The College View - Issue 6 - XVIII

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Vol. XVIII, Issue 6

Features:

Opinion:

The social campaign for cervical screening

2-CB and Ireland’s party drug culture

Read more on page 14

Read more on page 9

Wednesday, 10 February, 2016

Sport: DCU too good for Athlone in Sigerson Cup See back bage

THE COLLEGE VIEW DUBLIN CITY UNIVERSITY’S ONLY INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1999

Anti-racist protestors rally against the creation of the first anti-Islamic group in Ireland, Pegida Credit : Chai Brady

DCU faces Yik Yak bullying problem Katie O’Neill Deputy Editor @Katie_ONeill

DCU has seen a surge in online bullying over the past year, according to the Students’ Union (SU) President, Kim Sweeney.

The SU has been inundated with complaints of bullying mainly through the Yik Yak app which allows users to post comments relevant to their area, anonymously. The SU President circulated an email at the start of the year encouraging students to act responsibly on the app.

“I’m actually on Yik Yak myself to monitor it. I keep an eye on it and I have seen awful things be-

ing said about students, societies, groups of people in DCU,” she said.

Sweeney has heard from students who have been caused anxiety by the app. “For example people not even wanting to go to the library incase they get talked about. People are aware that they could be written about at any point. I don’t want any student to be uncomfortable to walk around campus.”

The Yik Yak app became popular in Ireland in the latter part of last year. It is popular in universities throughout the country and was recently the subject of controversy when a thread on the app speculated that the University College Cork (UCC) Welfare Officer was dealing cocaine from her SU office.

Katie Quinlan strongly denied the unsubstantiated rumours. “According to a small minority on this app, I’m UCC’s very own Pablo Escobar selling cocaine from the sanctity of the Welfare Office. This is problematic for a number of reasons, the main one being that it is entirely untrue,” she wrote on thebuzz.ie.

“It really is disheartening to watch people use a social media app to spread lies and slander about you. These people aren’t making juvenile insults, they’re accusing me of a very serious crime and these same claims are completely unfounded,” Quinlan writes.

Quinlan and others who have been defamed on the app can track the person responsible according to Sweeney. “In the case

of Katie in UCC she has been advised that if she wants to, the UCC equivalent of ISS would support her, you can find them via the IP address it is possible to find out who is writing stuff.

If there was a serious case, and the person wanted to, we could try and suss out who it was.”

Sweeney encouraged students to down-vote negative comments and to be mindful of not causing distress to their fellow student.

“We are an amber flag university and we would hope that no one else would affect anyone else’s study by saying something mean, they wouldn’t know what would be going on behind the scenes of someone else’s life.”

INSIDE THE SUSS

THE SUSS COVERS #OSCARSSOWHITE DATING IN DUBLIN INTERVIEW: GLENN KEOGH THE VAGINA DETOX

THE COLLEGE VIEW Wednesday, 10 February, 2016

2 Editorial Team Editor-in-Chief: Catherine Devine Deputy Editor: Katie O’Neill Production & Layout Editor: Scout Mitchell Deputy Production & Layout Editor: Niall Connolly News Editor: Katie O’Neill Deputy News Editors: John Casey, Paul Dwyer, Hayley Halpin, Hannah Kelly & Aura McMenamin Opinion Editor: Lisa O’ Donnell Lifestyle Editor: Aoibheann Diver Features Editor: Megan Roantree Deputy Features Editor: Rebecca Lumley Irish Editor: Aíne Marie Monk Deputy Irish Editor: Aoide Ní Mhistéil Sports Editor: Aidan Geraghty Deputy Sports Editors: Aaron Gallagher & Cormac O’Shea Arts Editor: Fionnuala Jones Deputy Arts Editor: Stephen Keegan

Chief Arts Contributor: Ryan McBride

Images Editor: Chaitanya Brady

Deputy Images Editor: David Clarke

Online Editor: Kevin Kelly Deputy Online Editors:

Hannah Moran & Stephen Murphy

Chief Sub-Editor: Jamie Concannon Contacts

editor@thecollegeview.com news@thecollegeview.com features@thecollegeview. com

opinion@thecollegeview. com

gaeilge@thecollegeview.com

sports@theccollegeview.com arts@thecollegeview.com Printed By Datascope,

with the DCU Journalism Society

Thanks To Sportsfile, SLC, Office of Student Life

The week in photos from top right to botttom: Queues form in the Hub as students register to vote in the next Gerneral Election; Education officer Domhnaill Harkin gets involved in #notetoself as part of Motivation week; Breithne Early gives a Leadership talk in the Mezz; Head Chef from Camille Thai, Oliver gives a healthy eating presentation in the Old Bar Credit from top to bottom right: DCUSU Twitter, Sarah Mc Laughlin.

THE COLLEGE VIEW Wednesday, 10 February, 2016

News

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Student groups welcome withdraw their student Friday election date loan proposal Fianna Fail

as Fine Gael

Rebecca Lumley Deputy Features Editor @RebeccaLumley1

announce one

ENDA Kenny’s decision to host

a Friday general election was welcomed by the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) and Union of Students’ following their lobbying.

The council stressed the importance of a Friday or weekend election, in order to allow students to return home to vote.

Ian Power, President of the NYCI said a weekday election would have “undermined” the work done to politically engage students in the run-up to the marriage equality referendum and would have resulted in decreased youth turnout.

“For the 2011 general election, the youth voter turnout was 62 per cent, up 12 per cent on 2002 levels. If we want to maintain and enhance youth turnout, we need to support it through Friday or weekend elections,” he said.

The Friday February 26th election date, was announced

by Enda Kenny via Twitter last Wednesday. He then travelled to Arás an Uachtaráin, where President Higgins signed a proclamation formally dissolving the Dáil.

With just three weeks until polling day, national campaigns encouraging youth voter registration have been launched by the NYCI and the USI. Members of the USI travelled to various colleges around the country last week in a bid

Laura Roddy News Reporter @thecollegeview

DCU students registering to vote in the upcoming General Election Credit: David Clarke

to register thousands of students before the February 9th deadline, with hundreds of students attending a registration drive held in DIT last Thursday.

Gardaí were present to sign and stamp applications at the Kevin, Aungier and Bolton street campuses.

DCU students could register in the Students’ Union. Accord-

ing to NYCI figures, there are 460,000 people aged between 18 and 25 in Ireland. The USI claims to have registered 80,000 students in the past two years, particularly in the run up to the same sex marriage referendum.

While no particular party has been pinpointed for the youth vote, the NYCI sees employment as the most important issue con-

cerning students, and says a reduction in zero hour contracts could win over young voters.

The USI meanwhile pinpoints education as the most important student issue. “Students will vote for parties who prioritise education by increasing student support and grants, and who reduce the registration fee,” O’Donoghue said.

Trinity contradicted as shining beacon for liberalism Aura McMenamin Deputy News Editor @aurajalapeno

“I feel betrayed by Trinity. They have abandoned me in many ways,” says 21 year old Ibn Qalleb.

As you could assume by the name, Ibn is Arabic. But he feels betrayed for reasons you might not expect: he is an ex-Muslim, or an ‘apostate’. A minority within a minority. A minority that Ibn says Trinity College has neglected.

Ibn spent two months researching and writing a report on the prolific and extreme speakers invited to speak at

Trinity by the Muslim Students Association (MSA). He published ‘Islamism on Campus’ in January through the Council of Ex-Muslims in Britain (CEMB).

Speakers have included Adnan Rashid of the Islamic Education and Research Academy (IERA). An article in the Telegraph last year revealed that six IERA fund-raisers traveled to Syria to become ISIS jihadists. On the topic of marital rape Rashid has been quoted as saying: “Women in the Muslim world are generally not raped by their husbands because don’t usually refuse to have intimacy with them.”

Haitham al Haddad was invited to speak by the MSA in 2013.

Another IERA member, he has called jihad a ‘duty’ for Muslims “to fight until they establish the

law of Allah”. He’s called for death to apostates and homosexuals.

Rashid and al Haddad visited the campus in 2012 and 2013, before the rise of ISIS. Before the stories of young European Muslims being recruited through social media and fleeing to Turkey dominated headlines.

However, the MSA invited extremist speakers up until last February. In an inter-varsity event called, “Mr or Mrs. Right”, lecturer Mufti Muhammad Ibn Adam Al-Kawthar was a guest speaker.

The event description explained: “Life is not meant to be lived alone. No matter how many friends and relatives you have, there is nothing like someone to grow old with.” Ever the romantic, Al-Kawthar sup-

ported the killing of adulterers in transcripts published by his organisation, Darul Iftaa.

Would it be fair to say that the views of these speakers are incidental, that the five speakers outlined in the report over a ten year period are a minority?

“It’s hard to say,” says Ibn. “If you invite speakers with particularly radical views, what does that say about you?”

Surely, this contradicts the image of Trinity as a shining beacon for liberalism. According to Ibn, his report has been largely ignored, with Trinity refusing to comment. The MSA also did not comment by the time of publication.

Read the full story at thecollegeview.com.

FIANNA Fail have retracted their proposal of a student loan scheme from their election manifesto, according to DCU Students’ Union President, Kim Sweeney.

Following major opposition from Irish students, Fianna Fail has sent an open letter to Student Unions’ around Ireland last Friday stating, “Fianna Fail will now no longer include the proposal of the student loan programme in our election manifesto.”

Sweeney said that it would have been “an awful decision to go ahead with the loan scheme when Fianna Fail saw the response from Irish Students. Even a lot of their own candidates were opposing it.”

She noted that you cannot guarantee what people promise before a general election and used the example of Labour before the last general election promising no increase in registration fees that have actually doubled since their time in government.

Under Fianna Fail’s proposal all students would pay €5,000 per year of college. They would have the option to pay this back over a number of years, once working.

This would be repaid in ratio to income with a minimum repayment rate of 2.75 per cent on salaries of €30,000 and capped at a rate of 5 per cent on salaries of €75,000.

In addition to this there would be a maintenance loan of up to €10,000 available also for students.

DCU’s Ógra Fianna Fail had said about the proposal that “our income contingent loan proposals offers the fairest way for students to enter third level, regardless of their family’s income while not facing unaffordable loan repayments after graduation.”

Fine Gael have also proposed in their general election manifesto a student loan scheme.

Like Fianna Fail’s proposal, Fine Gaels will also be based on an income-contingent plan.

Fine Gael back this plan because they believe it mea ns students can enter college straight away without having to pay up front fees.

Kevin O’ Donoghue of the USI says that the introduction of a student loan system is unreasonable and would deter students from entering university.

He notes that Ireland has the second highest rate of college fees in Europe and this would represent a €7,500 increase in fees.

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News

Abortion a priority for Smartvote users

Catherine Devine Editor-in-Chief @tCatherineDevin1

SOME, 88 per cent of Smartvote app users are in favour of abortion, according to new data released by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) and Smartvote.ie.

The Smartvote app is a new election tool, which has been called the ‘Tinder of Politics’.

Smartvote asked every candidate running in the General Election to give their opinion on 30 key issues such as rent, abortion and water charges. The user gives their opinion on the same issues and is then matched with the candidates in their constituency who best share their views.

“There is no such thing as a civil war vote anymore,” said Kevin Donoghue, USI President.

“We’re seeing an increase in a personal, informed vote across Ireland with Smartvote be-

cause it makes deciding who to vote for simple, easy and fast.”

Out of 15,484 Smartvote users, 88 per cent are in favour of abortion. 72 per cent ‘strongly agree’ that abortion should be permitted in cases of rape, incest or when the baby is unlikely to survive outside the womb. 9 per cen agreed and a further 7 per cent slightly agreed, which means an overall 88 per cent of users agreed.

“The 8th Amendment is an archaic law that has done nothing but damage this country and that’s why people want to look at it,” said Donoghue. “Once you get past repealing the 8th Amendment it becomes a more nuanced conversation, with different people standing in different places in terms of what happens once the amendment is repealed.”

Eight out of 13 Political Parties also agreed with this statement, while the other five Parties stayed on the fence on this issue, stating that they neither agreed nor dis-

Credit: nala.ie

agreed. According to Donoghue, Labour is at the fore for campaigning to repeal the 8th as they are the only government party that have put forward legislation as far as what will happen if the 8th Amendment was appealed.

“Governments will start to run out of excuses in relation to not holding a referendum on the 8th Amendment,” said Donoghue. “It’s likely that there will be a referendum in the 32nd Dail, providing that they serve out their full term.”

Exams held in St.Pats’ due to lack of space Hannah Kelly Deputy News Editor @thecollegeview

“EXAMS held in St.Pats was a

Credit: David Clarke

space issue more than a direct cause of the incorporation of the colleges”, DCU Registry Office said.

From the 11th to the 22nd of January DCU students from St.Patricks College (SPC) and DCU Glasnevin campus sat their semester one exams.

Exams for DCU were spread between both campuses due to renovations in Glasnevin causing insufficient space to accommodate students. In some cases this meant students sat exams in a campus separate from the one they studied in.

All first year students who are studying the new programmes offered by DCU, including the Joint Honours programme, sat their exams in SPC. The decision for the exams to be conducted like this was made by the Registry office in DCU and was discussed with the Students Union before going ahead.

“We tried to do everything we could to make it easier on students”, Gillian Barry the Exam

Officer at DCU told The College View. Barry said they kept students in mind through the process with their goal to give students the best exam timetable possible.

A campus development plan is in place lead by Declan Rafferty,the Chief Operating Officer at DCU to deal with the spacing issue.

“We thought this was the best option before the Campus Development plan is put into action,” Barry said.

The change did cause confusion in some students who had to find exam halls in an unfamiliar campus.

“As a student with a disability, attending my exam in St. Pats I couldn’t rely on finding my way with friends as I was in a separate room”,Conor, a DCU glasnevin student said.

Barry explained that they hoped it would not create stress for students, providing maps of both campuses on their website to help students.

DCU is planned to be fully amalgamated with MDI and SPC in July 2016.

“It is too early predict what will happen next year”, Barry said in relation to exam timetables after the colleges are fully amalgamated.

THE COLLEGE VIEW Wednesday, 10 February, 2016

USI summit

draws in over 800 students Katie O’Neill Deputy Editor @Katie__ONeill

AN 800-strong crowd of students assembled in Dublin Castle last Thursday for the third annual Union of Students’ Ireland (USI) Student Summit promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and recruitment.

The summit gathered industry success stories, hosted 40 startups and held 16 workshops for attendees. Speakers included Feilim Mac An Iomaire, PR & Media Relations Manager of Paddy Power; Humans of Dublin, The American Embassy and keynote speaker, Ann O’Dea, CEO and co-founder of Silicon Republic.

“The key thing in any business is that you have a superb idea and then the really key thing next is the execution of the idea the only way to execute is by working really really hard and just being your absolute best self and surrounding yourself with really really good people who trust you and respect you because those people will work and follow you and help you reach your goal,” O’Dea advised.

In addition to booths from startups, workshops and talks the Student Summit also featured a pitching competition where two students pitched their startups to a panel of experts to compete for a €1500 prize from Enterprise Ireland. The winning startup was a coffee delivery service, Espressio.

USI President Kevin Donoghue praised student entrepreneurs at the summit, “When everyone else has a problem they see an opportunity, a chance to fix it or to provide a certain service that just isn’t there.”

Talks at the summit ranged from Women in Business to How To Start a Business and Why Paying Your Staff is Important. The crowd were from all different college faculties, not strictly studying business courses. Students had the opportunity to seek the advice of the professionals in attendance and their were also some recruitment opportunities.

Partners of the summit included Enterprise Ireland, Bank of Ireland, Jobbio and thejournal. ie.

Credit: usi.ie

THE COLLEGE VIEW Wednesday, 10 February, 2016

News

Operation Transformation challenges DCU to 2016 pound loss Eoin Luc O’Ceallaigh News Reporter @thecollegeview

DCU Students’ Union encouraged

students to make positive changes in their lifestyle last week by kicking the second semester off with “Motivation Week.”

The first week back after the Christmas break was dedicated to students’ health, wellbeing and encouraging them to get the most out of the next few months of college.

“Motivation week was all about getting students motivated to study, get fit or become healthier,” said Welfare Officer Domhnaill Harkin. “We wanted to encourage the students in DCU to achieve their goals.”

Weight loss

The main event was the launch of DCU’s Operation Transformation campaign on Tuesday. The campaign is challenging DCU’s staff and students to lose 2016 pounds collectively this year.

Six leaders will run the campaign over the next six weeks and it will tie in with RTÉ’s Operation Transformation, which is running currently.

Breifne Earley, a former DCU student and mental health advocate, visited the campus on Wednesday to talk about his overcoming his personal battles. Five years ago he suffered from depression, loneliness and was overweight.

By setting himself a set of goals however, including losing weight, travelling and learning new skills, he has turned his life around and

5

is now sharing his success story with people around the country.

Earley has completed triathlons, a marathon and cycled around New Zealand.

Smoking Thursday was focused on encouraging students to give up smoking. A station was set up in the Hub to test students’ addiction to nicotine and to share tips on quitting smoking with them.

The HSE returned to DCU’s Nursing Building on Wednesday to share more tips on quitting smoking and its health benefits.

There were also free exercise classes and healthy food preparations as part of “Motivation Week,” with the Students’ Union hoping that the good habits will be maintained by the students throughout the semester.

Liam Molloy has his nicotine addiction levels measured Credit: Eoin Luc O’ceallaigh

Chalk the talk: Teachers One in 12 female Union lead strike on funding students fall victim to rape Aidan Delaney News Reporter @thecollegeview

Lisa O’Donnell Opinions Editor @lisao_donnell

THE Union of Students Ireland (USI) launched their ‘Say Something’ card, following research that shows that one in 12 female students are victims of rape or attempted rape.

The card, which was launched in IT Tralee last week, is designed to provide students with information if they find themselves in a situation where sexual assault or rape has taken place.

30,000 cards are set to be delivered to Students’ Unions across the country over the coming weeks.

The card first became available last year, but has been relaunched due to its success.

Speaking to The College View, USI president, Kevin O’ Donoghue said that it is vital that people continue to talk about consent and what to do if they find themselves victim to sexual assault.

“There is no grey area with consent,” O’ Donoghue said. “People find themselves getting into elongated discussions about what the definition of consent is, and there is no discussion to be had about it.”

“Not saying no is not con-

sent, and allowing it to happen is not consent.”

He added that colleges can only do so much to raise the issue of consent.

“It is a societal issue,” he said. “It’s not a case of this institution should be doing more or that group should be doing more, it’s a collective responsibility to ensure that people have these conversations.”

The research, which was carried out by the USI on 1,811 women and 926 men, revealed that less than three per cent of those who had experienced unwanted sexual contact had reported it to the Gardai, a figure which O’ Donoghue said he was “particularly shocked” by.

Reasons given by those surveyed for not reporting the incidents included fear for being blamed for what happened, and not believing that the incident was serious enough.

Some 36 per cent of students experienced unwanted sexual contact on more than one occasion, while 60 per cent of cases involved the perpetrator being under the influence of alcohol.

A significantly lower number of men reported similar incidents, with less than 1 per cent reporting rape or attempted

THE Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) believe that the public reaction to their strike last Wednesday was “extremely positive”.

The union and staff members from the fourteen institutes of technology around Ireland held a demonstration in the front square of Trinity College as well as a number of other areas due to concerns over funding for the teaching sector.

Speaking to The College View, Press Officer for the TUI, Colin Griffin said that the organisation felt that the strike was a great success.

“Today was about making a stand and highlighting that the Institute of Technology sector and its service to students has been severely hit by an era of anti-educational cutbacks” he said.

The strike comes after the TUI, which has over 4000 members in the education industry in Ireland, held a national ballot last December. The members voted overwhelmingly in support of industrial action with 92 per cent in favour of the strike.

Frustrated The union have said that they are frustrated with the lack of support they have received from the government.

They say that a 35 per cent drop in funding since 2008 has made lecturers jobs increasingly difficult in the face of ris-

Teachers picketing last week Credit: Irish Times

ing student numbers. There are now 32 per cent more students in third level education in Ireland whereas the lecturer numbers are down by 10 per cent.

The TUI strike received support from the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) who said that they were “standing in solidarity” with the union.

Understaffing In a press release following the strike, USI President Kevin Donoghue said that they believe that the teaching sector was underfunded and that this would

have a negative effect on students.

“Understaffed classes and underfunded Institutes of Technology mean a poorer standard of teaching and in turn a poorer standard of learning.” he said.

The marches were attended by a number of high profile individuals including the Social Democrat candidate for Dublin Bay South Glenna Lynch.

Students in ITs around the country were given a day off last Wednesday and the union warned that more strikes may be necessary if changes aren’t made to funding.

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News

Study finds that Irish students lack basic literacy and numeracy skills Shauna Bowers News Reporter

@thecollegeview

IRISH university students have one of the lowest understandings of basic literacy and numeracy in the developed world, according to a report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The report, which was published at the end of January 2016, illustrated that only 20 per cent of university students are capable of understanding basic instructions, such as those in an instruction manual or reading a petrol gauge, but they would tend to have trouble with more perplexing tasks.

From the 23 countries that were examined, young adults in Ireland ages 16 to 19 years old ranked 18 out of 23 in literacy and 21 out of 23 in numeracy.

Almost 30 per cent of Irish teenagers aged between 16 and 19 years old struggle with anything more complex than simple mathematics.

The competency of Ireland’s university students in numeracy was superior only to that of England and the United States of America.

Credit: Chai Brady

The report mainly focuses its attention on England but it also encompasses other countries as well for comparative purposes.

The calculations are based on data from the 2012 Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competency carried out by the OECD. The OECD report suggests that

these students would be better suited to a further education system rather than proceeding to university.

They recommend that the government should take measures to inhibit those with lower levels of literacy and numeracy from entering third level education.

The report also advocates that extra efforts should be taken to improve literacy and numeracy education in post-primary schools so that the improvements can carry on into university level.

These suggestions are intended to decrease the number of drop outs and save the country a substantial amount of money.

Credit: thejournal.ie

and register early for the job fairs,” U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Kevin O’Malley said.

“Even as some aspects of the J1 program evolve and change, the cultural exchange and entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of the programme remain exactly the same,” he said.

The J1 Summer Work Travel programme was first launched in 1966 and since then, about 150,000 Irish students have taken part in it. In 2015, more than 8000 students had applied for the summer Visa. It is not yet known whether the new changes will have an impact on the number of students who apply this year.

In October 2015, Enda Kenny said that the changes could lead to 60-80 per cent fewer Irish students availing of the J1 programme.

“The J1 Summer Work and Travel programme has played an extremely positive role in building US-Irish links over the past 50 years,” Minister for Diaspora Affairs Jimmy Deenihan said.

“The Government’s focus is on maximising student participation in the J1 programme in 2016 and beyond.”

USI launch J1 guide as numbers for visas slashed Aoibheann Diver Lifestyle Editor @aoibheanndiva

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) launched their new J1 guide last month to inform students about the application process and the new programme requirements brought in this year.

As of this year, students applying for the J1 Visa must have a job secured before they leave Ireland. This can be achieved by contacting a J1 Travel Agent, such as USIT or SAYIT. USI President Kevin Donoghue said that they produced this guide along with the Department of Foreign Affairs to inform students about how to plan “the J1 trip of a lifetime”, and to ensure they will be good ambassadors for Ireland.

Tips The J1 guide outlines the application process and offers tips on all aspects of J1 life, such as getting a social security number, finding accommodation and staying safe. It was launched on Tuesday, January 26 outside Leinster House. “We encourage all J1 participants to plan ahead

THE COLLEGE VIEW Wednesday, 10 February, 2016

DCU students fight against fees Brein McGinn News Reporter

@thecollegeview

DCU’S ‘Students Against Fees’ movement met last Monday to discuss a plan on how they will spread their message to the student body and get more people involved.

The group’s first meeting was also attended by two members from the Trinity College Dublin branch who offered ideas that helped their own cause rally more students to join.

Grainne Smith, founder of DCU’s movement, said, “I set up the DCU movement to oppose increased fees, student loans and anything that creates barriers to education.”

Smith said she also set up group because of her Class Representative responsibilities which has involved students expressing financial concerns.

“How can a student be expected to reach their full potential under this kind of financial pressure?”

Smith said that Students Against Fees wants to give students the power to make their voices heard. Smith also believes the new system the Government is thinking of implementing that was leaked by the Cassells Report will leave a many of students with uncertain futures in education.

The Cassells Report indicates that the government will look to an increased fees and student loan system. It is believed that the student contribution charge will be increased to €4000 and the student grants scheme SUSI will cease to cover the charge.

Students will potentially be forced to pay the charge up front themselves or take out a loan. This increased financial burden has angered students across the country.

The idea for DCU’s movement was based on the Trinity model due to the success it has had with their school and they have worked closely together to help the movement grow.

Smith said, “Students Against Fees TCD are setting a date for a demonstration to take place before the General Election. We hope to get as many students to attend as possible.”

“We will canvass at clubs and socities day next week and hold lecture addresses. I have been speaking to students who have expressed interest in setting up groups in other colleges so I will follow up on that.”

The next meeting for Students Against Fees DCU will take place on Thursday, the 5th of February and more details can be found on their Facebook page.

THE COLLEGE VIEW Wednesday, 10 February, 2016

News

DCU recognised as nursing research centre

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Business School programmes recognised for excellence Aisling McCabe News Reporter

@thecollegeview

Tara Nic An Sparain News Reporter @thecollegeview

THE school of nursing in DCU has become Ireland’s first school to be accredited as a nursing research and developmental centre.

The school, now one of thirteen centres globally, received its accreditation from the International Council of Nurses in January 2016. Other nursing research and developmental centres include Germany, Italy, Iran and Korea.

Dr. Pamela Hussey, director of the DCU International Classification for Nursing Practice (INCP), was the leading force behind the school of Nursing’s application to the Nursing council. When asked what she felt the accreditation meant for the school, Dr. Hussey said “it positions the university and the School of Nursing informatics in conjunction with both national and international eHealth agendas”.

One of the main aims of the research school in DCU is to foster

FOUR masters programmes at DCU’s business school have been ranked in the top 30 globally bythe latest Eduniversal Best Masters rankings.

The programmes were rated on their reputation, student satisfaction, and employment opportunities. The rankings saw the MSc in E-Commerce place in 18th position, the MSc in Emergency Management in 24th position, the MSc in Human Resource Management in 26th position, and the MSc in Accounting in 28th position in their respective subject categories.

“The latest rankings show that we are not only ranked among the top global universities but leaders in specialist areas like e-commerce and emergency management.

This ensures DCUbusiness school students are graduating with the most up-to-date knowledge and skills ready for the global marketplace”, Dr. Anne Sinnott, Executive Dean of DCU Business School said.

The DCU Business School is The DCU school of nursing Credit: mob.ie home to the Irish Centre of Cloud Computing and the Leadership &Talent Institute. It is steadia national standardised language of nursing. The development of a velop standardisation of nurs- ly gaining international recogstandardised nursing language is ing language to optimise person nition such as these rankings. essential in allowing a better sys- centred health and wellbeing”.

Welcome recognition tem of communication amongst Dr. Hussey concluded that nurses, as well as with other the DCU INCP can “ultimate“These rankings are a very welhealth care providers, in improv- ly influence future models of come endorsement, by employers ing patient care, and accurately health care delivery in Ireland”. and graduates, of both the acaassessing a nurses competency.

The work produced by the DCU demic excellence of the Business The accreditation is not just INCP will be available through its School’s postgraduate programmes good news for the college but partner organisations, the Nation- and the quality of student experialso for the student nurses. “For al Nursing Association and the ence delivered,” said Dr. Sinnott. students it provides a robust re- World of Irish Nursing and MidOther DCU programmes such search framework to study and wifery journal, as well as in peer as the Executive MBA and MSc in advance theory testing and de- reviewed publications.

Finance were also ranked within the top 100 globally in their categories. Eduniversal rates the academic excellence and quality of 4,000 programmes in 30 fields of study. It is set across 1,000 academic institutions in 154 countries, with final rankings then determined through a survey of ty Ireland, was assaulted on his posed by speeches from several 5,000 international recruiters and way to the rally. He was hit with organisations. Neltah Chadam- 800,000 students. a blunt object on the Luas and oyo spoke for the Africa Centre, had to be hospitalised, according who are a voice for the African to RTÉ.A group called The An- immigrant community in Ireland. ti-Racism Network organised the She said, “When I dream protest for 1.30pm at the GPO, of Ireland I see great things at the same place and an hour happening, it allows me to and a half before Pegida’s rally. want to do more, to do betTensions were high after a ter, to grow. I am not afraid to group of Pegida members were dream because I’m in Ireland.”

“Because a few of us, that look spotted on North Earl Street, where the crowd were told to like us, who come from where “stay here and don’t let them we come from: do bad things, take the GPO”. Organisers re- it doesn’t make us all bad.” minded protesters several times “One country, one love” and throughout that it was peace- “Whose streets? Our streets” ful and a show of strength were chanted at the demonstraCredit: David to all minorities in Ireland. tion as well as “Who lives here Clarke These events were pre-sup- belongs here”.

Anti-racist protestors wreak havoc on streets of Dublin Chai Brady Images Editor @thecollegeview

VIOLENT clashes between protesters and Gardaí caused havoc on O’Connell Street last Saturday, as thousands of anti-racist demonstrators stopped an anti-Islam group called Pegida from rallying.

The first Irish branch of the right-wing Pegida (Patriotic Europeans against the Islamisation of the Occident) was supposed to hold its opening rally at 3pm outside the GPO. They were met by thousands of protesters from multiple organisations that condemn racism.

Pegida promotes anti-Is-

lamic politics and restrictive immigration regulations, for Muslims in particular.

The majority of scuffles occurred on Cathedral Street, which was cordoned off by armed Gardaí. Pegida supporters were believed to be congregating in a bar called Brannigans.

The bartender said: “Someone robbed a handbag earlier on and a gang followed him and caught him. The Gardaí arrested him and took him away, then about 20 minutes later they just starting gathering and it escalated after that. There was only Welsh supporters in my pub.”

Peter O’Loughlin a supporter of Pegida and member of Identi-

8

THE COLLEGE VIEW Wednesday, 10 February, 2016

News

UCD reintroduces “RAG Week” after five year ban by the SU Paul Dwyer Deputy News Editor @thecollegeview

RAG Week is being reintroduced on UCD campus for the first time since it was originally banned five years ago by their student’s union, after they received a number of complaints from local authorities over students unruly behavior while the event was being held.

RAG Week, which is infamously known for student’s over indulgence in alcohol and their participation in anti-social behavior, lost its students union support in 2011 after a number of students were involved in actions that resulted in damaged property and endangered a number of student’s safety; However, it continued to be held without their SU’s support as the “Unofficial RAG Week” in previous years.

The event RAG Week was adopted by many other colleges around Ireland such as the University of Limerick, Carlow I.T. and NUI Galway.

The original aim of RAG week was to try and raise much needed funds for a number of different charities.

Arrests However, the event gained the colleges involved unwanted publicity with 42 students being arrested during Galway’s last official RAG Week and six men were arrested during Waterford I.T.’s RAG Week last year.

Second year arts student, John Gorman, who is a pioneer, said that this year’s RAG Week has not just been about students drinking excessively and instead the Student Union are hosting a number of events that are non-alcoholic.

Events He said that, “It hasn’t been just a mad drinking session which is often seen during other colleges’ RAG week. Instead there has been organised events such as Battle of the bands, which is non-alcoholic and the SU also organised Mark McCabe’s appearance in Palace.”

UCD’s SU have encouraged students to drink responsibly and they are hoping that this year’s RAG Week will be a success.

So far there have been no incidents involving UCD students in any form of anti-social behaviour during the first official RAG Week.

Credit: UCDSU

DCU receives Erasmus+ Programme Award Laura Roddy News Reporter @thecollegeview

DCU is one of twelve higher level institutes in Ireland that has been awarded with an Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility Programme.

Under this programme DCU will be able to send and receive students and staff from regions outside Europe.

Up until 2015 the erasmus programme only supported staff and students sent and received within the European Union.DCU will now be linked with six universities across Egypt, Georgia and the Ukraine according to Gerry O’ Sullivan, Head of International Education at the Higher Education Authority (HEA). €1 million euro has been allocated to the 12 universities in Ireland selected with DCU receiving €21,068 to fund the project from the Erasmus National Agency.

Mr. O’ Sullivan informed The College View that this is a great opportunity for DCU and in keeping with the university’s international strategy as it is spreading its reach to different countries.

Credit: DCU.ie

“DCU is extending to other parts of the world and area that would not be traditionally partners to Ireland because of distance amongst other things,” he said.

“It is exciting because the Higher Education Systems in the Ukraine and Georgia are in a state of evolving and growth at the minute.

“Egypt is interesting because it has a great reputation for its higher level institutions and has the oldest universities in the world.”

Over 270 students and 120

staff from third level will benefit from Erasmus+ receiving a chance to study in universities that they would not have had access to originally.

Some other colleges that are included in this programme are University College Dublin, University of Limerick, Trinity College Dublin, Mary Immaculate College, Cork Institute of Technology, Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Dublin Institute of Technology and Institute of Technology Tallaght Dublin.

UCC ranked as fourth most sustainable college in the world Aine Marie Monk Gaeilge Editor @thecollegeview

UNIVERSITY College Cork (UCC) has been ranked the most ‘sustainable university’ in Ireland in the Green Metric Rankings of World Universities 2015.

The Irish college recently ranked fourth in a list of the most sustainable universities worldwide. The study was carried out by Universities Indonesia (UI) who produced the list based on efforts made by universities to develop an ‘environmentally friendly’ infrastructure on campus.

The list, comprised of 407 entries, includes other Irish third-level institutions, with DCU ranking 58th, UCD ranking 111th and NUI Maynooth ranking 93rd.

Third-level institutes were giving a ranking by UI based on five indicators: setting and infrastructure; energy and climate change; waste management; water management; eco-friendly transportation facility and education.

This year, a new factor was considered when ranking the universities. The ‘Carbon Foot-

print’ evaluation calls on college communities to look into this issue and to encourage staff and students to be more aware of energy usage, waste reduction and disposal and new forms of energy, such as solar and wind power.

According to Mark Poland, director of buildings and estates in UCC, members of the university endeavor to reduce the carbon footprint and the impact they have on the environment on a daily basis via sustainable commuting schemes, waste management and reduced energy use: “Our Green Campus Forum continues to work on all aspects of sustainability under our ‘Student-led, Research-informed and Practice-focused’ principles.”

He added that the university is working hard to achieve the set target of a 33 per cent reduction in energy usage on the campus by 2020.

THE COLLEGE VIEW Wednesday, 10 February, 2016

Opinion 9

2C-B and Ireland’s party drug culture

Sarah Magliocco takes a look at the growing popularity of drugs amongst young people, and discusses the importance of educating yourself before you experiment.

IN response to the recent death of a teenager at the infamous ‘2C-B house party’ in Cork last month, I contemplated my own experiences with the ease of access to drugs in Ireland, and the existence of the party drug culture, especially amongst students and young people.

I have always been quite liberal minded when it comes to my perception of drug taking. I think that before anyone embarks on an expedition to the land of narcotics and stimulants, they should be fully aware of the risks, but if you’re fully informed and the notion is still appealing, then on your own head be the consequences.

I myself can call out the holes in my thinking (before anyone else tries to). Everyone that tries ecstasy, or yokes as they are fondly nicknamed on our fair isle, knows that the more attractive side effects are grinding your teeth and projectile vomiting, and that it can also cause actual death due to underlying heart conditions or hypothermia. Yet people still think ‘nah, that won’t happen to me’.

I am pro-choice, if I may call it that, in regards to drug use. If you have educated yourself on the side effects and elements of the high, are in a safe environment and have a plan for if anything

goes wrong, then it is your choice.

Ultimately, you are responsible for what you chose to do with your body.

Drugs have a long history of being associated with the Arts and artistic inspiration and creativity. Sigmund Freud was mad for cocaine, Vincent Van Gogh was an absolute sauce merchant, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates dabbled in LSD in their youths, and Kurt Cobain lived and died by his heroin addiction. While I am not suggesting anyone goes out and starts mainlining heroin to help their song writing abilities, I am just saying that if you make an informed decision and you know the consequences for yourself and others, then it is your choice.

For whatever reason, yokes and MDMA are the drugs of the moment, having made a huge comeback since the original ravers consumed them with gusto in the 1990s.

I personally am plagued by the perpetual request ‘have you got any yokes?’ at the various establishments I frequent (apparently I look like a drug dealer; it must be my blue hair and shifty side-eye).

The ease of access to yokes, ketamine, and MDMA has increased in the last few years. If you ask enough people at any

“ It seems as though drug taking in clubs is now acceptable behaviour.

Credit: The Guardian

night club (and certain clubs in particular), you are guaranteed to find someone who is a drug dealer, knows a drug dealer, or is willing to point you in the right direction.

It seems as though drug taking in clubs is now acceptable behaviour. Unless you are caught physically putting the pill in your mouth or selling them, your sweating, jaw clenching, arm flailing demeanour is considered normal conduct.

Most clubs leave about 20 plastic glasses of water at the end of the bar in expectation of the amount of dehydrated clubbers who will be in need of water loading by the end of a five hour, MDMA induced dance session.

Party drug culture in Ireland is on the up, and that is reflected in the amount of young people who have ended up in the hospital or worse, in the ground due to party drugs.

Last year saw the devastating death of 18-year-old Ana Hick, a teenager who collapsed in the street outside the Twisted Pepper nightclub after taking three pills, and later died from a subsequent heart attack. Given the fact that this incident was a relatively short time ago, it is a wonder how establishments who are known to young people to be places that are easy to

score a few yokes at are not more regulated by An Garda Siochana.

While reading articles about last month’s 2C-B incident, a house party where the partakers were dancing naked, covered in their own (and other people’s) blood, howling animalistic screams and attempting to chow down on concrete pavements, I came across a sentence which shocked me.

In one article, it calmly said that this is the very first time that 2C-B has been seen in Ireland. This sentence alone finitely summed up the lack of knowledge that the Gardai are partial to. I think the earliest time I can remember being offered 2C-B at a party was April 2015, and I have been offered it two or three times since. So unless these drug pushers are lying about the contents of their inner pockets, 2C-B has been in the country for quite a while, advertised as a form of ‘liquid ecstasy’.

While I stand by my pro-choice attitude to drug use, I think anyone who would choose to take 2C-B or yokes knowing what has happened to real people, people just like them who were just out having a laugh with friends, are making a wholly inconsiderate choice, one which could end their lives and ruin the lives of their friends and family.

THE COLLEGE VIEW Wednesday, 10 February, 2016

10 Opinion

The experience of spending the night in an overcrowded emergency room

Aoibheann Diver describes how her stay in an emergency department allowed her to recognise the severity of overcrowding in Irish hospitals.

MY first allergic reaction to nuts occurred when I was a baby, so I don’t remember what happened.

All I know is what my parents have told me about it.

However, last month I had an allergic reaction I will never forget, which resulted in an eye-opening experience in the overcrowded Beaumont Hospital.

I was in a restaurant I often dine in, eating the same meal I always eat. A burger, chips and a milkshake had never caused me any difficulty before.

The first thing I felt was the wheeziness, a symptom I experience from time to time, so I didn’t pay much attention to it. It wasn’t until I returned to my apartment that I noticed everything else.

A rash was forming all over my neck, chest, arms, back and mouth. My neck started to swell and my throat felt tight. I was getting incredibly warm, my head felt blocked and I could hear my heart pounding. After a brief phone call with my mother, I grabbed my EpiPen and went

“

N ot only were there people on trolleys but many, including myself, spent the night on an armchair to the doctor with my friend.

We hopped in a taxi and the driver advised us to go to D Doc, as he believed I would be seen to sooner there. So after a phone call and some fast driving, we arrived and I was seen by the doctor almost immediately.

He gave me an antihistamine injection and some steroids, and reassured me that

the symptoms would subside within an hour. However, I still had to go to Beaumont Hospital, where the adventure continued.

The atmosphere in the Emergency Department could only be described as grim. Not only were there people on trolleys, but many, including myself, spent the night on an armchair.

There were doctors and nurses rushing around, and they were all very helpful and attentive, in spite of the dozens of people who needed their attention. As my symptoms had pretty much subsided, I spent most of the night watching the goings-on around me because I wasn’t going to get much sleep on that chair.

In front of me was an elderly woman on an armchair, who was restless all night. She passed the time by complaining and repeatedly saying that she would be calling Joe Duffy the next day.

To my left was a woman lying on a trolley. When she wasn’t awake and coughing ferociously, she was asleep and

Credit: Cyril Byrne

snoring even more ferociously.

Behind me was a patient who was whimpering and wailing all night. From the noise she was making, she seemed to be in unbearable pain.

A nurse came to check on me twice during the night and the doctor came once to give me more medication. Luckily, I had no relapses so I was released early the

next morning. I have never been so relieved to get out of anywhere.

I’ve often heard stories of overcrowded and underfunded emergency departments, but this experience made me realise how serious this issue is.

Action must be taken to improve the situation because people’s lives depend on the efficiency of our hospitals.

Defiance against student loans must be heard Following the announcement of plans to introduce student loans, Sean Cassidy speaks about the importance of students rallying against this new scheme.

Credit: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

THE perception of apathy amongst students was obliterated when Students’ Unions around the country rallied behind the Yes Equality campaign in the marriage equality referendum in 2015.

Students’ Unions across the country, including our own, held SU referendums that returned 90 per cent Yes votes time after time.

Students were united during the course of the campaign and they succeeded in effecting incredible change. This was only last year.

Historically, students have been incredibly effective at delivering change. For example, in the 1980’s, students campaigned on reproductive rights and their activism led to Spuc v Grogan, which

led to referendums being held and passed on the right to publish information about abortion, and for women to travel abroad for abortion services, without which today we wouldn’t even be talking about repealing the 8th amendment.

These are things I’ve said a number of times, but it can’t be said enough that historical-

ly, students are incredibly effective at influencing change.

But in the last number of years we’ve seen the registration fee, now the student contribution charge, raised by nearly €2100 since 2008. We’ve seen a net migration level of 70,000 18-24 year olds between 2008 and 2014, and cuts of 30 per cent to the social welfare programmes of young people, as well as a youth unemployment rate over double the national level. We’ve witnessed the introduction of the exploitative Jobsbridge, which brought with it a culture of unpaid-internships, effectively adding another peg for young people to climb on the career ladder.

In the context of recession and budgetary constraints, this could be construed as necessary, but this was alongside successive budgets in the last five years that eroded progressive taxation and gave financial relief to the wealthiest in our society.

The icing on the cake is the spectre of the introduction of student loans. An expert group commissioned by the Minister for Education to look into the future funding of third level education looks likely to recommend the

introduction of an Income Contingent Student Loan model to replace the current system. This would see yearly student fees of between €4000-€5000, with interest and repayment starting where you earn over €26,000 per annum.

Our generation has been sold out and the finale of the austerity period for students is to put thousands of euros of debt on our shoulders.

Student loans have to be where students draw the line. It’s time that our perceived apathy is replaced with some activism. The oncoming general election campaign gives students an opportunity to make their voice heard.

The group Students Against Fees will be organising a student march in the next three weeks.

Every student needs to attend this march and show their opposition by making sure that they and their friends vote; by banging the drum of social media and by telling every election candidate that knocks on your door that you’ll be making sure that your vote will matter in this election and the next.

It’s time for students to be united again. Don’t stand back, stand up.

THE COLLEGE VIEW Wednesday, 10 February, 2016

Gaeilge 11

Mo Thaithí le hAireachas Teánn Aoife ní Mhistéil i ngleic leis an faisean is deanaí i sláinte mheabhair.

Credit: tophdimg.com

Aoife Ní Mhistéil Leas-Eagarthóir @AoifeLOL

AG maireachtáil san am i láthair, ag diriú ar ár tuiscint is ár n-aird - sin atá i gceist le haireachas, nó ‘mindfulness.’ Níl aon dabht go bhfuil an cleachtadh áirithe seo go mór san fhaisean faoi láthair, le níos mó daoine ag tabhairt faoin aireachas gach lá chun deacrachtaí na linne a shárú - ach cén fáth?

Chuala mé faoin treocht seo don chéad uair agus mé ag tabhairt cuairt ar mo dhochtúir teaghlaigh.

Táim ag streachailt leis an dúlgar agus imní ginearálta ó go raibh mé sa mhéanscoil. Cé go bhfuil mé, ar ndóigh, ag togáil cógas gach lá, tá suim agam fós sna bealaí eagsúla atá ann chun smacht a choinneáil ar mo mheabhairghalar. Mhol an dochtúir dom leas a bhaint as an t-aireachas.

Mar bharr ar an ádh, bhí an Seirbhís Comhairleoireachta agus Forbairt Phearsanta i ÓCBÁC ag cur ranganna bunaithe ar aireachas ar fáil saor in áisce le haghaidh mic léinn - is minic a chuireann an seirbhís ranganna éagsúla ar siúl i rith na bliana, ach bhí seo an chéad uair domsa a raibh fonn orm dul.

Tharraing mé mo chara isteach chun dul liom, ag d’fhreastail

muid ar an gcéad seisiún.

Níl aon dabht go raibh cineál faitíos orm, ag dul ann don chéad uair. Ní raibh a fhios agam cad a bhí romham in aon chor. Ar an gcéad dul síos, bhí ionadh orm faoin méid a bhí ann don rang - bhí beagnach gach cathaoir sa hall tógtha.

Ach nuair a thosaigh an seisiún, faoi stiúir Helena Ahern, a bhfuil mar ceannasaí an seirbhís, bhí mé ar mo suaimhneas gan mhoill.

I rith an uair an chloig sin, d’fhoghlaim mé go leor rudaí bhí orm teicnící machnaimh a chur in úsáid is m’aird a dhiriú ar mo smaointí is mo láithreacht.

Ar dtús bhí sé deacair mo chuid buartha a chur as m’aigne agus m’aird a choinneáil an t-am ar fad - ach chuir Helena in iúl dom go raibh sin breá normálta ag an dtús. Faoi dheireadh, mhothaigh mé difriúil - sochair, ciúin agus dírithe. Bhí sé ag obair!

‘Ag traneáil ár gcuid aird atá i gceist leis an t-aireachas.’ a mhínigh Helena dom, nuair a bheartaigh mé níos mó eolas a fháil uaithi. ‘Cá chuireann muid ár n-aird ó nóiméad go nóiméad...is traenáil é freisin ar ár gcuid tuiscint. Mhúineann muid muid féin chun a bheith láthair.’

Dúirt mé leí go raibh sé tabhartha faoi deara agam go bhfuil an tóir ar ann don traenáil seo le deanaí. Mhínigh sí dom go bhfuil sé i ndairíre mar chleachtadh

“

Mar pháirt den oideachas, dar liom, ba chóir go mbeadh seans ag gach duine foghlaim faoi conas a oibríonn muid go síceolaíoch.

Tá an méid sin tuillte ag ár mac léinn

a bhfuil thar a bheith sean ag teacht ó traidisiún ársa ón Áise, ach go bhfuil sé anois ag eirí i bhfad níos eolaíche.

‘Ceapaim go bhfuil an chuid is mó den fáth a bhfuil sé ag teacht chun chinn ná na torthaí taighde, an taighde eolaíoch atá déanta ar an aireachas - tá torthaí maithe ag teacht astu.’

Dar le Helena, ní mór le gach mic léinn triáil a bhaint as na seirbhísí, ar nós na ranganna a d’fhreastail mé ar.

‘Mar pháirt den oideachas, dar liom, ba chóir go mbeadh seans ag gach duine foghlaim faoi conas a oibríonn muid go síceolaíoch. Tá an méid sin tuillte ag ár mac léinn. Níl aon gá an eolas ar fad seo a choiméad mar rún.

Tá an méid sin soiléir domsa.’

Bhí mo suim spreagtha agus thosaigh mé ansin ag lorg slite eile chun na scíleanna a d’fhoghlaim mé ó Helena sa rang a choiméad agus a fhorbairt sa bhaile.

Tháinig mé ar aip darbh ainm ‘Headspace’ a rinne díreach an méid sin dom. Dar leis an mbunaitheoir, Andy Putticombe, ballraíocht giom le haghaidh an aigne atá ann. Tá Headspace in úsáid ag dhá mhilliún ar fud an domhain, ag tabhairt fios dom arís go bhfuil aireachas ag dul ó neart go neart.

Tá triail den aip le fáil saor in aisce ar feadh deich lá. Is feidir é a úsáid chun machnamh treo-

raithe a dhéanamh, ar feadh deich nóiméid. I go leor bealaí, bhí sé cosúil leis an rang a bhí ar siúl ag Helena, ach anois bhí mé abálta é a dhéanamh gach lá, ag am a raibh fóirsteanach dom. In éineacht leis an machnamh, bhí eolas is léaráidí faoi conas mar a oibríonn an aighne.

D’úsáid mé an aip ar mo fhón ar feadh na deich lá, ag déanamh iarracht é a úsáid céad rud ar maidin. Bhí sé breá simplí chun úsáid, agus thaitin an próiseas ar fad liom. Thug mé faoi deara go raibh sé i bhfad níos éasca ansin dul i mbun oibre ar feadh an lae, tar eís na deich nóiméid sin. Fiú nuair a d’éirigh rudaí strusmhar dom, bhí mé ábálta na teicnící le fáil ón aip, agus dóibh siúd a d’fhoghlaim mé sna ranganna, a chur in úsáid.

Táim thar a bheith sásta go ndearna mé an cinneadh blás a fháil den t-aireachas. Thosaigh sé amach dom mar turgnamh de saghas éigean, rud beag a luaigh dochtúir liom - agus mar go raibh mé ag iarraidh fáil amach cén fath a raibh an méid sin daoine ag fústrail faoi.

Ar dheireadh, thuig mé an fústar sin go huile is go hiomlán faoin cleachtas é féin agus conas é a chur i bhfeidhm i mo shaol ó lá go lá. Ar ndóigh, táim fós ag dul i ngleic leis mo slant mheabhrach, ach ceapaim anois go bhfuil i bhfad níos mó uirlisí agam anois chun é seo a dhéanamh.

THE COLLEGE VIEW Wednesday, 10 February, 2016

12 Gaeilge

Star Wars: Brionglóid na nGlúin

Cal Ó Donnabháin Scríbhneoir @thecollegeview

Tugann Cal Ó Donnabháin léargás dúinn ar an sága a bhfuil ag cur ionadh is áthás ar dhaoine ar feadh na blianta.

Is i California, sna Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá, le linn na 70idí a chuir George Lucas dúch le páipéar don chéad uair, i ngan fios do go mbeadh sé ag spreagadh na milliún duine mórthimpeall an domhain.

Stiúraitheoirí, scríbhneoirí, an t-aos óg - níl slua ann nach ndeachaigh Star Wars i ngleic ar dhuine amháin ar a laghad, agus cuirtear seo in iúl le díolacháin an saincheadúnais. Is saincheadúnas é “Star Wars” i súile lucht áirithe, ach is slí beatha é do lucht eile a d’fhás aníos leis na carachtair íocónacha seo.

Ar an 5ú Bealtaine, 1977 scaoileadh “Star Wars” ar na sluaithe, ag tuilleamh beagnach 1.6 milliún dollar roimh dheireadh na míosa. Inniu, tá luach 775 milliún dollar ar an gcéad leagan den tsraith amháin, le sé scannán eile.

Cuireann sé seo an grá atá ag

daoine do “Star Wars” in iúl agus tugann le fios go bhfuil lucht leanúna dílis aimsithe ag George Lucas agus a chomrádaithe, cé go bhfuil siad i réaltra i bhfad, i bhfad uainn!

Braitear go bhfuil “Star Wars” chomh mealltach do dhaoine toisc nach bhfuil aon cine áirithe curtha i bhfeidhm ar an lucht féachana, go bhfuil an scéal ‘idir-réaltrach’ gan chine! Feictear Harrison Ford mar Han Solo agus é ina chugascach, Samuel L. Jackson mar Mace Windu agus é ina bhall den chine gorm chomh maith le réimse leathan d’orgánaigh éagsúla ón chine daonna le feiceáil.

Ligeann “Star Wars” don lucht féachana éalú ó thrioblóidí an domhain agus marachtáil sa chruinne ina bhfuil an t-aon difríocht idir dhaoine an taobh ar ag a bhfuil a ndílseacht, idir an taoibh dhorcha agus an taobh geall.

Cé nach bhfuil aon chine amháin mar an gcine alfa, bhí go leor conspóide ann le déanaí i dtaca leis an scannán nua, “The Force Awakens”, nuair a rinne beirt “troll” ar an idirlín iarracht baghcat a chur i bhfeidhm toisc go raibh John Boyega, aisteoir gorm, fostaithe ina phríomh-charactar.

Gan a n-ainm a thabhairt,

“ Is i California, sna Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá, le linn na 70idí a chuir George Lucas dúch le páipéar don chéad uair..

d’éirigh leo treochta a chruthú, ag rá le daoine gan ticéidí a cheannacht le haghaidh an scannán nua. Tosaíodh ar Twitter an feachtas seo leis an haischlib ‘#BoycottStarWarsVII’ nuair a rinne an cuntas “End Cultural Marxism” iarracht é a chur in iúl go raibh an scannán mar bholscaireacht frith-Chugascach cruthaithe ag an nGiúdach Cugascach, J.J. Abrams, stiúraitheoir an scannáin.

Níor éirí leis an bhfeachtas a sprioc iomlán a bhaint amach agus feictear ar Twitter nach daoine ag tabhairt tacaíocht don feachtas iad atá ag tvuíteáil na haischlibe seo ach daoine ag spocadh aisti agus á cheistiú.

Braitheann scannán nach mor ar méid na háibhéile i leith a bhfoilsithe agus níl “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” ina eisceacht.

Tagtha chun na n-amharclann ar an 17 Nollag, bhí ocras an luchta leanúna ag teacht go pointe sáithithe le deich mbliana imithe ón scannán deireanach, agus foilsíodh “Star Wars: Battlefront” ar an 20 Samhain chun dul i ngleic ar an éileamh seo.

Faoi láthair tá an stiúideo “Dice”, a chruthaigh an cluiche, agus a fhoilsitheoirí, EA, mar

Credit: shortlist.com

chúis feirge i measc lucht na gcluichí riomhairí toisc “nár foilsíodh cluiche iomlán ach leath chluiche agus cuid eile gur gá duit a cheannach ar chaoga euro sa bhreis”.

Tá sé ceaptha go ndéanfadh sé seo damáiste do dhíolacháin ticéid an scannáin tagtha um Nollaig, ag dul sa mhalairt treo de chéad smaointe Disney, go gcuirfeadh sé le díol na dticéad.

Le déanaí tá an sraith “Star Wars” tagtha faoi spotsholas an domhain agus ní ar son na cúiseanna cearta ach an oiread, ach maireann sé i gcroíthe na mbuachaillí agus cailíní a raibh tógtha leis ina n-óige, in ainneoin go raibh a ainm scriosta go mór ag Disney roimh foilsiú a gcéad scannán.

Níl sé soiléir an bhfuil dóchas ag na daoine seo a raibh chomh tógtha leis an gcéad trí scannán, ach is léir go raibh ó dhíol na dticéad agus na hathbhreithnithe dearfacha ina leith.

In ainneoin go bhfuil clú an saincheadúnais i gcontúirt, is gá go bhfuil ní éigin cóir ar siúl ag lucht “Star Wars” toisc go bhfuil sé linn le beagnach dhá scór bliain anois!

THE COLLEGE VIEW Wednesday, 10 February, 2016

Features 13

Why our healthy resolutions are destined to fail Every year people make new promises to eat better, but is it a lost cause?

Credit: nyppagessix.com

Credit: Chai Brady

Rebecca Lumley Deputy Features Editor @RebeccaLumley1

JANUARY is a month of good intentions. We promise ourselves that this is the year we finally stick to our resolutions, with many of us focusing on an improvement in diet or lifestyle. We optimistically join the gym, buy new runners and bin the chocolate in the kitchen. By February, however, we often fall back into old patterns- beaten but maybe not surprised. We blame ourselves for our lack of willpower. We tell ourselves that by next year, we’ll have the mental stamina to achieve success. We personalise the defeat.

The school of thought around food, exercise and our overall health has been changing rapidly, however, and Professor Robert Lustig has found fame by disputing the inherent idea that change must come from within. He argues that there are two villains

responsible for our cycle of failed resolutions, and neither of them are ourselves.

Robert Lustig is a professor at the University of California and is, perhaps, the world’s most vocal opponent of sugar- villain number one.

While most of us know that sugar isn’t good for us, Lustig describes sugar as “poison” and “evil”, blaming it for the dramatic rise in diabetes, heart disease and cancer seen in recent years. He also believes that, because of the core nature of sugar, it is impossible to give up.

A natural stimulant, sugar is often a comfort we turn to when feeling tired, depressed or stressed. Lustig explains that this reaction is due to a “determinable hormone mechanism” involving the chemical cortisol, a cycle, he says, you could no more break with willpower than you could stop feeling thirsty through mental strength.

Lustig isn’t alone in his determination of the sheer power of sugar. In a study conducted on lab rats, it was found that the

sweet stuff was up to eight times more addictive than cocaine.

Over a 15 day period, 43 cocaine-addicted rats were given the choice between sugar water and cocaine-laced water, with 40 abandoning the cocaine entirely and becoming addicted to sugar.

Because of this incredibly powerful effect on our brains, we’re drawn back to unhealthy food time and time again- despite our best intentions.

While some foods are widely known for their high sugar content, most food today contains far more than is realised. It is engineered to taste good and breed return customers. Put in more sugar, hook more people and ultimately make more money.

Enter the force behind the plan and villain number two; the food industry.

The food industry’s love affair with sugar really took off in the 1970s, most notably with the advent of high fructose corn syrup.

Because this was cheaper to produce than normal sugar, it allowed companies to sell larger products for a cheaper price.

It was also freely pumped into everything because it improved the taste, as well as sales figures.

Consumers were now being offered more food for less money, making processed, sugar laden products the most economically viable option.

When the obesity crisis reached “epidemic” status around the turn of the millennium, several food types and chemicals were blamed, most evidently HFCS and fat. Capitalising on this shift, the industry launched a host of new fat free and HFCS free options, marketing them as healthy alternatives. The fat and HFCS was replaced with normal, “natural” sugar. Though deriving from natural sources, sugar and HFCS are metabolised almost identically by the body, meaning the new “improved” food sources were mere replicas of previous toxic products.

When challenged over these practices, food companies used the full force of their political power for damage limitation. As the largest industry in America, it boasts some of the most influ-

ential lobbyists- people who are paid millions to ensure the food companies won’t be damaged by any legislation passed.

Like the tobacco companies of old, lobbyists deny sugar’s harmful effects and ensure it stays in most of our food. Their financial health depends on people being unhealthy.

As summed up by Lustig, “the obesity pandemic is due to our altered biochemistry, which is a result of our altered environment.” Industry creates high sugar foods, addicting us and decreasing our health.

When we try to change, we’re blocked internally by our brain and externally by companies, advertising and economy.

We’re trapped in a cycle we didn’t choose and are told to take personal responsibility for our actions, while the culprits fuelling the problem are given a free pass.

Change is never easy, but when the deck is so stacked against us come January first, it’s no wonder our resolutions fail time and time again.

THE COLLEGE VIEW Wednesday, 10 February, 2016

14 Features

Inspirations: Gigi Gorgeous

Isabella Tuner explains how one YouTuber helped her to embrace being herself.

Isabella Turner Contributor @thecollegeview

entitled “I am transgender”.

Growing up with four brothers in a family that worshipped football, this was like nothing I had ever seen, I was in awe.

WITH the abundance of cat vidIt was what you might call a eos and Kardashian vines around ‘light bulb moment’.Over the next the internet these days, it’s hard few months I watched as Gigi to believe that one random clip confidently sat in front of the could offer someone a literal camera and documented her life life-altering moment. But, as I sat as a transgender woman.Gigi’s using my phone one day, trawling body grew and changed in unison through makeup tutorials, I expe- with her YouTube channel. It was rienced just that. not only a shrine to all things This massive revelation came pink and glossy, but had become in the form of Gigi Gorgeousa bank of information that trans beauty guru extraordinaire. Just youth like myself could access weeks previously, I had discovfreely. ered Gregory Gorgeous, a sassy, Just last month, over two flamboyant 19-year-old boy with years since I first clicked on that platinum hair and a taste for video, Gigi’s channel surpassed leopard print. He was the embod- two million subscribers. She iment of glamour and everything continues to be a point of referI wanted to be in life: a successful ence for members of the LGBTQ+ YouTuber who regularly reached community as well as those who an audience of over half a milwish to learn about it. lion.

Gigi recently won an award But, there was a twist.I logged for ‘Best Beauty Series’ at the into my account as usual that Streamys, an awards show for December morning, however, online entertainers. nothing prepared me for what I She has appeared in photowas about to encounter. It was a shoots with Miley Cyrus and was video also introduced at the MTV VMAs

“

As I logged into my account, nothing prepared me for what I was about to encounter. It was a video entitled “I am transgender”

Credit: www.MTV.com

last year as part of a campaign for the singer’s Happy Hippie Foundation. She regularly appears in segments on Kylie Jenner’s new app, which, referring to my opening paragraph, is pretty ironic.

Some might ask why people like Gigi get notoriety just for being who they are. Why did Laverne Cox appear on the cover of Time Magazine and why did Caitlyn Jenner received the title of Glamour’s ‘Woman of the Year’ for 2015?

The answer is simply that these people overcame immense obstacles to live as their authentic selves, with no regrets, and that takes guts.

By simply appearing on a screen once a week, Gigi has opened doors for people going through the same struggle.

Because of her I’m able to face the world with my lipstick on and my heels six inches off the ground, and say: “This is me”.

The social campaign for cervical screening One of the first social media campaign’s of 2016 aims to get more women to take smear tests.

Hannah Moran Deputy Online Editor @thecollegeview

THE latest trend on social media

in regards to social awareness relates to women, but more specifically to cervical cancer.

The ‘Smear for Smear’ campaign was launched to raise awareness for Cervical Cancer and to encourage woman to get regular smear tests. Celebrities such as model Cara Delevingne have shown support for the campaign by posting photos of their faces smeared with lipstick and nominating others to do the same.

The campaign was launched

by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust in the UK in 2015 and was relaunched this year to coincide with European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week which took place from the 24th to the 31st of January.

In Ireland smear tests are free for women between the ages of 25 and 60 and are available through the National Cervical Check screening program. As stated on the Cervical Check website: “a smear test is a simple procedure that only takes min-

utes and is the most effective way to detect changes in the cells of the cervix.” Women are recommended to get tested every three to five years.

According to the Irish Cancer Society “approximately 306 Irish women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in Ireland, and around 93 women die from the disease” every year. Dr Philip Davies, Director General of the European Cervical Cancer Association said “30,000 women die from cervical cancer each year in Europe”, of which he said many are preventable.

Cancer Research UK has found that the number of women diagnosed with cervical cancer in Britain has risen by almost 60 per cent while the number of women engaging in regular cervical screening has decreased.

The Irish Cancer Society encourages cervical screening as detecting changes in the cervix can aid in treatment of “pre-cancerous cells” which can prevent cancer developing. The Marie Keating Foundation also agrees, as in the early stages of cervical cancer there are usually “no symptoms” which is why smear tests are “vital”. Promoting

“

#SmearforSmear might seem silly, but the motive behind it could improve the chances of early detection and save lives

Credit: eyeshadowlipstick.com

cervical cancer awareness and encouraging women to get tested is important because it could help prevent future cases.

According to the Marie Keating Foundation; having a regular smear test is “one of the most important steps a woman can take in reducing her risk of cervical cancer.” While a campaign such as the #SmearforSmear might seem silly, the motive and the

reasoning behind it could improve the chances of early detection of cervical cancer and save lives.

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust - the creators of the #SmearforSmear campaign - suggest early detection increases survival rates and educating people on the disease, its symptoms and ways to prevent it are essential in helping women across the world in the battle against cervical cancer.

The Great Debate

THE COLLEGE VIEW Wednesday, 10 February, 2016

Features 15

“An opt-out system should be introduced for organ donations. ”

FOR Sarah Magliocco Contributor @SarahMagliocco

SINCE the first successful procedure of a kidney transplant from a deceased donor to a living being in 1962, organ donation has been a tricky and sensitive subject.

Last year Wales made history by having an opt-out donation programme, where Welsh nationals over 18 who die in the country of dragons are all considered to be donors unless they formally express that they do not want to donate their deceased body parts.

Organ donation is described by the Irish Donor Network as being the greatest possible act of generosity, and with one donor’s body being capable of saving and supporting eight other lives, it is a generous gift indeed.

Unfortunately few people stop to consider the fact that their mortality could add decades of time to the life of another through a conscious sign-up to the Organ Donor Network.

With an opt-out system, many more lives could be saved as people who pass on leave behind their vital, life saving organs to be transplanted.

While some may say it is unethical to remove organs post-mortem without express permission to do so, it is irrelevant to debate the ethics of an opt-out system vs. an opt-in one, as free choice and consent are the underlying basis of both.

The difference is that everyone is considered an organ donor unless they choose not to be. If they do not believe in organ donation through religious or sentimental reasoning then they can choose to opt out.

The problem with an opt-in system is that many people who would have no issue with their organs being used for better use and who would have considered being organ donors never have the opportunity to save lives with their parting from this world, and precious, necessary organs are wasted. Maybe they did not opt in through forgetfulness or lack of time.

AGAINST Shauna Bowers Contributor @thecollegeview

“ Unfortunately few people stop to consider the fact that their mortality could add decades to the life of another The benefits of an opt-out system far outweigh those of an opt-in system.

With the opt-out system many more lives will be saved and the next of kin can feel secure in the knowledge that if their beloved departed truly did not want to be a part of the organ donation system, they would have simply opted out.

THE current opt-in organ donation system in Ireland is simple and is one which gives choice to everybody. It is entirely up to you whether you decide to register to donate your organs or not.

You request an organ donation card and sign it and so does your next of kin.

The card should be kept in your wallet so it’s accessible. You can also sign the back of your driving license to indicate your desire to donate your organs. This is a simple and effective system in which you make a very conscious decision which you will not be able to make when it is important.

If an opt-out system was implemented it removes the certainty that the donor genuinely wishes to donate their organs. Human beings are natural procrastinators and in order to prevent organ donation you must go online and unregister yourself. This could be problematic if the person died before dissenting.

Not everybody reads the news or listens to the radio so if they were unaware of the new system, it might result in a donation of organs despite not wanting to. The decision would fall with the next of kin but unless there is solid proof that the deceased was against donating their organs the transplant will proceed.

It is of course, impossible to receive consent from a dead person so the opt-in system ensures that those who strongly wish to donate their organs can do so, and that those who do not want to donate don’t feel compelled.

Nobody likes being told what to do and if people are told that their organs fundamentally ‘belong to the state’, it could result in unpopularity.

Our body is our own and we should not have a system in place where we feel almost obligated to remain an organ

“

Would an opt-out

system for organ donations help eliminate the shortage of transplants available? donor.

If we are forced to actively refuse to donate our organs then it is likely we will feel ashamed and selfish which is unfair. Nobody should feel coerced into donating body parts upon their death.

Furthermore, if we automatically assume that people want to donate their organs then, of course, there would be an increment in organs.

With the current state of our hospitals, would it even be possible to carry out an influx of transplant surgeries or would the donated organs simply go to waste?

Credit: www.ika.ie

THE COLLEGE VIEW Wednesday, 10 February, 2016

16 Features

Will Facebook play a part in our political fate?

Candidates have set off on their campaign trails, but the growing presence of social media means that the General Election campaign will largely be fought online.

Lisa O Donnell Opinions Editor @lisao_donnell

TRADITIONALLY, it was always a battle that was restricted to hustings, talk show debates and the doorsteps of constituents.

But now that the 31st Dáil has been dissolved and campaigning is in full force, we are set to notice a major shift in how politicians canvass for each precious vote, as 2016 is set to see the first general election where digital campaigning is set to play a leading role.

Follows, likes and retweets are considered to be just as important as any verbal promise of a vote, while Facebook posts are becoming the modern form of campaign posters.

The concept of using social networks to gain votes was first put into use in 2008 by US President Barack Obama, who became the first ever presidential candidate to use social media as a leading campaigning strategy.

While some Irish politicians made a half-hearted attempt to follow suit in the general election of 2011, the majority merely

“

Follows, likes and retweets are considered to be just as important as any verbal promise of a vote

toyed with the idea as opposed to launching a digital surge.

However, it wasn’t until last year’s same-sex marriage referendum and the Yes Equality campaign that we saw any notable correlation between social media and campaigning in Ireland. Our news feeds appeared to be the key battleground on which the debate

was fought, from the sharing of personal stories to the changing of profile pictures to the Yes Equality logo. The referendum became the most talked about topic among Facebook’s 2.5 million users in 2015, while #MarRef was mentioned over 85,000 times on Twitter during the 24 hours before polling stations closed.

Politicians seem determined to take example from the Yes Equality’s successful campaign, as each party has created a digital team to maintain its websites and guide its candidates in using social media to its highest potential. Parties have now realised that generic PR posts are not going to win votes, and that reaching out to the public is not enough.

However, the figures show that not all parties are gaining major momentum through social media.

In terms of Twitter followers, Sinn Féin leads the way with over 40,000 followers, while almost 100,000 people are following Gerry Adams’ infamous and slightly bizarre account. Labour ranks second with 28,000 followers, while Fine Gael has quadrupled its Facebook followers since 2011,

Credit: abcnews.go.com

and currently has over 19,000 followers on Twitter.

Facebook themselves have now joined in on intertwining their site with the campaign. The social network’s senior political thought leaders were recently in Dublin to discuss why social media will be the centre of election debates. They also launched

a “check the register” notice on the news feeds of anyone over 18 years old, calling it the “largest Irish voter registration reminder campaign ever”.

While past elections have held the weak promise of a digital election, in 2016 the battle for votes is sure to move from the doorsteps to our smartphones.

Heil Trump! Are the comparisons justified?

One holocaust survivor compares Trump to Hitler, is this extreme or accurate?

Jordan Kavanagh Contributor @thecollegeview

DONALD Trump, as many are aware is running for the republican nomination to become the next president of the United States of America.

It’s hard to miss when everyday there is a new story about his campaign. From his extreme policies to his latest comments that are always either bizarre, sexist, racist or offensive to a minority.

One recent scandal came from Anne Frank’s step sister, Eva Schloss, who compared the Republican candidate to the most famous dictator of all time, and said “he is acting like another Hitler by inciting racism.”

Schloss, who is a holocaust survivor herself said she fears for the potential of what could happen should he be elected.

This may be viewed as extreme, but when asked if Donald Trump is capable of committing genocide, she said, “we don’t know yet, he’s not yet in power.”

These are bold statements to make, especially in modern times, but there’s no doubt that there are similarities between the two men, and their campaigns for power.

Throughout their campaigns, both use fear mongering tactics

“

Both use fear mongering tactics, blame certain minorities or groups for the state of their countries, and state that they have the answers to fix it

to voice their opinion, and rally support.

Hitler infamously blamed the Jews for the poor state of Germany after World War 1, while Trump is blaming every other minority from Mexicans and Muslims to the Chinese and even Irish students for being a burden on America’s economy.

Both men have stated that they have ways to fix their respective countries, by either keeping them free of immigrants, and deporting or detaining them all.

Trump believes “a nation without borders is not a nation” and

Credit: FlickrGageSkidmore

wishes to build a wall between America and Mexico to keep the Mexicans out. He also wishes for them to build and pay for it, could this be compared to the work in labour camps?

Another similarity is their blatant racist remarks. They both argue about keeping their respective nations pure, and believe citizenship should only be offered to true Americans or Germans.

Ironically Hitler was of Austrian descent, and Trump’s grandfather was a German immigrant in America.

Trump may well take his cues from Hitler considering has a book full of his speeches, as stated by his ex-wife, Ivanna Trump.

This was confirmed by Trump himself, when he said, “it’s okay though, the guy who gave me it, is a Jew”, who in fact was not.

Although many believe Trump will not become president of the White House, there is no denying his campaign has momentum. He may not get elected but the potential risk is there, as Schloss said, we don’t know what he is capable of, and you should never have to say that for someone who is running for the position of the most powerful man in the world.

THE COLLEGE VIEW Wednesday, 10 February, 2016

Sport

17

Johnson believes the Saints can win out Aidan Geraghty Sports Editor @aido1895 This past week, The College View caught up with DCU Saints forward Duane Johnson. The Lansdowne, Pennsylvania native is in the middle of his first season in Ireland and has had a huge impact on the Saints’ fortunes since arriving – helping improve his new team’s record from 0-6 to 4-9.

Johnson appreciates that while the Irish game fails to compete with any of the world’s major leagues in terms of athleticism, true basketball is still played here.

“I would say that it’s a lot more physical. The refs let us play more.

As well as that, it’s not as athletic as back home but I would say the fundamentals are definitely a lot better.

“For example when you play under the rim here, you have to have that skill where you can cut in and everything. Back home it’s just a lot of guys doing it on their own. Now you see the best guys (in the NBA) just going one-onone but here it’s a team game.”

Philly “I would definitely say Allen Iverson (is my biggest influence).

That’s mainly because I’m from Philly,” said Johnson, who is naturally a die-hard fan of his hometown team.

“I would nearly say that he raised me. He’s the reason I play basketball. I knew that I wouldn’t be able to play the same style (as Iverson) because I knew I was going to be a lot taller than him but, you know, he was so cool on the court and just made me want to play.”

Duane attended Penn Wood High School in Lansdowne, six miles southwest of Philadelphia, which is a city that lives on basketball and as a result there are thousands of students fighting for scholarships at Philly’s ‘Big Five’ basketball colleges – Villanova, St. Joseph’s, Penn, Temple and La Salle.

Credit: Geelong Tribune

“I think (the pressure) helped me succeed. It’s tough. There are so many kids that want to play but there are only so many spots and so many colleges you can go to. It definitely toughened me up though because it’s a hard place. I was going through some stuff but if you’re not tough, they’re going to eat you up and spit you out.”

Australia After graduating from East Stroudsburg University in the Poconos, a mountain range in northeastern Pennsylvania, Johnson began his professional career with the Corio Bay Stingrays in Geelong, Australia.

“I played in Australia in 2014 and I played well. I averaged 20 (points) and 10 (rebounds) but they didn’t want me back. It was disappointing because we went to the championship game but they went with size, they wanted like a 6’11” guy.

“A friend of mine called Terrence King played in Ireland about two years ago, he played for UCD Marian, and he just told me about here. He said it was a good league and that I should contact some teams.

“I think I contacted four teams and the Saints got back to me. I got here in the middle of the season and we were 0-6 so they said they’d love to have me and they set me up with a place so it was a great opportunity.”

Johnson has been pivotal to the Saints’ turnaround of late, helping to improve their record from 0-6 to 4-9 but the American is confident that their play will only get better as injured players return.

“We need to have everybody there (to be successful). We haven’t had a game this season where our whole team was healthy. If we get Eoin (Darling) back on Sunday that will be our first game with him. We beat Demons (on December 20th) without him or Martins (Provizors).

“When we lost to Killester (on January 13th), we were without Kevin O’Hanlon who’s our star point guard now, I think he’s like James Harden, so we only had one point guard in that game. I know there’s only five games left but I honestly believe we’re one of the best teams in this country and I think we can win out.”

Size At 6’7” and less than 200lbs, Duane’s size and skillset is that of a shooting guard or small forward in America but the lack of 6’6” or taller players in Ireland means he has been required to play in the post a lot this season.

“I definitely thought it was strange because to be honest I’m more of a guard back home.

When I got here it was what was needed because Martins got hurt but I was accustomed to it because I played in the post in high school.

“I have to say I like having big guys guarding me because they’re too slow for me whereas

“

Johnson dunks one against Colaiste Eanna Credit: Ciaran Dunne

I would say that it’s a lot more physical. The refs let us play more.

As well as that, it’s not as athletic as back home but I would say the fundamentals are definitely a lot better

when a smaller guy guards me I have to go down in the post on them. Last time we played Demons they had Lehmon (Colbert) on me and I think I scored 39 because I could just bring him up and down the court.”

Having averaged 29.8 points, 20.1 rebounds and 3.8 blocks, Johnson will undoubtedly have caught the attention of clubs overseas but he insists it will take a lot to make him leave the Saints next season.

“I love it here. Everyone at the Saints is so welcoming. I’m really close with the Nearys (Philip and Martin). I hope with the way I’m playing I’ve opened a few eyes but I’ll weigh my options in terms of money and situation. I’m comfortable here, though.”

The Saints’ next game is away against UCC Demons on February 7th before hosting Swords Thunder in DCU on February 13th at 7pm

18

THE COLLEGE VIEW Wednesday, 10 February, 2016

Sport

Moyna relishing Carlow challenge

Credit: Sportsfile

Aaron Gallagher Deputy Sports Editor @AaronGallagher8

DCU Gaelic football manager Niall Moyna has said he is looking forward to the challenge posed by his side’s quarter final opponents Carlow IT in this year’s Sigerson Cup. Speaking after DCU’s 6-14 to 1-7 win over Athlone IT, Moyna said that he was disappointed with his team’s first half conversion rate in terms of scoring – but conceded that goals from Shane Carthy and Conor McGraynor on the stroke of half time ultimately

sealed the victory. “(In) the first half we weren’t good, I think we were very hesitant. It was our first game in the competition this year so maybe we were a little bit afraid to make mistakes,” he said.

“We took Athlone very seriously – as far as we’re concerned tonight was the final, we treat every Sigerson game as a final.”

“We’re a little bit disappointed but my view all along would be that if we got two or three points up that they’d have to open up and we’d get lots of scoring opportunities.”

“We had eleven wides in the first half – a lot of error in shoot-

ing and bad decision making but at the end, to be fair to Conor McGraynor, he worked his socks off and those two goals probably put a fair reflection on the scoreboard at the end of the first half.”

A hat-trick from Monaghan forward, Carthy, oversaw a dominant second half showing from DCU – with December’s disappointing Ryan Cup final defeat to UCD now a distant memory for the reigning Sigerson champions, with Moyna highlighting his squad’s hunger for starting places as a key motivational tool.

“The lads have really put a huge effort in since the Ryan Cup final. We’re getting a lot of our

players back, we’re still missing probably five starters tonight but we purposefully didn’t play a few of them.

“Maybe one or two of them could have played, but we were very cautious so hopefully we’ll have them back.

“The great thing about it is that there’s phenomenal competition for places in the team and that’s healthy, so hopefully that’ll bring the best out of the players in the next few weeks.”

His side will now face a trip away to Carlow IT for a place in this year’s semi-finals, with UCC facing UCD, Ulster University Jordanstown playing St. Mary’s Uni-

versity College and UL playing the winners of Maynooth versus Queen’s University in the rest of the competition’s quarter finals – the Monaghan manager relishing the challenges of the quality opposition that the later stages of the Sigerson provides.

“It’s a huge step up. Jordanstown and UCD are the two favourites, they’re going to be very, very hard to beat.

“But look we have to play Carlow IT – as far as we’re concerned that’s the Sigerson final in two weeks and that’s the way we’re going to take it. They’re a big, strong physical team and we’re looking forward to it.”

DCU dumped out of Fitzgibbon Cup by WIT DCU 1-12 WIT 2-21 Fitzgibbon cup group B

Cormac O’Shea Deputy Sports Editor @CVSport

DCU’S hopes of advancing from their Fitzgibbon Cup group came to an end on Thursday night,after a 12 point defeat to Waterford Institute of Technology in Carriganore in front of a sizeable crowd.

Led by Austin Gleeson, Liam McGrath and Johnny Hayes (who scored 1-2), WIT proved

too strong for the North Dublin side in their home ground.

First half goals from Johnny Hayes and Jack Langton brought WIT in at the break leading by 2-12 to DCU’s 0-7 and left DCU with it all to do in the second half.

Liam McGrath opened the scoring with a free as WIT scored four before DCU opened their account through Killian Fitzgerald scoring a great point from the right sideline.

Points from Peter Hogan and Danny Sutcliffe came before Johnny Hayes tore through the DCU defence to bat the ball past the on-rushing Cormac Ryan in the goal, getting clattered in the process.

Both teams exchanged points until a hopeful attempt at a score from Jack Langton was dropped

by Cormac Ryan in the DCU goal and ended up in the net as

WIT opened up a 7 point lead.

As the break neared, a Danny Sutcliffe-marauding run was halted leading to Austin Gleeson pointing from the half way line as WIT continued to dominate the game.

The second half began just like the first as WIT got the scoring underway with Liam McGrath linking up with Austin Gleeson who sent the ball straight between the posts.

DCU’s star man Danny Sutcliffe went close moments later when he evaded the tackles of four WIT backs before smashing the ball off the crossbar, having to settle for a point instead of what would have been a superb goal.

DCU did get their goal 5 minutes later when Peter Hogan, one of the DCU’s more lively forwards, was dragged down in the square leaving the referee with no choice but to award a penalty.

Cathal Curran stepped up sending Mark Fanning the wrong way with a sublime finish right in the top corner.

That goal was as good as it got for DCU as WIT closed the game out without their star man Gleeson, who was brought off with a knock 10 minutes from time, to win on a scoreline of 2-21 to 1-12.

That lead could have been even bigger was it not for WIT shooting a total of 13 wides during the game compared to DCU’s five.

This defeat and their opening group game loss to DJ Carey’s Institute of Technology Carlow means DCU go into their final group game against St. Patrick’s College with nothing to play for.

WIT however, have won two from two and last year’s beaten finalists look well set to make it to the latter stages yet again.

DCU: Cormac Ryan, James Tyrrell, Eoghan O’Donnell, Paul O’Dea, Tony French, Paudie Foley, Dan Staunton (0-1), Sean Gray, Cathal Curran (1-1), Danny Sutcliffe (0-4, 0-3f), Conor Joyce (0-1), Killian Fitzgerald (03), Daire Barden, Niall O’Connor (0-1), Peter Hogan (0-1). Subs used; Paddy Lynam, Cathal Scally.

WIT: Mark Fanning, Willie Hahessy, Ger Teehan, Jerome Maher, Tom Fox, Joe O’Dwyer, Frank McGrath, Jack Langton (1-00), Stephen Roche (0-1), Owen McGrath (0-1), Austin Gleeson (0-4), Johnny Hayes (1-2), Liam McGrath (0-8, 0-3f), Mark Lynch, Ciarán O’Brien (02). Subs used; Conor Brophy, Shane McNulty, John Doyle, Jack Buckley (0-1).

THE COLLEGE VIEW Wednesday, 10 February, 2016

Sport

Wexford women attempting to level the playing field for female athletes

19

Laura Burke Sports Reporter @cvsport

WOMEN are constantly reaching new heights in the world of sport today, successfully competing at the highest level in their respective sports such as athletics, GAA and football.

The England Ladies Football Team, Jessica Ennis and Wexford Youths Ladies Football Club are just three examples of sportswomen across the world who put the same commitment, dedication and training into their chosen sport and arguably have had more of a successful 2015 than their male counterparts. So why is it that women in sport struggle to secure sponsorship deals?

In light of the phenomenal successes achieved at Wexford Youths in 2015, winning the National League and FAI Cup double, and reaching the group stages of the Champions League, the club’s marketing manager Ray Noonan spoke to The College View’s Laura Burke.

“Whether we like it or not, there is still a perception out there that there is more interest in men’s sport,” Noonan said.

“This is not rooted in reality but nevertheless is hard to shift.

It is taking time to change but it’s getting there. I think it’s the historically higher profile of men’s sport, and the perceived higher level of quality, that influences sponsors.”

After a long spell without a sponsor at the beginning of their 2015/16 season, the Youths Ladies launched an online appeal for sponsors through social media platforms Facebook and Twitter.

When asked if he thinks sponsorship deals help to improve the standard of football at which a team plays, Noonan said that sponsorship was important to becoming a top club in Europe.

Vicious Circle “It is a vicious circle. As more money goes into a sport, better

Wexford celebrate their 2015 FAI cup victory Credit: Sportsfile

facilities can be developed, more full time participants can take part, coaching standards improve, the game itself improves and it attracts even more money. On the other hand the English Premier League is now the most sponsored league in the world, yet the quality is quite poor by comparison with the best clubs in Spain, Germany & Italy.”

He believes however that the women’s game is constantly improving and they are now competing and playing at a level that attracts more viewers and sponsors to the game.

“Over 130,000 people watched the recent women’s FAI Cup Final (between Shelbourne and Wexford Youths) live on RTÉ and it made front page news in the Irish Times the following day. Anyone who saw it, or was lucky enough to be there, enjoyed a wonderful sporting game of football full of skill, great goals and high drama. I saw both FAI Cup Finals that day and

the women’s match was far more entertaining.”

Energia has agreed to continue their partnership with the Youths for the remainder of the 2016 season with coach Willie Doyle saying, “the financial burden lifted by securing a main sponsor will help the team to focus on the footballing aspect of their involvement in the club.”

statistic to note is that just 0.4% of all corporate investment in sport in the UK goes to women’s teams. A report carried out less than a year before the London 2012 Olympics claims that there is more interest than ever before in women’s sports but the sponsorship of women’s elite sport in the UK amounted to just 0.5% of the total market between January 2010 and August 2011. That was Worldwide in comparison to men’s sports It is not just in Ireland that over the same period which resportswomen struggle to attract ceived 61.1% in sponsorship. sponsorship deals. An interesting

“there is more interest than

ever before in women’s sport but the sponsorship of women’s elite sport in the UK amounted to just 0.5% of the total market between January 2010 and August 2011

Media The media and women’s organisations both have their own defences when it comes to this matter. There is the argument that if there was more sponsorship and coverage of women’s sport then there would be greater interest in it. However, the media have hit back saying that if there was a greater interest in the first place, then there would be more coverage and sponsorship put into women’s sport.

Despite this, there is no doubt that certain sportswomen achieving huge successes in recent years has brought women’s sport more into focus on a larger stage and this can be seen at grass roots level as more young girls are taking part in sport in admiration for their female sports stars.

England’s bronze medal at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Wexford Youths Ladies’ National League and FAI Cup double and Jessica Ennis winning the heptathlon at the Beijing World Championships all in 2015 have brought women in sport to the forefront and shows that the opportunity to compete and be recognised on a world stage is there for sportswomen as they continue to rise in terms of skill, popularity and hopefully in terms of investment through sponsorship in the coming months and years.

Sport THE COLLEGE VIEW

Wednesday, 10 February 2016

www.thecollegeview.com

DCU begin Sigerson defence with landslide victory

INSIDE Laura Burke discusses inequality in sports sponsorship

Read more on page 17

DCU 6-14 Athlone IT 1-7 Sigerson cup first round Aaron Gallagher Deputy Sports Editor @AaronGallagher8

DCU began the defence of their Sigerson Cup title with a dominant 6-14 to 1-7 victory over Athlone Institute of Technology in Round 1 of this year’s competition – a result that now sets up a quarter-final fixture with Institute of Technology, Carlow.

An individual tally of 3-6 for Monaghan forward Shane Carey put the Midlanders to the sword as even a spirited first half fight from the visitors could do nothing to bridge the gap in quality that was displayed in a one-sided second half at the DCU Sports Grounds.

Reigning Sigerson champions DCU began brightly, if not entirely dominant, with opening scores coming from Michael Quinn and a double from Man of the Match Carey.

Athlone’s Kieran Martin provided a spark of inspiration for his side throughout, as he pulled the scoreline back to 0-3 to 0-1 with a tidy free kick from close range early on.

A neat one-two exchange featuring Dessie Ward and Caolán McGonagle saw the former score a point following a stamina-induced race toward goal.

Quinn’s second score of the game was an absolute beauty following a mighty Conor McGraynor leap and catch combination (above) that saw the ball bobble its way to be gathered by Quinn and duly tapped over.

A period of wasteful frustra-

tion enclosed DCU as clumsy passes were met by poor shot-taking, all before the killer blows were paid on the stroke of half time. Athlone goalkeeper Darren O’Connell’s well-kept clean sheet was stained horridly at the hands of Wicklow’s McGraynor.

The centre forward initially played the role of assisting the first of what would come to be Shane Carey’s hat-trick, when a long punted ball into the danger zone was caught rapidly with magnetic force to again be spilled in the direction of a hungry DCU forward – this time Carey snatching the opportunity to side-foot into an empty goal.

McGraynor got one of his own when he caught another ball into the box to force his shot into the back of the net via an array of Athlone bodies deflecting the ball slightly past O’Connell to end the half 2-6 to 0-2 ahead.

In a similar fate to DCU’s meeting with IT Carlow in late October, the Dublin college simply blew their opponents away in a dominant second half showing that saw them rack up a total of 4-8 to Athlone’s 1-5 tally after the break.

Carey got his second goal following a string of passes initiated by the Monaghan man involving fellow forwards McGraynor and Conor McNally, ending with Carey slamming home past O’Connell.

Kieran Martin pulled back another set of points for Athlone to bring the scoreline to 3-6 to 0-4 – the Westmeath forward ending the game with an admirable total of 1-5.

Goals were forthcoming in abundance as the game receded into its final 20 minutes. A re-

Conor McGraynor rises high Credit: Sportsfile

vival of spirits was undertaken

by Athlone when forward Martin got the luck of a rebound following Killian Rudden’s effort on goal saved expertly by DCU goalkeeper Brendan Flynn to be fired into the back of the net by the Westmeath forward at the second asking.

This hope was extinguished in the blink of an eye however, as Shane Carthy worked the ball ferociously up the pitch from the resulting kick out to feed substitute Ultan Harney – the Roscommon corner forward rifling the ball past O’Connell for the game’s fifth goal.

Carthy completed his hat-

trick late on, sprinkled with an additional three points to add to Diarmuid O’Connor’s fisted goal following another breakneck counter attack from DCU. Athlone completed the final exchanges with defeated exhaustion having fought the good fight in their opening hour – the college forced to play the role of spectator to their own downfall as DCU met every tired mistake and mistimed pass with another point on the scoreboard – substitute David Mannix and O’Connor both arrowing points over the bar to end the night 6-14 to 1-7 victors.

DCU: Brendan Flynn; Jack Smith, Dessie Ward, Paudie McKenna; Davy Byrne, Conor Moynagh, Stephen Attride; Shane Carthy, Caolán McGonagle; Michael Quinn, Diarmuid O’Connor, Mark Plunkett; Conor McNally, Conor McGraynor, Shane Carey.

Athlone IT: Darren O’Connell; Daniel Monagle, Aidan Claffey, Michael Kearney; Dan Wharton, Stephen Flynn, Anthony Byrne; Éamon Quigley, Mark Daly; Dylan McDermott, Kieran Martin, Alan Fitzpatrick; Cein McMonagle, Theo Watts, Alan Coffey