New League of Ireland Preview

OISÍN GAFFEY FOOTBALL CORRESPONDENT

The beginning of the new academic term coincides with the inevitable return of the League of Ireland with the opening round of fixtures just weeks away.

It’s safe to say that the 2022 season had it all; a title fight (until the final 3 games), a relegation battle, an extremely close fight for European football, not to mention a

thrilling FAI Cup Final. Shamrock Rovers were the ultimate winners last year, making it the third year in a row that they were able to clinch the title, despite a late surge from Derry City.

UCD AFC found themselves in somewhat of a relegation battle with Donegal team Finn Harps, but were able to avoid the

– the university added a new sporting facility to its collection last September with the completion of a running track on the Clonskeagh side of UCD.

When asked on his thoughts of the new track, McElhinney recalled that when completing his interview prior to accepting his scholarship that the college had boasted of the incoming facility for new athletes to use. “The main talking point in our interviews [was] that ‘UCD’s getting a brand new track’, whereas the reality of it is that it’s only opened in my final year and I’ll probably only get to use it a handful of times before I graduate.”

Every successful sports star has their own favourite moment or achievement which stands above everything else they have accomplished, Robbie Brady and his header versus Italy; O’Gara and his drop goal against Wales; or Peter Canavan finally getting his hands on an All-Ireland.

Being posed with the question of his favourite record that he currently holds, McElhinney answered carefully as he ensured the title may be taken by the time publication day arrived. This particular record is his under-20 5000m time of 13:54 which he set while competing in Belgium in 2019, breaking the previous record of 14:02.

drop thanks to a run of good form in the closing stages of the season. Finishing the season in ninth place, the students found themselves in a relegation/promotion playoff against First Division runners up, Waterford. UCD survived a late penalty scare to win the match and retain their spot in the Premier Division for the 2023 campaign.

For the Students, the opening match of the season is a difficult trip away to Dundalk, who finished in third place last year, level on points with second place, Derry City. The match will take place on Friday 17th February at 7:45pm in Oriel

McElhinney touched on why this accomplishment stands out from others, “It was something I always wanted to do [breaking the under-20 5000m record], regardless of how many times that [it] gets broken in the future. I’ll always be the first teenager to have broken 14 minutes.”

The main talking point in our interviews [was] that ‘UCD’s getting a brand new track’, whereas the reality of it is that it’s only opened in my final year and I’ll probably only get to use it a handful of times before I graduate.

The 22 year old is currently signed to a pro-contract with Adidas, a brand which is home to the likes of Lionel

Park, and will be a tough match to start the season.

UCD will have their first home match of the season just a week later, when they take on Sligo Rovers in the UCD Bowl on Friday 24th February in what is set to be another tough game at the start of the season.

If UCD want to avoid a relegation battle this year, they will be looking to lay down a marker in their opening fixtures and trying to earn some points to inspire their season. It will be no easy feat, however, the league is at its most competitive level

Messi, David Beckham, and James Harden. He described the surreal feeling of signing on the dotted line with the global brand, “It’s all I ever really hoped for in one sense... They don’t hand out many pro-contracts in running, especially not in Ireland. The dream to become a sports person was now a reality.” Still, he also maintained the responsibility that comes with being a professional, as a drop in form could prevent a contract renewal in the future.

“ “The College Tribune asked McElhinney that in 30 years, when he is 52 years old, what are the three achievements he would want to tell his grandchildren about.

McElhinney’s wishlist is as follows:

• Run in an Olympic final.

• Attain several European Senior medals.

• And lastly, and by far the most surprising: Running 5000m in under 13 minutes, a feat that no Irish athlete has ever achieved.

If anyone has the ability and talent to complete that athletics bucket list it is UCD’s own Darragh McElhinney. The Cork man has a long and prosperous career awaiting him, one that may very well rival the greatness of other Cork and Irish athletics legends that came before him.

in recent years.

UCD maintains its confidence from retaining their place in the top division of Irish football, a feat they have not achieved since 2014. With a young and confident squad, UCD are more than capable of competing with the mid-table teams, and can certainly cause upsets against the likes of Shamrock Rovers, Derry and Dundalk. All eyes now turn to Oriel Park in just a few weeks as UCD look to kickstart their 2023 League of Ireland Premier Division campaign.

Sports Editor Dara Smith-Naughton interviews UCD Student and professional athlete Darragh McElhinney.

Image Credit: Dara Smith-Naughton